"You look beautiful by the way..."

He thought of her. He created her. He called her Beautiful. He loved her and grew her. He put daisies in her hair and danced with her in the meadow.

Beautiful wandered away from Him in the meadow and found others. They looked different. Beautiful found a mirror and saw that she didn't look like the others. Beautiful felt ugly. She felt fat. The others hurt her and called her names. Beautiful shrank and shriveled. Daisies were tossed and she no longer danced. Beautiful forgot her name. She put on fancy clothes and adornments and felt a little better. She felt strong and courageous. She felt rich and powerful. She felt empty and sad. She wept.

Beautiful was lonely. She walked around aimlessly in the meadow. She thought the power and strength came from the look. Maybe she needed to be thinner. She needed more expensive things. She needed more stuff on her face. She needed those people. She got bigger. She lost money. She felt lonely.

He whispered in her ear, "But I called you Beautiful."

She remembered.

She will dance again.

*****

Never underestimate the power of words. Not everyone knows their true beauty. Encourage someone that you think needs it the least. They probably need it the most.

80s in October!

Just when you think its Fall...

You finally made the switch to sweaters and boots. You get more used to the idea of covering up the feet and legs only for it to be 85 degrees. Now what? Its still Fall so you can't exactly pull out the shorts again. Here's what I suggest for keeping cool while still maintaining a Fall look.

Layer. You know it doesn't start off 80...it started off as 46 this morning. It isn't supposed to get to 85 till 5pm. I am wearing jeans. However, they are a lightweight summer jean. I'm wearing a fitted tshirt under a thin sweater with a fall scarf. As the day goes on, a layer will come off accordingly.

I also suggest some Fall dresses perhaps without the tights. Flats instead of boots so that most of your foot is exposed to the beautiful air. Some sandals are still ok.

Just keep in mind the colors of the season and make that a priority. Saturated colors like burnt orange, deep reds, rich purples, army greens, browns, creams, grays.

Cardigans are the best for this weather...in New England where the weather changes every minute- the on and off of a cardigan is a lifesaver!

Good luck today!

Some Fall Looks

Here are a few shots of what I've been wearing.

First, just a turtleneck sweater with bootcut jeans and dark brown booties. Just a simple fall look.

Next is a nice sweater with a long tank, leggings and tall brown boots. When I went out that night to a friend's house to hang out I added my green waxed cotton jacket.

At my friend's house, she played with makeup and gave me a new look (I realize its not the best picture but I wanted to show the look).

The last look was a dress from work that I added tights and boots to. It was a warmer fall day so the lighter material was perfect!

Fall Fashion

Welcome to Fall! My most favorite time of year! Bring out the boots and sweaters- its time!

Here are some things that are big for this season along with things I just love. Poncho sweaters, fur vests, and tall chunk-heel boots are in. I love fall colors too. The colors that are in for this season are camel, deep reds/purples, and grays.

I love the look of this cross-body too. I've never really been into them until now. Perfect for on the go and hands-free!

I've also attempted breaking the rules. I was told (and continue to tell others) that you can break the rules as long as you act like its the right choice. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Last night I felt like it worked. I wore black leggings, white button-down tunic, gray sweater, and brown boots. Mixing browns and grays was the rule I broke. I also added an army green jacket. I loved it! (Forgot to take a picture but I will and will post soon!)

Have fun- fall is a great time to play with fashion!

This Weekend in Clothes

So I am working with what I have right now. Mixing new and old and taking old pieces and making them work with my new style. So this weekend I worked with purple cardis...

The first purple cardi is with a gray tunic (borrowed from a friend), dark bootleg denim and brown booties. That was for a dinner we went to with friends on Saturday.

The long purple cardi was with a white tee, scarf, medium wash denim, and wheat sandals. That was for church yesterday. (And I got a compliment on the scarf! yay!)

I like simple. I don't like to fuss over my clothes. I felt really comfortable in them. I'd love to buy new clothes- especially for the fall season but this is what I have right now- and it works.

Suggested Amounts

In response to the comment about how much to own...

-Jeans: basic casual wash, darker casual wash, and a dressy denim (nicer "going out" jeans)

-Basic tees, tanks, camis

-Some sort of chino

-A couple sundresses

-One or two cocktail dresses (depending on your lifestyle)

-Cardigans: neutral colors(black, white, navy, tan/brown), at least one color, and at least one print

-Skirt

-White collared shirt

-Nice trousers

I believe anything else is added for fun and variety. Like I have a couple silky tank blouses that are nice for dressing up in a pinch. I like having a blazer to switch up the cardigan look. I would go with some basic pieces and add on to them. Accessories are cheaper (well, can be) and can change the look of an outfit without as much thought.

Think of it as buying a neutral couch and adding colorful pillows and throws. That way it'll be cheaper to stay current.

Hope this helps. If I think of anything else I will add :)

Cost and Worth

This is about finding clothes that might cost some money but in the end will make you feel worth more than you spent.

Don't look at the price tag...if you like a piece, try it on. That's how you will figure out your true style. Don't feel limited on what you can afford. Limiting yourself to trying on only cheap clothes will never solidify feeling like you have a style.

If it ends up being too expensive, you will at least know what works and what is you. You can then find the same type of thing for less money. Find the same style on sale somewhere else. Just shop around. Or wait and save. If you choose to purchase the item(s) you will also (hopefully) not buy as much which leads to less confusion when getting ready. Simplify your closet by only having a few key pieces that make up different outfits.

I had a client that bought her first pair of expensive jeans. (Luckily they were on sale) She said she never realized the difference because she never let herself try the expensive stuff. It made her feel better about herself. Like she was worth more. She was also able to identify her personal style. Hunt for sales of the good stuff- not cheap things cheaper. You'll end up spending the same amount of money (based on how long the cheap ones last verses how long the pricey one lasts). This woman bought cheap cheap cheap jeans her whole life and never loved anything she had. Her first time in the nice jeans she couldn't stop smiling because it made her feel good about herself.

You want to look and feel expensive- not because of status but because it makes you feel worth what you wear. After starting to redo my wardrobe, my new clothes make me feel important. I just feel good about myself. Others will feel that you are more approachable and will enjoy your confident company.

Whether costly or inexpensive, if the garment looks and feels pricey and fits your style- you will feel better about yourself.

Save up and buy smart. You are worth more than cheap clothes.