Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I Moved!
Hello faithful readers!
I am launching my own business as a Stylist and Personal Shopper, and the first stages of this new endeavor is my new blog.
Please come see me at www.southern-creative.com
Hope you enjoy the new blog!
I am launching my own business as a Stylist and Personal Shopper, and the first stages of this new endeavor is my new blog.
Please come see me at www.southern-creative.com
Hope you enjoy the new blog!
Friday, November 4, 2011
15 Tips on Dressing Well Every Time You Step Out the Door.
Since it's raining I decided I would share with you some tips on dressing well. These tips are universal and can be applied to any body type, any style, and any age. Unfortunately, I can't take credit for them even though I want to. I found them in the October issue of InStyle Makeover. There are 50 of them, but since it's raining I don't feel like listing them all so if you want to see them all let me know and i'll get them for you. Alright, here we go!
1). Accessorize in Brights: Bright accents make any neutral outfit go from "meh" to "what up?! I'm awesome." Pick a brightly colored purse, scarf, piece of jewelry, or pair of shoes and you are good to go. They can be paired with a white t-shirt and jeans with very little thought or emotional distress for you.
2). Know Your Stretch: This one was somewhat new to me, but super helpful. The secret to perfect fitting jeans that don't lose their shape is at least 2% lycra. Stretch is good, but don't abuse it!
3). Show Skin Strategically: This is key to not accidentally looking like a street-walker. If you are wearing shorts or a shorter skirt/dress, don't show too much skin up top or vice versa.
4). Consider the Wear and Care: Decide how much effort you are willing to put into caring for your clothes before you buy that really beautiful top that needs to be dry cleaned. Be honest! If you are not really going to go to the dry cleaner or hand wash things that need to be dry cleaned or hand washed, don't buy them. You'll wear it once and then not be able to wear them again when and if you get it dirty.
5). Embrace Your Shape: This should be the first tip on the list. Seriously. Find out how to dress your shape and you will feel great all the time. The tough part about this is that sometimes you will have to pass up trends because they don't look the best on your shape. If you are petite and shapely, avoid column shapes or billowy maxi dresses even if you love them and they look so good on tall people. Look for dresses with a defined waist and a fuller skirt. You'll love how tiny your waist looks and how the skirt flows over the areas you might be insecure about. If you are unsure how to dress your shape, just ask me. I would love to help you!
6). Make a List Before You Shop: This is like your grocery list but in reverse. Instead of making a list of what you don't have, make a list of what you do have. Write down your favorite pieces of clothing in your closet (or take pictures of them!) so when you are shopping you can be confident that what you're buying will fit perfectly into your existing wardrobe.
7). Hit the Dressing Room Prepared: When shopping for a special occasion bring the proper undergarments with you. This will ensure that you buy the right size. I've bought a fitted dress in one size and then brought it home and wore it with those awesome things that suck you all in and the dress was too big. Bummer right? Also, you'll love the way you look in the dressing room instead of hoping that it works once you get it home.
8). Always Check Out the Rear View: Don't leave the house until you love how you look from every angle. If you don't love it, fix it or it will drive you crazy all day.
9). Round Down in Denim: We've all stood in the dressing room going back and forth between two different sizes of jeans wondering which ones to pick. Fortunately, I have the answer. If it has at least the minimum amount of stretch that I mentioned before it will stretch out a little so go with the smaller size. Now, this is only if they fit! If they won't button, that is not the size for you. However, if both size fits but one is just slightly tighter go with the tighter one and you won't have that saggy butt conundrum.
10). Edit Your Closet: Don't cram your closet so full that you can't see everything you own. I am NOT good at this. If you have questions about this, check out my sister's blog www.twentypieces.org. Her and her friend Julie will tell you all about editing your closet.
11). Open Your Mind: Don't just assume that something won't look good on you. Try it on, but be honest with yourself on how it looks. You might be surprised with what you find!
12). Own At Least One Thing That's Leopard: Yes. I said it. Leopard! It's awesome and a really fun neutral. You can do leopard shoes, a leopard belt, or even a leopard sweater or shirt. Please don't wear them all at the same time though. Only one piece at a time!
13). Never Buy a Boring Coat: Outerwear is a really easy and fun way to spice up an outfit, so take advantage of it!
14) .If You Have a Limited Budget, Spend it on Accessories: Buy classic clothing and have fun with accessories. You can buy cheap accessories that look great and add a major punch to your wardrobe.
15). Create Your Own Lookbook: I thought this was a really good idea. If you put together an outfit that gets lots of compliments, take a picture and save it on your phone or computer. That way when you are trying to recreate that look or create another one you can remember what you did that everyone loved so much.
So, there you have it. Fifteen of the fifty tips from the magazine. These were the best in my opinion and I hope they help. Just remember, shopping or getting dressed does not to be emotionally scarring. If it is, just call me and i'd love to help. I hope you find these tips helpful! Just remember, have fun and dress the way you are comfortable. Don't wear something simply because it's trendy, wear it because you love it and it looks good.
1). Accessorize in Brights: Bright accents make any neutral outfit go from "meh" to "what up?! I'm awesome." Pick a brightly colored purse, scarf, piece of jewelry, or pair of shoes and you are good to go. They can be paired with a white t-shirt and jeans with very little thought or emotional distress for you.
2). Know Your Stretch: This one was somewhat new to me, but super helpful. The secret to perfect fitting jeans that don't lose their shape is at least 2% lycra. Stretch is good, but don't abuse it!
3). Show Skin Strategically: This is key to not accidentally looking like a street-walker. If you are wearing shorts or a shorter skirt/dress, don't show too much skin up top or vice versa.
4). Consider the Wear and Care: Decide how much effort you are willing to put into caring for your clothes before you buy that really beautiful top that needs to be dry cleaned. Be honest! If you are not really going to go to the dry cleaner or hand wash things that need to be dry cleaned or hand washed, don't buy them. You'll wear it once and then not be able to wear them again when and if you get it dirty.
5). Embrace Your Shape: This should be the first tip on the list. Seriously. Find out how to dress your shape and you will feel great all the time. The tough part about this is that sometimes you will have to pass up trends because they don't look the best on your shape. If you are petite and shapely, avoid column shapes or billowy maxi dresses even if you love them and they look so good on tall people. Look for dresses with a defined waist and a fuller skirt. You'll love how tiny your waist looks and how the skirt flows over the areas you might be insecure about. If you are unsure how to dress your shape, just ask me. I would love to help you!
6). Make a List Before You Shop: This is like your grocery list but in reverse. Instead of making a list of what you don't have, make a list of what you do have. Write down your favorite pieces of clothing in your closet (or take pictures of them!) so when you are shopping you can be confident that what you're buying will fit perfectly into your existing wardrobe.
7). Hit the Dressing Room Prepared: When shopping for a special occasion bring the proper undergarments with you. This will ensure that you buy the right size. I've bought a fitted dress in one size and then brought it home and wore it with those awesome things that suck you all in and the dress was too big. Bummer right? Also, you'll love the way you look in the dressing room instead of hoping that it works once you get it home.
8). Always Check Out the Rear View: Don't leave the house until you love how you look from every angle. If you don't love it, fix it or it will drive you crazy all day.
9). Round Down in Denim: We've all stood in the dressing room going back and forth between two different sizes of jeans wondering which ones to pick. Fortunately, I have the answer. If it has at least the minimum amount of stretch that I mentioned before it will stretch out a little so go with the smaller size. Now, this is only if they fit! If they won't button, that is not the size for you. However, if both size fits but one is just slightly tighter go with the tighter one and you won't have that saggy butt conundrum.
10). Edit Your Closet: Don't cram your closet so full that you can't see everything you own. I am NOT good at this. If you have questions about this, check out my sister's blog www.twentypieces.org. Her and her friend Julie will tell you all about editing your closet.
11). Open Your Mind: Don't just assume that something won't look good on you. Try it on, but be honest with yourself on how it looks. You might be surprised with what you find!
12). Own At Least One Thing That's Leopard: Yes. I said it. Leopard! It's awesome and a really fun neutral. You can do leopard shoes, a leopard belt, or even a leopard sweater or shirt. Please don't wear them all at the same time though. Only one piece at a time!
13). Never Buy a Boring Coat: Outerwear is a really easy and fun way to spice up an outfit, so take advantage of it!
14) .If You Have a Limited Budget, Spend it on Accessories: Buy classic clothing and have fun with accessories. You can buy cheap accessories that look great and add a major punch to your wardrobe.
15). Create Your Own Lookbook: I thought this was a really good idea. If you put together an outfit that gets lots of compliments, take a picture and save it on your phone or computer. That way when you are trying to recreate that look or create another one you can remember what you did that everyone loved so much.
So, there you have it. Fifteen of the fifty tips from the magazine. These were the best in my opinion and I hope they help. Just remember, shopping or getting dressed does not to be emotionally scarring. If it is, just call me and i'd love to help. I hope you find these tips helpful! Just remember, have fun and dress the way you are comfortable. Don't wear something simply because it's trendy, wear it because you love it and it looks good.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Boots and Fall
I'm not sure any fashion item is as great and as classy looking as a great pair of boots. I've been on a mission to find the perfect pair of flat boots and I think I found them yesterday! They have a red zipper... I know, awesome. My cousin and I have had conversations about boots because she finds it difficult to wear them with jeans and wanted to know how to do it. I braced myself as I told her the only way to wear jeans with boots was to wear... wait for it... skinny jeans! Now, that may not seem like a big deal to most of you, but us Heath women have been "blessed" with substantial thighs. Thighs with substance can make skinny jeans almost impossible, or at the very least, completely frightening. However, i've been successful lately and found a few pairs of skinny jeans that have worked on me. I think you just have to try them all on until you find the pair that doesn't make you look ridiculous. Make sure they are not skin tight all the way to your ankles and you'll feel better about them... I promise. I'm not saying they make my thighs look tiny, but they aren't as scary as I thought they would be.
If you are as skeptical of skinny jeans as my cousin is and I used to be, then try just a narrow cut jean. Tight on top and as little flare as possible at the bottom is key for them fitting into your boots with scrunching and giving you the old fashioned pantaloon look. Boots and leggings are awesome too, just make sure you wear a long enough shirt or sweater to cover your backside. Remember, spandex is a privilege not a right.
Here are some great outfits with boots:
If you are as skeptical of skinny jeans as my cousin is and I used to be, then try just a narrow cut jean. Tight on top and as little flare as possible at the bottom is key for them fitting into your boots with scrunching and giving you the old fashioned pantaloon look. Boots and leggings are awesome too, just make sure you wear a long enough shirt or sweater to cover your backside. Remember, spandex is a privilege not a right.
Here are some great outfits with boots:
I'm not sure there is anything classier than this look. Simple black dress, simple brown boots. Notice how the dress isn't too short and tight and the boots aren't resembling a certain Julia Roberts character? That's the fine line between fashion/class and street/walker. Oh, and yes you can wear brown boots with a black dress. Just watch the tones of each color.
Do I really need to say anything about this? Notice how her jeans scrunch just a little bit? That's totally fine and most likely going to happen no matter what you do to avoid it. I love the tall socks and her scarf is awesome. Now, if it would just get cold around here...
Love the lacy dress, sweater tights, and reddish/brown boots. So many different textures and tones going on, but it all works. I know this can be scary for some people, but the more you mess around with it (or mimic pictures like this) the more comfortable you will get with combining textures and colors. If you know me personally, just text me a picture if you are unsure :-).
Happy fall everyone! Hopefully it will actually feel like fall soon. Go get yourself a great pair of boots and a pumpkin spice latte and pretend it's cold outside, that's what I do. I actually have myself convinced that if I dress like it's fall then the weather will change. Maybe if we all do it...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Flav of the Week: Hope and Heritage
Yes, I know it has been more than a week since I last posted, but you'll overlook that right? Thank you, I appreciate it.
This week's feature involves incredibly adorable pictures of a little baby boy named Jude, so you should enjoy this!
Meet Sara. Sara and I (and our sister's) grew up together and spent pretty much our entire childhood together. We're all grown up now and Sara is a new mom with a beautiful baby boy named Jude. She also is working on her Doulah certification and has this great little Etsy shop making baby things with her mom. Her stuff is absolutely fantastic! Just wait and see...
This week's feature involves incredibly adorable pictures of a little baby boy named Jude, so you should enjoy this!
Meet Sara. Sara and I (and our sister's) grew up together and spent pretty much our entire childhood together. We're all grown up now and Sara is a new mom with a beautiful baby boy named Jude. She also is working on her Doulah certification and has this great little Etsy shop making baby things with her mom. Her stuff is absolutely fantastic! Just wait and see...
Stinkin' cute right?! I love this hat. The knots on the top are just too much cuteness for anyone to resist.
Along with hats and all other sorts of things, she makes these great little baby wraps. They have the little hood so they stay all snuggled up once you get them out of the bath.
I think this is one of my favorite things that Sara makes. This holds the baby and wraps around your body so that you can still have your little munchkin snuggled up close to you, while still retaining the use of your arms. Also, dads can use this too! I've heard they are also great for airplane travel because they don't have any metal pieces like normal baby carriers, so you don't have to take them off and send them through the carry-on scanner. This means you have much less disruption to the happiness of everyone around you since you won't have to wake up your baby to go through security. Good stuff right?
I just bought a nursing cover and the baby wrap for one of my best friends and it is adorable, feels and looks great, and she loves it. Also, if you order from Sara and are buying it as a gift make sure you get the gift bag she makes because it's way cuter than a normal gift bag!
So my faithful few, go check our her site and her blog (yep she has a blog about being a new mom and it's great)!
Enjoy!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Flav of the Week: Beautiful Blossoms
I've decided to do a little weekly segment on this blog called "Flav of the Week". My first pick is a little Etsy shop owned by my friend Jenny called Beautiful Blossoms.
Meet Jenny:
Meet Jenny:
Yep, that's actually Jenny. Jenny is super fun and one of the most hard-working women I know. I really like her. She hand makes all of her headbands and she can make almost anything you see into a baby headband version! She made one for me to give to my cousin Amy on her first birthday and it was adorable. This headband would be totally gorgeous as a wedding headpiece (p.s. that's what it's designed for, so good job Jenny!)
Next up! These super cool flower headbands. I have one that is all green flowers with white lace underneath and I love it. Amazingly enough, that little thin metal headband that looks like it would dig into your head and never come out again doesn't hurt at all. I wore my headband all day today (from 10:45am-10:30pm... so seriously, all day) and it really did not hurt. Every once and awhile I would just slightly adjust the position of the headband and it would be totally fine. Even if I hadn't done that it really wouldn't have hurt beyond maybe just a tiny bit of soreness.
This is another one of her gorgeous wedding headpieces. So simple, but so pretty.
I love how this one looks. The leaves underneath are so cool.
Peacock feathers are super popular right now and I love the color combinations on this headpiece. It's dramatic but not over the top, which I think is perfect. This would be super cute for bridesmaids or just for fun!
Jenny has so much more on her Etsy shop that you should definitely go check out! Do it. Now!
All of Jenny's headbands and clips look and feel great. I promise. She does a great job and has a really good eye for color combinations and detail.
Check her out!
When you get to the website just type in beautifulblossoms in the search field and she will pop right up! Well, not Jenny herself, because that would be scary...
Enjoy! Stay tuned next week for my second pick!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Speaking Out for Groomsmen Everywhere
I've been thinking about a job lately that I think would be pure awesome. Wedding stylist. Not wedding planner, not wedding consultant, but stylist. The job would be to meet with brides and help them create their vision for their big day, but I wouldn't have to deal with the crazy of the actual day (awesome right?!). The goal is for everything about their wedding day to represent the couple, and works together to create their perfectly "them" wedding day.
This is something I already do with my brides when I help them pick their wedding dress. I ask questions so that I can get an idea of what look they are envisioning in their head and I try to help them create that. Unfortunately, some of them don't quite get that if they are doing an outdoor wedding in July then they should probably move away from the giant ballgown with the 8 foot train that ways 75 pounds (if we're lucky) and the black formal tuxes for the guys. There is only so much I can do to sway them toward picking a dress and bridal party attire that not only fits their personality but fits their venue and wedding date.
If you're getting married in the summer (especially in Southern California), why not give your groomsmen the gift of not suffering from heatstroke? It's really the best present you could give them. Put them in a lighter material and color and Ta-dah! You no longer have red-faced, sweaty groomsmen in your pictures for the rest of your life. Also, they will still be your friend. I always feel bad for the guys. The girls get to wear little summer dresses while the guys take one for the team in heavy polyester blends.
This is summery perfection:
Apart from the fact that his suit doesn't fit very well, this is appropriate for an outdoor summer wedding. Heck, I'd even adios the jacket and let the guys wear vests and fun shirts instead.
P.S. I'm in love with this dress.
This is something I already do with my brides when I help them pick their wedding dress. I ask questions so that I can get an idea of what look they are envisioning in their head and I try to help them create that. Unfortunately, some of them don't quite get that if they are doing an outdoor wedding in July then they should probably move away from the giant ballgown with the 8 foot train that ways 75 pounds (if we're lucky) and the black formal tuxes for the guys. There is only so much I can do to sway them toward picking a dress and bridal party attire that not only fits their personality but fits their venue and wedding date.
If you're getting married in the summer (especially in Southern California), why not give your groomsmen the gift of not suffering from heatstroke? It's really the best present you could give them. Put them in a lighter material and color and Ta-dah! You no longer have red-faced, sweaty groomsmen in your pictures for the rest of your life. Also, they will still be your friend. I always feel bad for the guys. The girls get to wear little summer dresses while the guys take one for the team in heavy polyester blends.
This is summery perfection:
Apart from the fact that his suit doesn't fit very well, this is appropriate for an outdoor summer wedding. Heck, I'd even adios the jacket and let the guys wear vests and fun shirts instead.
P.S. I'm in love with this dress.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Vintage, Vintage, Vintage...
I've been slightly obsessed with design lately. I find myself looking at decor magazines, furniture catalogs, antique stores, anything! So, look what I found...
I found this in an amazing little shop in Chagrin Falls, OH. I can't tell you why I think this is so awesome, but I want it
If you love vintage too check out this Etsy shop and blog: www.sallyjanevintage.blogspot.com
I found this in an amazing little shop in Chagrin Falls, OH. I can't tell you why I think this is so awesome, but I want it
I'm going to make this some time soon. I just need to find the key. If you are out and about and see vintage keys like this, do me a solid and pick them up ok? Thanks! Add some sort of hook to the bottom of it and you've got one awesome key holder.
If you love vintage too check out this Etsy shop and blog: www.sallyjanevintage.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Vera Might be an Acquired Taste
So most of you who read my blog (all five of you!) know that i'm a bridal consultant. So, naturally, I keep an eye on what is going on in the bridal world. David's Bridal launched their White by Vera Wang line back in June, and I think it's awesome. Much to my surprise, most of the brides that I encounter don't agree. My first reaction is always "what the heck is wrong with you?!" Naturally, I don't say this to their face. Vera's dresses are beautiful, classic, and yet a little funky. In my mind, a perfect mix. I came across this dress and I'm interested to see what you all think. Too weird or too awesome?
I can't decide how I feel about it yet... something about it grabs me though. Tell me your thoughts!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Behold B H L D N
If you are an Anthropologie fanatic like myself, you probably already know about the glory that it is B H L D N. If you don't... behold! Go to www.bhldn.com and take yourself on a magical tour of the most beautiful and interesting wedding and bridesmaid dresses and accessories your eyes have ever seen. Then buy me a present.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, August 29, 2011
31 Bits
My friend shared this designer and collection with me and I just had to pass it on. She does really beautiful work!
www.31bits.com
My goal is to be able to do my hair like hers.
www.31bits.com
My goal is to be able to do my hair like hers.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Tailor Made
Yesterday I did something I don't do very often. I went into a thrift store. Don't get me wrong, thrift stores can be awesome places to find really fun things, but they also smell like someone died in there. Therefore, I don't go in them very often. I decided to go check out one of the local thrift stores here and see what they had. Twenty minutes later I walked out with three dresses for under 20 bucks. Score! Now, if you're anything like me and your upper body is a different size than your lower body (and i'm talking like two sizes different at least) buying stuff without trying it on can be risky. So, when I brought home my three dresses (one of which is a 60 dollar Vera Wang dress), I tried them on and, as expected, they fit perfectly on top and a little snug on the bottom. Did this depress me? No! I've just decided to utilize this awesome place called a tailor. So, i'm turning at least one of them into a shirt (it was definitely on the short side anyway so it wasn't going to be a normal dress...), and letting out areas of the last one. Since I already had a dress that needed to go to the tailor after an unfortunate zipper incident at my cousin's wedding (final outcome: I got sewn into my dress), they'll be like a little family instead of all by their lonesome in a scary new place. Now, I just have to actually put myself in my car and do this...
Moral of the story: Don't take your clothes at face value. You can change them!
Moral of the story: Don't take your clothes at face value. You can change them!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Southern Love
Along with my slight obsession with vintage (or vintage looking) clothing, I've developed this strange obsession with the South. I've only been there once in my life, but apart from my hair losing it's ever-lovin' mind, I absolutely loved it. I love how green it is, I love how clear my skin was thanks to the humidity, and I love that vegetables get soaked in bacon. Have I also mentioned that I love color? All kinds of color? So, when I happened upon this southern wedding on one of my favorite style blogs I was in love. Everything about this wedding is perfect. Enjoy :-)
Sorry the pictures aren't super clear, but I'm not smart enough to fix that. I want that chandelier just for normal life.
See, there it is again.
Vintage teapots filled with multi-colored flowers as center pieces! Yes please.
The bride and groom were very nice looking as well, but their chandelier upstaged them. I love all the colors and how nothing really matches. It just feels comfortable and easy and personable, just like a sweet little wedding should.
P.S. You can see the rest of this wedding at www.stylemepretty.com it's actually in my "Blogs I Love" section right now.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
What the What?
A couple years ago I wrote a blog post about people who wear ugly pants. Well, I guess it's time for part two. I had some time to kill yesterday so I decided to wander around Target and just see what was going on. Much to my horror, I saw these:
What?! Why?! WHO WOULD DO THIS TO US?!! In case you can't tell, those are short overalls in a train conductor stripey denim. Now, I was a HUGE fan of overalls when I was in Jr. High, but they're done. Let them rest.
This just makes me so so sad.
What?! Why?! WHO WOULD DO THIS TO US?!! In case you can't tell, those are short overalls in a train conductor stripey denim. Now, I was a HUGE fan of overalls when I was in Jr. High, but they're done. Let them rest.
This just makes me so so sad.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Secrets Can Make Friends
I have this problem. I like things I could never afford. Since this problem is not going away for the forseeable future, and I have this suspicion that I would have a very difficult time paying $400+ for a pair of shoes even if I could afford them, I am forced to find ways to imitate what I see and fall in love with.
It's actually a lot of fun believe it or not! I consider it a challenge to find items of clothing or accessories or shoes that look really expensive (or originally were very expensive) for as cheap as possible. I rarely buy anything that isn't on sale unless it was cheap to begin with (even then it feels better when it's on sale!) so it makes shopping a little more difficult, and it means that I can't just buy whatever I see, but it also means that I get to go shopping more often because I am "keeping an eye" on certain pieces of clothing to see when they go on sale and how cheap they can get. I once waited about two months for a shirt that I really liked and I ended up getting it for $4. This is risky, but fun nonetheless. My motto is, "if it's not still here in the right size and color when it goes down as low as I want it to, then it wasn't meant to be mine." Is that sad that I have a motto about bargain shopping?
I am going to reveal my secrets to you now so listen carefully.
1). TJ Maxx and Marshalls: I would cry if they ever took these stores away from me. I own a pair of $300 shoes because I found them at Marshalls for $20.
2). H&M: This is one of the few stores that I can buy things at regular price, and they are awesome. They tend to have a good selection of retro clothing which I love so I go into conniptions whenever I walk in there. P.S. They are opening one at the Temecula mall. I did a happy dance when I saw the sign.
3). Target: You know what I mean.
4). Forever 21: This store overwhelms me. However, if you can block out the horrible music, bright florescent lighting, and the hordes of Jr. High girls, you can find some really great deals. Especially on jewelry. I bought a necklace there for $3.50 and I love it.
5). Anthropologie sale section: Check it every few days at least and sometimes you can find some really great deals. I got a $120 sweatshirt for $10 about a year ago.
Alright, now you have them. My not so secret bargain shopping secrets.
It's actually a lot of fun believe it or not! I consider it a challenge to find items of clothing or accessories or shoes that look really expensive (or originally were very expensive) for as cheap as possible. I rarely buy anything that isn't on sale unless it was cheap to begin with (even then it feels better when it's on sale!) so it makes shopping a little more difficult, and it means that I can't just buy whatever I see, but it also means that I get to go shopping more often because I am "keeping an eye" on certain pieces of clothing to see when they go on sale and how cheap they can get. I once waited about two months for a shirt that I really liked and I ended up getting it for $4. This is risky, but fun nonetheless. My motto is, "if it's not still here in the right size and color when it goes down as low as I want it to, then it wasn't meant to be mine." Is that sad that I have a motto about bargain shopping?
I am going to reveal my secrets to you now so listen carefully.
1). TJ Maxx and Marshalls: I would cry if they ever took these stores away from me. I own a pair of $300 shoes because I found them at Marshalls for $20.
2). H&M: This is one of the few stores that I can buy things at regular price, and they are awesome. They tend to have a good selection of retro clothing which I love so I go into conniptions whenever I walk in there. P.S. They are opening one at the Temecula mall. I did a happy dance when I saw the sign.
3). Target: You know what I mean.
4). Forever 21: This store overwhelms me. However, if you can block out the horrible music, bright florescent lighting, and the hordes of Jr. High girls, you can find some really great deals. Especially on jewelry. I bought a necklace there for $3.50 and I love it.
5). Anthropologie sale section: Check it every few days at least and sometimes you can find some really great deals. I got a $120 sweatshirt for $10 about a year ago.
Alright, now you have them. My not so secret bargain shopping secrets.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Bringing Beautiful Back
I helped a bride last night who got me thinking. She tried on a few dresses that I would never have picked out for myself. However, helping her was a very unexpected breathe of fresh air. In the three short months that I have been a bridal consultant I have become very accustomed to hearing the words, "I want to look sexy" in response to my question about what kind of styles they had in mind for their big day. It is no surprise that a bride wants to feel and look her absolute best on what is Lord willing her only wedding day, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that desire. However, should our desire be to look sexy or beautiful? Should we save the sexy for the wedding night and focus on the beauty of the bride and the covenant that they are entering into that day? I say yes.
Alright, back to my bride. She never once mentioned the word "sexy" nor did she say anything about wanting her chest to be pushed up to Canada (neither did her mother for that matter!). She simply said that she wanted to feel beautiful and timeless. She tried on a couple dresses that on the hanger I would have rolled my eyes at and said "oh Lord no". However, on her they were beautiful. She wanted to be covered up and she wanted to look like royalty. So, I brought her the dress that is quite literally the Kate Middleton wannabe dress. This dress is almost exactly like Kate's except for the fact that it has long lace sleeves instead of 3/4 sleeves like Kate's. She agreed to try it on and when she came out of the dressing room and I put a Vera Wang Cathedral veil with a lace edging on her, the group went silent. The simple response was "That's it." I could not believe how classic and elegant she looked. Probably the farthest thing from our modern definition of "sexy", but it was perfect that way. She looked like Grace Kelly.
There was one thing that her mom said when they were comparing which dress they liked better that really hit me. She said, "This dress allows her beauty to shine through, it doesn't distract from it." This wasn't just about how she looked. It was about who she was and how her wedding and her dress reflected that. I breathed a sigh of relief.
Are we afraid of beauty? Do we even know what true beauty is? I would say that at best we are very fuzzy on the definition. We have "sexy" thrown in our faces everywhere we go and I think we've mistaken it for beauty. "Beautiful" isn't the goal anymore, and that makes me sad.
Ladies, let's do our best to bring beautiful back to the wedding day and save sexy for the wedding night. Men, your job is to encourage it. Can we do that? I think we can.
*disclaimer* this is not a campaign for only wearing long sleeve dresses on your wedding day or any other day. It's just about being classy and appreciating true beauty over showing off everything you've got.
Alright, back to my bride. She never once mentioned the word "sexy" nor did she say anything about wanting her chest to be pushed up to Canada (neither did her mother for that matter!). She simply said that she wanted to feel beautiful and timeless. She tried on a couple dresses that on the hanger I would have rolled my eyes at and said "oh Lord no". However, on her they were beautiful. She wanted to be covered up and she wanted to look like royalty. So, I brought her the dress that is quite literally the Kate Middleton wannabe dress. This dress is almost exactly like Kate's except for the fact that it has long lace sleeves instead of 3/4 sleeves like Kate's. She agreed to try it on and when she came out of the dressing room and I put a Vera Wang Cathedral veil with a lace edging on her, the group went silent. The simple response was "That's it." I could not believe how classic and elegant she looked. Probably the farthest thing from our modern definition of "sexy", but it was perfect that way. She looked like Grace Kelly.
There was one thing that her mom said when they were comparing which dress they liked better that really hit me. She said, "This dress allows her beauty to shine through, it doesn't distract from it." This wasn't just about how she looked. It was about who she was and how her wedding and her dress reflected that. I breathed a sigh of relief.
Are we afraid of beauty? Do we even know what true beauty is? I would say that at best we are very fuzzy on the definition. We have "sexy" thrown in our faces everywhere we go and I think we've mistaken it for beauty. "Beautiful" isn't the goal anymore, and that makes me sad.
Ladies, let's do our best to bring beautiful back to the wedding day and save sexy for the wedding night. Men, your job is to encourage it. Can we do that? I think we can.
*disclaimer* this is not a campaign for only wearing long sleeve dresses on your wedding day or any other day. It's just about being classy and appreciating true beauty over showing off everything you've got.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Help
Monday night I got to go see "The Help" with some dear friends to celebrate my friend's birthday. I loved it. It's an incredible and beautiful story of courage, conviction, and love. I was moved not only by the story and the characters, but also by their clothes. I know, it's weird. Who is moved by clothing? I am. That's who! My poor friend Lisa sat next to me and had to listen to me gasp and sigh my way through the movie as each new and incredibly beautiful outfit graced the screen. She laughed at me.
They just don't make clothes the way they used to...
I loved their little hats. Don't you wish we wore little hats like that?
This woman was one of my favorite characters. She has absolutely fantastic clothes too. She was warm and sweet, and got to wear awesome clothes like that little skirt/blouse/belt combo. She also has this other outfit which made me actually exclaim "I want that!" pretty loudly in the movie theater. That's when Lisa rolled her eyes at me and laughed. I am absolutely positive that this is the style era that I was meant to live in. I could have done without all the political and social crazy at the time though.
This is on sale at Anthropologie if you are like me and can't get over the clothes in this movie.
They just don't make clothes the way they used to...
When you see the movie, you're going to want to smack that red-head in the floral dress... However, Bryce Dallas Howard did a fantastic job with that character. She has some of the greatest clothes though!
This woman was one of my favorite characters. She has absolutely fantastic clothes too. She was warm and sweet, and got to wear awesome clothes like that little skirt/blouse/belt combo. She also has this other outfit which made me actually exclaim "I want that!" pretty loudly in the movie theater. That's when Lisa rolled her eyes at me and laughed. I am absolutely positive that this is the style era that I was meant to live in. I could have done without all the political and social crazy at the time though.
This is on sale at Anthropologie if you are like me and can't get over the clothes in this movie.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
It's Time to Get Classy
I think it's fair to say that we as a nation have for the most part moved away from dressing well. Far far away. We have a tendency to think that we need to choose comfort or class and style. Guess what! That could not be further from the truth. It is absolutely possible to dress as well as our Grandparents did and still be comfortable. Sweatpants and t-shirts have become our staple outfits for running errands, people actually wear jeans to weddings and funerals (it's true. I've seen it.), and most men that do not work in an office where a suit is required don't even own one. In fact, we're lucky if they even have a blazer that isn't from their Jr. High dance. Friends, this does not have to be. We can dress well and still be comfortable, we do not have to look like swamp people. I'm not saying that we all need to look perfect at all times, never wear jeans and a t-shirt, or get comfy and cozy in our favorite yoga pants at the end of a long day. However, I do think we could (and should) put more work into dressing like we new we were leaving the house.
I love dressing up. Maybe it's because I don't get to do it that often, or maybe it's because it generally means that I get to wear a fabulous pair of heels. Either way, nothing feels better than putting on a great dress, beautiful heels, the perfect accessories, and doing your make up and hair.
Men, you never look better than when you've got a great fitting suit on. I promise. Just take a look...
Right ladies?
Ladies, it's your turn. It's time to think about kicking up your wardrobe choices. You can still wear your favorite pair of jeans, but add some heels and some accessories and ta-dah! You've fancied yourself up a bit! Or even better, get a really awesome vintage dress and learn first hand why everyone in the 1950's to early 1960's looked so awesome. Think about saving the yoga pants for those awesome nights when you do nothing but eat ice cream and watch crazy amounts of reality T.V. shows. It's amazing how much better you can feel about yourself by just spending 10-15 minutes longer getting ready than you normally would. Whether they are willing to admit it or not, I think the guys appreciate it too. Once again, this isn't about becoming high maintenance. It's about having fun with your clothes and enjoying how great you look. Just look how pretty!
By the way, this is from Banana Republic's "Mad Men" collection. I want the whole thing.
So, what do you say? Are you with me on this whole classing it up thing?
I love dressing up. Maybe it's because I don't get to do it that often, or maybe it's because it generally means that I get to wear a fabulous pair of heels. Either way, nothing feels better than putting on a great dress, beautiful heels, the perfect accessories, and doing your make up and hair.
Men, you never look better than when you've got a great fitting suit on. I promise. Just take a look...
Right ladies?
Ladies, it's your turn. It's time to think about kicking up your wardrobe choices. You can still wear your favorite pair of jeans, but add some heels and some accessories and ta-dah! You've fancied yourself up a bit! Or even better, get a really awesome vintage dress and learn first hand why everyone in the 1950's to early 1960's looked so awesome. Think about saving the yoga pants for those awesome nights when you do nothing but eat ice cream and watch crazy amounts of reality T.V. shows. It's amazing how much better you can feel about yourself by just spending 10-15 minutes longer getting ready than you normally would. Whether they are willing to admit it or not, I think the guys appreciate it too. Once again, this isn't about becoming high maintenance. It's about having fun with your clothes and enjoying how great you look. Just look how pretty!
By the way, this is from Banana Republic's "Mad Men" collection. I want the whole thing.
So, what do you say? Are you with me on this whole classing it up thing?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Suit up!
Welcome to my new blog! I have been thinking about starting a new blog for some time, but I just didn't have any clue what to write about. Then it came to me. After a few brief conversations with a good friend about his love of a good suit, watching "The Help" last night and seeing their incredibly beautiful clothes, and taking into account my life-long and ever-increasing love of beautiful clothes and accessories, I decided I would write about that. This blog will be about fashion mostly, but occasionally about food and entertaining. After all, great clothes are no fun if you have no reason to wear them... hello dinner party!
I hope you enjoy reading this and looking at the pictures, and I hope that I inspire you to search for truly beautiful and unique items for your wardrobe. Hopefully I can help you learn how to branch out of your normal clothing routine and learn how to pair accessories and colors as well.
Stay tuned for a post about how we should all dress up more, especially men. Guys, it's time to suit up!
P.S. If you want to read all about how to clean out your closet so you are ready to fill it with only beautiful and unique pieces (yes Cate, I know that isn't quite the purpose of your project), check out this awesome blog written by my sister Cate and her friend Julie.
www.twentypieces.org
I hope you enjoy reading this and looking at the pictures, and I hope that I inspire you to search for truly beautiful and unique items for your wardrobe. Hopefully I can help you learn how to branch out of your normal clothing routine and learn how to pair accessories and colors as well.
Stay tuned for a post about how we should all dress up more, especially men. Guys, it's time to suit up!
P.S. If you want to read all about how to clean out your closet so you are ready to fill it with only beautiful and unique pieces (yes Cate, I know that isn't quite the purpose of your project), check out this awesome blog written by my sister Cate and her friend Julie.
www.twentypieces.org
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