we’re all just dreamers, someday believers

Dress: Free People, Sweater: Forever 21, Denim Jacket: Vintage Levi’s, Lace-up Boots: Aldo

The past week and a half has been so crazy, trying to get back into the normal routine of things after the holidays. I find that January-March seem to be the longest months because there’s not much to look forward to now that the holidays are done, and the days are just cold, dark and depressing. Needless to say, I’m currently dreaming of warmer days where I can go outside sans tights. With that said, these pictures were taken almost two months ago, before the snow started falling and the temperatures started dropping.

For this look, I’ve paired together a dress with boots – one of my go-to combos year round. Whether it be a midi or maxi dress with ankle boots or a mini dress with taller boots like I have here, there are endless possibilities! The casualness of a pair of boots balances out the girliness in a dress and I’m all about contrast, which is why I love this combo so much. Although I must say, this asymmetrical, raw-hem slip dress is definitely one of the less girly dresses I have in my wardrobe. But you get the picture. For the colder weather, I’ve layered a chunky cowl neck sweater over the dress and topped it off with an oversized vintage denim jacket. My boyfriend calls this a “stylish hobo” look, and I actually agree with him on his fashion terminology for once. I can see why this outfit may not be for everyone, but I love the don’t-give-a-fuck idea of pairing contrasting pieces that it almost seems too random and all over the place. That’s the beauty of fashion after all, having the freedom and creativity to wear whatever you want, however you want!

As we are all transitioning into the New Year, I’m sure we’ve also made a few resolutions for ourselves. I’m usually not one to hold myself to specific New Year’s resolutions, but after the rough 2017 that I had, I do have one this year, which is to just make sure that I am taking steps daily towards being happier. When I say that 2017 was rough, I mean it in the sense that it was the year that I started to really realize that I just wasn’t happy with where I was in terms of my career. Work became so mundane to me, and I knew that what I was doing just wasn’t right for me. But for the last few years, I had settled into the work-life routine, had a steady income, and I found comfort in that stability, regardless of how unfulfilled I was feeling on the inside. After one fantastic weekend this past summer where I truly never felt as happy and free-spirited as I did, I knew that I had to take matters into my own hands so that things could change. I knew what it felt like to feel SO happy, and I knew that continuing on my current path was not going to allow me to feel that way.  The easy part is that I already know what I’m passionate about and what I want to do, but the road in getting there is less clear-cut. Since this realization, I have taken matters into my own hands and taken little steps towards achieving the kind of happiness I’m after. One of them being the creation of this blog. In 2018, I’ve promised myself that I will continue taking those steps towards more fulfillment in my professional life.

My situation reminds me so much of a line in Portugal. The Man’s song “Someday Believers”, which I have fittingly decided to feature this week. Just like everyone else in the world, I’m also a dreamer – I dream about my future daily, all the things I could do and would love to do. But like I mentioned earlier, settling and getting comfortable into a routine kind of put those dreams on hold. I started to forget about going after those dreams, thinking they were a bit out of reach. I think we always tend to think “I’ll get there one day” when it comes to our dreams.  But when exactly is that one day? There’s never a time more perfect than the present, and no one can make your dreams come true except for you.

So here’s to 2018, I hope for all of you that you put in the effort and the necessary steps towards making all your dreams come true this year.