With a lot of recent and exciting change, I thought it would be the perfect time to answer some of the fun questions I’ve been getting, in hopes of including you all in my new chapter here in Nashville. So let’s get started! Have a question I didn’t answer? Email me: alex@lexwhatwear.com and I will get to you next time! These questions are in random order!
XO, Alex
Q: WHY NASHVILLE?
A: Evan and I actually attended the same college and met briefly, more than 6 years ago. We went to Western Kentucky University, which is an hour north of Nashville. Nashville is typically always on the radar for post-grad living because it’s one of the coolest cities, yet still very southern and has a small town feel. After college Evan and I went our separate ways, as you know I was back home in Lexington for some time and then New York City. When Evan and I re-discovered each other, he was in Peoria, IL traveling every weekend for work, and I was in the middle of Manhattan trying to make it in fashion. Somehow we made our relationship work… long distance is not easy, but it’s doable if it’s the right person. In October of 2014 Evan relocated to Knoxville, TN and although Knoxville is great, I didn’t necessarily think it was the best place for a transition back to the south. Like I always say, timing is everything. Before we knew it, Evan had the opportunity to do his job in Nashville. When the time was right for me, I knew it would be a great place to start our life together. Long story short, here we are. Close to where we first met, and ready to tackle our first real experience at living in the same city, and enjoy being engaged.
Q: WHAT WILL YOU DO IN NASHVILLE?
A: This seems to be the million dollar question. If I don’t get asked this at least 5 times a day, something is not right. The answer is very simple actually. I am going to LIVE. I have faith that the right opportunity will greet me when I am ready. Right now my focus is Lex What Wear and getting settled. New York City is the city of dreams, and I still firmly believe it. However, sometimes in a city like New York your dreams take the back seat when real life calls. You hustle every day, you put yourself out there and you continue to dream even when you are told your dreams are unachievable. I still have the same dreams, but I need time to reassess and confidently chase after them.
Q: WHAT HAS LIVING IN NEW YORK TAUGHT YOU?
A: A MILLION things! This answer could get really long, so in order to keep it short, I’d have to say the most important thing it has taught me is who I am. In the most vulnerable situation, in the biggest city full of millions of people, being alone will rock you to the core. Discovering who you are in the midst of the chaos can be a challenge. I don’t think I ever had a true sense of who I was before I was forced into the unknown and uncomfortable to figure it out. People always say, “You can’t love someone who doesn’t love themselves.” If we don’t know who we are, how can we love who we are? I’m glad to say that New York opened my eyes to to accepting my past, present and future self.
Q: WHAT IS THE KEY TO A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP?
A: Surprisingly I get this a lot. I’ve been in a few long distance relationships, all of which I am thankful for. I am a true believer that there is a purpose for every friendship and relationship in life, whether it has ended or it has flourished into something beautiful. Every situation provides the opportunity to learn and grow. We aren’t truly living unless we are constantly learning and growing. So my 3 keys to a successful long distance relationship (in no particular order) are: TRUST, SECURE SENSE OF SELF, COMMUNICATION. From these three things, a loving relationship can manage itself. That does not go without saying you don’t have to work hard at it, but every relationship in life takes work. You must trust one another, trust the Lord, and trust the timing and purpose of the relationship. You must also be secure and mentally strong. Insecurities create jealousy and expectations. Jealousy and creating expectations are the root of all evil if you ask me. It will tear you and your relationships apart quicker than you think. Lastly, you must communicate. Communication matters. Thankfully with today’s technology, FaceTime and Skype allow you to literally communicate as if the person was across the table from you. Make an effort to communicate… that’s it!
Q: HOW DOES YOUR ANXIETY IMPACT EVERYDAY LIFE?
A: That’s a great question. If you missed my post about GAD you can read it HERE. I intend to do a post soon that shows some of the key steps and processes I incorporate into day-to-day life to successfully live with the illness. I will say today that I have a good handle on my anxiety, but that is with practice and the development of mental toughness. There are some days that I over-think things, criticize myself, worry too much and make myself a total mess. I’d say I have at least one day a week that’s like that, but with so much change right now, I’m not beating myself up over it, rather I am working through it. Plus, I have the most understanding and supportive fiancé who helps walk me through any anxious thought or situation. There are several things I do everyday that help calm any anxious thoughts and one of them is this blog. It is the constant in my life that I know I can rely on to keep me focused and grounded. In my upcoming post, I will share other tips for living with GAD. I welcome any questions about this topic and I will do my best to answer.
Q: WHAT WOULD I FIND PLAYING ON YOUR PLAYLIST RIGHT NOW?
A: I’m a bit all over the place with music, because I love it all! If I catch myself singing “Hello” by Adele one more time I might go crazy, but here’s the list:
Q: WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING?
A: It’s all FUN! But the best part is envisioning the day with Evan. I’ve always been a planner of sorts so this whole thing is right up my alley. It also doesn’t hurt that my sister-in-law is a wedding and event planner professionally. Having her help has been essential to tackling the bigger tasks and wedding to-do’s. Obviously I was one of those girls who has had a Pinterest wedding board for years. It’s kinda funny to see how my ideas and wants have changed as I have changed over the years. So far, I have crossed the following off the list: Date & Venue, Photographer, Videographer, Band and Hair & Make Up. Soon I will share how I ask my Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids to be apart of the big day, it’s super CUTE!
Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING IN YOUR CLOSET RIGHT NOW?
A: Over the knee boots and a poncho! Cliche fall answer, but totally true. I live in these ponchos every day because they are so easy! Plus, if you find a heeled boot that is comfortable, you wear it. Getting dressed in the morning is super fun when you love your wardrobe; that’s a fact!
Q: ESSIE OR OPI?
A: This is also a great question. The answer is BOTH! I go back and forth with which one lasts longer and who has the best colors. I tend to get a weekly manicure / polish change, because I just can’t paint my own nails! Not to mention, a little girl time is always needed. Here’s what I’m loving right now:
Q: WHATS 1 THING YOU WANT TO DO IN THE FUTURE?
A: Write a book! I’ve been keeping journals my entire life and I have loved writing since I was a little girl. Both of my parents were journalists and my mom still writes for a living today. I want to write several books in fact. One about experiences, one about possible experiences, and a short book that could have an impact on young girls going through adolescence. I am sure I could think of a million things to write books about, and maybe one day I will!
Leave a Reply