My manager, Bailey, always seems to have the best advice. I don’t know if it’s the fact that she’s been in the industry for years or if it’s just that she loves country music, the great outdoors and reality TV (kindred spirits), but she just gets it. I told her about my writer’s block. She could sense the frustration from a mile away and mentioned that transitions can be tough. I told her I was currently looking at my big empty suitcase, craving a trip across the world. I wanted to fill it with pretty new dresses that lined the walls of my new closet – MY NEW CLOSET. Wow. I remember the days when I used to say things like:
Bailey simply said, “Say what’s on your mind. Be open. There’s someone out there who is going through something similar. They’ll resonate with what you have to say.” Ah, yes. The truth will set you free. And help out your writer’s block while you’re at it.
Truth be told, I’m not having the easiest time adapting to domestic life. My first week in my apartment was filled with friends, a wedding, meetings and getting a new project off the ground. All of these things took my mind off the fact that I wasn’t half way across the world exploring new lands. And just like that…
The wedding was over.
The initial stages of the new project were filed.
My friends left.
I was suddenly by myself in an apartment that didn’t feel like mine. What was I going to do now? How would this affect my business? I’m a travel blogger…so why do I have a home? So many questions and insecurities began popping up. I then remembered that change is GOOD. I’m simply giving myself permission to try on a different lifestyle. I can and will absolutely still travel. I just needed a place to unpack.
Here I am on a Wednesday afternoon wanting to morph into Dora the Explorer yet again. In an effort to try to sit in one place, create new projects and meet a new community, I’m not going to book a flight to Mexico. I’m not going to hop on American Airlines to see the cheapest award ticket I can book to Europe. I’m not going to get on Skyscanner and daydream with the ‘Everywhere’ tab. Instead, I’m putting together some outfits that I’d take with me to those faraway places as spring and summer come along! They’ll be packed in my suitcase soon enough.
Ooh, Mexico
Natalie Martin Danika Silk Wrap Dress
I love this flowy, lightweight dress. It takes up .01 pounds in my luggage and is perfect for any beach trip. Hola, Mexico! I’m also high-key obsessed with Norwegian bag designer Linjer. This Tulip bag packs a punch with its two-toned colors and leather design. I don’t wear heels a ton, but when I do, they usually make a statement like these Vince Camuto tie-up sandals. Lastly, I adore my brand new Esperanza necklace in collaboration with Humanity & Hope United Foundation made by women in the remote village of La Cuchilla in Honduras. Every sale of the Esperanza necklace provides three days of work for women 🙂 Love jewelry with a story and cause behind it!
Wrap Dress (different color) // Tassel Sandals // Linjer Tulip Bag // Esperanza Marble Necklace
California Love
I wore this dress to an event in LA last week and loved everything about it – the boobaliscousness, the lowered back and even the length. If and when I want it shortened, I may just have to try my hand at a lil DIY snip snip action. Everyone has been asking me where I bought the yellow necklace. I can’t take it off – it’s such a ray of sunshine 🙂 Also, the pop of red on my feet makes me so happy!
Demin Dress // Yellow Necklace // Red Sandals
Southern Charmed Savannah
This dress screams 1) southern and 2) Mother’s Day brunch. Ideally, some southern belle would wear this dress out in Savannah, Georgia this Sunday to celebrate their mom. Someone do it for me, please. PLEASE. Let me live vicariously through your super southern mommy time because mine is so far away! For everyone asking for my horn necklace, you can find it here. For my bracelets, I wrote about them here.
Oh so Sweden
Nasty Gal Pleated Skirt
I’ve been told I look like Snow White, that I’m straight out of Sweden, and that I resemble Blake Lively in this photo. I’m more than happy to accept all three! If you can’t tell I’m crushing on blue and yellow right now, get some glasses. I’ve always loved this color combo but DANG I’m obsessed this season. I think hair up in a messy pony with a hair scarf is such a fun playful touch, too. Nasty Gal is sold out of the skirt, but check below for lots of sunny hued similar ones!
![[show_shopthepost_widget id="3130192"]](https://theroadlestraveled.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/babygotbokeh_lesley_042618_089-683x1024.jpg "www.babygotbokeh.com")
Life is short. I like to make it as colorful as possible with what I wear 🙂
Lesley,
This blog and these photos are wonderful! It’s one of my favorites…I think you will do just fine during this transition of yours. You are so strong, but it’s really refreshing how you aren’t afraid to be vulnerable. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you. If you’re looking for blog ideas, I would love to read a post about your trip to Honduras with Humanity and Hope and Generous Coffee.
Maggie, thanks so much for this note! And Humanity & Hope is on the way. Glad you’re excited to read!
I love everything about this post! And I’m going to borrow basically all of these outfits. Okaythanksbyeeee.
Of course – now that we are neighbors you can wear anything!
Why not vacation in your own backyard? LA and surrounding areas are chock full of places to see that would be great day trips. You’ll be saving on air fare, so hire a driver for the day. You can wear your cute clothes without having to pack. You could even blog about your adventures!
Cher – putting this to the test in a few days 🙂 Thanks for the message!
Love the outfits!! And I’m in a season of less travel too but I know neither one of us are ever meant to stop traveling all together.
When the travel bug bites, it doesn’t let go! You know this 🙂
I loved this blue g and your reference to Dora the explorer. Your style is amazing and that picture of you in Greece was amazing
Aw thanks! Great memory 🙂
Can you post on “traveling” in your new city of LA? One of the reasons I love following travel bloggers is getting ideas for my next vacation! Would love to see some of your favorite sights in LA
YES!
Your blogs make me smile, sometimes giggle, and always share your true personality! Whether you’re blogging about the magical places you have been (I’m so jealous and live vicariously through you) or the challenges with being content in your own backyard! Such realism! I would love for you to share stories about LA and all of your favorites in that city! That vacation might be doable for me! Thanks for all the suggestions you have offered over the years! I have used so many, including those for breast cancer! Keep living and loving what you do regardless of where you are! Adventures await all of us!❤️
Sharon – thank you so much for this message and your thoughts. I’m so glad to read your reactions to my posts 🙂 Makes me smile. I’ll be putting up a post about LA soon – such a good suggestion. I think we forget about our own “backyard” sometimes…what a good reminder. <3
What a wonderful post! Everyone will absolutely relate!
As someone who can totally relate to the incessant wanderlust, I hear you! I have three kids and two mortgages so it has gotten harder to travel all the time. I heard some great advice to 1. stretch your material further. Meaning one trip can equal many blog posts as well as social media posts. 2. Expand your voice. So talk about the other things that you are passionate about. People would love to see your new neighborhood, here about your daily life, etc.
Good luck! I always love seeing your beautiful face!
Bree – all amazing suggestions 🙂 Thanks a ton!
Love this post! Needed to hear the part about changing things up in life can be good, even if it feels weird at first. Thanks for writing 🙂
We all need that reminder! Thanks, Lindsay!
Just a little quote that gets me through when the travel bug bites “It’s natural to feel like you have to run away — from people, from feelings, from places, from life — but sometimes you should challenge yourself to stay put.”
I’m 23 but I’ve had the opportunity to live in 4 different states already and traveled a lot while living in each so coming back to live in Arizona – my home state -certainly makes me feel restless and wanting to travel. Like your manager said you’re not alone! Thanks so much so for the wardrobe inspiration for my next trips as well as all the great places I have now added to my bucket list.
I am in love with your style and your travel blog. I would love to do what you do but am scared to take the leap. I have been trying to find your bracelets and bangles online and cannot find them. I tried following the link that is attached to this page but the page is not found. Where could I find your Bangles and bracelets? I am in love with them and they are a must have. Thank you
Thank you! Bangle info here: https://theroadlestraveled.com/travel-education-101-how-to-travel-with-jewelry/
The “Spring Travel Style Guide” on theroadlestraveled.com offers chic and practical outfit ideas for wanderlust-filled adventures, blending comfort and style effortlessly for the jet-setting fashionista.