Banana Republic Ruffle Dress / Tory Burch Kira Purse {sold out, but similar here, here and here} / Tassel Flats {similar here}

Okay, so I know it’s only Wednesday – but this week has already been quite the doozy. I’ve been spending the last few days on a photoshoot for work (gearing up for fall!) and attempting to stay caught up on life, so apologies for the radio silence over here, especially after such a fun-packed weekend in Kansas City! The days following a vacation are always a little crazy, especially when you’re attempting to get into the swing of things at work!

Lately, one of my biggest struggles is giving myself a little more grace when it comes to balancing it all – especially work and this here blog. Over the past few weeks, work has been taking over my life, and I’ve been working late nights to attempt to balance it all, which makes it extra hard to give a little TLC to CS – especially when I come home absolutely exhausted. I’ve felt this crazy anxiety about not being present on social media and my site, so much so that every day I don’t post I’ve been feeling pings of guilt – feeling like I’m crushing one dream to follow another. Getting to escape to Kansas City for a few days was the perfect way to focus on my creative passions, without feeling like I needed to choose one over the other – instead I got to carve out some quality time to focus on my blog, while hanging out with a few of my favorite bloggers to boot!

While we were exploring the city, we had the chance to check out so many amazing restaurants and travel destinations. On our third night there, we swung by Extra Virgin, a restaurant by James Beard award-winner, Michael Smith. Being around a few of my favorite blogger friends, it was easy to convince them to snap a few photos during golden hour before dinner, and my new friend Christina was happy to oblige 🙂

I’ve been gravitating towards pieces that I can wear for both work and as a more dressed up look, so this new dress from Banana Republic was the perfect addition to my wardrobe. I’ve been wearing it to dinner nights with Tom, after-work events, and of course around the office with a blazer and heels. It’s comfortable {even after a burrito at work, holla!}, the most flattering cut, and I’m a big fan of all the ruffles – insert the heart-eyes emoji right here!

Okay, so in other news – for all you inspiring ladies who work full time and blog on a regular basis, PLEASE tell me how you do it all! When work is all encompassing, how do you balance everything? I used to think I was decent at it, but the more demanding my workweek is, the more I’m finding myself struggling with my creative outlets. Any help {or tips!} would be so appreciated, friends! xx