Your Frocktober donation will raise funds and awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Please help me hit my fundraising goal!
What I wore:
Sunglasses: Rayban new Wayfarers
Dress: Atmos & Here Willow printed tee dressShoes: RMK Chester black ankle boots (on sale here!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Edenborough Evans 'Ivy' silver cuff
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (Shop more Rebecca Minkoff bags here)
Why I wore it:
I'd been looking forward to wearing this dress as part of the Frocktober challenge! It was a heavy favourite last spring/summer, although it did feel a little short in the afternoon when playing with the toddler after picking him up from day care. Might need to wear shorts under it next time I wear it!I shared this dress on instagram, with a side view as well. I've been reading so many articles and blogs about how everyone compares what they see online with their own lives. I've been reading the #strugglesbook as well which has been really challenging me lately.
My church did a series about online #struggles a while back which you can watch here and is really good viewing! While it does have a basis in Christianity, it talks about the general themes of social media burnout and how comparing can bring us down. A nice reminder to not compare your behind the scenes with someone else's highlight reel.
It's so easy to hide flaws or things you don't want people to see in photos, you don't have to show the full story. And if you can't use a flattering camera angle, there's always photoshop. The number of photoshopped blogs I see is just so sad. Why do that? I just want to give them a hug. Be yourself. You are perfect in every way, because you are you. Never put yourself down because of something you see online. You aren't seeing the full picture.
I try to keep this blog a frivolous, light-hearted and positive space, but that doesn't mean everything is perfect all the time. Nothing is ever perfect. People are more than what they share online, and you too are more than your instagram/twitter/facebook feed and the number of likes or followers you get.
"Your self-worth is not based on the Likes of others but on the love of God." #strugglesBook @craiggroeschel
— Mica (@AwayFromTheBlue) October 13, 2015
If this is something you've been struggling with lately, I'd highly recommend the #strugglesBook, it has lots of great advice. It's released on the 27th October, but you can pre-order now.
(I got an early e-book copy, but was not expected to or under any obligation to share the book with you. I just think it's that good, especially in light of all the posts I've seen lately from bloggers facing social media burnout).
Last worn: Ray-Ban wayfarers, botanical print tee dress, black leather ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.
Other ways to wear: printed tee dress worn as a top, ankle boots and skinny jeans in winter, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and a plaid shirt.
Shop more printed and striped dresses for under $50:
What I wore:
Necklace: Dogeared silver wishbone necklace layered with Dogeared 3 Wishes stardust bead necklace (Shop more Dogeared here)
Dress: Jeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dressShoes: Novo Carmina fuschia suede flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac and Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
Bag: Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH (Shopbop sell Balenciaga bags now too!)
Why I wore it:
Not as fun as the outfit above, stripes instead of a colourful print, but I added some bright shoes to this outfit I wore to the office. No side pic of this one, but I felt the baby bump was showing quite a bit in it. :)Last worn: striped fit and flare dress, pink suede flats, Balenciaga Part Time bag.
Other ways to wear: striped fit and flare dress for a dedication, pink suede flats and a polka dot dress, Balenciaga Part Time bag and denim.
Linking up with Fab Favourites, Friday Favourites, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Weekend Linkup, Jaimie's Linkup, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Blog Hop, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Weekend Rewind, Let It Shine, More Pieces of Me, Hello Monday, Modest Monday today.
This post was created in partnership with Shopbop. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.
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Great advice on not comparing yourself with others. It amazes me how perfect some people are every day on IG. I feel a bit sad for them that they maybe don't have a real life with all its wrinkles.
ReplyDeleteOh they are sure to have a real life, even if we don't get to see it, haha! It's so easy to think a photo shows the full story, but it doesn't.
DeleteLove the first dress, it reminds me of a very light sweater I have.
ReplyDeleteI very much agree, it's way easy to only show the good stuff and I'm not even trying that hard ;-) There's nothing photoshopped in my pics if you excuse that I sometimes toggle around the exposure. But clipping and correct angles alone can do sooooo much. Or leaving out the crappy shots. My life isn't picture perfect, but I'm no longer apsiring it to be like some instagram feeds.
You are right so, we should just go around and hug people :-) Have a great weekend!
Alex - Funky Jungle
Very true Alex - I don't think anyone's lives are picture perfect, despite what it may seem like online!
DeleteGreat post, Mica. I just clicked and looked at this #struggles book - sounds like something I would enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteYou look very pretty in both of your dresses. I really like the bold print and colors of your first dress - so cute with the booties! I always admire a nice striped dress and think the addition of bright shoes was perfect.
Have a wonderful weekend, Mica!
Thanks! It is a really good read, I've enjoyed reading it and putting some of the advice into action!
DeleteYou look fantastic and radiant in both outfits! I love stripes and that flowery dress is a dream!
ReplyDeleteThat struggles book sounds great. I think there should be a healthy dose of comparing yourself online.
ReplyDeleteYou know that second dress is one of my favorites you own but the floral number is just too cute and shows off your little bump. How far along are you?
Have a great weekend, Mica!
Not that far along, still in the second trimester :)
Deleteboth dresses are fabulous...I love what you said about life not being about the number of likes we receive...that can be said on so many levels. There is so much more to life that going for popularity or editing ourselves all the time. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo true Ivana! There is a lot more to life! :)
DeleteI really like both dresses on you! You look great!
ReplyDeleteAnd great reminders! It's easy to forget that everyone shows their best side online, and no one has a perfect life! I'll have to check out the book!
The book is a great read! And it does help to remind ourselves no-one or nothing is perfect!
DeleteThis is a really great message. It's easy to get down on yourself when comparing to others, but we really are only seeing the best of the best from everyone.
ReplyDeleteAlso - CONGRATS!!
Fizz and Frosting
Thank you Lauren! :)
DeleteI just want to applaud you. I think it's amazing that you constantly just want to be yourself and you really encourage others to do that same! Why people feel the need to photo shop their bodies is extremely sad to me. I've actually me thinking about doing a post on it. On what you don't see in my own photos. How I position myself and hide my "mom tummy." I feel like I'm in a place in my life where I'm confident in it, and perhaps I could help others?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, to the outfits. Love that first dress and totally remember it from last year. I wear stretchy shorts under every dress in the summer! haha. I don't trust myself not to flash someone on accident. (;
Maybe stripes aren't as "fun" as prints, but they are classic and timeless. Love your pop of color shoe!
Have a great weekend!
I would love to read a post from you on the topic Kiki!
DeleteI think that it's interesting that we know how to pose to take a good shot, yet often look at others and assume they are just perfect - not that they've just done a similar thing to find a good pose, haha!
It is an interesting topic to think about.
That first dress is so fun!
ReplyDeleteAnd yep, I try not to judge myself based on others but it does happen from time to time. And I agree with you on the photoshop stuff. All I ever do with photoshop is fix colors and possibly a few pimples, haha.
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
haha you're more advanced than me! I just crop and resize my photos, can't figure out how to do much else! I don't have photoshop either, maybe it's easier to do things in that :)
DeleteBoth outfits look nice on you. Good Luck on your delivery! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
xoxo,
SHAIRA
www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com
I loved that message when I read it in your Instagram account :)
ReplyDeleteOh my that baby bump is growing so fast !
It really does seem to be growing much faster the second time around!
DeleteBaby bump?? Weee! Congratulations, sweetheart! I'm so excited for you! Way to go on your Frocktober challenge!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheila! The challenge has been a lot harder than I thought with a growing baby belly to have to work around each day!
DeleteSo true doll! I am loving these dresses though the first one is very eye appealing and you are look so adorable with the baby bump!
ReplyDeleteFlorals&Smiles
Thank you for encouragement! Your striped dress is adorable
ReplyDeleteAnna
Happy Medley
You look very adorable dear! Love both looks!
ReplyDeleteARedLip&Love
Oh my goodness...happy baby bump!
ReplyDeleteI think these days with social media and so much access to photo shopping and trying to appear perfect it creates unrealistic life goals. On another note I love your dresses! And that little baby bump is adorbs!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mylittlenest.org
It is very unrealistic, we need to remind ourselves it's not the full picture that we are seeing online, it's so easy to present a filtered view!
DeleteI really love the Jeanswest Rita dress on you. It must be the horizontal stripes because from the font, the bump almost looks invisible :)
ReplyDeletehehe yes the stripes are so flattering!
DeleteMica, thanks for reminding me of this: "A nice reminder to not compare your behind the scenes with someone else's highlight reel.". I absolutely needed to hear this again, now that I am in a transition state between my maternity clothes and normal clothes. I also needed to hear that because often I get swept up in the storm of IG analytics and wonder what I can do to better it like someone else.. Love the printed dress on you and adore the growing bump view!!
ReplyDeletexxx
It is a great quote from Steven Furtick! I think we all need to remind ourselves of that now and then, no matter what stage of life we are at :)
DeleteOmg congratulations!! I had no idea you're pregnant--you do know how to work those angles! :) Love the striped dress and the orchid flats--I would totally wear that whole outfit!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I had a bit of practice with my first baby! ;)
DeleteI love the message of the first outfit/instagram. It's so true. I try to think of what is just outside of the photo too. You never know. Love your bright shoes with the second dress!
ReplyDeleteYes, often there is so much outside of the photo we don't see!
DeleteWhat a great challenge and a fun way to fundraise wearing a different dress each day. Love the dresses that you wore. I agree with you as I don't have any kind of photoshop programs either as it is nice to see the real person.
ReplyDeleteRebecca http://www.winnipegstyle.ca/Blog/default.cfm
It is a great thing to fund-raise for, I've been having fun in the process!
Deletethat's so neat! :D great look with that IG outfit! :D
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Animated Confessions
You look great and you've a great selection of handbags! (I am a collector!) Nice challenge to participate in.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a blog post about this! How we should never compare our weaknesses to someone else's strengths because their weakness is our strength!
ReplyDeleteSarah
Life is Beautiful
That would be a great post to read! :)
DeleteLove the chain bag!
ReplyDeleteHugs from the Philippines!
- Seyra
www.pavementsarerunways.com
Instagram: @_srico
Love seeing your outfits, Frocktober is so much fun for a worthy cause.
ReplyDeleteBoth dresses are great! You look lovely in both!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I love dress number 1! Xx
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the baby bump! So exciting. I wouldn't have been able to tell from the first picture!
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Thank you :)
DeleteGreat post! I needed that reminder about not comparing everyday myself to others. :) And cute outfits! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is good to remind ourselves of this now and then! :)
DeleteSuch cute dresses! Your point on camera angles is so true. Before I started fashion blogging, I hated taking pictures of myself because I thought I looked so heavy in photos. But once I learned how to pose, and to use different camera angles, it was amazing how different and better my pics looked just by standing a different way. Such an illusion!
ReplyDeleteYes even without photoshop it's easy to manipulate a photo with poses and angles! Something it's good to remember when we see seemingly 'perfect' photos!
DeleteWhat a great message Mica! It's so easy to fall into the comparison trap, we've all done that. But you are absolutely right, pictures never tell the whole story. I LOVE that you posted both pics on Instagram, that's amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a thoughtful comment!
It is so easy to begin to compare, so it's good to remind ourselves we aren't seeing the whole story! :)
DeleteLove the idea of Frocktober!! wish I had known earlier :) great looks, love the strips..
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at the weekend blog hop..
You can still donate, even if you can't frock up! :)
DeleteI think some people just like to create the person they want to be online, which I guess is okay if nobody is getting hurt.
ReplyDeleteCute baby bump :) :) :)
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
It's definitely so hard to not compare yourself to what you see online. I struggle with that a lot! I think you look great in both photos though! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
Yes it's too easy to get into a cycle of comparing as we scroll and click! Not healthy though!
DeleteSuch a great message... I totally agree with that!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, your baby bump is showing quite a bit :)
www.elabellaworld.com
I love that you paired the dress with a fun pop of color with your flats!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that you keep it real girl! Here's to #MessyHairDontCare, because that's real life :)
Such a refreshing post!! And you look beautiful and your bump is adorable!!
ReplyDelete-Rose
Http://babiesandbluejeans.blogspot.com
I love the stripes - you're looking absolutely fabulous! You're so right we should never compare our behind the scenes with someone's highlight reel and we should always keep that in mind when scrolling through social media feeds!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely - they are wise words to keep in mind!
DeleteYou always carry the most amazing bags! I love both!
ReplyDeleteLooking so cute!!
Dora www.BangsBang.com | Firmoo Glasses Giveaway!
You look stunning in both dresses.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know about helping and be aware of this things
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic
Really love what you said about comparing yourself to your photos online, I used to do that all the time and it's just not healthy! Loving the outfits by the way, especially the first dress looks absolutely stunning on you, and I adore the colours :) <3
ReplyDeleteKay
https://shoesandglitter.blogspot.com/
Glad it's not such a problem for you any more Kay!
DeleteI agree it's definitely not healthy!
A) I adore both these outfits!! I wish I were better at wearing dresses...
ReplyDeleteB) I love what you're saying about how blogger life/real life can be so different. I think this is something so important to keep in mind mind inevitably comparing ourselves to pro-bloggers with photoshop and perfect lighting.
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Very true Pia. We never know the full story behind what's gone into a photo, so it doesn't make sense to compare!
DeleteGood luck with Frocktober!
ReplyDeletex Krizia
Shark Attack - Fashion Blog
I love this and I'm so glad you posted this! It makes me so sad too when people feel the need to photoshop themselves when they are perfect just the way they are. I can't help but blame the media in how we are made to feel about ourselves sometimes though. You as ever look wonderful and what an adorable little bump!
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
Very true, there is a lot of manipulated "perfection" shared around and not just on social media!
DeleteIt is SO hard to not compare yourself to things you see online. Especially with all of the photo editing out there! Also this dress is adorable!
ReplyDeletehttps://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Yes, there is so much photo editing going on, it's just a shame :(
Deletelove the dress! perfect print
ReplyDeleteIrene
www.thedailylace.com
Such a great post Mica! I love the dress but I really love how you showed the two different angles. I agree that it’s sad so many bloggers resort to photoshop. It seems quite appealing but what if you have to meet readers of your blog & you look nothing like the photos you post. I think it just digs you into a deeper hole. You touched on some really important issues. Thanks for sharing the awareness, it’s important for people to know these things & to stop comparing themselves to online representations.
ReplyDeleteTFM BLOG
That is a good point! You could meet someone in real life but never know it because they are so heavy handed with the photoshop, haha!
DeleteGreat looks! I love that striped dress. And it's so nice that you're fundraising for a great cause!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up with Friday Favorites! Hope you have an amazing week ahead of you!
Christie
The Closet by Christie
I like the stripped dress and great words of wisdom. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletexx
www.misslaja.com/
this is such a great post!!! you look great!
ReplyDeletexo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
I really like your hair styled wavy! Beautiful! The colorful print of the first dress is lovely, too. Congrats on the new baby!
ReplyDeleteCute! I agree it is hard not to compare yourself to others, and it only gets harder the more involved you get in social media! It's definitely important to remember to separate your life from someone elses.
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.com
Very true! I've been trying to use social media a lot less often so I don't fall into that trap so much!
Deletehi Mica. Congratulations! I heard that the best thing we can do with compare ourselves with ourselves - but several years ago. That way we see how much we've grown, not sure it works online though! Love both looks on you!
ReplyDeletethank you :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful post, Mica! (And a cute baby bump too!) I prefer the "real life" blogs that show imperfections and share both failures and celebrations, because I can relate. Those too perfect blogs lose my interest too quickly--I'd rather read about someone I could imagine as a friend in real life!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shea - and I agree with you completely! While I might have some bigger 'professional'/slick blog I follow, the every day blogs are the ones I enjoy the most :)
DeleteI don't have photoshop and wouldn't know how to use it if I did! I think people sometimes forget how photoshopped some blogs are when they leave nasty comments on everyday, unshopped blogs about eye bags, wrinkles etc. At least that is what I hoped when that happened to me a while back!
ReplyDeleteThat green dress is great and I've really enjoyed the Frocktober challenge.
I can't believe someone would comment on your blog about that! :( What a mean person!
DeleteWe all age eventually! And when you're a mum, of course you're going to look tired some days!
I'm with you Mica! Keep it real! I always respect a blogger when they do. Love that striped dress. Looks gorgeous on you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
One of the reasons why I love your blog so much Kim - you always keep it real! :)
DeleteGreat article, Mica! Thanks for sharing. It's hard to tell what's real and what's not real on social media these days. I say stay true to yourself =)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your congratulations, and thoughtful comments about the comparing we do online. Was really nice reading some of your responses!
ReplyDeleteI loved it when you posted that picture because it is so true. Pictures and highlight reals hide so much of real life. I need to check out that series. It's always a good to remember where our real worth comes from. I love both dresses on you! That striped one seems to be perfect for a cute baby bump. :)
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
Congrats gorgeous! :)
ReplyDelete-Adi xxo
www.fancycorrectitude.com