This is the best dress. I have it in black (seen here + here)… it’s one of those pieces I reach for again and again when I don’t know what to wear. It’s great for parties/events with heels, or more casual stuff with flats. I wore the black one over and over again so I was so excited when it came out in pink! I think the reason I like it so much is that it hides my arms (which I’m more self conscious about) and shows my legs (which I’m more confident about showing). It’s worth noting that sizing is really based entirely on the length of the dress. Without the belt it’s basically a one size fits all sack. I am wearing the small (but I’m 5’8) but would have gotten a medium if they’d had it in stock as I wouldn’t mind a little bit more length! So if you get the dress, order based off of how tall you are.
Outfit Details: Rhode Resort Ella Dress (also available here, and I linked a bunch of different colors in the widget at the bottom of the post) // Palmgrens Bag (also love this, this, and this.) // Ferragamo Heels // Rachel Comey Acrylic Earrings // Polaroid Sunglasses
In other news, the newest episode of Young Adulting is up! You can listen above, or in iTunes.
In this episode we are talking all about One of Us is Lying, but also… my review of the infamous gravity blanket, and Becca’s natural skincare routine. I feel like we finally got the audio levels right in this episode so am really excited to share it with you. Hope you enjoy!
In other news I’ve been in a bit of a rut but am slowly digging myself out of it. I don’t know about you but this has been SUCH a long winter, and the seasons definitely affect my mindset, big time. I’ve just been feeling really down. Extra anti-social but also very lonely. The weather doesn’t help, but lately I’ve been a funny mix of super lonely but also always wanting to be alone which really makes no sense. I don’t think I even realized how bad it had gotten until the sun came out this weekend and I felt like a giant weight had been lifted. It was such a good weekend to the point where I felt like a broken record saying how nice it was – I spent time with my sister, did a lot of yoga, and mostly stayed outside. It inspired me to think about a few changes though… things to do to get out of this wintery funk!
The first thing was deleting all of my dating apps. So dramatic, right? Goodbye forever! Jk jk. I’ll probably put them back on at some point, but at this point in my life online dating just isn’t making me happy. These dates feel more like obligations vs. something fun and I was starting to dread them or just lose interest in the people I was seeing without having any real reason to. Not really a good sign. Maybe I’ll meet someone IRL or maybe I’ll just take the next few months to focus on myself. The other thing has been making sure I see my sister at least once a week (she’s the greatest) and seeing more of my friends, especially making more of an effort with those friends I really like but somehow never manage to see. Those people you run into at events or email with and are like “WHY DON’T WE HANG OUT MORE!?”
Work has also been chaos. I know a blog might not look like a lot of work but trust me, it is. Between tax time, launching the podcast and a lot of brand campaigns I am pretty overwhelmed. I feel like I am still getting caught up from Cartagena which is just crazy – that trip was over a month ago!!! I feel grateful to be this busy but I also never turn off. I’ve hired an assistant who will be starting in June; this will help to a) get some of my work off of my plate and b) have some company! So YAY for that + more to come there.
The last thing I’m doing is being more mindful about travel. I have a press trip coming up that I’m reaaaaally excited about but I pretty much stopped doing those this year unless it’s a HELL YES kind of thing. (I love that saying, “if it isn’t a HELL YES, it’s a HELL NO!”) I am sorry if this sounds obnoxious – if you’ve never been on a press trip, they probably sound amazing – like a free vacation! The reality is that most of those trips are actually incredibly taxing. Most of the time you don’t get a plus one, so you’re in group activities with strangers (usually lovely strangers, but still… strangers!) from early morning til late at night with very little downtime to work/unwind/etc. On top of being go go go, you are expected to capture beautiful content which can be a lot of pressure, especially when you aren’t given any free time to work on it. And then there’s your regular work! Besides being a massive introvert I am pretty much a one person show here so if I’m on a trip (or even a vacation), I still need to get blog content up. The blog doesn’t stop just because I’m on a trip. I never want you to come here and not have a new post up – that’s always my first priority! So yes, press trips are cool but most of the time you just end up really tired and behind on work. At the end of the day I would rather pay for a trip with my own money and not be beholden to anyone, like I did when I went to Cartagena.
Along those lines, I am taking my first yoga retreat at the end of May. It’s in Cuba (a brand new city for me), and there isn’t really much wifi there so I am hoping to really get off of the grid! I really couldn’t be more excited. Every time I think about it I get giddy like a little kid. I’m so excited about the idea of taking a trip, exploring a new city, AND coming home feeling healthier + better at yoga.
Okay okay, I’m starting to sound a bit pathetic now but I just wanted to share where I’m at. In a rut, feeling a bit blue, but doing everything I can to get out of that headspace as I definitely don’t like feeling this way. (Speaking of HeadSpace, that is helping too! Mid-day meditations help with a work slump and I try to always do it before bedtime.) I know I goof around a lot on social media, and always want to be cheerful and positive here, but I also always want to keep things real. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows and pretty dresses (though this definitely is a pretty dress.) Thanks for listening and let’s all please hope for warmer weather and better moods!
photography by Trent Bailey.
Oh, I’m so excited to listen to the podcast! 🙂 And I want to say, you do NOT sound at all pathetic, Grace! We all get sidetracked by life sometimes, the most important thing is that you’re trying to get back on track! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
You’re so sweet Charmaine, thank you!
Thanks so much for sharing Grace. Honestly this has been the longest winter and I totally know what you mean, all that dreary weather can absolutely affect your mood. Hopefully it gets Spring like soon! Also, I have been eyeing this dress for ages – it looks gorgeous on you!
xo,
Em
http://www.organicallyemily.com
Thanks Em! I hope so too!
In reference to your love of Hell Yes or Hell No – I think you’d love this blog post. Same idea, but more centered around relationships. (Plus, I just like Mark Manson)
https://markmanson.net/fuck-yes
I read it! One of my favorites – LOVE HIM!!! Thanks for sharing, off to re-read it!! 😉 x
Grace, I am sure I speak for quite a few of your readers – you are awesome, we love you, hope this rut doesnt last much longer and you beat it! Thanks for being so honest and real. You are the best!
Aw thank you so much Inga!
So relate to this post! This weather is awful in the Northeast. On Saturday with temps in the 80s, everyone was just happier! It’s nice to take a break from dating apps. It can be so draining at times. Fingers and toes crossed that Spring arrives soon.
Totally with you – so so draining!!!
Thank you sooo much for being honest about your funk. I say that because it made me feel a bit more normal– I am feeling one too! I think the weather is a huge factor. We had a taste of Spring a couple weeks ago and then had a massive ice storm this last weekend that kept everyone inside for 3 days. It felt like the middle of the holidays, not Spring! It’s been making me feel quite cooped up and quite down, glad to know others are feeling it too (and I’m not a totally overly-sensitive weirdo!). I can also relate to the feeling you mentioned about not turning off. I’ve been feeling like that more than normal recently and feel like I’m not helping myself shut off as much as I normally do, which has led to some crappy moods and bad sleeps. I think we are on our way out of this gross weather and in the meantime I think we should all take the advice you sometimes give on your Friday wellness posts: to be kind to ourselves when we aren’t feeling like the best version of us. 🙂
Thanks so much for weighing in Mackenzie; I really appreciate it. And yes to being nicer to ourselves!!
You’ll get out of the rut in no time, but please also get out of that dress. It’a an unflattering, wrinkly mess with too much fabric!!!
You can and do! look so much better in other dresses.
Haha to each their own. It IS a little bit wrinkly and I do apologize for that – I steamed it but then I sat down in a taxi and it was all over from there.
I know this isn’t the most flattering dress in the world but it’s still one of my favorites.
Why make a comment like that when she says she loves the dress? She feels good in the dress. It’s one of her favorite pieces. Why take the time to say that she’ll get out of the rut but the dress sucks? That’s like me saying that I want to tell you, Eva, that you suck, but since kindness can be contagious, I hope you have a nice day.
Maybe she’s in a rut because she’s in a wrinkly dress? 😉
Definitely feeling the funk too! This bad weather should be on it’s way out, but I can’t believe it lasted through the end of April. Dating apps are a strange thing. I’ve been on them as well, with a lot of bad luck, weird vibes and always wondering if this would ever work. Funny story though, I met my fiance on match.com and we are getting married this August. There’s hope! I for one never would have imagined I would meet someone on a dating site, but all of a sudden when I least expected it to I did. I was the same way though, I took breaks from it. Hoping you have fun on your upcoming trips. The yoga retreat in Cuba sounds amazing!
Thanks so much Ashley!!! I’m glad I’m not the only one. It’s been a weird few months.
I love your honesty in this post! Keep chugging along girl. We are all with ya! Also a yoga retreat sounds like a DREAM
XOX
Allie
Thank you so much Allie. 🙂
I so relate to this! The winter in the city has been absolutely terrible. On that warm Saturday last weekend, my friend and I were walking the High Line eating ice-cream and I said, “I literally feel alive again!” The constant gloomy weather really had me in a deeper funk than I even realized. Also feel you on the dating apps thing—I’m ready for a break from that too. In fact, I’m not entirely sure why I even use them considering every single one of my relationships has been with a person I’ve met organically.
briana | youngsophisticate.com
Thank you Briana!!! I felt the EXACT SAME WAY on Saturday, laying on my sister’s couch in the backyard! x
1. Your legs look amazing. (Like, keep going to yoga, girl. That sh*t is working!)
2. I am super pissed I won’t have a chance to listen to the new episode until Friday.
3. I am hoping spring happens soon for the east coast. I can’t imagine how depressing it would be to see snow in mid-April.
Aw you are so sweet Cory, and I hope you enjoy the pod when you listen on Friday!!!!
That dress looks beautiful on you. I think bright colors are a great choice when feeling blue – bright dresses are an instant mood booster imo. That trip to Cuba sounds lovely, I hope you get the r and r you need! xAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
Thanks Allie!!!! Appreciate the kind words. xx
Happy clothes are so important and I always feel better when I wear something pink. Sorry you are blue( it happens to everyone). Thank you for being so real! We need that and don’t always get it. Yes, you have an amazing life, but it’s also a lot of pressure to be the only person responsible. It’s amazing how the weather affects us humans, some are more sensitive that others. I’m so glad you got yourself an assistant , that’s going to be such a help. I too think the dating apps are depressing. I find I tend to meet people in IRT more anyway. It’s harder, when you are a shy introvert, but I just know if I will ever go back to it, so many crazies! I really want to go to Cuba, on the list. The retreat sounds amazing. Seriously though, your and legs are beautiful. I wish my arms looked like yours!
Aw thank you so much for the kind words Cy. I hope all is great with you!!!
I honestly feel like I’m reading my own thoughts And I love the “if it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a hell no”. Keep doing you girl! We love it.
Thanks so much Sonya 🙂 x
I’ve been feeling so much the same. It sounds silly, but coming to your blog every morning when I get in to work (or first thing on Saturday AM in bed) really brightens my day. It makes me feel like it’s a space all of my own (my don’t follow you, that I know of!) so it feels like a little outlet to me, just reading your blog and now listening to your podcast. I am a massive introvert as well, I’d spend all day reading books if I could, but I’ve also felt plagued with loneliness lately. It comes and goes, but I certainly feel you.
One thing I can recommend, is Mari Andrew’s book “Am I There Yet?” about the journey to adulthood, finding yourself, grief, love, and all the beauty of life. I’m sure you know of Mari from Cup of Jo and Instagram, but I HIGHLY recommend her book that can be read in one long sitting. Lots of essays and illustrations of course. After reading it I felt like my little place in the world was a really good one.
Good luck, Grace, I appreciate you!
Aw thank you Katie – I HAVE to check out her book, it sounds lovely!!!
And I love that you feel like this blog is your own little space – that makes me the happiest to hear!
I can really relate to this post on so many levels. It’s been such a long winter in NY — I just got back from a week in Miami and can really feel the physical difference in my body here vs. there. Seasonal Affective Disorder is so real! Also the note about lonely but wanting to be alone? I soo get that! Are you comfortable sharing more details of your yoga retreat in Cuba? I am dying to get there and would love yoga to be the reason to travel. Thanks!! xx
It’s so, so real.
I’m not going to share details on my retreat until afterward for privacy purposes – I will definitely share more about the experience after. I hope you don’t mind, this is something I am doing just for me and I’m going alone/don’t want to make it about the blog! Hope you understand! There are TONS of great yoga retreats though – I’ve been doing quite a bit of research and man, I could go somewhere new and do yoga every month. If only time + budget would allow! 😉 xo
I’ve been in the same funk for months! I have a great life, husband, kids, but still feel so blah! I think we all need some sunshine and warm weather. I felt so much better this weekend (I live in NJ) and I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel! Love your podcast. The Selection was so good and yet so bad. My type of book and I’m 49. Gotta love a good romance. Thank you for your great blog. I always enjoy your content. Your hard work shows.
I am soooo happy you enjoyed The Selection as much as we did! It’s such a fun read, especially with this bad weather!
Oh my how I envy you! I would love to go to Cuba for a yoga retreat! You will have a blast, I’m sure. I also hear you on being in the funk, anti social and just feeling lonely and all “confused” about your own thoughts and emotions. I have been feeling the same since the beginning of this year and only this past week that the weather has gotten nicer in Helsinki too, I have been more outgoing, cheerful and happy to see people and hang out in the city more than inside of my 4 walls. Your pink dress is super cute and I love the way you’ve styled this outfit.
https://lartoffashion.com
Thanks Natali! Hope you enjoy the rest of your week and that things get better. xx
1. Your podcast is the highlight of my week. I cannot wait to go to the gym and listen to it during my run tonight.
2. I totally hear you about the dating apps. I did the same thing a few months ago because it was just exhausting to keep up with all of them and the eventual ghosting I got from guys I thought had real potential. As much as I would love to have significant other in my life, I also love the freedom I have to do all of the things I want to do.
3. I have a book rec (although maybe you’ve read it already!)…The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. I’ve been reading it all week on the subway during my commute and I hate getting off the train because I don’t want to stop reading!
Oh my gosh thank you so much – I’m so happy!!!
And yes they are SO exhausting! I already feel like I have so much more free time without them in my life.
I actually read – and LOVED The Great Alone last month – such a good one. Thanks for the suggestion though!
So appreciate your honesty Grace, it’s SO EASY w/ social media and blogs to assume everyone is having a blast but me (/ you!) I’m in LA and have been in a bit of an introverted funk so can only imagine dealing with actual crappy weather! I find it tricky as an introvert to want to stay home and be alone especially after a busy day, but then find myself getting slightly depressed. Anyway, sending you love and Cuba (and your app detox) sound amazing. xo
Haha I know. It’s so so important to remember that social media is just the highlight reel!
With much hindsight, I’ve come to understand that whenever I have felt that “in-a-rut, exhausted, lonely/want to be alone, overwhelmed” feeling, it has been because somewhere inside me, something new is brewing (not like a baby or anything, just new ideas….;-). Because they haven’t yet solidified and my brain hasn’t quite caught on yet, I feel stuck/unhappy in my current life, without quite knowing how to fix it. Then, suddenly, clarity arrives with that “ah-ha!” moment, and I enter a period of energized momentum and excitement. So, maybe you’ve got some brilliant new ideas brewing inside of you and it’s exhausting you, too. I hope that clarity arrives soon (along with some nicer weather) and pulls you out of your funk. For what it’s worth, I’m so grateful for your wise and funny contribution to this blog-o-world. You are my go-to read when I need a little pick me up!
Thank you Kate! That’s such an interesting though – I hope it’s the case!!!
Sorry to hear that you have been in a little funk lately! Re: the dating aspect, I felt somewhat similarly a few months ago and ended up deleting the apps too. It has helped SO much! I ended up having a lot of time to focus on myself (filling time with lots of relaxing and guilt free nights in, working out and actually catching up with those people you bump into but never end up seeing again!) and it has been really refreshing. Plus, I’ve recently reached a point where I kind of want to get back in the dating mindset. Sometimes what you need is a little reset, and it sounds like you’re overdue. Its great that you’ve recognized that and are taking some time for yourself!!
Also, very interested to hear about the yoga retreat. Been thinking about doing one (or even a 200 hr training) to further my practice but I’ve been hesitant to commit!!
It really helps!!!! So much more time without them!!! 😉 Thanks Kyra. x
Sending hugs. I get down even when it’s just cloudy out and totally have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). When we lived in New York and San Francisco, we used one of those lights that mimic the sun and it was helpful. But getting away does help so much!
Palm Springs is glorious this time of year! Hint, hint.
Plus, getting together with friends and really trying to embrace the weather helps (cozy meals + wine at your place). But I know how hard that is once you’re already feeling anti-social. Sometimes I get annoyed when my hubby pushes me to be more social, but I always feel better after. I admire that you are trying!
Thanks Kelly. Maybe I need to come to PS for some sunshine!!
Agreed with get togethers – if I’m down, I’ll absolutely DREAD going but then I always feel better after!
Oh, goodness, do I know that mix of being lonely and wanting to be alone! I’ve been feeling that lately, and it’s weird and hard and annoying and hard to figure out. I’m an only child (and a self-professed introvert), and I think I’ve used that as an excuse. I think it’s also meant I’ve grown up spending a lot of time on my own (although I’m super close with my parents), and so even when I feel left out or not a part of something, I think, “Okay, but if you were hanging out with them, would you want to be alone?” Gah, it’s so weird, but I definitely think it makes sense.
I really appreciate your being open with how hard things have been, and also recognizing that a lot of what you do may seem fun. I’m not a blogger, but I know that things are often curated and bloggers show us what they want to and often hide a lot of the effort, trials/tribulations, etc. that goes into running a blog (a business!). But still, I think it can be hard to explain how things really are without getting defensive (which you don’t), and so I admire your explaining the nuts and bolts and being honest with your readers.
I hope you get out of your rut soon. And for all of us in NYC, let’s hope the weather becomes more springlike soon!
Thank you so much Claire. xx
I’m a New Yorker too and confirm what you’re feeling~this was one LOOOONG dreary winter and it seems more so then in past years.. it is not your imagination at all! I bought an orchid at the orchid show at the NY Botanical garden and have just been staring at it, getting Spring inspiration daily until I can really see blooms on real trees here!
SO LONG, SO DREARY! Thank you so much Tara. (Orchids are beautiful!)
Aww hugs Grace! Totally feeling the same way lately about being in a rut – and also deleted the dating apps ( for IRL!). Keep being awesome and keeping it real tho – love your daily Instas
Thanks Mimi – sending hugs back!
I feel like you took the words out of my mouth (but much more articulate than I could be)- I TOTALLY know what you mean about feeling really lonely but also not wanting to be around people, it’s literally the story of my life! I’m just coming off of a break from the dating apps and it was helpful (I could have let it go on forever but I also know I need to try again at some point- but definitely feeling a little less horrified at the idea of them then I did before) anyways just wanted to say you’re not alone, I totally feel you and here’s hoping the warmer weather brings positive change! Xo
Thank you so much Sasha. Here’s to warmer weather. x
Girl – Mercury was in retrograde for the past 3+ weeks (and we’re only just out of it). I usually don’t subscribe to astrology, but in this case, it seems nothing (!) I did could break me out of my rut. Look up — with Mercury out of retrograde, we’re open to new projects and ideas. (Sending lots of warm weather from Dubai).
THIS MAKES SO MUCH SENSE!!!
Thanks Courtney 🙂 xx
Thanks for always being real, Grace! Yessssss this winter has been so long; I think it’s got us all in a funk. I meditated today and that helped me too. I’m also trying to go easy on myself. I read somewhere that the goal isn’t to be happy all the time; it’s simply to FEEL – so human – which made me feel more ‘normal’. So when I feel sh—y, I’m trying to just note that feeling and know it’ll pass. Ok finally my uber driver last night is doing it as her side hustle to finance her wedding. To a guy she met IRL right after getting tired of the apps. 🙂 When you’re not excited (or dreading the date), it’s a hell no! Love that.
I’m glad I’m not the only one!
And I love that story!!! Thanks for sharing. xx
So can totally relate to everything in your post, Grace! Every single thing. It’s comforting! And LOVE that dress on you – you look really happy and comfortable in it!
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
Thank you so much Lisa!
This dress is very wrinkled in all of the pictures. How does it pack for trips? Does it need to be ironed constantly?
It gets pretty wrinkly. I ironed it before this shoot and it got wrinkled in the cab. Honestly I love the dress but it’s better in black (linked above) as it shows fewer wrinkles!