Top: Leona (c/o) / Skirt: Madewell / Necklace: Capwell + Co. (c/o) / Bag: Tory Burch (But how amazing is the newer version, in all three colors?!) / Watch: Michael Kors, but currently loving this MK watch in hot pink, this one in turquoise, and this one in tortoise shell / Bracelets: Capwell + Co. (c/o) and J.Crew (Old), newer versions here / Pumps: Shop Primadonna (c/o) (Sold out), but I love these blue suede kitten heels! And they’re SO comfy! / Earrings: J.Crew / Sunglasses: Kate Spade / Lipstick: Clinique (“Pudgy Peony”)
One of the best parts of living in New York is that it’s an incredibly diverse city. Its residents come from all over the country (and world), and I’m constantly meeting people with fascinating backgrounds. When I’m asked where I’m originally from, I explain that I mostly grew up on Long Island and in New Jersey. This shouldn’t warrant much of a reaction, in my opinion–wouldn’t some foreign country be a bit more interesting?!–but I often get an “Oh, wow” kind of response. While there are tons of native New Yorkers living in the city, I think this reaction speaks to how incredibly normal it is to be the only person in the room whose parents live an hour away in the suburbs. (Nearly all of my city friends are originally from the Midwest and West Coast, for example!) That said, if you fall in love in New York City, it’s kind of unlikely that both your family and your significant other’s family will be from the same area.
The fact that Mitch’s family and my family are 14 hours apart used to make me really sad. Since family is so important to both of us, I couldn’t come to grips with the idea that no matter where we eventually settled, we’d always be a plane ride or a long road trip away from one set of parents. I thought about it all the time. How could we stay in New York and be away from Mitch’s family? Or how could we move to Chicago and be far from mine? And why wasn’t there a really awesome city between the two that we loved?! Life was so unfair.
Recently, though, I realized that I’ve been thinking about things all wrong. First of all, life is great. I never thought I’d end up with the perfect person for me. (Disney movies used to seriously stress me out while growing up because I was convinced I’d never find true love. Sad, but also kind of funny.) I’m so, so grateful that I did find the one, and I’m ridiculously thankful that I get to spend the rest of my life with him. Who cares where we spend it?! It’s certainly not about where we are. (Also, I definitely have it better than Ariel, my favorite Disney princess, had it. At least both families live on land.)
Secondly, our families rock. They’re super understanding about our situation, and they’re completely willing to travel to wherever we are. Mitch’s parents, for instance, travel to New York once a year just to hang out with us. It’s so nice. Likewise, my parents have promised that they’ll visit constantly if we relocate.
Finally, because our families are from different parts of the country, our lives are adventurous and filled with travel. We’re always on the move, and able to experience New York, Chicago, the Jersey Shore, and a gorgeous lake in Illinois on a regular basis. (Talk about lucky.)
Would things be a bit more convenient if our families lived closer to each other? Absolutely. But if they did, perhaps life wouldn’t be as insanely fun and wonderfully exciting as it currently is. Lesson learned: Life doesn’t always end up just like you’d planned. Sometimes, it ends up better.
Ok your Ariel reference, hysterical! Matt and I used to be really lucky b/c our parents lived 30 mins from each other and really only 45 mins away from us when we were in the city. Now we’re 15 mins from my folks and his have relocated to Cape Cod which is a nice excuse for a vacation.
Couldn’t agree more with your idea on life; even though things might seem bad, they always turn out for the better. This is so true for me right now!
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
Love your outlook on the whole situation. I’ve been trying to adopt the same one with my in-laws living 40 minutes away and my parents living just a little bit farther away than I would like them to live–there’s no quick way to Central Louisiana from Houston! Your “Little Mermaid” reference made me chuckle–I always did wonder how Prince Eric would be able to go see his father-in-law. In comparison, I guess I don’t have it so bad!
I live 2 hours from my family, and even that seems tough. I have suggested we all live on a compound together, but nobody seems into it except me lol! And as always, love the outfit. I wish they still had this skirt in my size.
Ashley | History in High Heels
I love that skirt! I totally agree with you. I believe everything happens for a reason. The outcome is usually different than I had planned, but normally for the better.
I love your outfit! That skirt is beautiful!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
As hard as it was for my husband and I to be 3,000 miles away from our family while we were living in California, it actually strengthened our relationship with our parents. We saw them less, but we communicated more via phone, text, Skype, Facetime, etc. Plus, when we did see each other, we spent more quality time together and really took advantage of it. Things always work out- plus, our family LOVED having an excuse to go on vacation in LA!
This look is perfect! Love how you mixed the blues and that bag is to die for!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Being far from your family would be so hard, but you are right to think about the situation in a positive light. You get to be a part of many wonderful cities and these days staying connected is better than ever.
Great post! I know the feeling. I couldn’t stand being away from my parents, so I ended up choosing a university where I could still live at home.
-Katherine
http://scallopedandbows.blogspot.ca
Love the blouse, the blue is amazing.
I really do think its fabulous you found your perfect match, and i do think you can make any place your own as long has you have that positive attitude! Everything happens for a reason! :)
We also need to follow eachother on IG, I adore all your looks!
Eleventh & Sixteenth
Love your cute stripes! And your lesson in your post :) hope you & Mitch had (are having?) fun in Chicago!!
Blonde in this City
Love your outfit and ummmm…. you’re staying in New York. period end of story!
Loving all the blues. Your post makes me truly appreciate that both my fiance’s and my family live in the same state. I couldnt be luckier!