First things first, this is probably going to be my go-to spring/summer outfit. These summer shorts are so perfect and also come in a solid color here. I might order the beige because they are the perfect length and can be dressed up or down! I absolutely love the frayed hem of these shorts and they’re so comfortable. I swear, it’s like going out in pajamas! That’s a win-win in my book. I sized up to a medium in both the shorts and the top. I’ve actually worn this top way too many times already and I’m not even ashamed. It looks so cute with high-waisted jeans and a utility jacket. But I love the way it looks with some striped summer shorts, too. Speaking of summer… NYC has decided to be cold, again. I’m not used to this kind of weather! But I’ll take the cold over the heat any day. I am not good with hot weather! Everyone thinks I’m crazy because I would rather be freezing than dying of heat.

Haha, last but not least, I paired this look with my favorite mules and neutral cross body. This is just one of those looks I know that I’m going to get so much use out of over the next few months! As soon as I tan my legs, I’m sure I’ll be wearing shorts more often. 🙂

Now, for a personal update… 

Holy moly — it feels like years since I last posted on The Fashionista’s Diary. While I really needed this time to recover and regroup, I really did miss writing on here. TFD has always been an outlet that I used to inspire you guys, whether that be through outfits or personal stories. But, moving to NYC has been a very tough transition and I haven’t adjusted as well as I could have.

First, I had to deal with a very hostile living environment. When you go from living with your parents to living with someone who gives you extreme anxiety, it’s not fun. Especially when your home is supposed to be your haven. My apartment became a dark place that I never wanted to retreat to. I never wanted to go home and I most certainly didn’t want to live there anymore. But, just like everything in life, I tried to deal with it and make the best out of my living situation until end of December of this year. Well, clearly I was unable to do that. From awkward silence to fights and constantly feeling like I was being belittled, I decided it was time for me to move out. This meant finding someone to sublet my room, making a legal agreement, making sure everything was set on both ends, finding a new apartment, saving the money to pay for that new apartment, buying furniture and more. Let’s just say I’ve been a bit extremely mentally exhausted. Luckily, I am now living on my own and finally feel happy in my own home. But those four months were really, really rough.

Second, finding a good job hasn’t been as easy as I really hoped it would be. There are many things that I’ve gone through in my current job that I can’t really go into detail about, but I am unfortunately having to find a new job… again. I’m drained, guys. Both mentally and physically. I thought this was going to be an easy transition and it’s been everything but that. And in the process I have felt myself seriously losing faith in myself as well as God. I’ve become discouraged when it comes to blogging, I’ve felt defeated and, more than anything, I’ve felt really sad. I know that I can’t always control what happens in life, but I’m hoping that you’ll still stick around, especially now that I’m back. I really want to start incorporating more lifestyle into TFD and connecting with you on a whole new level. I may not be a perfect 23 year-old, but I think that showing you these candid sides of my life just prove to you that nothing is ever as it seems and sometimes people are struggling even when you can’t tell.

I wish I could have moved to NYC, had a perfect roommate, found the perfect job and been all set. But that wasn’t the case. And, you know what? That’s okay. Because while I may have temporarily lost my passion for blogging due to everything going on in my life, I’m determined to remind myself every single day why I started this little site in the first place — to inspire you.

I’ve felt so guilty for abandoning my blog, you have no idea. But I needed this time to find myself and to find out how I could be the best version of myself again. I’m not quite there yet, but I’m back here on TFD. And oh how I’ve missed you! I can’t wait to share new posts with you including fun content that I already have planned out. And I’ll be going to Vermont this weekend so I’ll shoot some fun looks there, too!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for always being so patient with me. It hasn’t been an easy road, but I’m stronger because of it. I’m so thankful to my parents for being the rocks in my life and for holding my hand throughout this tiring process.

Here’s to being back! Happy Monday!

“Survival can be summed up in three words — never give up. That’s the heart of it really. Just keep trying.” Bear Grylls