GREEN SWEATER SHIFT DRESS + DARING GREATLY

Bobeau Cowl Neck Shift Dress, worn with a belt like this | Vince Camuto ‘Hillsy’ Almond Toe Bootie* run true to size & highly recommend! | Louis Vuitton Damier Belmont [more Damier options | similar, under $200 option HERE & HERE] kate spade new york ‘sailors knot’ mini stud earrings | Michael Kors ‘Runway’ Chronograph Watch, 39mm | Rustic Cuff Personalized Monogram Link Bracelet |  Stella & Dot Renegade Bracelet in Gold Gorjana + Griffin Teagan Ring Karen Walker Number One Sunglasses | Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in ‘Lilac Pink’ [didn’t realize it was no longer available; ‘Snob’ is a similar shade which also has a matching lipgloss 

Hey y’all! Quick post today … and late post! Sorry about my late posts lately, y’all. I’ll explain why. I know I don’t need to but y’all know I’m a pretty open book:
Some of y’all may know, if you follow my social media platforms like Twitter and Snapchat but I recently hired an assistant to help me out during the week here and there. For so long, I’ve tried to tackle my daily to-do lists on my own and I just never seemed to be able to get my head above water — without pulling 16 hour days, everyday. And, while some people are all about that … I’m just not. I did that last year. I worked every day. I’m all about the hustle, but it only leads to burn out at some point. I told myself in January that I’d take better care of myself this year. Walking away from my nursing career was the first move. Hiring someone into this position clearly was the second and it clearly didn’t happen overnight. I have been praying about it for a long time, and the Lord – in the most beautiful way – brought me and an acquaintance of mine from church together at just the right time for both of us. So, you’ll see Lyndsey in my Snapchat’s here and there because we’re together a lot now. I bring all that up to say … the last few weeks, her and I have been playing some major catchup. We make progress everyday, and I know we’re almost at a ‘caught up’ point. I’m so thankful. But, with that said, a lot of times we are so busy during the day doing this and that … that I’m literally like ‘oh yeah … my blog post … maannnn!’ and I start kicking myself because I’m already in bed, comfortable and ready to snuggle with Fish. But, I’m learning to show myself grace right now, during this catch up phase (and I hope you will, too) because I know it’s not the end of the world that my posts aren’t up at a certain time or that I even have a blog post at all. This is the part I love the most, though … the creative, the sharing, the connecting side … so I get caught up in that. But, I think we all need the reminder sometimes that … we cannot do it all and what a disservice I’d be doing to y’all to fake it and act like I’ve got it all together. I cannot do that. I’ve never been shy about sharing my struggles and insecurities with y’all, and it’s really important to me that I continue to do so. I’ve been reading this AMAZING book lately that supports the reason WHY I do just that. It’s called ‘Daring Greatly’ by Brené Brown and it’s about the power of vulnerability, how it leads to feeling free, combats shame, and the stresses the importance of knowing you’re enough. It’s not about what you do or how much you get done in a day or what your house looks like or what your outfit looks like or what expensive bag you are able to purchase … it’s just about being real and owning who you are, imperfections and all. I hope you know that you’re enough. I really do. I hope you have people in your life encouraging you to take off the mask and just be real. If you don’t or you are just curious about what I mean … I encourage you to read it! It’s so good and it’ll help us love other people better! I know it’s already helped me tremendously.
Anyway … so yeah … so much for a ‘quick post’, haha! I’m currently sitting in the Miami airport, about to jet off to a fun place in a couple of hours! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Snapchat [username: @alyson_haley] to find out where!
Hope y’all have an amazing day, and if you have any questions about this look, please comment below and I’ll get back to ya as soon as I can! Don’t want this post to be 10 miles long, ha! Thanks for stopping by! xo.

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With love & sequins,
Haley
“Numb the dark and you numb the light”
‘Daring Greatly’ by Brené Brown

Photo Credit: Lyndsey Anne Photography

thoughts?

19 Comments

  1. Haley Shepherd wrote:

    I run S&T for a living, but got really behind on donating / reselling clothes, business accounting, and just getting organized on the backend of the business. My assistant helps me with everyday errands that need to be run so I can focus on getting all of that taken care and up to date. I've just been behind for SO long that it's taking awhile, but I'm making so much progress and feel so much better having Lyndsey around 🙂

    Published 9.17.15 · Reply
  2. The Rest is Still Unwritten wrote:

    Darling! Good for you, I feel like I could use an assistant these days.

    My Instagram is @shophudsonlane. I would love to send you something pretty!!

    Published 9.17.15 · Reply
  3. Shy wrote:

    I know all too well about 12-16 hr days. May I ask, what is your job? You said you left nursing. I was assuming to be a full-time fashion blogger. Yet, then you mentioned blogging being an afterthought. What are you & your assistant working on? (Sincerely curious, not sarcastic or critical.) Just found you recently & I'm a fan. ( ;
    (=

    Published 9.17.15 · Reply
  4. Paola wrote:

    Great post and you look amazing as always
    Paola
    http://www.lechicchedipaola.it/

    Published 9.17.15 · Reply
  5. Sophie Z wrote:

    Love that you're following through with the goals you made! So important. Also, love that outfit!

    http://www.bysophialee.com/

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  6. Kristin wrote:

    That book has been on my list!! I'm excited to get to it soon!

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  7. Sarah Jessica wrote:

    Love the outfit! And I'm glad you were able to find someone to help you balance your life more!

    Sarah Jessica
    The Laws of Beauty

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  8. Virginia Evans wrote:

    Posts like this are seriously one of the best aspects of your blog. I love that you are open and honest with us and it reminds me that I can be honest with myself about those things too. Your blog is a ministry 🙂 and I appreciate you!!

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  9. Diana wrote:

    That dress fits you perfectly.

    || D I A N A ||
    http://www.TheNeonFactor.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  10. Bella B wrote:

    That dress is so danm cute! its the perfect colour.

    http://xoxobella.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  11. studentsandstyle wrote:

    What a great simple dress! So versatile!

    -Rae
    studentsandstyle.wordpress.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  12. My Sister's Closet wrote:

    Love the honest post 🙂 The outfit is darling! Need those boots.
    xx Madison
    mysisclosetblog.co

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  13. Becky M wrote:

    I love that this sweater looks so light and breathable – it could be paired with leggings or tights with cooler weather! The color looks great on you!

    http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  14. Annlouise Lindberg wrote:

    THAT dress looks so comfy, love it!! The boots are perfect to it <33

    http://sequinsinpink.blogspot.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  15. Natali wrote:

    Very comfy and cute outfit! You always look fantastic girl!

    http://lartoffashion.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  16. Taylor Winkelmeyer wrote:

    You are so sweet to share this. Hope you guys are able to get caught up and rested soon. Love this green on you too!
    xox Taylor | http://www.mycupofchic.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  17. Berty Morales wrote:

    Beautiful dress and I love the booties too. Also so happy that you were able to find the help that you need.

    Berty Morales
    Mad For Fashion For Less!
    https://madforfashionforless.wordpress.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  18. Kelly Kalinkewicz wrote:

    That's so exciting for you that you'll have some help!! Your mental well-being comes first!

    I actually just bought this dress and love that you paired it with a belt! It looks way more flattering!

    http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply
  19. Lauren Marie D. wrote:

    Mental well-being is oh so important. I am doing my best to take care of myself more this year, as it's my last year of law school and I'm still blogging. Thanks for always being an inspiration!

    Lauren xo || Right to Remain Fabulous

    Published 9.16.15 · Reply