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tropic feels

Maxi dresses will never ever ever not be in style. Jumpsuits are obviously having a moment (as evidenced by how many retailers are upping their jumpsuit game) so I had to tell myself I needed to cool it on the jumpsuit front and find other kinds of pieces. This maxi dress is one I resisted for weeks and then finally gave in to.

The ease of the fit plus the boldness of the pattern equaled perfection for me. It floats away from the body, allowing me to feel comfortable. I love that you can wear this casually or dress it up with the change of a hairdo and jewelry. As I’ve said before, I’m striving for a wardrobe that will take me through my 30s with ease. I think I’m getting there. 

dress / anthropologie
earrings / anthropologie
sunglasses / anthropologie

style in review

For most bloggers and creative makers, December is when there is the most social media activity. Holiday gift guides, giveaways, vlogmas and the like. But if you’ve been following me at all then you know that I also work as a retail manager full-time so that means for the month of December (and well into January too) – my focus is on being merry for others IRL and preserving my energy for that part of my world. Hence, I’m going to commence the year in review! First up is my style.

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These are my favorite looks from the past year and yes, they’re all from Anthropologie. As you can see, I am a lover of a little flair – whether it be in the pattern or silhouette. The older I get the more I gravitate towards length (even in summer) to accentuate my features. That way my look is less about skin and more about my face and how I carry myself. A little bit of confidence goes a long way.

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And don’t get me wrong, I wear separates just as often as I wear dresses.. I just happen to take more photos of the dresses because of their wow factor. Next year I’ll try to mix it up more and showcase assembled looks instead of all just statement pieces.

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electric love

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The clothes I buy fall into two categories. The first being versatile basics – the moto jacket, the turtleneck, the black pencil skirt, etc. The second is the “I can’t live without this” category. The combo of these two categories make my closet wearable while still having a stylish edge. Women typically overthink their outfits and make it much more complicated than it really is, but after enough practice you begin to see the formulas pretty easily.

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I don’t consider myself the fashionista that people think I am. It’s really more about knowing what works for your body shape, skin tone, and age. Like I said I’ve had a lot of practice since I work in retail (having to dress stylishly every day) so I’ve had the advantage of being able to try out many different silhouettes and trends. This moto jacket I’m wearing here – which you’ve seen before since I’ve worn it all of fall – has literally worked with almost anything I put it with. The color is neutral yet rich and is cut in a flattering and feminine shape. 

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There comes a time every season when you see a dress and you just HAVE to have it. This irrepressible feeling is the measure by which you judge all your purchases. Say hello to the one that did it for me.

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I would never call myself trendy, but this dress is undeniably “Boho Chic” which, let’s face it, is a trend that never goes away. I keep reading that the fashion world is at such a point of saturation that there are no huge trends anymore; buying is all over the place and everything that was once old is new again.

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Don’t know when it happened, but I no longer flaunt my legs so midi dresses and maxi dresses are now my dress silhouette staples. I guess I’m just tryin’ to keep it classy and comfortable. The uneven hem on this particular floral maxi dress has the perfect amount of flirt, revealing just a little skin as I walk.

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As a woman in her late 20s, my style is starting to settle into its true form. It’s more pared down than it used to be, with an emphasis on quality over quantity (predictably so) while still retaining an openness to the avant garde. I love a great pattern, but neutrals are my thing too. I love the classics – a chambray shirt, a pencil skirt, a turtleneck sweater – but I also crave modernity with some twists to keep things interesting.

evenings in the garden with tracy reese

Working in retail has taken me to a new level of loving clothing. Since I have so many options before me, I try to be very selective about what I welcome into my wardrobe. It has to be as wearable as it is remarkable. This Tracy Reese Petite Exclusive dress for Anthropologie is one such item, equal parts romantic and modern.

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This piece is from a collection that she designed exclusively for the Petite Anthro customer, tailored to flatter her femininity in an artful way. The silhouette feels tailored for my frame (I happen to prefer petite sizes in general) and I can wear it casually just as easily as I can wear it formally.

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I’m going to have to limit the number of times I wear it, to preserve its beautiful condition. Every time I wear it, I feel like a garden goddess.

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Anything that makes you feel like a goddess, confident enough to pose for photos in the middle of your own neighborhood, is well worth having.

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tracy reese dress / anthropologie
albeit lip color in poppy / anthropologie
earrings / anthropologie
shoes / steve madden
rings / free people