It’s hard to believe that the unofficial end to summer has passed by but here we are. I know I”ll continue to wear bold colors but thought I would share a preppy outfit to send summer off. I’m pretty sure I felt every emotion under the sun during summer 2020, but wanted to share some highs and lows too.
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Bidding Adieu to Summer with a Bold & Preppy Outfit | Highs of the Summer
- Moving! Because we waited to move until after our home sold, there was more uncertainty around the ‘when’ of moving. Patience is not a quality I was blessed with an abundance of and so closing a chapter of unknowns and waiting is something I can appreciate. It does feel like a new chapter and opportunity to find routines and systems that allow me to be my best self.
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- Reading more! One of my personal goals this year was to read more nonfiction. I tend to pick nonfiction books about heavier topics or things I want to better understand. In line with this, I try to pace my reading more than I do with fiction reads so that I can reflect and digest a bit more. Nonfiction can at times be a downer so I adjusted my original goal of reading 1:1 fiction to nonfiction to a couple chapters of nonfiction every week.
Bidding Adieu to Summer with a Bold & Preppy Outfit | A High & a Low
Another high for me was recognizing where I could be better about setting boundaries. I’m 100% someone that wants things done my way and so I’ll overextend myself at times to ensure that at my own detriment. This summer really highlighted how unhealthy this can be and it feels like I got a refresher course in saying, “I can’t do that,” or simply “no.” I call myself a slightly reformed people pleaser and I think that plays a role in my wanting to make everyone happy and successful. This summer served as a reminder that those things aren’t my responsibility.
About setting boundaries as a people pleaser: Click To TweetRELATED: Affordable Sweater & Setting Boundaries for Personal Growth
The low that seems most obvious is living in a pandemic. It feels like beating a dead horse to talk about this but our lives look different, in person socialization is extremely limited, and we’re all trying to figure out our comfort levels. It’s difficult not to be somewhat resentful of both the pandemic and those that aren’t following guidelines and inevitably extending it’s reign.
Bidding Adieu to Summer with a Bold & Preppy Outfit | More Lows
- The news. I recognize there’s a lot of privilege in saying I’m tired of consuming the daily news but here we are. Four years ago, I remember feeling election fatigue but this go round I’ve reached a point where I get upset if I read too much about anything going on. A huge part of me doesn’t want to turn away; as awful as the news is, I do feel a responsibility to be informed but I also am trying to balance that with my own headspace.
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- In a similar vein, this summer has really forced me to confront some of the socioeconomic and class privilege I benefit from when it comes to race. In the past, I often avoided speaking all the way up so that I wouldn’t be seen as combative or aggressive as is so often the case when Black people are tone policed. I accepted that some people in my life just wouldn’t get it. The racial justice awakening that the country underwent early this summer served as a reminder to me how important it is to use my privilege to make people face uncomfortable truths even if it results in some personal relationships ending. In some ways, I feel resentful that this summer chipped away at the desensitization I’ve built up over time around race. I’ve become acutely aware that some people will choose to not have empathy or a drive to understand. Recognizing that it may be better to sever those relationships as these people may see me, and as an extension my humanity, as an exception has been a bitter pill for me to swallow.
Bidding Adieu to Summer with a Bold & Preppy Outfit | The Look
My friend Emily sent me this Lilly Pulitzer mask and I love the combination of navy and pink. Almost immediately, I knew I wanted to pair it with my hot pink blazer and then remembered that I recently thrifted this navy blue flippy skirt. Together the pieces looks super coordinated which I love.
Saying peace out to summer with a bold, summer look! Click To TweetRELATED: Refresh Your Mask Collection to Stay Safe for Fall
Emily’s shop is currently sold out, but you can sign up to get restock notifications. In a year that has been unprecedented, I love that having a go to accessory has provided a sense of style normalcy. My statement earrings and lipstick may be seeing fewer appearances, but it’s ok because I can pick fun face masks to show off in their place.
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This outfit is boss babe goals. You always crush it, even with your matching masks.
xoxo Amanda | theaestheticedge.com