Purposefully Created

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

This verse is used everywhere for everything you could imagine. It is my favorite but lately the constant use of it has worn me out. I have stopped hearing the meanings of the words and the true weight they carry for me. I have struggled for some time with my self-confidence and being comfortable in my own skin. Mirrors were places to criticize and perfect what was already perfected. Throughout high school, I compared myself to the other girls and always found myself lacking. Even today, I catch myself fighting to be content with how I look. Old habits die hard. Since starting college, I have learned that this comparison has been the thief of  my joy. I was making myself unhappy because of things I thought I didn't have. Truth is, I already have everything I could ever need. Jesus took care of everything, forever. 

This verse reminds me that even on the days I still feel like I'm not enough, I am still loved by the KING of KINGS. Isn't that awesome? The Heavenly Father has created me with a purpose. He has a great plan for my life, one beyond my wildest dreams. He knows the innermost workings of my heart. He knows my prayers even before I pray them. He knows exactly how I feel when I am unhappy or angry or overwhelmed. He loves me that much, so much I can't explain it. He loves you that much too.

"So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are"

Come As You Are - Crowder

This song reminds me that there is no feeling I can feel that my Heavenly Father doesn't understand. He knows just what I need. "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't cure." The things we feel everyday are no comparison to the joy of Heaven. I have been blessed beyond measure in this season of my life. I have been given the encouragement to change this blog into a work for the Kingdom. I have the opportunity to reach people on my campus in ways I never had before. None of these things I could have planned for myself. All these things are gifts from God; all part of His great plan. 

I want to encourage you all that God has a great plan for your life. It's hard to understand sometimes but I promise, if you look closely, you will see Him moving in your life. 

With love,

Emily

Unashamed because of Mercy

First, I'd like to say thank you to those of you who have read my blog over this past year and stuck around in my dormant periods. My journey has changed dramatically since I started this blog. I have graduated high school and gone to college; my life has never been more unpredictable, but it has truly been one of the best years of my young life. 

College has taught me so many things that I never knew about myself. Like, the longest I can be away from my family is about a month. I never would have imagined that I would love Bryan so much. This school is truly amazing and God is doing a great work on our campus. In my first year there, I have met people I know will be in my life for a long time and I have grown in my faith and walk with Christ. I feel confident enough to share my faith with you who read this blog and with my closest friends. God has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow and for that I am amazed and overwhelmed. There is not a day that I don't see the hand of God moving in my life and the lives of people I love. 

"I hear the sound of Your Voice
All at once it's a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming"
Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave

This song is how it feels to be surrounded by people who are seeking God's plans in their lives. That song is the song of my last year. I have been down and felt unworthy to sing in chapel. I have also felt right at home in the midst of worship. Through all those times, good and bad, God has been there, holding my hand. He never wavers. 

With all this said, I want this blog to look a little different. I want not only  to continue with fashion, but I want this to be a place of encouragement. I want you to feel loved and uplifted. I want to create a place where we can share our struggles and give encouragement to others as well. My prayer is that I can help those of you who are believers and together we can lead the lost to the Lord. I also want to urge you all to read a blog by my dear cousin Anna (https://uncatching.wordpress.com/). She is a kind soul and very brave and she has been a huge encouragement to me through her blog and her story. Anna, if you read this, I am truly thankful for everything you are doing. I'm glad you have shared so much with me and I love you dearly. 

I want to thank you all for your support and I hope to see you again real soon.

A Year of Graced with Style

Happy Tuesday all you lovely readers! I'm a little late on my one year anniversary post but it's here now. I'd like to say thank you once again for all your continued support. This post is a mix of fashion and a day in the life.

I hope you all have been well and I'm sorry I've been gone so long. I'm hoping the blog picks back soon. School is certainly keeping me busy. Between the paper and classes, there's no more time for naps. Not to mention the golf tournaments coming up. Luckily, spring break is just around the corner.

I have had this red shirt for about a month and it goes with almost everything I own. I haven't had any obstacles in paring it with other things. It goes with print and solid sweaters. I've dressed it up and down, with jeans and a skirt.

 Here's a nice bathroom selfie, because why not? Do excuse the mess. This day I wore this great red shirt tucked in a pair of high waisted jeans. I borrowed Helen's choker and threw on my  own necklace for a little something extra. Y'all already know I'm extra when it comes to clothes.

This shirt hails from Forever 21 and it comes in two other colors. I wish I had bought the other colors. It is so simple but so easily worn with everything. The possibilities are endless.

I have to stop myself from wearing this shirt everyday or more than once a week that is. I try the limit myself to every other week because it would be a travesty if something happened to it. It wasn't that pricey either so don't hesitate to pick one up for yourself. 10/10 would recommend.  

Well look at that, here it is again. I got the long cardigan the same time I got the shirt. It has tassel fringe and I knew I had to have it. This necklace just seemed to fit well and I was in a hurry.

We aren't going to mention how much I like to cuff my jeans. I just don't know what else to do with the extra fabric. These jeans are perfect to cuff anyway so we can let it slide.

These converse have been around the block. If you don't have a pair, I would highly recommend. They go with everything and they were insanely comfortable before I wore them out.










This was the sunset over the library one night. It was absolutely beautiful and this picture doesn't do it justice. I'm convinced the sunsets are always pretty down here. A beautiful sunset like this remind me that God is beauty.

If you ever struggle with self-doubt just remember that you were created by the Almighty God.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

A Look Behind the Scenes of 2016

As this year draws to a close, I can't help but think back on all the glorious pictures that are never seen. I have been collecting these blooper pictures since the very beginning of this blog. For me, nothing says "thank you for reading my blog" like giving you the best of the best in behind the scenes. 

First and foremost, I'd like to say thank you for your continuing support.  We've seen a great many changes in fashion and style this year, and I will say it has been hard to keep up at times. I hope in 2017 I can provide you all with, not only fashion advice, but something positive/uplifting. I hope this post ends your 2016 on a high note as well!


In case you were wondering, I'm spending my New Year's Eve at home watching the college football playoffs.

 Everybody else dabs so why can't I?

 I mean, not everyone can be fabulous all the time! Not to mention, taking pictures in the weather is unpredictable.

 When on a playground, strange faces are necessary.

 Can we just accept that I can't hold it together to take pictures?

 Sometimes life is hard and you don't feel cute.

 This picture explains how I feel about this year. Done with it!

 Did a bug fly in my face? Who knows...

 When Rilee tells you to fix your hair and you object.

 When your best friend asks to model but doesn't know how.

 I have no explanation for this one, I'm just weird. 

 Honestly,  this is just my face.

 I'm always coughing or sneezing so this is no surprise.

 These two are just me in real life, everyday, being myself.

 Yay ponchos! Yay good lighting!

And last but not least, we have Emily being cold. I do not like the cold nor am I a fan of being cold. 

I hope this has given you some assurance that I am just as awkward as any of you. (My friends might argue I'm the most awkward.) Just because I have a blog and look put together doesn't mean I have it all together. If anything, I am still figuring out how to balance everything in my life. I'm not big on resolutions, but I do hope to grow and continue this blog. Once again, THANK YOU FOR READING!!! 

Baby it's Cold Outside

Happy Saturday guys! I know we are only a few weeks from Christmas so I wanted to bring the Christmas cheer to you guys! I love Christmas and all the joys that come with it. (the hot chocolate, the lights, the tree, and even the ugly Christmas sweaters) I hope you all have a lovely Christmas. Good luck with any  finals you may have left. May the curve be ever in your favor.

 The shirt and blanket scarf here are both from the Yellow Rose Boutique. This is a local place in my home town. They have the cutest stuff and you can order online too. These boots are from Maurices but they're ancient. 

The scarf and shirt and jacket all go together because all the colors are in the scarf. You could say the scarf is what ties everything together here. This blanket scarf is the biggest one I've ever had and I couldn't be happier with it. Not only is it amazingly perfect but it also keeps me extra warm. We all know I need help in the warmth department. Winter might be good for fashion but my tiny body freezes the whole time. 

Not only am I bundled under this scarf but I've also put on this great, army green jacket with some incredible sweater sleeves. It came from Aeropostale once upon a time but I'm sure you can find similar ones anywhere. It's great for days when it is cold but the sun is still out. If it gets much colder, I'm definitely going to need something bigger. 

Anything in this outfit could be swapped for something else. The scarf could be changed put for a statement necklace. The boots switched with converse or some nice flats. The jacket could be replaced with a nice trench coat. The pants could be traded for some straight leg slacks or leather pants. Then, you would have an entirely different outfit ready for a night out. 

Merry Christmas and have a wonderful time! Enjoy your family and friends. Take some time for yourself and watch a nice movie. Make some hot chocolate, light a candle and have a bubble bath. 

 All my love xo

Winter is Upon Us

 As much as I hate to admit it, fall is quickly leaving us and in its place we are greeted by the frigid air of winter. And as much as these pictures scream fall, its already freezing outside. As you all know, nothing says winter quite like a nice sweater and a huge blanket scarf.
    I love love this sweater. I've raved about it before and probably will again but that'll just have to be okay. It pairs perfectly with this shirt and scarf; giving you just the right amount of warmth. Both the shirt and sweater are from Target.

 For me, blanket scarves are the way to my heart. They are all the rage lately and I know why. This one was a gift from my aunt but I think it's from the Loft. I have folded it from opposite corners to make a triangle and then looped it around. There are a dozen other ways to wear one but this seems like the easiest. I'd like to think I'm a pro at it, but that's definitely a lie (hehe)! The converse can easily be swapped for a nice pair of boots with cute furry socks too.
    This sweater could easily be swapped out for a more Christmas colored one like deep red or green. Since Christmas is right around the corner, this outfit could be worn for all sorts of outings. (Christmas parties, family dinners/lunches, shopping with friends.) I can see myself wearing this for our family Christmas dinner, if I don't leave it at school that is.

Winter is one of my favorite times of year, not only for the fashion but just the weather and the decorations. I absolutely love being bundled up as long as I don't have to be out in the cold that long. I love the Christmas trees, lights, and all the flowers.
   I hope you all survive your finals (if you have any) and do really great! Don't be too stressed, that's hard I know. If you need a boost, get some coffee or hot chocolate and push through. Merry almost Christmas and may your winter break be long and peaceful!

Ponchos are Back and Better Than Ever

 Woah! It has been a hot minute since I've had a blog post for you lovely people! On the bright side, I have been writing for the school newspaper (The Bryan Triangle) and I really love it. My articles are similar to my blog posts but not exactly. I like both things equally so I won't be going anywhere. Hopefully my newspaper writing will help make my blog posts better. Back to this great outfit. 

   Most of the time ponchos are meant to protect us from rain or mist but not this one. This one was designed to be worn in the midst of fall weather and to catch the attention of everyone not wearing one. This poncho is extremely warm and will be great for crisp fall days. Plus, nothing says fall quite like an over-sized poncho to wrap up in. 
   I just had to pair this with a great pink tank top and some nice, ripped boyfriend jeans. (The black boots are just a bonus.) This shirt has a raw edge detail around the neckline and it would be perfect in summer as well as fall. I worn the shirt tucked because it's a bit long and untucked made the outfit feel heavier. The boyfriend jeans are high-waisted so they create some definition. The rips make the outfit feel more relaxed while still being put together. 

Fashion can be complicated and sometimes confusing but it should be fun too. Nothing works wonders for your mood like feeling good about your clothes. It's amazing the impact clothes can have on our lives and our attitudes. 
Hebrews 10:35-36 says this "Cast not away your confidence, which has great recompense of reward. For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise." This verse tells us to have confidence in our abilities; whether that be in fashion, our testimony, or anything else. We are to present ourselves with confidence knowing we might receive the promises of God. I hope this helps and encourages you all for the week. If you don't read my articles on The Triangle, you're welcome to start and maybe it will encourage you to pursue what you love. 

poncho and shirt- Cato
jeans- American Eagle
boots- Forever 21