Madewell MO

I have one word for Tuesday night's festivities: magical.

I got word of Madewell opening on the plaza a few months ago, with an email asking if I would be interested in co-hosting, (It never really sunk in that this was real life. Trust me, I pinched myself multiple times. The event has come and gone, and it still feels like a dream). Of course I was onboard with this proposal within seconds of reading the email, and I cannot say enough positive things about this event, company, and the process leading up to it. 

When I first walked in, I was greeted so warmly by Caitlyn and her staff. Shortly after I was told to pull my favorite garments and hang them on my own personal rack, with Little Fixation on it.  (SAY WHHHHAT?!)

Note: Again, had to pinch myself to make sure all was real.  

Julep KC was there sharing a couple cocktails, (both were wonderful. I had to taste them for the blog, right?), and beautiful food was prepared and passed out for the duration of the event. 

For two straight hours, the store was packed with high energy! New friends and old, free totes and a DJ, it's impossible to put a finger on my favorite part. I even purchased a pouch for an upcoming trip that had a taco drawn on it, with "Taco Taco Taco!" next to it. So you know the night had to be a good one.

The store is not only beautiful, (They have a neon sign above their denim bar... Can I lease a cubby under a table? I won't take up much room, promise), but the staff; I cannot say enough how incredibly friendly and warm they were. There's nothing like being on cloud 9 with an opportunity like this, and everyone just being so great along the way. It's something that will stay with me for a very, very long time.

If you were at the event and snapped any photos, you can share them using the hashtag #MadewellMo. (So fun being able to see other people's perspectives at an event like this!) 

Lastly; THANK YOU GUYS! You have all played such an intricate part in getting Little Fixations to where it is right now. This event was so special to me, (a few of you even came up to me and said "We love your Instagram & blog!" I may have freaked out a little. That will stay with me forever!) Every single one of you is helping me live out my dreams daily, and for that, there will never be enough thank you's.

(Day after the event, I was right back in these overalls. I could live in this if you'd let me....I think it's best for all if I don't).  

t.madison

I get beyond excited when I'm able to work with sweet, personable people, who are working their buns off to make their dreams come true. This is exactly what Taylor Prather is doing with her beautiful shop, t.madison, found in Arizona. (Don't live in Arizona? Not a deal breaker. She's more than willing to take orders over email!)

mailto:taylor@tmadisonshop.com

You can find shots of her product through their Instagram , (just a little warning before you go look at it.... You will want all  the things. ALL. Of. The. Things). 

In the pictures that follow, the cuff, sunglasses and necklace are all found at t.madison! I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do. ❤️ Much love to Taylor and her team!

So Worth Loving

I knew I had wanted to write this blog post for awhile. I also knew I wanted to be blatantly honest with myself while I wrote it. So deep breath in.... Here we go. 

My name is Alyssa, and I live in Kansas City Missouri. I have 25 years worth of beautiful memories in my rear view mirror, with plenty of stops ahead, (at least I hope!) But life isn't always easy. This blog post reflects so much more than a tshirt, but this tshirt is also much deeper than 100% cotton.  

Before I get into the brand, here's my 'story'.

I have struggled many years with depression, I think we all have in some ways. Mine was always staring at me back in the mirror, my appearance. I hated that it affected me the way it did; but sure as the sun would rise & set, I woke up fixated on my thighs, or my nose that was bigger than I would have liked it to be, or my acne that I couldn't rid even though I had acquired those stubborn zits since my teen years.

When was it going to be my turn to feel good about who was looking back at me in that mirror?

What I had been forgetting all along though, was that I had stopped loving myself. Sounds crazy right? But it's true. Somewhere along the way, I had ripped myself apart to the point where I was forgetting to love anything about me.  

I wasn't allowing myself to grow into the woman I was meant to be. I was a half bloomed flower that I just stopped watering. 

So how do you change that mindset? I had gone years feeling this way, I wasn't sure how to fill such a hole. And if I'm honest, sometimes I still don't. One thing I've learned throughout this struggle, is to take it a day at a time. Would I like to be slimmer and toned? Absolutely! Realistically, Is that going to happen overnight? No. (No matter how hard I struggle through my run or jumping jacks. Some things take time). 

I've also learned that you have  to take time for yourself. Go to a yoga class, spend some time walking around in Target, (oddly enough, target is a treat for me. To each their own!), go get yourself a sonic slush. You deserve to treat yourself.   Don't deny yourself of this small truth.

Something else that has helped me tremendously is the brand So Worth Loving.  They remind me it's not about where I've been, what my past is, but it's truly a daily reminder to love ME . Because you know what? We're worth that. We are  worth loving. We are more than our mistakes. We're more than our weight on the scale, than the nose on our face or the freckles we hate and try to cover up. We are worthy of so much more than what we can physically see.

I encourage you, if you're struggling like I am, to follow them on Instagram  . I'm lifted up daily by their posts, and as silly as it seems it's helped me tremendously. 

I hope this post finds someone somewhere who is struggling just like me, and I hope you know we're going to be okay. We've got this! And I've got so much love for all of you! 

Thank you for letting me get a tad personal tonight. It means the world to be able to bond with people going through the same highs and lows. ❤️

Oh Shiny Paper Co.

Birthdays are important; but birthdays of our favorite humans are epic!  

First off: I love  giving gifts. Most of the time it's for no reason. Just your normal run-of-the-mill, "I saw this and thought of you and had to get it" type incidents. 

But birthdays..... Are.... My... Favorite. So for one of my best friends birthdays, I had to go all out. I highly recommend checking out Oh Shiny Paper Co  

Not only is it on Etsy, (and we all know you'll stop by there and then sneak a peek at 15 other shops.. It's okay, judgement free zone!) But it's also very affordable for really unique, (and fun) party supplies! Here's a look at the unicorn cupcake toppers and fun balloons I bought!