All Posts By:

MadisonChurch

Relinquishing control even when it’s hard

Posted in Lifestyle
on 02/10/2019

 I’ve been feeling like I’m over thinking ABSOLUTELY everything and getting in my head way too much lately. Especially over things that I have zero control over. Healthy, right?! Yeah it’s def something I would recommend if you wanna drive yourself crazy :-)

So last week I made a little challenge for myself.

Stop wasting all your time dwelling on things that you have no control over. Start spending more time thinking about the things that you can control. Your thoughts, your actions, your appearance, your Instagram aesthetic — whatever it is that will help you to feel the control that you need! Does that make sense? It is so much easier said than done, but I did notice that this week I felt a lot better this week. Spending hours and hours focusing on what others are thinking and doing sucks the damn life outta you. I KNOW. I’ve been there. It’s seriously one of the most draining feelings to continue to try to control things that you JUST CAN’T. Harsh reality I know, but it’s so true.

I needed that reminder this week and hey, maybe you do too! Focus on yourself and the rest will fall into place. I really have become such a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and if it’s meant to be it will be. I’ve seen that in the past few years, so I’m stickin to it.

Don’t be afraid to relinquish control. It will be worth it in the end. You’ll mentally feel better, I can promise you that. Pour your energy into what you can control. Mindset is everything. When is the last time you woke up and told yourself you were gonna have a great day? I know for me, it doesn’t happen often. I get caught up in the routine. But there’s so much value in having a positive mindset. Good things will come! There is so much to look forward to! Find gratitude in the unknown, I’m sure that better things are ahead for you.

One of my favorite sayings is the serenity prayer. I’ll say it when I’m stressed out about WHATEVER just as a reminder. It always calms me down.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

And if you’re in a #girltalk mood then check out some other posts:

Knowing your self-worth

Dealing with self-doubt

Mid summer recap + reflection

 

Set your sights high this week! You can do it – just don’t be afraid to lose control.

Madison

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Sweaters for spring + my Wildfox faves under $50

Posted in Fashion
on 01/30/2019

I don’t know about y’all but I live for a good sweater. They’re my favorite year round top and I don’t think you can ever have enough! The key to rocking sweaters in the spring is to get lightweight sweaters you can layer if needed but won’t be to hot if you live in the deep south like me. So without further ado, today’s spring sweater post! sweater // jeans // shoes (similar) // hat 

If you want a laugh, peep a retro spring sweater blog post here. Clearly I’ve been loving sweaters for the spring for quite some time now. Does anything ever really change with me? Haha, good question! Since it’s actually getting a little chilly here in South Louisiana, I’m doing jeans with my sweaters. But, when it gets warm I’ll be opting for some jean shorts. These jeans are my latest obsession and I can be spotted in them at least twice a week (oops). Snatch em up ladies- they’re on sale! Plus that hem is gonna be bomb for all your spring sneakers (mine are here) and espadrilles. I can see it now… Warm weather come soon please I’m begging!

Red is my color right now and I am loving everything western lately too. Cowboy take me away…. But in all seriousness the detail on this sweater is to die for! It’s got lace up detailing on the sleeves and even on the back in the shape of a bull. SO unique and so very sassy! I went for a hat because, hey, why not (might as well go all out western) and threw on my favorite snakeskin belt too. All together an easy, standout spring sweater look. *Cue the claps*


I mainly wanted to do this post today to give y’all some Wildfox STEALS. Yep, the best, softest, cutest sweatshirts all on sale under $50?! HMU GIRL I KNOW YOU WANT ONE. Not only do I love Wildfox jumpers, but their sweaters and shorts/pants are fan-freaking-tastic too! I’m always on the hunt for good sales on Wildfox because I cannot justify spending $100 on a sweatshirt. SO that’s where my boo Nordstrom Rack comes in. Always the best selection and the best prices over there. Y’all go check out all my current faves below!

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22 things I learned by 22

Posted in Lifestyle
on 01/23/2019

HELLO HELLO! I am over the moon to be sitting down to chat with y’all today. These posts are by far my favorite to write and I am so blessed to be typing up my third one as we speak (read 20 and 21). So sit down, relax and grab a drink – let’s dive in!

Twenty-two things I learned by 22:

  1. Dying my hair has legit made me a better person? Not sure what it is but when I started dying my hair dark brown, I really grew into myself? I guess it took a drastic change to make me feel good? Idk. But every time I die my hair dark, I have some sort of good luck so if I can have that every 3-4 months I will take it!
  2. Never be afraid to make a friend. It’s so funny how you can make a friend in the most unexpected places. This summer, I met one of my best friends by being creepy and texting her about moving to Fayetteville. Now look where we are! A summer of working together, countless FT calls, lots of pizza, margs, and cries on the bathroom floor – we are closer than ever!
  3. Oldies are the best. Huuuuuge 70s, 80s, and 90s fan over here.
  4. Vodka. Tonic. But only if someone else makes it for you? I cannot make my own drinks for the life of me. I should prob work on that…
  5. Buy the jeans- they will be worth it! I never really splurged on jeans but once I did and I’ll never go back.
  6. Journalling can save lives! I won’t drag on about this because you’ve def heard me talk about it here and here. But bottom line: getting your thoughts out onto paper is therapeutic on another level.
  7. I still don’t understand boys. Don’t think I ever will? Anyone with me?
  8. Summer internships are life changing (RiffRaff, I CAN’T THANK YA ENOUGH). Breaking your routine is necessary and for me it really allowed me to break out of my shell and gain some new experiences! You learn a lot about yourself when you’re outside of your comfort zone. Fay, I miss and love ya toooo much.
  9. Old cars teach you alllll the life lessons. The Frat Wag and I have truly been through too much to recap but I’ll just sum it up this way: I now know how to do a plethora of things under the hood of a car! 19 years and counting and we are still trucking. I am thankful!
  10. Melatonin, I love you angel. I have been using melatonin (keep in mind I DO NOT take it every night) for a deep sleep. It’s honestly one of my best tricks I’ve learned this year. Beauty sleep is key ladies!
  11. Credit cards are the devil but they are also amazing? I talked a bit about about money management in my 2019 goals but bottom line get your finances in line! This year I have become HORRIBLE at managing my money (it’s called online shopping) so I need to learn how to be better because this girl is about to be an adult y’all!
  12. Take the trip – the opportunity won’t always be there! I took a spontaneous trip to NYC this summer and I am so so happy I did. When I say spontaneous I mean I planned it two weeks or so in advance, but it really felt spontaneous to me #typeA.
  13. Chance the Rapper is my MF boo thang. Did I live under a rock until 2018? APPARENTLY!
  14. I would do many things for Calvin’s (a grocery store in Baton Rouge) chicken salad. With wheat thins! Be still my heart!
  15. There will always be people who doubt you, talk bad about you, and don’t support you. The hardest but most rewarding thing to do is continue to do your own thing and prove em allllll wrong. Not that you need approval from others to be validated but I think showing someone you CAN and WILL do something is the most liberating feeling.
  16. American airlines and I do not get along. Cancelled flights, lost bags, delayed flights, and flight voucher issues… the list goes on. I wish I could say I’m done with them but I know I’m going to have to fly with them again. Ain’t that fun?
  17. Learn how to give yourself an at home blowout and you will never be the same! The volume! The round brush! Ugh, I love the way my hair feels after a fresh blow out so do yourself a favor and watch some youtube vids to get the technique down. You’ll thank me later!
  18. Stop being so critical! I am my own biggest critic and sometimes it really holds me back. I’ve learned to loosen the reins *just a bit but everyone is a work in progress ok* and I can say I’ve enjoyed life a lot more. Don’t take yourself too seriously! Life is fun, make it that way!
  19. Everyone needs a pair of MuMu bells. They are my favorite pants in the world. SO flattering and so comfy.
  20. Y’all need to go to Chili’s. Chips and salsa, soup and salad and a big fat Coke for under $15? Sign me up. Plus they have a banging marg if you’re ballin on a budget.
  21. I’m becoming a crazy hat lady. I’ve accepted it. I’ve embraced it.
  22. Make time for the ones that matter. Most of the time when I get home from work or school, I don’t ever wanna leave my room until the next day for work or school again haha. But time is short and you’ll never regret spending time with the people you love even if it means you have to leave your comfy af bed.

HONESTLY SHOCKED I MADE IT THIS FAR! 21, YOU WERE BOMB. 22, I KNOW YOU’LL BE EVEN BETTER. CHEERS!

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The look for less: racing stripe jeans

Posted in Fashion
on 01/10/2019

Hi hi! Happy Thursday people, let’s make it to the weekend in one piece. We only have one. more. day. We can do it!

Y’ALL KNOW I AM ALWAYS BALLIN ON A BUDGET. There is no high like one you get when you get a great steal! Which brings me to why we are here today: these AMAZE racing stripe jeans. If you have been keeping up with fashion in any capacity, I am sure you’ve spotted a pair of these. I’m happy to report this trend seems to be here to stay! There’s so many variations of the racing stripe jean which is great news for us bargain hunters because it means we can get the look for less. 
jeans (ON SALE FOR $25) // top (similar) // shoes // hat (similar) 

I’ll let y’all in on a little secret because I love ya. Two words: Abercrombie jeans. No really. I am NOT KIDDING. When I think of Abercrombie I am immediately transported back to junior high when everyone exclusively shopped at there. It was truly the peak of graphic tees and denim skirts then. But now, Abercrombie is one of my go-tos for an amazing sale. Their denim is honestly pretty great. It revels some of my favorite high-end jeans and that’s saying a lot coming from me!

I’m obsessed with the colors in the racing stripe- they’re not too bold which is great because you can style with almost anything. I love a good basic look as much as the next girl so I just paired them with a white button up top, neck scarf, and for funsies one of my felt hats (hat lady @ heart). Ooh, wait I forgot I would literally be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention these shoes to y’all. MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE WORK SHOES. So no surprise I own them in two colors right? They are so comfy and a fabulous way to elevate any outfit.

I’m linking alll of my favorite racing stripe jeans for any budget below, including the ones I am wearing which are now ON SALE FOR $25. RUN! DO! NOT! WALK!

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2019 goals + realities

Posted in Lifestyle
on 01/03/2019

A VERY HAPPY 2019 TO Y’ALL! In the midst of all of the chaos that has been my life for these past two months, I have not been present on my fave lil corner of the web. For that I’m sorry! Senior year has really got me goin craaaazy (in the best/worst ways). BUT I am back for a lil #girltalk #realtalk which happens to be y’alls favorite to read and mine to write! This post could seriously be ALLL over the place but I think that’s the point of a #realtalk. It’s not always going to be the most linear, easy-to-follow kind of post but it’s gonna be a good ole venting session and who doesn’t need one of those?!

Now, before we get started let’s dip our toes in the warm waters that are new years resolutions, new years goals, new years whatever-you-wanna-call-em. Yeah sure, they can be a great motivator for those first few months, weeks, or days (lol) of the year but how do you actually be sure you accomplish them?! I don’t necessarily like to call them new years resolutions; I prefer to call/make them into goals. The best way to set goals is to make them achievable, measurable and to set benchmarks so you can make it happen. Keep them posted on a sticky on your desktop, in your planner, or just somewhere that you’ll see them everyday. Keep em in the front of your mind!

As someone who personally has a track record of forgetting about these so-called resolutions half way through the year, I feel you if this is something you struggle with. Let’s just be honest about it, y’all. Things are not going to change unless you do something to change them! 2019 has the potential to be your year so get in there and pave your path to whatever your heart desires.

There’s always been the mantra of “new year, new me” and it’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. As good as it can feel to “leave it all behind in 2018” I don’t honestly think it’s possible. This season is all about reflection: of where we’ve come from and where we have been. Use what you have learned whether it be from success or from failure TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. You don’t have to shut out all of the bad to get to the good! It’ll help you to grow. Learn from 2018, and use it to BE better and DO better in 2019. Because of 2018, you are changed!

With all this talk of change and goal-setting for a better year, here’s a peak into what I have challenged myself to achieve this year!

  1. Move more confidently and fearlessly. This is your life, and you are the one who has the ability to make things different. Confidence for me has come with age as well as out of hardships and challenges. I want to continue to learn from mistakes and work on being more confident in the decisions I am making in my life. Will this be my most difficult goal for the year? Heck to the yes. It’s not as much of a check yes or no goal but I think I’ll be able to look back by the end of the year to see whether or not I’ve moved confidently to get to that point!
  2. Learn to be more spontaneous. This seems to be a reoccurring pattern of mine as I did have a similar goal for myself this year. I definitely improved on that but I still have ways to go! As a TYPE A, it is sooo challenging to go off the books and be spontaneous. But it’s so rewarding to be able to live in the moment (even if it’s just for a day or two). With my new job (I’ll be a traveling consultant for my sorority this upcoming school year) that I’m starting in July, I think this’ll be easier to make happen. I won’t have a home-base per say, so jumping from place to place will 100 percent take me out of my comfort zone and methodical-like schedule I’ve been stuck in. Maybe I’ll try a new Starbucks drink or get another sub at Jimmy Johns that’s not the Vito? The options are truly endless.
  3. Take the time to be selfish. Ok, this may sound bad but hear me out? I’m going to be traveling for a living, going from place to place, mostly alone, at the back half of 2019. As a soon-to-be 22 year-old, I really feel like this is my time. It’s my opportunity to learn about myself, to do things for myself without reason! I may as well take this time in my early-twenties to be selfish, while I still can.
  4. Continue to journal (if not daily at least weekly). If you’ve read the blog before, you have definitely heard me talk about my newfound love for journaling. I LIVE FOR IT. Don’t know about y’all, but for me there is something about writing the thoughts in my head down on paper that is extremely therapeutic. I want to be able to look back through all my journals in the future and see my growth!
  5. Make a big girl purchase. Maybe a bag or pair of shoes? Still accepting suggestions, so let me know what y’all got. With me finally getting my first big-girl job after school, I am really wanting to buy myself something that I’ll have forever! It’s gonna feel amazing when I can actually afford something nice for myself! But until then, catch me with my fake Gucci :/
  6. NEW YORK AND CALIFORNIA. I’ll be traveling for a living, but I gotta get my butt back to New York (it’s one of my favorite places in the world…I’m obsessed with all of it) in order to keep me sane!! California has been on my bucket list forever so fingers crossed I can visit this spring!
  7. Find the joy in the little things. Like I’ve previously, stated my type A personality doesn’t always allow me to stop and enjoy the little things. In an effort to be a more appreciative person in general, I think finding happiness in the little things, no matter how small, is the best way to start!
  8. Even in those ruts, continue to create. This year especially, I allowed myself to shut down if I was stuck in a creative rut. This year I want to push myself to keep on creating when I’m not motivated to. Easier said then done, but some of my best work has come from pushing through that bump in the road. Being a self-proclaimed profectionist hasn’t helped me thus far, but I’m hoping my change in scenery will be inspiring to say the least!
  9. Money! Management! Yeah, I really gotta start adulting and get my money in track. I am a shopahaulic which complicates my saving money an awful lot lol. This year, I hope to start CONSISTENTLY saving a part of my paycheck. When I’m done traveling, I gotta start real life and there’s gonna be hella expenses/bills to pay. So if you see me spending copious amounts of money before I put my pre-portioned savings in it’s account, feel free to smack me across the face. I’ll thank ya later.

WHEW. Ok that was a mouthful. If you’re still reading, thank you. You’re an angel. Anyone wanna talk 2019 or even 2018? Leave me a comment below or message me on Instagram! Cheers to where we’ve come from and cheers to where we are headed!

xoxo

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What’s in my shopping cart this fall?!

Posted in Fashion
on 10/31/2018

FALL FASHION IS TOO GOOD, Y’ALL. Although my bank account does not thank me for splurging, my closet sure does. Since it’s finally cooling down over here in Louisiana (on a good day) I figured I would share with y’all a few things I am dying for!

TOPS

I swear everything I love this season is pink, blue, or animal print? Not sure what’s going on in my mind that’s making me think this way but I love it! As far as animal print is concerned, this jacket has me going INSANE. I need it. Bombers are in this year and I looove anything faux fur! Plus it’s under $100 price tag? *Add to cart*

Sweater season is back and although I may just suffocate if I wear a thick sweater with jeans and boots, I will sure as heck be wearing them with skirts and shorts galore! Some of my favorites this year are from Asos, Forever 21, and Free People. No surprise here! I’ll link this adorable pink balloon sleeve sweater (under $50), my favorite striped sweater, and a warm and fuzzy mock-neck you need to get your hands on.

BOTTOMS

I’m all about that comfort level when it actually gets cold. These leggings are my savior! They are comfortable, warm, AND have a wide wasitband that sucks it all in! I have the plain black pair from two years ago so I figure I should invest in another pair. The camo is calling my name!

In a recent Instagram poll on what y’all wanted to see, I got a request for going out clothes (on a budget). I’ll get to that full post eventually but here’s a sneak peak for ya. These shorts. Rose gold faux-leather can it really get any more fab than that? They’re under $60 and they are just so dang fun I can’t help it! Pair them with a black top and you’ll be good for a night out.

SHOES

So I’m on a shoe kick. I just want all the booties this year – they are so so good! My first pair I’m splurging on are these chunky black booties. They look comfy and I feel like I could kinda rock them year round! The snakeskin booties have been on my wishlist since last year. I just feel like they are super versatile and another good year round bootie to wear with jeans and shorts. I’m going crazy for these patent leather slip on sneakers. THE GREEN COLOR IS AMAZING. And they’re under $100 so I feel like I gotta grab em! Especially when our LA weather is so bipolar it’s nice to have a good sneaker to do when it’s warmer.

ACCESSORIES

My two obsessions this year: hats and dainty hoop earrings. I found this leather cabby hat and it is oh so cute. It would look so fun with  a little street chic outfit.

These hoops are THE BEST. I love how dainty they are and the rainbow is super cool for a little pop. You can’t tel they’re rainbow until you get close up! Layer them with other earrings to get that cool girl look that’s in this year!

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Knowing your self-worth

Posted in Lifestyle
on 10/17/2018

Hi y’all! I’m baaaaccck today with a #girltalk. Since this summer, these types of posts have been my absolute favorite to write. Being vulnerable on the internet can be scary, so I hope you’ll read this and it’ll be what you need to hear.

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Self-worth. How do we value ourselves? Do we have too little self-worth and continue to let people walk all over us or do we have oodles of it which drive us to be a total bad ass babe? If you’re asking about me, I would like to think I fall in the middle of the spectrum but that’s not entirely true. Self-worth has a lot of grey areas and I think that’s why I had such a difficult time sitting down to write this blog post. Shoutout to y’all for requesting posts like these that challenge me to think.

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I often hear the word self-worth in conjunction to relationships – whether they be boys or just friendships. Do you really not have enough self-worth to tell him something? You’re really gonna let her treat you like that? Clearly you don’t see how much your friendship really worth. 

As a chronically single twenty-one year old, a lot of times I find myself looking at self-worth when it comes to boys. If there is anything I have learned from the many times that things didn’t work out with a boy it’s this: just because he can’t see your worth, does NOT mean you don’t have it. You have to stay hopeful. As a self-proclaimed romantic (thank you rom-coms for making me this way), I have to think that someday things will work out. Someday there will be someone who can see all that I’m worth. But until then, I have to ride out this wave of life (even with all of it’s ups and downs) until that time comes. Keep doin you girl, there’s really no better way to respect yourself than that.

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In my opinion, self-worth is allowing yourself to experience things, to live life, get hurt. I don’t think self-worth necessarily relates to guarding yourself from anything and everything that could break you, but instead it means embracing it. Life is never going to be perfect, and you’re not always going to be happy. But being able to allow those experiences, whether they be good or bad happen and actually LEARN from them, now that to me is the true meaning of self-worth. You owe it to yourself to get heartbroken, try something new, and learn who your true friends are.

So let’s start looking at things this way: respect yourself enough to be strong and confident in your decisions – you know what’s right for you! Not anyone else. Get out there and LIVE, y’all. It will be worth it in the end. Only you can change your perspective on life. If you find yourself in a negative situation, live it and LEARN from it. You’ve only made yourself much stronger because of it.

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When you’re feeling down, or maybe not worthy of someone tell yourself this: I am worth it. I am enough. You don’t need validation from someone else to tell you what you’re worth. They don’t know your thoughts, they don’t know the struggles you’ve been through to get here, they don’t know the whole you. And if they did, then they certainly would be able to see ALL YOUR VALUE, ALL YOUR WORTH. It’s there, it’s always been there and it’ll be there for the rest of your life. So start acting like it. You are so worth it.

If you’re struggling with self-worth, try to take a bit of time each day to tell yourself something you love about yourself. One of my favorite things to do is to have a constant reminder so I’ll often set a quote I’m loving as my phone background. I’m sharing a few of my recent favorites with y’all below.

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YOU ARE ENOUGH. And if you needed to hear that today, hear it from me. SO much love for all of y’all who read! XOXO

 

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Basics worth investing in

Posted in Fashion
on 09/28/2018

Basics are good for the soul. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about trendy clothes but my basics are my tried and true and I’ll never go a day without em. They’re where I’ll splurge since I know I will get lots of wear. For today’s post, I thought I would break down some of my gotta have basic pieces and why I splurge on them.

A GOOD BELT

Belts have been my jam as of late. There’s just something about adding a belt to an outfit that amplifies the look? Idk, just me? It can be smart to invest in a nice neutral belt that you can keep as a staple piece in your closet. Now I am all for the western vibe, the skinny belt, or a double buckle belt but I don’t think it something to break the bank on. A neutral belt that I can wear with anything? Check yes! I’ll spend some bank on that.

DON’T: DROP ALL YOUR CASH ON A BELT THAT YOU CAN’T MIX AND MATCH WITH ANY OUTFIT.

A NICE PAIR OF JEANS

I was never a firm believer in spending money on jeans until a year or two ago. Why? I guess I just never tried on any finely made jeans to know the difference. But believe me, there is a difference. If you’re anything like me then investing in a nice pair of jeans will be one of the BEST things you can do for yourself. Some of my favorite denim brands are Hudson and Joes. They will run you about $200ish a pair, but it’s worth every penny. They are much more comfortable than a low-end denim and they will last you for many years to come. For me, my must-have pair is a high-rise medium wash with some distressing (and they’re on sale now too).

DON’T: SPLURGE ON BRIGHTLY COLORED OR JEANS THAT ARE TOO EMBELLISHED.

A NICE BAG

I never leave the house with out my purse. Never. I swear it feels like a safety blanket? Lol. Recently, I’ve been leaning towards my black crossbody but for years and years I only used a cognac color. I feel like a crossbody is always a safe bet when you’re wanting to invest. They’re great bags to go from day to night in whereas a tote is not as versatile. I’ll link my favorite leather crossbody here and my suede crossbody (in the picture above) here. I’ve used Ebay in the past to find some great real designer bags so if that’s the route you want to do I would def recommend doing lots of research before buying off Ebay!

DON’T: SPEND BUKU BUCKS ON A SUPER TRENDY BAG YOU WON’T GET LOT’S OF WEAR OUT OF.

A DENIM JACKET

There will never come a day when a classic denim jacket won’t be in style. They’re perfect to add some edge to any outfit, depending on the look of the jacket. When it comes to investing, I always head straight to Free People. They really do have the best denim jackets for every personality. I just splurged on this one! It’s a fantastic medium/light wash with simple studs (I like things jazzy ok). The oversized trucker fit is perfect because it doesn’t limit what I can wear with it like a cropped jacket would.

DON’T: WATSE YOUR MONEY ON A DENIM JACKET WITH LOTS OF FRILLS OR DISTRESSING. GET SOMETHING CLASSIC.

Have the best weekend! Maybe do a little shopping…?

 

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