When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

Jessica Sturdy wearing a silver knotted bow dress by Kate Spade.

Happy New Year! While I had every intention of sharing a few sparkly ensembles before the new year, life got in the way last week. In fact, nothing has really gone “according to plan” these last few weeks and it’s been an excellent lesson(s) in something that I’ve been trying to work on over the last few months — letting go of the expectations and going with the flow.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a silver dress and black faux fur coat.

I was so excited to stay in town for that week between Christmas and New Years. While part of me wanting to jet off somewhere warm (It’s been f*cking FREEZING in Chicago. We’re talking negative temperatures for weeks on end… Ah!), I was looking forward to having a week to do a lot of reflecting on 2017 and planning for 2018. And to get ahead on some content for January, too! In my mind, there’s no better feeling than feeling PREPARED and READY for a new year. It’s all about the mindset, and I knew this plan was going to set me up for success. Let’s do this, 2018! New week, new month, new year all on a Monday… Couldn’t have planned it better if I tried.

Instead, I caught the flu from my sister-in-law on Christmas (she didn’t know she had it until the next day) and ended up getting back to Chicago just before I was knocked out on the couch for a week with a 103 degree fever, the worst hacking cough, and one of the more extreme cases of fatigue I’ve ever had. I luckily went to the doctor early enough to get the antiviral meds, but I’m still not 100% yet. My fever and body aches have thankfully subsided, but I’ve still got this relentless cough, I feel like my nose will never not need blowed, and I’m still tired AF throughout the day. Needless to say, I didn’t get any of my New Years content published on the blog. I didn’t do any reflecting on 2017. I didn’t get any planning for 2018 done. I didn’t get ahead on January content and I’m currently way behind schedule with what I had planned to post this first week of the year. And on top of that, I haven’t worked out in weeks, haven’t been eating healthy, and couldn’t feel more BLAH if I tried.

Jessica Sturdy wearing Loren Hope earrings and a black fur coat.

Why am I telling you all of this? I promise it’s not to complain. All of these curveballs have further exemplified what we already know… You can’t control what happens, but you can control how you react. Previously, this type of thing would be just what I needed to spin off into a downward spiral for a few weeks until I managed to pull myself out of the rut. “Nothing goes right. The year is off to a shit start. 2018 is doomed, just like 2017.” etc. etc.

Instead, I’m trying to give myself some compassion and simply do what I can right now. This isn’t how I would have liked to start the year, but in all actuality, the day and year are just numbers. Who really gives a shit if I mentally “start the year” next Monday on the 7th? I’m all for having a plan, but it’s just as important to be able to roll with the punches and re-write your plan when life gets messy and in the way.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a silver Kate Spade sweater dress.

So if you happen to be in a similar situation, don’t be so hard on yourself! Maybe you drank alcohol yesterday, or didn’t workout, or ate pizza instead of a salad. (Guilty on the last two…) Give yourself a break! What would you say to a friend if they were venting to you about the problems you’re facing? The whole month and/or year are not f*cked just because you went off-course for a day. Just start back up and do what you can today! Remember, you might not be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you react. Let go of your expectations (your ideas how it “should” be) and just go with the flow. xx

Jessica Sturdy wearing a silver Kate Spade pleated midi dress with a black fur coat.

While New Year’s Eve may be over, there are still a lot of fun things on the horizon… Winter weddings, charitable events like Snowball, or maybe even award show parties. I love how this silver Kate Spade sweater dress isn’t *too glitzy* and can really be worn for a lot of different occasions… Even work! Wear it with booties, tights, pointed pumps, a moto jacket, a cropped blazer… Tons of options!

Jessica Sturdy wearing Kate Spade glitter pom-pom ankle strap heels.

Get the Look…

Kate Spade Silver Midi Dress (also available here!)
1.State Black Faux Fur Coat (identical here & here; similar here, here, here, here, & here)
Kate Spade Glitter Pom-Pom Heels (on sale!)
Loren Hope Earrings
Loren Hope Bracelet
Black Envelope Clutch (old; similar here & here)
Red Lipstick: Dolce & Gabbana in 420

Jessica Sturdy wearing a silver dress in front of the Christmas tree at the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago.

Jessica Sturdy styling a black fur coat and silver dress.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a silver Kate Spade bow dress.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a black faux fur coat.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a silver dress with a bow-tied neckline.

Jessica Sturdy wearing a silver Kate Spade dress.

Jessica Sturdy wearing Kate Spade glitter pom-pom ankle strap heels with a silver dress.

Jessica Sturdy wearing sparkly earrings, a silver dress, and a black fur coat.

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11 Comments

  1. 1.2.18
    Lanie said:

    Thank you SO much for this post, Jess. It was exactly what I needed to hear. Happiest of 2018’s to you! xx

    • 1.5.18
      Jessica said:

      So glad to hear. Happy New Year, Lanie! xoxo

  2. 1.2.18
    Natali said:

    This is such a gorgeous and ladylike outfit! You are looking so glamorous and Kate Spade has been nailing it with the wonderful collections lately. 🙂 I also agree on your mindset, beating yourself up about something that you have no power to change anymore or don’t have control over, won’t make things better in any way but instead it will steal the joy of the present moment.

    https://lartoffashion.com/new-years-resolutions/

    • 1.5.18
      Jessica said:

      Well said! Thanks for chiming in, Natali! Happy New Year xx

  3. 1.3.18
    Kate said:

    Thank you so much for sharing! I came down with the flu after being a bridesmaid for an out of town wedding on Dec. 30 – and needed to still host New Years’ Eve for the bride and fly back home. It’s been so hard seeing all these motivational healthy posts when I still have two weeks of luggage on my floor and Christmas decor still up. So thank you for being real! I’ll be starting 2018 right there with you next Monday! And enjoying my unintentional extended twinkly lights display until then!

    • 1.5.18
      Jessica said:

      Sounds like the perfect storm… Glad you’re able to look on the bright side! Hope you’re feeling better and getting back on track. xoxo

  4. 1.3.18
    Betsie said:

    Experienced exact same! Forgot what it was like to feel so sick. I couldn’t move. The fever and body aches the worst. I lived on oyster crackers and ricola drops. What I learned health is wealth and the rest is all nonsense. Here’s to a healthy 2018 for us!

    • 1.5.18
      Jessica said:

      Allllllll of the healthy vibes for 2018! Hope you get well soon, lady! xo