The older I get, the more I love color and pattern and the more I like to mix things up a bit. I feel myself loving fashion more every day, and I’m open to trying new brands and combining items already in my closet with new things.

When I saw this linen set from Spartina 449, I knew the pieces would be amazing together, but I also think they’ll be great worn as separates. The set is made of linen, so it’s breathable and so comfortable, and the paisley pattern is right on trend. The colors are so pretty and perfect for now, but going into fall, the linen pants could be worn with a lightweight sweater and leather accessories. The top would be great with jeans or shorts—off-white would be gorgeous—and again, bring back the leather accessories to ground it a bit for the changing weather if you want to take it into the fall season.

The top has a bit of a boho feel, and I love the layered necklaces with it. The length of the pants is great for me with heels (I’m 5’4″), and I’m fine with that. My cute little bag is a splurge that you’ll be seeing often going forward, and I love how it complements the whole look.

This set will be in my bag for the beach next week, and I’ll be sure to post on Instagram to show you how I’m styling it.

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And Now for a Little Inspiration…

I’ve felt myself falling into a rut because of the tree falling and because of the state our home is in as a result. All of the extra responsibilities surrounding the insurance claim, the cleanup, and managing the people working here have caused me to fall behind in this work that I love so much, and it feels like I’m barely keeping my head above water some days. I really am trying to find the positive, and I know that it will all be fine, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

When things get like this, I try to find a way to change how I’m thinking about the situation. Here are a few things that are helping me and that may help you as well.

My mom always used to say, “This too shall pass.” It’s probably the thing I remember her saying the most. Somehow, she always seemed to see the silver lining and know that every problem is temporary. What feels hard and heavy today will be a chapter in my life one day, and it’ll all be fine.

I’ve been trying to do a weekly life audit, and it’s been helpful. I want to put more living into my life, so each week I’m asking myself:

What makes me feel good so that I can do more of that?

What makes me feel bad so that I can either change the way I’m doing things or do less of it?

What can I commit to changing this week?

One thing that’s helped me tremendously is the decision to let people help me. I don’t need to do everything myself, so I’ve found someone to help with the ironing, and the housekeeper can come every week instead of every other week…especially right now.

And what can I commit to learning this week?

Every day brings an opportunity to learn if you take a minute to think about things. Reflection and contemplation can be terribly helpful!

This whole situation has made me feel as if I’m in a rut, but I’m trying to look at it as a gift. It’s causing me to grow as a person and become more organized, and I know it is actually the beginning of a new chapter in many ways.

Spending time with my family over the past few weeks has made me think so much about how I want my grandchildren to remember me. I don’t want them to remember the stressed-out version of me who can’t seem to focus. I want them to remember me as the one who was present when they talked to me and the one who would drop everything and play. That whole shift is keeping me focused on what is really important.

I also know that when I’m anxious, taking action is one of the most important things I can do. Procrastination only makes things worse, and getting “the thing” done, whatever that may be, will only make me feel better. As Brianna Wiest says, “the mountain is you.”

Getting outside for any amount of time puts things in perspective. Taking the dogs for a 15-minute walk and wandering around the neighborhood always brightens my spirits. And when the dogs are outside for the last time before bed, I often look up at the stars and realize just how small I am in the scheme of things. That makes my problems seem smaller as well.

I know this whole situation is teaching me something—about myself, about my relationships, and about life. I will become a better and different person if I allow it. Change means growth.

I’ve said so often that life is made up of the little moments, and looking for the happiness in the present moment is the best way to stay present. Life doesn’t have to be so complicated, but we tend to make it that way.

Along those same lines, creating joy in the moment is something we can do every day. I’ve been lighting a candle every day, bringing fresh gardenias into the house, and trying to make the most of the day. Being conscious of creating joy is a huge way to stay optimistic and lighten things up.

Looking back, when I’ve felt that I was going to break, it’s been the beginning of a breakthrough, and I’m sure that’s happening now. “This too shall pass,” and as it passes, I am growing.

I’m just trying to add a little happiness and, mostly, to follow my heart into this next chapter.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and my reflections! I think if you’re looking for something that feels like summer but will also go into fall, this is the perfect set from Spartina. Be sure to take a look at the website to see the new pre-fall pieces.

Thanks so much for reading today!

~XOXO Suzanne

*P.S. – If you love Spartina 449, you’ll also enjoy this post!