We talk often about how much we love our job. Boy do we love it, but what we don't often talk about is how overwhelmingly stressful the day to day can get. This season we're juggling so many projects and while we are 100% passionate about all of them we definitely have our moments where it feels impossible. The truth is, every job is really hard at times. I believe in dream jobs, sure! But "easy" jobs are really just a matter of "grass is greener" thinking. Every person's job looks easier than it really is. Anyway- I say all of this not to complain, but to just give you a little high five if you've had a rough week too. Dreams are what you make them and happiness is always a choice!
Elsie's Wearing: Top/Camp Brand Goods, Shorts + Hat/F21, Bag/Orla Kiely, Boots c/o Sweedish Hasbeens (yes, they are incredibly comfortable!)
Emma's Wearing: sunnies and shoes/UO, jean jumper/ASOS, white tank/Target, purse/stole from sister (it's Steve Madden), necklace c/o Favery, bandanna/Hobby Lobby (why not pick up an accessory while you're craft shopping?).
Hope you have a great weekend! Elsie + Emma
119 Comments
Both lovely outfits ladies! And I completely agree, happiness is definitely a choice.
http://sincerelylara.com
loving the shoes and dress miss emma!
xx
*high five!*
It is 1 in the morning where I am writing from, and I’ve just had a breakthrough in a major project for university that I’ve been pretty emotional about all day. Decided to come over here as a mini-reward break, and your sunny post and encouraging real-talk words totally validated all my hard work, and made my day!
Thank you both, for not being afraid to show and tell bits of your real life issues along with your fantastic content.
Truth: I honestly find myself searching back through your archives for old “Ask Elsie and Emma” posts as advice when I’m feeling a little lost in my life. Your willingness to share both of your experiences has helped me more than you will ever know.
Thank you ladies, keep doing what you’re doing, and have an amazing day!
I love the shorts and the leggings. Yay fall!
http://liveitinerantly.com
So true, ladies. Love both of your outfits, too! 🙂
Allyson
I really like that denim dress, super lovely!
perfection!
Lovely outfits Muilo Burbulai
Love those little booties!
http://viperpapercompany.etsy.com
I love Elsie’s shoes!!
You guys are amazing. I just love your styles. They are so perfect. I will never stop loving this blog. <3 <3
Truth!
I sooo needed to read this today! Thanks a lot girls. xx
I agree with you, ladies, a lot! Happyness is definitely a choice.
P.S. The “jumping” pictures are hilarious!
I love the happy camper shirt!! so freaking cute!! and as always your guys styling is awesome!
=) Heather
southernnorth.com
I agree, you can be as happy as you want to be! Still, I think I ought to get that happy camper top because sometimes I need a little reminder.
Absolutely; every job can be stressful and hard sometimes – but as long it´s mostly fun it´s worth the downsides as well. 🙂
Gorgeous outfits! I particularly love the denim 🙂
http://www.honey-rose.com
Thanks for this. It seems like everyone I know – myself included – had a rough week. This post is a good reminder to enjoy each moment of each day, even those days that are chaotic and insanely busy. You are so right — happiness is a choice.
Lovely outfits and I love the positive message! A rough week here as well 🙂
Renate from http://thecuriousklutz.blogspot.dk
i LOVE emma’s look! the mint necklace and bandana with the denim jumper is amazing!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Cute outfits. Thanks for spreading your positivity!
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com
goodness gracious, I know there should be a less creepy way to say this, but: You two are so darn cute!
and it’s always good to hear that everyone has stressful shit in their daily lifes. sometimes it’s easy to forget that when you guys make everything look to pretty and easy.
The denim dress! <3
http://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/
Lovely outfits! So so perfect, And yes, I had a very rough week, but you are right, happiness IS completely a choice.
xo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop
Love both looks!
its a choice indeed 🙂
-Deana, from Birds&Oxfords
You both look absolutely gorgeous!
I think having a stressful job is good. It makes me more motivated – that’s why I decided to become a chef. I like to come home and feel exhausted because I’ve worked hard. Not because I’ve been bumming around all day. Thumbs up for working hard!
Love your style!! Great boots!
bLUEoRCHIDcLOTHES
cute outfits!
Valentina
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
I don’t normally comment but this post really hit the spot. I have just managed to build my dream company to the point that I’m really excited but it is soooo hard. I needed a reminder that a dream job can still be hard.
SO true. Great advice! Keep up the hard work and flashing those rockin smiles! 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
cute looks! i have those shorts in blue! so going to wear them with nylons and booties now! love that look.
Sparkle & Chic
Oh I love Elsie’s boots!
http://erstwhilefelicity.blogspot.co.uk/
I ADORE Elsie’s outfit! I’m such a sucker for a high-waisted short with tights underneath.
While I actually do not agree that happiness is ALWAYS a choice (if people could choose to, say, not have depression, I’m sure they would), I do agree that you have to make the best of what you have.
http://cuddlyasacactus.wordpress.com/
Those booties are so cute! And I love the fact that your headscarf matches your necklace. Too sweet!
Nicole
http://www.younglovestyle.blogspot.com
Too adorable!
At least you can celebrate now it’s the weekend! Hope everyone managed to pull through their week and are giving themselves a deserved break! x
I love Emma overalls dress. So cute! Thanks for this note on happiness. It is so easy to think other people who are happy come by it super naturally, which is not always the case. We can all stand to slow down and take the time to count our blessings and notice how many great things happen each day.
-Jen
yourstrulyjen.com
Love those boots! I’ve had a rough week myself and reading this post has really motivated me, thanks, you two inspire me so much xx Emmi
http://emmihearts.blogspot.co.uk/
I have the same opinion, dear Kierah, the old “Ask Elsie and Emma” posts are such a great advice and I´m so thankful for this blog, too http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
I adore Emma’s dress! So pretty! x
holljc.blogspot.co.uk
gorgeous!!
Kerry @ Lived With Love! | Mummy, Beauty & Lifestyle blog
Love that you said this! I am currently working my ‘dream’ job too – or at least slowly turning things I love into a dream job. And it’s not easy. It’s a LOT of work and hours and stress and staying ‘at work’ later than I’d like, and people think that it’s super easy all the time when it isn’t. But working for yourself can be SO REWARDING. And you want to make it succeed, so you put in the extra time. I love it!
Aaaadorable.
I love that overall dress so much! That will look super cute with tights going into fall. 🙂
Lyric
lyricalbits.blogspot.com
Gah! I love shorts and tights. It is a fall staple for me!
love Elsie’s top…too cute!
I love the title of this post! “Happiness is a Choice” is one of my all-time favorite quotes. In fact I made a word-art print with it a la ABM tutorial. I would love to show you the before and after if you’re interested. Thanks for the great content!
These thoughts are so helpful for me! And I cannot wait for it to be truly fall here in the northwest so I can live in tights. Especially black tights 😉 thanks for the inspiration!
❤Jess
http://www.jess-the-mess-blog.blogspot.com
You all look great but emmas outfit is my favourite!
themacaronaddict.blogspot.co.uk
Gosh Elsie, I’m really digging your outfit!
So loving Elsie’s boots and Emma’s accessories! The weeks have been so busy lately, thanks for the metaphorical high five!
Elsie, what brand of tights are you wearing/would recommend? I love both of your outfits, pretty ladies!
♥ Naomi {Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups}
It’s so so so true that the grass seems greener on the other side simply because of perspective. I’m not currently working as I have a (almost) 3 month old daughter to take care of and sometimes I wonder if I should be working outside of home like this and that person, etc. But it’s really how we look at things that matter! So I’m enjoying being a busy mommy at home during this season of my life. Great post, ladies!
I like your outfits and jump!
http://underthestarsandsun.blogspot.com/
I know this isn’t what you were getting at but as a longtime reader who also suffers heavily from depression this whole “happiness is a choice” rhetoric is both hurtful and incorrect. I, and many of your other readers living with mental illness, would love to “choose happiness” but that isn’t our reality. I come to this blog to see cool DIYs and outfits, not to be shamed for my mental state. Very disappointed.
You know, I’ve been unsure about the whole tights with shorts thing, but I think you may have convinced me, Elsie. I love that you guys are always trying new things with clothing. Even when it isn’t my exact style, I find it really inspiring. You make fashion FUN. I love that. It’s great to put yourself out there and then try something completely different the next day. You guys inspire me! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for cutting back a little on the c/o’s! These outfits feel way more accessible to my Target store budget. 😉
The jumping pictures are so cute! I love Elsie’s purse especially.
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca
Definitely need this pick me up – thanks, Ladies!
Thanks for the lovely words of inspiration, sometimes that’s all we need to get us through a rough day. And cute outifts, I can’t wait for colder weather to come around!
I love the colour of Emma’s necklace and Elise’s outfit is one of my favourites yet! What a cute shirt
Love Emma’s Jump!! Great shot 🙂
Elsie, your shorts may have just made me want to go back to my F21 obsessed days…
So very true! I often times compare the stress of having a great passion to taking steroid (I have to take it for my MS and rare form of arthritis when I have a flare up). It’s so exhausting sometimes to be so passionate about so many things!! 🙂 I completely understand what you were trying to say.
thank you for this awesome post 🙂
I love your happy camper top and those boots are awesome!!!
Love both outfits, especially the head band in the 2nd one! Love the colour.
http://www.ravenmaidenmaven.blogspot.com
Hi ladies –
I love your blog and all the stuff you do, and have been following for a few years now.
There was a post a while back about photography tips, and one of the tips that resonated with me is that it is not cool or flattering to copy others’ photo ideas directly, and that it is so much more awesome to come up with your own style.
I don’t know if you read the blog Calivintage, but the “jumping pose” for outfit posts is something blogger Erin has done quite a bit (example – http://www.calivintage.com/2012/10/plaid-pinafore.html) — though I think it has been a while since she has done it.
I am sure you wouldn’t intentionally “steal” someone else’s idea and I’m sure many other people have done this cute pose in the blogger world. But, I thought I would bring it to your attention.
Thanks for putting your work out there, and for sharing yourselves with us 🙂
Jen from CA
WAY way cute outfits…LOVE boots, love those boots, just kind of expensive BUT I love them. You rock in them:) Happy Weekend!!!
these outfits are so lovely! and love all the colors 🙂 keep doing what you do, i enjoy your blog so much x
-Jianine
Aw how cute, love both your shoes + that denim and mint green. Picnic vibes!
x. Pixelhazard | Bright Green Laces |
Keirah, I was going to try and put almost the exact same thoughts into words, but you did a much better job than I could! What you say is so true- and I truly see Emma and Elsie as my inspiration (and clearly so many other people do too!) and ABM has helped me find greater happiness and contentment with the little things in life. It’s beautiful :’) Love these girls to bits!!
PS: Hope uni’s going well for you now, I know exactly where you’re coming from!
Uhh, sorry to be that creepy/strange person that keeps replying to your comments, but I can’t figure out how to comment on tumblr (is it even possible to comment on tumblr? Why must technology confuse me so?) Whatever. What I was going to say was, I just checked out your blog (getting creepier/stranger?)- and it’s awesome! Please do keep going, your writing style is already great and your blog will rock 🙂
Ok. I stop now. Before I freak someone out..
You girls are always inspiring! I enjoy your fun outfits!
http://www.bananamoda.com
Love Elsie’s boots, can imagine them going with so many outfits!
Oh ich liebe die Outfits, so locker und doch nicht so langweilig 😀 ..
http://voyagevoyagelamonde.blogspot.de/
I get that feeling so well, it amazing how it just helps to walk around in the blogging world, read and explore what others have to say! Good luck with your project!
http://alittlebiggirlslife.blogspot.nl/
Cute shoes!
Both lovely outfits!! Love your bags and the bandana!!
Sarah x
thepalettee.blogspot.com.au
I absolutely love Elsie’s style and this outfit is so pretty FIROZA
always top … I love your super nice blog 🙂
Those are the worlds cutest shorts!!
http://secretsofahappygirl.blogspot.co.uk/
always top … I love your super nice blog 🙂
Oh Elsie, those boots!! Every Word Handwritten
SWOONING over that mint necklace. Love the outfits.
Especially the tights under the shorts. Genius!
XOXO Fal
Falfindshappiness.blogspot.com
You are so right. Happiness is a choice. I find in my older years pouting isn’t really an option. You gotta get up, choose to be happy, and roll with the punches. There are so many posts out there this week about FOMO, and how people’s lives look through a computer – especially during fashion week! But the truth is we all have the ability to make our lives the way we actually want it, and not just make it look good on the surface for our facebook and instagram pages!
Hilary x thehealthycollective.com
I love that grey jumper!!
http://www.katesdays13.blogspot.com
so so cute! love those boots!
kw ladies in navy
Sorry for not clarifying, but we definitely can’t speak for anything clinical. That’s waaay out of our jurisdiction, so we can’t really add intelligent commentary to the subject of depression. This post is about how we give ourselves an extra oomph when we’re feeling down or overwhelmed. Simple as that. We wholly embrace and respect it might not work for everyone. Wish you the best! xo. Emma
Aww, you’re too sweet! xo. Emma
Well, aren’t you just the nicest! xo. Emma
Right? It seems so silly, because we love what we do and wouldn’t trade it for anything. But work sometimes still has to be, you know work. 😉 xo. Emma
I love how you guys use your “sister style” posts to express a little wisdom about life. What a great thing it is for young people to hear that even the best of jobs aren’t easy. It’s advice worth remembering as we navigate the strange career world that our generation faces. Thanks, you two, and please keep the inspiration coming 🙂
Love hearing the grit about every day. Your pictures are so composed that it’s easy to forget the work and stress that goes into making those beautiful images for your posts.
Wow so true! Great blog post 🙂
Couldn’t agree with you more! Life isn’t worth living if you don’t absolutely love what you’re doing, and if you don’t, take a leap of faith and make the change! Your happiness and sanity is totally worth it.
What I do can definitely wear on me sometimes, but looking at the whole picture reminds me of how blessed I am. I like my coworkers and I like what I do. Right now, thats all that matters.
Thank you, lovely ladies, for keeping it real! I love seeing what you’re up to and I love hearing about all your new endeavors!
http://poorjessieann6.wordpress.com
You girls are so gorgeous, lovely outfits!
http://www.beblacknblue.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.beblacknblue.blogspot.co.uk
love the denim dress and shoes!
http://layersofchic.blogspot.com
Wishing I could rock an overall dress! So people just have it and some people just don’t!
cantbuymelovvve@blogspot.com
elsies top is my fave, loved how you styled it too 🙂
http://www.mumswearlipstick.blogspot.com
“happiness is ALWAYS a choice”
Unless you have clinical depression, and then your choice is no longer yours.
I love both outfits, so cute!
I love Emma’s jean jumper! Overalls are coming back in such clever ways!
http://www.editorialite.com
Great boots Elsie! Emma, I love your jumper!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
p.s. Check out my Chicastic giveaway!
Happiness is not a choice for everyone. This was the absolute last thing I needed to see today. I do not have a supportive group of family and friends. I tried to follow my dreams and now I have absolutely nothing in my life. It’s great that it all worked out for you guys, but it did not for me. I am not a lazy person who just wanted an easy job. I did not chose to be clinically depressed or suffer an abusive childhood. I had been a follower of this blog for years but now I am done. I realize you have to work hard at this blog and that it is a real full time job. But you were both fortunate in having opportunities that are not available to everyone else.
Great words, ladies!!! Happiness is 100% a choice! Here, here!
Cx http://mixedmediumstheatre.blogspot.co.uk/
cute outfits!
I’ve been looking for an overall dress! I can’t pull off overalls or jumpers, nor do I want to out of convenience b/c I tend to have to pee a lot (sorry TMI). Anyway, love the dress and gotta grab me one!
You guys are so cute. Elsie, I have shorts almost exactly like that, but less buttons, from Express. Great minds, eh? 😉 I fully believe in focusing on the good in anything that you do. I write a “Things I Love Thursday” post every week on my blog, that shows things I’ve loved that I saw on the internet that week, but mainly, I write about great things that have happened to me or for me in my own personal life. It’s almost necessary for me every week, so that I don’t get dragged down in the negativity. It’s so easy to only see the problems in life, sometimes. So in short, I love what you wrote here.
xo Ashley
I adore Elsies outfit. It’s so perfect for Fall, and that sweater is adorable.
Mana
http://fashionandhappythings.com
Oh my gosh! Iove the jumping poses, girls!!
You’re so cute! I LOVE Emma’s necklace and your shirt, Elsie!
love, polly 😉
Love your high five for everyone having a rough week 🙂 And the truth about your choice for happiness! Emma is adorable in that jean jumper, love it, with the mint and red accents.
http://www.thecatyouandus.com
Love your high five for everyone having a rough week 🙂 And the truth about your choice for happiness! Emma is adorable in that jean jumper, love it, with the mint and red accents.
http://www.thecatyouandus.com
Happiness is definitely a choice – my house just watched the documentary ‘Happy’ recently – it was really good!
Also, Elsie, I love the shorts + tights combo so cute! And Emma, those shoes are so sweet!
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
I feel the same way
You both have gorgeous styles and figures! Want your entire wardrobe!<3
You guys definitely DO have a dream job! It’d be so interesting to get an insight into what your day-to-day looks like!
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
Gorgeous gals!
Lulu xx