jeweled top | jeans | similar shoes | glasses | photographer: my sweet mentee clarissa ♥

coat is a European find c/o Mrs. Catherine!

I think I've been trying to play it cool, when really things have been all over the place, in the best way honestly. 

However, despite all the goodness entering my life, my thoughts have been drifting back a lot to perception - specifically other's perception of me. When I started blogging and sharing my thoughts and feelings, or what have you, in this little corner of the internet,  I never really considered it. I knew I wanted to put my voice out there into the world. I knew I always had this innate desire to connect with someone I would have never met otherwise - or possibly would never meet- but to feel connected nevertheless because there was this a similar belief that pumped through our veins.  But I never thought twice about what I was writing because I just wrote about what rang true to me. About what was placed on my heart, about what I believed, about what stages I was going through. And over time, it suddenly turned into this amazing place where I've received an overwhelming community of support and love and some pretty incredible friendships.  It's pretty magnificent what Jesus can do with the internet.

 But over time, especially in this year, I've realized there have been times where I've been hesitant to share more of my heart here. Where I'm at. Where I'm going through. Whether it be because I'm nervous for some unforseen reason, or I'm afraid how it will be taken, or because I think maybe it's just not what people are interested in seeing. But fear -- well, that's not how this place started out. I earnestly want this to be a place where people can come to feel understood, and not alone in this crazy journey, but I also want it to be a place where people leave feeling more than that. Whether it be more inspired, more refreshed, more knowledgable, more interested in something new, or just like they're more than enough. 

So as this little corner of the internet grows, I just wanted to share my heart regarding this blog with you.  I want to keep it centered around that mission. And I want to thank you so much for being a part of this journey. I've been saying this for a while now, but I promise -- much more goodness is to come!

love you guys,

Sey

31 Bits X She, In The Making

I was recently given the opportunity to collaborate with 31 Bits, an incredible brand that helps make our world a better place by empowering people to rise above poverty. I have been following 31 Bits for years now and have always admired their mission and beautiful pieces. I was so honored when they contacted me and asked me to style the Creative bracelet from their Classics Collection. The Creative bracelet is for "women who can't be contained by rules or tradition, that are too busy creating masterpieces. Everything they touch turns to gold!" Each piece is handmade out of 100% recycled paper and helps support women artisans in Uganda. I feel so fortunate to have been able to collaborate with such an amazing brand. Check out the collection here and learn more about the 31 Bits mission!

Creative bracelet | gold bracelet | rings | sweater kimono | similar dress | necklace

a style journey

    

everyone starts somewhere, right? 
When I first became interested in fashion, you could call my style eclectic - to say the least. My style icons were Mary Kate & Ashley because they just did whatever they wanted and totally pulled it off. I distinctively remember girls in junior high making fun of my outfits and the fact that I liked to wear camis over my tops and a belt to top it off. Like I said... eclectic, but in all fairness Gwen Stefani was killing the game at this time and she was eclectic to say the very least, so maybe I was on point! Or near it... I used to sketch and design clothes in artist pads until the wee hours of the morning. And although my dreams of being a fashion designer didn't really even make it to my teens, I think it really sparked my interest in style to begin with. Well that, and also my incredibly artistic cousin who was working as a fashion designer at Gap at the time, and then went on to drop everything and move to Mexico to teach local artisans how to create their own items and self sustainable incomes... Yeah, my cousins are pretty amazing.

As time went on, I tried multiple times to hone in on my "style". After my obsession with Molly Ringwald, the need to fit in with Hollister stage and my complete and utter obsession with Urban Outfitters, I think I eventually fell more into this "preppy" category. As much as I love the Madewell look - and have minimal pieces incorporated throughout my wardrobe as well - I'd spend more money in J. Crew, Gap, & Banana in a hot second.

similar j.crew blazer | men's button down | earrings & necklace | similar gap jeans | boots | makeup

When I need to create a quick outfit, it usually ends up including a blazer and some pretty gems. This was precisely the case Friday.  This may be partially due to my year and a half of retail work at J. Crew. Plus, I woke up late and didn't feel well, which always makes me feel the need to look put together... so I can in turn make myself believe I am haha.

click below for a few links that may help with your style journey!