Southern Belle in Training

Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle Blog || Est. 2012 || Virginia Beach, VA

October 30, 2018

My Favorite Navy Dress + Recent Thoughts.

     Hello and Happy Tuesday! I took a mini break from the blog and my blog Instagram from last Thursday through last night. I was able to really be "present" this past weekend, and just have a much needed little mental break from the blog world. I'm excited to be back today- I have a lot of fun fall fashion, travel, and lifestyle posts coming your way soon! I've been waiting to share today's outfit with y'all, and I hope you love this dress as much as I do! I'm also sharing a few thoughts on some anxiety that's been creeping into my life lately.









Photos by Kate Greer

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    I think that I've really started to develop an affinity for tweed in the last year or two. I was never that into tweed as a fabric back in high school or college, but now I think that tweed pieces are the epitome of class for a young professional. I just recently styled a tweed blazer in another fall outfit post, and in today's blog post my tweed obsession is continuing! 

    How pretty is this navy and gold tweed dress from Chicwish? It is both classy and classic, and I love the bow detail at the neckline! I think this will be my new favorite fall church outfit. I styled it for today's post with simple nude pumps and a fall crossbody purse, but I'm looking forward to wearing it with tights and riding boots as the weather gets colder. 



    Now that we've had outfit talk, let's get a little caught up with some of my recent thoughts! How is your fall going? Mine feels like it has started flying by in a total blur. I feel that my first summer here in Charlottesville was almost perfect- and it seemed long and leisurely. Ever since early September, life just seems to be flying by, and some days it feels like I can't keep up.

      I suffered from really bad anxiety in high school and for parts of college. It came back in full force around this time last year when I was in Vermont, but ever since I moved to Charlottesville it's been very minimal, which was a huge blessing! This month though I've noticed it starting to creep back into my daily life and thoughts. This fall I've been struggling with feelings of self-doubt about various things: my physical appearance, my social media following numbers (which sounds so vain to type that out, but as a blogger that is important!), my life outside of blogging and work, and more. Lately I've even started to have a lot of anxiety and down feelings related to being single- which is really odd since this summer was one of the happiest times that I've ever felt as a single woman (so much so that I wrote a blog post about it!). Over the last month my church has been doing a sermon series about Fear and how to combat it, so it seems all the more ironic that so many of my anxious thoughts seem to have returned this fall! 

    How am I combatting this additional anxiety? Number one- by acknowledging it! Burying it under the (virtual) rug in my brain and pretending it isn't there isn't helping. When I notice myself thinking self-destructive or anxious thoughts, I try to remind myself that this fall is a season of life, and I won't always feel the way that I do currently. That can actually really help put it in perspective. I've also been trying to remind myself of a blessing God put in my life after each time that I have a negative thought. I did a daily gratitude journal for a semester in college, and I am thinking about bringing that back into my life. Thankfully the anxiety that I've been dealing with lately hasn't been completely crippling (I have definitely had it worst in my past, and did see counselors at various times),  but it is still annoying to deal with. 


    Now that I've shared about my last month- let me know how you've been doing in the comments! If you would rather share something less personal- let me know if you also love tweed in your fashion choices. 😊





     God Bless,



     xoxo Annaliese
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19 comments

  1. Hey girl, I totally feel you on the anxiety thing lately! I'm going to chalk it all up to the end of the year, and the holidays rolling around! I am so sorry you are experiencing this, but remember you are not alone! I'm here for you, anything you need! xoxo

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  2. My anxiety has been creeping back in recently too. I love the idea of having a daily gratitude journal or practice because in the past that has helped me so much. I hope that you can continue to combat your anxiety! You've got this!

    http://tayepperson.com

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  3. That dress is so fun! I've never really tried tweed but this dress is great!

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  4. This dress is so cute! I love the entire outfit :)

    http://innapishtoy.com/

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  5. I was struggling with anxiety and panic attacks a LOT at the beginning of the summer. I found that even though I was really happy there were a few situations in my life that were causing me so much additional/ undue stress and once I was able to remove myself from them I could breathe normally again! Sending good vibes your way! If you ever need to chat let me know :) XO

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  6. I never thought I'd be much into tweed, but this post makes me want a dress like that. It looks so awesome and professional.

    I can definitely relate to that creeping anxiety. I just moved to the midwest two months ago, and it's been anything but easy. I haven't had anxiety this bad for about three years, and I just don't know how to deal with it. I've been thinking about getting a therapist and have considered trying the online therapy company, TalkSpace. It's great that you're finding ways to deal with your anxiety. Sending all the good juju your way!

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  7. Love your dress - it's so cute!!!! Glad to hear that your move has been positive. Anxiety can be such a struggle. Thanks for sharing your experience - you're so inspirational!!!

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  8. I absolutely love your dress, it is stunning! Doesn't it feel great to put something gorgeous on when life is, well, not feeling great? I pray everything gets better for you soon, it sounds like you're already on the road to happiness!

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  9. Such a pretty dress! Looks perfect for chilly Autumn days as well.

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  10. Love the detail on this dress so much - you look stunning!

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  11. Love your dress! I think there has just been a lot of energy in the air lately where a lot of people's anxiety has been peaked. Ever since i started following astrology more i've noticed how much it can be linked depending on where some things are in our charts. I felt a little burnt out in septemeber and october and my mini vacation was much needed!

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  12. I'm sorry you're dealing with anxiety! I've been seeing a therapist for mine for a few months now and it's been helping!

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

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  13. This dress is so pretty. I love the gold accents. I love how you styled it! I try to keep a daily gratitude journal and it definitely helps me stay grounded.

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  14. i like how you shared your story with anxiety and acknowledging it being the first step. props to you!

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  15. This dress is stunning! I usually don't think of navy as a fall color, but you are totally rocking the autumn look with this. I can relate to your experience with anxiety as well. I've been feeling really stressed out lately, mostly due to my schedule being jam packed. I always feel like I'm telling myself, "I just gotta get through this week!" But I'm saying it every single week. It scares me that I feel like I'm just trudging through life without really enjoying it. I definitely agree with your thought that anxiety is just a season of life. It truly does come and go!

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  16. a) i love this cutie pie dress!! b) my anxiety has been out of control this season and I'm not entirely sure why yet .. but I feel you. It's such an unwanted thing but usually teaches me more about myself.

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  17. The site has very impressive layout plus each subject is unique and interesting. I am very joyful to visit here and hope can keep coming here. Thanks admin for providing an amazing place for getting knowledge poker77

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  18. I struggled with anxiety at the end of college and those first couple years out - it’s such a transitional time that it’s hard not to to feel a bit uneasy about everrrrything. But, like you said, this fall, and any time you’re feeling anxious is just a season and it all will pass! Totally agree acknowledging it is way more effective than just trying to sweep it under the rug!

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  19. This dress looks gorgeous on you, Annaliese- I love the Blair Waldorf vibes!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com 

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