That 70s Jo

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If you could go back and live in a different era, what would it be? My answer to this question changes by the day, but a top contender is definitely the 70s just for the fashion. Denim bell bottoms, funky boots, floral patterns, head scarfs, the glasses, and long straight hair with a center part. When I looked back at these photos, I couldn’t believe I didn’t do ONE peace sign. What is wrong with me?

Let’s Talk Details

I found these incredible MIA Boots at Marshalls (what!) and I knew exactly what to do. They are spectacular. Dark florals are really in this year and this velvet take on the trend is totally spot-on. I am also really loving the rust color for fall and the frayed jeans this season. The top is from Free People and it comes in multiple colors, complete with big billowy arms, a slight boat neck silhouette, and a shorter torso length that pairs perfectly with high-waisted pants. Unfortunately the necklace is Free People from a few seasons ago, but here is a similar one! The one I’m wearing is so heavy! Can you see my neck muscles bulging?

I already can’t stop wearing these jeans and I only got them a month ago. They are Shop Stevie. They do run small, so be sure to size up. The fray at the bottom is so much fun and just adds a little detail to your classic light wash jeans. They are high-waisted as well, which takes things up a notch. Pair them with a plain white tee and you feel instantly cooler, for some reason.

And can you even handle these oversized mirror sunglasses? You need them, I’m serious. The only bad news (for you) is that the incredible suede fringe coat I’m wearing is vintage. I found it at a flea market over 10 years ago, before it even fit me, because I knew one day I would need it.

            

Identity Crisis

Every time you put yourself “out there”, you are opening yourself up to scrutiny and hurt. *Posts a picture in a bikini on a family vacation* Oh my gosh, did she gain weight? *Tells a co-worker a personal story* TMI, I did not ask for her sob story and why does she think we are close enough for that kind of conversation? *Writes a heartfelt caption on a picture with significant other* Would she just shut up?

Or maybe the response is positive. You look great after your new workout program! I’m really glad you shared that story with me. Wow, look at their relationship, I can learn something from their love story. Does your identity and happiness fluctuate with every new compliment or criticism? Do you build up your joy in a heap of kind words and one untrue comment tears it down?

Last weekend I attended a conference at my church with the incredible speaker, Lysa Terkeurst. Lysa wrote a book called Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely. A book about rejection. After seeing her speak, I started to read the book again and was moved by this prayer, which has changed my perspective as the woes of life can bring so many ups and downs.

I am yours, God. I’m not who that guy says I am. I’m not who that girls says I am. I’m not who social media likes and comments say I am. I’m not who the grades, to-do lists, messes, and mess ups say I am. I’m not who the scale says I am or the sum total of what my flaws say I am. I’m going to stop flirting with the unstable things of this world so I can fall completely in love with you. I am loved. I am held. I am Yours. I am forever Yours.

Wow. If only I could remember that every morning. Starting this blog was and is scary. And I said from the start, this seems fun and I’ll do it until it’s not fun anymore. But to me, it is another opportunity for rejection and failure in the world’s eyes.  It’s scary to show up to an interview, call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, try a new hobby, wear crazy shoes. You may be rejected. By people. But you are loved by a God who commands the waves of the ocean, who gifts creativity, who created relational people, who inspires design, who looks on our weak efforts to praise him through art and sees a masterpiece. And since you are perfectly loved already, you are free.

Live from the abundant place that you are loved, and you won’t find yourself begging others for scraps of love.

xoxo,

jojo

Shop My Look

Photographer: My Mom 🙂

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26 Comments

    1. Casey!!! I love that you are following along. Makes my day. Also, yea it pays to have a mom who went to art school haha she rocks!

  1. I love this whole post. The message at the end is so inspiring. I can find myself getting down sometimes and feeling scared about what others might think of me. I will try to remember this next time. Also your outfit is so stinking cute! I have been looking for a good pair of flare jeans and I just might have to try those! That whole outfit was perfect! And your hair is gorgeous I’m so jealous!

    Breana
    Fromsouthtocity.com

    1. Breana, Thanks for stopping by! It’s a hard message to lock in sometimes but you are unique, creative, and should have all the confidence in the world to keep pursuing your passions!

  2. Not only am I crazy about your 70’s-inspired look (omg those boots need to be in my life), but I’m so grateful that you shared the last bit about “identity crisis”. Lysa is an incredible author and I’m so jealous you got to see her in person. I need to read that book! I needed a little bit of a reminder of all that today, so thank you!