IS BLOGGING VAIN?

Recently, I was out one night enjoying a yummy spicy marg with friends, when the topic of social media and everyone's favorite platform; Instagram came up. I forget how this subject even got brought up, but then the attention got turned towards me and I was asked the question "seriously how many selfies do you have on your Instagram?"

I was a little taken aback when I was asked this. Partially because I honestly don't know the answer -- when I post something on Instagram, I just post it because I like it. There's no in-depth analysis going on of my selfie to non-selfie ratios. The other reason I was a little uncomfortable with this question was because I couldn't help but notice this person was implying I was narcissistic or vain in some sense, which made me further think...is blogging just a narcissistic outlet?

(con't below)

And the answer to that in my honest opinion is: HELL no. And before you think well of course I'm going to say no; I'm biased, hear me out. 

Yes, I post a lot of selfies. Yes, my whole Instagram/blog is mainly just photos of myself. But, as a blogger I am documenting my daily outfits, make-up, hair, jewelry, whatever that I want to post about that I think my readers and followers would enjoy. Sure, when I post a photo of myself I want to make sure I am represented in the best way possible as I take my blog seriously like any brand would. But it's not something done in vanity. I love fashion, beauty and styling and I get to best implement my favorite fashions and styles by showing examples of it on myself. If I was a home decor blogger, I would probably post photos of my home; if I was a food blogger, I would probably post photos of food I order or I make myself. 

Blogging is taking something personal and making creative content out of it. When I go to a shoot, I take a lot of time putting together outfits, coordinating accessories, and making sure I convey the look/mood I have envisioned. I have always been a creative person and grew up ogling over fashion magazine editorials so in my mind, blogging is like creating a fashion editorial with a personal twist. And that personal twist is going to involve photos of yours truly. So sorry to whoever looks at my Instagram or blog and sees it done in vanity, as that is simply not the intent behind it.

I always preach to not care what people think and do what you want, but I also wanted to defend my blog -- as it is my passion project and not just something done to rack up likes on social media. What do you guys think? Any fellow style bloggers that have also wrestled with this?

XO,

Jasmin

P.S. This dress is sold out in the pink -- but the exact same one is available in black! Which I probably will end up ordering myself. The shoes and bags are also unfortunately sold out but I've linked my fav similar styles.

THE POWER OF POSITIVITY: 5 TIPS TO TRY TODAY

It's no secret that I have a bit of an attitude. I can be way too sassy and a smarta** for my own good sometimes. Sarcasm is just my sense of humor and it is all done in good fun. But what about those days where something bad happens; however major or minor, and life's not all sh**s and giggles? (excuse my French)

Those are the days I've noticed I can let a negative attitude consume me, no matter how much I'd like to deny it. Recently I underwent a not so pleasant experience in my personal life to say the least. I was so bitter and negative for a couple of weeks, I noticed I started getting terrible sleep, eating unhealthy meals more than I'd like to, not getting the most out of my daily gym sessions, and just overall feeling really fatigued and "over it" for lack of a better term. I think I finally had this wake-up moment where I thought to myself like "ok, I can continue being irritated about this situation that is in no way in my control to change; or, I can let go and focus on all the good and positives in my life". 

And I consciously did exactly that. Let go of the B.S. in your life that consumes you with negativity/anxiety/whatever and focus on all the good life brings (I know, cheesy...but it's SO true you guys). I read a quote on Pinterest or Instagram once that went something like "life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it". This really resonated with me because your attitude really determines so much in life, and what's the point of having a negative attitude? It won't make you happier, and just eats away at you! 

I put together five tips I use in my daily life to stay positive and focus on the good when life is just not going your way. Scroll down to read them!

1. Make a list. Sometimes when I feel like a negative situation is overwhelming me, I like to make a list of things I'm looking forward to (like a concert or upcoming trip), things to be grateful for (like my health and amazing friends and family), and things I can do that brighten my mood (like go to a workout class or layout at the beach with a good book).

2. Declutter. Whether that be your space by cleaning/organizing, your mind by going for a walk to reflect, or literally your life (cutting out toxic/negative people weighing you down is OK), I think decluttering is beneficial as it gives you a fresh outlook on life and contributes towards thinking positively.

3. Spend time with friends. I always get so busy in my day to day, between work, the gym, running errands, answering emails, etc. that I forget to just breathe and spend some quality time with friends which is such a mood lifter! Whether that be grabbing dinner/drinks or just hanging out and watching tv, I think surrounding yourself with your favorite people is SO important to creating positivity in your life.

4. Do something that improves you. Let me explain, you know how great it feels to accomplish that goal that you've been working towards, or completing a project you've been putting off? Do just that! For me, it's lately been running. I've been competing in races and signing up for fun 5Ks around town when I can. While I probably run around 8-10 miles a week on the treadmill at the gym, being able to complete a race is still a huge accomplishment for me and I love the positive feelings associated with it when I cross the finish line.

5. Laugh. Watch a funny comedy stand-up special on Netflix (just watched Ali Wong: Baby Cobra and laughed my a** off!), grab lunch with that one person you can always joke around with, or just scroll through some funny meme pages on Instagram. Whatever your choice is, I think laughter has the power to seriously be a mood booster and bring instant positivity to your day.

XO,

Jasmin

SUMMER STAPLES: FLOWY FLORAL DRESSES

Since we just passed the unofficial start to summer this past MDW, I am so ready to bust out my summer wardrobe, including anything flowy and floral! I love bright colors, so this red floral maxi from Auguste was calling my name. I'm especially digging the off-the-shoulder trend right now with everything (later, tan lines).

As much as I love maxi dresses, I always feel the need to pair them with some sort of heel or wedge. I'm 5'5, so it's not like I'm that short, but I swear every maxi I try on just drags on the floor. Also before you say it, I am way too lazy to go get anything altered unless it is for a special event (anyone else with me on this!?)

Luckily, these camel Dolce Vita heels are the perfect mix of casual summer sandal and heel, so I can get the height I need without compromising how easy going and casual this dress is. I also love how this maxi has two slits on the side, so I can walk around without feeling like I'm tripping over myself...and besides, who doesn't like showing off a little leg.

I pulled together my outfit with Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick (in biscotti). I'm such a fan because unlike other matte lip colors, this one won't crack or smudge which is perfect for summer BBQs and pool parties if I'm going to be eating! (And that 'if' is a definite yes).

I've also rounded up my top 5 flowy (aka: can drink all the rosé you want and not look bloated) dresses for summer. Scroll down to see with direct links to shop!

1. This forever 21 maxi. It's floral, off-the-shoulder, and has a cute crochet detail. I'm sold. Plus you can dress it up which is nice for summer weddings!
2. This urban outfitters midi dress. Flowy enough to wear to dinner and not feel like your food baby is poking out, yet the low cut button up feature still makes it sexy so you don't feel like you're wearing something shapeless. And also this tropical floral print makes me want to book a trip to Cancun. Like now.
3. This vici collection wrap dress. Wrap dresses are hands down the most flattering dresses in my opinion as they accentuate your waist so I'm always a fan when I find a good wrap dress. Plus the midi length of this looks like you can pair it with heels OR flats! Win-win. I need it.
4. This Zara button-up mini. The floral print is adorable, and it's a dress you can wear from the office to happy hour with just a change of shoes and accessories. Easy-peezy.
5. This H&M o-t-s midi. This dress just screams summer to me. I love the vintage feel from the polka dot print and the longer, flowy skirt. Wear this to dinner, drinks, BBQs, and everything in between.

Happy unofficial start to summer everyone! I can just hear the rosé pouring...

XO,

Jasmin

WELCOME: A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME AND WHY I STARTED THIS BLOG

Welcome to JASMIN WEARS: a personal style blog

I'm so excited to be writing my very first post. It's kind of crazy to me that I went ahead and created this personal style blog because it has always been one of those things I've thought about doing but never actually followed through on...until now. I've always loved style and fashion for as long as I can remember. I even have friends and family constantly asking me where I get my clothes and telling me I should start a blog since they ask about my outfits regularly anyways. I think my biggest hurdle in starting this blog was simply fear. I would ask myself "well how do I pose in the photos?", "what do I even write about", "what if people don't think I have the right style for a blog?", and so on. You get the picture.

But I think at the end of the day, it shouldn't matter what people think or if I'm doing this "right". I got to the point where I realized fashion, style and writing are not only things I love but that I want to create and share with the world. I did not start this blog for any reasons other than it is a passion project of mine. In between my corporate 9-5 job, going to the gym, and making time for friends and family, I find this blog as my creative outlet and something I don't have to do like the other aspects of my life but that I WANT to do. 

 I think moral of the story here is: life is too short to be afraid to do that thing you want (I know, as cliche as that sounds). Whether it be switching a job, going skydiving, moving to a new city or in my case, starting a blog! In the end whatever that scary leap may be, I think it is so worth it to get out of your comfort zone. So, enjoy the blog, follow along, and leave me comments along the way. I'd love to hear from you!

XO,

Jasmin

P.S. I'm loving all things embroidered right now, including this feminine and lacy floral embroidered mini. Check out some similar embroidered styles here that I love. Pair it with some dramatic tassel earrings and sandals and it's the perfect outfit for a night out.