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That's Like Chasing Rainbows

Such a beautiful song. Listen to it.

If you strip me, strip it all away.
I'll be alright.
Take what you want, steal my pride,
Build me up or cut me down to size,
Shut me out but I'll just scream,
I'm only one voice in a million,
But you ain't taking that from me
-Natasha Bedingfield

I love this song. I love this picture of me too. It's just Morena. Not showcasing any outfits, my hair undone, no makeup (not that you can tell). This picture and this song solidifies how I've been feeling.

So I haven't posted in 3 months.. Time really gets away from you doesn't it? Well it's been a busy, wonderful, crazy, exhausting, difficult, amazing, beautiful, couple of months.

Nothing too significant has really happened. I've had a lot of fun, I look a little different, my wardrobe has been updated, I've spent even more time dancing. But when all that's "stripped away," nothing has really changed. I sometimes still feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, but I still feel so free at the same time. Although I have many, I am not bound by my fears or worries. Honestly... I feel free.

I was going to slowly let this blog go. I no longer felt it was necessary in my life, nor was it relevant in any one else's. But then I received some emails thanking me for my thought provoking words, my unabashed voice, and beautiful perspective on life. I've decided to continue writing and posting on here.

It's so easy for us to forget the influence we have on people. Because it's so difficult to understand how much one person can affect their surroundings. But like Natasha Bedingfield says, "sometimes all it takes is one voice."

Don't forget that.

-Morena

She Was Left Alone

We're Always Running Away

Here's your daily dose of fashion photography..

Photos are subject to copyright. Do not re-post.

They End up Empty

Photograph of me taken by: TIffany Moore

I love this song.. It's so true. You wont' ever get to fully understand who someone else is. People live parallel lives but they don't live the same lives. People put up facades, people lie, people hide, but it's up to us to judge what's real. We just have to trust. The world is mysterious, no? I like that though. I like wondering more than knowing.
Do you have tales that you'll never tell?

Happy Summer! Enjoy it, because yesterday was the Summer Solstice, and the days only get shorter from here.

See you,
Morena

Right In My Path, In My Grasp

Don't LOVE Beyonce as much as everyone..but a very lovely song.

Time's going by way too quickly. I can't even believe that the last time I posted was February (again with the apologies). Life got really interesting.

This school year is ending very bitter sweet, to say the least. I realize that things are about to change. I don't why, but I guess there must be a purpose. I know I'll be starting very new things over the summer, as well as moving into a new home, and then there's also the moving away of someone very important to me.

I don't know how to complain about life though, but I can complain about time. There's never enough when you want there to be, but when you're anxious to move on, it decides to go by horribly slow. But for all intents and purposes, I think people should realize that life does go on. And when you think about it all retrospectively, you want to be happy with what you've done.

I guess I'm just trying to say that I'm not letting myself get stuck this time. Although I'm tempted to because I miss things too much. But I heard once that missing something is part of what makes it a good memory.

But yeah, I'm way too nostalgic for my own good.
Moving on...
Well at least trying to. More like forcing myself to.
Oh well.

Anything change for you guys?
Been a while, let's touch base.
Talk soon!

xx, Morena

P.S. More cut little Polaroids:

Guide Us With Your Grace

You know that a wish is much like a prayer?

Do you ever think about who you're wishing to?

I wish...
(Thanks Jennifer for this idea.)
I wish I could help you when you felt like this.
I wish that I knew you'd be okay. I'm pretty sure he'll watch over you. You'll be okay. You'll be safe. I wish I knew that for sure.
I wish I could save you from all this.
I wish all this never happened.
I wish they were just good to you.
I wish they knew you didn't ever deserve this. I wish I knew that you knew that. Because you didn't deserve it.

That's what I wish for.
Let this be my prayer.
(Listen to the song above. I love it.)

What do you wish for?

Have a beautiful evening.
-Morena

Giveaway Day! Enamor's Premiere Issue.

My Magazine has launched!
CLICK HERE to view it.

I am giving away a special printed copy of my magazine as well as a gossip girl inspired headband (handmade by yours truly). You can enter by:

1. Following this blog and commenting this post that you are one of my followers.
2. Commenting this link with your thoughts: The Premiere Issue
3. Posting this link on your blog: http://enamormagazine.blogspot.com/search/label/Current%20Issue and commenting this post with the link to your blog so I can check out your post about Enamor.
4. Posting Enamor Magazine on Polyvore and commenting this post with the link to your Polyvore account.

Won't Let the Sunshine Go to Waste

Fashion: My hair's gotten a bit longer and I've been so obsessed with Gossip Girl-type headbands. That's all I ever wear now! Anyway, I took this picture sans makeup (with no makeup). But I like the headband so I'm posting it! Deal with it.
Philosophy: "Did you know that a smile at 7 in the morning can make a difference in someone's day?" Someone said that to me. Don't you just agree? When someone smiles at me in the morning it feels like I'm "waking up to love, " hence the song I posted above.

You don't have to know anyone to smile at them. Smiles make friends out of people that are strangers.

Have a wonderful day.
Don't let the sunshine go to waste!
-Morena

When Presented Like a Genie

Another Regina Spektor song. It's really good. Come listen...
I took this picture last month. The clouds were so beautiful but the sun was in my eyes so I stuck out my hand and took two pictures with my eyes closed. As I looked over the photos after, I saw this one. It looks like heaven peeking out. If I ever doubted my religion in the past, I know I always believed in heaven. I don't know if anyone could ever convince me otherwise. For me, heaven is a symbol of hope. No harm in believing in hope right?

Have a lovely rest of the day.
-Morena

Again, so sorry for not posting.
I meant to post in December but the holidays were a tad bit chaotic. I hope everyone had a good holiday. It seems that the people I cared about most had a horrible holiday. I wish I could've done something because I had a great one.

You Are My Sweetest Downfall

Fashion: A while back I posted that gray was going to be a trendy color this fall and winter. And it's time to toot my own horn! Okay. Over it. Philosophy time.

Philosophy: I love the line in this song, "you are my sweetest downfall." You know when something's not so great, and it makes you scared? But then you do it anyway? That's what "sweetest downfall" means to me. A physical metaphor of all this is when I walk around in the rain. It's been raining here lately and I just love walking in the rain. Something about the very gesture makes me feel free. It's almost like the feeling of a delicate-type of rebellion. Hard to explain.

By the way, I had another epiphany today. I've said it numerous times but it really dawned on me today that all of this only happens once. And yes I mean my life right now. I was sitting in the corner of my dance class earlier and watched the whole studio filled with these people just laughing and smiling and just being so satisfied. I kept watching, breathed in slowly, and said "thank you." I wasn't talking to anyone, I just kind of whispered it aloud. Why? I just wanted to thank whoever gave me that moment.

Have a wonderful start to the Holiday Season.
I'll be posting before the end of the month.
Thank you for everything.
-Morena

It's Your Final Last Call

I really love the song "Battle" by Colbie Caillat. It's such a beautiful song, but the lyrics I don't exactly agree with:

"This is a battle and it's your final last call. It was a trial, you made a mistake. I'm feeling like we've missed out on everything. I just hope its worth the fight."

The way I've interpreted it, I feel like this song is talking about how life is a battle. I disagree for only one reason...life isn't a big battle. If it were, we would have to fight to win so the others lose. And that seems to make sense until you start to think about what are we trying to win? Nothing really. I actually can't speak for you, but personally I don't believe we have to battle anyone or anything to be happy. Life can't be that hard, can it? It can be inconvenient and challenging, but you need to remember:
You should live to find the light in your life, not to render darkness in another person's.

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Don't worry.
Have a wonderful Veteran's Day.
Love, Morena

The Sky Was Bright and Wide and Blue

*Disclaimer: The writing below these photos shouldn't worry you. I'm okay. Trust me. Thanks anyway for the concerned emails.
Fashion: I don't have any outfits today because I can't find my camera. Sorry. But here are some photos for your pleasure. These photos are beautiful, and they reflect my mood.

Philosophy: All week I've realized that no matter what happens to a person, they never disappear. Ever. I don't mean to bring up death, but just think...when someone dies or when someone has to go away, are they really gone? Or are they still inside of you? You remember them, you feel them there...why? Because they are here. And do you want to know something? Moving on doesn't mean forgetting, it means remembering but pushing forward. Don't think goodbye is forever. It isn't. Goodbye just means you're parting for now. You'll always love them the same. Because time shouldn't change what's already been.
Time determines the future, but it does not erase the past.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Love, Morena

(If you haven't done so yet, listen to the song at the top of this post, it really is beautiful beyond comprehension.)

P.S. A shameless plug but a favor nonetheless to a good friend. CLICK HERE. It's a pretty good place.

There's a Beat in my Heart that Sets me Apart

Listen to this song please...so adorable.

Fashion: I love this outfit. The skirt is vintage United Colors of Benetton and the top is thrifted and the shoes are Chinese Laundry.

Philosophy: I've been feeling lucky lately. It's not even just happy anymore. I just feel lucky and grateful. A bit strange but I like it. I just keep looking around to make sure everything's real. I feel like I'm in a fantasy land where I'm just smiling all the time. It's great though. Anyway again I must apologize. I've been sick on and off, and I guess the rest of life has gotten me quite occupied. I hope all you are well! Thank you for sticking with me.

Have a wonderful evening!
Love, Morena

P.S. Please go to: MyFashionPlate.com. It's an amazing new site I discovered! You all would love it.

Time to Get up and Do Something

Listen to this song please and keep reading...

Picture Created on: Polyvore.com

I think we all need some lightening up.
So I created Operation Solace.
Basically every time you complete a task on the following list, I will enter your name into a giveaway, but the ultimate prize is secret. But even if you don't win the giveaway, at least we know we contributed to some solace, especially in this economy.
Now you must submit a photo or video every time you complete an item on the list. And send that photo or video here to WithLove.Morena@gmail.com
If you for some reason can't send a photo or video, email me and let me know. Thank you again!

Now for The List:
1) Take a sticky note, put the words "You're still beautiful" (or something to that effect) on it. And then place it in a public restroom's mirror, OR in the weight watchers, diet pills, slim fast etc. sections at the grocery store. This requires a photo.
2) This one is for you. Play your favorite dance song, and dance to it any way you want until you feel even a blip of joy. If you send in a video for this, it's worth three entries.
3) This one requires no photo or video, but you have to be honest in doing it: I want you to give a random compliment to someone you wouldn't normally pay attention to.
4) Go out one day without any makeup at all and dress simply. And maybe you'll realize how wonderful you really are, without any of that extra stuff. This requires a photo.
5) Smile your most genuine smile. This one definitely requires a photo.

Remember to leave a separate comment for each task you complete. I'll post more task periodically throughout the following months.
Thanks! And sorry I've been MIA. I'll reply to all comments soon.

Have a wonderful time doing these!
Love, Morena

P.S. If you don't want to be entered in the giveaway and just want to do this for fun, still send me photos/videos. I want to put them together in a post to see what we've accomplished.

It's Like Rain on Your Wedding Day

Listen to this song during this post.
Fashion: I've been dressed really simply lately.
These photos I took inspired the simple grey tulle dress above:

Philosophy: Nothing really philosophical today. How about another word that starts with a P? Poetic. I've been very poetic lately. Just in the way I feel, dress and in my writing as well. I find that I keep staring out the window with Alanis Morissette or Imogen Heap playing in the background. It's a bit strange honestly. Usually I'm really obnoxious blasting "Just Dance" on full volume. (Which I still do, but less than usual.) Anyway, point is, I've been very somber in recent days, and I think I like it.

***I'd like to apologize for being such a bad blogger and responding to emails slowly. So very sorry. I promise to be better.

Have a Lovely Day.
-Morena

Pitter-Pat the Angel on My Shoulder is Haunting

Listen to this song during this post:

Picture Credit: Here

I'm so very easily indulged, and I fall in love easily.
I've fallen in love with ballet all over again.

When I'm in class I feel like anything bad that I've ever felt, I get to leave outside the studio. In studio, I just feel bliss. Nothing else exists. I'm insuperable. Each turn, each leap, doubts fall away. All of a sudden my belief that everything's going to be okay, is confirmed.

It validates my desire to be alive
and my willingness to believe in hope.
What makes you feel this way?

Have a wonderful day.
Love, Morena

P.S. It's a beautiful song, no? I'll return my normal music player soon. Oh and thanks to everyone that entered my giveaway. I backdated it so it won't show up on my homepage anymore.

A La Leslie Hornby

Fashion: Leslie Horby is Twiggy's name. This dress gives me the pleasure of feeling like I'm vicariously living through Twiggy. I had fun twirling in both these pictures. Does it look like I'm twirling?
Dress: H&M, Shoes: Vintage via the Vintage Collective, Clip: Claire's


Philosophy: Belle inspired me (when I read this post) to answer a question that I've honestly not given much thought to before. What is my definition of friendship?

Friendship to me is when you've made enough of a connection with another person, that they know every way to make you cry, yet they do everything to try to make you smile. The end.

What's your definition of friendship?
I'm looking forward to hearing it!
Have an amazing day.

Love,
Morena

Homage to Cammila

I have made many friendships in my past year of blogging. And I've discovered blogs that I just adore because they excite me, keep me smiling, or maybe just because the blog is so cute! Well for a while now, I've been so fascinated by one particular blogger.

Her name is Cammila, and she's an amazingly sweet and inspirational person...on top of being so stylish and absolutely gorgeous. (She's one of those people that won't let you stop smiling when you speak to them.) I was captivated by her blog the minute the page opened up. If you check out my magazine's blog, you can see her pictures in the header.

Here's a montage of my favorites from Cammila's Archives:
She's adorable, no? And a lovely personality to top it all off.
She has many more outfits that are amazing. I swear she really does remind me of Audrey Hepburn sometimes. Just her over all vibe screams iconic to me.
Photo Credit: Cammila & Ryan Hyde

Have a Lovely Day,
Morena

P.S. On my post below, I'm still awaiting to hear everyone's dreams! I'm so intrigued by what I've heard so far.

I've Never Had a Need to Explain Myself

Woah, two weeks without my fashion/philosophy posts?

Fashion: Emma Watson for TeenVogue was stunning and styling was amazing. I'm proud of TeenVogue. My favorite cover yet.
Philosophy: "What I really like about your blog is that I can see how you're so full of happiness when you write. You can tell it's your passion. Every time I read your blog, I wish that I loved something so much, and I could have a whole website about it. " A girl named Taylor had said that to me.

Hearing that made me think...

You see, no one ever actually asked me if "I loved fashion." It was always just assumed, I guess. My vocabulary does not consist of that phrase to be honest. So hearing Taylor tell me that, it made me think, DO I love fashion? The obvious answer is yes. Because it's like duh, how can I have a fashion blog and not love the fashion industry? But when it comes down to it, my answer is no. I do not love the fashion industry. How can I possibly love something so based upon superficiality, competitiveness, and backstabbing?
I don't love fashion, I love the feeling it gives me.

You know those people that say "fashion chose me." And it sounds so cliche when they say it, but now I've come to realize that that's true in my case. I didn't choose fashion. I didn't choose the feeling I get every time I talk about or live in it. (And yes, I do live in fashion. It's consumes my life.) We don't really have much control over our emotions anyway.

I can hardly find a way to explain this with words, but here is how I feel every time I get dressed, read glossy pages, or just anytime I indulge in fashion in any way: I start to get butterflies in my stomach, and I can't stop smiling and all that's running through my head are the same two sentences:
"This is my future. This is my life."

I believe more than anything that I have a future in fashion.
It really is my passion. It really is my dream.

What's your dream?
I'll be waiting to hear...

Love, Morena