Hello my loves and Happy Independence day!

On account of not having shot a business casual look in a while (since this post from April), I thought it would be good to bring in an outfit to inspire my new workers just entering the work field (unless you don't work at a business casual company, then swap the jeans for navy blue slacks or a skirt).

I know a few of you, as well as IRL friends have asked what my tips for a good work wear wardrobe would be and to be honest, it is incredibly simple:

1. Find yourself an appropriate top (i.e. no low fronts showing everything off, no stains or tears and no crop tops - if you wouldn't wear it to church, don't wear it to work).

2. As for accessories, many companies sell jewelry in pairs, either a necklace and bracelet or a necklace and earrings, so that can make it easier to know what jewelry looks good together. 

3. If you're allowed to wear jeans, absolutely NO HOLES. No one asked to see your knees and I don't know who thought tears on the butt in denim was a good look but it isn't for the streets and definitely not for work.

4. Finally, shoes. You all know that I love stylish/trendy pieces, but I value comfort in shoes over anything. For my job, I am constantly on my feet so I'm not going to wear heels for an 8 hour shift. Be smart about the weather, how strong your shoes need to be to withstand the wear and tear of your job and how comfortable they are, both on the back of the heel and in the arch of your foot. 

 5. Finally, the easiest color palette to pair up and mix and match are neutrals. Blues, whites/creams/tans, grays, and black shades are all easy to pair together. The only ones I would not recommend pairing are black and navy blue, but Ralph Lauren pulled it off so maybe you can too! 

If you didn't see my last Instagram post, my birthday is tomorrow! 

When I have a birthday coming up, I like to reflect back on the year: what I've accomplished, where I've failed (and how to grow from those situations), where I can love others and represent the Lord better as well as growing in my skills of styling and educating myself for the blog and my lovely followers. 

In honor of my 22nd  birthday, here are a few of the lessons I learned in my 21st year of life:

1. "Sometimes good things from God come disguised in bad packages." 

Mark Darling, one of the head pastors of the church I attend, said this last fall when he visited our church location and it has resonated with me all year long. 

2. Change is not always a bad thing.

 I HATE change. I have a comfort zone and I don't like to stray from it. But just like point number one, change can often be good. In fact, without hard periods or times of change, I would still be the person I was at 18. By being forced out of my comfort zone and called to new places, relationships and situations, I am exponentially grown into a better version of myself. 

3. It's better to be kind than to be right. 

No one will remember how many facts you knew or how many bets you won, they will remember your kindness. 

 

4. Put down your phone, you'll be amazed what happens. 

A few years ago, statistics showed that the average millennial's greatest fear is public speaking. I think the outcome of that poll would have been drastically different if silence or feeling awkward had been on that list. When we feel awkward, we pick up our phones and check social media. When we work out we listen to music, when we make dinner, we have the TV on in the background. Many people cannot sleep without noise makers or white noise. Put down your phones, turn off the TV, enjoy the company of those around you. 

5. Slow down.

This point is dedicated to young people making big decisions. Life is overwhelming. You don't have to have all the answers. Don't worry about something that has not happened yet and do not compare your accomplishments to others. 

Strapless in Saint Paul. Get it?

Okay, now that I got that out of my system, lets talk about wide legged pants and jumpsuits.

 These trends, once popular during the 70s/disco era, are back in style and there are multiple new ways to wear them. 

For a wider leg, you can go with the classic bell bottom jean, or the early 2000's flare leg or you could also do Palazzo pants which are a newer adaption that may be more comfortable for lounging around. 

Jumpsuits also come in many varieties (you can see my past jumpsuit looks here, here and here) and are fun to dress up for a night out or for business wear, but are also relaxed enough for a casual get together with friends. I personally love jumpsuits because you don't have to worry about anything coming un-tucked and a majority of your outfit is right there, ready to go.  

For this look, I picked up this jumpsuit at a campus-wide clothing swap back in the fall (Clothing swaps are an awesome way to pass on clothes you don't wear anymore and find new pieces you'll love for years to come!). 

I wanted to make an edgy "street wear" look for walking around St. Paul, so I paired my jumpsuit with a pair of tan heels and a choker necklace. 

If you wanted to dress it up, you could also pair it with a pearl necklace or a clutch and a cardigan and if you wanted to dress it down more, you could pair it with a long, simple necklace and black flats. 

Are you seeing any styles from the past re-trending this year? Which ones are your favorites?