Oh, hey! In October of 2014, when I told you I needed to take some time away, I had no idea how much was going to happen in that month and continues to still happen. In short, a lot of major life changes have taken place. Some were not my decision and some were, all of them were very painful. Regardless, I’ve decided that the best way to power through these changes are to get back to what I love: blogging and getting to connect with so many wonderful people.
Shirt: C/O Aeropostale (almost identical)
Skirt: C/O Aeropostale (similar)
Tights: Target (exact)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson (exact)
Hat: C/O Aeropostale (almost identical)
Lipstick: Dior (exact)
I learned that while I did need a break to deal with the changes that took place and are still happening but I also realized that blogging was also incredibly therapeutic. When you are having a hard season, it’s exceptionally easy to become engrossed in your own world and feel like there is a vortex of bad that you will never come out of. I’m realizing that while I’m trying to get out of my own vortex, blogging helped me realize that there are other people, with their own issues, who want to love and support me. That is, and always will be, one of my favorite things about blogging.
ravenlocks
Yes! Blogging is definitely therapeutic. I had to take some time off from blogging myself. I also got a new job and it's been nothing short of hectic ever since.
I'm glad you're back, Alissa. And it looks like you're still as fabulous as ever 🙂
xo Azu
http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com
Justyce
Yay You're back. I'm seriously not a stalker lol but I was thinking about you earlier wondering if you'd come back and blog. I was drawn to your blog through pinterest when I searched curly hair. Almost all fashion / beauty bloggers I follow have straight hair and I love that your hair is so similar to mine. And I love your confidence with fashion. I'm a boring 33 year old Mum that wears the most basic clothes and your blog inspired me to embrace fashion a little more 🙂 Sorry to hear you have had a rough time, I hope things settle for you soon x
Ginny MyNewFavoriteOutfit
I'm sorry to hear you're going though some difficult things, I'll be thinking about you and I'm glad to see you back!
Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/)
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles but I do hope everything settles soon. So happy to have you back xoxo.
xo
PinkSole
Rebecca
Happy to see you back so adorable as ever Alissa!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Melissa
I'm already glad to see you back again, I missed your posts so badly. Too bad that you had to go through all the troubles, hope everything is ok now 🙂 Once again, you're looking really pretty.
xxx
http://www.rockinheels.com
Shannon Jenkins
Ahhhhhhhh so glad you are back gf!!!! I've missed you!! I agree, blogging is very therapeutic and you know we all love you and are here for you!! Looking gorgeous lady! In love with everything about this look!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
The Real Arnolds
So glad you are back! It seems to have been a hard year for so many people I know. I totally agree that blogging is a great distraction and also such a fun way to interact with others. Love this look on you. So sassy, so fun, and totally you.
Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
TheTinyHeart
Yay, so glad you're back blogging! Sorry to hear you've been going through a rough time lately but I'm glad blogging is helping you through it 🙂
-Sharon
Jessica
There's that beautiful smile I've been missing! Now remember what I told you, it's time to make 2015 our bitch.
26 and Not Counting
Shoshana
This look is indeed adorable. Loving that plaid top. Perfect pairing for the season.
http://www.stylegonerogue.com (new post)
Abigail
Welcome back!! What a way to start off the new year 🙂 Loved that sequin skirt 🙂
A new post is up on the blog. I'd love to hear your thoughts if you are able to drop by: http://www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com
mary-katherine
i am so glad that you are back, i missed your pretty face and your humor! i hope that 2015 is a great year for you and this blog.
and that flannel, sequins and beanie all mixed together are pure perfection! you know how to mix it!
xo mk
gold-hatted lover
Elegance and Mommyhood
I am soooooo glad you are back and looking as ravishing as usual my friend. Great festive outfit to start off 2015 also. I did a version of this outfit except with my black sequined pants.
Have a Fabulous 2015 my friend! I missed you…
<3 Ada.
Darcy
Glad you are back! I hope 2015 is a great year for you, love!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Maru Ramirez
I agree, blogging definitely helps! You have a lovely blog here! 🙂
Jillian
cute outfit! i love the plaid + sparkle mix 🙂 xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Kiki Mincks
So excited to see you are back at it! Keep your head high! (:
http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com
Kellyinthecity
YAY! Welcome back, Alissa. We missed you! 🙂
xx
Kelly | Kelly in the City
Danielle Doerr
YAY! I am so thrilled you are back!! We need to catch up sometime soon! 🙂
Sofia Donatelli
Happy New Year!! Love your look. You look amazing.
Love,
Sofia
stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com
Wishes & Reality
Love love this! I am wearing a nearly identical beanie on my blog today:) I'm glad you had a great break, stay warm:)
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
Carmen Varner
I'm a big fan of beanies paired with a skirt or dress. It's just fun & unexpected. Happy new year!
:] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Jeans and a Teacup
I'm so glad you are back! I saw your comment on my blog this morning and it made me so happy to hear from you! I'm sorry to hear that things have been hard lately but we are all here routing for you! I hope things get better soon.
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
Because Shanna Said So
I am glad you are back and writing again….it is therapeutic and a great outlet. I hope things are smoothing over for you. Change is hard…life is hard…but keep pushing forward…this is just a season. It will pass and make you stronger! Promise!!
KP
I am so thrilled you are back lady! I wont lie I was really sad when you said you were calling it quits for a while. Your writing is great and ive always enjoyed reading it! Heres to a new year 🙂
Eleventh & Sixteenth
Kari
SO happy you're back, sweet lady! I think you're right that blogging is a great way to get out of a rut. Hang in there. I bet 2015 will be the best year yet:)
Closet Fashionista
Loving this outfit!
And yea, blogging can be a great way to escape when things get a little tough. I find that getting nice comments from readers gives me a nice little boost, the same while reading other blogs. I hope things get better soon!
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Tess
yay! we have missed you here on the internet!
Head to Toe Chic
yayyy I'm so glad that you're back!!! and you are looking fabulous, my friend!
xo,
Angela
Laura B
I am so sorry to hear that a rough time in your life brought you back to blogging, but the silver lining is that you are back! I love this glamorous outfit, too! That skirt is gorgeous!
Krysten Quiles
Eek! I am so THRILLED you're back!
Kristina
Welcome back girl! I know you can overcome whatever life threw at you this year, just keep being your positive cheery self.
Kristina does the Internets
Morgan Riederer
Welcome back girl!
Morgan
http://www.eenymeenyminymorgan.blogpsot.com
Taramixandmatch
So glad to see you back and looking gorgeous! Sorry to hear it has been rough for you…things will get better, and you will be better for it 🙂
Stylin' In St. Louis
So happy that you are back! You look so pretty! I love sequins and plaid!
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
Sara Levine
Sending you so much love from the east coast! You are beautiful and wonderful and I am so happy to read your blog posts again! xoxo
Caroline @ Tasteful Style
So glad to hear from you again! I agree that blogging is very therapeutic for a variety of reasons.
I love that fun sequined skirt 🙂
Gail
YAYAYAY!!! (Hi from Lawrence. RCJH!)
Dressed2dNines Blog
Hey there! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm sorry you are going through so much, but I'm sure you will emerge that much stronger! Love your look, the pairing of plaid with sequins is a home run!
http://www.dressed2dnines.com
Chrisylla Octavia
Seriouslyyy, I am in love with your skirt and booties. They are beautiful, have been looking for those type of boots in a long time but I haven't found the perfect ones 🙁
xo
colorsinmybubble.blogspot.com
Jackie G
I'm sorry that you're going through a rough time, but it is nice to see you back. Aside from how good it is to take the time to actually write blog posts and connect with other bloggers, hopefully all of the positive comments and support help you feel at least a little bit better in rough moments.
You plaid and sequin combo is on point!
Jackie
Something About That
Carylee
Totally agree that blogging is therapy. For me – my real life job is stressful and too serious. It's not as fun as it used to be, and blogging is that light and airy place for me to lower my blood pressure! Sending you vibes for whatever it is you need them for! The skirt is perfect on you, btw!
Carylee | more pieces of me
Enter the $225 Nordstrom Giveaway HERE!
Nikki
I am so glad you are back, friend!! I think you are amazing and brave and strong, and I am so lucky to call you a friend. You look fantastic!
xoxo
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Kaity
While I'm sorry that you've been having to deal with crap in your offline life (because it's not like we all don't have enough on our plates already…), I am happy to see you're back to blogging! And looking as cute as ever. I hope everything is working itself out for you!
Nada Qamber
I'm so happy you're back to blogging again.
I'm going to through some stuff that's been stressing me out but it's bloggers like you that always keep me going! *gives virtual hug*
That skirt is to die for!
Alice Warren
Glad to see you back but sorry to hear that it's stress and not so good things that's affecting you. I agree that blogging is very therapeutic and there's a great community out in the blogging world.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Inge Jane
Aww yay I'm glad you're back! (I'm sorry for everything that brought you back here though.) It's lovely to see your smiling face!
Karly @ Miss in the Midwest
Um, IM SO GLAD THAT YOU'RE BACK! That's all – end my excitement there. 🙂
Priya
Alissaaaaa how happy I am to see you back here! You look radiant, love the sequin-y skirt! If what you needed was a little bloggy breather to come back and enjoy it again, I'm all for it! I'm so sorry you've been going through some rough stuff. I'm hoping that whatever it is, you find a way to work through it (or it stops altogether 🙂 it's so nice to see your cheerful face and read your words again. Here's to 2015 for you, girl!
♥ perfectly Priya
Shannon Rice
I'm pretty new here and I must say that I am sorry for everything that you are going through, however I am excited to start following along since you are now back. It's nice to have a place to go where you can get away from it all, if just for a moment. Your pictures are beautiful!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Alyssa
So glad to see your smiling face gracing the internet again! Cheers to a new year and making it better than the last 🙂
Ladies in Navy
glad that we bought the same shirt. clearly still soulmates! 😉 and you look ultra fab. sorry that things have been shit. hopefully the silver lining is coming through this grey cloud!
i am so thrilled you're back lady! it warms my heart! i wanna chat more! email me if you ever feel like it!
Emily {Isnt That Charming}
Welcome back!!! You're right, blogging can be so therapeutic, and you definitely have a world of people who've got your back in the blog world. Can't wait to see what 2015 will bring for you! xo
Isn’t That Charming.
AshleaD
If there was a "like" button here, I would hit it repeatedly. I really enjoy your blog and am glad you are back 🙂
Ali Hval
Well lady, whether you're blogging or not, I'm glad that we've still got our HOT LADY CONNECTION GOING ONNNNNNN. So we can talk about hot dads and boys and stuff. Always a fun time with you. 😉
Lisa Morice
Welcome back Gorgeous! We are all here for you when you want to share or vent or even show us a cute outfit. "This too shall pass" said a wise person once – and I'm hoping 2015 will be the BEST year for both of us ((hugs)) xx
Sara Strauss {Sincerely, Sara}
I'm so so so happy that you're back to blogging!! Yay!!
~Sara
LyddieGal
I'm very happy to see you are back in sequins, and ready to take on the world! It's a new year, the perfect time to start fresh, embrace change, and be amazing. I'm excited to hear about everything that happens, to see polka dot sweaters and glitter loafers, and cheer you on, all the way.
Happy New Year Alissa!
Chic on the Cheap
Bree Aylwin
Welcome back! You have chosen a gorgeous first outfit to come back in!
awhite
Welcome back, my friend. The internet was a lonely place without your gorgeous smile and bright personality. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Elle Sees
glad you're back!!
Rachel
Welcome back- we all missed you!
Claire
I'm glad you're back! Hope you're ok, sorry you've been going through painful events. ;(
God bless,
XO, Claire
http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.blogspot.com
Niki {Glossy Blonde}
I'm so sorry to hear that you've been through tough times, but in glad to see that you're back, and you look so happy in these photos!
Adri Lately
SO SO glad you're back! Sometimes you do need to step back and take time to clear your head.
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
Pat
It saddens me to hear you've been going through so many painful times. I know how easy it is to get lost in it all. I hope coming back into blogging will be therapeutic for you dear. As always I love your outfit, you're so good at what you do! Sending lottsa ♡♡♡