Odette Houndstooth A-Line Jacket curated on LTK

brookecarriehil

2020 hasn’t been the most difficult year of my life, but of course, it came with a number of very unique ant substantial obstacles. As Christmas creeps up on us, I can’t help but think about what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown, and what I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. What has been the best thing that’s come out of 2020 for you? http://liketk.it/34nqr #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Share:

Shop this post

Paid links

Odette Houndstooth A-Line Jacket | Saks Fifth Avenue

Classic Heathered Turtleneck | Saks Fifth Avenue

Margot cropped coated high-rise skinny jeans | NET-A-PORTER (US)

brookecarriehil

I was once told that regardless of how much we might love someone, we’ll never be able to posess another human being; we’ll only have an opportunity to experience them.

I’m so honored that I was blessed with thirty two years to learn the definition of what unconditional love means and to recognize the fundamental character traits that a good man — a real man — should possess.

You know what it is. I feel you everywhere. I’m so grateful that I had you, until we meet again, I’ll always do what it takes to be the person you would want me to be. http://liketk.it/36MZr #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I started the morning off with a therapy session, which generally isn’t the way I choose to open either my day or week, but it was unexplainably useful to acknowledge that if I don’t remain active and intentional about prioritizing my physical, mental and emotional well-being over everything else in my life, I’ll essentially be useless in effectuating my personal and professional obligations anyway.
⁣
For the past few years, I’ve largely discontinued my participation in talk therapy almost altogether and opted to participate only in monthly discussions with my psychiatrist so that I could focus on renewing my prescriptions and remaining numb while continuing to perform my way through life.⁣
⁣
In reverting back to my roots and placing a micro level focus on examining the issues that effect the way I think, act and behave on every day, I’ve recently come to realize that even during the best of times, it’s always beneficial to remain vigilant about working to elevate into the highest versions of myself. Instead of invalidating my issues and telling myself that they’re unworthy of being acknowledged, I plan to dig more deeply than ever and to learn how to move forward in a healthy and productive way that extends beyond appearances and allows me to fulfill my divine purpose (which I don’t believe can be done without clarity of thought and an inencumbered connection to my creator). http://liketk.it/36gEe #liketkit @liketoknow.it

This is more or less the last of my ski wear content — I’m back in NYC and getting back to 2021 projects that are going living this month. http://liketk.it/35QYF #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I think I probably thought I could sneak into 2021 without giving the New Year much thought. Generally speaking, I’m not a particularly superstitious type, but considering how extreme — and sometimes, debilitating — 2020 turned out to be, I didn’t want to test the waters by establishing specific hopes or aspirations for the New Year.⁣
⁣
And, to be honest with you, 2021 has gotten off to a rough start – not just for the obvious reasons that are plaguing us all, but for personal ones, as well. SO, regardless of my irrational fears, I decided — as of today — to be intentional about writing a meaningful, extensive list of goals for the year concerning my personal and professional objectives, as well as a host of other subjects. Throughout the past few years – but especially in 2020, perhaps – I’ve allowed life to happen to me as opposed to being active about controlling whatever is in my power to decide and execute upon. I never used to be that way. ⁣
⁣
Regardless of how this year unfolds, I’ve come to realize that it’s up to us to invest in ourselves – mentally, physically, spiritually and otherwise. I adamantly refuse to lose any more time to the circumstances that surround me. I completely understand (trust me -- I do) how taxing it can be to pursue positivity during excessively difficult times, but I think it's hugely important to strive for something fulfilling and to maximize our potential. ⁣
⁣
Also, as a brief/unrelated aside: this set of photos is candid and unretouched, and a lot of the items I’m wearing in them are marked down even further than what they priced at on when I originally purcaseshed them. http://liketk.it/35Igp #liketkit @liketoknow.it

When I speak on what’s actually happening in my head and heart, I want the sentiment to be worthwhile; that is, I want to be able to string a coherent sentence together. Since I didn’t sleep at all last night, I’ll just leave it at this for now: love, acceptance and familiarity are the only things that I believe will save us. While electing the most just and equipped officials into office will obviously help in effectiating dramatic change, I, personally don’t have much faith in grand scale organizations, including government or media (After doing seven years in news, I could tell you some shit that would blow your mind). Unfortunately, in my heart of hearts, I think much of the healing process will be entirely contingent upon us and the way we interact with and treat one another. http://liketk.it/35uGw #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Barring the obvious, how has the first week of your 2021 been? I’ve been praying for a year of rejuvenation because I think we all need it, but based on the way things have been going, I have to admit that I’m a little nervous. 🤷🏻‍♀️ http://liketk.it/35qTJ #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Throughout the past week or so, there have been a couple of moments that have felt absolutely unbearable to me. I’ve experienced intense pain (which, in my case, is largely predicated upon fear), fallen back into some bad habits, and disappointed myself in a number of really substantial ways. So, basically, I’m...you know...just killing it right now. 🤷🏻‍♀️🙄⁣
⁣
BUT, with the one brain cell I have left after not sleeping last night, here’s what I want to convey: regardless of how difficult this time might be, I’ve consistently seen that during every period of extreme discomfort in my life, I’ve been given of the kind of divine grace that begets substantial, healthy, and much needed change, as well as broad sweeping personal growth that enabled me to transition to the next level. ⁣
⁣
If you’re experiencing something especially challenging right now, remember this: everything — good, bad, indifferent – passes, and as J.K. Rowling once said after she channeled her passion into writing books and then became a billionaire 👀, rock bottom can serve as the solid on foundation on which you rebuild your life. Be strong, but remember that vulnerability IS strength. #imwithyou ❤️ http://liketk.it/32CR1 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I’m not sure why I thought it would be such a good idea to make a number of personal and professional changes at the exact same time, but in case you were wondering (oh, you haven’t been wondering? 👀🤷🏻‍♀️), I’m alive and I finally figured out exactly what I want to do with my social media presence. I’ve always known that I wanted to build out new platforms that would be more effective in allowing me to speak to and serve my audience but I’ve never been able to nail down the specifics and execute those initiatives. In the next few weeks, we have a some new things coming that I think you’ll really enjoy. And lastly, I received a number of requests about this top so I linked it for you here. 🙋🏻‍♀️ http://liketk.it/2L7y3 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I’m not sure why I thought it would be a good idea to make so many simultaneous personal and professional changes in my life, but in case you were wondering (oh, you weren’t wondering? 👀🤷🏻‍♀️), I’m alive and I think I’ve finally figured out exactly what I want to do with my social media platform. It suffices to say that we have a lot of things coming for you. Also, I received a number of requests about this top so I linked it for you here (it’s on sale at the moment and one of my all time favorite pieces). http://liketk.it/2L7wM #liketkit @liketoknow.it

For so long, I’ve prayed to God to help me identify my divine purpose, which is something I believe that all of us have. Throughout my twenties, I pursued four totally distinct career trajectories — this one included — and although I’ve derived something substantial from each experience, I consistently come up short, feeling as if I wasn’t fulfilling my true purpose. Throughout the past few years, my vision has become increasingly clear, and as I slowly begin to finally pursue it, I’m overwhelmed and scared. When I become paralyzed with that fear, I remind myself that I’ve spent so long asking God for answers, and now that I have them, I can’t shy away from what I believe that I can best contribute to the world. http://liketk.it/2Kxsz #liketkit @liketoknow.it

2020 arrived with a palpable jolt that seemed to echo beyond the fluff of New Year’s Eve celebrations alone. At the outset of the year — of the decade — I made a promise to put the necessary work into fulfilling my most deeply rooted passion via social media, which I’ve also come to believe is related to my divine purpose.

Within a few weeks, though, I found myself stagnating — focusing on numbers, appearances, and popular trends — and quickly falling back into maintaining my comfort zone.

Without going into detail, I got a wake up call last night. I truly believe that if I don't work towards building out the initiatives that I most
care about and believe in, I’ll watch another year pass me by and I might never receive the opportunity to fulfill my goals. For everyone who’s on the cusp of change but is remaining stagnant because of fear, complacency, or feeling overwhelmed, remember that it’s still just the beginning of a new decade and the way to live in alignment with God’s purpose for your life is to start. http://liketk.it/2KrM9 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Has spring sprung? 👀 http://liketk.it/2BRh4 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I usually prefer dressing casually more so than I do dressing up, but Michelle’s baby dinner (she wouldn’t let me throw her either a gender reveal or a shower 🙄) called for feathers.

A long time ago, someone who I respect very much — an older woman who raised a great family and owns her own business — told me how important she believes it is to have good girlfriends throughout life. During my freshman year of college, I was blessed to meet a group of forever friends, who have been with me through every major milestone in my life — the good, the bad and the very ugly. Although they’re super private and hate social media, they’re literally family to me, and Michelle is the first in to have a baby. I’m elated for her and Patrick; they’re going to have to kick me out of their apartment once the little guy comes. Also, we spent some of the night trying think of names, and my suggestions seemed to be falling short, so if anyone has ideas, they’re very open to suggestions! http://liketk.it/2A6wF #liketkit @liketoknow.it

You’re not going to master the rest of your life in one day. Just relax. Master the day, and then keep going that every day. #NYFW Day 3 http://liketk.it/2xgo8 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

For everyone who asked where to cop my kimono (which, I’ve come to realize, isn’t actually a kimono), I linked all of the product information here. 💓 http://liketk.it/2wzTf #liketkit @liketoknow.it

For everyone who asked me about my kimono (which, I’ve come to realize isn’t actually a kimono), I linked all the product information here. http://liketk.it/2wzT8 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

For everyone who asked about my kimono (which, as it turns out, isn’t actually a kimono, who knew 🤷🏻‍♀️) I linked all of the outfit information here. http://liketk.it/2wzQu #liketkit @liketoknow.it

News :) I recently posted about the fact that I have an “announcement” to make. Throughout the past few weeks, I’ve been working on building a website, launching a YouTube channel, and starting a podcast – all of which will go live within the next two weeks. After a couple of years in this field, I finally feel connected to what my purpose is, and I’ve allowed that realization to take me to where I believe I was meant to go in the first place. Listen, I was raised by a single mother, who never received child-support from her partner, my father, who barraged her with demands to have an abortion; I’ve seen the strength of a woman firsthand.

Some parts of my story are sad, some are unjust, but they’ve given me the opportunity to love better and to put myself in other people’s skin. And so, while my content will continue to incorporate tons of fashion, lifestyle and beauty inspiration, it will also delve into deeply personal matters, including, but not limited to mental-health, spirituality, relationships, etc. For whatever reason, I don’t feel compelled to keep even my deepest, darkest secrets private. Because of having that freedom, I decided to use this platform to showcase all of the resources and tools that I’ve acquired along the way in a quest to finally feel good about myself.

Rarely will you meet a woman who is only what she appears to be on the surface. I want you to know who I am, I want to know who you are, and I want us to help one another manifest our strongest, happiest, and most confident selves. That’s really the only thing of value that I have to offer you. http://liketk.it/2wx80 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

@areppasofficial food carts are slowly being dispersed throughout the city. Find us at 54th & Broadway today; HOW CUTE IS THIS LITTLE ORANGE TRUCK??! http://liketk.it/2w4yi #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I’m not generally this angry; it was just an especially sunny day in Soho. PS: do you guys like the balayage for summer? Ms. Bella is a color genius. http://liketk.it/2w41a #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I’m not generally this angry; it was just an especially sunny day in Soho. 🧟‍♀️ http://liketk.it/2w413 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I’m not generally this angry; it was just a sunny day in Soho. 🤪 http://liketk.it/2w40W #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Dentist bound. Want to hear something gross? I haven’t had my choppers checked since I was still living in Boston, which means that my most recent appointment was about five years ago. Thanks to bi-daily flossing, obsessive compulsive brushing, and the grace of God. I only have one small cavity, though. Take care of your teeth, babes. 👀😘 http://liketk.it/2uXke #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Yellow became my favorite color over night, I guess. http://liketk.it/2uPEr #liketkit @liketoknow.it #helloyellow #nyc #fashionblogger @ferragamo

When you’re not invited to Paris Fashion Week, so you create a literal interpretation of the experience on Third Avenue. http://liketk.it/2uOHf #liketkit @liketoknow.it #pfw #nyc #beret

A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure. 💎💎💎 #nyc #streetstyle #henrykissinger http://liketk.it/2uOkn #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I mean...he didn’t matter me for my domestic skills. I’ve been eating like a ravenous beast for the past few weeks, and my body is calling out for a change. Question: are organic fruits and veggies really worth it, or should I stick with regular options? I need to know what to stock my fridge with. 🍎🍊🍕 http://liketk.it/2uNJu #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I appreciate all my followers. It’s all been built with love and honest truth. I got mad love for you. Thank you for baring with me while I stepped away from social media for a brief moment to focus on an upcoming project (details to come!). I’m happy to report that the mission has been completed, and I’ll be responding to my DM’s and returning to business as usual starting immediately. I’m ridiculously blessed to have a community of strong, inquisitive and passionate women who support me every damn day. You consistently amaze me, and I’ll always work to be better for you. It’s not a social media thing for me — it’s a testament to the power of female support and openness with one another. 🙏🏼 http://liketk.it/2uH9o #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I’m moving forward with my new project throughout the weekend (you might’ve scene some clips of it on my stories), but I really just want to eat, cuddle, and read a book. Seven day work weeks are not for me. 😂 What’s everyone else doing? http://liketk.it/2uGfZ #liketkit @liketoknow.it

I’m returning to my roots with respect to personal style and editing. In our social media obsessed age, it’s so easy to become engrossed with what other people are doing, following trends and trying to replicate different aesthetics. I’m guilty of photoshopping, over-editing, etc., and after playing around with presets, filters — and candidly — costumes, for way too long, I really just want to stay true to myself. I’m learning that there’s no substitute for authenticity. http://liketk.it/2uFoo #liketkit @liketoknow.it #backtobasics #illstillwearmyweavethough

I’m returning to my roots with respect to personal style and editing. In our social media obsessed age, it’s easy to get engrossed in what other people are doing, following trends and trying to replicate different aesthetics. I’m guilty of photoshopping, over-editing, etc., and after playing around with presets, filters — and, candidly — costumes, for way too long, I really just want to stay true to myself on here. http://liketk.it/2uFoh #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Sent from my iPhone

Thank you so much for baring with my lack of recent posts! I’ve been working on some business-related opportunities from the back-end, which I hope will give me the ability to build out my social media presence in a way that’s most useful to my Instagram fam! In 2018, I’ve been blessed with some prospects that I never imagined would come my way. Candidly, I always knew that I could make a decent income on my own, but I never imagined that I could build a business, becoming entirely self-reliant in a fulfilling and abundant way. In retrospect, i underestimated myself (How many of us do the same thing on a day to day basis, telling ourselves that we’ll never excel?) Women ask me all the time if it’s possible to have a career in blogging -- I’ve found that it absolutely is. While it takes a lot of work (much of which isn’t seen by anyone else, prompting people to ask, ‘what does she do all day’), self-motivation, thick skin, networking skills and aligning with good people who genuinely want to see you succeed, this is a relatively new business trajectory -- an open space -- which means that the possibilities are endless and the sky is the limit. Whether or not you’re interested in blogging, I’ll leave you with this thought: the act of striving for something is one of the only proven keys to long-term happiness in human-beings. I’ve learned that there’s no better feeling than working hard and seeing the results of your efforts pay off. If I ever have a daughter, I want to teach her to be somebody instead of somebody’s, and I want to be able demonstrate that in my own way, I did the very same thing. http://liketk.it/2uqn9 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Has anyone else gained some weight throughout these frigid winter months? I’ve put on about ten pounds since my wedding day. While I’m definitely not asserting that I’m overweight, I am candid about the fact that I’ve never taken the time to learn about even the most rudimentary fitness or nutrition rules. And so, as I delve head first into my new health journey (Heck, I want a toned bod too), I plan to share all of the steps that I’m taking with other women who are looking to feel healthier/stronger/more energized (without multiple coffees per day). Now, let’s go! 💪🏼🤷🏻‍♀️ http://liketk.it/2umbZ #liketkit @liketoknow.it

Friday night in New York City is date night! Speaking of, miracles happen: my non-instagram husband decided to open a public account – follow him @celestinodiazf. Cele is from South America, and I love the fact that we come from different cultures. For my Latino followers, he speaks significantly better Spanish than I do. My next goal is to get him to do an insta-live on his account with me. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️🦄 http://liketk.it/2uiXl #liketkit @liketoknow.it