flower power

I’m not a fan of trying to fit a particular mold
just to obtain social acceptance
or to be like everyone else.
In terms of style,
I kind of like being unpredictable,
keep people guessing,
to pleasantly surprise.
I believe mine is always evolving.
I don’t buy things to fit a certain stereotype,
or to embody someone else’s style,
or because it’s considered “in”
or a celebrity was pictured wearing it …
… the list could go on, but I’m sure you get the point.
As much as I know that I am a girl
who has never shied away from change,
I am equally as certain that I am a creature of comfort.
So, even though my style even keeps ME on my toes,
I will ONLY ever buy what I feel comfortable in.
The topic of comfort in clothing
is the perfect segue to my love for …
off-the-shoulder tops!
My Instagram followers know
about my ever-growing collection..
A loose-fitting, almost baggy, shirt
with a big enough neckline to ‘accidentally’ drop off my shoulder
(tastefully, I must add! I am no hussy!)
makes this girl swoon.
I blame Florida’s humidity.
I found this one at Forever 21,
tried it on and was in heaven.
Yes, it’s big.
No, it doesn’t fit.
But I’m okay with that.
I’m comfortable in it,
and with it being that way.

And, you are seeing correctly
there is no filter on the photo …
that IS orange lipstick.
Thanks to MAC Cosmetics, come on!
Now you’re not surprised, huh?

I love how bold it is
against the muted tones
throughout the rest of the outfit.

I think what I love the most about these photo’s,
aside from the pops of orange,
is how the lighting and the atmosphere
match the elements of the outfit, as well:
the green pants against the palm trees and grass, 
the pops of orange with the glowy-orange ethereal lighting
hanging in the air from the sun setting in the background.

Important side note … just in case you didn’t know:
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”

Now can I tell you how much I love that flower headband?
I probably bought it three or four years ago at Urban Outfitters
when those headbands were all the rage.
I wasn’t a big fan of any of that until I saw this one.
I think it’s absolutely gorgeous.
I forget I have it sometimes,
because I don’t wear headbands very often, I guess,
but recently rediscovered it,
(Which, by the way, is one of the greatest things ever!! Am I right, ladies?!?)
and decided to put it with this outfit. 

So, I’m a quote person.
I find an insane amount of comfort
in quotes that apply to whatever it is that
my mind or heart are battling.
It’s one of the three things that I consider
to be ‘free therapy’,
next to shopping and music.
I just found this one recently
that I really like:
“People will stare.
Make it worth their while”
– Harry Winston –
I applaud the first girl to put flowers in her hair
or wear a really bright colored lipstick
or wear an off-the-shoulder top.
I’m sure they thought they might get a few weird looks,
or inquisitions about what they were wearing.
Or, maybe people just instantly loved it,
and wanted to wear it, too.
But, regardless, they embraced their boldness
and made it worth someone else’s while.
So much so, that this girl, in this generation, is embracing it
as her own style, as something she feels comfortable in.
I love that, how it all kind of transcends.
Is every trend every girl’s cup of tea?
Nope.
But whichever trend is ‘you’
wear it with confidence
and, like Mr. Winston said …
… those people that may stare,
whatever …
make it worth their while!
That leads me to this quote:

“Be weird. Be random. Be who you are.
You never know who would fall in love
with the person you hide.”
Make it a great day, y’all!
With LOVE & sequins,
Haley

Shirt: Forever 21 {similar here} | Pants: J. Crew | Shoes: Zara, old (currently obsessed with these)
Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: J. CrewJ. Crew FactoryStella & Dot
Headband: Urban Outfitters, old {similar here, loving this} | Lipstick: MAC “Morange”

Photography Credit: Kaylee Labor Photography

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Someone told me there’s a girl out there, 
With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair.”
 Led Zeppelin

thoughts?

5 Comments

  1. Riley McGilvray wrote:

    Love this look!!

    Published 3.19.13 · Reply
  2. Alyson_Haley wrote:

    Ha, thank you but this was my old hair 😉 Easy mistake to make, though!

    Published 3.19.13 · Reply
  3. Alyson_Haley wrote:

    Thanks, Molly!

    Published 3.19.13 · Reply
  4. andrea wrote:

    The orange lipstick looks fantastic with your new hair!

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

    Published 3.19.13 · Reply
  5. Molly Young wrote:

    These pictures are gorgeous! I love the outfit too. 🙂
    Xo
    Molly

    sirpaulandcompany.blogspot.com

    Published 3.19.13 · Reply