“How do I stop carrying everything that has ever happened to me?”— Blythe Baird

So... it's been a minute, hasn't it? Well I have very good reasons as to why it's been almost five months since my last update, I promise. The last half of 2018 was a serious game changer for me personally because I moved into my VERY first apartment. I simply had no time to find inspiration to update as I was overwhelmed with creating my place into something I could call a home. I found that I couldn't spread that inspiration into another area of my life, so there was none left to sit down and create an upload schedule. I sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been looking forward to the Mostly Lisa Holiday Gift Guide series. It saddens me to say this, however, I will no longer be doing that series in the future. It really no longer makes sense to do so and I hope everyone understands. That being said, I will still update occasionally when the mood strikes, like it has today!

The first post of 2019 (btw, Happy New Year's, everyone!) is something I am thrilled to share since it is part of my favorite series on this blog - My Style File - and it features this absolutely STUNNER of a dress from ModCloth. I came across it while looking for an outfit that would kill it at my work holiday party and it was one of the first things that caught my eye. While it was outside of my normal budget, I treated myself and have no regrets. When I first put the dress on, it made me feel like I had transported to Old Hollywood while attending a movie premier. The blue velvet is glamorous and the "kimono-style half sleeves, surplice bodice, and wrap-inspired skirt of this sashed gown will leave you feeling as though you've stepped into your own cinematic experience." 

The aesthetic of this dress also called for vintage T-strap heels that were easily found on Unique Vintage, a clutch from Torrid with stars adorned in glitter and these beautiful crystal embellished hair pins from Crown & Glory. With all of this put together, I was definitely ready to step into the spotlight.

My vision is complete!

There has been something about this summer. I can't quite put my finger on it, on what has changed and what has made these past few months so satisfying. Maybe it's that I'm actually content with life, at where I'm at and where I'm going and what I felt this time last year isn't relevant anymore. It just isn't relevant. What a pressure lifted. While I still hold some weight on my shoulders, probably always will, I have been able to enjoy things easier than I have in the past - like updating Mostly Lisa here and there, going on spontaneous adventures with friends and enjoying these luxurious summer nights driving with the windows down. Listening to Ella Vos, Exes, Bleachers. Singing and then talking back forth, especially about the perfect summer trends.

So many conversations in person and online about those trends. Since it is the end of the second week of August, I am trying to cram in one big trend of finding summer dresses to wear to work and on those adventures. Luckily, there have been many to choose from and I have only just scratched the surface of wearing and finding them. My last post included one of the finds, however, I had to talk about this black challis crochet maxi shirt dress from Torrid, which has easily become my favorite casual summer dress this year. The 3/4 length sleeves are perfect to keep the look casual and are my type of sleeve. I paired this look with the same boater hat and flats (yeah, I totally changed in the woods for this photoshoot) to tie it all together. Ugh, I love this summer and I do not want it to end. Who wants to be swept away with me into a romantic next few weeks? I'll be here waiting in my many dresses.

The last couple months have had me dreaming and envisioning hot, lazy, romantic summer days. The type of days that you can really enjoy from sunrise to sunset. Weekends are my particular favorite; staying up until the sky is pitch black, listening to music with the windows open and the cool (or slightly warm) breeze filling up the space of my room. These particular days have included wondering around lush, green fields and truly embracing how beautiful nature can be, even in your own backyard. Clothing can be optional, however, I mostly imagine myself wearing loose cotton or linen dresses that flow in the wind and reveal patches of skin underneath.

If you dream it, make it happen! The idyllic train of thought carried over into my decision to purchase this comfortable cold-shoulder dress from torrid. It is exactly the type of dress I would wear if I were to be on a date during a romantic summer night. I really enjoy this type of silhouette as it hugs the curves in the right places, and can show off your flirtatious side if you want. Since I was not on a date, sadly, I decided to go towards the comfortability of it. Pairing with a boater hat, a pair of flats and a kate spade new york crossbody bag, my vision was almost ready. To make it all come together, I found a second dress that will carry over into a part two next week.  Stay tuned!  P.S. I recommend checking out my IG for some smaller dreams that have come true.

Details, details, details!

Even the smallest detail can make or break an outfit, right? The particular detail I'll be talking about today is something I've actually referenced in the past, but it's so good that I have to talk about it more than once - embroidery, embroidered faux leather, to be exact. While this wardrobe staple may be best for fall/winter, I personally think it can easily translate into whichever season you want. This is why I feel so lucky I happened upon this boohoo embroidered floral moto jacket on Poshmark, which is definitely on trend for spring/summer this year.

Feeling edgy in my attempt to take my spring style to the next level, this timeless item really amplified the rest of the outfit I put together. It was simply really, I took high-waisted black denim + a sheer navy green blouse from torrid to pair with tan booties from Target and ended up with a fun, easy look for the season. Since this trend is so accessible now for all sizes and price points, I also wanted to share a few other embroidered jackets I've had my eye on. See below for four different styles, same trend.

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!

1. Arizona by Proenza Schouler ($100-$130): Hints of tangerine. A muskier floral that embraces its sweetness at the same time. It will transport you to sunnier days. I think this will be the perfect new scent to wear all spring and summer.
2. in full bloom by kate spade new york ($28-$98): This third installment of their fragrance line, 'in full bloom' captures everything from 'live colorfully' and 'walk amour' into one new perfume. Fresh, flirty and unique to this season. You'll basically be living the '13 Going on 30' life with this rose-infused long lasting scent. I am a HUGE fan of 'live colorfully' so I am all about this incorporating similar notes.

Play at romance, we slow dance

In the living room, but all that a stranger would see

Is one girl swaying alone

Stroking her cheek

I have noticed myself pulling and pulling back from posting on here. I don't even know where the passion has gone for Mostly Lisa, to be honest. Life has taken me in so many different directions and paths for the past seven months that the passion, along with the motivation, within me has been truly just spread too thin. My brain can't handle so much dedication at once! For the most part, I have really enjoyed having other things to be creative and interested in. The new career I am in has given me a lot, however, there are times where I really want to have the motivation back to keep this blog up. This all probably sounds like a broken record for the people who have stuck with me these past seven years, but you all know that this is how I process different things. So I've come to a decision that I'll pause the repetitiveness and come back here and there, with less pressure on myself to constantly have to update. When I do come back, hopefully the content will be better than if I was updating every single day or week. Please enjoy these links that I've rounded up for the month of February!

MUSIC

• This Lorde song has been stuck in my head for the past month. What a beautiful, melodic song to make you feel so many different emotions. I finally caved in and am going to see her next month at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul! Hopefully this song will be just as gorgeous in person.
• Speaking of concerts, I am also seeing Kate Nash for the first time in the next couple months. Her new album is fire. 
• Dua Lipa - I'll see you in June! 

SHOPPING

• Spring is just around the corner and Eloquii is killing it with their new arrivals. These Luna Printed Cylinder Heels are unexpectedly a must for me. 
• Oh hey, it's me in t-shirt form! 
• A current obsession of mine? Embroidered faux leather jackets - they are amazing. Tough and feminine, the perfect duo. 
• With spring and summer arriving very soon, I am on the hunt for a good pair of prescription sunglasses. I've had no luck finding a pair in my price range but then I instantly remembered BonLook and their amazing pricing. This pair may be just what the eye doctor ordered. 

READING

• If you haven't seen 'Annilihation', do not read this article. My long-time friend, Lindsey Romain, is a fantastic journalist and wrote this spectacular piece on Natalie Portman and the incredibly beautiful movie she is now in. Natalie brings her all in this masterpiece and I highly recommend that everyone goes to see it in the cinema. 
• I also thoroughly enjoyed this article about a relatively unknown horror show called 'Channel Zero' on SyFy. It is not a show that I would have ever imagined myself enjoying, however once it sinks its teeth into you - you are hooked. If you have ever read a Creepypasta story, this show is for you. It's incredibly well made and builds so well on the suspense. The last episode for this season literally made my skin crawl.
• These street style looks from NYFW are INSPIRING.
• I enjoy reading my horoscope for the year - this is what mine says for 2018. 

VIEWING

• So you're all watching This Is Us, right? Go ahead and watch this fanvid and be ready to cry your eyes out. It is the perfect roundup of everything that has happened up to the last episode. It's insanely beautiful.
• This Instagram feed by Luke Abrahams is the perfect travel inspiration for the England area.
• Kristen Wiig x James Corden trying to duet 'Hallelujah' is definitely greatest thing to make me laugh in awhile.
• All the stunning F/W '18 collections!