A Beautiful Reminder

I do have an outfit post for you guys, as it was previously planned...but I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge my amazing cousin, Briana, who fought as hard as she could against leukemia. Briana passed away on Tuesday and there are just no words for the sadness so many of her friends & family are feeling. To have to fight so hard to live and be happy is never an easy thing to do, yet Briana did it with such determination and optimism that all of us standing by... friends, family, strangers even, were in awe of her.  The incredible strength and bravery that she showed throughout her battle really means something to me. And it is a beautiful reminder that despite all of the horrible things that can happen in life, there is still a way to go on and be happy and love. Briana truly embodied that philosophy.

At some point in our lives, we will all be in a place where we feel discouraged, ready to give up, and may be at the mercy of the higher powers. I just hope that when I'm in that place, that I will have half the grace and strength Briana showed. She had such a positive and vibrant spirit, and I know she would want us all to celebrate her life, cherish the memories we have with her, and go out and live our lives to the fullest, just like she did. Briana - you will be with me, with all of us, forever. Here's to you...thank you for making all of our lives brighter...you will be missed more than you know.

On a happier note, Briana married the love of her life, Dave, on Sunday, as friends and family watched via video. Dave has been by Briana's side from the beginning and is just as amazing as she is. You could truly feel the deepness of their love for each other from thousands of mile away and through a computer screen...it was so amazing to watch and I'm so happy they were able to fulfill their dream of marriage. They are both an inspiration.

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Skirt: Old Navy // similar and similar
Tee: J.Crew // here
Vest: Gap // here
Bag: J. Crew (pink) // similar and similar
Sandals: J.Crew // here

Things That Make Me Warm & Fuzzy:

1. Maxi skirt season (it's back)! Can't wait to wear my maxi dresses and skirts until I'm just plain sick of 'em.

2. The fact that my little sis is transferring to Northeastern in BOSTON for next year :) Now if only I still lived up there...hmm...

3. This denim vest. I was a little wishy washy about it...are denim vests really going to be in style much longer? But it adds such a cute and casual vibe to every outfit I've worn it with...so I'm thinking that counts for something.

4. Redbox. Whoever came up with this idea is a freakin' genius  A vending machine for CHEAP DVDs? Amazing. You can catch me at one every Friday night...it's kinda sad...but I'm OK with that.
5. Laying in the sun. Hoping for some good weather this weekend so I can just let that big yellow ball in the sky work it's magic. Sometimes, a little sunshine is good for the soul.