// Golden Hour

Golden Hour
Maybe it's a sign of my insecurity or something, but every time I get dressed up in something a little fancier than normal, I can't help but wonder what people around town think when they see me. My tattoos have become so second nature to me that I don't even really notice that I have them. Living in a (very) small, (very) southern town makes them more and more of a "thing" though. I wear dresses every single day, however they're typically much more casual (they still inspire the question "What are you so dressed up for?" often). I certainly don't consider myself any kind of special snowflake for it, but I'll admit my personal style is a bit off-radar in comparison to most of what you'll see around here. Even just living in Nashville, girls like me were/are a dime a dozen. I think it's something about this small-town mindset that makes the alarms sound in the heads of folks. The snickers, stares and questions are so normal they're a non-issue, yet the silent thoughts are the ones that intrigue me. I'm confident enough in myself that those sorts of things don't "bother" me, but sometimes the overheard comments and scoffs can be a little disheartening. Lately I've felt like some people simply have given the time or energy to get to know me, but instead they just write me off then and there. Then again many of these things could simply be the product of my imagination and defensiveness. Sometimes I think the problem lies in other people when in reality I'm the one with the mixed up perception. Long-winded, poorly constructed, silly thoughts from my brain. And yes, I know just how self-involved this whole bit sounds. Don't even pay this paragraph any mind haha Sometimes I get started writing something and then this happens.
Golden Hour
Golden Hour
Like I said up there, this Spiegel dress is a bit fancier than I normally wear, but who says fancy is just for special occasions?! The photos don't really do it justice -- it's GOLD! It's a really beautiful fabric and texture, and it makes me wanna get dolled up for a date night with Mike. We settled for walking around town one afternoon instead haha The general gist of Spiegel, in case you didn't know, is couture quality at everyday prices. I was able to snag this dress along with a leopard number, a gorgeous red cardigan, and a black clutch, too. I wish I would've nabbed one of those pretty hot pink bathing suits! I paired it with my always-appropriate blazer and this fantastic clutch I picked up at Ross a few weeks back (remember the orange one here?) I hadn't worn these Heda wedges from Blowfish in quite some time because I forgot just how awesome (and comfortable!) they are. 
Golden Hour
Golden Hour
Last night my parents came over to help with the flowerbeds out front. My mom brought over some hostas from her house and we got busy planting. Mike and I laid out the weed barrier earlier in the day and today I'm hoping to go swipe some lilies from my parents. I planted my azaleas and we cleared out the rose "garden" on the side of the house, too. I'm itching to pick up some final plants tomorrow so we can lay the mulch, too. I can't even begin to describe how different the front of our house looks thanks to Mike's porch railing and flowerbeds! I'm so excited! I really hope I can keep everything alive haha We also planted our strawberry plants, some red peppers, basil and a watermelon plant in our raised beds. Now to get a few more veggies to grow, too. I'm going to be so stoked if I don't kill it all ha. Now I just wish we could get grass to grow in our yard! Our trees suck up all of the water in the yard so we're left with a little bit of moss and a lot of dirt. I'm someone who loves freshly manicured lawns though so I guess I'll just keep dreaming.

Happy Friday friends! What are you up to this weekend? Cross your fingers for us that it doesn't rain Saturday. Mama wants to hit up the flea market!

Metallic Jacquard dress c/o Spiegel
Charlotte Russe blazer
Ross clutch
Heda wedges c/o Blowfish (2 years ago)

PS: Save 10% off of your Spiegel purchase with the code Spiegel13!

62 comments:

  1. this dress looks so gorgeous on you! love it ♥

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your style is wonderful! People's long looks and stares are probably because they're thinking, "damn I wish I could pull that look off!" Love your blog so much!

    Kristen
    kristeneleventwelve.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the scheme of the gold dress and the black blazer made you look flattering and beautiful.
    By the way, I would loooove to keep in touch with you!
    Follow me on Bloglovin and Google+, I'd love to do the same! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such a pretty dress! I love the color and how you styled it with the blazer, clutch, and wedges. I definitely know what you are talking about when you mentioned a mixed up perception. I have a tendency to assume and get defensive towards people, especially when it feels like they just don't get what I'm all about. It's tough feeling like an oddball even when you are confident about your own quirks and personal tastes. And sometimes I just feel like people can be unintentionally rude when they encounter something or someone who stands out. I also wear a lot of dresses. I've never been a big fan of pants, and dresses just make me feel more comfortable in my own skin. So I genuinely understand how it feels to be constantly asked why I am so dressed up. I've been reading your blog for a long time, and I have always loved your style. I know this is kind of kooky, but I feel like we are very similar in certain ways and that is the main reason why I love reading your blog. Hope you have a wonderful weekend,
    Jacque

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you jacque! i just popped over to your blog and i have to agree - consider me your newest subscriber! xo

      Delete
  5. I love this look on you! You totally seem like a fancy entrepreneurial business lady :D Loooove the dress especially, SO pretty!

    <3 Megan
    http://kiddotv.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fantastic dress-you look amazing. I get the overdressed looks and such when I visit my home town in Ireland. My husband and I look so different from the locals. It's mostly fun but I do sometimes feel a little self concious.
    I hadn't heard of Spiegel before-thanks for that!

    ReplyDelete
  7. That dress is gorgeous on you! And I think the fancy dress with your tattoos is the perfect contrast -- in fact, they complement each other beautifully! I always get the "what are you so dressed up for?" comment, even when I'm not *that* dressed up! I just like feeling good and pretty for myself, ya know? :)

    xox Sammi
    www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a lovely dress! You look very pretty in it!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You look gorgeous!

    And I'm sure you've heard this a thousand times, but your self confidence and honest attitude are such a breathe of fresh air. I find myself too often worried about what others are thinking and I hold myself back from a lot of things... But you're always true to who you are and it inspires me.

    Finally, and completely randomly, the deer eat my mom's hostas every year and it drives her insane. Just an FYI :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. aw thank you katie! that's so kind of you - i really appreciate it! we live in the "country" but also in the middle of town (but on a secluded, dead end road) so we don't get many deer, though my mom has said she's had a few rascals in her hostas the past few years. you should see how big one of them is! it's GIANT!

      Delete
  10. You look AMAZING in this outfit! I would wear every single piece!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love how something so glittery can look so sober/business-like. Show a lot of versatility.

    Also, people are always asking why I'm so dressed up all the time too. It is a small town thing, I think.

    ReplyDelete
  12. i like the jacket! With dresses it's hard for me to find one that doesn't show my arms so usually I pair it up with a cardigan. It's hard to find a jacket that's not heavy and in the summer one that is short sleeved. I like the 3/4 sleeves and you always manage to make these look so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  13. To me it's he same! I live in a small town and everything looks at you just because you're different. It fells me insecure and sometimes I feel really angry!
    But we have to think we're beautiful no matter what they say - Christina said! - a haha!
    Anyway you're gorgeous!! <3

    ReplyDelete
  14. I find that my Husband and I experience the same small-towness that your speaking of. He is a visibly tattooed dude with stretched ears and I have a pretty different sense of style. When we are out with our kids people def. treat us differently and we get the second look/side ways glance. I'm pretty used to it now, but let me tell you when I'm having an off day or I over hear comments it really gets to me, I can't help it!
    Anyways that dress it freaking amazing!!! You look great and I feel like I need that dress in my life... right.now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Girl you just described my life. With the switch of the seasons I kinda forgot about the looks and comments.

    Anyway, I absolutely love this outfit!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  16. That dress is gorgeous - you look stunning! Any scoffs or snickers are because people are jealous. How sad must their lives be if seeing a girl take pride in her style throws them off!? You're rocking' it, and I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  17. so pretty! don't ever change your style no matter what the "townies" say:) I'm sure it will take a bit more time and more and more people will open up to you. I'm sure you are an inspiration to some of the younger guys and gals in the town who want to express their style more boldly but haven't had someone to lead the way. :) happy friday!

    ReplyDelete
  18. The dress is absolutely gorgeous and you are stunning! I love everything about these photos/outfit. :) x

    lemon-freckles.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  19. This dress is gorgeous! There really aren't enough gold dresses in the world :)
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  20. Gold is one of my favorites! And I feel you on having the gardening itch and wanting to buy plants. I can't wait until this semester is over so I can finally get working on my raised beds!

    http://www.whyyesdeer.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I LOVE your tatoos!


    xx
    Meelena


    www.theserialshopper.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. One, you look amazing!! Gold looks so great on you! And two, I love what you wrote at the top! So stinking true! Every time I get just a little bit dressed up people give me weird looks. Girls on blogs where heels, but if I wear heels in public people would stare and think, "Where does she think she is--a runway? This is the supermarket!" Haha! Unfortunately, it's made me wear less "fancy" clothes out and about, but I think I'm going to change that 'cause sometimes a girl wants to wear a dress to pick up a loaf of bread! Okay, rant over, haha!

    ~Sara
    Sincerely, Sara

    ReplyDelete
  23. I wish a dress in gold color, yours is very elegant, you look pretty amazing

    ReplyDelete
  24. When I first moved back to our hometown in middle school people were shocked by my hair colors and stuff but eventually it got to the point I didn't get the snide remarks and stuff from the majority of people, though now that I've been gone for 7 years when I visit there's enough new people it happens again. *shrugs* I've come to feel like those people just don't understand or lack confidence to do anything abnormal or original (though is haircolor/piercings/tattoos even that abnormal anymore?) Anyway, I love your style & there's always gonna be some judgmental jerk that's upset that you have the confidence to be you.

    Your tales of gardening have me so hyped up, lady! I'm still waiting for my indoor stuff to sprout. :( Our grass is awful. We can't figure out what the deal is but one area always dies regardless of what we do! But of course we have weeds EVERYWHERE. >.< even in the dead grass. I swear I'm gonna fix it this year, though!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Omg you have the most amazing hair EVER! And that gold dress looks beautiful on you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. As a former Southern small-town girl myself, I always loved seeing confident and independent girls like you, however infrequent. It gave me the confidence to try out new things regardless of social pressures, whether from the town itself or just normal high school norms. So just think: for every skeptical look you get, you're probably inspiring some random 14-year-old to try something she's been to afraid to do prior!

    ReplyDelete
  27. As a former Southern small-town girl myself, I always loved seeing confident and independent girls like you, however infrequent. It gave me the confidence to try out new things regardless of social pressures, whether from the town itself or just normal high school norms. So just think: for every skeptical look you get, you're probably inspiring some random 14-year-old to try something she's been to afraid to do prior!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a really great point, Emily! Thank you for sharing. Sometimes I fail to see the wider scope of things and this was a lovely comment to receive! xo

      Delete
  28. Gorgeous dress! You look lovely :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. You look amazing! I would ignore any small town comments, it's the same in my town back home in Ireland. People snigger and talk once you try to be different. I say good on you! You are making yourself happy and that's all that matters! xxx

    www.squidgymoments.ie

    ReplyDelete
  30. I think you look stunning sweetheart. I know first hand how being a tattooed girl in small town can be.
    xo
    jrae

    http://ladyjrae.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  31. gorgeous dress!! you look stunning <33

    XO Sahra
    EffortlessCool

    ReplyDelete
  32. You look gorgeous! I know how you feel about being dressed up. I work in an office where dresses and skirts should be nothing new, but I still get asked "Why are you dressed up?" when I go to work. I don't get it....

    ReplyDelete
  33. I didn't think that your first paragraph was self-involved at all. I feel sorry for you. It's tough enough to make friends in a new town when you are a shy person (which I tend to think you are). It sucks that people judge a book by its cover, even though I think your cover is beautiful!

    So screw them! They are missing out and you aren't stuck making small talk with total A-holes!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ooo I love this dress, I bet it was just magical in the evening light!

    Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  35. You look gorgeous I LOVE your hair. I know what you mean, I live in a small beach town on the East Coast of Australia and being a big lover of fashion, I often wear things that locals and others that live here don't 'get'. I always tell myself that I can wear anything anyway and just get on with it but it does get a bit annoying and I sometimes just think whats the point of dressing up and trying to show off my own style when nobody apreciates it. It's great that you just get on with it and wear your tattoo's and style with pride, I think you look fabulous and have an amazing style :)

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  36. Peoples' starting and comments are their own issues. I would ignore them. I love your blog and am so inspired by every outfit, you always look stellar.

    ReplyDelete
  37. You look gorgeous and this dress is just WOW on you. You look great girl! Well, I am from TN a town MUCH MUCH smaller then yours so I understand but one nice thing about people in TN is that they at least try not to look nosy lol I was in OK before and people there was just rude.

    ReplyDelete
  38. i live in huntsville, alabama, so i understand small towns in the south and how they can sometime jump to conclusions based on appearance. i'm not a heavily tattooed gal. i have three that are visible when I wear short sleeves, but two of them are small. (one on my wrist and my wedding band.)i used to work in a tea room, and once i overheard two middle aged women that i was waiting on say, 'she would be such a pretty girl, if she didn't have all those tattoos.' i mean, they could have been talking about someone else, but by their mannerisms it was obvious they were talking about me. i wanted to laugh "all those tattoos?"

    i really like your dress. that would be something fun to wear on new year's eve. :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Just stumbled across your blog, and I know it's gonna sound totally creepy, but I LOVE your style, your writing, your tattoos, everything!
    I have struggled with clothes and self image for so many years - I am a bit heavy (US 16) and do not have a lot of self esteem, and I always feel like "Oh, I can't wear this dress" or "This wouldn't suit me" or "No, people will laugh", so I usually wear low-key, casual, jeans and a t-shirt kind of things, even though I have wanted to wear different things my whole life! You are SUCH an inspiration, doing your own thing, wearing whatever the hell you want... I wish I had your courage!

    Sorry for acting like a total stalker, but just wanted to let you know that I think you are awesome!! (And I so need to check out this whole Modcloth thing - have never heard of it before. I guess its because we are all black and gloomy and minimalistic here in Scandinavia!) :D

    ReplyDelete
  40. I also feel like people think I'm weird when I'm dressed up. Sometimes I even have an excuse in my head for if someone asks, but no one ever has. Luckily I've never actually seen or heard anyone being weird about it, so I think it's just in my head :D

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love the dress. Gold metallic is one of my faves. Wish it came in my size.

    http://plumppinup.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. You are so gorgeous and your outfit so absolutely pretty! There's nothing better than a golden dress in my eyes. Also loving your hair, as always!

    Have the best day ever,
    -Kati

    ReplyDelete
  43. LOVE the dress. Oh, shiny pretty metallic! Haha, am such a girl.

    I don't live in a small town, but I live in an area where most fashion/dress is quite homogeneous (South Island New Zealand). I miss the diversity of a big city - so many more fashion influences and eclectic styles!

    I know it can be a little rough (grew up in VERY rural Minnesota). They just aren't used to seeing anything different. But hopefully you are helping to change someone's world view (fashion-wise, at least)!

    -Rebecca
    http://mn2nz.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. You're beautiful, Kaelah!
    Our styles are somewhat similar, but I always feel bland where I live - coming from a very liberal arts saturated part of Auckland City, everyone here is weird, I can't imagine what it would be like living in a small town or being around judgmental people. I love these so called 'poorly constructed posts' they're amazing! Keep them up xD

    Much love, Missi x

    ReplyDelete
  45. I always fancy how you dress! It's just so gorgeous and makes me so happy! I mean, I think it should make everyone happy!! I am in uniform-like all week, on the weekends, I like to doll up. It gets annoying when some people always have to tell me how a "fashionista" I am (which I don't even think I am, I wish) and "why am I so dressed up." If they cannot handle this, then they cannot handle L.A. OR NEW YORK. I mean, we are in MINNEAPOLIS (Minnesota), and I think we are a pretty diverse city! Well, ignore them. Keep being who you are. If only they knew you, they'd love you! XO

    ReplyDelete
  46. I definitely get that feeling and those questions a lot too! I think it's rad that you always wear dresses, it's so much nice than wearing a jeans/sweatpants/uggs/northface uniform like majority of people.
    teapotsandbelles.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love your tattoos!!! I know how you feel about living in a small town and getting snickers or stares. I get it too. I figure they are the ones who should feel bad for conforming like everyone else instead of having fun with their personal fashion sense!!!! Don't ever change, you're awesome as you are

    ReplyDelete
  48. This dress is so pretty- I didn't know Spiegel was still around, I remember looking at that catalog as a kid :) I think randomly dressing up can just make for better days and I love that you wore this beauty for a walk around the neighborhood.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I actually am a really, really shy, so if a person say like, I don't know, how are you? I get pretty flustered, haha, so whenever I get comments about my piercings/sometimes I wear face blingz (haha!), and people feel it's necessary to get into my face/grab my face and comment. like I was at the catfish place (with face jewelry going across my eyebrows) here the other day in the drive-through, and this lady at the restaurant handed me my check to sign and she goes I know what you're thinking, I *am* looking at your eyebrows. I was just thinking, um, no, I wasn't actually thinking that, so. and she was like, um, yea, that's very *interesting* and I was just nodding because I just wanted my food.
    My mom was like, well, if you don't want comments, don't wear that kind of stuff.
    I think I deserve to wear what I want without people having slightly snarky things to say about it.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Honestly I love your style. I don't have the guts or pain tolerance for the tattoos but it works for you! I'm from a s small southern town myself (Columbia, SC) and I've gotten "the looks" before too. Apparently purple streaks in your hair is something to stop and stare at. Literally. Just ignore them. I've seen some of your posts and your outfits always manage to look stylish to me. And I love the gold dress! I'm checking out Spiegel right now and I must say - I like what I see! So thanks for unearthing that for me!

    ReplyDelete
  51. It's unfortunate that people would snicker because honestly that outfit is very chic (tattoos included) and I would definitely look and be like "wow who's that girl?" in a good way! I'm sure some days it's difficult to be yourself when it seems like you stand out so much, but I think that's what makes you cool.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Every time I see one of you photos I think how pretty you look, if you were walking around my town I would just want to know where you got that amazing gold dress from!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I feel the same way. I don't live in a small town but I am usually dressed up wherever I go and people always make comments or give me looks. I think it's all about being comfortable in your own skin and embracing the fact that you're fearless. Let them stare, but I guarantee part of them hates the fact that they'd never have the balls to rock it out like you do!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I don't even remember how I found you, but I LOVE your look. I covet your style and want to BE you when I grow up (BTW I'm 42 and can only hope...Ha!). I work in non profit and am accepted in my small town as a 'bit' unconventional and definitely not conservative. I just got my first "out there" tattoo, on my wrist, and feel a bit liberated! You just rock your bad self, and I agree with one of your followers comments... they are probably wishing they could pull it off! You look amazing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. you really have nothing to worry about. i think that 'those people' are always questioning THEMSELVES more than they're questioning you. i can't say i have the same problem - quirky girls are a dime a dozen here, and you're never more likely to be sniggered at in a frock and tiara or a tee and trainers, but.. for me, you're a huge inspiration. since reading your blog my own style has evolved and i'm more incline to try new things and be brave 'because it looks great on kaelah'. i've never been trendy, or bothered about what celebs are wearing. to me, you're my style muse, and i wear things with pride knowing that 'kaelah would love this!'.

    total fan girl, at your service.

    ReplyDelete
  56. i'm a little late on this post, but i just wanted to let you know that i was actually just showing off your gorgeous tattoos to my friend recently, they're some of my favorites i've ever seen :)

    ReplyDelete

HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB