All Good

What's crazy about this outfit is...none of it is new. I literally had every piece in my closet.

I think we often overlook what we already have. We see everything in pieces, not knowing that when put together, they create something beautiful. In this case, it was an outfit but how would this apply to your life?

Life is a stunning mess of ups and downs. The highs fuel the lows but it's hard to appreciate them when you are in the middle of your struggles. Personally, I rest in Romans 8:28. God is always at work for us, gathering everything that happens and crafting it for those who love Him.

What a beautiful promise!

With all of the things that happen in life, apart, they may not make sense...but when you let Him bring all of the pieces together, it creates a purpose driven life that we could never comprehend or accomplish on our own.

Don't get it twisted, letting Him lead is not an easy thing. I am notorious for wanting to control every single step of my life. From relationships to occupation to wardrobe, I am traditionally a control freak. I have put my plans in front of God's plans for long enough. In the last 2 months I have relinquished this control (for the most part, admittedly I have my moments) and the peace that I have received is nothing less than astounding.

This doesn't mean you stop working hard. You must move your feet. I am putting in the work but seeking His guidance, listening to Him and going after what He wants (even when I don't understand the move). His plan is greater than anything I ever could compose. 

Top - TTYA for Long Tall Sally/Skirt - Thrifted/Belt - H&M/Shoes - Christian Siriano for Payless

Makeup and Photography: Nikki Notarte 

Let Go. Let God. You hear this often but it's absolutely true. Stop looking at things as they are and start letting Him put them together. Trust that He is putting every piece to work for you. Have faith that He has it all in control. You are a vessel that was created to accomplish great things. Let Him steer the ship! 

With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. [Proverbs 3: 5-6] 

Over The Moon

Tall Georgette Wrap Tunic - Long Tall Sally/Lexy Over-The-Knee-Boots - SMASH SHOES (come in size 10-13 in beige and black)/Skirt, bracelet and Clutch - H&M/Sunnies - Forever 21

Photo Credit: Meg Russell

Hunty. Look. At. These. Boots.

I mean...stop everything and look at a boot, that comes in size 10-13, that is a TRUE over-the-knee boot. Take that in, don't pass out and happy dance like a maniac. They also come in black. Bring that happy dance back once again!

These SMASH beauties couldn't be more on time as this season, over-the-knee footwear will be everywhere. Not too far behind, is the all black trend. Now for me, this is not a trend. All black everything is classic and a timeless staple. You can never go wrong with all black and the Georgette Tunic is one of those perfect black pieces that you can wear with everything. I love the detail, chic collar and the length is spectacular. You WILL see me rockin this again and probably again.

I really can't wait for fall and more importantly can't wait to walk this way and that way in these killer boots. You can't tell this tall girl nothin! ;)

FALL FORWARD

Tall Check Coatigan - Long Tall Sally/Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots - Long Tall Sally (3 options up to size 15)/Tall Leather Look Leggings (similar HERE) - Long Tall Sally/Tunic - H&M/Handbag - Target/Hat - Key West Hat Company of New Orleans/V-Cut Collar Necklace - Forever 21

Photo Credit: Meg Russell Photography

Can you believe that fall is almost here? It's crazy how fast the summer went by and it's time to prepare for the crispy weather that is on it's way. What better way to kick off the season than with versatile pieces from Long Tall Sally.

The Check Coatigan is such an amazing fall option. I love the bold pattern, soft textile and most importantly, long cut in the body and the arms. You don't want to take it off. It's like you are snuggling with the piece all day long. You can wear it open like I did in this look or belt it with a long maxi skirt for a more dramatic look.

The leggings pictured here are super low in stock because they were from last season but LTS has another classic option available HERE. These leggings are one of those pieces that are timeless. You will wear them with everything, season after season. They definitely qualify as a smart style buy. 

Now for the boots. Sign me up for every option of the LTS Chelsea Leather Ankle Boot. Pictured are the suede option but they also come in black, all black, and tan. Wait...did I mention they go up to a SIZE 15! Crazy good.

So there you have it...3 versatile fall essentials from Long Tall Sally. I am in love with all 3 and can't wait to show you some more of their fall options and other amazing tall, fall pieces in the coming weeks!

HAIR UPDATE: This is my first wash and go! As you can see my hair shrinks up quite a bit. I also got a great, healthy cut and hydration treatment from the Curl Doctor, Shai Amiel. My hair is the healthiest it has been in years and I am really thankful to be where I am in my healthy hair journey. I am still not completely sure about what I am going to do during the season because to contrary belief natural hair takes a lot of time. What I do know is, if I make a decision to get a protective style, I will make sure that it is truly protecting my hair. In the meantime, I am rocking my curls like no tomorrow:-)

Dusty Rose

Sleeveless Floral Duster - Amalli Talli/Crop Top - Long Tall Sally/Necklace - Rocks Box/Pleather High-Waisted Mini - H&M/Heels - Nine West/Handbag - Vintage/Bracelet - Forever 21/Hat - Key West Hat Company of New Orleans

Photo Credit: Nikki Notarte

Let's talk about the myth that you can't wear leather (or in this case pleather) in the summer. Pish posh. You can 110%. Now, I wouldn't wear it hear to toe (unless you are in to sweating) but an outfit containing leather in some way is completely and perfectly fine.

A prime example is this high-waisted pleather mini that I picked up at H&M. Not too much and thankfully not too little (I know, I was shocked a mini from H&M fit too). I paired it with this amazing floral duster from tall retailer Amalli Talli (love love love) and a neck piece from Rocks Box (straight rented homie).

SIDE NOTE: You have definitely seen this hat and heels on my blog before and guess what...you probably will see them in future posts as well. They are some of my old faithfuls. There is NOTHING wrong with wearing things multiple times. Nothing at all.

So the moral of the story is...break the season rules. Explore what you like and go to town. You are in charge of your style. Do you!

Hair Update: Thank you so much for all of your emails and comments. Your support makes me tear up with joyful tears every day. I am still getting used to it (mainly the time it takes) and not completely sold yet BUT I am super excited because this Thursday I have an appointment with the one and only Curl Doctor Shai Amiel at the Capella Salon in Los Angeles. I want my hair to be the healthiest it can be and he is the one that will get me there. I am looking forward to it. I really think it's going to be a game changer in my curl journey. Can't wait to share all about it!

Who Is She?

Tall Side Lace Up Longline Vest (added bandeau top underneath) - ASOS/Tall Joggers (36" inseam. Similar HERE) - ASOS/Booties - Vince Camuto (size 12)/Clutch - H&M/Bracelet - Forever 21

Photo Credit: Joshua Leung

Since my post about my natural hair, I have received so many comments and emails of encouragement. Thank you so much! I still and will always believe that everyone is wonderfully made in every single way but let me tell you...going natural is not easy.

I am starting to love my natural hair but it takes an immense amount of time to care for it. I cannot tell you the time, money and emotion that I have already put into my locs and it hasn't even been a month yet! If anything, the time (especially during the season) will eventually be the reason why I go back into a far more healthy protective style (or cut it off into a haute style) however I am going to give it some more time...I won't give up that easily!

Another thing that is hard for me to adopt is the way that I look in photos. It's not that I don't like what I see, it's that I don't recognize me. I found myself saying...who is she? And really, that is one of the things I am finding on this journey. I am in a place occupationally, emotionally, relationally and physically, where I am really finding who I am and where I want to be. It's something that we all constantly go through, I just happen to be particularly uncomfortable in multiple areas at the current moment. It's okay and in many ways exciting because God always does his best work during these times.

One thing about style that I love, is that it can change your entire mood. You can be going through a lot and slip on one of your favorite pieces and boom...you feel brand new. Clothes don't make you BUT they sure can change your day and these pieces by the ASOS Tall line definitely fit that bill. 

Look how long these joggers are! Tall, chic and comfy...you can't beat that. Joggers are very versatile pants...lightweight for the summer months and can be paired with a blazer or sweater in fall and winter. A pair of joggers should be in every tall girls closet. 

Do we really have to talk about the LongLine Vest!? Insert smiley face with hearts in the eyes here. It's just a beautiful piece. Longer tops are definitely hot right now and the tall cut of this vest hits us just right.

So there you have it. This is where I am and what I am wearing through every moment:) Talk to you soon cutie pies!