The weather in Minnesota for the past couple of months has been unbearable. It's supposed to be spring, right? With 20 degree temps, the white stuff deterring the green stuff from showing and just plain gloomy days, I am consistently looking for ways to make these long days feel a little brighter.

The age old trend of florals for spring will more than likely never stop bringing a huge sigh of disappointment from those high-end fashionistas. However, there are now so many different ways to wear the trend that options are limitless for anyone willing to try. I, for one, am never going to tire from this trend so I knew I hit the jackpot when I found this stunning Who What Wear x Target ruffle slit dress featuring a gorgeous floral pattern that I had not seen before. (similar).

This dress in particular has given me so many compliments from so many different people that I simply want to wear it every time I go out. It has become a staple piece for my wardrobe and it's so much fun being able to mix and match various accessories with it. For this version, I paired it with an adorable belt from Target featuring a fox head clasp. To complete the look, I slipped into these comfortable tan braided booties. Think work appropriate that can easily transition into a date night look. This one's for you, Miranda Priestly!

What does your reflection say about you? For me, it says that I have every right to be who I am and to love the person I have become. Do you know how long it has taken me to actually be able to say these words with confidence?! If you had asked me even a year ago if I liked who I was completely, inside and out, I would have laughed in your face and probably broken down ugly crying. While I am always on the verge of tears anytime someone compliments me on a part of myself, I can now actually accept the words that are given to me and not think they are lie. Progress people, progress! Most of my insecurities are still always looming in the back of my mind, however, I now know that I can work on improving what they are and not feel like a victim to them. My main insecurity is pretty obvious, weight issues, but I can now realize and understand that that is not the only part of me that is worthy of being accepted. I can fix that part when I chose to, and people care about me no matter what number is on the scale.

Again, this is serious progress for me mentally and I am hoping that every part of my self and my reflection continues to improve while I get older.While I am currently seeing all of this, I'm also seeing another important aspect of myself that I never had before. I have damn good fashion sense + style for someone who shops on a budget. This may not seem that important, but hello, I have a fashion blog and a fashion degree! We may all know that I have several people I look to for style and that have a major influence on the fashion industry, i.e; Ashley Graham, Nicolette Mason, Alex Michael May, etc., I have taken their inspiration and made it into something that is completely me. The latest trend I have incorporated into being my fashionable self? Velvet, baby! It is a MUST-HAVE for fall and winter, and I am thrilled that it has lasted for the past year or so. I have been wearing this velvet kimono from Torrid on rotation for the past month or so, as it is so comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. It is the perfect cardigan to dress up or down, and I am for sure going to be wearing it even into winter.