Same Time Last Year

Outfit 1

Outfit 2

Outfit 3

Outfit 4

Outfit 5

Around the first week of June last year, I posted these outfits on my blog. I can still tell you what was going on when I took the pictures, where they were taken and who I was doing after the photoshoots. It's funny how many memories are connected to the clothes we wear. For example, my wedding dress holds a lot of memories and is very important to me as it was a gift from my future husband. He wanted me to have the dress of my dreams (not sparing any expense), therefore I will keep it for the rest of my life. On the other hand, this eShakti striped dress wasn't such a great fit and I had to pass it on to my cousin. 

I'm also thinking about the things I wanted to accomplish in a year, and how far I have come. Although I'm not one of the top earning bloggers and very far from even thinking about making living out of this hobby, I like doing it. I love seeing how my style has evolved over years and how much my tastes have changed. Having a few more collaboration and sponsorship opportunities helps as well .

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to those who have been following me, supporting me and encouraging me along the way. I could not have done it without the help of my awesome husband, photographer sister and all those who visit/comment and share about my blog. 

Thank you so much for reading and following this girl's humble dream!

Link Up: Mama and More 

Blues

dress: H&M (save, splurge)
heels: Payless (save, splurge)
bag: Ralph Lauren
vest: vintage (similar on sale!!!)
belt: GAP

The temperatures have dropped below reasonable for outfit pictures outside. So I had  to resort to inside photo shoot to make sure everyone's limbs stay in tact. The Christmas decor is put away and only the cold remains with not a ray of sunshine on most days. I want to take Jonathan out and let him experience the winter wonderland but when it's 3F outside, even the bravest mom gives up. It is supposed to 'warm up' (a.k.a. stay above 25 this week) which means opportunity for sledding and some fun. Most days we survive the cold with naps and hot tea. Stay warm my friends! 

xo, Anna

Girly

midi skirt: H&M (similar)
top: Old Navy (similar)
blouse: Ralph Lauren
clutch: Target
heels: Payless (similar)
watch: Fossil

There is nothing I love more than a pretty skirt that makes me feel girly. I love the style and easy with which this skirt moves. It's so classy and pretty and goes with pretty much everything in my closet. Yay for a great buy. Do you ladies like full midi skirt? Or do you prefer pencil skirts? Or maybe skirts are not your thing at all? Do share! I would love to hear from you

xo, Anna

Pops of Red

top: J.Crew (similar)
skirt: H&M (sold out online) similar1, similar2
pumps: Jessica Simpson,
watch: Fossil
bracelet: Kate Spade, J.Crew (similar)

If you don't like getting all glammed up on a Monday afternoon, you should try it. It's so much fun! I'm in love with (almost) every midi skirt I see. I want them in every color, pattern and form but the most beautiful has proved to be this blush number. I was so sad to see that it sold out online (after I grabbed the very last one in store), but I found some great alternatives. If you haven't tried this trend yet, give it a go. Go with a fitted top and killer heels - you will be the talk of the party. 

Thank you for stopping by!

_______________________________________________________________

P.S. Would you please help a sister out? Which layout of items is easier to navigate?

I really appreciate your input! 

EXAMPLE 1

top: J.Crew (similar)

skirt: H&M (sold out online) similar1, similar2

pumps: Jessica Simpson,

watch: Fossil

bracelet: Kate Spade, J.Crew (similar)

EXAMPLE 2

(similar) top // (similar) skirt // pumps // watch // bracelet1 // (similar) bracelet

Feeling Blue

dress // blouse // tote // pumps // sunnies // watch // bracelet 

I'm a fan of remixing and wearing my clothes lots of different ways. Believe it or not, when I was planning this outfit, blue seemed the way to go. Although it looks monotone, I love the cohesive look of one piece.

It's really cold outside and I'm on the verge of abandoning outfit photos (again). I mean seriously! I get ready in the car, then jump out, pose for 2 minutes and jump back in. A huge thanks goes to my sister who is (still) willing to take my pictures.

Today is the last day to enter the $50 GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for stopping by ladies!

Fall Uniform

top: TJMaxx (similar)
blazer: H&M (splurge, save )
cords: LOFT similar
flats: Ellen Tracy (similar, similar)

My fall uniform consists of these cords. I mean, I wear them every day, except when I'm on my knees scrubbing the floor after breakfast (read: smashed scrambled eggs. yuck!) I love corduroy pants because they are the most comfortable pants in the history of the world. They make you look put together without compromising style and you can dress them up or down. This is my version of dressed down, because you know, flats. Hope you are having a great and thank you so much for reading! 

Navy Blue

 

 dress: H&M
blouse: Loft

bag: Ali Express

necklace: Target

Whenever I go shopping, I'm instantly drawn to dresses. In almost every store, I look through the dress section first, then consider everything else. I love dresses. I love them formal, casual, floral, solid and denim. There is just something feminine and classy about a girl in a nice dress. It instantly gives you a whole outfit and you can play around with it in so many ways. 

My body shape is sort of disproportionate. I have small bust and womanly (haha) hips; so whenever I want to buy a dress, it's a struggle. If I get a size that fits my bottom, it's way to big on top and vice versa.  This dress didn't look like much on the hanger but after trying it on, I fell in love.

Lesson of the day: always try things on. Sometimes it feels like a waste of time but in the long run it will save you a trip back to the store to return something unwanted. I have done it way too many times, so take it from me. Thank you for reading!

xo, Anna

And where have you been?

dress: H&M (similar, similar)
sandals: BCBG Paris (via DSW)
bag: Ali Express (similar)

And so it is with a great pleasure I return to this glowing screen. Have I missed it? You bet your sweet behind I did. Did I enjoy my break? Very much. I wasn't even using my PC in the last two weeks and that was a breath of fresh air. Maybe that's why it crashed while I was re-designing the blog layout and unfortunately I wasn't able to go back and size my pictures properly. (Sorry you guys)
I'm coming back to the world wide web with a few changes. First, of course, is the new blog design (I hope you like it). I went with simple layout and mint - the perfect combination. Second, the focus of this blog is making a comeback - living a simple and happy life, while sharing it with you. More on that coming up later. And although you may see less of me, I want to bring better quality posts that are worth your time.

Thank you for sticking with me for this long, or welcome if you are a new reader!

Patriotic (Sort Of)

dress: TJMaxx (1, 2, 3)
bag: Old Navy (1, 2)
shoes: H&M (1, 2)
belt: H&M (similar)

Happy 4th everyone! I feel somewhat sacrilegious wearing the red, white and blue colors. After all, it's a flag of a nation and people gave their lives for it, not just a fashion statement. That's my personal opinion, and yet I still want to join other bloggers in celebrating this holiday. (Just a side note. Why don't we all look like a Christmas tree during holiday season?)

I hope everyone enjoys their three day weekend and gets some rest. I will be celebrating with family and taking the next week off from blogging. It's our anniversary and I'm doing a 5K run, so need to train and plan some festivities. It's been a long time since I took a break but I think I need it. I'm thinking about changing direction and re-branding, or even quitting all together. Not sure what the next step is and what God has for me at this point but I do know that there more important things out there than outfits. I love dressing well and showing ladies how to be modest and fashionable but maybe that's not my thing in life. As I take time to contemplate, pray and enjoy my family, I hope you have a great weekend. Thank you for reading!