Flutter top. Two days in a row.
Must be liking this flutter sleeve trend.
The double flounce hem is such a nice detail.
I wasn’t looking to buy this jacket. Did I really need it? No. But for some unknown reason I thought – I’ll just try it on. I tried it on with a plain tee and jeans and fell in love. It took me about 10min to decide if I should really get it. It’s classic. It’s timeless. It’s not a trendy piece that will go out of style. I’ll have it for years to come.
That’s what I told myself haha. So it came home with me. I felt it ran a bit large, and 00 fit me perfectly.
J.Crew Jacket – on sale! / Ann Taylor Top / Hudson Jeans – similar option for less / Marc Fisher Booties, in suede leather – select colors on sale!, / Rebecca Minkoff Bag – smaller version in red on sale, pretty option for $48 /
Happy Wednesday everyone!
You’re probably wondering what the title of today’s blog post has to do with this outfit?! Nothing really.
I just thought perhaps it was time to open up again, even if it’s just a little.
I must admit that for the past few years I’ve been struggling to open up on here. Nothing to overly personal just being me, silly and real.
I look at some of my old posts, from my early blogging days, and I miss how things used to be. How I wrote like either no-one of was reading and this was just my “creative” outlet, or I was writing like I knew everyone who was reading and we were all friends…and no one was judging. But there is always someone judging lol. Sad but true. Not that I apparently cared too much back then.
I’ve been asking myself – what has changed? Why do I write a long blog post, opening up about something, sharing something that most of you could relate to…. just to delete it at the end and proceed with regular outfit posts.
For starters, it seemed like everyone I know suddenly found out I had a blog (that was more in like 2012 lol). But it made things a little awkward for some reason. It still feels a little weird, even though I’m sure most of those people don’t even read my blog.
Another reason that comes to my mind – I’ve opened up about something in the past that a couple of people took the wrong way (most people left wonderful, supportive comments, a few misunderstood it. But I appreciated the honesty of those who took that post differently).
As some of you might know, English is my 3rd language. And while I have been here quite a while I (I moved to US when I was almost 18 yrs. young. Now you learned something new about me haha. That’s a start, right?) expressing myself in English is still sometimes a struggle. Just ask my husband lol
So with each post I withdrew more and more.
Obviously there are other reasons, but I got to start somewhere, right 
Thank you all for reading an following along. I truly appreciate your support.
xo
I haven’t done muc
I had no idea English was your third language and I've been reading here for years, 5 maybe? Whether you choose to share again in future or not I'll still click through for a gander at your lovely outfits
You're so sweet, thank you! And thank you for following along all these years…I truly appreciate it xo
Same for me… No matter for how many years I've been using english as my primary language, still I struggle to get some of my thoughts or messages forward in the way how I really think and feel. But I have learned that no matter what the limitations are, when somebody wants to see you in a "bad light" they'll jump on every word you say and there is not much of what you can do, that's just how those people are, their personality and has nothing to do directly with you and your text or the way you look, etc. I find blogging for just the sponsored stuff or I'm wearing this, that and look at my perfectly curated life and relationships in one word: BORING and not relatable. I love to read some good, honest texts and get inspired by women who are like myself… Real!https://lartoffashion.com
You're so right Natali! I think people like that are just mainly miserable with their own life, so they have to share hate and negativity. But the world is still full of sweet and kind people like. Thank you for always leaving a sweet comment xo
I've been reading your blog for awhile. I had no idea English was your 3rd language.Your blog is fantastic! I check it every morning with a cup of coffee before work.
Aw, thank you SO much Ashely. I appreciate you taking time to leave this sweet comment.
I love your blog no matter if you write a lot -or don't! I'm private so for me I would have to keep it on my subject but some people aren't private and and a open book! I feel with Social media you can hide behind your account so people say anything. That is so sad. And if your a blogger wow you would have to have thick skin. I love your style and beauty and grace. I buy a lot of your recommends and feel so good when I'm at work looking so put together! Thank you! And so glad you came to US! We got lucky!!!! Jen
Thank you so much Jen! You are very kind. I agree! I feel like there should be limitations on what people share…but everyone is different and some people are ok with putting their life out there. I'm not haha. I just want to be myself 100% on here and not worry about how someone might take what I wrote or what they might think of me (not that I would ever write anything to hurt others feelings). Again, thank you for you very sweet comment. xo
I say yes to opening up! I agree with Natali. I don't really follow blogs that are just "Look at my outfits." I need more context for that person to connect with them. I've gone through the same thing with real life friends and family finding my blog and it does feel really weird. But I've just decided to proceed anyway. I keep in mind "I need to be okay with real life friends/family reading this about me" but I think that's a good rule of thumb for public sharing anyway! All this to say I've enjoyed your blog and style for many years and would love to know more about you. :)Gina || On the Daily Express
Thank you so much Gina! I think it's nice when there is more to blogs than just outfits. I know that everyone looks at blogs for different reason, and some people don't read anything but just look at pictures while others like a little more than just outfits. Either way, I think it's important to be ourselves on here. And while I feel like I'm not being fake or anything like that, I don't want to hold back. I think it build a connection with ones blog readers if they do know a bit more about you. And thank you for following along all these years
xo
Although I don't comment much, yours is my most frequently checked (and favorite) blog. I have been following you for many years! I would LOVE to learn more about you but will still be here following, regardless.I watched an insta-video of yours the other day for the first time and was surprised by your accent, but it was lovey.
I really appreciate you taking time to comment! And what a sweet comment, thank you! You totally made my day. It's because of readers like you and the kind words that I kept going with this blog during times I really wanted to quit. Sometimes I just a kind word we need (in life in general). Hah, Insta-videos…another thing I struggle with so much. Talking on it… I deleted so many just because I couldn't bring myself to post it haha (it doesn't help when I don't like listening to my own voice).
Hi Lilly, I love your blog for what it is! Whether you choose to open or not, I am still going to read it every morning while I drink my coffee. If you'd like to share more, you should do it about topics you're passionate about or feel comfortable with. You can even start with small things..for instance, I would like to know what your interests are, what you like to do in your spare time, maybe share some family photos. I am still a loyal reader regardless of what you choose to do. Cheers and happy hump day! xoxo, Rakela
Thank you so much Rakela! You're so sweet. And I like those suggestions. My sister must have read all the comments on this post because she mentioned the "family photos" haha. She said she needs to pre approve it lol xo
Love the personal bits on this post.
Thank you so much
Whatever you decide,to open up or not,I will still admire you for being so bold and stepping in the world of fashion bloggers even though English is your 3th language.You are so classy and you are inspiring us with daily fashion ideas.Be yourself and keep blogging darling.Your jacket is so classic and timeless.
You're so sweet, thank you Curly!
I love the blog and the personal attributes as well! I look everyday to see what you have posted! I would love to know what other languages you speak and where you lived until 18…
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your support. I think that's a great idea….I thought about sharing that in "About Me" section (which is work in progress
I remember when people I knew in real life found me on Instagram! I was embarrassed that I came across as such a shallow, clothes obsessed, selfie taker….lol! It was all fun and games until I had a misunderstanding with a person on IG, because of a typo or autocorrect of all things. To say it took the wind out of my sails would be an understatement. I drastically pulled back and almost closed my account because this person went to several IG meet ups and talked to many people who ultimately unfollowed and blocked me. All over a mis-spelled word! So, I can completely understand being gun shy about posting anything that may be taken wrong (not that I've EVER seen you say anything offensive), but this is YOUR blog! You can write or post anything you'd like. And you shouldn't feel pressured to post any specific things. I've followed you since you posted outfits you took pictures of in the bathroom at work, and you talked about stoop on the way home to try things on, even when you shouldn't, lol! I've also been SO impressed that you've stayed true to yourself throughout the evolution of your blog. You have a beautiful heart and I think several of us here see that, regardless of what you post!
Stoop = stoppedSee how easy that happens?! Lolol!!
Oh my word…I thought the same thing. But I realized people that know me well already know what I'm really about haha. And some will judge no matter what (we can't win lol). That is so sad! I can't believe someone would do such a thing. I had a similar thing happen with misspelling someone's name…she thought it was a "blow" at her…(or something like that). It was a pure accident and I apologized in comments and wrote her an email. But yours is way worse…you win this one haha. Clearly that woman is not a very nice person if she would do such a terrible thing. Thank you for following all these years. And thank you for your sweet comments. It really means a lot to me. I know it takes time to go onto someone's blog and leave a comment. I truly appreciate it. And you're always so sweet and kind. Maybe we'll get to meet in real life one day
Love your top. http://www.yourbeautypantry.com
Thank you
I still love your blog Lilly and would love for you to feel comfortable enough to open up more. I'd love to learn more about you! I get tired of doing my own outfit posts so I decided to open up on my blog and I've seen a change. I may not be getting as many comments as I used to, but I feel better sharing with people and keeping things real! I love your style and hope you can include more of yourself on here
Thank you so much Noelle! I think opening up a bit more creates a better connection with our readers. I'm working on commenting more on other blogs… I blame darn IG for me slacking on comments. I appreciate you following along all these years xo
Ooh! I love this jacket so much, Lilly. I can understand why you weren't able to resist taking it home with you.About opening up…I have always sensed how down to earth you are and I love that. I have struggled with blogging and have gone through times when I was ready to give up. The conclusion I've come to each time is that I can keep pushing through the blocks if I can be myself. I write the truth and whoever doesn't like it can just not read my blog. Those who do read, will be the ones who truly like it and like me.For what it's worth, I luv ya girl!XO! Ginawww.classyeverafterblog.com
ooh Gina…you sweet thing you! You always make my day with your sweet comments. I know when I've read some of your posts about blogging I could SO relate (like you wrote my thoughts…you just worded them a lot better haha). I feel like I still struggle with blogging, on and off… There are days when I'm so over it…but start missing it. It just not what it used to be. And I agree, those who don't like what one writes on their own blog…those people don't have to read. Luv ya lady! Thank you for always being so sweet, kind and real! xo
Never would have guessed english was not your first language! I like the open posts, it's nice to get to know the bloggers I follow
Love the booties!
Thank you so much Chelsea! I agree, it helps getting to know the person a bit better. I appreciate your comment xo
I love reading little personal details about my favorite bloggers. I'd love to read more about your experiences, journey and other interests!
Thank you so much Sara! Those are some great ideas. I'll keep those in mind for some future posts for sure
Would have never guessed English is your 3rd language! That's awesome. I like knowing little things like that lol. I would love to hear about where you're from, how you came to the US….anything you want to share! I'm always interested in people from other nations. So much to learn and share
ah you're so sweet. That's a start right
That has been on my mind…sharing more where I from, how I ended up here and such. For some reason it takes more courage that I thought (sounds weird but true lol)
How cool! English is my third language too though I speak if better than the other two (Persian and French) because I've been speaking it the longest.I would like to read more personal posts from you. See I rarely comment but this post made me comment
That's awesome…both such cool languages. I think with languages it is either use it or lose it. And I'm losing my 2nd language (probably lost most of it by now lol. But still can read it but keep mixing English words when I try to speak it.)Same here when it comes to speaking English better than the other two languages…even though I have an accent (I think I always will have one). I have been speaking English half of my life by now, but I think there will always be a struggle. Perhaps because I was almost 18 when I came and learned a different language just before that (my brain can handle only so much lol). I really appreciate your comment. I believe that comments do help with opening up. Even though I know others do looking at my blog (not worried about traffic numbers) I think it's special when people take time out of their busy day to leave a comment. Thank you again
I have an accent in Persian and English but not in French, lol! My English has a bit of a French accent. I spoke Persian as a child (up until I was 9) and speak it with my parents still but I'm aware of my accent.It's cool to meet other trilingual people. I'm telling you we are smart to retain so many languages ;)Hope you share more in the future. I'm always happy to read.
Ah French accent…I'm a little jealous
I wish I had a cool accent lol I like your positivity there…because sometimes I feel the opposite when I'm struggling to find the right words lol Have a fantastic weekend! xo