Sparks & All Stars

I have a friend who says that God created night and day so we can have a chance to start over every 24 hours. I agree, but I also reason that each day is divided into just 24 hours so we have limits; I think without constraint I would burn myself up like a shooting star. There’s so much I want to do!!

I bring you the quick version of what I’ve been up to… Last weekend I went to Atlanta to “Spark & Hustle”, a conference for women entrepreneurs. (Details Here)

The women I met there were nothing short of totally amazing. It’s impossible to introduce all of them at once (there were 200+!), but I must mention Shameeka, aka The Broke Socialite, who launched what has grown into a very successful business with her blog in 2005. She is a hoot and a half – had so much fun with her. Then there’s my courageous friend, Alyssa, of VintageBodySpa who flew to the conference by herself at 8 months pregnant because she is so determined to stay home with her new baby. Leeann Staples of MaddyMoo custom handbags gave us awesome gifts in our goodybags and the list goes on... Joyce Bone of MillionareMoms blew me away with her story of mom blogger to owning a 150 million dollar company. Huh? Yep- you heard that right. Phenomenal.

The message that was engraved on my heart is: pursue your passion and believe in the power of your dreams!!

I’ll leave you with another star that made her debut on the cover of Sarasota’s Style magazine this week. Her mother is my favorite blogger, (You've got to read this post titled "Emily Post Would Hate Facebook") Uncommmon Blonde is the most sylish of all because of this accessory on her hip! I know you recognize my favorite baby:

Have a great weekend!

If You Have to Tell People You Are, You Aren't

I’m pretty sure I don’t have innate fashion sense, so it’s a bit ironic that I’m participating in Big Mama’s Fashion Friday. God saw my need and gave me 2 daughters who have fabulous fashion sense. My first indication of their strong opinions in this area was when Uncommon Blonde absolutely refused to wear the colored corduroy pants with matching shirts I’d bought on sale in every color of the rainbow when she was 3.

Though I’ll never be a glamour girl, experience and common sense have given me reasonable guidelines for fashion which include:

1. Wear clothes that fit. Sounds simple. Invest in clothes with quality fabric that are made well and hang right. I find this often means designer brands; I’m convinced that you’re not just paying for a name. The clothes are higher quality. But that leads me to number two…

2. Shop consignment. Now that the economy has tanked, it’s a popular thing to do. Much to my daughters’ chagrin, I’ve always enjoyed it. It’s a total blast to score a $100 blouse for $15. I don’t have the time sort through the stuff at Goodwill but I love the small boutique-like consignment stores.

3. Check out Sam’s Club for clothes. I’ve been buying my Calvin Klein jeans there for several years for $25 a pair instead of paying the $80 retail price or $50 outlet price. You might be surprised at what you find. Yesterday I bought these Nine West Capris for $14.96 at Sam’s (they happen to be SUPER comfortable!), stopped at the consignment store on the way home and bought a blouse for $5. I’ve been on shopping restriction but a new outfit for less than $20 is guilt-free relief.
4. Whoever said you can’t wear white skirts, shoes or dresses before Memorial Day or after Labor Day didn’t live in Florida and probably applied that rule to white gloves. I still argue with my daughters on this point (they stick with the rule) so I wanted to put it in writing that it’s not true.

5. Returning to the “fit” issue, wear the right size. Trying to boost your ego by fitting into too-small jeans that create the muffin-top effect isn’t flattering. Nor does it work to disguise extra poundage with larger clothes. It just makes you look, well… larger. Remember, I know this from experience. ; )

6. Speaking of muffin tops brings to mind Big Mama’s #1 Fashion Rule which is to buy a pair of good jeans that fit well. Her classic post on the subject is HERE.

7. My mom always schooled me to dress like a lady. I happen to like what Margaret Thatcher said about that:
"Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't."

Year of the Scarf

It’s freezing even in Florida this morning so I figured it’s a great day for a scarf. They make me warm. And unlike a turtleneck, if I start to feel stifled I can loosen it or take it off. I didn’t wear scarves much until this year, so I guess it really is the year of the scarf.

Rachel at Unexpected Blessings is hosting a blog carnival and it seemed like a great idea to join in until I started trying to take the photos. LOL.

This might be basic information to you, but I find a plain-neck solid top is the easiest thing to wear a scarf with. I love that it takes something plain and makes it more of an outfit. This first scarf I bought this year on sale at Ann Taylor Loft, one of my favorite stores.The second scarf is a little harder to wear because it’s short, but my mom made it for me and I really like it. She’s really handy with a needle. (That inclination totally skipped me.) I love jewel tones; bright, rich colors make me happy.
Photographers know better to than to make it look like your ceiling fan is a headdress, but I’m not a photographer. For more scarf inspiration, visit Rachel’s place. Happy Monday!

Fairy Dust for Friday

Anyone have any spare fairy dust? Truth is, I’d rather be the fairy godmother than Cinderella. I made my theatrical debut in 4th grade in that role and I still am in the wings, ready with my lines.

What I really need is some fashion advice. I’m preparing for a seminar next week and there will be a videographer taping the presentation. What do I wear? I mean for the camera to like me. Some of you who are handy with a camera surely know the rules regarding colors, prints, etc. Oh, and what can I wear that will make me look slender and lovely? Yeah, that’s what I thought- there’s that need for fairy dust.

If you know anybody in the Tallahassee, FL area that needs some encouragement in their marriage, please pass the word and send them here to register. It’s next Saturday, Feb. 28th, 9 AM -1 PM. It would be a first for me to meet someone that I’ve only known through blogging!

Have a great weekend. I’m keeping my grandpuppy so I’ll have some really cute pictures!

Fashion Friday – I’m No Frump

I’ll admit that if I had not given birth to two fun and fabulous fashion mavens, I might look like a frump. A fun frump, but still a frump. But no, I knew I would have a lifetime of free advice when my then 4-year old daughter remarked on an outfit, “You need to change that belt. It’s not appropriate with that.” She was right.

It was Uncommon Blonde who told me about Huggable Hangers. You really need these. I never knew I would care about hangers. But it’s really unsightly to walk around looking like you have growths on your shoulders from crummy hangers.

So when you’re at Target this weekend, spend $5 to try these. The hangers save space, keep your clothes from slipping off, and don't leave little hanger marks in the shoulders of your tops.

Now scoot on over to Big Mama’s Fashion Friday Fest and pick up as much advice as you can handle.