Free People lace tunic (this one layered over this one); Target lace up sandals; Baublebar choker; American Eagle lace bra (worn under dress), similar.

Back when I was 12 or so, I had a Seventeen magazine with a photo spread of Liv Tyler in 90’s clothes that I would DIE to have a copy of today. Back then I wanted to BE her. Back when I didn’t realize models weren’t actually perfect, or better than me. I just saw her in this style shoot that completely opitimized what I wanted to look like and be, and I was obsessed. I didn’t have the resources to buy all the stuff, and I certainly didn’t look like her (I had some chub and some crooked teeth and a lot of awkwardness at twelve, as we all should at that age!,) but that didn’t stop me. She was my style idol.

Magazines were for me back then what Pinterest is today. I’d cut out pictures and make mood boards and hang them next to my closet. Back then I tried on different personalities and looks, just trying to find who the real me was. I still do that, I think. I love trying different styles and I’m constantly looking for the personas that feel like me. This outfit above REALLY feels like me. It’s simple at its core, yet fun and boho and a little edgy. I love that chokers are back in style, they seem really fresh again and just cool. Add in some retro brown lipstick and some lace up sandals and I felt good. Trendy, yet simple. I felt like how that twelve year old girl way back when wanted to feel, but didn’t know how.

That’s the thing about getting older. I think that I feel better and better each year, not only about my outward appearace, but how I feel inside. I’m more confident and able to shake things off. I feel like I wish I did as a teenager and in my 20’s, but I guess that is life. It takes time to grow into yourself, and I look forward to feeling better and learning more each year I get blessed with.