Hi guys! Happy mid-week! How are you all doing? I have to admit my week has been quite rough, but I will get into that later. For now, it’s all about today’s post, this most wonderful and fab off the shoulder mini from Lovers and Friends.
I can’t even with this dress! I mean it’s just so fun and perfectly flirty at the same time. I adore the slight shimmer and the fact that the sleeves are long and billowy. The built in cinched waist is also a major plus and makes it so that the bottom half has the most fab flared fit. I paired it with this oatmeal colored Gucci belt to dress it up a bit. We all know I love these belts and I keep thinking I am going to get sick of them, but whenever I add one on to what I am wearing I 100% love the look more, so I guess I am not over them yet!!
Since this lovely dress has so much personality with the ots fit and cute polka dots, I keep my accessories minimal with these gold ball earrings ($41!! They come in silver too), these fab Valentino rockstud sandals (great dupe option here), and this absolutely dreamy Chloe “nile” bag (here is a fun dupe option).
Even though off the shoulder everything was the big trend last year, it’s still on this season and I really think it’s a trend we will see continue for awhile. It’s just so feminine and fun, plus it can worn by people of all shapes and sizes. I love that this season we are seeing more asymmetrical pieces and more dramatic pieces too, but I don’t think you should shun any of your off the shoulder options. That being said, here are some more fun dresses for all things Summer:
Now a quick life update…to start I have been having a tough time with Instagram and this whole blogging world. I started my blog with the intention of sharing my passion for clothes and putting together looks. I started my instagram with that same intention, but it has gotten so competitive and with Instagram’s new althrogithm I am struggling to just stay afloat. I went from getting so many likes so easily, to now being all over the place with 3,000 likes one day to 1,200 likes other days (like yesterday for instance). It sounds SO trivial I know, but you have to understand that I put my heart and soul into each look and each post, so it is such a dagger to my soul when my posts don’t do well. I hate that I take it personally, but I do. I hate that I compare myself to other bloggers, but I do. That’s just being real. It’s just discouraging when you put so much time into something and it doesn’t get received like you hoped it would, you know? I want to stick to myself + my own style, but it’s so easy to think that if I did this or I did that like some of the other bloggers I might do better. Since fashion is seriously in my soul, I can’t change and I won’t, but I have so been struggling with motivation to continue when I feel these emotions. I know I come off as happy go-lucky, which I am most of the time, but I am also a human and I just felt like I wanted to share that all with you guys. Just so you all know, I appreciate every comment and every like and every message as it’s just a reminder of why I do this. So thank you, thank you, for reading along, for liking my insta posts and all that. It really means so much to me!!
And second, just because this is a huge part of my life as you know, my dog Griffy is not doing well again. He had a little episode on Monday (I thought it was a seizure, but it was actually related to his heart), so I took him to the vet that afternoon. Long story short, he has congenital heart failure. This is super typical of his breed (Cavalier King Charles), but its still SO awful to hear as it means his time with us could be anywhere from 3 months to a year. I can’t even type that without crying as he is our baby and our life. Sorry to be such a debbie downer, but I am feeling like an open book lately, so I figured I would share! Send any and all good thoughts his way. Ugh, right?
Anyways, here’s to this week getting better!!! Hope you all have a fab day!
xo, Caro
I’m so so sooooo sorry to hear about your dog. I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling. You have ALL of my sympathy and I truly mean that. Dogs ARE family and I feel so awful for you. I hope things get better soon. As for your Instagram frustration, I don’t really know what to say to that because I’m a new blogger and if I get 100 likes on a photo, I feel amazing lol. But then I look at you and I’m like, “Ok, wow this girl has truly amazing style and she’s managed to get over 40k followers with only 300ish posts! She’s my goal!” Sending much love to you girl.
I am SO sorry to hear about your doggie!! We have a Cavalier King Charles too, who is turning 11 this year and it is so hard to see his health declining. Completely understand. I dread visits to the vet because I don’t want to hear that he has heart failure. Enjoy Griffin’s sweet doggie snuggles!
I agree with what Carrie said above. You’re Instagram game rocks girl!! It is so exhausting and can be so frustrating. It seems important (and fun) one moment and so trivial (and not worth it) the next moment. It can literally suck the life out of you if you let it. Just remain true to who you are and post consistently.
Hope your week gets better! You look, and you are, far to fab for a bad week.
Xo, Deanie
http://www.deaniemichelle.com
Author
Thank you so so much, Deanie! I really appreciate your kind words and agree it’s so important to remain true to who we are. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. All the best to you!! xo
Girl, let me just say thank you for being so open and sharing your heart! I think this whole instagram thing is so incredibly tough and it’s terribly easy to get sucked into the numbers game! Listen, just know, you are incredible and absolutely killing it with each and every look. You keep doing you! I can 100% relate to everything you’ve laid out and you are so not alone!
And I’m so so sorry to hear about your doggie, it’s absolutely heartbreaking. Will be keeping you in my thoughts!
All the best to you and keep being awesome!
Xoxo,
Sarah
http://www.sarahrileyrose.com
Hey babe!! I recently found you on social media and have been following you every step of the way. You are an inspiration to me and I love love love following along with your everyday life!! Your style is amazing and something I admire. I hope you keep your head up and continue doing what you are doing. I understand where you are coming from, as I am new to the blogging world and see how competitive it is.
But you’re one of my favorites out there!!!! I hope your puppy gets better. Sending him hugs and kisses!!
XO, Kyndel
@champagneblissblog
This article rocks! Love the dresses girl! ❤️ Hailey