How about a good ramble session today? :) I know I’ve needed one lately, so this should be fun. Let’s jump in!
Top | Bag | Shorts | Ring | Earrings | Ear Cuff
Current playlist: Morning Coffee Summer. Chill, lo-fi tunes for a slow summer morning. This one is still a work in progress, so expect more additions and edits over the weeks.
Currently watching: The current season of Project Runway. To say I love the new take on this show would be an understatement. There’s a new lineup of judges (including Elaine Welteroth who just released her new book!) and a lot of these new designers have a passion for sustainability and inclusivity — I am here for it! I’m a few episodes behind, but so far, the show has this wonderful feeling of camaraderie, too. Contestants are quick to help their fellow designers, and there’s less catty drama — I mean, of course there’s some catty drama, but just less so far.
Currently reading: The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates. Truly a perspective-shifting and enlightening read. I’m also flipping through My Residence magazine any time I need a bit of visual inspiration.
Currently listening to: The Spousal Support Podcast by my friends Jaana and Paul. They talk life, marriage and parenting with a fantastic sense of humor. You probably remember Jaana because she used to be a regular guest blogger here! We live states apart and only get to see each other every other year or so, but Jaana is dear to me, so getting to listen to their podcast each week feels like such a treat — like a mini hang out sesh.
Current fav snack: Smart Sweets Gummy Bears. I don’t know how, but these taste just like Haribo and a whole bag only has 3 grams of sugar (and no artificial sweeteners!). They are my weakness right now.
Current fav self care routine: Grey hairs are popping up on my head more and more these days, and every time I see one, I say, out loud, “You are very welcome here.” I know, it sounds like the cheesiest thing. But I’ve been doing it for the past 6 or so months, and I feel like it’s had a profound impact on how I view myself and my age. There’s something therapeutic about being fully present to my greying hair, instead of trying to hide it from myself or pretend it isn’t happening.
I’m not saying I’ll never dye my hair or cover my greys — I don’t like putting that kind of expectation on myself because I know that change is the only constant in life. All I can speak for is this moment. But right now, at this moment, “You are very welcome here.”
Top | Skirt (similar) | Sandals
Currently mulling over: “Assuming positive intent is necessary for any relationship you want to nurture.” I know I’ve heard this general idea before, but I was glad for the timely reminder. It hit me on a day where I was frustrated with a relationship, and absolutely not assuming positive intent. Hello gut check. :) Anyway, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the idea ever since. (Though, unfortunately, I cannot remember where I found this quote. I’ll keep retracing my internet steps and update if I find the source).
Favorite recent clothing purchase: I’ve got two!
EMU Australia slippers | I’m big on house shoes — I wear them at all times and even take them with me when I travel. These are beautiful and fun to wear around the house, but what I’m really loving is how well they are holding up with heavy use. The rubber sole is great for when I need to pop outside, and they are actually staying nice and clean.
Na Nin Oliver Shorts. THESE SHORTS. To me, they are perfect in every way. The soft, unstructured raw silk creates the most beautiful drape (and doesn’t puff out around the midsection when sitting). The rise is high, the inseam is a little longer, and I LOVE the whole flat waistband in the front, elastic waistband in the back thing. Comfort all the way! I have them in sand (pictured below) and black, and plan to get the Oliver pants a little closer to fall. Yep, I love them that much.
Top (similar) | Shorts | Shoes | Bag | Earrings
Since, these shorts are a bit of an investment, here are a few similar options under $50:
Current style vision: My style is leaning more towards the chic side these days, which is kind of surprising to me. I expected to go more boho, since that’s usually where I lean in the warmer months. But that could be because it’s our first summer living in Dallas, and I’ve always noticed my style changes a bit depending on where we’re living at the time.
Comfort is everything to me right now when it comes to my style — I’m only looking for soft elastic waist bottoms, and honestly, I’m feeling done with jeans at the moment (though I’m sure that won’t last too long). Either way, it feels nice to give my denim a break and try something new.
Current blog content vision: I’m eager to explore versatility this summer. You know, more posts that feature one item styled multiple ways, or posts that show how to mix and match a limited number of items. What do you think?
• • •
And there you have it!
Now I’d love to hear from you! What’s your current style vision these days? Care to share anything you’ve been reading + listening to + watching lately? And please tell me I’m not the only one obsessed with those gummy bears. :)
xo,
I hope you return to your capsule/styling a limited number of items multiple ways. Those are always my favorite. I prefer inspiration to keep what I have and get creative, rather than buy new things!
That’s why I came to this site……yes, yes I am with you on that.
I feel the same way about my greys! I found one that I can see, and I was like COOL! Look at that!!
If a dye my hair it’ll be just to dye it a fun colour, not to cover anything up ♥️
I can definitely relate to what you said about your style changing when you move somewhere. That’s been totally true for me also! In CT I leaned more towards preppy, in Singapore I found myself way more dressy than casual & now I feel I’m a sort of hybrid maybe more classic….great post!
your hair looks amazing! what the heck have you been doing to get that amazing mane?
Always love your posts like this. Really into your positive affirmation of “You are very welcome here”. Can be applied to SO many things when it comes to our bodies. I have been so hard on myself for a majority of my life when it comes to self talk and the past year or so I have been making an effort to change that, and wow what an impact it makes.
I love that you embrace your style possibly changing by season, or living location. I’m going to borrow that line of thinking, I think it will help me!
Both suggestions for future posts are something I would like to read.
Thank you!
Southland by Lindsay Lou is my all time favorite summer tune :)
I love your raw silk shorts. They hang so nicely. Yes, please, more of your “how to wear things multiple ways” posts.
Thank you for your positivity. Now check this out:
https://knowyourteam.com/blog/2017/12/01/the-power-of-assuming-positive-intent/
This is a great article! Check out the 10th paragraph down for assuming positive intentions. Have a wonderfully positive day! I enjoy your emails so much. They always make me wish I would keep up with my own blogging.
Love from one getting gray hair to another……..over 50 and thriving!
I definitely miss your more regular mix and match capsule posts. I’m not a gummy bear fan, but lately I’ve been all about the vanilla ice cream and peanut butter combo. Good shorts are a hard find. I love these! So cute.
Caroline, I’m always so happy to find a post in my email. Your style, your vibe, your approach to life just resonate with me. I find myself slowing down and being so fully present when I read your post and explore your links. Thanks for being an inspiration. I’m almost 60, but I love your blog! Thanks for sharing.
I am starting to have my first grey hairs (I think I have discovered 10-15 of them) and I HATE it! I honestly feel like death is knocking at my door every time I see one! Too much? I think I may have to practice some of that cheesiness you speak of.
xxx
Isabel
https://isabelstories.com/
I agree with the comment above from Cela – was going to say the exact same thing. I really liked your “Current” categories on this post and thank you for the great playlist. Would love to see more mix and match styles with minimal pieces. Absolutely love your blog content!
I am such a gummi bear junkie! I am definitely going to have to check these ones out! Also, your hair is getting so long. It looks lovely!
Most of my life I’ve been torn between colourful and neutral clothes but so far colourful has won 99 % of the time. Since I had my first baby last fall I’ve started craving more neutrals though – now I dress her in colourful clothes too and it’s too exhausting to pick out outfits for both of us that don’t clash, haha. Maybe I’m weird but I just can’t make myself stop paying attention to these things :)
More posts like this! I love the variety.
Thank you sweet friend for the podcast shoutout (!!!) and for the thoughtful post. I am always in awe at how you move from style to style so seamlessly. The chic vibes are REALLY working for me, even though I was also expecting to see more boho looks. It seems you can do no wrong! You look gorgeous. Love you girl!! ❤️
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for the great post. I like your honesty and the way you share about your life and the way you think about life, and not just about style. Although I like reading about style too :)
I think the quote about assuming positive intent might be from some of Brene Brown’s writing? I read a few of her books recently, am not sure which one it came from, but the idea of assuming positive intent really struck me.
I would love to read more posts about styling a few items multiple ways. For me, that’s all about simplicity but also creativity and that’s what I like in my style.
Take care,
Lex
I found my first grey hair at 19 (my dad was fully grey by 35, so not a major surprise). I’ve always liked them because I feel like I’ve earned them, as though they say to the world “yep, I’ve seen and done some stuff and survived, I’m no push-over!” Great post.
Loved reading this post. Thanks (maybe) for the gummi bear recommendation. Love them but don’t really eat them because trying to cut back on sugar. I will try these.
I absolutely needed to hear about positive intent. I am going to search for more information on that. I think it could be life changing. I have a relationship I could use that mindset in right now.
I work in a school and we have 6 more days so excited for summer, summer reading and enjoying the warm weather.
Just to add – maybe about the gummis as I think I could be easily obsessed!
Also, have you ever tried the Salt and Umber shoes?
Could you do a review on the Vetta dress in the post? I’d love to see a few more pictures and hear your thoughts. Thanks!
I’m a fan of rambling posts so this was so nice to see. I really appreciated hearing about how you take on self care and positivity in your life. Such a reminder to myself to be kind as well.
I love your wardrobe closet, it looks so col and vintage <3
Thanks for such a lovely positive post Caroline! I agree with the others, it’s always nice to get the blog post email in my inbox. I would also be interested in posts on styling one item several ways.
As an Australian thanks so much for the EMU slippers recommendation, I’m definitely going to buy some to replace my worn out ugg boots (planning to try the slip on variety this time).
At the moment I’m enjoying listening to past albums by The Unthanks, an English folk bad with a difference, I really like their storytelling style of singing.
Would love to see you branch out from your palette of very neutral colors and try something a little more colorful. Love what you do and your ideas; however, your color palette seems very limited.
i need to find these gummy bears! i love the idea of positive intent and i think it’s something that can apply to just about anything, not just relationships. currently loving all this: https://tps-steph.blogspot.com/2019/06/0040-may-favorites.html
also, i love your gray hair self-care routine! not cheesy at all! because the best things in life are free and the most important is self-love – 25 free ways to self-care this way: https://tps-steph.blogspot.com/2019/05/0037-25-ways-to-treat-yo-self.html
Yes to versatility! :-)