The Outfit of Yesterday

If you saw me today, you know I wasn't wearing this. I call it my #OOY (outfit of yesterday). It was quite windy, and I included a couple outtakes for your enjoyment. Hope you made it through hump day happily. 

Meeting Sarah Jessica Parker

Our SJP "Meme"

The tweets

SJP herself, what a delight! Bonus: They didn't tackle me for taking a selfie.

Our beautiful new friend, SJP's sweet assistant. We love her!

My lovely cousin Katya, SO fun hanging in line with her!

Her mention of us on Instagram. 

My Carries, in love!

Square Pegs, Flight of the Navigator, Footloose, and Girls Just Want to Have Fun. I loved Sarah Jessica Parker way before she was Carrie Bradshaw. Carrie, was just the icing on the cake that is SJP.

A tad bit of Instagram stalking and a wild hair sent me on a mother daughter weekend with my 12 year old to Miami, on a mission to meet SJP during her whistle stop shoe signing tour. My friend at Nordstrom Aventura Mall tipped me off that she'd only be there one hour, so we'd better be early. I also knew if I wanted a chance to make a connection, I'd have to be creative. I decided to come up with a hashtag, #operationmeetsjp. I started documenting our trip from the start and what do you know, SJP responded to not one, but two of our tweets. She's a mom, and she loved it that we were doing this together. Fast friends we became. As she came down the escalator, her assistant pointed us out, she was looking for us! Social media allowed us the opportunity to skip introductions, and just be friends. I have the video to prove it. :)

I didn't have time to tell her a fraction of what I had to say. How I adore her as a mom and wife, how I respect her ability to balance career and family, what an an amazing example she sets for women and young girls, how I love that she puts the ones she loves the most first, and how much her fashion risks have inspired me over the years. I thanked her. For taking her time to do this, to make dreams come true for people like me who have adored her for so many years.

After our signing and selfie, we were interviewed by the local news station about our social media connection and then we headed off to hold up my the end of the bargain....taking my daughter shopping and to lunch. It really was a fantastic time. We waited about four and a half hours, but it was totally worth it. Nordstrom was super accommodating and took great care of us, we made so many new friends, and we had the chance to spend time with my sweet cousin Katya who actually moved to NYC from Russia years ago, after falling in love with Sex and the City.

The highlight of the trip was spending time with my family. We met up with my other cousin Milo one evening, and then spent our last day with my oldest son in Boca Raton. My daughter and I laughed, sang, and talked about all things girlie. We ate good, slept good, and played good. The weekend will go down as my best ever. So far anyway....no telling where my new purple Carrie's will take me. ;)

The "J" Word

jeal·ous  (jĕl′əs) adj. 1. Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of losing affection or position. 2. a. Resentful or bitter in rivalry; envious: jealous of the success of others. b. Inclined to suspect rivalry. 3. Having to do with or arising from feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness: jealous thoughts. 4. Vigilant in guarding something: We are jealous of our good name. 5. Intolerant of disloyalty or infidelity; autocratic: a jealous God.

My morning devotion agitated a raw spot in my heart. So today there will be no outfit, only a post on my feelings and I hope that's alright. I was lead to write this, and that's all the confirmation I need.

Today I read the following in my Joyce Meyer daily devotional. "Comparing our lives with other people's lives in unfair, to them and to us. It's unfair to them because if we become jealous of what they have, what they know, how they look, etc. we start to resent them. Then we can no longer appreciate them as the wonderful person that God made them to be. It's unfair to us because it limits God's plan for our lives. Comparison says to God, "I want to limit Your work in my life to this and nothing else. I just want to be like this other person, and have what they have."

In the definition of the word jealousy, letter b above says: Inclined to suspect rivalry. I wonder how many wonderful relationships we are robbing ourselves of because of our suspicions? Our judgements of others before we ever even give them a chance? I say this because I have battled this my entire life. I am tall, I like to dress nice, I was a cheerleader, a dancer, involved and outgoing. I have been labeled a "snob" and "selfish" and "all about me." People have even labeled me as materialistic. I would later receive apologies from friends that judged me before they knew me. Stating that they were wrong, for letting their suspicions and assumptions determine their opinion of me, rather than taking time to know my heart. This still happens today and I am 38 years old! It makes me sad. It hurts, because the desire of my heart is to be friends with everyone, and the thought that someone may take a step back because they don't want to take time to know me is painful.

I don't write this to paint the picture that I am totally unapproachable to everyone, because generally I do make fast friends. But in these situations when an assumption leads to a judgement, I feel like I get robbed. Do I do this to others? I am sure I have been guilty, and I have surely robbed myself on occasion.

I end with this. I took my daughter to a birthday party this weekend. I had to snap a picture of her face, pure joy in watching her friend open her gifts. She didn't have a second thought of jealousy, she was just full of joy to see her friend opening her gifts. Are we that way? Can we smile and feel happy for our friends when their good is SO good when our lives seem less than fantastic? Are we reaching out to celebrate with them? Or feeling left behind and resentful of their glory? I want to continue to find joy in the gifts my friends receive. I may think...WOW I sure would like that, or I sure wish I had it as good as they do, but I don't ever want that to get in the way of celebrating the good things in their lives. I also don't ever want to let my assumptions sabotage an opportunity to love someone. Because you know what, God has unique gifts for all of us and if we know that, and rest in that.....we won't have time for suspicions, assumptions, or jealousy.

Yes, Friday!

Sporting my V-Day gift, Watch: Michael Kors

It's Friday, and it just doesn't get much better than that. I am looking forward to a super busy weekend transporting children from lock-ins, to soccer, to tee ball, and birthday parties. Maybe, just maybe....there will be time to catch up on some shows, read, and relax on Sunday.

I'm working from home today, and in between emails and phone calls I am cleaning out my closet. I started thinking about last year, and the shop fast. I feel so very grateful for my closet today, and the clothes and shoes that are in it. There are always things I will want being a lover of fashion, but once again I feel so blessed to have what I need.

The Urge to Cut

This is the cut I'm considering, thoughts??

I REALLY want to cut my hair. Having short hair for over 10 years leaves me not knowing what to do with my growing locks. Today, I used the curling wand for what I call a "beachy waves" look. But I am running out of ideas.

So, the last picture is the cut I am considering, should I go for it? Or let it grow?

Sometimes......You Get More Than Groceries at Sam's Club

Yes, sometimes you get more than what you went in for when you go to Sam's Club. Today I got hit on....by a 70 year old. But you know what, I am not complaining. It made me smile, and he seemed happy to meet a new friend. It would have been the perfect time for Ellen to use me for a laugh like this one. 

I have to give my BFF credit for this amazing Banana Republic skirt. She thrifted it for me. Isn't it one of the happiest skirts ever? Orange is my favorite. I hope you are having a super hump day!

Bird is the Word

Thanks to one of my sponsors, eShakti, I am sporting a new dress today. A dress that I absolutely adore. What makes eShakti extra special is that you can custom order clothing to fit your measurements perfectly, which is a blessing for a tall girl like me. This is something pretty great for my shawties aka shorties out there too!

I chose this dress because it mixes two styles I love the most. Classic on top, and fun print on the bottom. It even has birds on it, and what's happier than birds? Of course I have to link to one of my favorite Portlandia clips, "put a bird on it", every time I talk about bird prints. Enjoy the laugh!

Christian Fashion Week

Sumita Bhojwani, LOVED these pants!

Julia Chew Finale

Julia Chew and her designs

A favorite by Julia Chew

Another favorite by Julia Chew

Saturday night I had the pleasure of representing Top Buttons at Christian Fashion Week. Top Buttons  is a nonprofit organization purposed to be a fashion resource with a modest twist for young women. They operate on three platforms. They have an online fashion magazine which can be found at www.topbuttons.org, they speak in large and small group settings where they encourage young women and challenge their thinking on the area of self image and self-expression through fashion, and lastly they take underprivileged young women on shopping sprees and help them with wardrobe makeovers.

The evening was an absolute delight! I met new friends, and saw some amazing designs. One of my favorites was an 18 year old designer, Julia Chew. This girl has got it going ON and I will not be surprised to see her lovely and creative designs in Neiman Marcus one day. The fashion show segments ran flawlessly, and I was super impressed with the coordination of this event. I wasn't sure quite what to expect, but it was fantastic and I am looking forward to seeing this event grow!

Monday Spunk

Everyone needs a little added spunk on a Monday. This morning the coffee just wasn't doing it, so I thought I'd better wear something rad. This top is straight off the clearance rack in the juniors' department at Belk- because why should we only shop in our section? Have a great start to  your week, mine is nuts already.

Business and Pleasure

Caesar's pool, Michael Jackson ONE, Bellagio garden

In-N-Out Burger, drive through the desert, our hotel in Palm Springs

Trina Turk's first boutique, the most amazing creme brulee, Marilyn, The Hotel California

El Paseo, and sunrise drive back to Vegas

Looks from Vegas.......

to Palm springs! 

Hi! It's been a while. I just returned from a trip with my husband to Vegas and Palm Springs. He had business, and I tagged along for pleasure. A lot of firsts for me on this trip. First trip with his new company, first drive through the desert, first visit to In-N-Out Burger, and first trip to California.

We ate so well, visited with friends, and saw so many sights. The time away was needed, enjoyed, and I am SO grateful. I hope you enjoy the little picture recap of our trip above. Now, it's back to the real world with a pile of laundry waiting on me. Happy Saturday!

All Natural

Going all natural today. Aside from my gloss, I am wearing absolutely no makeup. I thought I would try the natural look, and skip a few steps in my daily routine for something new. Other than a few age spots, and a few more visible wrinkles...I have come to the conclusion that I don't mind it at all. It's actually kind of nice to take a break. Keeping in theme, I chose an outfit as close to PJ's as possible.

My home is in an all natural state as well, as you can see behind me lies the Marvel Super Hero collection and friends. I have worked from home all week, and still can't seem to keep things tidy. Laundry is backed up, I haven't made one entry in my quickbooks since May, and I have no idea what we are having for dinner. Sometimes you just have to embrace the chaos. Keeping it real!

It's a Tie!

Top & Belt: J. Crew, Skirt: Loft, Tie: Liberty of London for Target, Earrings: Topshop,
Shoes: Jessica Simpson. Bag: Michael Kors

Swiped this tie from my husband's closet. As a faithful reader of this blog, he will appreciate that.

Blackout

New Flats: ZiGi Girl, Piperlime (Clearance too!)

The inspiration for this look came from a pin that I saw on Pinterest. I am convinced that some of the best ideas are borrowed. I'm in love with my new flats, one of the pair that I bought on my post-Christmas binge, and they are still on clearance over at Piperlime if you love them too! I hope your week is off to a great start. :)

Under the Bridge

I ventured out today with the tripod and ended up under a bridge. You see, there aren't many places one can set up a camera without an audience. You should see how my photos turn out when I know someone's watching, hilarious and totally awkward.

In other news, this is a new dress. I am excited about this one because it will go miles, so many ways to style it. It took me a while to commit to purchases right after the yearlong shop fast, but in all transparency, as of late....I am seeing some old habits creep. I did some post-Christmas sale shopping in which I bought three pairs of shoes, two dresses, a sweater, two tops, a new pair of skinnies, a pair of earrings, a scarf, and I think that's it. Then I went into Ross for picture frames this week, and came out with a pair of Vince Camuto booties that I couldn't pass up because they were on clearance and the only pair.

So I admit it, I am still a sale junkie. Did I need these things, no. But I totally talk myself into sales. Part of keeping myself in check, is admitting the truth on this blog. So it's back to the budget for me, perspective gained. Happy weekend friends! :)

Floral and Fur

Busted out some fur today before the cool breeze is gone. As a Floridian, the ability to alter summer dresses to winter looks is a must. I'm finding there's happiness in layers.