Earlier this week (Tuesday to be exact) marked me being 25 and a half years old. Damn. How has it already been six months since I've turned a quarter of a century?
Growing up 25 had always seemed to be such a "grown-up" age. By now I figured I'd have my life figured out, thriving in my career, engaged, owning my own property, and fully supporting myself. I hate to break it to my younger self, but I am definitely not all of those things now. In fact, to be honest I still feel like a third-year college student at times still in disbelief that I'm out on my own. I may not have everything figured out or live in an aesthetically pleasing townhouse, but I'm learning as I go and that's all that matters.
For the past six months or so I've been doing a lot of reflecting on lessons I've learned, how life would be a little easier if I learned them earlier, and the experiences I went through to learn those lessons. We can all agree 2020 has been a tough year. Loss, sickness, a global lockdown, the uncertainty. As tough as this past year has been, I feel like I had to go through some of these experiences to learn some of these lessons and shape me into a better person.
Today I thought I'd dive into some of these lessons that I've learned so far in my 25 years of life. Some of these were a lot harder to learn than others but at the end of the day, the experience has served some kind of purpose.
1. You're not going to be everyone's cup of tea, and that's ok. You can't be everything to everyone. In business, in life, and in relationships. You can be yourself and the right people will find their way to you.
2. There is no right "timeline" for life. I feel like many of my fellow gals in their 20s feel this. There's an expectation of women to go through college, have a successful career, find a husband, get married, move into a house, and have their first kid all before the age of 30. The funny thing about life is that no matter how much you try to plan and have a schedule for it, it always finds a way to get off track. The right timeline for you may be wrong for someone else, and that's ok.
3. Reason, season, or a lifetime. People come and go for particular reasons. Now this less was a hard one for me. No one likes to have people walk out of their life unexpectedly, and if you're someone like me who latches on to every relationship they have it cuts deep. Sometimes we don't know why some friendships fade, but each person is in your life for a reason to teach us something, a season as in a short period of time or a lifetime.
4. Food gives you energy, and shouldn't be the enemy. Body dysmorphia and the fear of weight gain is such a real and scary thing, especially for young girls. When I finally shifted my mindset and relationship with food, the better my body felt.
5. Life is short. Enjoy everything.
6. It's ok to change your mind. You get older, you expose yourself to new environments, and learn new things. It's ok your preferences and thoughts aren't the same as they were when you were 18.
7. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your mind is so powerful and you need to take care of it as much as you take care of your physical appearance. Take a break. Breathe. Talk to someone.
8. Let it rain. You can't control everything. Let it rain and adjust accordingly.
9. Let go of people who cause you harm. Some relationships are more draining than others. As much as you want to salvage them, sometimes they do more harm than good. As hard as it may be, it's sometimes best for the both of you to cut ties and move on.
10. Drink water. Your body will thank you.
11. Comparison is the thief of joy. Stay in your own lane. There's always going to be someone out there who has more, do more, accomplish more, there's always going to be more and better. At the end of the day, you need to find what makes you happy and content.
12. Embrace what makes you different. It's what makes you, you. It'll be better for you in the long run.
13. Be kind to everyone. You never know what they could be going through. Smiles can be fake. Emotions can be suppressed.
14. It's ok to splurge on yourself everyone once and a while. You work hard. Celebrate your accomplishments and milestones. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
15. Listen to your mom. She's right 99% of the time. You may not see it immediately, but she's usually always right.
16. If they want to talk to you, they'll make the effort to reach out. This was more so when I started dating again. If a guy really wants to talk to you, he'll talk to you. Don't waste your time on games, the right one will come along.
17. Save your money. A Rainy day happens. A global pandemic happens. The unexpected happens. Start saving you money early, you'll thank yourself later.
18. Breaks are necessary. I grew up in a household where the only days off we had were Thanksgiving and Christmas... and even then we would go grocery shopping in a city 2 hours away and do work on the house. It wasn't until recently I realized the importance of breaks and the good vacation can do for the mind.
19. It's ok to ask for help. It's not a sign of weakness.
20. Spend more time with your parents. Just do it. We're not getting any younger and it'll make them happy too.
21. Know your audience. This doesn't just apply to business. Learn how to tailor and convey a message to the person you're speaking to that will help resonate the message to them.
22. Social media is a highlight reel. No one want's to publish the low parts of their life for everyone to see. Remember that.
23. Movement is good for the mind. Exercise is not only for your physical health, but your mental health as well. Take a break. Go on a run. You'll thank yourself later.
24. Hot showers do wonders. I go in anxious, come out refreshed. It's magical.
25. Just do you. People are judgy. They will have an opinion no matter what you do. Mine as well do what makes you happy. You probably won't see them again anyway.
Whew. That's it! I still have a lot to learn and experience in life and I'm looking forward to seeing what life has planned for me. What have you learned so far in life? Let me know in the comments down below! I hope you all have a great day and as always, thank you for reading!
Like 80% of the female population on my Instagram feed, I too have fallen victim to binge-watching Emily in Paris. I mean, If I can't physically go to Paris myself or wear cute clothes out due to the global pandemic, mine as well vicariously live through a fictional tv show character. Emily in Paris does give me a slight 2020 version of Gossip Girl vibes and it is interesting to see how they address modern-day topics such as influencer culture. If you haven't already, be sure to give it a watch on Netflix and let me know your thoughts!
With that being said since binge-watching the show I've been gathering a lot of ideas for future outfits. I'm not sure when or where I'll be strutting this outfit, but I feel like if I were in Emily in Paris this is something I'd be wearing. I've been eyeing two-piece matching sets for a while and this purple houndstooth set seemed so fun to me! I also love how you can wear them paired together like I have styled here or style them separately to dress them down a bit.
Houndstooth set sizing breakdown:
This set fits pretty true to size (I'm a medium in most stores!) and the jacket does fit a little more oversized, which I don't mind. I will say, the material isn't the softest. The material is a little scratchy if you wear it with a tank underneath so I suggest pairing it with a long sleeve top if that bothers you. I can totally see myself wearing this jacket all fall/winter long paired with black jeans and neutral colored tanks underneath.
Looking for more Emily in Paris inspired clothing? Check out my picks down below:
Are you watching Emily in Paris? If so, who's your favorite character? I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and as always, thank you for reading!
Let's be real, who doesn't have an Amazon prime account nowadays? If you don't yet, today is Prime day is a two-day long event for Prime members where you can score great deals on products. Think of it like Amazon's version of Black Friday. This is a great time to stock up on Christmas gifts, Amazon products for your home, or (like me) some new tech gear. If you don't already have an Amazon Prime account you can get one at a discount if you're a student or try it for free for one month.
In honor of Prime day today I thought it'd be fun and helpful to share some of my favorite Amazon prime purchases in case you need some ideas on what to pick up.
*CLICK TO SHOP*
1. Clothing Rack - I love the look of this clothing rack and it's super affordable too! It was very easy to put together and I mainly use it in my room to style clothing pieces for upcoming shoots.
2. Drying Rack - I'm big on hang drying my clothes and this drying rack has been such a great buy! I love how you can fold it flat and store it when you're not using it so it doesn't take up much space and this one is pretty sturdy compared to the ones I've tried in the past.
3. Charcuterie Board - If you're a big cheeseboard/entertainer this may be the perfect buy for you. Christian gifted this to me a few months back and we've got plenty of use out of it. This charcuterie board comes stocked with all the knives you need as well as ridges for your crackers. It's a pretty hefty piece, but a beautiful board to break out when hanging out with your friends and family.
4. Earring Holder - For my fellow earring lovers, this is by far one of my favorite earring holders that I've come across. I love how it stores so much, looks cute on my dresser, and bonus points that its gold
5. Lamp - I purchased this lamp last year for my apartment and think it's at a great price! I will say, it's a lot shorter than I thought it would be so take note of that.
*CLICK TO SHOP*
6. Pleated Ruffle Dress - I ordered this dress in a green floral print for a wedding last year and got so many compliments on it! I will say, I have broader shoulders so it is a bit tight on me there, but other than that it fits pretty true to size. This dress comes in multiple colors and perfect for twirling in!
7. Royal Blue Bell Sleeve Dress - This may be my all-time favorite Amazon fashion find. I love the movement of this dress and the color is unbeatable. This dress is not see-through at all and is the perfect date night dress or even for a wedding!
8. Dalmation Print Top - I love a good dalmatian print and this top has been one of my most reached tops for work. It's not see-through and fits true to size.
9. Lace Midi Dress - If you're looking for a beautiful wedding guest dress or special occasion dress this may be the dress fo you! I purchased this dress for an upcoming wedding in 2020 (lol), but have to let it stay in my closet for a little longer. This dress has adjustable straps, fits true to size, padded, and comes in multiple colors.
10. Colorblock Cardigan - The perfect cozy piece for fall! I love the natural color pallet for this piece and it comes in a variety of colors. Fits true to size.
11. Orange Sweater - This is the perfect throw over leggings, cozy sweater for chilly fall days. This sweater is incredibly soft, fits true to size, and comes in several colors.
12. Double Ring Belt - I will have to admit this is the only belt that I own so I feel like it's not fair to say it's my favorite, but I do love how it looks designer inspired without the designer price.
13. Plaid Skirt - Nothing screams fall like a plaid skirt. This skirt comes in a variety of patterns and colors. I'd say it runs a bit small on me but other than that the great skirt to pair with your favorite cozy sweaters.
*CLICK TO SHOP*
14. Lounge Set - This set has been a crowd favorite! I first shared this in a try-on video on my Instagram stories and several of you have even purchased it! When I say I've been wearing this nonstop since I got it, I've been wearing it non. stop. I am usually a medium in Amazon clothing but could have gotten a small in this set. I typically wear the shorts to lounge around and have been styling the sweater for everyday outfits!
15. Champion Hoodie - I love me a good cropped hoodie and this one is the perfect length. I will say it runs a bit small, but looks super cute paired with leggings for an athleisure look or a skirt for a sporty look!
16. Joggers - These are the first pair of joggers I've purchased and I have been living in these during the quarantine. The material is more of an athletic material, has zipper pockets, and fits true to size.
17. Workout Tops - I've raved about these tops for a while so it's no surprise they ended up in my favorites round-up. These workout tops are so soft, comes in a variety of colors, and are so breathable for working out!
18. The cozy - When I say that this is the best purchase I have ever made, I mean this is the best. purchase. I. have. ever. made. If you're the type of person who always gets cold then this the perfect piece for you. Essentially it's a sherpa-lined throw blanket made into a giant hoodie. It's so cozy and my go-to throw on for work from home days.
19. Fuzzy Slippers - I think I have turned in to my mother since turning 25 in the fact that I constantly have to wear slippers in the house now. These slippers have been raved about all over Instagram and I can see why. They're affordable, super cute, and cozy!
20. Nike Running Shoes - Fun fact, my boyfriend and I have matching running shoes. You can't go wrong with Nike running shoes in my opinion and these provide great support for my feet.
*CLIKC TO SHOP*
21. Fire TV Stick - Since we don't have cable we opted to get a Fire TV Stick to easily watch our streaming services on. I also love how you can easily take it with you when you travel!
22. Rocket Book - I gifted this to Christian when he was studying for the MCAT and it was so helpful for him! The Rocket Book is a reusable notebook that saves all of your notes on a drive and you can erase it like a dry erase board and reuse it all over again. A great way to save paper and have all of your notes stored digitally.
23. Powerbank - I've used a lot of portable chargers in my day, but this one is up there as my favorite. It is a pretty hefty charger, but it charges my phone three times with one charge, comes with multiple ports to charge more than one device, and has a wireless charging feature.
24. Phone Stand - For my fellow content creators who film or take photos on their phones this is perfect to attach to your tripod so you're able to easily attach your phone to it!
25. Echo Dot - By now I'm sure the majority of the population knows what an Echo is. My boyfriend's family is super techy and got me into the world of Alexa devices. I will admit, the Amazon Echo has been great for setting alarms, asking questions, playing music, or even telling me what the weather is every morning before I get dressed.
26. Gimble - If you're into video, this is a great stabilizer to pick up! Christian picked it up for me for Christmas and it was great to use during our Peru trip! You can easily attach your phone to it and it ensures your video stays leveled even while you're walking around!
27. Bluetooth Remote - If you shoot a lot of content yourself like I do then a Bluetooth remote is so handy. This is super easy to set up and comes in a pack of two in case you lose one.
28. Tri Pod - a staple for any content creator. This is super affordable and great quality for the price.
29. Ring Light - Are you really a content creator if you don't have a ring light? I have been on a hunt for a ring light that connects to my existing tripod instead of buying a whole one that's already connected to a tripod. I also love how this has a variety of lighting settings and is super affordable!
*CLICK TO SHOP*
WHEW. And those are the round-up of a few of my Amazon Prime favorites! I hope you all are able to find some things you love and please let me know down below if you plan on shopping for anything during Prime Day this year! I hope you all have a wonderful day and as always, thank you for reading!
Still on the hunt for a cute couple's costume for Halloween? I got you covered.
Welcome to the second post in this year's Halloween post series! It may be due to the pandemic and having some extra free time on my hands, but I feel like my brain has been on nonstop with brainstorming Halloween content this year. Partner costumes are one of my favorite costumes to put together and if Christian and I were out doing anything other than chilling in our living room this year we would definitely be dressing up as one of these characters.
I've put together a list of my favorite Halloween costume ideas inspired by some of my favorite movies and tv shows to give you all some inspiration this year as well as links to purchase pieces to put together your costumes. To shop the links simply click on the photo and it'll take you directly to the page to purchase the item. Most, if not all of these pieces are from Amazon, so perfect for you last-minute costume planners!
Thrifted Shirt (Similar Here) || Skirt c/o use code DAILYAMY15 for 15% off! || Shoes || Purse || Earrings
If you follow me on Instagram or watched my stories last week you may be familiar with this shirt. If you don't I'll catch you up.
Last week I headed out to my local secondhand shop to sell some pieces and decided to browse around while I waited. While I was there a very bright and colorful polo in the men's section caught my attention. After examining it and looking at it long enough I determined that I had to take it home with me. I shared on my story that I knew that this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, and I even knew my own boyfriend would hate it (spoiler: he indeed hated it) but something about it made me happy which is all that matters. This whole process of buying this shirt and knowing not everyone is going to like it got me thinking how far I've come in terms of being ok with not being everyone's cup of tea when it comes to how I dress.
I'm not sure if this is the result of realizing I live in a bigger city now and no one really cares how I dress or the fact that I'm just growing up or maybe a combination of both, but I'm loving it. For the past year or so I've found myself trying out new styles, bolder pieces, and just having fun with fashion vs trying to fit into a particular "style aesthetic." The idea of having a set style aesthetic is great and all, and I'm sure it's helpful to have a more cohesive closet, but I also love the fact that I have the option to dress depending on whatever vibe I'm in that day.
When I think back even a few years ago I remember being so concerned with how I dress, if it fits into the "preppy style" aesthetic that I felt like I boxed myself into or what others would think of it. I've touched multiple times on my blog that I have a hard time picking just one style aesthetic. For some reason, in my mind, I've built this idea that if I labeled my style as "preppy" or "girly" I couldn't branch out of that box. Just because I own and love Lilly Pulitzer doesn't mean I can't also love Urban Outfitters and 90s grunge. Which seems so silly even typing that out now.
As we go on in life we pull inspiration and are influenced by so many different things such as the media we consume, the place we live, and even the people we surround ourselves with so it's natural our styles change accordingly. So, how would I describe my style now?
As I look at my past outfits and clothing pieces I find myself drawn to, the main word I can think of is "fun." I love color and am always drawn to fun prints. I love playing around with different silhouettes, puffed sleeves, and textures when it comes to putting together outfits. I love quirky graphic tees for comfy days and faux fur for any special occasion. The main thing that comes to mind when I describe all of these things is just, fun. So that's my style — fun.
So I guess the main takeaway of this is: wear whatever the heck you want to wear. At the end of the day it's just clothes and if something makes you feel confident and happy, rock it. That's with anything in life.
How would you describe your style? Let me know in the comments down below and as always, thank you for reading!
