I realize that I sort of jumped into this blog without really telling you guys much about me, so I thought I’d use this post as an opportunity to give you a little background about myself and my personal style!
I was born and raised in Reno, Nevada and I have yet to venture out of here. I think about it constantly, but my heart is honestly glued to this beautiful place I call home. Plus all my friends and family are here so I really can’t justify moving any time soon.
I’ve always had a passion for the fashion industry since day one. As a child, I *unfortunately* insisted on dressing myself. For some reason I thought camo was so cool, so I loved dressing head to toe in army green as a child. I still shudder to this day thinking about how my mom would let me go out in public like that.
And then I had a punk phase in middle school, way back when punk rock was “cool?” I think? Oh dear lord. It’s a good thing it lasted about a year MAX, because oh lordy.
…and then there was high school. I was decked out in Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, of course, but then I started to experiment a little more towards the end and compliments were pouring in from my peers. Where did you get those earrings? I love that skirt! How are you wearing heels right now? Yes, I wore heels in high school, and yes, I was constantly teased about it. YOLO.
I honestly felt an adrenaline rush every time someone would ask me for my fashion expertise. So even into college I would dress up – even for class. While everyone else was wearing sweats and yoga pants, I would wear heels on campus, decked out in my favorite accessories, and a smile on my face. I was in a sorority and all the girls would ask me for help on how to piece together their outfits. I even worked retail for 6 years and I couldn’t even begin to tell you how much I learned from that experience. I loved every second of it.
And then came the “real world.” I’m a marketing coordinator by day and I’m absolutely obsessed with what I do, but for some reason I lost the sparkle in my eye that I used to have when it came to clothes and fashion. I felt like I’ve changed and I didn’t like it one bit. I caught myself losing this passion of mine, which is 110% the reason why I started this blog. I’m so beyond grateful that I can use this outlet to practice what I’m passionate about.
So, although my style is constantly changing, I’m absolutely in love with the fact that I can share it with all of you and hopefully inspire you to never lose that sparkle in your eye. If you’re passionate about something – GO FOR IT. Absolutely nothing should stop you. You only live once, so you better make the absolute best out of it a.k.a. design the life you LOVE!
Now, onto the main event – the outfit! I had way too much fun accessorizing this bohemian look. The lovely girls at Indian Summer Collection sent me the beautiful jewelry that I’m rocking. The beaded turquoise earrings can seriously be worn with any summer bohemian look, and the choker is to die for (no pun intended). Their pieces are all breathtaking.
The sassy shades are the Rounded Ramona Cat Eye Sunnies sent to me by Labells Boutique. Swoon. I’m all about the tortoise shell.
The dress is the Fiona Dress by Free People. If it’s showing as sold out, I would join the waitlist and keep checking back as they’re regularly restocking this piece. I just love how flowy and comfortable it is. As you can see in the above photo, you most certainly can pair it with a top and wear it as a maxi skirt.
The top is by Chelsea & Violet that I got from Dillard’s a couple weeks ago, but I can’t seem to find it online, so I’ve linked similar options at the bottom.
Lastly, I decided to add a cuff, tassel bracelets, and some fringe booties to finish off the look!
I had so much fun dressing this piece down, but you most certainly can dress it up with pumps and delicate accessories for a wedding or any other formal event you have coming up this summer!
I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post and learning a little more about me. Thanks for stopping by!
Xo,
Lily
Note: a few items mentioned in this post were sent to me in exchange for my honest review.
It was so nice to read about your tradition to your current style. I can totally relate to the punk rock phase *hides face*
Loving the gorgeous dresses and your photographs look so mystical I am in LOVE!!
Looking forward to reading more from you ๐
Author
Fatima, you are the absolute sweetest! Thanks so much for reading and for the kind words!! Xo Ah… the notorious punk phase, haha.
These pictures are so ethereal and dreamy! You picked the perfect backdrop for such a great outfit. I love the boho vibe it has…<3
http://www.forblueskies.com
Author
Thanks so much Jessica, you are the sweetest! xo
I love this post!! Gorgeous look and beautiful photos!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Author
Thanks my love!
I agree with u!!! Design the life u love! And I must say that is a great reason to start a blog!!! It is like finding the true meaning of life and bringing happiness to your life and the spark to your eyes!! Even my style changes as well ! I am in love with your dress and the bohemian look is absolutely amazing! Love your outfit! Great post!
http://www.afashionholicslife.blogspot.com
Author
Thank you for the sweet words and reassurance, Qazi! You are too kind! xo
Love this post! And loved how you mentioned designing a life you love — that is so important!
Author
Most definitely!
Haha I love that you loved camo. Sometimes it takes those phases though to realize you will never go back lol. Blogging is such a great outlet and I really believe it will help get back that sparkle in your eye that you once had for fashion! I can’t wait to read more of you blog!
Author
Hahah- ohhh the camo days. Thanks so much for the kind words doll! xo
I love these photos, girl! You have such an ethereal look about you that is just so pretty!
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
Author
You are the sweetest ever, thank you so much! ๐
I love your blog! It is SO cute ๐ Mine is blondeandambitiousblog.com and we seem to be super similar! I’m book marking your page to come back to it!
Author
Thank you so much my love!! Love your style back! ๐
Absolutely love this look! Bohemian style is my current fav.
X,
Cristina
cristinawashere.com
Author
Bohemian will stay in my heart forever I think! ๐
I love reading more personal posts! Also I absolutely love Reno! I used to go all the time when I was younger, but now my family mostly keeps it to South Lake Tahoe and sometimes Carson City. Love both of these outfits!!
xo
Sami
http://www.theclassicbrunette.com
Author
Ahhhh – next time you’re in the area, do let me know!! xo
Oh my gosh! You look like a model! I love these pictures ๐
XO,
Hannah from HMS Jewels
http://www.hmsjewels.com
Author
Oh gosh, you are the sweetest ever – thank you!
This was such a great post for us to get to know you a bit better! I too insisted on dressing myself when i was little. convinced i had style.
Author
Thanks Michelle! Haha, the good old days!
stunning dress on you girly!
Author
Thanks love!
Your home lands look so pretty! I’ve never been to Nevada
Author
Thanks doll! It’s definitely a fun place and beautiful place! ๐
Yes! I agree, you should design the life you love! Life’s too short not to.
Author
Exactly!!! ๐
Stunning pictures ! Marketing coordinator sounds like a job right up my alley
Author
It’s a blast! ๐
Wow, you have absolutely stunning style! Love the scenery.
Author
Thanks so much!! xo
I loved reading about your style transformation! You look gorgeous and those photos are stunning
Author
Thanks so much for the kind words beauty! xo
I definitely had a few questionable wardrobe phases of my own. Thanks for sharing a little bit more about yourself!
Kayla | kaylablogs.com
Author
Haha! Didn’t we all! ๐
These photos are SO beautiful and so cinematic! They give a true feel for who you are and your personality. I love the blue dress and how you dressed it down.
La Belle Sirene
Author
Thank you so much girl! I had a blast during the shoot! ๐
LOVE the top knot. Such a beautiful dress! Xoxo Mindy
Author
Hehe, thank you! The top knot is slowly becoming my daily go-to!
I absolutely love this whole shoot! It’s SO ethereal and gorgeous.
XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
Author
Thank you my love!!! xo
I totally had a punk phase in middle school too! It was so much fun! hahah
Nicole // Chronicling Home
Obsessed with these looks! The photos look like they are straight from a magazine!
Xoxo,
Amanda
trulyyoursa.com
Love this Lily!! So happy you decided to start blogging. I love your boho style and can’t wait to follow your blog. ๐
That dress is so beautiful!
Iโm pretty pleased to find this site. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further post. Thanks!
Love the dress! Any chance of you selling it? Id love to buy.
Author
Hi love, thanks so much! Unfortunately I don’t have it anymore. Thank you for stopping by the blog though <3