I was able to watch some of the Miss America pageant over the weekend. Personally, I LOVE watching pageants for the clothes, especially the evening wear segment.
I was watching Miss Hawaii dance during the talent portion and it mentioned that her favorite accessory is a SMILE. My first reaction was - WHAT?! What a cheesey and "typical" pageant answer.
But, then, I got to thinking. A smile IS an important accessory. Her answer is SO TRUE! If you don't have a smile on your face, you don't have anything. A smile is the best accessory that you can have to finish an outfit.
There are days where you will forget your earrings, the necklace you were planning to wear, or even your belt....but, you will never walk out the door without a smile, if you choose to use it!
SMILE! It's the best accessory anyone can have.....
Showing posts with label Weekly Style Secret. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekly Style Secret. Show all posts
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday, December 21, 2009
Weekly Style Secret: December 21, 2009
It's Christmas! It's Christmas! Are you done shopping yet? I'm NOT. I'm about to hit the streets of Tulsa RIGHT NOW to finish up!
Just a couple things to remember as you head into "crunch" time for the holidays and gift shopping:
1. There is still time to shop online. But, you better do it today! So, you have time for the gifts to arrive, as well as making sure they still have the product(s) you are looking for to purchase. That way, if they don't, you still have a few days to come up with plan B.
2. BE PATIENT! I did a little shopping yesterday and forgot how HECTIC it can be right before the holidays. I must have stood in a checkout line at Kohls for 30 minutes! I was close to bailing and not buying the stuff I had in my hands, because I didn't have the patience anymore to stand there. But, then, I remembered the time of year and that no matter where I go, it is going to be like this, so BE PATIENT!!
3. Don't just buy something to buy something. My dad is a believer of that, because at least then, you have a package to open. But, I dont' want to deal with the hassle of taking it back, etc. So, try to take a breath from feeling "hurried" and figure out what that person would really like to have -or worst case, give them a gift card to their favorite place, so they can pick it out themselves.
4. Scan your Sunday paper circulars, online sites, and additional mailers. Retailers are ALWAYS offering last minute deals, so make sure you are GETTING the best deal in town!
5. Remember the reason for the season! Step back and remember WHY we celebrate this holiday and that should help you slow down a bit. We get a little "crazy" during this time with the baking, the shopping, the gift wrapping, etc. - and we have a tendency to overlook the REAL reason we celebrate this holiday!
Last, but, not least - ENJOY! The holidays only come once a year - don't let them pass you by in a crazed and delirious blur!! (I should really take my own advice!)
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Just a couple things to remember as you head into "crunch" time for the holidays and gift shopping:
1. There is still time to shop online. But, you better do it today! So, you have time for the gifts to arrive, as well as making sure they still have the product(s) you are looking for to purchase. That way, if they don't, you still have a few days to come up with plan B.
2. BE PATIENT! I did a little shopping yesterday and forgot how HECTIC it can be right before the holidays. I must have stood in a checkout line at Kohls for 30 minutes! I was close to bailing and not buying the stuff I had in my hands, because I didn't have the patience anymore to stand there. But, then, I remembered the time of year and that no matter where I go, it is going to be like this, so BE PATIENT!!
3. Don't just buy something to buy something. My dad is a believer of that, because at least then, you have a package to open. But, I dont' want to deal with the hassle of taking it back, etc. So, try to take a breath from feeling "hurried" and figure out what that person would really like to have -or worst case, give them a gift card to their favorite place, so they can pick it out themselves.
4. Scan your Sunday paper circulars, online sites, and additional mailers. Retailers are ALWAYS offering last minute deals, so make sure you are GETTING the best deal in town!
5. Remember the reason for the season! Step back and remember WHY we celebrate this holiday and that should help you slow down a bit. We get a little "crazy" during this time with the baking, the shopping, the gift wrapping, etc. - and we have a tendency to overlook the REAL reason we celebrate this holiday!
Last, but, not least - ENJOY! The holidays only come once a year - don't let them pass you by in a crazed and delirious blur!! (I should really take my own advice!)
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Weekly Style Secret: Shop Local
With the holidays approaching and the tough economy, now, more than ever are consumers being asked to shop local for their gift buying needs. Any time, really, you should put dollars into your own community. But, at this particular time of year and with the economy as a whole there is a HUGE push to keep consumer spending in your local community.
Here is my "secret" for you though: Be prepared to wait and to wait PATIENTLY! I made a couple of stops yesterday to do some "quick" holiday shopping and it turned out NOT to be quick at all! I'm a huge believer in putting money back into your local market and am a proponent of small business. HOWEVER, due to the economy, retailers have needed to make adjustments of their own like CUTTING BACK ON EMPLOYEES.
I won't name the places that I went to yesterday, because I do understand their predicament. I will say it was a big box retailer and a department store, but, that's all I'm going to tell you. It took me FOREVER to find someone to answer a question. Then, once I found my items, I had to try and find an open register. Once I found that, this is where my "PATIENTLY" waiting began...and I waited...and I waited...and I waited!! My quick trip was no longer!
So, like I said, I understand times are a little tough with the economy and retailers are having to do what is necessary, but, they can't forget to meet the needs of the consumers that ARE spending this holiday season. As well as, we, as consumers, need to remember that retailers are doing their best to stay afloat during this economic shift, so they will be around for holidays to come!
The moral of the story: Shop local and be patient while doing so!!
Happy Holidays!
Here is my "secret" for you though: Be prepared to wait and to wait PATIENTLY! I made a couple of stops yesterday to do some "quick" holiday shopping and it turned out NOT to be quick at all! I'm a huge believer in putting money back into your local market and am a proponent of small business. HOWEVER, due to the economy, retailers have needed to make adjustments of their own like CUTTING BACK ON EMPLOYEES.
I won't name the places that I went to yesterday, because I do understand their predicament. I will say it was a big box retailer and a department store, but, that's all I'm going to tell you. It took me FOREVER to find someone to answer a question. Then, once I found my items, I had to try and find an open register. Once I found that, this is where my "PATIENTLY" waiting began...and I waited...and I waited...and I waited!! My quick trip was no longer!
So, like I said, I understand times are a little tough with the economy and retailers are having to do what is necessary, but, they can't forget to meet the needs of the consumers that ARE spending this holiday season. As well as, we, as consumers, need to remember that retailers are doing their best to stay afloat during this economic shift, so they will be around for holidays to come!
The moral of the story: Shop local and be patient while doing so!!
Happy Holidays!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Weekly Style Secret: A Good Tailor
I found this adorable pair of jeans last week, but ran into the same problem as I ALWAYS do when it comes to pants. That darn ol' gap that I get in the back of the wasitline right about my behind! Why do all of my pants do that?
I was talking to the sales associate. We started talking about having this problem with our pants (she has the same problem) and how, if you have a really good tailor, they can alter them to perfection.
It reminded me that another great style secret is: HAVING A GOOD TAILOR.
At some point in your life, everyone has needed an article of clothing altered. If anything, for women, it's been at least ONE bridesmaid dress or even your own bridal gown! Some of us hardly ever need a tailor, others of us, need a tailor ALL THE TIME! It is very important to work with an experienced tailor. A good tailor will make the alterations and, when finished, the article of clothing looks like it was purchased that way (or, maybe, even BETTER than when it was purchased).
Here are some tips for finding a good tailor:
1. As I have always said "word of mouth" is the best advertising. Listen to friends, family, and colleagues to find out who they use as a tailor.
2. Visit the web. Check out association sites or even classified sites that offer "product/service reviews".
3. Set up a consultation, if possible, to meet the tailor.
4. Make sure the person that is doing the fitting of the garment is also making the alterations.
Once you've found a good tailor, is it worth making the alterations:
1. Is the clothing item WORTH being altered? Determine how much you spent on it, how much you will be spending on the alterations, and is the total value equal to YOUR value of the clothing item.
2. Launder or dry clean the item first. Sometimes, after a washing, articles of clothing will shrink, fabric will shift, and this will insure that the clothing item is in it's truest form when being altered.
3. Get an estimate of what the alteration will cost and, again, determine if it is worth it to have the article of clothing altered.
I can't stress enough how important it is for your clothes TO FIT! FIT PROPERLY! A shirt from Target can look like a million bucks, if it fits properly. A shirt from Bloomingdale's can look horrible, if it DOES NOT fit properly.
A good tailor will make you look like a million bucks ALL THE TIME!
I was talking to the sales associate. We started talking about having this problem with our pants (she has the same problem) and how, if you have a really good tailor, they can alter them to perfection.
It reminded me that another great style secret is: HAVING A GOOD TAILOR.
At some point in your life, everyone has needed an article of clothing altered. If anything, for women, it's been at least ONE bridesmaid dress or even your own bridal gown! Some of us hardly ever need a tailor, others of us, need a tailor ALL THE TIME! It is very important to work with an experienced tailor. A good tailor will make the alterations and, when finished, the article of clothing looks like it was purchased that way (or, maybe, even BETTER than when it was purchased).
Here are some tips for finding a good tailor:
1. As I have always said "word of mouth" is the best advertising. Listen to friends, family, and colleagues to find out who they use as a tailor.
2. Visit the web. Check out association sites or even classified sites that offer "product/service reviews".
3. Set up a consultation, if possible, to meet the tailor.
4. Make sure the person that is doing the fitting of the garment is also making the alterations.
Once you've found a good tailor, is it worth making the alterations:
1. Is the clothing item WORTH being altered? Determine how much you spent on it, how much you will be spending on the alterations, and is the total value equal to YOUR value of the clothing item.
2. Launder or dry clean the item first. Sometimes, after a washing, articles of clothing will shrink, fabric will shift, and this will insure that the clothing item is in it's truest form when being altered.
3. Get an estimate of what the alteration will cost and, again, determine if it is worth it to have the article of clothing altered.
I can't stress enough how important it is for your clothes TO FIT! FIT PROPERLY! A shirt from Target can look like a million bucks, if it fits properly. A shirt from Bloomingdale's can look horrible, if it DOES NOT fit properly.
A good tailor will make you look like a million bucks ALL THE TIME!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Weekly Style Secret: TARGET GOES DESIGNER
Target takes another turn at New York fashion AND jewelry.
Two New York designers have partnered with Target to create high fashion lines with an affordable price tag.
Anna Sheffield
Edgy statement necklaces, bracelets, and rings created wtih charms and lockets that provide a unique twist.
Anna Sui
Okay, anyone who is obsessed with fashion will recognize this name. Anna Sui has been around for awhile. Her line is filled with feminine rocker chic pieces with a New York City vibe.
Both lines debuted in September and, at this point, they are limited-edition lines. Take a look in store and online now!
www.target.com
Two New York designers have partnered with Target to create high fashion lines with an affordable price tag.
Anna Sheffield
Edgy statement necklaces, bracelets, and rings created wtih charms and lockets that provide a unique twist.
Anna Sui
Okay, anyone who is obsessed with fashion will recognize this name. Anna Sui has been around for awhile. Her line is filled with feminine rocker chic pieces with a New York City vibe.
Both lines debuted in September and, at this point, they are limited-edition lines. Take a look in store and online now!
www.target.com
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Weekly Style Secret: LAYERING
It's October 1st! Fall is here! Well, technically, by the calendar Fall is already here, because it began in September. But, it's October, for me, that really feels like we've turned that corner towards Fall. Can you believe it's here already?As the weather gets cooler, we find ourselves amidst the days that we can't decide is it going to be hot or cold? It's cold in the mornings, warms up in the afternoon, and then cools off in the evenings. So, what does one wear to keep up with the changing temperatures?
Layer your look! It's the easiest way to keep up with the craziness of the climate! Now, layering may seem like a very simple thing. Which, to a certain degree, it is...just be a weary of a few things:
1. Do not multi-layer bulky fabrics or more than one oversized item. You don't want to turn into the "Michelin Man". In this case, you will end up looking heavier than you really are and who wants that outcome?
2. Layer more fitted items underneath a more oversized item. For example, layer a tshirt, under a fitted v-neck sweater, and for an extra layer of warmth, add a sweatshirt jacket.
3. Scarves are a perfect option to create a layered look without all the bulk. For example, use that layered tshirt and sweater combination that I listed above, but, instead of the sweatshirt jacket, tie a scarf around your neck. Scarves create the illusion of layering and make for a FUN accent piece to your outfit.
4. Make sure your layering pieces compliment each other in fit, fabric, and pattern. You don't want to be "matchy-matchy". But, you don't want to look like you just threw on whatever you found in your closet either!
A great example of layering with a scarf, is the LOFT ad that I posted with this blog. It shows a fitted shirt, with a cardigan sweater over it, and they finished the look with a loose scarf. Perfect for the Fall days!
For the most part, layering is easy to do and it helps win the battle against the changing climates. The biggest key is not to weigh yourself down with multiple bulky items, or, like I said, you will end up looking like the "Michelin Man". We all remember him, don't we? The big, white, puffy tire guy..that is NOT the goal that you are trying to achieve with layering!
Stay warm and look cool as you enter the Fall season!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Weekly Style Secret: CONFIDENCE
This week's style secret is probably the MOST IMPORTANT "secret" I can ever give you!
To sum it up in ONE word...CONFIDENCE! I can't stress enough how being confident in youself and who you are...ultimately, trumps any "style" advice that you could ever get. Sure, there are tips and tricks to make your "style" shine on "the outside"...but, what comes from the inside matters. When you are in a crowded room, you can tell the people that are confident and those that are less confident no matter what they happen to be wearing.
Let me give you an example....ME! I was in a situation last week where I was "dressed to the nine's" from head to toe. I had the black sleeveless dress with a flitratious hem, the rocker girl shoes, and the silver hoops and bangles to pull the whole thing together. Do you see where I'm going? Can you picture it? I had nailed it! I was feeling like I could conquer the world in heels. You know the feeling you get when you really feel like you are LOOKING GOOD...you know what I'm talking about!
ANYWAY....I headed out to my event. I say again. I was ROCKING IT in my outfit! I was looking good AND feeling good. I get to the event and I walk into this room that is filled with tall (very tall), young, beautiful women. All women with "legs up to there" in their short BLACK dresses. Most of them with beauitful, long blonde hair and young, very young. Did I mention young? To give you an idea, I was at least 15 years their senior! I was practically a high school grad by the time they were born! YIKES!
So.....are you staying with me and getting the picture? There I am, a minimum of 15 years their senior, practically in the same dress (except for the skirt of my dress was much, much longer) and at 5'8", I was feeling very, very short. All of a sudden, I panicked! I wondered what am I doing here, why am I here? I started to question myself. I started to question my CONFIDENCE. All of sudden, I didn't feel like I was "rocking my outfit". Instead, I was wondering how I could gracefully exit the room without being seen.
Within a split second, I had shifted my mindset and allowed myself to lose my confidence. It would not have mattered WHAT I was wearing, because I questioned myself.
CONFIDENCE isn't just a "style secret". It's a LIFE secret! So, always remember who you are and be proud....NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE WEARING!
Although, a great dress and rockin' shoes can definitely pump up your confidence level....ha!
To sum it up in ONE word...CONFIDENCE! I can't stress enough how being confident in youself and who you are...ultimately, trumps any "style" advice that you could ever get. Sure, there are tips and tricks to make your "style" shine on "the outside"...but, what comes from the inside matters. When you are in a crowded room, you can tell the people that are confident and those that are less confident no matter what they happen to be wearing.
Let me give you an example....ME! I was in a situation last week where I was "dressed to the nine's" from head to toe. I had the black sleeveless dress with a flitratious hem, the rocker girl shoes, and the silver hoops and bangles to pull the whole thing together. Do you see where I'm going? Can you picture it? I had nailed it! I was feeling like I could conquer the world in heels. You know the feeling you get when you really feel like you are LOOKING GOOD...you know what I'm talking about!
ANYWAY....I headed out to my event. I say again. I was ROCKING IT in my outfit! I was looking good AND feeling good. I get to the event and I walk into this room that is filled with tall (very tall), young, beautiful women. All women with "legs up to there" in their short BLACK dresses. Most of them with beauitful, long blonde hair and young, very young. Did I mention young? To give you an idea, I was at least 15 years their senior! I was practically a high school grad by the time they were born! YIKES!
So.....are you staying with me and getting the picture? There I am, a minimum of 15 years their senior, practically in the same dress (except for the skirt of my dress was much, much longer) and at 5'8", I was feeling very, very short. All of a sudden, I panicked! I wondered what am I doing here, why am I here? I started to question myself. I started to question my CONFIDENCE. All of sudden, I didn't feel like I was "rocking my outfit". Instead, I was wondering how I could gracefully exit the room without being seen.
Within a split second, I had shifted my mindset and allowed myself to lose my confidence. It would not have mattered WHAT I was wearing, because I questioned myself.
CONFIDENCE isn't just a "style secret". It's a LIFE secret! So, always remember who you are and be proud....NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE WEARING!
Although, a great dress and rockin' shoes can definitely pump up your confidence level....ha!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Weekly Style Secret: September 14, 2009
I wore a pair of jeans from the Gap for a fashion show this past weekend. I had read about how they had redesigned ALL of their jean styles, revamped them, and presented them "to the world". I didn't realize what a GREAt job they had done until I actually wore a pair over the weekend. BEFORE, Gap jeans never really fit me the right way. Now, a friend of mine, swore by Gap jeans...so, it definitely varies based on your body type to what style and brand fits you best.
For any of those that were like me and that Gap just didn't really fit them.....GO AND TRY AGAIN NOW! The pair I wore over the weekend fit GREAT, as well as the fabric and stretch was wonderful!
GO CHECK THEM OUT!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tshirts: Mommy Staple...and Daddy Too
Not too long ago, I posted a topic about tshirts being a Mommy staple, because it's a quick and easy way to dress up a basic outfit. We all know the generic combination of a tshirt and jeans, as well as a tshirt and shorts. It works, it's safe, and, typically, it's BORING! But, we all do it, Mommy's and Daddy's!
By adding a fun patterned tshirt to a pair of jeans or shorts, you give that outfit the "pop" that it is needing to stand out amongst the crowd.
We all do it! Like I said, men and women, are guilty of throwing on the "generic combination" of a tshirt with jeans or tshirt with shorts. My husband and I are definitely at fault for this, especially in the summer time. I, originally, posted the topic focused on the "mommy's" of the world, but soon realized that men do the same thing, so why not let "daddy's" know that they can jazz up their "generic combination" too.
I found these tshirts while I was perusing the Sunday Ads. (LOVE looking at the Sunday Ads). They are on sale this week at Target for $8.00!! Yes, that's what I said, $8.00! They are available for men and for women! The first grouping above is for men and the second group is available for women.
I just had to share the information! Because, I believe that the tshirt/jean/shorts combo is never going to go away, so why not give it some "life" with a patterned/graphic tshirt, as well as these particular tshirts are such a great price, I didn't want anyone to miss out!
Don't delay....go buy a new patterned/graphic tshirt today!
Weekly Style Secret: August 26th, 2009
This is a HUGE style secret that I, believe it or not, stole from my husband. When I met him, he had a regular "stash" of this wonderful product at his house, and to this day, we STILL have a regular "stash" of this product at our house. It is Downy's Wrinkle Releaser and it is AWESOME! My husband refers to it as "wife in a bottle". Now, I know you could take that TOTALLY the wrong way, but I think it's rather funny and find myself asking where the "wife in the bottle is" quite frequently! I'm okay with it, because I HATE to iron! I don't iron my own clothes, so I'm certainly NOT going to iron his! HA!
This is a fantastic product for people that hate to iron. WE, my husband and I, swear by it. You spray it on, pat/rub down the clothes to "smooth" out the wrinkles, give the item a minute or two to dry and you are on your way. Now, my husband will be the first to tell you that for the aboslute best results there is a "science" to the spraying, rubbing, patting, and drying of the garment. But, I have yet to figure out what he does and my quick spray, pat, shake and go works just fine!! So, either way, you will love this product!!
Try it out! Like I said, it's great for people that hate to iron, and it comes in travel sizes too, so you can take it with you! (We all know what our clothes look like after they've been stuffed in a suitcase.)
Say good-bye to wrinkles....and, maybe, the iron too!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Weekly Style Secrets
I want to introduce my "Weekly Style Secrets" that you will find throughout my blog. My goal is to give you weekly tips (or at least ONCE a week) on fashion, shopping, trends, personal image, or whatever I feel is a good tip at the moment! Hopefully, they will be helpful to you or at least "food for thought"!
Remember, my goal is to provide WEEKLY style secrets! If you miss a week or two (and, hopefully, I WON'T miss a week or two), you will be able to pull up past "secrets" by going to my "Style Secrets" tab and click on "Weekly Style Secrets". You will be able to catch up on all the latest and greatest tips at one time!
My goal is to keep you: "Staying Stylish...one STEP at a time!"
Remember, my goal is to provide WEEKLY style secrets! If you miss a week or two (and, hopefully, I WON'T miss a week or two), you will be able to pull up past "secrets" by going to my "Style Secrets" tab and click on "Weekly Style Secrets". You will be able to catch up on all the latest and greatest tips at one time!
My goal is to keep you: "Staying Stylish...one STEP at a time!"
Weekly Style Secret: August 18th, 2009
Okay, I've already messed up my very first Weekly Style Secret by typing it in an old post instead of a NEW post.
SO...instead of typing it over again...just thought I would tell you how to get to this week's "weekly style secret"....it will be like a scavenger hunt. HA!
If you go up to my "Style Secrets" tab..you will find another tab within that section titled "Weekly Style Secrets"....click on that and it will pull up the "weekly style secret" for August 18th, 2009!
I hope it's helpful to you!
SO...instead of typing it over again...just thought I would tell you how to get to this week's "weekly style secret"....it will be like a scavenger hunt. HA!
If you go up to my "Style Secrets" tab..you will find another tab within that section titled "Weekly Style Secrets"....click on that and it will pull up the "weekly style secret" for August 18th, 2009!
I hope it's helpful to you!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Weekly Style Secret: August 18th, 2009
Back-to-School Shopping!
It's time to send the kids back to school! Wow! Where does the time go!
If you want to save some money on kid's clothing (specifically, in the state of Oklahoma), check out the HUGE Just Between Friends Sales that are going on next week:
Tulsa, OK: August 23rd-29th, 2009
At: Exchange Center at Expo Square
Oklahoma City, OK: August 24th - 29th, 2009
At: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
I'm telling you this as a "WEEK EARLY Weekly Style Secret", because it is a HUGE sale that happens twice a year and you DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT! You can save some money and find some GREAT gently used items for your kids! (We all know how fast kids grow, so the merchandise is practically brand new!)
If you are interested in finding out about sales in other states, please go to www.jbfsale.com for more information! It's a GREAT resource!
It's time to send the kids back to school! Wow! Where does the time go!
If you want to save some money on kid's clothing (specifically, in the state of Oklahoma), check out the HUGE Just Between Friends Sales that are going on next week:
Tulsa, OK: August 23rd-29th, 2009
At: Exchange Center at Expo Square
Oklahoma City, OK: August 24th - 29th, 2009
At: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
I'm telling you this as a "WEEK EARLY Weekly Style Secret", because it is a HUGE sale that happens twice a year and you DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT! You can save some money and find some GREAT gently used items for your kids! (We all know how fast kids grow, so the merchandise is practically brand new!)
If you are interested in finding out about sales in other states, please go to www.jbfsale.com for more information! It's a GREAT resource!
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