Midwest Lex Does London

So, as some of you may or may not know,’ Midwest Lex’ has left the midwest. I’ve been in London for a month now, and it has easily been one of the best but hardest transitions of my life. 

If you follow me on social media (Shameless plug @midwestlex_ across the board), you’d assume I’m having the best time of my life abroad. But, I think it’s time to get a bit more personal and real about my experience so far and with my life in general. 

For a quick back story on how I got here, two of my biggest goals in life were to A. Make it to Europe, and B.Study fashion in a leading fashion industry. Both of which I’ve just ticked off my list by making my way here. So yes, I am in London for studying purposes. I figured living/studying in a different country would be an entirely different experience than just visiting one. 

Now, I know most people would write about how amazing their first weeks have been (which in a way, they have been) but, I’m here to tell you that it’s not always as glamorous as it seems even if what we post on social media leads you to believe it is. I remember feeling so much pressure at first, to make it look like I was having the best time, but I wasn’t.  

Week one and two were by far the hardest. I had been dealing with A LOT of homesickness and loneliness. It seemed like everyone around me was doing okay, adjusting, making friends, you know..the stuff you usually see or hear about when you ask people about their experience. But unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me. It was a roller coaster of emotions. Some day’s I was having the best time exploring the city, and then the next I wanted to isolate myself and go home.

It took me a few day’s to realize that one, not everyone’s experiences are the same and two, I’m allowed to feel what I need to and accept the change at my own pace. I’m not typically a person that does well with emotions. Usually, I push them aside, but this time I didn’t let myself do that. I cried A TON, I forced myself to talk to new people, and finally, I decided I didn’t want to be sad anymore. 

When you’re so used to your life in a specific place with specific people, and you leave it, life really throws you for a loop. I never realized how difficult being away from home would be until well, being away. Being a very introverted person in an entirely different country with absolutely no one you know by your side was, THE hardest adjustment I think I had to make. I had to challenge my dependence (that come to realize, I never really had) and bring it to life. I couldn’t wait for people to make me happy/ forget; I had to take charge of MY life and do that alone. I’m not going to get cheesy about how ‘we create the life we want’ but, we do. 

Fast forward to a month in; things are MUCH better. I’ll admit, I still get lonely, I don’t fit in a ton, I still miss my family and friends but, that’s okay I’m having the best time making a life of my own. The separation from the life I was used to was necessary to focus on the development I needed to make. I spent so much time back home, focusing on other people want’s, and need’s that I never did that for myself. I can confirm that taking the leap across the pond has been the best decision of my life. 

To wrap thing’s up, I understand that not everyone can move to another country to “find themselves” but remember, your life is 1/1. It’s vital to take the time to focus on yourself. There is no need for comparison, no need to front on social media, and no need to fake emotions. Take life as it comes and deal with it at your own pace and remember, “If it’s not okay in the end, it’s not the end.”  

Since I’ve finally settled in, I hope that you guy’s follow me along for the rest of my journey!

Xx Lex

International Women’s Day: Who Run the World?

 

Happy International Women’s day babes! I think today presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate women as well as shed some light on the importance of women supporting women. We live in a generation where females are absolutely killing it. We are choosing not to follow society’s rules, breaking out of the mold’s that were made for us, making career and life choices for ourselves by ourselves. Idk about the rest of you but, that to me deserves to be acknowledged.

It’s days like today that should remind us all that we shouldn’t have to compete, judge, or tear down one-another down. Instead, we should uplift, empower, encourage and support our fellow females, which is precisely what I’m here to do today. It’s mind-boggling that in 2019 women are STILL fighting for equality, gender pay gaps, and battling everyday sexism. But, the reality is, we are. So, instead of the daily girl-on-girl drama(over stuff that is dumb and in 10 years we’ll forget), we should stand as one and fight for each other.

When you feel like you need a little more persuading, here are some of my favorite quotes & once again celebrate being a woman, today and everyday!

Galentines Day… A Whole Lotta Lovin’

Happy Galentines Day babes! February 13th is a day for ladies to celebrate ladies…and breakfast. Since the month is surrounded by all things love, I figured this year I’d show a little extra lovin’ to some of the most amazing gals in my life.

With our crazy lives and busy schedules, it can be hard trying to find the time to spend together but, I knew I wanted to do something a little special, so I decided to host “Galentines Day Brunch.” I don’t know about you babes, but I always go a bit overboard when it comes to entertaining guests.

I went out and bought us all matching pajamas (yes, I’m cheesy af), I DIY’d all the decorations and prepped the BEST waffle bar (with at least 8 different toppings) for twenty when in reality there were only three of us (🤦🏼‍♀️). Oh, and I figured ‘why stop at waffles?’ Let’s get doughnuts, and a bunch of other sweet’s too (told ya, I always go a bit overboard).

We spent the morning eating in our pajamas, catching up on all the gossip, did a bit of shopping, and ended the day with some Chick-flicks. It was the perfect day!

Whether you’re spending v day with your besties or your bae, I hope you feel the love this year!

XOXO.

My Winter Essentials- Everything You Need For Winter

HIYA & HAPPY NEW YEAR babes! I’m heading into 2019 full of love and inspiration. First, I want to thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me & the blog in 2018, it means so much.

Trends to Have This Fall

We all know that fall and winter easily take the cake for the best trends (whether we admit it or not… it’s the truth like YES, give me all the layers!) A little late but, I have rounded up the top fall trends that you NEED to have in your wardrobe this season. I’m not sure if it’s the coziness of the materials, the tones, or the actual pieces themselves but, I genuinely believe this is the time for everyone to get their Pinterest-y style on lock.

Let’s get the obvious one out the way, animal print. More specifically leopard and snakeskin. I’ll admit that at first, I wasn’t into it. To be honest, it was almost unavoidable online and at stores so… I gave in, and clearly, I was happy about it. I wanted to embrace the fall vibes so, I pulled out my leather jacket, put on my favorite pair of black booties, and cinched in my waist with a belt, and I was ready to go.

Next up, chunky sneakers. This is the trend I know a lot of people dislike but I promise you, once you buy in you won’t regret it. I went with the Yeezy wave runners and I SWEAR, I wear these babies multiple times a week. A added bonus, they go with everything and they’re so comfortable.

Last but not least, a good leather jacket. Obviously this one is self explanatory and goes with E V E R Y T H I N G… clearly it’s the common denominator in all of my looks. This one goes without saying and should truly be in your wardrobe 24/7. Also, I know polka dots were all the rage in summer but, I’m still so obsessed.

There are many more trends that I can’t wait to share but for now, these are the ones you need to get a hold of.

 

Autumn To Do List

 

It’s officially my favorite month of the whole year and autumn is in full swing here in Milwaukee; So, of course in typical blogger fashion, be ready for TON’S of fall themed post’s and reading about all the things I’ll be doing to keep busy this season. These options are some of the thing’s going on locally that I’ll definitely be attending but, adjust as you please.

Back To School Outfit Ideas

Back to school season is in full swing and let me tell you, I am PUMPED. A new school year in my head means a chance to reinvent yourself and your wardrobe. Back to school season has always been my favorite time of year to shop, mainly because fall is on its way and the clothes get’s SO much better(😍). I wanted to try and keep all the looks affordable, simple, and easy to access if you wanted to recreate them so Target was my one stop shop.

Comfort is a must when I’m sitting in class for three hours at a time; and what’s comfier than an oversized hoodie and sneakers? Exactly, nothing! Minimal effort but still really cute. The best part about this look is that it’s just an oversized men’s hoodie. To be honest, I find myself gravitating towards men’s clothes pretty often; trust me always do some digging in the men’s section at store’s you’d be surprised at what you find! For shoes I picked up my pair of Converse that have been sitting in the back of my closet for a few months and realized, THEY GO WITH EVERYTHING! So, I based most of the looks around the sneakers.

Look two was by far my favorite outfit. This look was what I call “edgy meets street” its completely different compared to what I usually wear, and it made me feel the most confident. To be honest, I’ve never really stuck to one style; I wear what feels right, and this 100% did. Never be afraid to test different looks and styles you’d be surprised at what you end up liking. Street style is such a huge trend that it’s easily become a favorite of mine, especially because the Midwest is urban and laid back.

I can’t stress how much I live by sets. Especially when I’m in a rush to get to class. If you don’t have any matching set’s in your wardrobe yet, please get a few! It’ll make your morning routine so quick if you already know what outfits look good together.

Stepping away from the street style, i went for something a little more girly. I just want to say, even though I was born in the middle of the 90’s I love all the trends. Especially the gingham and plaid, the clueless vibe was unavoidable while shopping. So, I decided to class up the final look and embrace my inner Cher Horowitz. This skirt is so easy to pair with literally anything. Originally had this skirt paired with a band tee and I LOVED IT! But, I didn’t get photos, so this was second best, and I think it still worked. Adding the jean jacket makes the look more casual which is perfect for school. I went for booties with this look to keep the girly vibe but, easily interchangeable if that’s not your style.

Hopefully after reading this you feel daring enough to try something new this season! Let me know which look is your favorite, and one you’d love to try and recreate!

 

Xx

 

 

 

 

Sunny Sunday’s To Do List

Baby You’re A Firework

Independence day is tomorrow so, I figured I’d give you guys some last minute inspiration to get you excited and into the festive mood! I came up with three different outfits; Whether you’re celebrating at the beach, at a BBQ, or at a classy brunch spot, I’ve got you covered on what to wear.

As a bonus, since I have my own Fourth of July tradition, I figured I’d add in how I make my “Flag cake” in hope’s that you make it a new tradition for your family too!

If I’m going to the beach, my biggest concern is making sure I’m wearing something that is comfortable and breathable, the last thing I want to happen when I’m sitting in the heat is to be wearing something that’s going to make me feel sticky and hot. So, for look number one, I went for a cotton wrap romper.

I loved this romper because it’s a wrap style piece; It’s my FAVORITE style of skirt, dress, or romper. I’m a curvy girl so if an article of clothing is going to help define my waist and not make me look like a box, sign me up!

The romper wasn’t super obnoxious with fourth of July colors, and that was a bonus. It was a navy romper with white lines and the smallest red details. You can wear this for the fourth, but you can also wear it on a casual outing with friends. Never buy something you cant use more than once! Every time I go shopping I ask myself ‘will I be able to wear this more than once?’ I always try and find the biggest bang for my buck.

For shoes, I paired the outfit with my white Birkenstock’s, and it made the white lines on the romper pop! My mindset with this look was intended for the beach which is why I kept this look very minimal.

My BBQ look is something that’s SO easy to recreate; I’d be surprised if you didn’t have similar pieces in your closet already.

Nothing say’s all American girl quite like a pair of daisy dukes, right? So, that’s what I went for with this look. I got these high waisted shorts for $28 at Charlotte Russe, and they fit like a glove. Honestly, these have been my go-to shorts since I bought them! The wash on these short’s match with any and everything.

I’ve been obsessing over the color red since the start of this year, and clearly, it hasn’t died down. This red bodysuit has been in rotation for about a month now, and I can’t get over how brave I feel in such a bold color. I’ve talked about it before but being “plus sized” I used to be terrified of wearing anything that was going to make me stand out or be too form-fitting on my tummy area but, I’ve learned that it’s not about the size you wear instead, how you wear your size. If you tell yourself you feel confident or that you look good, I genuinely believe confidence will radiate out of you. The more you love yourself, and your whole body for what it is, the less you will seek validation and praise from others.

I’ve saved in my opinion, the best outfit for last. My “brunch/ classy” fourth of July look was my favorite of them all mostly because it’s not a BAM in your face festive look. It’s pretty subtle, I played up the accessories in this look, and I think that’s made the look a little more festive.

Again, I focused in on the red but, you could easily wear nude accessories, and it’ll be perfect for any occasion. If you changed out the heels for gladiator sandals to make it more casual, that would work.

When you wear heels, I swear your legs become 10x more attractive! I’ve never been drawn to high, high heels, so my preferred choice has always been small blocked pumps. They still give off the illusion of longer more toned legs without giving you the extra height.

Let me know in the comments below which look was your favorite!

Now, onto the sweets. Every year since I was about 13 I’ve made my famous ‘Flag cake’ it’s super festive and easy to make, and my family LOVES my cakes so, of course, this is the must-have every fourth. (You’ll get praised left and right for this one)

What you’ll need:

• Betty Crocker cake mix (Any flavor works)
• Fresh strawberries and blueberries
• Cool Whip
• Baking pan

Instructions:

• For the cake itself, follow the instructions step by step on the back of the box. (quick tip: To get a moist cake, turn off your cake maybe 5-8 minutes earlier than box and let it sit in the oven for that extra time with the left overheat! I swear the cake comes out so much better.)
• Wash fruit’s
• Cut the crown of the strawberry and then again in half
• Let the cake cool outside of the fridge for about 30-45 minutes
• Put a decent layer of Cool Whip as the frosting (The Cool Whip makes the cake a lot more refreshing and light instead of a heavy frosting)
• Aligning the fruit is all personal preference, you can put more “stars” and less “stripes” or vice-versa.
• Let cool in the fridge for an hour
• Then, EAT UP!

This recipe is so simple and delicious! You’ll be the talk of any gathering if you show up with this festive cake!

Last but not least, stay safe and have a Happy Fourth of July💥!

Don’t Worry, Be happy!

Monday, June 25th was  ‘Makes Me smile Day’ on Instagram.