What I Wore: Hat (Montana Vintage; Similar Here), Shirt (H&M; Similar Here), Shirt (Gap; Similar Here), Jeans (Gap), Shoes (Hand Me Downs; Similar Here)
The Boy sent me these images with the title "Cherry on Top." It made me smile. It's talking about the hat, of course (which I have been over the moon about), but even the phrase is so bright and cheery.
In all honesty though, it might be something of a lie. I haven't really been all sunshine and cherries. Oh, I should be. The holiday was, in many ways, wonderful. We celebrated with family friends, the same ones I grew up celebrating with but with whom we'd been unable to for a few years. It was wonderful, like being reunited with family. My sister visited and two other friends who have been like sisters to me visited as well. And I, lucky girl, got to see them all. And now it is that Most Wonderful Time of the Year with Christmas carols, and cocoa, and things all tied up with pretty bows. It is the time to be counting your blessings instead of sheep.
And I am.
But I am also starting a new job, which while good, is also always going to be stressful because it is change. And I seem to be struggling with feeling unwell, and there is a deep, persistent sense of something... off, some days. Some days feel like you ought to be even happier, that you are not being happy enough, especially with the holiday hype. I am never one to nay-say the season, for I love it all, but...do you ever feel this, from time to time yourself? Some of this is probably a lack of vitamin D from not enough sunshine (December 22nd cannot get here fast enough, I think!), but I am looking around trying to find both where I fit and where I am happy- what makes me happy.
I wasn't really sure I wanted to write about this. It is the holidays, after all, and many joyous things happen to me. But I also thinks it helps to know, if you have been down, that you are not alone, and to remind myself of my own remedy. Like Bing Crosby croons, count your blessings. Put things into perspective. That's real cherry on top, I suppose- that I have so many to count; it might be better to say that I've a whole bowl full of cherries, if only I remember to look at it that way.
Oh, I'm a sucker for yellow and red together! And you did such a great job styling this outfit - I thought the yellow and white shirt were one. Beautiful, dear! And you always gotta look on the bright side! Or else, the dark side will burden us. I always try to remember even when I've got it pretty freaking bad someone out there is having a worse time. Not that I feel better that someone else is worse off than me, but more that I'm not the only one going through tough times. Anyways, I hope better days are headed your way :D
Reply Deletethat is a very cute outfit!
Reply Delete<3 you make my days consistently brighter and better...I hope you know you do the same for me. P.S. You might try taking a super-b complex vitamin for the "tired" feeling.
Reply DeleteThank you for the suggestion Shannon <3
DeleteThis is such a great classic look, mustard, red and white are always such a great combination. I love this hat!!!
Reply DeleteYou look really cute! I love how you wore the bow on your shirt all drapey.
Reply DeleteI'm sorry you're feeling down. But the holidays are like, the number one time for depression, so you're not alone! I hope you feel better soon.
Rachel
You know, that is true about the holidays. Good point!
DeleteI like that your outfit is really similar to Shades of Monet's post on Flock Together today. They came right next to each other in my dash. Apparantly now is the time for mustard and berets. :) I'm sorry to hear you're feeling down. Winter is always a gloomy time, we people need our sunshine! I always get depresed during the winter. That's why we have Christmas to give us something shiny to look forward to. I hope the new job goes well! Very exciting.
Reply DeleteIt is a bit similar- especially the color story. That makes me happy; she's such a snazzy dresser!
DeleteLove that, the way you choose your colors, it is always delightful to come back and check your news :)
Reply DeleteI think we all feel like that from time to time. Life ebbs and flows and sometimes it's not all ribbons and rainbows. I believe in feeling what we feel and not trying to cover anything up. If your body or brain is telling you something is slightly off it might be time to change up some of your regular routine. Maybe the new job will be the light that you seek. Although challenging, changes always make a person grow in ways they never thought they could.
Reply DeleteI like the colour combo and the vintage vibe going on here again. That blouse is a winner.
bisous
Suzanne
Great words of advice that was of help.
DeleteThe beret is quite literally the cherry on top (at least for me) :D That splash of bright color is perfect for this. Great boots, too!
Reply DeleteOh and congrats on the new job. I'm sure you'll do great! <3
- Anna
www.melodicthriftychic.com
Thanks Anna!
DeleteI hear you about those off days, but you're right that counting your blessings helps you get through those days. Love your hat!
Reply DeleteYou look fantastic in mustard yellow and I lovve how you paired it with red (cutest title for this post!). Wishing you all the best.
Reply DeleteThanks Imogen.
DeleteI love outfit, the colors paired together are darling. Titling it A Cherry On Top sold me even further. You are darling.
Reply DeleteI'm sorry you are experiencing a lot of stress lately (me too, student loans heyyy). It's totally fine to have down days, even during holiday cheer. I hope you figure out what is make you feel a little off and that everything with your new jobs works well, so you can breathe a little easier <3
Thank you. This was a very thoughtful comment, and I appreciate it :)
DeleteI have been feeling the same way. I am attempting to start a new business while still trying to keep up with my normal job and a bunch of other things. Too many irons in the fire I suppose! I too feel as though I should be happier, especially since I am infinitely blessed in that all of my physical needs are currently provided for me, but sometimes the emotional side kicks you in the butt.
Reply DeleteAnyway, I hope that your new job is a smooth transition and I'm sure you'll do well at it!
That hat is stunning, one of the prettiest hats I think I've seen! What a vibrant red color.
Starting up a business while still having a full time job.
DeleteAs you say sometimes the emotions kick you unexpectedly.
I am suuuuch a sucker for mustard, and hats -- so this outfit makes my day. You look adorable!
Reply Delete--Lily
Fifth Freedom Fashion
Thanks!
Deletecute poses :) haha. Adorable boots too
Reply Deletehttp://abeautifulheart07.blogspot.com/2013/12/8-ways-to-wear-your-boots-this-fall.html
Love the hat and colors in this!
Reply DeleteI love pictures of fall and winter much more than I love the actual seasons... This year has been a little better for me as the first with a car, so less stifling.
Hope you find more bright spots. Hugs.
Congrats on the new job! I know that can be exciting and stressful at the same time. I have to try and stay super in control of my emotions because otherwise I get that feeling alot- not as happy as I could be or should be. I sure hope you get to feeling 100% better and normal soon! That way you can totally enjoy the season. Sending you <3s
Reply Deleteperfectly priya
Such a lovely beanie, I love your look, you are so cute!!
Reply Deletehttp://diana.doubleweb.ro/pure-love-ammauri/