So I just got invited to create a lookbook, and decided to post all my looks here too. :)

Flip Flops Aren't Your Feet's Only Option in the Summertime

Flip Flops Aren't Your Feet's Only Option in the Summertime

It’s finally summertime and the heat makes it pretty easy to want to grab your flip-flops and run out the door, but why rely on flip-flops when there are so many other options out there? I’m not knocking the trusty pair of Old Navy flip flops we all have lying around, but they aren’t exactly my style “go-to.” Instead, why not try a pair of summery flats. Or you could go for some strappy gladiators or a nice platform sandal. All of these options are just as cool and comfortable as the flip-flop, but let you keep some of your style points for the summer.

Photo Credit: 1 - Ashley Rae via Chictopia, 2 - Chellelaabelle via Chictopia, 3 - Ashley Olsen

Get the Look

Product Information:

American Apparel - White Off The Shoulder Top, American Eagle Outfitters - Denim Shorts, Frye - Platform Sandal, ASOS - Metal Feather Necklace, Topshop - Leather Skinny Belt

Product Information:

Forever 21 - Dress, Urban Outfitters - Flats, Tory Burch - Wristlet, Athleta - Hat

Product Information:

Insight - White Tank Top, Abercrombie & Fitch - Denim Shorts, American Apparel - Tube Bra, American Eagle - Gladiator Sandals, RayBan - Sunglasses

Flip flops could easily go with any of these three outfits, but why opt for them when you can chose any of these fun pairs of shoes.

Outfit #1 is the most sophisticated out of the three options because of the heeled sandal and the more tailored shorts. I added a looser, comfortable top to balance out the structure of both the shorts and shoes. A belt that matches the heels and a gold necklace finished off the look.

Outfit #2 is a dressier option, but still casual enough everyday wear. The dress is a nice airy, summer blue and the hat will keep the sun out of your eyes. Always glamorous and practical. These flats give an extra summery flair because of their light color and cute weaving.

Outfit #3 is perfect for a hot day. The top is light, but not see-through enough to be scandalous and the pop of pink underneath will add some color. These gladiator sandals are also the most practical alternative to flip flops because they are flat and easy to walk in, but add some definite style to the mostly simple outfit.

Being alone is a scary thing. The thought of being alone forever is even scarier. I had a conversation about whether it would be better to never fall in love than to lose someone that you loved. My friend said she would rather never had loved because why bother even knowing that you could feel that good when you're just going to lose them and lose that feeling, potentially forever. I honestly can't believe that she felt this way just because never feeling love is possibly the worst thing that could happen to someone. I would rather have a moment of pure happiness rather than never actually knowing how that feels. It is worth the lose. After debating all of this we continued about how scary it is to think that we may never find who we are supposed to fall in love with. Not the cliched "soul mate" but just someone that meets expectations and is someone that we deserve, someone more than average. What if we never find that someone? Maybe it's vain to think that we deserve someone who is more than average, but is it really so wrong? I think I deserve someone interesting and funny and thoughtful and everything, someone who I don't have to settle for. The thought of settling is almost as scary as being alone because I want someone who I REALLY want, not someone whose alright that i chose because I'm scared of being alone. It makes me want to rush and find him tomorrow, so I know that I don't have to worry anymore. No one wants to be that cat lady. What if that becomes me? Seriously...what if the choice ends up being between being alone and settling for someone who is alright? I don't care how selfish that may sound, because in the back of everybody's head are the same thoughts. No one wants to settle. Everyone has these extraordinary ideas of what love should be and no one wants to give them up. So, I guess I'll wait...and risk being alone for the rest of my life? Hopefully not though.

give thanks

mmm thanksgiving. turkey and stuffing and family and home. there is nothing better than thanksgiving and being away from home at school has made me realize that. this year has made me realize how much i actually am thankful for. really great friends, a strong family, and a roommate who, no matter how much we might hate each other sometimes, stands by me through anything. this year i was able to get out of a relationship that was just dragging me down and no longer made me happy and I'm more than thankful for that. there is actually so much to be thankful for. I'm thankful that I'm happy at school and that my life is actually heading in a direction. I'm thankful that i'm finally happy because so many people aren't and they are stuck in this life that makes them miserable. i have a family that i can come home to whenever i need anything at all and that i will always have a home with real food and a comfy bed to run to. too many people fly by with life and don't realize just ow much there is to be thankful for. even if it is the smallest little thing, everyone has something to be thankful for and i'm thankful that i can see this. thanksgiving is one of the most important days we have, because it gives everyone a chance to slow down, even if only for one day, and look at their life and realize how much they have to be thankful. so i want to thank the pilgrims and indians for giving us a chance to have this day among all the other 364 crazy days.