Who else is excited for summer weddings and events? I can’t wait to celebrate these upcoming milestones with our loved ones (especially after so many of them were postponed this past year). This post shares style inspo for weddings, bridal or baby showers, and a variety of occasions you might have coming up. From romantic floral dresses to sophisticated jumpsuits, there are lots of options no matter where the summer might take you!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar options.
There’s something inherently elegant and romantic about off-the-shoulder dresses, which is why they’re one of my favorite styles to wear to a wedding or formal event.
I also really like floral off-the-shoulder dresses like this one for bridal/baby showers (or even for a dressy brunch!).
Midi Dresses
Midi dresses are my personal favorite length. Whether in classic polka dots or in a light floral print, they always make me feel polished and put together. That’s why I love wearing them to weddings and bridal/baby showers!
Striped jumpsuits are super versatile. I’ve worn them on beach vacations, to brunch, wine tasting, and to BBQs. The above one would be perfect for 4th of July!
A go-to summer outfit for me (especially on those days when I can’t decide what to wear) is an LBD! You can easily dress it more casually with sandals and a fedora, or dress it up with heels and jewelry. When I have to go straight from work to an event, this is also a perfect option if I don’t want to pack a change clothes.
Like the LBD, a black jumpsuit is also super versatile and goes from day-to-night very easily! A statement belt is a great accessory option with a simple black jumpsuit (as shown above).
I hope you found this little style guide helpful! Now that the world is opening up more and more, what summer events are you most looking forward to? ☀️
This month I’m celebrating my 3rd blogiversary! To commemorate the occasion, I’ve put together this special post. Lately I’ve been looking back at blog photos from the past 3 years, seeing how my style has evolved, and what items I’ve reached for again and again.
I would describe my personal style as a mix of classic elegance and casual chic. I love all black outfits, neutral palettes, and timeless prints like polka dots, stripes, and plaid. However, I also love floral prints in the spring and summer and the occasional pop of color (such as a bright jacket or red lipstick).
Though I tried to narrow it down to 10 things, I just couldn’t—all the items on this list are such go-to pieces for me. So without further ado, here are my 11 Style Staples.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar options.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a classic camel coat is such a wardrobe essential. There are a variety of different lengths, silhouettes, and fabrics, but they are so versatile and can be easily dressed up or down.
A beige trench coat is another wardrobe staple; the one I’m wearing above I’ve had for more than 6 years. I personally recommend one that is water resistant and has a detachable hood, that way it’s also practical for rainy days. I’ve worn mine to work countless times and have brought it along on numerous trips abroad.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the necessity of a black coat! Whether a classic black pea coat like the one I’m wearing above or a cozy puffer jacket for rain and snow, it’s great to have a versatile black coat that will fit your needs and lifestyle.
A denim jacket is a perfect, casual layer that looks just as cool over dresses as it does with leggings and jumpsuits. Mine is the Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket from Levi’s.
A white blazer is something I reach for often during the spring and summer. It’s one of those pieces that can be dressed up for a professional business setting or can be dressed down with jeans. I also like white blazers that have a fun print, like the checkered one I’m wearing below.
Though jumpsuits can be tricky in terms of length and sizing, when you find one that fits you well, I think they’re such an effortless piece to have in your wardrobe (you can just throw it on and go!). I personally have a long torso, so I often have to go one size up in jumpsuits to accommodate that.
Though I love my black jumpsuit and have worn it in so many different settings (work, travel, events), I also really like a jumpsuit with vertical stripes (as shown below).
5. Turtlenecks
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I could arguably title my everyday wardrobe “An Ode to Turtlenecks” because of how often I wear this cozy staple. Pretty much from late September to early May, my various turtlenecks will be on rotation.
A simple black turtleneck is likely the most-worn item in my wardrobe because of its versatility—it can be paired with skirts, layered underneath dresses, or worn with pants/jeans.
I also love a sleeveless turtleneck as the perfect transitional piece during early fall or late spring, when the weather is just starting to change.
6. Black Skinny Jeans
I know the kids these days are saying that wearing skinny jeans makes you so-called “old” (and perhaps the fact that I’m using the phrase “the kids these days” and this emoji 😂). However, I personally LOVE my black skinny jeans and firmly believe in wearing what you love (no matter the trends or the opinions of others). My favorite pair of black skinny jeans are the high-waisted Jamie style from Topshop.
Do I also own other styles of denim? Of course. But I still love my skinny jeans 😉
This segues nicely to my next item: distressed denim. I usually pair distressed denim with something like a blazer (above) or silk top (below) to achieve that casual chic balance.
8. Straw Hats
Whether a large statement hat like I wore to our local lavender fields last summer or a classic Panama hat that I always bring along on trips (shown below), a straw hat is a timeless accessory that is both practical and chic.
P.S. My large straw hat above is from my blogger friend Amanda’s adorable online boutique, Confête. She’s also based locally here in Portland and curates such a charming collection of dresses and accessories.
9. Black Ankle Boots
So what about footwear? My personal go-to styles are black ankle boots. I’ve mentioned this before, but I especially love the brand Blondo Waterproof because their boots are stylish, comfortable, and (of course) waterproof. Waterproof shoes are a huge asset when you live somewhere as rainy as the Pacific Northwest!
10. Quilted Handbags
As for handbags, I really love the elegant aesthetic of quilted leather. Considering the name of my blog, it’s no surprise that Chanel is my favorite. The Classic Flap (pictured below and top left) is a timeless design that has been around for decades. It’s an investment piece to be sure, but it’s one of those iconic accessories that has withstood the test of time.
The Chanel Boy Bag (pictured top right) is what I would call a modern icon, as it’s one of the most popular Chanel bags since its debut in 2011. I have the chevron, mixed-leather style from the Spring/Summer 2016 collection, which I purchased pre-loved from The RealReal. The thicker chain strap, chevron quilting, and rectangular lock give it a more modern vibe.
If you’re looking for quilted handbags at more affordable price points, I definitely recommend Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Rebecca Minkoff. These brands regularly have sales on their websites, and Nordstrom Rack often has great deals on them as well. Pictured below is a cute little Kate Spade backpack with leather quilting that I purchased on sale about a year ago.
And last on this list—but certainly not least—are black and white prints. Whether classic tweed or playful polka dots, there is something timeless about a black and white print that makes it one of my favorites to wear.
Though we still have lots of rain ahead of us here in the Pacific Northwest, I’m looking forward to sunny days this spring! ☀️
Blogging has been such a positive, creative outlet for me these past 3 years, and I feel truly grateful for that. I’m also grateful for each of you, whether you’re a recent follower or have been here since the beginning.
Though my blog is a lighthearted space to discuss things like fashion and books, I know this last year has been tough on us all in so many ways. My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced difficulties, pain, and loss. I hope you are staying safe and healthy during these uncertain times and have still found moments of joy and peace. Now, perhaps more than ever, it’s so important to cherish the people and passions that give our lives meaning ❤️
I’m still loving all the colorful leaves and fall fashion, even though we started decorating for Christmas yesterday! I guess I have one foot in fall 🍂 and one foot in the holidays 🎄 Maybe I’ll call it “Fall-la-la” (See what I did there? 😉)
Perhaps it’s the cozy layers, soft textures, and warm colors, but there’s something really fun about fall fashion.
Some of the items in this post are examples of autumnal styles that have been around for many years (such as tweed dresses and camel coats). Others are a bit more trendy, but still fit within a casual chic aesthetic.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar options.
Whether as a jacket, a skirt, or boots, faux suede is such a fabulous fabric choice for fall (yes, that alliteration was intentional 😉).
Over-the-knee boots have been extremely popular the last few years, and my faux suede pair from Goodnight Macaroon is a recent purchase (shown above). I’d heard great reviews from friends and fellow bloggers, and they’re absolutely worth the hype. They don’t slide down my legs and are very comfortable to walk in.
My faux suede jacket in this beautiful tan color has been a fall favorite of mine for the past few years. I feel like it complements the vibrant fall foliage so well.
I know wearing plaid during the fall isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it’s a tried and true favorite for a reason! Plus, with so many styles and color palettes to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone.
My H&M midi skirt (shown above) illustrates how plaid isn’t always a casual print! I personally love the length of midi skirts because they add a certain elegance to any outfit.
Anything from Burberry is definitely an investment piece, yet this iconic plaid print has remained a fashion favorite for decades. I’ve had my Burberry wellies and scarves for about 7 or 8 years, and they’re items I look forward to wearing every fall and winter.
I know it’s something I’ve mentioned before, but tweed is one of my favorite fabrics! Whether as a dress, a matching set, or jacket, tweed has such a chic aesthetic that elevates any look.
This matching set I purchased last year from Zara. These pieces can be worn together of course for more of a statement look, but they also can be styled separately. Similar options are linked above!
A turtleneck is one of my fall style staples because it’s perfect for layering, whether under a dress (as shown above) or paired with a simple denim jacket (below).
Layering a turtleneck under a dress is a trend that I’ve seen come and go several times since I was a kid, but the last few years it’s definitely resurfaced as a practical and stylish way to wear dresses even in the colder seasons.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include cozy sweaters on a fall fashion list! I personally love the off-the-shoulder variety for its romantic charm, though puffy sleeved sweaters are also very on trend this season.
Whether a classic camel coat or a practical waterproof trench, versatile outerwear is a must as the weather shifts.
Both of these coats I’ve had for several years, and I’ve worn in a variety of settings—to work, on the weekends, and on trips abroad. While trends can be fun to incorporate into your seasonal style, I prefer to have classic staples as the foundation of my wardrobe.
“I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves.” —Ann Drake
I know, I know–pretty much everyone and their mother has been at the pumpkin patch lately 😉 (I, too, went with my mama last week on a glorious fall day, and we had a blast!)
Fall is in full swing, and that means shorter days, cozy scarves, and more pumpkin spice than one can possibly know what to do with.
But all jokes aside, fall in Portland is truly a beautiful time of year. Sure, there’s no shortage of rain, but that makes the colorful leaves and sunny days even more vibrant.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Today I’m sharing a cozy chic fall outfit that’s perfect for picking pumpkins (or even just heading to a coffee shop for a PSL, if that’s more your thing ☕️).
Shades of rust and cinnamon are two of my favorite tones for fall. I styled this outfit around my rust-colored sweater, opting for accessories in neutral tones like my beige wool fedora and a classic Burberry scarf. I’ve had my Burberry scarf for many years, but it’s truly one of those investment pieces that can be worn year after year.
*If an exact item is no longer available, then I linked similar options in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app or through their website!
The wool fedora has been a really popular fall fashion accessory the past few years and is still going strong. I personally prefer the more structured styles, and though sometimes they give an Indiana Jones vibe, I dig it (pun intended 😉).
My mom and I visited Plumper Pumpkin Patch, which has some lovely views of the surrounding hills and is located about 20 minutes outside of Portland. 🎃 Some local pumpkin patches are only open weekends, but Plumper is open daily through October 31st from 9am to 5:30pm.
My mom wanted a variety of pumpkins to decorate the entryway of her house, and I helped her choose different sizes and colors for a fun, fall aesthetic. I always buy some mini ones for decor inside the home as well!
Another reason I love this time of year is because I LOVE horror movies, and I especially enjoy watching them throughout October in anticipation of Halloween! This year my husband and I have been on a Stephen King kick. These are the King film adaptations we’ve watched so far this month:
We watched Netflix’s recent film In the Tall Grass. There were some plot holes, but I liked the general premise: they took something commonplace like a field of grass and turned it into something eerie and strange. Patrick Wilson is one of the main characters (he’s awesome in The Conjuring movies, which I highly recommend).
We also watched Gerald’s Game, the story of a husband and wife who are trying to rekindle their marriage and travel to their vacation house for a getaway. Things go very awry when the husband has a sudden heart attack, leaving the wife handcuffed to the bed. This film has a lot of psychological elements, especially regarding the wife’s childhood, though I personally would categorize it as more of a thriller than a horror movie.
We re-watched King’s iconic horror story The Shining, in preparation for next month’s much-anticipated sequel, Doctor Sleep, which stars Ewan McGregor. This time I payed closer attention to the little boy Danny and his supernatural abilities, whose character will be the adult protagonist in the sequel.
Also, we did see It: Chapter 2 last month, but honestly found it to be less scary than the first installment. I thought they did a great job with casting and the characters’ backstories, but we found the first one to be far more terrifying (I still can’t get the simultaneously maniacal and hilarious image of Pennywise dancing in Chapter 1. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know what scene I’m talking about).
What’s your favorite horror film? Do you have certain traditions for fall or Halloween?
P.S. If you noticed that this blog post’s title is a play on words of the classic Blink-182 song “All the Small Things” then 10 points to Gryffindor! 😉
Last week my amazing mom turned 60–and can you guess where we’re headed later this spring to celebrate this milestone birthday? 😉
You guessed it! Paris!
A little back story: a large canvas print of the Eiffel Tower has been hanging in my mom’s office for over 10 years. It’s been on her bucket list to travel there since she was a little girl.
I’m so thrilled to soon experience this trip with her and show her some of my favorite places in the City of Light. She’s worked so hard to get to where she is in life and has the kindest heart. I’m truly proud to have her as my mom.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
In keeping with the Parisian theme, we celebrated my mom’s birthday lunch last week at one of our favorite local spots, La Provence. It’s a French-inspired bistro and bakery, with multiple locations in the Portland metro area.
We’re big fans of their brunch, but we also love the tuna melt for lunch (shown above). The colorful mimosa flights were perfect to toast the occasion (and you get to choose which flavors you want!). 🥂
For dessert, I definitely love their macarons, but I’m also obsessed with the tiramisu.
If you’re local to the Portland area, La Provence is definitely a popular choice for Mother’s Day brunch, which is coming up next month!
It was a comfortable spring day (one of the few sunny ones we’ve had so far in April!). I wore some of my go-to basics for weekend wear: a denim jacket, a sleeveless turtleneck, and high-waist black jeans. I especially love sleeveless turtlenecks this time of year because they’re so easy to layer under lightweight jackets for unpredictable spring weather.
My Louis Vuitton bag is the Phenix PM, but unfortunately is no longer sold on their website.
Hope you all are having a wonderful week! As always, thank you so much for stopping by! ❤️
P.S. What’s a travel destination on your bucket list? I would love to hear in the comments below!
One of the amazing things about living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is that you can go from snowcapped mountains to the Pacific Ocean in just a few hours’ drive. In last week’s post, I shared a glimpse of Mt. Hood, and this week–you guessed it–I’m sharing one of my favorite spots on the Oregon Coast.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Recently, my best friend and I took a day trip to Cannon Beach, which is only about 90 minutes from Portland by car.
We got so lucky with the weather! If you’ve ever been to the Oregon Coast, you’ll know it’s usually quite windy and chilly (even for summer visits, I always wear layers). But on this particular day, it was sunny and in the mid 50’s, with almost no wind! Considering we were there in the middle of winter, it was an absolutely perfect day.
If you visit Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is a must-see landmark (shown above). It’s also within walking distance of a great local restaurant, Mo’s, whose famous clam chowder is one of my personal faves!
I wore casual layers for our day trip, with an olive green utility coat and my beloved high-waist jeans (both from Topshop). The coat is from a previous year, but I linked similar options above.
As for shoes and accessories:
My faux fur beanie is by Kyi Kyi, and I adore the fun, oversized pom pom and the overall quality and durability. My Blondo boots are such a go-to in my closet, and–as you can see demonstrated above–the waterproof leather makes them safe to wear even on the wet beach as the tide came in.
My nylon crossbody bag I’ve had for several years (from Marc by Marc Jacobs), and I found a super similar Marc Jacobs style on the Nordstrom Rack site (linked above and currently on sale for under $100!). My scarf is an old TJ Maxx find, but I found some similar black and white options. And of course, my classic Ray-ban Clubmaster sunglasses kept my eyes both safe and stylish.
Last year I read Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize winner All the Light We Cannot See, and his precision of language and beautiful imagery were things I truly admired (for my more detailed review of this novel, click here). This passage from All the Light We Cannot See felt fitting for this week’s post:
“I have been feeling very clearheaded lately and what I want to write about today is the sea. It contains so many colors. Silver at dawn, green at noon, dark blue in the evening. Sometimes it looks almost red. Or it will turn the color of old coins. Right now the shadows of clouds are dragging across it, and patches of sunlight are touching down everywhere. White strings of gulls drag over it like beads.
It is my favorite thing, I think, that I have ever seen. Sometimes I catch myself staring at it and forget my duties. It seems big enough to contain everything anyone could ever feel.”
Doerr paints such a vivid image of the sea in this quote, from its various colors that change with the time of day to the more abstract idea that its sheer size could hold anything you could possibly feel. I love standing in the ocean as the tide comes in because it makes me feel like a kid again, and I think sometimes it’s good to feel that way. It keeps things in perspective when you stand next to something so vast and powerful, something that seems to go on forever.
What do you think? Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?
Hope you all have a wonderful week! Thank you for stopping by ❤️
“There’s just something beautiful about walking on snow that nobody else has walked on.” –Carol Rifka Brunt
As much as some people are dreaming of spring, winter is still very much here (yes, yes, cue the Game of Thrones theme song 😉… Who else can’t wait for the final season?! More on that another time!).
My husband and I got to enjoy some fresh powder up at Mt. Hood last week. It was perfect for a day of snowboarding and playing in the fluffy snow!
I’ve been wearing this Calvin Klein camel coat on repeat the past few months, and it’s one of those versatile pieces that transitions from the city to the mountain with ease. I love its classic cut and color and know it will last for seasons to come. It’s currently on sale on Bloomingdale’s website (unfortunately only two sizes are left, but it also comes in red and black). I’ve linked similar camel options above and on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app!
For our snow day, I paired it with a cable knit sweater and matching beanie, Under Armour’s ColdGear leggings that are perfect for layering in chilly temps, and my lace-up waterproof boots by Ugg Australia. I couldn’t find this exact style of boot online (except for resale on sites like Poshmark and eBay), but I linked some similar styles above.
What’s your favorite winter activity? ❄️ Do you like to snowboard, ski, snowshoe? Or maybe a weekend getaway in a cozy cabin?
Have a great week, loves! Thank you for stopping by. ❤️
In last week’s post, I had yet to choose a short story collection for my 2019 booklist. Turns out, I had the answer on my bookshelf the whole time! Great American Short Stories: from Hawthorne to Hemingwaycontains a range of renowned authors and stories. Some I’ve read before (“The Yellow Wallpaper” is a personal fave), but most are brand new to me.
Though I generally gravitate towards novels, one of the convenient things about short stories is that they’re not a huge time commitment. In this particular collection’s introduction, English professor Corinne Demas discusses advantages of the short story. She quotes the poignant words of Edgar Allen Poe: “In the brief tale, however, the author is enabled to carry out the fullness of his intention, be it what it may. During the hour of perusal the soul of the reader is at the writer’s control. There are no external or extrinsic influences–resulting from weariness or interruption.”
I love that notion of staying with a story and it’s characters from beginning to end. We remain fully immersed in the world the author has created and perhaps get as close as we can to the author’s true vision and intent.
I’m excited to share my thoughts on several of these short stories in upcoming posts!
Today I’m sharing how to layer this long wool vest, which was a fabulous find from the Zara sale (still going on in stores and online!). If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you know I enjoy versatile pieces that can be styled for a variety of settings and occasions. In this post, I’ll be showing two different ways to style this vest.
Up first is a more relaxed weekend vibe, as I paired the vest with distressed denim and a classic white button-up. This look was perfect for a casual family lunch.
Gray wool vest: Zara (similar here and here) White button-up: GapDistressed denim: Vigoss (similar) Black sock boots: Mia (similar here and here)
It’s been very windy here the last few days, and I’m not going to lie–I was pretty darn cold when we were taking these photos!
Black turtleneck:J. CrewFaux leather leggings:SpanxBlack sock boots: Mia (similar here and here) Patent leather purse: Louis Vuitton (similar patent leather styles here and here)
For a more polished look, I layered the vest over J. Crew’s tissue turtleneck (I’ve had mine for years, and it’s held up so well!) and the faux leather leggings by Spanx that everyone raves about.
Sleek black sock boots and a patent leather purse complete this neutral outfit. I think it’s cool that when the vest is zipped up, it looks like a dress!
Hope you’re having a great week! Thanks so much for stopping by ❤️
I took a little break from the blog last week to celebrate Christmas with my family, but I’m back with some winter outfit inspiration and a few thoughts on the coming New Year! (FYI: My high-waist plaid skirt that I wore for Christmas Eve is still available on Zara’s website.)
Olive Coat: Trina Turk (similar here and here) Striped Top: TJ Maxx (similar here and here) Black Jeans:TopshopPointed-Toe Boots: Blondo WaterproofPurse: Louis Vuitton
I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again: I love outerwear that’s both functional and fashionable because of the climate here in the Pacific Northwest. Though, we don’t usually get as much ice and snow as other parts of the country, the chilly weather usually lasts from October through April.
This olive coat by Trina Turk was a Nordstrom Rack find from several months ago, and the oversized collar and asymmetrical zipper are details that initially caught my eye. The wool blend is cozy and warm (and definitely not itchy, which is something I always look out for when purchasing wool items!).
Since this coat is more of a statement piece, I paired it with classic staples like a striped tee, black skinny jeans, and pointed-toe boots. I’ve been wearing these Blondo Waterproof boots nonstop lately (they’re super comfortable and the stylish pointed-toe doesn’t pinch my toes at all!).
I linked coats in similar olive tones above, and also in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app.
“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.
Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.
So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes… Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life…”
–British author Neil Gaiman
This time of year we look back on what we’ve accomplished and move forward to what’s next. It’s easy to get fixated on resolutions and goals and becoming some sort of ideal version of ourselves. And don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have goals and to grow and evolve, but we can’t obsess over perfection or be afraid to make mistakes.
In February of 2018, I finally started this blog, and it’s been a real joy to connect with other bloggers, bookworms, fashion-lovers, and brands. There are so many inspiring people out there, sharing their passions and working towards their dreams, and I’m just glad to play a small part in that here in my little corner of the internet.
I’m striving to grow Shakespeare Loves Chanel even more in 2019 and share more fashion and style, stories and poems, and travel and adventures.
What are your goals for 2019? What’s on your travel itinerary or reading list? (Sharing mine in next week’s post!)
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for following along, and I wish you all a Happy New Year!
Hello, all! Can you believe it’s December already?
In the midst of holiday decorating over the weekend, I took a break to dive into Mark Manson’s bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. I’ve heard rave reviews about this book from so many people that–even though I’m usually more of a fiction reader–I had to check it out.
First off, if profanity is not your thing, then this probably isn’t your cup of tea. However, I personally am loving his blunt, no-nonsense approach and life advice.
One of my favorite passages so far: “The person you marry is the person you fight with. The house you buy is the house you repair. The dream job you take is the job you stress over. Everything comes with an inherent sacrifice—whatever makes us feel good will also inevitably make us feel bad… We like the idea that there’s some form of ultimate happiness that can be attained. We like the idea that we can alleviate all of our suffering permanently. We like the idea that we can feel fulfilled and satisfied with our lives forever. But we cannot.”
Basically, life is a constant work-in-progress and nothing is sunshine and daisies all the time. I’ve noticed that people (myself included) often think things like, “oh once I get this degree or get this job or get married or buy a house or (fill in the blank here with whatever it might be for you), THEN I’ll be happy. Then I’ll be satisfied.”
But it doesn’t work like that. Even our partner or spouse, whom we may love and adore, will of course sometimes make us mad or drive us nuts. And even that job that we’ve been dreaming of for years will still cause us stress at times.
Just because we may attain a dream or goal doesn’t mean that our life just stops there in a permanent state of perfection. There will always be ups and downs, and Manson asserts that “True happiness occurs only when you find the problems you enjoy having and enjoy solving.”
There are many thought-provoking ideas in this self-help sensation, and I will definitely do a full review once I finish it!
I’ve been a big fan of this warm caramel shade of orange this fall. This faux suede moto jacket was a TJ Maxx find recently, and I love the vibrant color paired with classic neutrals.
I also got really lucky that my jacket coordinated so well with the beautiful autumn sunset (sometimes it’s the little things 😉)!
I’m wearing this jacket with a timeless cable-knit sweater from H&M, my favorite Topshop high-waist jeans, and pointed-toe boots from Blondo. My Louis Vuitton crossbody bag I’ve had for many years, and the vachetta leather trim of the bag accents the color of my jacket nicely.
I’m really enjoying all the different colors of moto jackets that I’ve been seeing lately from a variety of brands (I linked several options above in faux suede and suede, and also in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app).
I have lots of holiday-themed content planned for the coming weeks, including outfit inspiration and some festive activities if you’re local or visiting Portland! Do you have certain holiday traditions that you do every year?
I took a little break from the blog last week to celebrate Christmas with my family, but I’m back with some winter outfit inspiration and a few thoughts on the coming New Year! (FYI: My high-waist plaid skirt that I wore for Christmas Eve is still available on Zara’s 
Shakespeare Loves Chanel 