First off, I had to keep on thinking about whether or not over-thinking was one word or if it is hyphenated. I had to Google it, check the AP Stylebook and then ask a friend if it was one word. So the fact that I am over-thinking how to spell over-thinking probably says a little bit about my mental state right now. I’ve always had issues with anxiety due to things like this so this summer I have tried to work on it, going with the flow, all that jazz. Let me tell you, I have had more issues with trying to let things go and be relaxed than I do when I am uptight and stressed. This whole go-with-the-flow thing is just not my thing.
Sweater: Older
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Shoes: Target (exact)
Purse: Kate Spade (sold out)
Sunglasses: Hello Cheeseburger
Earrings: IN Pink (similar)
So why is whole diatribe about how I’m not a relaxed person on a blog about personal style? Because this easy, breezy, outfit that probably looks like I spent five minutes putting it together in fact took nearly 45 minutes. That does not include the 25 minutes I spent on that ponytail trying to make it look perfectly messy. So basically it took an hour to put together a sweater, shorts and wedges. Something about this does not add up.Sigh.
Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/)
I looooove your hair like that you look gorgeous. Hey sometimes it takes time to put together simple outfits. If you get the chance, please share your amazing post on my link-up today.
xo
PinkSole
Nina Piccini
I am the same way!! Hours debating over an outfit just to wear a t-shirt and jeans… it's a little insane, but you have to let yourself go through the processes some times 🙂
xo, Nina
Charnele Michel
Taking forever to figure out a look is something I think a lot of us bloggers have. After going through tons of clothes I'll just end up wearing a simple tee and jeans. Love those jeweled shorts!
xo,
http://www.chachathefashiongenius.com/
Viviana Norden
Oh wow. I feel your pain with the anxieties of every day life! I try very hard to be a "go with the flow" gal but it's tough!
http://www.fashiontruffles.com
courtney parker
In love with your bag! Try yoga or meditation! They make it a lot easier to let things go!
Love&Clothing
TaraMixandMatch
I always have to google to determine whether or not things are hyphenated…haha! Love your cute sweater!
Jessica
I am constantly googling words, so you aren't alone there! I love everything about this look, especially your curls! I feel like it's been forever since we chatted. Expect a text from me today 🙂
26 and Not Counting
Hally
I am the same over-thinking way. And as a fellow curlyhaired girl, I know that ponytail TAKES TIME. Everything I try to do with my hair is an endeavor; ponytails and buns are the worst, when they should be the breeziest. I'm always talking to it like it is a stubborn other person.
Ali Hval
Aw hey dude, I know those anxious feels. I over-think EVERYTHING, especially conversations and people encounters. It's a weird self-conscious project of myself onto everything. I appreciate all the wonderful time you took into putting this outfit together. Sometimes things just don't come together like the should! ;(
Lauren {Fizz and Frosting}
Well from one over-thinker to another, I feel your pain. I am loving your perfectly messy pony in these photos!
Laura B
It does look fabulous though! And I really like your pony! I never know what to do when I let my hair go curly. And I never know when to use hyphens or not and I always like to double check the meaning of words. 😉
Melissa
You look amazing! I really love your messy pony in the pictures, I sometimes wish I had your lovely hair 😉
xxx
http://www.rockinheels.com
Lindsay Truax
Love your outfit! Love the messy pony tail!
pinkandnavystripes.com
Ginny MyNewFavoriteOutfit
You crack my up Alissa. I love your honestly, and this is the best perfectly messy ponytail I've seen in a long time.
LyddieGal
It probably does not surprise you to know I am exactly the same. I get over stressed very easily. This past Saturday I had a birthday party to go to in the AM and a wedding to attend in the PM and then I needed to have my overnight bag packed to stay at my boyfriends and let me tell you, by 9 AM I was basically in tears trying to figure out what my next three outfits would be.
All I want are easy simple looks – so why the hell are they so hard to put together?
I think going with the flow might work for boys, but not girls, and especially not girls who care about how they look and will be upset if they leave the house without their favorite ring and then feel like a piece of them is missing for the rest of the weekend.
Chic on the Cheap
Karly @ Miss in the Midwest
This is the best kind of look, girl – it looks like you just threw it together, but in reality it took forever. I think we all are the same way to some extent. Either way, you look fabulous!
TheTinyHeart
Oh I am the same way, I over think everything too which causes me major stress! I have to plan my outfits at night, otherwise I'd never make it to work on time. 🙂
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Juicy Couture Giveaway!
Aubrey
If there was Overthinkers Anonymous, I'd be a charter member. I lose sleep over it.
Found you via Franish.
http://adventuresinaubreyland.blogspot.com
Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
SO cute! And girl I completely feel your pain. I am not a go with the flow kinda gal. When I try to just roll with things I end up getting so much anxiety!
<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
s
you look soooo pretty and carefree!! love your smile always.
xO!
http://www.thehautecookie.com
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Ladies in Navy
well you look great in the end! i am definitely prone to overthinking social interactions and the smallest things about logistics. have to go to target today. have mentally planned my target trip during my lunch break for hours now. it'll really take me 15 to go to target, but glad i could spend my life and weekend thinking about those 15 minutes. ugh
ladies in navy
The Real Arnolds
I can always count on your blog for a laugh. Plus, you make me feel normal as opposed to crazy. Thanks for that. You're da bomb. And not just because you look awesome.
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Rachel
I'm a stressful Sally too (anxiety ugh), so I know what you mean. However you should never be anxious about your clothes because you always look so well put-together!
Kari
Girl, it's like we're totally on the same wave length!!! I was just taking outfit photos yesterday and thought to myself if people only knew how long this was taking me to do this ponytail that still looks terrible in every picture:) At least we should feel better that we're not alone in our anxious tendencies, right? Your outfit looks awesome, and that ponytail is just the right amount of messy:)
Rachel Lynne
What a gorgeous sweater! And I always get stressed and worry about everything! This week I am worried about two upcoming fun events —- three of my friends' bachelorette party bash in Chicago and my boyfriend's bday party. Please tell me why I'm stressed about such fun events! Sometimes I just want to slap myself to realize everything is going to be okay!!!!!!
Anna Baun
Easy, breezy AND stunning, indeed! Looks fab!
Anna
alilyloveaffair.com
Because Shanna Said So
Oh girl, I am right there with ya!! I am always a ball of stress and anxious…it's just our personalities…it's hard to go with the flow…but I say fake it until you make it!! Ha!! You def mastered the messy pony!! 🙂
Meghan Hayes
Oh those shoes! Headed to target RIGHT now! Love them.
I also struggle with anxiety so to a certain extent, I feel ya. Though I don't know exactly what you're going through right now, I know that it is very hard to go with the flow. Unfortunately, I have to stay organized and busy, unless I'm on vacation. Even then I have to be doing something– blogging, reading, taking a walk, etc. "Going with the flow" doesn't work for everyone.
Leaving the Corner & Dipping My Toes
How about when you do all the planning (and spend your time) the day before, and then when you put it on you feel like something is missing, when it was such a perfectly panned outfit.
BTW love those shorts.
Natalia
Shannon Jenkins
Love this laid back look! You look so effortlessly chic! Gorg!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Sandy a la Mode
such a cute look, girl!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Closet Fashionista
Well the outfit was worth the time it took to put together, you look awesome! 😀
I have a sweater that's similar to that, but its white and pink with some gold glitter stripes, haha 🙂
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Kelsey Bang
love the yellow pop! so cute with the blue! such a darling look!
kelseybang.com
Krysten Quiles
Well that outfit is super cute, I love the top.
Inge Jane
Well you've got us all fooled, because this looks perfectly care-free and fun!
Ramona
I'm the same. I have spent so many sleepless nights figuring out everything. Sometimes I'm so mad on myself, why I'm like that.. I try to pull myself together yet everything falls back in to old ways. Reading your post it makes me thing that maybe it is all creative minds think a like. I would never tell that you have put so much work in this fab outfit, because it looks so effortlessly stylish. But i believe every your word, because I go through out the same. And it always nice to hear that someone likes your look.
♥
xoxo Ra
http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie
Darcy
Okay wait but how do you actually spell over thinking… is it over thinking or is it over-thinking!? I need to know! hahah
http://www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Lauren
Alissa, I am totally guilty of over-thinking too! It makes decision making so much more difficult, so I totally feel ya. Either way, this effortlessly chic look is spot on. Super cute! xo
Pat
"I have had more issues with trying to let things go and be relaxed than I do when I am uptight and stressed." I hate to admit it but you summed up my life with that one sentence! haha
Candice
If it works best for you to just be yourself this way, even if it takes more time. Sally from Already Pretty blog had a post about how she has a time each week or maybe month, I'm not too sure, to create a bunch of outfits. Just brainstorming things that could or should work together, just being creative! Maybe this could work for you! Most of the work would be done when you're at your most creative! 🙂
Jasmin daily
Tell me about it! Over-thinking almost took over my whole day today, blame it on a case of the Mondays? This outfit looks darling though, definitely worth over-thinking 🙂
xoxo
Jasmin
http://www.jasmindaily.com
Megan Myers-Bell
I'm definitely not a go-with-the-flow kind of girl either, which is both good and bad when it comes to blogging. Good in the sense that my posts always contain original content, are grammatically correct (99% of the time, anyway) and have decent photos. Bad in the sense that they take 4-6 hours to put together b/c I'm such a perfectionist…to the point that I'd rather skip a day than publish something subpar. It's a daily struggle for me so it's good to know I'm not alone!
Megan // http://www.fyeahblog.com
P.S. I'm giving away a GiGi New York Uber Clutch and Pouch on my blog.
Megan Myers-Bell
I'm definitely not a go-with-the-flow kind of girl either, which is both good and bad when it comes to blogging. Good in the sense that my posts always contain original content, are grammatically correct (99% of the time, anyway) and have decent photos. Bad in the sense that they take 4-6 hours to put together b/c I'm such a perfectionist…to the point that I'd rather skip a day than publish something subpar. It's a daily struggle for me so it's good to know I'm not alone!
Megan // http://www.fyeahblog.com
P.S. I'm giving away a GiGi New York Uber Clutch and Pouch on my blog.
Photos from Nola Foulston
Well, you look great. I like the lipstick as it makes your face brighten up! as it should be. Stop over-thinking about over-thinking. Relax a little, enjoy life and have fun. I know the job chase is tough, but the business that gets you is the one that gets the BIG BONUS.
Tania Franco
Very cute, loving the sandals! Yes, going with the flow can be hard sometimes, not controlling what's happening, or what's coming next. What helps me is staying present, or in the NOW. Instead of focusing on what you will be doing later, or next week, or next year. Trying to enjoy the present moment and doing what I love is a big way of reducing my anxiety. I am also an anxious person. Hope that helps. :))
xo,
Tania
http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/
Stylin' In St. Louis
I am the same way when it comes to relaxed looks. It takes just as long, if not longer to get that way! Every time you wear those jean shorts I fall in love with them! Perfection!
xo,
Jacqueline
stylininstlouis.com
Maggie
I can totally relate to you on the anxiety. I worry about everything and over-worry about worrying! It is a daunting cycle. But you look amazing in this outfit! and your hair is perfect 🙂
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Becky M
I love your blog! I am so glad that I stumbled on it! Such a cute design and profile picture! You have a new follower in me!
http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com
Cara Northcutt
I am the same way, I over think EVERYTHING, my husband on the other is very impulsive haha. Love this sweater on you!
xx Cara
http://www.carascliche.com
tastefulstyle
I am right there with you, lady–I over-think/overthink most things in life. I prefer to call it conscientiousness to make myself feel better.
Nikki
Yep, I over think everything too. Always. I can't help it! I swear my brain going about 100 miles an hour 24/7. It can be exhausting. This is such a cute look, even if it did take you an hour. I love it!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Bree Alwin
I am the same. My mind goes and goes. I think we have to accept and appreciate our type A personalities!
Cute outfit. Love the shorts.
http://Www.theurbanumbrella.com
awhite
I was a sodding English major and I still have to look up words that I'm not sure are hyphenated or not.
You're adorable and you LOOK effortless (that counts big time, no matter how long it took to put together). 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
365HANGERS
Always so funny and tat pony tale looks totally awesome. We're also loving the detailing on your shorts. On the bright side, the outfit will take less time to be put together next time you wear it 🙂
xx 365hangers
Kristina
Ha, I think that's always the struggle for me. The more casual and laid back I'm trying to look, the longer it takes to get ready.
Kristina does the Internets
Kayla Gilbert
I just love those shorts SOO much!
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
taislany
love your look doll! very casual but comfy..
Kisses,
http://www.taislany.com
snippetswithalex.com
HAHA. I google things like that too! No worries 😉 Great look as always!
-Alex of http://snippetswithalex.com
Head to Toe Chic
I definitely over-think things too! Loving your sweater and shorts together. and your hair is amazing!
xo,
Angela
Elegance and Mommyhood
Oh I am the queen of over-thinking a lot of times, especially now as a Mom. LOL
Love that nautical sweater. The yellow on it is bright and fun. Great cutoff shorts too. Love the little crystals on them.
Keit
Hahha, I have sever anxiety lately and it sucks so much, I'd rather lay on the couch for days than to constantly think of everything. Going with the flow is hard, but worth it! 😀
Love the outfit, looks comfy and carefree!
Sonya Mann
I do the same thing with looking up words! And with taking a long time to put together a simple outfit =P
Alicia Mackin
I know I hear you, I have to get the AP Style Guide for sure.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com