Blog : reallife

I feel like every post is the first post because I post so infrequently on IG. Are you starting to think the word ‘post’ sounds funny because of overuse? Anyone? Just me? K.
So, let me get down and dirty real quick, there are things you should about me before we take this to second base… I really don’t have a passion for fashion, I love style. I don’t always care about what’s happening on the runways because I care more about what’s happening in your closet and WHY it’s happening. More importantly, how I can help! I love the psychology of style, why we are drawn to certain colors and styles and what triggers our shopping patterns. Enough about that; I love a good belly laugh, the uglier the better! I’ve started probably 4 books over the last year and never, like ever, finish them – is that because I’m not an adult yet? I freaking love to dance, the truth is if you saw how I got down you might feel confusion & ask yourself, is this totally awesome or is she insane? It’s over the top and the best medicine! I’m an enneagram 4 which makes me want to swim upstream while also being your most loyal friend & a little moody mama at times. Family is top of my list, I’d walk away from life’s greatest opportunities to be a better mom & wife. The beauty of that is that I married a man who would encourage just the opposite. I’m a fresh plant lover and have actual anxiety when I see leaves start to brown. I love great skin care but often forget to wash my face before bed, I know, I know. I’m a quality time person and when I’m alone too much I sink into a bit of a self worth funk, it’s one of my daily battles. When I was in 8th grade our childhood home burned down, (it was even more traumatic than it sounds – I’ll share the story soon) the first thing I got out was my friends backpack and the last thing? My bird. I always hated that bird – chill out, it lived! And for way too long after that fire. ? Here’s what I’m working on: caring less about what others think & really embracing who I am, all quirks included! Walking outside of my comfort zone to pursue personal grow, finishing those freaking books I’ve started & drinking more water! Your turn!

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Photo taken at: San Diego, California

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Last night I heard a random beeping in our house around 3am. I raised my head, wide eyed & assumed someone was lurking in the hall, naturally. They silently cracked open a very locked window, I know it!! (I can’t be the only one who jumps to these extremes, tell me I’m right & put my mind at ease!) I rested my arm on my husband and before I could say, “I hear a beep!” he was feeling my arm up & down as if searching for an ailment and instantly asked me if I was ok. In the moment I shook him off & said, “a beep!!” It wasn’t until my heart stopped racing and he identified the culprit (a dying microphone, thanks kids. Glad you slept though it ?) that I thought about his reaction to laying my arm on him in his sleep.
His innate, immediate & sincere concern for my well being had my head reeling with gratitude for him. I’m Olivia & I suffer from being a really deep thinker – the kinda gal that has a single eye opening moment that sends me into the depths of exploring Gods existence in my life. He was there in that moment, wrapped up in the man I love who instantly showed me my value to him without having to express it in mushy words.
I’ve felt this strange feeling of isolation and misunderstanding recently & what I realized in that brief beeping (no, do not insert a swear word there!) moment, was that Scott sees me & feels for me even in his most groggy form. That his heart has made room for me that holds me so closely I couldn’t be alone even if I tried. Marriage is a beast of frustrations, mountains to climb & the deepest, truest place of acceptance that I have ever known. Cheers to my husband, today & everyday for being my closest, most dearest & most loyal companion. ? @kaleighdsimmonsphoto

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Heeeyyyy yoooou guys!! My name’s Olivia… Liv, Livy, Olive, O… ya know, whatever ya feelin’! There are few things I don’t have much patients for – they include ants, my husbands video game marathons, fake people & diarrhea. I have to believe some of you can relate to at least one of those! Ps.
That was just for fun, I hope you laughed and didn’t unfollow me because I used an unladylike word… fake, def not diarrhea! (Sorry not sorry!) Now, for things about me that actually matter – I am a happy person (unless my kids are whining, then I want to hurt things), I have always really loved fashion! Not the cliche kind, the kind that pertains to real life and everyday women – like you. I chose to be a personal stylist because I care about women just tryin to be the truest, most confident version of themselves & we all know that when we feel good about our clothes it really helps a sista out. •
I love the idea of pets & have a major soft spot for bunnies, but most animals (the kind with fur) make my jaw itch – so weird. • I grew up as a country girl here in Michigan, the kind that swung over ponds holding onto weepy willow branches and catching tad poles in the ditches. I treasure my childhood and the 50 acres of land I grew up running around naked on! Relax, 50 acres means no one could see me & also I was like 5 – I just wanted to get ya riled up. • one of my most fav things (aside from fresh flowers in my house, coffee, wood fired pizza & the sun) is authentic, non-judgmental people. People who aren’t afraid to be completely true to who they are no matter who their company is. The kind of people that are the same in person & on their instagram, not trying to impress or cover up who they really are. • Lastly, I’m the weirdo in the movie theater by myself on a regular basis and there ain’t NO SHAME in my game!! • but for real, what you see is what you get with me – I’m glad you’re here hanging on my feed and I hope you thoroughly enjoy trolling to see what I’m all about. #thisisme
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#realtalk #reallife #happyheart
#country #thatsdarling #chasinglight #happy #style #hereiam #dreamer #chasingdreams #whoiam #bereal #realwomen

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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So, I went to Ulta today to buy some Christmas gifts. I had my littlest fella Weston with me, he’s 3 & obviously curious about everything he sets his big, round, puppy dog eyes on. Especially messy things, of course – in fact the messier, the better! By the time we left he had red lipstick smeared all over his face (I turned around for a second, I swear!), he had disassembled a lit display case – like actually removed the lightbulb from where it was attached (crazy thing is I was standing right next to him! I didn’t even look away this time!), he now smells like a male Gucci model but also a coconut and I managed to leave with 2 of the wrong things because I was more focused him than what I was buying. Christmas is the happiest season of all! Now who’s joining me for margaritas? ??‍♀️ #Momlife ? @kelseyhettinga .
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#momofboys #christmasshopping #lastminute #fashionstylist #fashionstyle #stylediaries #styleguide #style #fashioninspo #stylist #personalstylist #personalshopper #gr #grmichigan #grandrapids #michigan #outfitoftheday #outfitinspo #realtalk #reallife #mom #holiday #christmas #michigrammers #styles #fashion #velvet

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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I could hear music on the other side of this pale yellow door and although that may not sound scary to you, I was terribly nervous they would see me on their doorstep and come guns blazing out to get me! But let’s be real, with a soft yellow door and such cheerful potted flowers they probably would have offered me cookies.
Cheers to you sweet yellow door and mystery friends inside for creating such a welcoming and happy little space that made me feel both thrill and appreciation!
I hope and wonder if the owners of this lovely space feel the same emotions I did about what they created. I sure hope so! I’m (obviously) one of those people that thinks pretty deeply, I tend to hope that any ordinary day holds the possibility of growth or greatness & sometimes even hunt for it. Typically it’s the unexpected, subtle things that captivate me the most; like this small side entrance hiding alongside of the huge, stunning home it belongs to.
Maybe it’s the part of me that is rooting for the underdog, or maybe the part that is captivated by the little details, or maybe the space of my heart that believes in the power of small victories in achieving the big vision. Whichever it is, this little door seemed to catch my attention and allow my heart to wander with curiosity.
Not all of my photos have a story or enlightening moment behind them, but I’m proud of them all. Each one is a little step forward and each one gives me the opportunity to share a small piece of my heart with you! ? @kelseyhettinga .
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#gr #grandrapids #grmichigan #michigrammers #styleinspiration #stylegram #stylediaries #smallvictories #fashion #fashionstyle #fashiongram #outfitoftheday #outfitinspiration #stylist #fashionstylist #girlboss #outfitpost #realoutfitgram #momlife #mompreneur #livstyled #inspiration #reallife #yellow #leatherjacket #details #darlingmovement #womensfashion

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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This has been a funky week. I’ve had a sore throat for the last 5 days, I still feel like I’m settling back in to our normal after being on vacation & I’ve just felt a little off. I’m certain you guys can relate with weeks like this, too.
It’s one of those weeks I feel like I just need a really good (ugly) cry, all of the cozy things in the world and a day to process some deep feelings that I’m having about stuff going on in my world. I appreciate that God allows us to feel things, process them, go through the motions and then He helps us pick up the pieces and begin to rebuild. Wether it’s just an emotional week or it’s a major life battle; they’re the same to Him. He cares about the smaller, hard moments & days just as much as He cares about the hard years & lifelong battles that some people face.
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Lamentations 3:22 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” _______________
Airport apparel. Cozy + easy is the only way! Also, all the chenille sweaters floating around right now are the comfiest!! This one is from @zara & I’m rarely not wearing it… even when I’m sleeping I’m wearing it, I’m not kidding. Ps. Socks borrowed from my 6 year old daughter, thanks Delaney!




#personalstyle #personalstylist #personalshopper #reallife #lifemoments #godisgood #fashion #fashioninspo #travelgram #airportfashion #stylegram #fashionstylist #outfit #outfitoftheday #casualfashion #wardrobestylist #grandrapids #michigan #grandrapidsmichigan #realoutfitgram #styleinspo #sandiego #converse #zara #basic

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Photo taken at: Washington DC area

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California bound in 2 days!! We are so ready for a taste of our west Coast home. Time is such a crazy thing, of course watching my kids grow with each passing moment is majorly bittersweet but it’s one of those things you really forget to seize until you’re reminded how much value it actually holds. Im pretty sure Weston has grown an inch since last week and it seems the baby in him just keeps fading everyday. (Insert Mom sobs here) I am SO ready to spend time with family & friends in Ca but a week to catch up after a year of time has passed never really fills that space of longing to be a part of their lives. Soaking in each moment of whatever season you’re in is so crucial! Being aware of the time and making strategic decisions means you never have to wish you did it differently, you’ll look back on moments in your life and your heart will feel full. Plus, the more that passes the older I get and… yeah, no thanks. Ps. Fall florals are killin’ me this year! So. Good.






#californiaadventure #westcoast #grandrapids #michigan #midwest #fashion #fashionista #stylegram #styleinspiration #wardrobestylist #stylist #personalstylist #personalshopper #dreamchaser #girlboss #fashionstyle #instafashion #velvet #floral #denim #outfit #outfitideas #outfitoftheday #darling #thatsdarling #reallife #fashionaddict #clothes

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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