My journey with yoga first began when I was sixteen, when my already badass yogi of a sister gave me a mat & a dvd for my birthday. It's been a challenging journey, & there have been times when I've sort of abandoned the practice, only to run back open-armed every time. 
Kinda like when I try to quit Target. 
I could tell you how yoga has improved my life, & maybe I'll delve more into that soon. But I'm sure what you really wanna hear about is how it can improve your life, because it does have that power. I'm focusing on four benefits, but there are so many reasons to hop on the mat!
I'll be the first to say the old 'have you tried yoga?' question in response to anxiety is.. frustrating to say the least, but decreased anxiety is something yoga can really do. It can modulate stress response symptoms, in turn lessening the effects of anxiety & depression. 
Studies show that an improved immune system is another benefit. While some poses help more than others, any yoga is good because it's working the entire body, inside & out. Blood flow is brought to all organs for their best function.
Yoga can increase your flexibility by stretching out muscles & in turn increasing range of motion and flexibility. You can finally do the splits!
Perhaps one of the most important of all benefits, with regular practice yoga can greatly improve your self confidence and awareness. Your mind-body connection grows stronger & you'll begin to feel yourself improve in big and small ways. Sitting up straighter at your desk, walking lighter, thinking about your body in a more loving manner, letting yourself be. 

OKAY, so these are some of my favorite benefits that I've seen from regular yoga practice, but like I said there's even more. Research! Downward dog!
Do any of you do yoga? Tell me what you love about it. 
xo,

BITS + BAUBLES || ON MAGICAL WOMEN

{love ya mary. // wall art found here}

 HEY BABES, happy Friday! This week was pretty interesting & weird & sad & empowering. The two major things on my mind: (well ok three if you count our uh, current presidential situation but that's a rant for another day) 

ONE: The women's march. I've yet to get over the power and strength we have. I also have a hard time getting over how people can be so mean over a harmless thing, but I choose to look on the bright side.

{#ootd // choker}

 How magical is it when women of all colors, religions, & beliefs all over the world come together to fight for each other? Pretty damn so, in my opinion. I actually got teary-eyed while scrolling through my IG feed saturday night, LOL.

TWO: Another magical woman, Mary Tyler Moore. Dick Van Dyke is one of the first shows I remember ever watching, & I was later obsessed with her as mary richards. I wanted to be her. I still do! (& can we take a moment to appreciate the style on that show?? I've seriously considered doing a comprehensive look... LMK)

ANYWAY, Mary was such a pioneer for women everywhere & I will forever love her.

{new kicks // similar} 

{via}

xo,

Yes, Petites Can Wear Blanket Scarves!

Scarves are the ultimate A/W accessory. Blanket scarves are an added bonus because they're so cosy & big enough that you can literally use them as a blanket, (has anyone tried this out? please share details) but if you're 5'4" or under, the large scarves can feel like they're swallowing you. 

I began to accept this fate, but then I fought against it. I experimented, & I realized that like with most things, it's all in the way you wear it. 

The key is to make it look as least bulky as possible, while still maintaining a "blanket scarf" feel. The best way I've found to achieve this: 

Fold the scarf into a triangle, then tie two ends together for a makeshift infinity scarf. Wrap the scarf around your neck (I do it twice) & kind of tuck the knot into the rest of the scarf.

IT'S THAT SIMPLE.

When the triangle part of the scarf is in the front, it gives the illusion of elongation, which never hurt a fly. 
BOOM.

details// dress | f21 scarf | francesca's earrings | similar here
xo,

SIMPLIFYING YOUR MAKEUP COLLECTION

{makeup bag found here}

One of the things I really wanted to start the year off with was simplifying. While it hasn't trickled to my wardrobe yet (I'm not sure how that one's gonna go, to be honest) after watching Anna's video I've started to look at my makeup collection & really focusing on the must-have products, and get rid of the rest. While I'm not building an actual capsule collection, I still wanted to simply & de-clutter. 

Here's a few tips I learned:

// Get in the zone

If you're not in total de-clutter mindset, the task can seem overwhelming & unappealing. So really get in the zone of "I'm going to get rid of at least ten items." (or however many your goal is)

// Go category by category

If you saw the bit of my cleaning session I put on snapchat, (kaemichelle) then you saw I started out with all my eyeshadows and then went on. Do all your lip products, then eyes, face, etc.  

// Pick your must-haves & build off them

I have my holy grail products in most categories, (should I do an updated post on that?) so it's easy for me to then build off of those. Like, I really only use one mascara, so as much as I like having a couple others on hand  in case I want to change it up, they're really not needed. Once you have that in mind the de-clutter should come super easy.  

// Take everything into consideration

Don't be frugal with this. If it's a product you haven't used in more than two months, toss it. If you've had it over a year, toss it. (especially shadows... there were a few hiding in my drawer that I'd had for... longer than I'd like to say) 

There's still more simplifying I'd like to do but I think I've got a good start- let me know if you wanna see a post on some of the products I've kept! 

What's your makeup collection look like? Give me your de-clutter tips!

xo,

SUEDE.

I'm a firm believer in remixing pieces & finding new ways to wear them. Suede is a trend still living on and I love playing up with different textures, like suede & leather, for instance. 
On their own, the floral + suede combo gives a flirty feel, and the leather adds a sense of chic, BA-ery. 
Yes, please.

details// top | f21 (similar here- I looked EVERYWHERE & this was the closest I could find) skirt | f21 (similar here & here) leather jacket | f21 tights | merona

xo,

A Word On Entitlement.

{via tumblr}

Lately the notion that my generation is 'entitled' or 'self absorbed' has been annoying me more than usual. While I can't speak for every millennial, (I'm really starting to resent that term) I for one do not believe in entitlement. I don't believe the world owes me anything. 
Okay, I take that back for a minute. The world does owe us one thing. 
Kindness. 
We owe kindness to each other. (& even more importantly, to ourselves) ANYWAY, other than that, the world doesn't owe us anything. & you know what? I don't know one millennial who thinks differently. Maybe I'm just surrounding myself with the right people, but I think it's a generalization that just isn't accurate. 
Everyone I know, whether it be in real life or blog life, works their you know what off. We actively look to better ourselves, to be the best version of us. We work hard at our job, even if it's not the one we want or went to school for. We fight against the injustices of the world. We don't want "handouts" or to whine, we just want better- for ourselves, each other, and for this world. 
How is that unfair? It is completely fair to want better when things are not good. In my opinion, if that's not the focus, there's an issue. Every generation has bad people. There's the people who want to hurt others, whether with their fists or their words. They don't care about anyone but themselves. That's not a generational thing, that's a human thing. There is good & there is bad; choose which one you want to be & be it.
*This is a really scattered post but it's been getting to me lately. Blame the horrible people for the horrible things happening! Don't blame an entire generation because we take photos of ourselves!*

CHAT TIME: Do you believe that this is the generation of entitlement? 

xo,

The Importance Of Goal Writing

According to a Harvard Business study, "the 14% [of people] who have goals are 10 times more successful than those without goals. The 3% with written goals are 3 times more successful than the 14% with unwritten goals." Harvard Business is pretty serious stuff, so it's not like you can just shake what they say off. Writing down your goals is pretty important.
Here's why:
1. It gives you something to look back on. I always like looking back on my goals from the previous month or year & seeing how many of them I actually accomplished. It's like my own little accountability system, which brings me to....
2. It keeps you accountable. When you write down your goals it makes them more concrete than when they're just in your head. It's a written contract of sorts that makes you feel guilty if you slack off, something to stare in your face. You know, like a really aggressive personal trainer, if you have one of those.
3. It keeps you organized. Or, at least it gives the illusion of organization! It's one less thing stuck in your mind, & you're less likely to forget things when they're written down. I don't know about you, but when I actually sit down & organize my goals, plans for the week, etc, I feel a sense of accomplishment and like a weight is lifted off my back. It really does help!

Do you write down your goals? What system helps you? Lemme know!

xo,

The Fuzzy Sweater & Poshmark

There's something about a cropped sweater & mini skirt combo that gives me the warm & fuzzies. (PUN INTENDED). I grabbed both of these little pieces at the thrift store yesterday & they're now available on my poshmark! 
I love posh because it's a great tool to find quality pieces for less than retail price, & the selling tool is also great to utilize, even if you've just got some extra stuff lying around in your closet. 
Anyway, back to the outfit. The skirt's (from f21) a little shorter than I usually go for, but the tights make it look a little more professional. Love a good printed bottom. (read that sentence out of context) As usual, the crop top (from h&m) isn't so much a crop on me but I like it that way sometimes. I was afraid this fabric would make me itch but instead it's super soft. 
As always, adding a choker is the cherry on top of the pie. VOILA!

details// sweater | h&m skirt | f21 tights | merona choker | target xo,

Remixing An Old Piece

You know those pieces that stand the test of time, that are with you through it all? This dress is one of those pieces for me. It's at least three years old, maybe four. I don't even know how it still fits. 
Magic, I guess.
Anyway, wearing old pieces doesn't have to be boring. For this dress in particular, I thought I'd dress it up a bit with a denim jacket. Accessories are key as well, and I paired a scarf & added a watch for a classic look.
CHALLENGE:  Go into your closet & pick out an old piece (literally ANYTHING) & remix it. Post your look on insta with the hashtag #WDACStyleChallenge for a chance at a feature here & a SALE on a styling session! Ready, set, GO!

details\\ dress | xhilaration (old, similar found here) denim jacket | mossimo (similar) scarf | mossimo tights | merona watch | target booties | stevies (similar)

xo,

Recent Favorites

Oh hi, hey! If you've noticed I haven't done monthly favorites in awhile, & I think in the new year I'm gonna try something different: instead of monthlys, just periodically sharing my recent faves & inspirations. Sound good?
Good.
1// This comfy f21 sweater is still on rotation. Can I just like, wear it all the time? Not socially acceptable? Oh. Fiiiiine.
2// Still delving into Anna's book; still loving it. From the moment I read about her struggles as a baby-faced petite, I felt spiritually connected. I'm ready to be bff's, Anna. Call me?
3// TWO WORDS: Hand. Food. & my soap and glory obsession continues. This stuff is so good on your hands & quite hydrating, which is great because winter hands= yikes.
4// How many lipsticks does one girl need? The limit does not exist, okay? This matte elf lippie is $3, y'all. THREE. 
5// I've been on a Private Practice binge since Christmas, and I really only started for my girl Amelia Shepherd, but come to find out she doesn't even show up til season three! Whatever. It doesn't hold a candle to Grey's, but it's still pretty binge worthy. I loooove Charlotte! If you've seen it, who's your favorite? 
Tell me all your recent faves!
xo, 

Three Years of WDAC

{Stars Hollow poster, planner, bedding. dog not for sale}

January 5, 2014, the day that With Dignity + Coffee was born. Technically I had rebooted the blog the September before, but it wasn't until January that I found the current name & really found a rhythm of what I wanted the blog to be. 
Inspiration. Style, dignified. A way of life. 
That's the core of it all. Everything I put up on this space inspires me in some way & I want it in turn to inspire you. To take action, to go shopping, to listen to a really dope band. Whatever it may be that inspires us, this little community is our spark. 
Looking back, I feel I've come a long way from that day in my grandmother's house in too-hot-for-January Florida. Maybe I'm not Julia Engel, (no matter how hard I want to be, darn you woman) but I feel like I've found my place in the blogosphere. (is that what we're still calling it?) I've written posts I'm really proud of, ones I could've left alone, & greatly improved my photography skills. WOO. 
For the first time in awhile I'm 100% sure of the direction of this blog & how I want to inspire you. Because you inspire me. 
So here's to three more years of staged instagram photos, "can you take this photo of me posing thoughtfully at the ground?" & buying needless things at Target because I'm a blogger, danggit. 
But for real. I love blogging. HAPPY THIRD, WDAC!
xo,

Nip + Fab Micro Blur Primer

Primers: a necessary but often overlooked product. I didn't even use one for years. But the fact is putting on face makeup without a good primer is like making a grilled cheese without the butter. The cheese doesn't stick & it's just a mess.

So when Nip + Fab sent me their Micro Blur Fix Primer to try, I was ready. I was already familiar with the brand & trust their products to a T. 

This primer "works to prime, blur, and mattify the skin" for a smooth complexion. The thing I love most is the end result when put on before my go-to foundation. Flawlessly smooth, is how I'd put it.

The formula is creamy & smells like a fruit smoothie. (LOL) If you use your hands to apply, the product will feel a little gooey afterwards.- the ONLY downfall.
Pretty great, no?
Tell me, have you tried Nip + Fab?
xo,
* This post is in collaboration with Collectively and Nip + Fab. However, I only work with brands I believe in & all opinions are my own.  

16 Things I Learned Last Year

{planner found here}

1. The grass isn't always greener.
2. Success is only achieved if you work for it.
3. The world will disappoint you & it will hurt you, but it also comfort you. Focus on the comfort.
4. You can't change the way people feel.
5. You can never have too much glitter.
6. Not everyone loves the same way you do. Don't take it personally.
7. I love Denver.
8. Some things aren't meant to be, no matter how badly you want them to be.
9. Time really does go by faster when you realize it's just an illusion.
10. Meditation is a game changer.
11. Don't ever let the harshness of the world take away your light.
12. Taylor Swift not putting out an album really throws everything off.
13. Find your thing & run with it.
14. Sometimes you can grow and grow and then take five steps back. It's okay. Take five steps forward.
15. You get out what you put in.
16. Love even when it's hard.

HAPPY 2017!

xo,

BOSS UP YOUR BLOG IN 2017

"Why are you giving advice when you can't even stick to your own posting schedule?" You ask, appalled.
"At least I HAVE a posting schedule," I fire back.
And with that, let's get into the nitty gritty. It's a new year. People tend to want to change in the new year, grow, make things better in their life. & for bloggers, that obviously includes your blog, right? It's your baby, after all. Like any relationship, it needs to be nurtured and proper changes should be made. 
So, here are four ways you can boss up your blog in 2017:
1// Finding Your Tribe If you haven't already, this should be your #1 main priority. Blogging can feel like a dog eat dog world sometimes, & we need people to connect and grow with. Once you find a tribe and find where you fit in the blog world, everything else will fall into place. Sounds cheesy, but true.
2// Transitioning To WordPress This is a big one, and one that I'm in the process of deciding on. (If anyone has any tips, I'm all ears!) While blogger is great, WP's plugins are better, the site is more seamless, & you own your content. (google owns all of bloggers' which kind of sucks) 
3// Starting A Newsletter  Newsletters provide a behind the scenes look at your blog or business and bring engaged readers back for more. You can tell a story, write an "editor's letter" style email, or just show what's going on. Here's an easy tutorial on getting things set up.
4// Upping Your Social Media Game My social media philosophy is to find one or two main ones to grow and focus on those. For me, instagram is always the first choice, so I focus most of my attention on that platform. Find an algorithm that works for you and stick with it!

MY FAVORITE BLOGGING RESOURCES:  Blog Boss Babe Helene in Between But First, Coffee Unsplash (For stock photos)
  Tell me how you plan to boss up your blog game this year!
xo,