As a perpetual over-thinker, I've spent the past week wondering how to appropriately address my decision to return to blogging. A million questions have been spinning around my head. 

Should I make a blog post about my reasons for coming back?

Should I explain what I missed about the blog and feeling connected?

Should I just get back to blogging as if nothing happened? 

Should I be embarrassed that I look indecisive? Am I being judged for it?
Was the blog ruined? Could I even go back?

And as with a lot of things in life, I have come to a very prolific conclusion...I don't know the answer to all of those questions. But I will try to explain a little bit about what I did realize:

....

After agonizing for months and then finally making the decision to stop blogging, it felt like a huge weight was taken off my shoulders. Not having the blog to work on, I had free time again. I started reading for fun. I watched an entire Spanish telenovela on Netflix and my Spanish improved somewhat (Gran Hotel, for anyone interested). I stayed off social media on some days and it felt great. I didn't take photos of myself and my outfits and it was freeing. I didn't care as much about what I wore and what I looked like and I felt empowered.

But then something unexpected happened: the novelty of all of the above eventually wore off. I couldn't believe it. I was so sure that I had made the right decision, and now my favorite hobby and something that had helped define me was gone, of my own doing.
I missed spending time planning outfits, styling, and thinking of designs, patterns, and fit. I missed connecting on social media. I missed discussing great finds. But most of all, I realized that much of the time I thought I was going to save NOT blogging was being spent wishing that I had the blog up and running again... because I missed you, I missed feeling connected, sharing, and most poignant of all, I missed having fashion and style in my life.

So once again the soul-searching commenced.

Clearly, I do a lot of soul-searching, you guys. ;)

And what I came to after Soul Searching Round Two is that yes, I have changed. But my blog is still a part of who I am and what I want to continue doing. I will say, however, that my gut instinct was correct in that I needed change. Maybe I just needed a break. Maybe the blog didn't feel like me because I didn't post much about anything except outfit photos. Maybe I needed to use my own voice a bit more (like I do on Instagram). Maybe I could give the blog a small facelift. Maybe I could expand my posts to include Q&A sessions and other types of posts.

The point is, there are so many possibilities!

I hope you continue to join me in my journey, friends.

And if you're just here for the outfit pics, that's okay too. :)



Striped top- gifted | Similar 1, 2, 3 | My fave Green pencil skirt- The Limited | Similar 1, 2 (Plus!) | Love this one White blazer- H&M | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4 Black flats with gold chain- Target | Nearly identical | Love these gold-accented ones 1, 2, 3 Pearl necklace c/o Blossom Jewelry Design White & rose gold watch c/o Wristology (exact) | Use code GORGEOUS20 for 20% off Pyramid Cuff c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot | Similar



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As a perpetual over-thinker I've spent the past week wondering how to appropriately address my decision to return to blogging.

A million questions have been spinning around my head. 

Should I make a blog post about my reasons for coming back? Should I explain what I missed about the blog and connecting with everyone?

Should I just get back to blogging as if nothing happened? 

Should I be embarrassed that I look indecisive? Am I being judged for it?

And as with a lot of things in life, I have come to a very prolific conclusion...

I don't know.

I just don't know the answer to all of those questions. But I will try to explain a little bit about what I did realize:

After agonizing over the decision for months and then finally making the decision to stop blogging, I felt like a huge weight was taken off my shoulders. Not having the blog to work on, I had free time to spare. I started reading again as a hobby; which I was thrilled about. I stayed off social media on some days and it felt great. I didn't have to take photos of my outfits and it was freeing.

But then something unexpected happened: the novelty of all of the above wore off.

I couldn't believe it. I was so sure that I had made the right decision, and now I felt like my favorite hobby and something that had helped define me was gone. And nothing else could replace it, because a piece of me was missing.

And once again the soul-searching commenced.

Clearly, I do a lot of soul-searching, you guys. ;)

And what I came to after Soul Searching Round Two is that yes, I have changed. But my blog is still a big part of who I am and what I want to continue doing. That still doesn't solve the time issue. But in the end, you make time for what's important, right? Right.

I will say, however, that my gut was correct in that I needed change. Maybe I just needed a break. Maybe the blog didn't feel like me because I didn't post much about anything except outfit photos. Maybe I need to use my own voice a bit more (like I do on Instagram). Maybe the I could give the blog a small re-design or facelift. Maybe I could expand my posts to include Q&A sessions.

The point is, there are so many possibilities!

And I'm excited. :)

I hope you continue to join me in my journey, fiends.

And if you're just here for the outfit pics, that's okay too!



Striped top- gifted | Similar 1, 2, 3 | My fave Green pencil skirt- The Limited | Similar 1, 2 (Plus!) | Love this one White blazer- H&M | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4 Black flats with gold chain- Target | Nearly identical | Love these gold-accented ones 1, 2, 3 Pearl necklace c/o Blossom Jewelry Design White & rose gold watch c/o Wristology (exact) | Use code GORGEOUS20 for 20% off Pyramid Cuff c/o Erika Lehman for Stella & Dot | Similar



Shop The Look:



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SIMILAR HERE, HERE, + HERE  ||  JEANS  ||  BAG  ||  SIMILAR LOAFERS HERE + HERE  ||  SUNGLASSES  ||  SIMILAR LEATHER JACKET 

There's something about fringe that I just really love. It's a trend that has basically become a staple because it keeps coming around season after season. I love that it's wearable in winter on boots, scarves, and outerwear, and in summer on tanks, sandals, and bags. And it's an easy way to instantly add visual interest to an outfit. Some pieces can look a little costume-y, so make sure the cut or style of your top, bag, or shoes is modern, and the fringe adds to the piece, rather than overpowers it. 

The fringe top I'm wearing above sold out a few months ago, but I found a few almost identical ones here and here, and I rounded up a few of my favorite fringe pieces for summer below. Fringe bags and sandals are probably the most versatile and easy to wear fringe items you can buy, like this super classic fringe bag, or this easy pair of sandals, but I do love a fringe lined top!

click the images in the widget below to shop each item!

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Nearly three months have passed--

and I still think about you guys and the blog every.single.day.

I've given myself room to breath and spent time soul searching and exploring; 

yet the truth remains that I miss it, I miss YOU. 

For those following me on Instagram, this is not new news, as I announced it last week. 

But I figured I should make an official blog post about it too. :)

Stay tuned, beautiful friends!

Sending you so much love and light. <3

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June was filled with some new favorites and some can't-live-without standbys. Here are my top picks from last month:

Barlean's Flaxeed Oil

Flaxeed oil is loaded with healthy omega-3s, fatty acids and has been associated with a healthier brain, heart, a better mood, decreased inflammation and heathier skin and hair. I try to have a tablespoon every single morning and whenever I'm consistent with my regimen, my skin feels significantly softer and "glowier." I don't necessarily care for the taste, so I try to quickly wash it down with warm lemon water or my coffee.

Tone-y Bands

Last month, I was online searching for something that would help boost my workouts, especially in the arm department and came across these tone-y bands. I've been putting these on when I go to the gym, go for a run or basically, for any physical activity. While they seem light at first, it's their weight (half a pound for each band) that make them easy enough to wear for longer periods. However, don't let that fool you! It catches up.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

I've been using this stuff for years and it really does wonders in making them look smoother, healthier and looking like I just came back from a mini vacation. I use light, but it comes in numerous shades ranging from fair to dark. Tip: I like to lightly put on a little lotion on, especially concentrating on the ankles and knees, where color builds up, before applying this stuff. I feel it gives me a much better application.

goop by Juice Beauty

I've been test driving goop products for the last two months and it's not that I'm surprised that the products are good, but I'm surprised at just how good. Grace did a great job at breaking down the line and I fully agree with her sentiments: The Luminous Melting Cleanser, the face oil  (and god knows, I love a good face oil) and the five minute facial are the stars of the line. The day and night cream are good enough, but I have others that I prefer more.

Lindt Excellence A Touch of Salt

Good chocolate is the way to my heart and out of all of the chocolate out there, this is in my top three (and I don't even know what my other two are). It's a little sweet, a little salty, and incredibly addicting.

Mason Pearson Brushes

When people hear how much this brush costs, their reaction is "you paid how much for a hair brush?!!?" I know it seems obscene, but I promise, it is worth every single penny. For one, it will last forever. I've had mine for over 5 years and it's still in perfect condition. This is the only brush that I've used that massages the scalp, untangles, distributes the hairs natural oils and beautifully puts the shine back into hair. Just read all the positive reviews out there and decide for yourself!

Bobbi Brown Lipgloss in Bare Sparkle

In the summer, I tend to be more on a lipgloss kick and in my opinion, the Bobbi Brown High Shimmer glosses are the best out there. This gloss is long lasting, not too sticky, incredibly shiny and I happen to love the application wand. I rotate between a few colors, but Bare Sparkle is the one I've repurchased the most, followed by Bellini.

*See my May favorites here

 

The post June Favorites Roundup appeared first on Brooklyn Blonde.

Here are a few recent outfits from Instagram -- if you're not following along there, I share lots of day to day outfits that never make the blog, plus little bits of our lives. I'm @merricksart over there!

SNEAKERS  ||  RUG  ||  FAUX SHEEPSKIN RUG

I bought this pair of new balance sneakers last fall and wore them almost non-stop. I wanted a brighter pair for summer, and when I found this pair I had to have them. They're so fresh and fun! 

SIMILAR JACKET  ||  SIMILAR TOP  ||  JEANS (buy your normal size)  ||  SANDALS (on sale right now!)  

We went out for ice cream as a family the other night to celebrate B graduating from Kindergarten. I can't believe I have a first grader!! 

WHITE TEE (wearing size small)  ||  JEANS  ||  SNEAKERS

This week we headed down to Carlsbad for a family reunion with Philip's fam. We spent two days at Legoland and my Lego-loving boys were in Heaven. My sister in law found these DIY t-shirts online, so we made them for all the kiddos (except San) in different colors. Except we made ours with a Cricut machine and iron on vinyl, rather than freezer paper stencils and paint. 

Also my sneakers were perfect for walking around Legoland the whole day -- this was the first time I wore them and I didn't even wear socks, but my feet stayed comfortable and blister free the entire day. 

WHITE TEE  ||  PANTS (54% off right now! And they fit true to size)  ||  SANDALS (similar here)  ||  BAG ||  SIMILAR HAT HERE + HERE

I posted about these pants earlier this week and they sold out so quickly. I found them online last time for 54% off, but they're selling out quickly again, so hurry and snag a pair if you were thinking about it! 

WHITE LACE DRESS (runs slightly big, wearing size XS)  ||  HEELS  (lower price point here)

I'm such a sucker for lace dresses, and this babydoll one is so pretty and feminine. It also made for a great church outfit on a super warm Sunday a few weeks ago, although I could barely squeeze my hot, swollen feet into my heels by the end of the day!

Hope you have a happy and safe weekend!

OUTFIT DETAILS: TOP  ||  JEANS  ||  WEDGES (available in a few sizes right now -- hurry before they're gone!)  ||  CLUTCH (made by me, tutorial below)

I'm excited to share a really simple and fun DIY project today! This little fold over clutch makes such a great gift, and it's really versatile -- you can use it as a clutch, a diaper and wipes pouch, or a wallet, and you could make it any size!

If you make it as a diaper pouch gift, stock it up with diapers and wipes before you bring it to the baby shower. If you make it as a clutch gift, throw in a pretty lipgloss and some cute sunglasses!

Click through below to find the really easy instructions.

photos by rad and happy

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