The Beginning and End of Everything — mommyteacherfashionista

“I fell in love with her courage, her sincerity and her flaming self respect and it’s these things I’d believe in even if the whole world indulged in wild suspicions that she wasn’t all that she should be. But of course the real reason is that I love her and that’s the beginning and end of everything.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

This dress is from NAKD Fashion and my shoes are from Bella Belle Shoes.

These words were written by the American author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, who is famous for classic works such as The Great Gatsby and This Side of Paradise, in a letter to Isabelle Amorous when questioned about his love for his wife, Zelda.

This quote made me think more about the fascinating although unfortunately short life of F. Scott Fitzgerald and the many great works and memorable words he is remembered for.

So many of my favorites are from The Great Gatsby. I think what I love most about these quotes and quotes in general is that there are so many ways to interpret them and apply them to so many different situations.

This faux leather moto jacket is from Target. It’s part of their new Wild Fable collection and here is the direct link. It feels so super soft and fits true to size.

“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life” is an example of the many times he was philosophical. Sometimes we may be so overwhelmed with a situation but it’s important to remember that we always have choices. I believe the best decisions are made when change is embraced and options are looked at as adventures rather than miseries to endure.

“So we beat on, boats against the current borne back ceaselessly into the past” is so inspiring to me, reminding us that no matter what obstacles we believe have gotten in the way in the past, we must always move forward and always remember that our destiny is in our own hands.

This jacket is called the oversized cropped distressed denim jacket and also from the Wild Fable Collection at Target. There is rugged, sturdy feel to the denim with a very relaxed oversized fit. Find it here.

“Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope” to me is a reminder to give everyone a chance. Take time to get to know people and I also feel that maybe judgement doesn’t have to be inevitable. Just get to know people, appreciate them, and leave judgement out of the relationship.

Find this awesome faux patent red leather jacket here. This is the jacket that caught my attention at Target and made me look twice at not just the Wild Fable Collection but the new variety of fall fashion that had recently arrived at my local store… — Find this awesome faux patent red leather jacket here. This is the jacket that caught my attention at Target and made me look twice at not just the Wild Fable Collection but the new variety of fall fashion that had recently arrived at my local store.

“I wasn’t actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity” is a beautiful and innocent kind way of stating a feeling of amity or attraction. It’s different from the quote I began with which states “I love her and that’s the beginning and end of everything.” I believe here he is so strong in his feelings of true and pure love that he is explaining that he needs no explanation. How many times have you tried to provide an explanation for a feeling? Do you really need to provide one?

My black lace dress is from Thredup and I found it last year when I was looking for holiday attire. It’s perfect all year when you change accessories.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s works are full of romance and these words from This Side of Paradise attempt to explain the difference between being sentimental and romantic: “I’m not sentimental- I’m as romantic as you are. The idea, you know, is that the sentimental person thinks things will last- the romantic person has a desperate confidence that they won’t.” I have to say that as a “hopeless romantic” I do agree. I don’t believe it really means that things won’t last. I believe it means we should appreciate everything and make every moment special.

Also from This Side of Paradise: “Why didn’t you say that if the girl had been worth fighting for she would have waited for me?” And the painful response: “Because the girl really worth having won’t wait for anybody.” Interesting to think about. Not really sure if I agree.

I find this quote even more thought provoking - “They slipped briskly into an intimacy from which they never recovered.” To me this means a connection was formed so strong that neither person was ever the same again. It could be the intimacy of private conversations about important matters. It could be about absolutely anything at all. The important thing about this quote is that it speaks of a lasting impact.

I love how F. Scott Fitzgerald speaks of the Fall. In once again, The Great Gatsby, he says “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” I have to say that this quote reminds me of course of a new school year but also fall fashion and being able to create a new look for a new beginning.

This pink suede moto jacket is from the A New Day collection at Target and you can find it here. It feels extremely silky and soft and fits true to size.

Both boots ( burgundy and black ) are Guess Brand and from Macy’s. Find the direct link here.

This year I’m excited that after a quick consultation with the amazing hair stylist, Ashley Young, from Supercuts in Johnston, Rhode Island, I decided to change my hair color. In the first pictures on this post, wearing the red lace dress, there are very subtle rose-colored highlights. She did those a month ago so I could then make the decision to add more or just go back to regular blonde highlights.

My bags are also from Macy’s and here is the link.

I loved having a little bit of pink so much and definitely wanted more. I searched the web for a mix of colors that I thought might look nice and Ashley said it would look great with my coloring and she could definitely do it. All month long I couldn’t wait for my pink hair.

Finally on Tuesday it happened. She calls this mix of shades “Rose Gold” and honestly it looks better than the picture I showed her and I really love it.

So, that’s the story of my hair and I definitely recommend trying a new hair color as the seasons change. Ashley made it so fun and simple!

Another way to affordably embrace the change of seasons in a stylish way is to take a look at the wide variety of new fashionable collections and pieces at Target. I found some great jackets which I plan on styling with more items I already have in my closet like I did in this post.

My dress is from Shein and here is the link.

Although I’ve worn this Shein dress so many times here on the blog and in real life it feels new and fall ready with this jacket from the Universal Thread Collection from Target.

This Universal Thread brown faux leather moto jacket can be found here.

A killer jacket is the ultimate wardrobe enhancer: It adds a touch of instant sophistication paired with other pieces- from jeans to dresses- and without looking like its trying too hard can do wonders for your figure. Ideally, every closet would boast at least one investment piece jacket. That’s the one made from superior fabric that you took to your tailor so that it’s perfectly fitted to your body. But more affordable jackets also play an important role in your look, allowing you to experiment with the latest trends. All the jackets in this post are from Target and linked in the captions.

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my blog today. I really appreciate your time and attention and hope you found this post worthwhile.

I would love to connect furthur so please feel free to send me an email, leave a comment or even share a link. I will get back to you in a timely fashion.

Yours truly,

Jennifer

“Here’s to alcohol, the rose colored glasses of life.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald from The Beautiful and Damned