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Dealing with self-doubt

Posted in Lifestyle
on 08/30/2018

There’s something I’ve been struggling with lately: self-doubt. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m expected to be a real adult in less than 10 months, or maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t had much time to think about anything these past few weeks (thanks, recruitment)? Possibly it’s the combination of both, but all I know for sure is that I have felt off. 

Self-doubt is definitely a huge player in the game that is my life. I’m a type A personality, so I constantly have an internal battle going on. As my biggest critic, there’s always thoughts running through my mind of self-doubt.

Here’s a few things I’ve been doing to help curb this feeling!

JOURNALING

My FAVORITE thing I’ve taken from my #selfishsummer was journaling. I *tried* to make it a daily thing, but when things got busy it was more like one-two times a week thing. BUT STILL. I cannot explain how much better I feel after putting it allll out there on the pages of my journal. It’s extremely therapeutic especially if you’ve got a mind that runs a million miles a minute like mine. Get yourself a journal, decorate it and make it your own, and use it!

 POSITIVE THOUGHTS

When I’m down on myself, I like to flip back through my social media/camera roll to see how far I’ve come. Even since the beginning of this year I’ve grown so much! In January of 2018, I wouldn’t have been able to move 10 hours away from home for the summer. But hey! I did it and it made me a much stronger, more independent person. So when I’m feeling doubtful, I remind myself of everything I’ve already accomplished.

KEEP ON MOVING

Sometimes I think the best way to kick those ugly feelings to the curb is just to keep pushing. To keep moving and have faith you know where you’re headed. This might not work for everyone, but I know that for me it’s one of the best ways to do things. If I keep my mind occupied on other tasks then I have less time to doubt myself.

Life is definitely a journey and not a destination. By helping yourself along the way, it’ll make things a lot more fun! I’ll promise you that. So the next time you’re feeling a bit of self-doubt, take a step back. You’re a lot stronger than you think.

Cheers to getting back into the swing of things and a new school year!

xoxo

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Mid summer recap + reflection

Posted in Lifestyle
on 07/01/2018

HELLLERRRR my friends. Feels like it’s been AWHILE. Since the summer is about halfway through for most of you *cue the sobs* I wanted to check in and give y’all a lil life update. Most of you voted for some more girl talk kind of posts via my Insta stories a few weeks ago (thank you if you voted ILY A MILLI) so here I am delivering!

If you are new to LGIP, let me fill ya in. I moved to Fayetteville, AR this summer for an internship at RiffRaff. I moved here not knowing A SINGLE SOUL. Man, was it intimidating. I mean, I guess I would consider myself a pretty friendly person and I honestly believe I could talk to anyone (if you know me IRL you know I am a talker). I was scared, but I knew that I would be able to make friends if I put myself out there. Well I am happy to report, I have friends! Good friends, no, GREAT FRIENDS up here in Arkansas. Friendships don’t come easy and I will say opening up right away with all of these girls it has paid off.

Coming up here and being 10 hours away from home (I miss you NOLA) has been hard. I’m not gonna lie to y’all I have a had a mental breakdown or two up here. Nothing a fountain coke, bath, and drive around town at night can’t fix right? Wrong. I’m not here to complain about being away from home because it was all my decision to take this leap of faith but I don’t want y’all to think it’s been all sunshine and rainbows. I mean, hey, I miss home ALL THE TIME but I am trying to make the most of this amazing opportunity being up here by myself for the whole summer.

I’ve taken up journaling this summer too and it’s made HUGE difference. Keeping all of my thoughts caged up inside is not healthy. I enjoy getting them all out onto paper each night. Not only is it extremely therapeutic, but I really crack myself up and I love going back and reading my old journal entries.

Being up here has sparked a period of extreme growth for me. I mean, not having my family and friends to rely on 24/7 is really challenging. I am sooo used to living in the sorority house where you’re never alone, so being alone like this was a bit of a culture shock for me. My mom has always told me I was independent and I’ve seen that quality in myself this summer. I LOVE doing things alone.  My solo Target trips, drives around town, and dinners are truly some of my favorite things to do. Being alone isn’t something to be ashamed of so why should I stay cooped up at home? I guess this segways great into my next topic: boys.

Oh god, I hate em, I love em, and feel everything between for em. Y’all have heard me talk about boys before on LGIP and this is a subject I’m not ashamed to speak on. Yes, I am still single as a pringle. Yes, it’s hard seeing all of my friends and EVERY SINGLE PERSON on my Insta timeline in relationships when I am far from that. But I think at this point in my life, as much as I may resent it, being single is what I need. I needed this time to take care of myself. There is a time and place for boys I guess for me, it’s just not now?

I am not saying I’m anti boy AT ALL. For me personally, I’ve decided that if talking to a boy makes me question my self-worth I don’t think it’s what I should be striving for. If a boy doesn’t answer my Snapchat it by no means degrades me. It doesn’t make me any less me. I’ll eventually find someone who will want to talk to me, regardless of how weird I am! That day is just not today?! This is something that sometimes I feel like I’ve conquered this feeling, but other days I let it get to me. I’m a work in progress as I should be. I hope some of you girls can relate to this. I know it’s a feeling I’ve been feeling for quite some time now. Being single is ok. Being single is awesome!

As I hinted to earlier, I have had a mental breakdown or two this summer. Mostly “WTF am I doing?” “Why don’t I have a boyfriend?” and other classic quarter-life crisis questions. I’ll admit to feeling trapped. Being away from home has really urged me to want to travel and get out of my comfort zone. Moving to Arkansas was a huge step for me and it’s really challenged me to get out of my daily routine. I am a creature of habit, so sometimes that break in the routine can be really tough. But I really needed to be able to take a break in my routine so it’s been good.

Moving away from home has sparked an urge for travel. Not kidding, I dreaaaammm of getting out and seeing the world. Especially this summer, I cannot stop thinking about it. Maybe the fact that my time living in Louisiana will come to an end soon? My travel bucket list right now consists of: SoCal, NYC, Arizona and Austin, TX. It’s been great to get out of good ole Louisiana, but I will say it’s made me realize there truly is no place like home. I’m not so sure Louisiana is my vibe, but I guess I’ll have to travel a bit out of school and see where I feel at home? It’ll all come soon I guess (in less than a year from now I’ll be a college grad holy cow I cannot think that far ahead lol).

Sooooo if you’re still here after ALL OF THIS- thanks. No really, thanks for reading, following along, commenting on my Instagram posts – I really appreciate all of you! I hope you’ll continue to follow along with me on my adventures as I enter this INSANE season of life. LOTS N LOTS OF LOVE.

Here’s the link to my set: top and bottom. It’s been one of my faves lately – no really I’ve been wearing it allll weekend lol.

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What’s in my Forever 21 shopping cart

Posted in Fashion
on 06/25/2018

Hello helloooo! Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start! I know I’ve been a bit MIA because my luggage was lost last week for a few days and of course it had my outfits to shoot inside of it. Gotta love that. But it’s back and I am thankful because that means I can FINALLY share this post with y’all! It’s one I’m super excited for. What’s in my forever 21 shopping cart? Keep reading to find out!

THIS SET IS EVERYTHING. Stripes? Check. Two piece? Check. Adorable and affordable? Check. Basically it’s screaming for you to add it to your closet! I am a huge stripe girl, especially in the summer. I swear I wear stripes WAY TOO MUCH. Another one of my favorite trends this summer is sets because they’re so versatile. I layered some necklaces over mine for some more flair but you could totally style this any way your heart desires. I could SO see this set (top + bottom) going perfect with a hat and some sweet sunnies.

and now onto the good stuff…

Basically what I did was spend hours on the Forever 21 website so you don’t have to! I went through each category on the site and picked out some of my favorites. The best part about all of this? It’s budget friendly! Thank you Forever 21 for helping a girl ballin on a budget out. I hope y’all are able to scoop up a few things from this massive roundup. Happy shopping!

sets


tops


dress


bottoms


swim


accessories

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One month hiatus *one direction style*

Posted in Lifestyle
on 04/30/2018

OOOkkkk so hi. I have been MIA. Life’s been crazy! We haven’t talked in over a month y’all.. I totally feel like I’m on a hiatus One Direction style (ehhmm boys when will you reunite I’m waiting??). I’m wrapping up my junior year here at LSU which I honestly cannot believe…. I’ll do a junior year recap soon for y’all like I always do since those are some of my favorites to write.

But I’m back with a lil update on where I’ve been — aka not inspired, lazy and honestly confused about my life’s direction. Yes, I am a drama queen (don’t have to tell me twice). School wise, things have been easy… almost too easy. I’m pretty much done with all my fashion classes and I’ll finish up my second minor and major in the fall of 2018. But LSU, ya ain’t getting rid of me that quick cause this girl is gonna ride things out as long as I possibly can! I’ll stay in school until May 2019 for fear of missing out on my last SPRING SEMESTER of college (don’t wanna talk about it even though it’s a year away). Here’s what I’ve been up to in some of my classes this semester! Whoo for being creative!

I went to Nashville at the end of March for my spring break and ooooomg if you’ve never been ya GOTTA GO. We ate and drank our way to the entire town and I said sayonara to my bank account for good (no really I have yet to reclaim my once stable-ish financial state). But regardless, it was dang good time! Eatin, drinkin, dancin and just having a good time with good friends was exactly what I needed. If you’re in the mood for some pics keep on scrollin because I’ve got tons.

BEST GRILLED CHEESE. Get the pimento one tooo good. CMA Hall of Fame this was a great breakfast spot!!

After Nashville I sat down and tried to write a recap post, an OOTD, just something but I felt like I was in such a rut! I feel like I was just explaining to y’all a month of two ago about how uninspired I was but I’m back again on that same kick… Ughhhh maybe the summer will bring me some inspo #plzlord

I almost forgot to update y’all on my summer plans.. holy cow I am sooo excited! I’ve been following ShopRiffRaff since I was a junior or senior in high school and I’ve always been obsessed with them. Their branding is so on point and the girls that work there always seem to have SO MUCH FUN. I applied and was offered an internship there as an Operations Intern this summer in Fayetteville, AR. So yeah, I’m moving to AR next week for the next three months which I am really looking forward too but also scared shitless a lil bit too. I’m not gonna know anyone but it’s going to be such a cool experience to step out of my comfort zone (I’m lookin at you Louisiana)! I’ll share a lot more on my experience and move here once I get settled.

ALRIGHT THAT WAS A MOUTHFUL. That’s basically my life right now. It’s a bit chaotic but we are making moves people!! Happy May 1st~

Madison

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1 simple way to style winter pieces into spring

Posted in Fashion
on 02/19/2018

It’s gettin hot over here. I know the rest of the country probably isn’t experiencing this spring warmth that us Southerners are having, but hey I am here for it. This awkward transition season always has me questioning what’s “ok” for me to wear.. jeans? Yeah I guess so. White? Obvi (I never follow that rule because white is my favorite color). Straw wedges? Hmmmmmm. Velvet tops? EH idk. Today I’m gonna break a few rules and look good while doin em.

Let me just start with an update on my life: I am broke and I am a shopaholic. There’s too many good sales going on right now for amazing winter pieces I can stock up on for next year and waayyy too many beautiful spring styles coming out. I can’t help myself! When I laid my eyes on these beautiful, pink, straw wedges I knew I had to have them. I’ll admit, they’re pricey but so worth it! If you wanna snag last years colors here’s a few on sale in limited sizes (here, here and here).

I wanted to do something a little fun with this outfit so I paired a velvet cami (which I am in love with btw please go get yourself one you will wear it ALL THE TIME), my favorite distressed jeans (on sale right now), and a statement belt. The end result: a wintery/springy basic but super put together look.

Velvet camis go with almost anything! You could easily style this with some fun printed pants and platforms, a simple skirt, or even white jeans to bring it into spring.

Is there any winter pieces into your closet you wish that you could style into the spring? Comment down below and let’s figure out some new ways to rock em!

Madison

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January jams | LGIP

Posted in Lifestyle
on 02/01/2018

If you know me at all in real life, you know how gung-ho I am about music. I listen pretty much 24/7 — walking to class, in the shower, doing homework, just really whenever I get the chance! I thought I would share with y’all my January playlist! Music taste says a lot about a person. I for one, think it’s so interesting to see what everyone’s up to based on their current listens.

I’ll link my playlist below for y’all so you can check it out! While you’re at it, give me a follow on Spotify (I would loveeee that)! The link to listen is here. This month I was all about the mix of old late 1990s pop rock + new dance kinda of stuff (Troye Sivan, Charlie Puth). Of course my girl Tay landed on my list as well. Her reputation album is bomb.

I’ll be traveling this weekend to Dallas for an Alpha Phi conference so I am almost positive the jams will be on blast most of the weekend. I’ll be sure to share some pictures of my lovely conference attire (lol) over on my Insta stories! Wishing y’all a very happy Friday junior!

Madison

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21 things I learned by 21

Posted in Lifestyle
on 01/24/2018

As I turned 20 last year, I reflected on some things that I learned in my years of life. A year later, and I’m back writing my 21-year-old version. Time is flying by so fast y’all! I was so giddy sitting down to type up this post. MAMA I MADE IT.

Twenty one things I learned by 21:

  1. An all black outfit is always a good idea. Man do I feel like a million bucks in black on black. Not sure what it is, but this year I have been so drawn to the sophisticated look of an all black ‘fit.
  2. I am a TOTAL HOMEBODY. Ok, so I knew this before but I really connected to my bed this past year. There’s just something about snuggling in with some Netflix…
  3. Learn to love your flaws. This year especially, I struggled with severe acne. Accutane saved my skin for real. It got worse before it got better and it made me realize it’s not worth putting on pounds of makeup everyday. Everyone deals with it, so I’m not alone. Although it took me until the end of the year to realize that, it has made a huge difference in my self-confidence.
  4. I don’t think I could survive without chapstick. It’s truly an essential for me. Put one in every purse/jacket pocket so you’ll never have crusty lips (so gross I know.. but I can thank Accutane for my 8 month stint with those).
  5. Organization is key. Last year, I talked about my planner as my lifeline and this year I’m going a bit deeper into organization. HAVING YOUR LIFE ORGANIZED MAKES THINGS 100% EASIER/SMOOTHER/BETTER. A clean and organized room/phone/purse is the best feeling in the entire world (don’t @ me).
  6. Champagne goes with everything.
  7. Some things are worth the splurge. Before I started working at Hemline, I really didn’t splurge much on clothes. I didn’t even understand the value behind them either. Since learning about sourcing and other factors that go into the making of a garment — I know what’s worth it and what’s not. This year I got a little carried away and splurged on a few things (*cough cough* these jeans, boots, and this top).
  8. DRINK YOUR WATER kids. I swear I feel like a different human being when I am dehydrated. You can catch me with my huge S’well bottle attached to my hip most days. We need water to function, so please give your body what it needs!
  9. If you need a cheering up/wishful thinking/crying night watch a rom-com from the 1990s-early 2000s. They’re a one stop shop for any mood I’m ever in. New life goal is to watch every one I can find on the internet. If ya need somewhere to start, I’d go with She’s all That.
  10. Love to learn. Being open to learning/trying something new can really change your life! While I do hate to learn I’m doing something wrong (I’m a total type A), it’s even better to be taught how to do things right. I’ll forever be student!
  11. Each year I am consistently reminded of how amazing the women in my life truly are. Each and every one is so strong and I simply could not imagine where in the world I would be if I did not have them. Alpha Phi especially has shown me that as women we really do have the power to make a difference #girlpower!
  12. Self tanner has saved my life. This year especially, I’ve really tried to be cautious about my exposure to the sun so self tanner has been my absolute go-to year round. I really helps me to look like I am a real live human being and not a ghost. Shouts to this one because it’s $20 and my all time fave.
  13. Totally going against my splurge rant a minute ago, but I’ve really tried (keyword: tried) to save this year. Hey, I don’t have much time left until I’m going to have to enter the real world (oooh scary) so I am gonna have to have some funds to make it?? I’ve been putting a little bit of each check in savings this year! Although I’ll have to start over after my summer internship (que the Kim K gif of her fanning out the money), my savings up until then will have been worth it.
  14. THERE IS NOTHING BETTER IN THE WORLD THAN A NICE COLD FOUNTAIN COKE. Do not fight me on this because you know it’s true.
  15. Clean sheets after a shower… need I say more?
  16. Social media is fun.. but it’s does not define who you are or your success. I am still learning this fact of life…. Often times, I find myself scrolling through instagram and only thinking negatively of myself and the work I am putting out there. That’s not what’s it’s about. Instagram is not real life. I’m still working on that insecure feeling that I get when I log on to the gram but I think this is probably something many of us struggle with!
  17. Spotify is number 1. Life is just better with music, anytime, anywhere. My taste is all over the place (accurate parallel to my personality) and Spotify is my favorite for finding and organizing all ma tunes.
  18. Learn to treat yourself. Down time is key! Netflix and a fountain coke are always my remedies for a relaxing night.
  19. Working for what you have is more rewarding than anything. Y’all know those warm fuzzies that you get in the pit of your stomach? Mine normally come from those moments when I can look back and see the fruits of my labor!
  20. One Direction > all boys ever.
  21. Your 20s are where it’s at! Although I am only one year in, I can tell this phase of my life will really define me!

Here’s to another year of life! 21, lets hope you’re the best year yet. Cheeerrrrzzz!

Madison

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My love for loafers + Gucci dupe for under $25

Posted in Fashion
on 01/16/2018

top // jeans // loafers (Gucci dupes under $25) // bag (discontinued) // bangles // sunglasses

I’m writing this from a warm day in Louisiana.. shocking I know. Probably not the time to be writing about my excitement for spring shoes with it being January but hey, whatevs. I’ve been obsessed with loafers lately!! They’re comfortable and super stylish so ya can’t get much better than that. Did I mention that I feel like a classy rich kid from the 80s when I wear them? Molly Ringwald vibes…

Here’s some of my favorite pairs under $100 (including these Gucci dupes):

My favorite and the easiest way I think to style loafers is with jeans and a simple top. Boring I know, and so going against my goal to be more fun with my outfits this year lol. These jeans are AMAZING and I would normally never spend this much on jeans but I fell in love and I could not pass them up! I love the edgy raw hem with the classic look of a loafer!

xoxo, Madison

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