Natalie - Natalie Wise Blog

A Few Years Older

{2010}

{2012}

Today, I’m wearing a twin outfit. A twin of myself? Does that make sense? This is one of my all-time favorite outfits, I just love it! You can see the original post HERE from a few years ago.

You may have noticed that around lunchtime, I had posted a different incarnation of this post for a hot minute. Then I decided to buck up and take a new outfit photo, considering the day had warmed from an inhumane double-digit negative temperature outside to a slightly more considerate 20 degrees above.

And remind me again why I live in New England?

Over and out! Have a great week!

Keepin’ it Real

I just really feel like keepin’ things real tonight, and popping in with a ‘regular’ post.

Regular like, I’m sitting here in my yoga pants & sweatshirt, wearing a scarf & hat. Inside. I’ve got a cold, so there’s a giant box of kleenexes next to me. And I have Vick’s rub under my nose. To be honest, I’m a hot mess over here.

And I’m drinking a protein shake, and listening to Andrew Belle, and I’ve got one of my best friends chatting away with me about the different phases my eyebrows have gone through.

Yes, that’s right. My different eyebrow phases.

It’s a pretty awesome Saturday night, I gotta say. Prettttttty awesome. Hehe.

God’s Words

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:5

You’re heard this verse a million times, I’m sure. But we usually focus on just the first part, usually during our Sanctity of Human Life services. But tonight, I embrace it on a slightly different level. God had a plan for Jeremiah before he was even formed in the womb. Craziness! So many times we say cliche things like, “Don’t let life happen to you; make it what you want.” and so forth. But what if we believed, truly believed, God had words for each of us in our lives?

Even Jeremiah doubted, saying, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child!”

But God says, “‘Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.’ Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth…'”

I love that Jeremiah admitted he was fearful. Sometimes it’s tough to step out and embrace God’s words for our lives. But God said, do not be afraid of them! I’ve got your back! Remember, I’ve got this plan…this plan set in motion since the beginning of the world, and I know YOUR place in it.

I believe God has, at least in some small way, touched my mouth and said, “Here are my words for you to share, Natalie.” And they are words about my faith in Him, and my love for faith-based fashion, and how the two combine to give glory & testimony to God.

God has given you words, too. Listen to what God has put on YOUR heart. Follow His plan for YOU.

We live in such a busy world. It’s tough for us to even sort out our own thoughts, to keep our own words in check as we type & text & tweet. Help us to meditate upon Your Holy Word, and Your words for us. Speak to the deepest part of us, Lord. Help us to “get” what You’re putting on our hearts. Help us to have the courage to act on it. Calm our fears, like you calmed Jeremiah’s. Let our words reflect YOUR words, and may our lives be worthy of Your death on a cross. You have set us free, not to be slaves any longer, but to run in the path of your commands.

“‘Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls.’

But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.'”

Jeremiah 6:25

Don’t be the one who says, “I will not walk in it.”

Walk, walk with our God, who has your back, who knows the plans He has for you.

Speak His words.

Chartreuse & Latte

{Ooo, love that movement in the skirt!}

A few things:

1.) This color combination….well, I’m not gonna lie: it’s interesting. And I never would have thought of it had I not found this wonderful vintage belt at the thrift store. But I think I’m a fan.

2.) I always though midi-length skirts were tough to wear. But judging by the number I’ve been donning recently, they can’t be that bad. Or else my posts are just terrible and no one’s telling me 😛

3.) My shirt is latte-colored. Which compels me to tell you about these amazing babies. The Cappuccino flavored one is delish. They taste like melted coffee ice cream, or a thicker Frappuccino, or maybe even a Wendy’s Jamocha shake. All amazing things, my friends, to be saying a PROTEIN drink tastes like! Now, I’m a girl who has a tough time getting enough protein. And it seems like every boyfriend I’ve ever had has “gifted” me protein powder. BLECH! So finding these? I’m totally hooked!

Don’t bother with the chocolate one, it still tastes yucky, and I haven’t tried the chai yet nor the vanilla.

Style Secrets

Necklace: F21

Ring: H&M

Tee: Gap

Belt: Thrifted

Skirt: Thrifted

Tights: from a friend

Heels: Elie Tahari, TJ Maxx

Birthday Girl

{happy, happy}

{beautiful, lovely birthday snow!}

Last week I was the birthday girl–the spoiled rich, totally blessed, very happy birthday girl.

Oh my goodness, it was lovely.

One must put all the happiness one can into each moment.

~Edith Wharton

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

~Philippians 4:8

I’m a firm believer in the importance of birthday, regardless of age.

I’m a firm believer in special party dresses.

I’m a firm believer in polka-dot hose.

I’m a firm believer in the beauty of a lovely snowstorm.

I’m a firm believer in the deliciousness of living a happy life, and finding blessings in all of the small things.

I’m a firm believer in a great pair of high heels.

I’m a very firm believer in birthday morning coffee cakes on gorgeous platters.

(that got a ton of compliments, Dorothy! Thank you!)

And I believe in pretty pink candles in ‘Death by Chocolate’ with amazing local ice cream after a fancy dinner with friends.

And I’m an incredibly lucky girl because my friends are believers in birthday flowers! Gah! Gorgeous pink gerbera daisies and lilies! And a pop-up birthday bouquet card! And bright pink and orange carnations (my birthday flower)! With leopard ribbon! And they believe in birthday balloons, too 😉

And every good birthday needs a good birthday song:

Rachel Platten’s “1000 Ships” sums up my birthday perfectly. And besides, it’s happy, jump-around catchy.

p.s. the dress fits my fingertip rule.

Have a beautiful week!

Cashmere Taste

Cashmere taste on a thrift store budget!

Sometimes a girl with cashmere taste on a thrift store budget makes out like a bandit. This 100% cashmere pencil skirt with adorable pleating was $10, ya’ll. It’s kinda the softest, most wearable skirt ever, and one of my favorite thrift finds so far. I envision I’ll be wearing it all winter, so I’m sorry if you get sick of seeing it!

Also, I almost didn’t buy these shoes.

But then I did. And they got me lots of compliments (and blisters).

And one more also: Happy New Year!

May God continue to refine us in the coming year.

Style Secrets

Headband: F21, I think?

Necklace: F21

Tee with Chiffon Sleeves: H&M

Skirt: Thrifted

Hairbow (clipped on skirt): F21

Bangles: J.Crew

Sweater Tights: TJ Maxx

Heels: Thrifted

Linked up with:

Freelance Work

{8-page article, “Natalie’s Style” in Life:Beautiful magazine written & styled by Natalie with Britni Ventling, photography by Tobin Bennett, Winter 2012}

My name is Natalie. I’m a freelance writer, published poet, award-winning baker, stylist, speaker, and photographer.

Here are some samples of my work:

Regular Contributor of Gluten-Free Recipes to Big Girls Small Kitchen

Regular Contributor to Darling Magazine

(published online and in print)

Guest Writer for MaryJanes Farm magazine,

“An Illustrated Life: Tasha Tudor, a Beloved American Icon” April/May 2011

Original recipes for King Arthur Flour, Girl Versus Dough, etc.

Indiana University Most Fashionable Alumnus, 2011

Thrifting Lecture for SEVCA; 2012

Press for StyleWeek: Providence to cover local designer, YellowClover, 2012

Life:Beautiful Winter 2012 “Natalie’s Style”; photography credit Tobin Bennett

With my public speaking experience and a Master’s degree in Poetry from Dartmouth College, along with loads and loads of adventuring and ice cream eating experience, I am happy to write and speak on a number of subjects. But I’m guessing you would probably want me to share my poetry, faith-based fashion, thrifting, etiquette, or gluten-free baking work instead of my ice-cream eating and movie-watching “skills.” Here are some ideas of topics I have written and spoken about in the past and would love to write or speak about for you:

~Fashion styling tips, wardrobe building, closet organization, and any styling subjects
~ Baking Tips, Ideas, and Recipes
~Etiquette, Civility, and Manners for all arenas of life
~Devotions/faith inspiration for women
~Thrifting tips, tricks, resources, and looking great on a budget
~Natural beauty and makeup tips, tricks, and resources
~Poetry and creative writing
~Minnesota, Indiana, and Midwest living, travel, and things to do
~Do-it-yourself projects and crafts
~Seasonal recipes and decor
~Interior decorating
~Press coverage of fashion shows, designers, conferences, exhibits, etc.
~Social justice issues

If you think my background and interests might match your needs, please email me at: goodgirlstyleblog (at) gmail (dot) com . I look forward to hearing from you and will be in touch as soon as possible.

Life is Beautiful

Life:Beautiful magazine Winter 2012 edition

It’s my blog come to life! (well, my blog IS real life…but….well, you know what I mean!)

If you’re out and about doing some post-Christmas exchanges/sale shopping, keep an eye out for the absolutely lovely winter 2012 issue of Life:Beautiful magazine. I was SUPER blessed & excited to be able to share my passion—-faith-based style—-on such a great platform. Life:Beautiful is “faith for your journey”–on par with Martha Stewart Living in quality, beauty, and content, but with Scripture and Biblical affirmations the whole way through. So uplifting to read a magazine that offers encouragement instead of false ideals and empty promises. It is truly inspiration for a beautiful life.

I wrote an 8-page article for them on modest fashion & beauty, with tips for thrift store accessories & vintage finds, along with 12 “Foundational Pieces” every woman should have in her wardrobe.

I had SO much fun and so many amazing, wonderful memories from this trip (remember my secret trip? It was for this article! and so were the ‘photoshoot’ false eyelashes!).

There it is, nestled on the shelf 😉

So a big WELCOME to my new beautiful new Life:Beautiful readers!!!

I’m so pleased you’re here! I am super excited to continue sharing with you what God puts on my heart about beauty, women, and style with substance. I hope I can do justice to it, with God’s blessing & inspiration. May my blog become even more and more a tool of God’s hand, and may my art be from His heart.

And a big thank you to the Life:Beautiful team for not only doing what they do, but for letting me be a part of it!

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

~Psalm 119:32

Amen.

PS. Your best bet for finding the magazine is Barnes & Noble! Also try Walmart, Hallmark, Joanne’s fabrics, and Walgreens 🙂 Or just subscribe!

Crazy Love/ I’m Bringing Hats Back

I crazy-love this outfit. I crazy-stupid-love this hat. Gah, gorgeous vintage hat with a pink lining and a bow on the back!!! I wore this to our church Christmas party, where everyone went crazy over the hat! I’ve always loved vintage hats, and have a few to my name that I collected over the years (as a teenager, mostly!). When I saw this one in the thrift store you’d better believe I snatched it up like nobody’s business! I’m on a hunt for more now, so if you find a good source, send it my way. I’m bringing hats back, baby.

This outfit elicited many comments out in the real world! Some of my favorites:

~At the post office, someone told me her 8-year-old niece would absolutely love my outfit! (I love that young girls like my outfits. Makes me super happy)

~My neighbor said I looked like I belonged in Glamour magazine (hehe! Maybe in 1962!)

~A stranger said I looked like I “belonged in the city”

~The older ladies at church went crazy over my hat, calling me a “fashion plate” and wanting to know if it was really vintage.

~An older man at church complimented the hat, and my boyfriend approved!

I just loved that this outfit was appreciated across the spectrum. Warms my heart to go about my business (I wore this to the post office, the grocery store, and a Christmas party), smiling, spreading Christmas happiness. A ladylike outfit does so much for a girl!

To keep things from being too literal and vintage, I added my moose necklace and some patterned hose. Oh I just love it! I would live in this outfit! The popcorn sweater! The sweet bow top! The high-waisted, pleated skirt! In hot pink and black? Getouttatown.

Style Secrets

Hat: Vintage

Sunnies: Local store

Necklace: F21

Top: Target

Sweater: Thrifted

Skirt: Thrifted

Belt: Ann Taylor

Hose: ?

Heels: Elie Tahari, TJMaxx

Gushing Enthusiasm: Free with vintage hat

Workout Wednesday

Switching it up from a Work-to-Weekend Wednesday to a Workout Wednesday! I wanted to start showing you the outfits I wear for working out to encourage us both to get out there and work out! I also have a completely disproportionate amount of workout clothes to how often I work out (they are so fun, though!). I decided I NEED to start using them! So here’s {nearly identical pieces to} the outfit I wore for a walk/run over the weekend.