Hi. I’m Chantel. A lot of you may know me as that awkward girl on instagram who went through a phase of only posting pictures of food- which I’m okay with because like the moon, I go through phases. I’m not a “constant” and I don’t intend to be. My passions change like seasons, but a few of them will always remain: fashion, writing, art, and health. In my eighteen years of living, I’ve gone through an extensive journey of self-discovery, and obviously I’m still very much involved with that process, hence this blog.

Since this blog is about the things that I love (I refuse to limit myself to just articles of clothing) I’m going to share bits of my personal story with you that nearly nobody knows. I don’t want this website to be my “highlight reel,” I want it to be real. I would genuinely like to share and maybe even inspire more than I want to be a walking advertisement. If more people were willing to tell their story, maybe our generation wouldn’t have to google so much of their life. (yes that’s a thing it happens ok)

I can’t think of a time I have been truly happy with my body. Which is normal, I guess, because I’m a girl- but it shouldn’t be. Since my sixth grade year, I have done everything from extreme extended juice cleanses to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, to literally anything you can think of. I’ve always been naturally underweight, but with an array of autoimmune problems and sickness, my activity level, medications, and weight fluctuated along with my self-esteem. My eating habits became erratic, and I went through starve-binge cycles for years. I made it a point to keep everything I was feeling inside my own mind. Yes, I’ve done things to my body that I’m not proud of for the sake of acceptance. It’s hard to believe that I actually let myself get so worked up over a number on the scale?!

I eventually decided that labels are crap. I didn’t want to be “vegan” or “vegetarian” anymore, I simply wanted to be healthy. So I did what I do best- I researched. I read books on health and different lifestyles. I befriended the people living those different lifestyles. I asked questions. I taught myself about processed foods, food labels, animal products, carbs, gluten, everything I had questions about, and I’m still learning. Through this journey, I fell in love with simplicity. Raw fruits and vegetables. Coming up with crazy combinations- making art out of fruit. Making insanely healthy food taste absolutely sinful. I rerouted my sugar tainted SAD taste buds (Standard American Diet) and started feeding my body instead of my ego. Instead of being neurotic and crazy about my body, treating it like a temple, I started treating my body like my home. It’s where I reside, not where I worship.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t JUST eat raw foods, but I’ve reverted to this sort of “nourish don’t punish” philosophy. I woke up one day and decided to be genuinely conscious. Granted, I still have bad, self-hate filled day, but don’t we all? It’s all about observing and moving forward. In the same way my great aunt used to tell me if I crossed my eyes too long, my face would freeze that way, if you linger on a feeling too long, it’s going to stick.

Positive in, positive out.

This is an extremely summarized post and I still feel uneasy posting it. I’ll go into more detail about my health issues as well as my physical and spiritual journey in the next few posts of this series. Just remember, we all have our flaws. We do what it takes to hide them and that doesn’t make us fake, it makes us human. <3

Smoothie recipe below!

I don’t usually keep a purse around- Mostly because I lose things daily and I have this deep paranoia about losing $300 bags. But when I do get the courage up to lug something around with me, I have a few key items I try to keep in it! Okay more like ten. Read on below!

This could very well be my last post with my favorite tree this year, as the blooms are fading:(… But on a lighter note- who says you have to wear pastels for spring? Switch it up with neutrals! Personally, I went to Buckle (literally the only clothing store in my small town) with the sole purpose of finding neutrals and left with this pop of floral. I can’t stay away, apparently. I’m obsessed with the feminine touch, though and I’m willing to accept it. I’m liking this casual look and color scheme in particular because it’s not super matchy but everything is still in the same color family. I couldn’t leave the store without these beautiful Steve Maddens, which by the way are unbelievably comfortable. AND THIS BRACELET- oh my goodness- I’ve worn it three times this week. It looks great stacked and on its own. The bag is basically perfect with just about anything. Aren’t the tassel lovely? I can’t stay away from that bit of detail either- hence the crochet vest. As sad as I am that the blooms are wilting, it’s just a bittersweet reminder that my favorite time of here is upon us. Hot, hot, hot, sunshiny weather. I get myself so excited for all of the events I have to dress up for! So many graduations and birthdays this next month! I’m starting my fun little grad presents for everyone in my old class this week. So happy for all of them!<3 Extremely happy in general. Happy Wednesday, all.

I purchased EVERYTHING pictured at my local Buckle

Shorts: Forever21 (similar)

Heels: Thrifted 

Cardigan: ModCloth

Jeans: American Apparel

Shoes: Thrifted

Skirt: Forever 21 (similar)

This is actually a post I’ve been stressing about for awhile. My camera bittersweetly has an eye for detail and I’m not big on putting my personal insecurities on the internet for all to see, but this really is a product worth reviewing. I’m sure most of you have heard about the latest skin craze, Nerium. I’ve been absolutely dying to try it! So of course when one of my favorite fashion and lifestyle bloggers, Jessica McLain, from Proverbs Living offered me a five day sample to review, I couldn’t refuse! I have problematic skin to say the least. I have fair, sensitive skin like a vampire and literally every flaw is insanely noticeable. I have microdermabrasion performed on my face around once a month because my skin is that prone to sun damage, scarring, and drying.

This beautifully packaged sample Jess sent me contained the day as well as the night cream. I genuinely love them both. For starters, the day cream wasn’t greasy or oily like a lot of daily moisturizers, so it seemed to help set my foundation like a primer instead of making my face smeary- and the night cream OH MY GOODNESS. It’s so much stickier than the day cream so definitely apply it to damp, just washed skin instead of dry skin. It feels almost like a facial; the night cream hardens and isn’t too pleasant at the time, but every morning I washed it off I just wanted to touch my face forever. (I don’t recommend petting your face constantly as tempting as it is) My before and after photos completely shocked me. I did NOT expect to see a noticeable result in my sun and scarring damage after three days?! That’s insane. The texture of my skin has definitely improved and I can’t wait to continue this product! I believe in it so much that I’ve even been talking with Jessica about becoming a brand partner over the summer when I have more time to invest.

If you are interested in trying Nerium, you can shop it here or head over to Proverbs Living and ask for more information! My shocking personal results are below in case you’re like me and need proof. <3

~Of course it is happening inside your head, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?~

Harry Potter modern fashion series: Part two! The wicked Bellatrix Lestrange herself. It’s honestly so difficult for me to keep a straight face BUT HEY I TRIED. I wanted to mix flowy and edgy for this look so I knew I had to go with chiffon, some dangerous jewelry, and just a touch of leather. Ms. Lestrange definitely has a different style than my norm, but normal is boring so I’ll trade in my pale pink for onyx black for the day. It’s fun to switch it up! Avada Kedavra, muggles.

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Dress: Forever 21

Hat: Forever 21

Bracelets: Forever 21 (here, here and similar here)

Earrings: Forever 21

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (Urban Outfitters)