Pajama Pants

Finally, pajama pants are now acceptable for everyday wear. I have been crazy about printed pants for a while now but finding the right fit, feel, and print is key. I was graciously given these pants by eShakti.com, a website that offers customizable clothing. Finally, all of us who feel we are the in between with sizes can confidently order something off the internet. Regarding the fit and quality of the pants, I have no complaints. They are not see through in the slightest - aka I can wear my bright pink underwear proudly, like the obnoxious nineteen year old I am. I customized the height to fit me perfectly and the drawstring detailing at the top is nicely done and makes the pants immensely more flattering. The pants are definitely a statement piece so I paired them with staples: a basic black crop top, my typical black structured bag, and my leather mules that still confuse some people. The sunglasses made me feel cool, which is one of the most important qualities I look for in a pair. 

Brief discussion of some thoughts~

I do not think I am compatible with accounting. 

I recently realized that the full body mirror I have hanging in my room is slightly warped and makes my body appear thinner than it actually is. This is my first finding of blissful ignorance, because I do not need to know the actual appearance of my body because all that matters is how I feel about it. It's easier to write that out than to actually convince myself of it. 

"If nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do." If I am so incredibly insignificant, then there is validity in what I do just because that's what I do. I have to believe this. 

That is all for now. Hope you enjoy! 

xx Michelle

Use the coupon code "lifeonlotus" for 10% off your order on eShakti.com

Photos by Justine Solan.

Smock Like

I am finally catching my breath and posting these photos. This school year, I am finding it difficult to even organize my thoughts. I know challenges force you to grow, but I feel like every time I get my head above water a new wave comes over and forces me under again. For everyone who actually knows my life, I am probably just being dramatic. But I am trying to really add more of my thoughts and opinions into these posts. I know it may just seem like I take some photos of my outfits, but standing in front of a camera showcasing my very insecurities makes me feel so incredibly vulnerable. Yes, this blog is an outlet for me to express myself, but it is also another challenge for me to grow and accept my body and mind. Moving on from that rather lengthly introduction, let's discuss my new university style must-have.

In busy times, the smock dress prospers. On my college campus, I have seen so many girls sporting this seasons Brandy Melville hit, the t-shirt dress. These types of dresses - the shapeless, patterned dress that you just throw on and don't have to think about, are the best thing for class. Do you know why? They are so simple to style and it makes it look like you tried to plan your outfit for the day. The reality is, I woke up 10 minutes before class and threw on a dress and a pair of booties. To subsidize for the lack of fall weather, I have been sporting a darker fall lip color. This dress I have been rambling on and on about was purchased from Urban Outfitters. My boots are the infamous Jeffrey Campbell Everly booties that I overwore last fall.

Now I am sharing some of my inspirations through internet links - content I have really enjoyed watching, listening, or reading. My beautiful friend, Hannah Renee, released her very own album recently and this is one of my favorite songs of hers. With fashion month having recently come to a close, check out this Paris Fashion Week Travel Diary by Chriselle Lim. It's a dream. Clueless is one of my favorite movies and Lisa Eldridge is one of the most admirable women in the make-up industry, so of course I was excited to see her do a "Make Up Moment" on Alan Friedman's work for the film.

That is all I would like to discuss for this one! Hope to talk to you soon. Thanks for reading.
xx Michelle

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instagram - lifeonlotus
twitter - @itsmemichelleg

Photos by Justine Solan.

All Tied Up

For a couple of days last week Southern California was feeling more like Florida, aka it was really humid. Because it was so hot and sticky, I had to keep my outfit lightweight and airy. I started off with this LBD from Forever 21, which has been a closet staple for me this summer. The thin straps and loose feel make it the most comfortable, versatile dress. I then tied a chambray shirt around my waist, which is a style I hope stays on trend for a while. Because I was doing a lot of walking, I wore my gray Superga sneakers. I use to have a fear of wearing tennis shoes, but I am actually really liking them as of lately. My necklaces are from the flea market and the sunnies are from Nordstrom. Yes, I am still obsessing over the colored flash lenses. 

I ended up wearing this look to the Melrose Trading Post, which is my favorite place to buy inexpensive jewelry. I find it isn't as overwhelming as other flea markets, and I always find cool and unique vendors. After my little shopping trip, I met up with my amazing and talented friend Nicole to shoot this look. If you missed my last post featuring her photos, you can check that out here.

Thanks for reading! xx Michelle

follow me?

twitter @itsmemichelleg

instagram @michellegilbertson

Photography by Nicole Busch.  

You should also listen to the song "All Tied Up" by The Dig.