Well hello lovies!

Fall is off to a hot start for us Californians. Obviously, you know I’m loving every minute of it. Except of course for our awful fires. I’m praying hard that everyone is safe and sound during this scary time.

Sometimes it’s difficult to talk about something so superficial as your next outfit when things in the world are anything but calm. I mean, I actually feel guilty about it. Between the earthquakes, hurricanes and fires, what else could our planet endure in the space of half a year?

But then I also realize we need creative, fun diversions from the harsh realities of life. And that’s why I enjoy blogging so much.

That’s also why I love happy endings and fairytale movies. Forget the real life stuff. Heck, I’m living that on a daily basis.

I want to bring you guys realness. Real life fashion, travel and fitness. Recipes that actually work. Lifestyle eating and healthy habits that are actually attainable. Real life budgeting for us hard working folks.

And real life effortless chic looks like this one.

Sometimes social media can be a double edged sword. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s fabulous for A LOT of things. Seriously, we can google literally anything. We can check out thousands of blogs for new and trendsetting ideas.

Shoot, we can even follow bloggers via instagram live and snapchat and feel like we’re watching a reality TV show or some soap opera.

Hey, do soap operas still exist anymore LOL?

Social media can help us problem solve.

It can also help us create problems.

No one’s life is perfect, right? Because if it was, they’d probably be far away on some other planet enjoying a utopian world for the enlightened.

Bloggers post their happiest moments. People post their happiest moments. In general, everyone wants to be seen on their social media pages as living this amazing life.

Sure there are a few who post tragic events. But for the most part I think people want to be seen as brave. As tough. As pretty hence the filters. As wealthy hence the material things being displayed.

No judgement here heck we all post the fabulous things! Being vulnerable is scary. But what worries me is the amount of competition and lack of empathy going on. People seeing what others have and wanting it without really knowing if it’s real. Does everyone have what they say they have on Facebook? On twitter? Or are we building images slightly off of who we really are?

Depression has increased and some blame social media. I have to admit, sometimes I feel inadequate when I see all these young bloggers just killing it and doing so well. I start to think shoot, why did I start so late and how come I’m not there yet?

Well, when negative thoughts creep into my head I remind myself. The pasture is never greener on the other side. The only thing that matters is the here and now. Be grateful and the universe will be grateful back to you. And always remember that everyone’s path in this world is very unique and different. Some who started late, finish first. And others who start early finish last.

Here’s me being vulnerable. 🙁

Life is not a competition.

Life is about enjoyment and love. Passion and experience.

I remind myself of these thoughts daily. Some days are easier than others. I’m pretty competitive so I can get my competition groove on almost any day haha. SO then I need to sit back, relax, look at my gorgeous furry babies and realize that life is actually really freaking amazing!

Speaking of furry babies, what do you think these kids think of their mom’s silly fashion shoots?

I suspect they think I’m a bit dorky but they accept that so they always behave during our shoots. 🙂

Yorkies and fashion are some of the biggest, best distractions in life that provide fun! If you don’t have a dog, adopt one. You may think you’re saving them, but I’m pretty sure that with time, they’ll be the ones saving you!

My little guys save me on a daily basis. They keep me calm and grounded when I start to get anxious.

Now let’s talk fashion!

So this is an outfit I put together for those hot fall days when sweaters simply don’t work. I paired my emerald green tube top with a matching emerald green skirt from BCBG.

(I found the skirt on sale).

Btw the shoes are the most expensive part. The top is a $5 find from a beach boutique.

Now here’s where my creativity comes in. The skirt was actually a dress- it had a matching brown crocheted top attached. But I didn’t like the top so I had it removed and an elastic band added to make the skirt an official one.

You can’t go wrong with Tory Burch flat sandals when you’re in hot weather. They work in spring, summer and fall. The nude color is by far my fave because it goes with literally EVERYTHING. Perfect for a fall flat sandal. Also perfect when you want to relax and not walk in high heels lol.

Also perfect for dog walks.

Chic and simple. The hair is natural post shower and one bobby pin. My sunglasses are Tiffany’s from a few years back. Paired with some pink MAC lipstick, highlighter and a tan toned blush from Benefit, I felt almost effortlessly fashionable. 🙂

Did I tell you how calming it is to take your dogs out for a nice long walk? Sunshine, pups and vitamin D make us happy!

Questions, comments, anything I missed? I know we blended a few topics here but I think they really all go hand in hand. And you know me, if there’s a way to multitask, I’ll most certainly find it!

Now I’m off to write my cabbage salad recipe down for you all.

YUM.

Sweet Dreams.

bisous

xx Shanna