Oversized Dresses + Oversized Dreams

 

 

OTK Boots

OTK Boots

Fall Outfit

Fall Dress

OverTheKnee Boots

Pictures by Amy Parks Photography

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! Today’s post is going to have two parts; fashion, of course, which I’ll discuss first and then I’m going to ramble, like I tend to do, about chasing your dreams and making time for your hobbies….and, yes, I know I’ve discussed this topic before, but, I tend to repeat myself often. It’s what I do (mom life with toddlers). So, what I’m really trying to say is that this is a really long post. And, if you’re reading this from your phone, I suggest clicking read this in your browser.

OVERSIZED DRESSES

Okay, so let’s dive in. I’ve said it a dozen times (again, with repeating myself) –  I love wearing oversized tops and dresses in the fall. One, because I think they’re darling and, two, because, well, queso…and turkey, and stuffing, and holidays, and corndogs at the fair. So, give me all the looser clothing items in the fall. So, with that, you can see why I absolutely LOVE this dress! I mean, I could munch on yummy fall foods all day in this dress and not have to worry about sucking in. I love the colors, the style and the high-low hemline; it really is SO perfect for fall! It’s probably my favorite dress at the moment and I look for any excuse to wear it! I also think it would be really cute paired with leggings or skinny jeans. I think I’ll give that a whirl the next time I wear it. Oh, and did I mention, this dress has a 5 star review rating with 298 reviews? 5 star! Um, yeah, that’s fantastic!

I hear we’re getting some cooler temps this week in Dallas.  Folks, this makes me SO happy. And every other person who lives in this area. We are ready for fall weather, people. Doing fall related blog posts in 90 degree temps is no joke. No one wants to see me sweat like a man.

SHOP THE POST

DRESS  I’m wearing the XS (only $22 + FREE shipping!) CUPCAKES AND CASHMERE version HERE BLACK OTK BOOTS (similar option here) | MICHAEL KORS PARKER WATCH | BAUBLEBAR EARRINGS (that I brought to wear, but forgot to put on.)

OVERSIZED DREAMS

“Be fearless in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”    I’ve always found it odd that at the age of 18 we’re supposed to know what makes us happy, what our dreams are, and what we want to do for the rest of our lives. Then we go to college, select a major in that field, then graduate and then pursue a career in that field. At 18? Really? And, for me, I was 17 when I started college. The only thing I knew I wanted at 17 was a six pack of Zima’s and a cute boyfriend. I had danced my entire life and just assumed that’s what I would do forever. Sure, I now see very successful 20 year old men and women who definitely have their shit together, but I don’t think that’s the norm. For most people, I don’t even think we know our own skills or have experienced enough in life to figure out what truly sets our soul on fire until our late twenties or early thirties and sometimes later than that.

I’ve had several friends lately speak to me about their passions and things they’ve thought about pursuing, which I literally demand that they go for it. Side Note: Never speak to me about your passions or your dream unless you want me to wholeheartedly advise you to tap into it and chase it and turn it into something and then, furthermore, follow up with you to ensure you’re not letting that passion go to waste by not fueling it because that’s exactly what I’ll do.  I don’t know what makes me the passion and dream police, but I think I may start wearing a badge. Perhaps that’s why God led me to chase my own dreams so I could then encourage others to chase theirs.

If you’re reading this and thinking – I don’t have a dream. I’m a teacher and I love teaching! It’s fuels me and makes me happy!  Well then, girlfriend, that’s it. That’s what you’re supposed to be doing. But, on the flip side of that, if you’re spending your days working in a role that doesn’t fulfill you then perhaps it’s time to start seeking something else. Like, now. Ask God to lead you to your calling. Pray about it every single day. Perhaps that hobby or skill, in which you excel, is a gift from God. Sure, making a move isn’t easy and making changes in your life to allow you to spend more time on your passions and dreams takes effort, but, I promise you that it’s worth it. And, for the moms reading this, this goes for you, too. As mothers we tend to put the passions and dreams of our children and spouses in front of our own, but your passions are just as important as theirs and what a great example you’ll set for your children and those around you by pursuing them.

Sometimes, and by sometimes I mean always, you’ll work far more hours for less money when you begin a career that’s centered around your dreams. It’s hard work, especially for someone like me who is extremely scatterbrained, often unorganized and embarassingly forgetful. The good thing is that you will feel a sense of fulfillment and self worth and you’ll be so proud of yourself and that, my friends, is more valuable than money and worth all the effort, late nights, and hard work. And, the good thing, you don’t have to have the perfect plan. You just need to believe in yourself, be willing to work really hard, and pray, pray, and then pray some more.

My husband is a Firefighter/Parametric and he is extremely passionate about his career and my sister-in-law took the leap to pursue her photography business fulltime a couple years ago (bless her soul, she has to take my blog pictures), my father-in-law decided to start his own business many,many years ago and it has flourished and faithfully provided for this family, my mother the same, and I have friends who have done this also. I’m not saying it always works out and it’s always the greatest thing ever, but, what I am saying, some things are worth the risk. Sometimes it’s okay to take the leap. Happiness in your career is SO important. This doesn’t mean you have to quit your job and start your own venture to be happy, I just think it’s very important to make time to do the things that bring you joy or, like the quote said above, sets your soul on fire.

I never know where I’m going with these pursue-your-passions pep talks, but sometimes I just feel urged to talk about it. I’ll leave it with this: There is a neighbor on my street who is always working in her yard. The minute she gets home every single day until it’s dark, she pulls weeds, she mows, she rakes and then pulls more weeds. Daily, without fail, she is working in her yard. The ironic thing is that she doesn’t have any lush bushes or blooming flowers. It’s a completely bare yard that she just pulls weeds from day in and day out. I told my husband that her yard reminds me of life. You can spend countless hours working on something that leaves nothing behind, nothing to show, and produces zero fruit (or in this case flowers) or, we can spend that time using our gifts from God to plant seeds in our lives, in our careers, to pursue our passions and/or chase our dreams, thus creating something so incredibly beautiful…happiness.

xo, Jen

 

Hi, I'm Jen!

I'm a mom of two who lives on coffee (and wine) and a lot of humor! If you enjoy affordable + achievable style, then you're in the right place. I'm so glad you're here!

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Leave a Comment

2 Comments

  1. Cassie Rea wrote:

    Oh, sweet friend! My soul SO needed to read this post today. THANK YOU for sharing and for being such an encourager to everyone around you. You go on with your bad self, dream police! 😉
    XOXO, Cassie Rea
    http://www.cassierea.com

    Posted 9.26.16 Reply
    • Thank you so much for your sweet comment! You sure know how to make a girl smile! 🙂

      Posted 9.26.16 Reply

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