Growing Up

I overheard the mother of a dance studio owner/instructor that she always wanted to own a dance studio. She's always loved dance. And when you see shows about famous musical artists or actors, the parents often say, "Its no surprise they do what they do- they've been singing/acting since they were 3!" I have always thought, "What the heck have I done since I was three that I could make a career out of?!" If there wasn't anything I could think of, was I doomed to never have a dream which meant I'd never get to live a dream? For the longest time I thought there must not be a dream since I didn't consistently care about anything for that long of a time. Then I thought of something.

As I looked back at pictures of myself (out to prove how horrible I was at fashion all growing up) I realized I wasn't sooo off. I was just thinking differently than others. I found that I tried hard with what I was given. I remember being in 6th grade English getting made fun of for my pants that were too short. But I went outside the box that day to be fashionable. Those pants went with the outfit. I didn't think EVERYONE would notice how short they were. My other pants just wouldn't do.

Clothes were not at the forefront of my parents' minds. I don't blame them...they had four kids to clothe. But for me, there was always something special about clothes. I usually got hand-me-downs from my older sister which was fine but when my mom bought something just for me- especially a complete outfit- I was thrilled! I loved going to the store and picking things out. I loved back to school and wore the new fall outfit even though it was 75 degrees. Its funny looking back at how much it meant to me over the years. I wasn't always good at it, as the pictures show, but I do remember it being very important none the less. And that I was always determined to get it right.

So, here are some pictures of me as I grew through fashion. If you have a dream, you should go for it. Whether its something that started at a young age or something brand new. Though I do encourage you to look back at what really meant a lot to you over the years...and let me know!

Shoes

There's nothing in the fashion world that makes me happier than shoes. I had written a post about finding that new shoe. I found these heels and bought them for $50 with a couple gift cards. When they came they were beautiful. But (and I never thought I'd say this because it sounds silly) they made my feet look fat. Weird as it sounds, it can happen. So I returned them and somehow got cash for them. I looked around for another pair. I ended up finding these boots for $13! I had set out to find a riding boot but it turns out they look weird on me. So, I bought these. They are more me. And I still have enough money left over to find the sandals or heels I've been searching for.

Sweating an Example

Its been really hard staying on top of things this winter. How many times have you resorted back to sweats or yoga pants? I have to say, I am totally on board with it! Shocked? Well, let me explain.

I realize that while we shouldn't go out in public with pj pants or sweats, at home in this cold, snowy weather...its not all that bad. I'm always cold so jeans have been hard to keep on all day.

I talked to another mom last week and we discussed this topic.

I realize that while I like to look put together at all times (so I don't eat too much or become lazy) there's something about being in comfy clothes that makes me a better mom. Now don't take this too far... you can still be put together and comfy!! (You can look like a cute mom in gym type clothes...)

My kids are still fairly little. I still need to be on the ground with them. I do worry about the knees of my jeans every time I get down on the ground. They wear easily! Then my yoga pants put me at ease.

So, since we are all different, wear what will make you a better mom. For me, its usually jeans and a nice fitted top so I don't get lazy and eat. But there are the days that being in gym clothes lets me play more, which makes me a fun mom. As long as you are setting a good example for your children by showing that you are taking care of yourself in some way and that you are totally in love with them, then go for it.

Closing Example:

A mom told me, "You always look cute a drop off. I'm always in gym clothes because I drop off then go running and then come back to pick up. I feel gross." I told her, "What you are showing is that you care about yourself enough to exercise. That is a good example to your kids and other parents. It shows you are using your alone time wisely. Only start to worry if you are wearing sweats or pjs that might represent you do not care."

Its not so much what you're wearing as much as what you are representing. What example do you set with your clothes?

What's missing here?

Ugh! Have you ever had the perfect outfit only to realize you don't have the right shoes? Its like pouring a bowl of cereal and then opening the fridge to see there is no milk. I thought I had the right shoes that will work with all my outfits. But then there are those days that I realize I could use one more. One that ACTUALLY goes with more than I think. I'm on the hunt for a new pair of shoes. Comfy, chic, versatile ones. Ones that will work with all the outfits I put together that I then look down to realize....there is something missing.

Looks I Love

Just some looks I'm in love with right now. Stripes are in this spring. And you can never go wrong with some form of chambray (denim look-alike) and cashmere! I love casual sweaters/tops with a girly skirt. A blazer with an embellished tee and denim look confident and pulled together. And I'm absolutely obsessed with this pink jacket and how its done with this outfit!

I'm so excited for Spring '11! Even though its negative degrees today, its spring time at the mall.

Happy Retail Spring!

Leave it to a Professional

Do you cut your own hair or do you go to a stylist? Paint your own nails or get a manicure? Shop for clothes on your own or use a personal shopper? Some things you'd just feel better having a professional help you with. I admit I paint my own nails but it doesn't compare to when they are professionally done. I don't cut my hair because I don't know how or what might be best for my hair's thickness and texture. Shopping is the same thing. If you don't know how to shop for your coloring, size, shape...there are people that do.

I took someone out yesterday for that reason. Its ok not to know what you're doing at the store! But it helps to have someone that does. I had such a blast yesterday picking out a new spring wardrobe for this woman! She struggled with the frustration that things didn't fit perfectly or she just couldn't make things work. She had a hard time with self-confidence especially in a fitting room. I went along to help her find what works. She got a whole new wardrobe and looks fantastic! I've been working with this woman for over a year and she has grown so much!

She used to cry and feel discouraged. Now she puts things on and smiles. She knows that she can now make clothes work for her not against her. She's even gone shopping on her own after all she's learned and I'm very impressed!

It helps to have someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to helping you look and feel your best. It used to take all day when this woman shopped for herself and she would get overwhelmed and depressed. Now that we do it together, it took us only two hours to build a complete new wardrobe including shoes and accessories.

If you would like assistance with your shopping or figuring out your closet, I'd love to help. I absolutely love what I do and look forward to every clothing chance I get! I want to help women feel strong, confident, and beautiful.

Before and after pictures to come...

Sales are Distracting

I would just like to reiterate sticking to your style. I was about to buy something that was cheap. I mean really good deal. It would've looked good on me and I would've loved it. But then it hit me, it wasn't the style that was really me. I would probably put it on as a safety item and not a proud one. It would've been one of those cheap buys that would have cost me money and space. I've got to really think about my closet space and how I don't want items in there that are just going to distract or confuse me when I'm trying to get ready. If its only a so-so item then you will only pass over it or put it on only to take it off because it wasn't perfect. (Ever have the heap of clothes on your bed..the rejects? Ugh! How long does it take to put those back!?)

You want to feel comfortable when in your clothes. And I DON'T mean sweats kind of comfy!! I mean you don't want to have to fidget, you want to know your outfit works and it isn't the first thing on your mind. When I'm at work I want to be thinking about work, not constantly wondering, "does this work?"

So, careful shopping!! There are a lot of distractions out there. They're called sales. PLEASE love your pieces when you buy them! Make sure they work with other things in your wardrobe. And that they are YOU. That clearly represent your personality and how you really feel. (If you're not sure, let someone in the business help you! We may not have spent a lifetime getting to know you but we know what we are talking about. We only need to know you for a few minutes to be able to dress you correctly)