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Friday, January 3, 2014

A Blank Slate

We have passed the first day of 2014!  Every year is a fresh slate, a new beginning and a journey undiscovered.  Today is also a day just like any other- so take the time to re-establish your goals but don't stress yourself getting too caught up in making sure you stick to "resolutions" or change every pesky habit you have- everything in life is a process.  That is what I have learned in life- and it can help me to not become too obsessed in self-criticism.  We are constantly reminded that we can be better, reach further and do more, but are rarely self-assured that we already good and enough as we are.  So here I am to tell you that all you need is right there inside of you- in that big heart of yours.  You are enough and you are beautiful, don't let anyone tell you that you are not! :)

Still (of course!), there are some things that I would love to see myself doing in the New Year- updating my blog and journal more, getting out and doing the things I have always wanted to do (i.e. traveling further distances, discovering new places) continuing to take chances with my personal style, enjoying the moment and capturing it in photos and with art because that is how I love expressing myself.  I want to show the people I love how much I care about them and spend more quality time with friends.  I would also like to get back into my sewing now that I have had some transition time for my new job- (and the height of retail season is over!) I want to find more inspiration and generate new ideas, take more time for being creative and lots of walks in the woods, I can not find anything more refreshing than that.    I think I'd also like to get involved in some new activities too, maybe something environmental, maybe something artsy- I am ready for some fun changes!
 For New Years I was feeling rather romantic and a little nostalgic- the perfect mood for this ivory lace dress.  The bell sleeves make me long for an era I never experienced and the lace makes me feel like a renaissance princess traipsing through the winter countryside.  How could my adventure be complete without a shabby old factory building in the background?  Of course staying true to my style, the floral tights give me a pop of color and pattern, with the ladybug being the perfect wildcard- I am in love with this bag!!
I had to work most of New Year's Eve, but luckily New Years Day was all mine.  Daniel and I hung out with some friends I met from work in their cozy little Arden apartment New Year's Eve, I couldn't have asked for a better time!  It was just the right pace and style for this year.   The past few weeks; crowded with working, family events and inexplicable hiccups, melted away while ringing in the New Year with new friends, ridiculous games and a few glasses of wine- they were just what we needed!
Dress, tights, headband:  Urban Outfitters, Ladybug purse:  gift from ModCloth.com, Necklace:  Anthropologie
2013 was a year of learning and growing for me.  It was a little more settled than 2012- I got pretty comfortable at my old job and then decided to try something new in the fall- that set me up for a huge transition but it was well worth it.  I finally got sewing this year and turned my dream of designing textiles into reality.  The summer was full of adventures, creativity and inspiration- I am aching for that warm weather again but also seeing the beauty and restfulness of the winter.  I am ready to go further, dig deeper, laugh more, and go on new adventures!


 Happy 2014!!!!
xo, Alyssa

10 comments:

  1. Aw, Alyssa! I'm glad that you got out of your comfort zone and started designing your own fabrics and clothing... that is seriously such a huge step, and I hope you know I AM PROUD OF YOU! :D I'm happy that you were able to relax on New Years, too. You do deserve a break every now and then for all your hard work. Happy 2014, my lovely little lady! I am so glad to have met you and can only hope we grow to be even better blog frans in the future WAHOO! <3

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  2. It seems like you had a wonderful 2013! I wish you a fantastic 2014!
    You look so cute! The dress is lovely and I like how the tights bring more fun to the outfit!

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  3. I wish you the best of luck with your goals in 2014! I hope this year is even better than the last too. I always look forward to your blog posts with your colorful, pretty outfits. I just love how gorgeous this lace dress is on you. The colorful patterned tights are the perfect touch to make this outfit "you"!
    Happy new year!

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  4. Beautiful dress! ♥
    I can't wait to see what 2014 brings you. :) I'm sure you'll manage all your goals.
    Best wishes,

    Abigail x
    www.deardaffodils.blogspot.co.uk

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  5. I wish you a very happy 2014!
    Lovely little bag you have there... :-)

    -Kati

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  6. Gorgeous mix of textures and prints with the dress and tights. I love the lace sleeves! So Victorian <3

    - Anna

    www.melodicthriftychic.com

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  7. Hey there!
    Sorry I was absent for a little while, I had a blogger-break for a a little more than a month to get some things in my life figured out and to spend time with my family in the last weeks of the year. Yesterday I decided to start blogging again and I am very happy about my decision :)
    You look so pretty in this white dress! Your 2013 sounds good- I think you can be really proud of being able to create your own clothes! Thats something really cool :)
    All the best for the new year for you!!!
    Lots of love!

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  8. So lovely dress!!! And I love the unique way you paired it. Love♥

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  9. I follow you for a long time and I love your style and personality. Your outfits are amazing and very inspiring to me. Kisses from Spain.
    http://www.malketa.blogspot.com.es/

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  10. I follow you for a long time and I love your style and personality. Your outfits are amazing and very inspiring to me. Kisses from Spain.

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