The year that counts!

Can't promise that I'll start updating my blog more often this year, but as usual, I do have my annual resolutions post for you RIGHT NOW!

On January 1, I officially celebrated my four year anniversary of living and working in our nation's capital. Looking back, all four years have been a mixture of learning and growing...and quite a bit of fun too! While there have been trials and at times painful lessons, God has always been there--ready and waiting to draw me closer to His heart. It's taken some recent circumstances and reflection to let Him do that too. 

When I look back on 2014, there were several areas in which God noticeably worked in my life, convicted me and really called me to make my faith my own and live for Him. Lately, that passage in John 15 keeps coming up in either my reading of Scripture, conversations with friends, songs on my Pandora or sermons at church. That's not coincidence; it's the Holy Spirit working. 

In John 15:5, Jesus proclaimed, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me." I think that verse sums up my year in a lot of ways. It seems that 2014 was a "pruning" year that required right (but also difficult) obedience in my heart--willingness to let God shape me into the person He created me to be, choose to seek Him alone and walk with faith along His narrow road.

I have to say that I'm looking forward to the promise of a new year, and I hope that it is one that brings honor and glory to Christ. Whenever I start a new year and formulate goals, I always notice an overarching theme. For 2015, it's "the year that counts." 

Here are the ways I want to make that theme a reality:

1) Take better care of myself

Physically

- Exercise at least once per week (small but achievable goal)

- Get more sleep (realize its value)

- Eat better (plan healthy meals)

Spiritually

- Read the Bible daily (just started this year-long reading plan)

- Pray more often (alone and with others)

- Build stronger friendships with other believers (seek out fellowship within the body of Christ)

Socially

- Intentionally spend time with people who challenge me spiritually and intellectually

- Get out and about weekly (allow myself to have more fun)

2) Save more money

- Eat at home more than I eat out (much easier said than done)

- Live by a budget

- Invest 

I truly believe that God has something special planned for the year ahead, and I intend to intentionally seek Him so that I don't miss out on His part for me in it. 

-Sarah

"From the first to the last breath I breathe, the Lord watches over me. You hear my cry and You know every need. The Lord watches over me."

Survive and Thrive

Just wanted to share a couple definitions. I constantly ask myself, "How do I know that I'm winning?" and then adjust my steps accordingly. But at the end of the day, I know I'm winning when I'm surviving and thriving.

Survive - to remain alive or in existence; to continue to function or prosper

AND

Thrive - to grow vigorously; to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances

"She doesn't just survive. She thrives."

Chapter Four

2014 Mission Statement: Posted above my desk at work

This post is long overdue, and I've entitled it "Chapter Four" because this year marks the beginning of my fourth in DC. If you remember, just a little over 3 years ago, I packed my bags (just 3 in fact), boarded a plane and moved to a city I'd never even visited. I'm happy to report that this place is still exactly where I'm supposed to be.

I had so many wonderful plans for my blog last year, but God clearly had some very different, albeit wonderful, things in store for me. Truly, He opened up some doors that I could've never foreseen, and I'll continue to praise Him for His faithfulness.

While I'd like to be more regular at documenting my life and providing fashionable conversation here, I'm not going to count it as failure if I don't. Life is lived outside of the interwebs after all.

But what is a new year without resolutions?

As usual, this year I have plenty of goals, including specific categories with separate lists, sub-points and sometimes sub-sub-points. That's just who I am: a listmaker.

But, everything that's in my "2014 Success Plan" goes back to one overarching, all-encompassing theme, thesis, determination, mission statement...whatever you want to call it.

I want to invest in people and learn from people. 

I've always been a "people person," and that's because I believe people are valuable. They are worth impacting, deserving of love, kindness, investment and friendship. People also have a wealth of knowledge in areas that I don't because, even with similarities, everyone's life is different. I want to make sure I'm learning from people just as others are hopefully able to learn from me.

So how do I want to measure success this year? Through the people God puts along my path, allows me to influence and learn from.

-Sarah

Word of the Day: Vivacious

One time a coworker told me I am "vivacious," which I consider a huge compliment.

Vivacious - Attractively lively and animated; lively in temper, conduct, or spirit.
That outgoing, vivacious girl is going to be famous one day. You should be her friend.

Synonyms: lively - sprightly - spirited - brisk - animated - bubbly - ALIVE

If you ask me, this cute, bouncy melody by Irish songbird, Lisa Hannigan, is a perfect example of what it means to be vivacious...and colorful. 



Check out "What'll I Do" as well. I love happy music!

xoxo,
Sarah

What will you make of yourself?

New Year's Eve - 2012

A new year.

I can hardly believe it every time I write "2013." I'm amazed at how much time has gone by since I graduated college and moved to this fabulous place I call home. There isn't one moment or memory I would trade.

We all know a new year wouldn't be a new year without goals, so I'd like to share a few of mine moving forward to 2013. 

Uncover old dreams.
However funny it might sound, I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately. A re-evaluation of sorts, thinking back on the path that brought me where I am today. While I'm not quite sure what it all means yet, I do know that God puts dreams in your heart for a reason, and your dreams are rarely the same as someone else. Some dreams may never come to pass, some are fulfilled later, and some come about before you can blink twice. Sometimes new dreams are even born from broken dreams.

All good and right things require hard work. This year, I want to pay careful attention to the effort I am putting forth (not just at my job) and make sure that I'm still giving more than my all. If my dreams are worth pursuing and worth having, they deserve my utmost attention and effort. 

Pour into others.
If you know me, you know I love people and will usually choose socializing over sitting at home, even after a full work day/week. I guess you could say the theme of the last two years has been, "Always say yes" (channeling a little Yes Man). I love making new friends and discovering what I can learn from them. Yes, I actually enjoy networking. But sometimes I wonder how much I'm really investing in my friends. How am I showing that I care about them? What am I doing for them? How am I helping meet their needs? I want to find more lasting ways to invest in people--beyond the surface. That could mean sending a note of encouragement, giving a book away that influenced me for the better, mentoring a younger friend, or simply actively listening to one who is hurting (really being there, not just in the room).  

Plan ahead with my wardrobe.
I want to take a day, once or twice a month, to evaluate what I have and what I need. Upon each evaluation, I'll do a fashion inventory and make a list of things (dubbed "essentials" or "desires") to keep on hand when I'm out window shopping (we all know I never just window shop though). During inventory, I'll pull together new outfit combinations, snap a photo, and save everything for future use. Currently, I have a reminder on my calendar to prepare outfits a week in advance, and having a database of all my outfits will be helpful in this success! 

Blog at least once a week. 
Long post, short post, whatever I choose...as long as it HAPPENS. I miss blogging a lot, and I feel like a part of myself is missing without regularly writing about fashion. So I'm going to devote time every week to brainstorming ideas, writing up posts, and being inspired by other fabulous bloggers. IFB is a great resource, and I need to use it more often for ideas and blog development. No need to re-invent the wheel! In addition, I'd really like to get connected with other fashion bloggers in my area. There are some really stylish people around here!

Continue living a healthy lifestyle. Body, mind, and spirit.
Body: Overall, I feel like I did a great job being active last year. I easily walked up to 25 miles per week, just during my commute to and from places (the perks of living in a walking city). I also started running regularly and occasionally did Insanity with my best friend Chelsea (girl in the blue dress). This year, I want to continue all of these habits, get more rest, and add Pilates DVDs to the mix.

Mind: I had wonderful plans for my intellectual health last year, and I did okay. I read and watched the news every day, constantly got lost in Relevant Magazine articles, and attempted reading several books for book club. I just need to do more of all of that and actually finish books.

Spirit: Reading the Bible and going to church impacts my life. I need both, and when I throw them to the wayside, my life suffers and I lose my sense of purpose. I need to invest more in these things this year.

Okay, this turned into a novel of a post. Glad to be back though. We'll be talking more soon!

xoxo,
Sarah

Word of the Day: Pretentious

It seems that I've been hearing this word a lot lately. We can all be a little pretentious at times, and I won't lie, sometimes it's fun.

Pretentious - attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed; intended to attract notice and impress others
That pretentious couple always serves caviar at their parties, even though they themselves dislike it.

xoxo,
Sarah

Cute words

Some words are just fun to throw into regular conversation every now and then. Below are a few of my recent faves! 

Vivacious - full of animation and spirit; lively
Charming - extremely pleasing or delightful
Swagger - to walk or conduct oneself with an insolent or arrogant air; strut
Snarky - sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner
Ploy - a cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage.
Posh - smart, elegant, or fashionable; exclusive

xoxo,
Sarah

Write it, see it, believe it

Lately, I've taken to writing on my mirror. I used to do this some when I was younger--that or I'd stick up cards with quotes, verses, or goals. It's amazing how much words on the mirror can improve my day, as it is one of the first things I see every morning.

A couple weeks ago, I was kind of letting some things consume me. While my head knew what I should do and my friends were telling me exactly the same thing, I couldn't get myself to hold to what I knew. I guess we all secretly enjoy ignoring what we know to be true sometimes. Anyway, I thought through the best advice I'd received and decided it was going on my mirror, so it could really sink in. I didn't have a dry erase marker, but I had some cheap eyeliner that I never planned on using. Now, I'm kind of in love with writing in eyeliner.

You can write so many different types of things on your mirror. Here are a few secrets from my own mirror writing. 

* Words of affirmation
I don't know about you, but I love compliments. There are certain ones that I've never forgotten--ones that continue to encourage me daily. I recommend storing away nice things people say to you in a cute little journal. When bad days come, pull out that journal and be reminded of the lovely person that people see in you. And...write it up on that mirror and be encouraged!
     You are ridiculously beautiful, charming, fun, interesting, and smart.

* Advice received
Taking good advice to heart means actively pursuing it. Back in high school, I received some especially great advice regarding relationships that still directs my thoughts and actions. Seriously, that advice has served as my point of reference for worthwhile relationships ever since. Listen to those people who are not afraid to be honest with you (aka, don't run to those friends who tell you exactly what you want to hear).
     If it's meant to be, it will be.

* Goals
Ambitions cannot be achieved if you don't remember what you're aiming to do or where you're wanting to go. Have daily, instantly-achievable goals and longer-term, challenging goals. When coming up with goals, I always ask myself, "Where am I now? Where do I want to go? How am I going to get there?"
     Make your bed today.
     Backpack across Europe. 

* Quotes
I can't go through books without underlining hundreds of lines or folding down pages I like. Lately, so many articles have been hitting home with me, and I keep sharing them with all my closest friends.
     Pretty is a mutually enriching balanced combination of beauty and projected innocence. (source)
     Don’t get stuck in the past, and don’t try to fast-forward yourself into a future you haven’t yet earned. (source)

Happy writing!

xoxo,
Sarah

Image Source

So long, 2011!

* See below for shopping details

This has been one of the BEST years of my life. <3

Whenever I think back upon where I started just a year ago, I feel all giddy inside. I love my friends, my city, my job...just life in general. The opportunities and experiences this year have been tremendous, and I could not be more grateful for or in awe of the life I am blessed to live. Seriously, I cannot even count the number of times I've thought, "This stuff only happens in the movies, and it's happening to ME!"

Since I am a frequent list-maker, I could write a book of goals for the coming year. My goals sometimes get a little out of hand actually...they start broad and then turn into categories, sub-categories, and bullet points. It is just a little insane. So let me just give a few general ones - I will bore myself with the details.

1. Explore new places
I absolutely LOVE where I live...so much that I've been completely content with sticking around there during the weekends and having fun with friends. I've certainly had my share of weekend excursions, but I definitely want to see more of those in the coming year. And I'd really like to travel across the big pond and see what there is to see in Europe.

2. Find a creative outlet
I have some new ideas in the works, and I could certainly be more regular in my blogging to fulfill this goal. I would also REALLY love to take a dance class...just because I can.

3. Read more
I recently joined a sophisticated book club (deep discussions, tea drinking, and scrumptious snacking), so I'm hoping that this will encourage me to read for fun. Beyond that, I want to stay on top of reading the news. I'm pretty good about it, but I can definitely improve.

4. Be active, eat better
I live in one of the most beautiful cities in America. Why am I not running outside? In the past, I have been pretty good about taking the stairs at least once a day at work, and I need to get back into that habit. In addition, I need to lay off on the carbonated beverages, though I do love Cherry Cokes!

Like I said, I could go on, but those are some of my main goals for 2012.

* My NYE Look (similar to what I'll actually be wearing!):  Dress - Georgiou - $149; Chandelier Earrings - Piedra Studio - $35; Bow Pumps - Target - $20; Glitter Nail Polish - OPI for Sephora - $9.50; False Eyelashes - Forever 21 - $1; Glitter Crown Headband - Luna on the Moon - $48

Again, it's been an amazing year, and I am really looking forward to seeing what 2012 holds.

Happy New Year, lovelies!
- Sarah

Here's some NYE tune-age from my faves. :)

Hello Fall!!!!!

It's finally my favorite season of all! If only it could be this beautiful at least six months out of the year, I would never be indoors! I am so in love with the bright colored leaves, perfect temperatures, and autumn smells (candles and cookies that is). Oh, and I can't forget the fact that I'm finally able to pull out my boot and outerwear collections. And yes, I already have my eye on those items that must be added this year...still looking for just the right cape. *sigh* This is perfection.

Here's to a BEAUTIFUL fall. :)

xoxo,
Sarah

The Future Belongs to the Dreamers

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Such profound words, still true today. Life is too short not to reach for the stars and go for what you want. 

What are your passions? Where are you gifted? What is your dream job? Does your current path look like it will lead you there? Are you living up to your full potential?

Never stop asking yourself these questions. The moment you do, there's a good chance that you've become complacent and jaded...or you really don't know what you want. Just food for thought.


xoxo,
Sarah

Photo Credit

Sweet Tangerine

The latest Anthropologie catalog has arrived. OH MY GOODNESS!!! Fall cannot get here fast enough!! And I cannot get to an Anthro store quick enough to try on this dress. I'm pretty sure that I would sing "Sweet Tangerine" by the Hush Sound all day long while wearing that dress!



xoxo,
Sarah

Success

Favorite Text Received Today

"I'm wearing boots. And I now own two pair. And a cool green scarf from India, which is funny because I'm recently obsessed with Confessions of a Shopaholic, which I feel is your fault somehow." - Em

I feel like this should serve as a testimonial of my fantastic fashionable influence. Haha, not really...but I am happy to take all the blame for a girl's new found love of boots and Shopaholic. Thank you very much!

xoxo,
Sarah
aka, the REAL Girl in the Green Scarf ;)

It's December 25!

Enjoy this beautiful day of giving!
Put on a pretty outfit, spend time with your loved ones, drink something warm, eat LOTS of food, and be thankful for life and love. It's not all about the gifts, but DO enjoy receiving too!

Merry Christmas lovelies!

Stylishly yours,
Sarah 

"It is the night of our dear Savior's birth!"

Thankful

It has been a really wonderful year, and I have so much to be thankful for right now. I have been met with some tremendous opportunities and experiences that I wouldn't trade for anything. Some are wrapping up and others just beginning, so, on this Thanksgiving Day, I find it especially fitting to sit back and reflect.

I am thankful for...
* Faith - I don't know everyone's religious backgrounds, but I think most of us would agree that there is a higher power at work in this world. To let you in on my beliefs, I am blessed to have the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He is my Rock, my Savior, and the guiding force in my life. He brings me through the trials, and He deserves all the glory for my successes. Without Him, I have no purpose!

* Family - I can honestly say that I have a family who would do anything for me. My parents have been huge in helping me pursue my dreams and passions, especially this year. I couldn't have asked for greater support, sacrifice, and selflessness from them. I'm also thankful for my beautiful sisters and awesome bro-in-law, who always offer a listening ear and wise advice. I love you guys!

* Friends - As I've said before, relationships are huge to me. I enjoy making new friends, keeping up with old ones, and loving on people around me. I am blessed with so many amazing friends and mentors who have invested in my life. I treasure the memories past and those to come!  

* Freedom - I am proud and grateful to be an American, born with freedoms that are unheard of in so many countries around the world. I'm thankful that Christopher Columbus ran into the Americas and that the Pilgrims took a leap of faith in settling at Plymouth plantation, enduring a brutal winter and suffering tragic losses (I can't even imagine it). I'm thankful for the Founding Fathers, who fought for the freedoms that I enjoy today, and for those who continue fighting.

* Fashion - Obviously, I had to bring fashion back into the equation somehow. That's the fashionista in me! I am thankful for the beauty, creativity, and fun that the fashion industry provides. I love that fashion blogging found me unexpectedly when I started contributing at DFOF over a year ago. Now I have my own creative outlet with Fashionable Conversation and new ideas flooding my brain almost daily. I still get excited about new trends, figuring out my own style, searching for the next must-have, taking style risks, and meeting others who share the same love of fashion. In addition, I love my growing community of fashion blogger friends and hope to meet up with some of you girls someday! <3

Now that I've written an essay, I want to hear from you! What are you thankful for?

xoxo,
Sarah

Photo taken with my sister's Holga!

The ever-popular stream of consciousness blog

In anticipation to a very busy summer, I started a mini blog in early June. As much as I love writing full-blown posts for you lovely people, my schedule this summer has only been conducive to short snippets into what I am thinking about, listening to, or admiring. Hence, the creation of It's a Lovely Life, which has long been my twitter user name as well (follow me @itsalovelylife). You might have noticed the reference to "lovely life" in the subtitle of this blog.

Hope that you are already a reader there, but, if not, check it out!

Again, thanks for bearing with me this summer and continuing to check back. I have really enjoyed reading your sweet comments. Get excited for a packed-out fall with fashionable conversation. I have been brainstorming all summer!

xoxo,
Sarah

Ramblings of a fashion blogger with fishtail braids

You know what I love most about freelance writing? Meeting new people and being inspired by them!  There is just something especially cool about working alongside other bloggers and writers and not only reading their work from afar. Joining a blog team allows you to move from "commenter" to "team member," and all kinds of learning opportunities ensue...at least, that has been my experience!

Most recently, I have been inspired by Katy Jones, a fellow N.E.E.T. blogger and the author behind Dirty Hems. Katy has a knack for organizing and presenting relevant and fun D.I.Y. tutorials. She posted a tutorial (with video) about fishtail braids a few weeks ago, and, as you can see from the snapshots above, I tried it out!

Watching Katy's adorable tutorial sent me back to elementary days when french and fishtail braids were all the rage amongst my friends. Most of my braiding know-how actually came from playing hair at slumber parties or reading Braids & Bows.

Let me just say that this instructional book (published in 1992!) came with a slew of hair accessories, including metallic hair ties, funky ribbon, and a SCRUNCHY! That was a big deal to a little girl in those days. I would curl up in a comfy chair and pour over the book for hours and then rush on to practice braiding on my American Girl doll. Yes, those were the days!

xoxo,
Sarah

I've always wanted to live in a store...

This has already been a crazy busy year, but I LOVE it! New opportunities find me all the time, and some/most are absolutely mind-blowing. I am very fortunate! In my newest fashionable endeavors, I may have the opportunity to do some freelance stylist work. More details later if the opportunity works out, but the possibility of the job gave me an idea:

As I was cleaning my bedroom this evening, I realized that there is just not enough room for everything in my closet. I can get things put away, but I always end up forgetting about what I have because things get crammed together. So I am thinking about a bedroom redesign--possibly resembling a stylist's closet. Instead of keeping clothes only in my closet, I want to get some smaller rolling racks for the main space. I have some shelves that are not going to any real use, so I can use that area for hats and headbands.

I would love to have a bedroom to be used almost like my style office. It would be the perfect inspirational environment in which to write my fashion articles, and I could bring clients in to choose outfits for shoots. Plus, none of my clothes would get lonely or forgotten anymore!

This could be fun...almost like living in a mini boutique! I will keep you updated on everything!

xoxo,
Sarah
@itsalovelylife

I saw it first Miley!

The Grammy's have come and gone already, but people are still talking about the fashions on the red carpet. As I was admiring the celebrities in their designer wear (labels that I look forward to wearing one day), I was most excited by Miley Cyrus' choice of a long-sleeved, Hervé Léger mini dress. Some called it a bit casual for the Grammy's, but I loved it, especially because of the tie-dyed material. In fact, I loved it when I first picked it out on the catwalks and featured it in my article reviewing the collections during NYFW S/S 2010. It feels good to be on the same wavelength as a celebrity! What can I say? We have great taste!

Check out my original New York Fashion Week article on Dedicated Follower of Fashion (scroll down to "Night Life").

Plus, if you love the dress as much as Miley and me, it will be in an auction (February 8-18) to benefit Haiti relief efforts. Way to go Miley! 

xoxo,
Sarah
@itsalovelylife

If I was couture, Chanel would be my name

This afternoon, I was browsing through all the fabulous collections presented at Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture last week, and I was immediately drawn to Chanel. With a beautiful mixture of pastels and silver, Chanel's designer Karl Lagerfeld showed a collection filled with finely-tailored suits, pretty day dresses, and exquisite evening gowns. Each look was paired with shimmery tights and metallic silver shoes. Oh, and one cannot forget the dramatic hair bows decorating a heart-shaped, almost-Victorian hairstyle.

All in all, it seemed that Chanel's couture line was meant to portray everything that is timeless and elegant, except with a modern and very flashy twist. Accessorization, exaggeration, and color were key to this collection's success and appeal.

Now for a review in pictures:

(I am quite in love with this dress)

(I would absolutely wear this dress to the opera...if we had one)

(those bands look amazing, totally what draws me in--a bit Grecian even?)

(I love couture because it is exactly what everyone else does not have, totally unique)

(I think "updated, more-relaxed Victorian" with this look)

(the shoulders and metallic fabric totally make this dress)

Now for my favorite suits:

Yes, if I was couture, Chanel would be my name. My personal style and tastes identify most with the flavor of this collection. Thank you Chanel!

xoxo,
Sarah
@itsalovelylife

Note: All pictures from Style.com!