Live The Life You Deserve: A Guide to Bodysuits

When you're in your twenties, it's a very rare feeling to feel like you've got it all together. I don't care how many inspirational quotes you Facebook, cups of coffee over the sunrise you Instagram, or the amount of times you have checked in at the gym. NONE OF US HAVE IT TOGETHER. We are essentially giant toddlers with formal educations and bank accounts. Being in your twenties is damn hard, and we're all just trying to do the best we can to form a life, little by little.

Recently, I've found one small, but substantial, way to at least make it SEEM like I've got it together- bodysuits. 

One of the very first tips my boss and living legend, Linda, told me was that she wore a bodysuit every single day. It was possibly even her secret to success (not really, but it seemed pretttyy important). I was immediately intrigued, and started upon my research. 

For my inaugural suit, I ordered a basic black long-sleeve from Asos. It was love at first snap (don't forget, these are basically onesies for adults. I TOLD YOU. TODDLERS.). Not only was it extremely comfortable, but it quickly became essential to every outfit I wore.

This is the easiest, yet chicest way to upgrade your wardrobe. 

The world of bodysuits is big, so it can be intimidating at first. Start with a few essentials. I've found Asos offers the best quality for a good price:

1) The Long-Sleeve

This is the exact one I own. Bodysuits are a simple way to look more polished. Just tucking in a tee can often look sloppy and disholved. Bodysuits stay put all day and never lose shape. $31

V-necks are a great option to wear alone with jeans, and the thong is a bonus for wearing with leggings (V.P.L. IS AN EPIDEMIC. LOOK IT UP). $31

2) The Tank

An essential. Perfect for warmer months or under a sweater. $31 for a 2 pack. 

Bonus points for a muscle-tee suit. Extra bonus points if you have actual muscles. Über cool with some joggers. $21

This might be my favorite one in my closet. The mock neck is ideal for under a duster-cardigan or a long coat for an effortless yet put together look. $24

3) The Unexpected

This one under a sweater? A great pick-me-up. Under an oversized-flannel and high-waisted jeans? Perfection. $35

 With a pair of creme culottes, just walk backwards into the room with this one. $52

Recall how Beyonce looked in the "Single Ladies" video. Now imagine feeling that way EVERY DAY. When you're really feeling like you don't know what you're doing with your life, slip on a bodysuit, and remember that we are all in the same boat- and now the same suit too. 

Xx

Hats Off

I desperately want to be one of those girls, running errands in her cute baseball cap, with that "I woke up like this" air (p.s.- no one who "wakes up like this, wakes up like that). However, I entered this earth 4lbs, 6oz, and about 3 of those pounds were my eyeballs. They're HUGE. And for that reason, I have just never looked good in hats- something about the proportions. 

This past year, however, I was determined. I think I even showed up to my boyfriend's in a Tigers hat to go to lunch and he legitimately asked me what I was doing. But I wouldn't give up. Thank God for an annoying habit of perseverance, because I finally found THE ONE. 

After finding this one from Halogen at Nordstrom, I've discovered that while I can't rock sporty-chic, I can Naomi Campbell all over this town in larger styles, which seem to be more flattering to my features. Take that, girl in my Pilates class.

I met Lauren in Detroit to shoot, and she took me to the ultimate hidden treasure- Eldorado General Store. The coolest vintage finds ensued. 

Thinking about the cake we just ate at Astro Coffee. 

The key to hats is finding the one that works best with your features. No two cabezas are the same, so don't be afraid to try different styles!

Madewell & Biltmore Straight-Brim Felt Fedora in Ivory- Madewell

Brixton "Messer" Fedora- Nordstrom 

Rag & Bone Fedora- Far Fetch

Madewell & Biltmore Straight-Brim Felt Fedora in Grey - Madewell

Like men, apartments, jobs and pizza places, you'll know when you've found the right one.

Xx

Inside the Box

Quick confession: I am a bag lady. I walk into work every day with at LEAST 3 bags on my arm. Each morning I tip to one side, succumbing to the weight on my right arm, forcing me into an unintentional pimp walk.

Although the overall tone in my upper arms has vastly improved, I'm exhausted of divvying up my life into tote bags, cross-bodies, and whatever else I can fit my life into. Enter the Box Bag. 

Vogue made it official in the August 2015 issue, and I've finally committed to my new, smaller yet more efficient partner. And yes, I know that's what she said. You can go back to 2008 now. 

I found my new go-to at The Peacock Room in Detroit. Vintage from the 1950s, I fell in love with its upholstered style in a fall/winter palette. The ease of carrying this shape and size had me throwing my carry-on sized tote in storage faster than Galliano was dismissed from Dior. 

In an attempt to simplify my life, I've simplified my bag down to the necessities : wallet, chapstick, mirror, and a KIND bar (I am never not down for a snack). I of course still take a tote as well to my job for my papers, agenda, lunch, etc. Girl's gotta work! 

The argument for the box bag is simple: most of us don't need all the junk that's in our bags. Find your must-haves for on-the-go, and throw them inside the box. You and I both know we don't need those 2-day-old water bottles and ten shades of Nars Velvet Lip Pencils. 

Take a peek at a few gorgeous options below, and feel the weight lift from your shoulders- literally. Have you ever lifted a woman's purse? We could put CrossFit out of business with our bags (Did I just create my Shark Tank idea?).

Marc Jacobs Leopard Box Crossbody- Nordstrom

Asos Structured Box Shoulder Bag- Asos

Vintage (like mine!) Black Velvet Box Bag- Etsy

Xx

Photography by Lauren Montgomery

Indian Summer...But Probably Global Warming

As I write this, I'm under exactly 4 layers of clothing, not including the blanket that has me wrapped up like some cozy chipotle. However, I can't complain, because up until this late- December week, the weather has been OUTSTANDING. 

Call it an Indian Summer, call it global warming, but I call it glorious- I KNOW IT'S SELFISH. Our planet is probably falling apart but I couldn't help but enjoy the unusually warm temperatures for December in Michigan.

And in Michigan, when the sun shows up past Nov. 1, the only logical thing to do was to throw on a tulle-ballerina skirt, my favorite flannel and head outside to enjoy it while it lasts. 

Tulle skirts can become too costume-y if not paired carefully. Try to offset the prettiness with some rough touches, like a leather jacket, moto booties or a cool t-shirt. 

Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch (I know, right?). Similar here and here.

Shirt: Vintage from my Aunt's closet (what is family for?). Similar here and here.

Mock neck Bodysuit: Asos. IF YOU DO NOT OWN A BODYSUIT YOU ARE NOT LIVING THE LIFE YOU DESERVE. 

Boots: Old Sam Edelman. Similar here and here. 

Sunglasses: Elizabeth & James. Similar here.

This was my first time taking "real photos" since my Senior pictures, which was my worst nightmare. It's just not natural to lay on the floor with your name in blocks behind you.

I was beyond nervous and I have to give all props to my amazing photographer, Lauren Montgomery. She somehow made me feel comfortable, even as she was telling me to "walk with purpose" towards her. STILL DON'T KNOW HOW. But I'm very excited to learn with her!

Xx