Beaded Peaches & Cream

One garment I remember vividly from the 1960's was the 'beaded' top.

Since my early vintage hunting days in California, back in 1980, I have always been on the lookout for that perfect beaded blouse or sweater.

It has only taken me 30+ years to find this beaded wonder.

It is a little big, because it is so heavy from all the beading and pearls, but I am working with it.

When I bought it on Etsy (for $28!) I had no idea it was a perfect match for my silk skirt from last Spring or especially my favorite nude high heels from Stuart that I forgot about during the Winter.

I'm wearing the beaded top backwards, like a vest.

That's right.

I am breaking all the fashion rules here. :-)

This peach beaded vest of armor fits better when pinned in the back.

My waist is lost in this style.

I have always felt best in a garment that is slightly fitted to my frame.

Not skin tight, but tailored so that my figure is gently flattered.

The tag in the back is showing in the front.

I may have to rethink this vest action. 

That is all for today beautiful people.

See you next time. :-)

Love and happiness,

Ralph's Linen & Wrinkles

I try and accept that wrinkles are a part of life, but I can't accept this terribly wrinkled linen skirt (that didn't appear so wrinkled until after I saw the photos).

NOT ACCEPTABLE. :-/

But, the reality is, I have no time to reshoot so please excuse the lines on my skirt today.

I wore this ensemble to a business meeting a couple of weeks ago. 

When I picked the outfit, I was thinking of Coco Chanel and how she would have dressed for a business meeting.

What would Coco wear? 

I knew I had to wear the pearls and her signature shoe.

I had a fantasy it would give me some kind of fashionista super powers that would thoroughly impress the people in front of me.  :-)

That's all for today beautiful people.

I am working like a DOG right now, and my posts are not so frequent.

But I hope to be styling more very soon.

Thank you for joining me today!

Love and happiness to you and yours,

Jacket: Ralph Lauren 2013  Skirt: Talbots Irish Linen (from 5 years ago)

Shoes:  Chanel  Sunglasses: Tom Ford  Greyhound: Riley

Pink Flamingos in the Greenhouse

The great thing about Ace Hardware is you can find just about anything there.

Even USA made Pink Flamingos.

I knew those birds would love hanging out in the greenhouse.

That is two more birds added to the already existing flock of 11 chickens and one parrot.

They add a bit of iconic vintage deliciousness to the already scrumptious organic, (grown in fish waste) bok choy, happily growing nearby. 

Zucchini super model flower showing off...

What to wear when hanging out with Pink Flamingos in the Greenhouse in Atlanta (when the climate is so bizarre we have 45 degree weather in April).

And the next ten days is expected to be even cooler.

I can say goodbye to my tomato plants. :-(

And HELLO! to my Chanel wool jacket. :-)

Have a beautiful Friday lovely people.

See you next time. :-)

Pink Flamingos: Ace Hardware in Toco Hills that is now under new ownership. You have to see what they are doing with that Ace Hardware! The funnest place ever just got even better. Say hello to the new boss, Tom Pate (and tell him Gabriala Brown sent you). :-D

Discovering Your Personal Style

The advent of fashion magazines as well as blogs showing the latest trends makes it difficult for girls nowadays to define their personal style. The influence of the media combined with TV shows, beauty pageants, and runway modeling seemingly mandate what’s in or out, or what’s hot or not, or what’s beautiful or outdated. We therefore hesitate to express ourselves through our clothes, thinking that comfort must give way to this season’s must-haves. We fail to showcase our own fashion sense because we have the mentality that if it’s not worn by celebrities or featured in Cosmo Magazine then it's not wearable. Our individuality and uniqueness thus gets obscured by superficial fashion “essentials” that never really display our personal style.

In order not to lose ourselves in all this shiznit, it’s important that you yourself know what your individual style is. The Huffington Post helped us with this dilemma by telling us how to define our personal style. Check out yours in the following style types:

1. Chic – for the empowered women who know what they want. If you’re into sharp lines, bold colors and adventurous pieces, you belong to this category. Think Isla Fisher in Confessions of a Shopaholic, who goes out into the world everyday as if she was personally groomed at Rush.co.uk and dressed by a dedicated stylist.   
2. Classic – for women who love traditional and timeless pieces. Remember Audrey Hepburn’s black dress in her iconic role in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Classic clothes never go out of style, and old souls just love them. 
3. Bohemian – for laid-back ladies who sport eclectic mixes of accessories to go with their outfits. If you’re more into jeans, this is your style. 
4. Avant Garde – artists fit into this class. The creativity of the wearer comes out naturally, usually paired with a dark or black base. Clothes that make a statement are marked by this style type. 
5. Whimsical – for girls who want to have fun. This set has a young and hip feel through mishmashing of patterns and colours. 

After discovering your personal style, try not to have an “identity crisis” by wearing clothes which are just not you. The best fashion statement comes out when you’re just being yourself. 

Depending on my mood, my style could be anyone of those 5 listed above. It just depends on how I want to express myself at the moment.

How about you?

Love and happiness,

Wiggle Chicks

I am not a person who takes naps regularly.

I can get by on 5-6 hours of sleep which works well since I have a lot of chicken responsibilities.

Times are changing though, since I landed on the other side of 50.

Last week I was on my bed reading in the afternoon and I fell asleep.

After I woke up, I went downstairs and noticed it was 6:00pm which meant I napped for FOUR hours!???

Suddenly the chickens started bawking like crazy.

I looked outside and in my napping stupor I was shocked to see a large white bulldog was in my backyard chasing my chickens!

I ran outside in my socks and by the time I noticed I had no shoes on, I was already in the yard stepping in chicken doodles (my loving term for droppings) but I knew I was going to get that dog so I needed some shoes to be able to run after her.

I ran back to the house which is literally just a few feet away and slipped on my garden clogs and dashed to kill the bulldog with my bare hands. Just kidding! 

But seriously, the dog knew I meant business!

I started yelling at the dog and said, "LET MY CHICKEN GO!"

You should have seen me. I was like Moses talking to Pharaoh. :-)

The dog dropped the chicken and started running up a hill under one fence and then struggled to get under the first fence she initially dug under to get to my chickens. 

This bulldog broke through two barriers to get a taste of the original white meat.

The truth is, everyone likes chicken and they even like to claim that all animals taste like chicken, even frogs!!

After the incident, the chickens were hysterical and I was a MAD WOMAN!

I ran next door and told my neighbor to tie up the dog because she had broke through my fences and wanted chicken for dinner.

I ran back to the yard and counted the ladies and one was missing.

I found my chicken in shock hiding near an area where I keep garden tools.

She was damaged in a severe way, but I felt she would pull through. She was eating in the beginning and could stand up, even though she had gashes in her back and thigh. I sewed up the gash on her thigh because it was just a rip in her chicken skin. I have to say, it is weird to sew up chicken skin on a live bird. Being a serious cook, I have trussed many a bird in my day, but this was a new experience. The meat under the skin was warm and living. I am still contemplating this one for some reason.  If you are wondering if I want to go vegetarian, no way. I still love chicken! :-)

Two days passed and Goldie stopped eating and just sat there in the coop. She couldn't walk. I took her out of the coop and held her while sitting in the sun, and she seemed happy, like she was getting better.

But she didn't get better. I had to put her down and free her little chicken soup for the soul. 

I felt bad for about 24 hours. This was a chicken from my first flock and she was the first chicken I lost.

The only answer was to get another chicken.

But this time I was going to do it differently.

Instead of getting pullets, which are teenage chickens, I got little CHICKS.

We have some brand new living things in the growing room now…

Meet the new flock!

And yes, they are as soft as they look. :-)

I have been planning this post since I got the chicks five days ago and thought a wiggle dress would be the best outfit choice (for some reason).

When I opened my email this morning I found one from Etsy with a headline that read, "It's a Mad, Mad World."

I immediately thought of that movie from the 60's and clicked through to the Etsy site.

I found out that the Mad Men premier is happening so they were selling wiggle dresses.

I don't happen to watch TV, but here is a wiggle dress commemorating the fine style that Mad Men has resurrected.

And this could be a first too. I am:

  • modeling a wiggle dress in my grow room
  • with little 6 day old chicks
  • wearing my favorite Valentino booties
  • with seamed stockings
  • in the brooding pen
  • at 50 years old

I bet this is a first for a personal style blogger.

Seriously.

Dear lovely and talented Wendy B:

I really want that GOLDEN EGG, but it is not in the budget this month. :-)

My new latest CRAZE is COLLARS.

I can't get enough of them.

Fur, beaded, it doesn't matter.

Lerving collars because my 50 year old neck and shoulders are cold sometimes. I cannot tolerate my neck being cold. So I will be one of those ladies with a scarf and not necessarily because of a turkey neck.

Not that a turkey neck is a bad thing. :-)

Did I say this already in another post? :-D

Speaking of glasses...

These are my new and improved (stronger prescription...) glasses that are making me dizzy. My eyes are crossed in this photo but you can't see it! :-)

As always, thank you for joining me today.

See you next time,

Wiggle dress: Pat Prema California  Booties:  Valentino  Earrings: Sherman

Glasses: Burberry  Necklace: Wendy Brandes

Poly Esther Love

I can't get over this vintage polyester dress.

The fabric is incredible. 

It is very heavy and feels so silky.

They do not make polyester fabric like this anymore.

The cheap fabrics used now are made to be disposable (and not last like this beauty from the 70's).

The collar and the cuffs... just over the top with all that stitching.

They are soft and firm at the same time.

This collar and these cuffs are a role model for how to be in the world (as to not get trampled...).

By the way...

I have come to the conclusion that a large stone looks better on the middle finger.

It just seems more balanced, don't you think? :-)

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time,

Tomato Plants: The Creator of the Universe  

Photos: my daughter

A New Meaning for Monochrome

Charles Clinkard (from across the pond) contacted me to do a little collaboration.

They have over 85 years of experience with fine footwear.

I love a lot of experience when it comes to shoes.

How could I say no?

Monochrome seems to be the fashion buzzword of the season. Black and white was to be found on almost all of SS13 catwalk collections, from Marc Jacobs to Marni and Prada.

Now spring is fast approaching it has certainly translated into a classic yet current trend.

However, one of the most beautiful things about the two-tone idea is the way it can be channelled into a look in very subtle ways. There’s much more to monochrome than simply black and white.

The colour combinations of these flattering women’s shoes would add a wonderful accent to a solid-tone outfit.

A True Mono Spring

When I was 12, I was introduced to my aunt Carol.

She wore monochromatic clothing that was to absolutely 'LIVE' for.

I remember a camel outfit she wore and I will never forget it.

Back then, monochromatic meant really monochromatic... from head to toe.

Aunt Carol wore a camel sweater, camel wool slacks, camel shoes and even a camel turban!

She then topped it off with several long gold serpentine chain necklaces and countless thin, liquid looking gold bracelets, the kind that were popular in the 70's.

She looked so elegant and beautiful and it made a lasting impression on me.

Mono is back as a trend again, but it isn't so mono anymore.

For example how did black and white become mono?

I think I must be old now that I am 50, because I am having difficulty breaking out of my ancient mono box.

Black and white are opposites, and although they look fabulous together, I find difficulty seeing the monochromatic flow.

So here is my interpretation of mono for Spring, and I even managed to step out of my old mono box by breaking it up at the end.

The photos were taken in my grow room. The spinach plants are doing amazing!

Notice the sheer bravery of adding that bold animal to this monochromatic outfit!

Talk about an old dog doing new tricks. :-)

Speaking of new tricks, I am trying another way of growing food too.

Take a gander at this too cool for words Tower Garden vertical growing system.

The water pumps up from the bottom and waters the roots.

My grow room sounds like a rain forest with all that water pouring in the Tower Garden.

And with the Sun Conure parrot in the corner, it completes the Amazon rainforest effect. :-)

It is not a coincidence that the Tower Garden growing new spring vegetables matches my monochromatic spring outfit. :-)

Thank you for putting up with all this monochromatic madness today. 

See you next time,

Flowery Spring Robe action: Byron Lars Beauty Mark   Silk Blouse: $10 from eBay

Skirt: Many years old from Talbots   Shoes: Valentino

Growing system: Tower Garden by Juice Plus

Chanel No. 50

My daughter sent me a text this afternoon that said, "Legend has it that if you wear Chanel on your birthday, you will be prosperous and successful forever!"

I took it seriously and decided to wear as much Chanel as possible when I went out to dinner on my 50th birthday.

I planned on wearing my Chanel jacket and a Chanel skirt I got from an estate sale many months ago, but had yet to try on.

I really wanted to wear 100% Chanel, from head to toe, but I didn't have a Chanel blouse.

At the last minute, I resorted to wearing a silk blouse from Ann Taylor, thinking I could fake it without anyone noticing. :-)

Reservations for dinner were set for 7:30 and my friend texted me at 7:20 and said she was running late.

I was ready (and hungry) and wondered how long it would take. She has little kids so it could be a while.

At 7:30 she texts again and says to come over.

I walk next door (my friend happens to be my next door neighbor) and knock on her door.

She opens the door and says, can you come in for a second?

I walk into the living room and...

My tricky little friend and all the rest of the bunch yelled, "SURPRISE"!

They got me.

I had my first (and probably only) surprise party on my big FIVE OH!

And the theme was...

CHANEL No. 50!

I had no idea any of this Chanel No. 50 birthday party business was being planned.

My friends are so sneaky!

And my daughter was in on it too.

Part of this surprise party deal feels unsafe...like they are talking behind your back... because they are for weeks before it happens!

They are all plotting and planning and keeping secrets you know nothing about!

And then the day comes and they are all waiting and like a fool you know nothing about it and they GET YOU!

I had no idea.

THEY GOT ME.

And here is the ring leader:

Thank you to my dear friend for being the most covert ever!

Not only did she pull this off, but everyone at the party was dressed in black and white and some pearls too! 

Coco, she would have made you proud.  :-)

Happy birthday to me!

I made it to Chanel No. 50!

See you next time,

Dreams of Flat Comfort

In my dream last night, money grew on trees and flat shoes elongated the legs and made all women look svelte, no matter what their body type.

The shoes were all luscious, soft as butter and matched perfectly with my existing wardrobe.

I remember all of the shoes, they were as sweet as candy but entirely organic and good for my teeth. :-)

When I first saw these Reed Krakoff wonders I thought the band was edible because they looked so yummy.

After these flats came many others that looked tasty too.

The colors were soft, warm and sweet...like vanilla and caramel.

After being comfortable in subtle hues for some time, I began to crave some drama.

I wanted intensity, contrast and color with my coziness.

When I woke up, I felt satiated for some reason.

"In my dreams" I got my fix for luxurious flat shoes.

My feet feel wonderful and my bank account does too. :-)

See you next time,

All the sweet shoes in my dream last night are available now at Net-A-Porter.

Life & Death

I experienced death today.

A final act, never to be performed again.

Like a handful of dirt tossed onto a coffin.

Sobbing, sobbing and not caring that others are watching.

As the rain continued to fall my tears kept up the pace.

How sad death is.

How rip out your guts and heartbreaking it feels. 

My mood was slipping.

Fortunately I wasn't near the pillows or covers but driving in my car instead.

On a busy street with many distractions, magnified yet blurred by the tears that are so helpful for numbing emotions.

When I got home I noticed I finally got the timer right on the grow lights because they were off. :-)

It was dark but at the same time, so simple to see.

So much life.

Tiny leaves pushing through the dirt.

It was the opposite of what happened previously.

I watched a life end forever an hour before.

Then I am reminded of the cycle of growth from the garden.

And how important it is to continue pushing through.

How much wisdom there is in the beginning of life.

Love and happiness in the light and the dark,

Think & Sink

Being busy is great because it can distract me from dwelling on things I have no control over (which is basically everything).

My life is not always busy though.

There are hours where I do nothing but think and think.

This last weekend I stayed too long in the think tank.

As I continued to think, I began to sink.

I became like lead.

Dropping quickly.

Then fully submerged. 

Completely engulfed.

The bottom is so difficult to rise from. 

So heavy and hard.

I force myself to get up but it doesn't lift me one bit.

I am stuck.

The pillows and blankets hold me tight giving me the illusion of soft and warm safety.

I just really want to feel safe you know?

Tears make me more buoyant, and eventually I rise to the surface breaking the tension of the water.

It just takes me about 24 hours to finally get there.

And during those long hours, negativity and torment can set in.

Fertile breeding ground for sprouting those old seeds of pain.

I am fearful of another time when these hours may strike again.

I can prepare ahead of time, grabbing my life preserver before I begin to sink.

I can anticipate the moment and not fall into the trap of being a creature of habit who just thinks and sinks.

Is that what the think and sink is?

Just another old habit?

No.

This time, my sinking to the bottom of the sea was not out of habit, but happened because one day I woke up and finally realized I was drowning.

I was in the abyss really, and couldn't breathe for a long time.

But I didn't notice.

I got so used to drowning it seemed normal.

I am really just catching my breath now, that's all. :-)

My birdie Woodstock (who screams a lot and makes me contemplate roasted bird). 

It turns out she is a girl...not a little boy like I thought when I first got her.

So that is 10 female animals in the zoo now.

Eight chickens, one parrot and one Greyhound.

My best friend, "Lint Brush", deserted me in this shoot.

My best friend, "Lint Brush", deserted me in this shoot.

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time,

Jacket: OLD Ralph Lauren  Skirt: OLD Talbots  Sweater: Vintage St. John

Boots: USED Chanel  Parrot:  1 Year Old Pet Supermarket  

Retired Racing Greyhound: 4 Years Old Second Chance Greyhound

Lips: Burt's Bees Merlot

For more fun and games visit:

Back in Love Again

Sometimes you think it is over and then one day you can get smacked upside the head with LOVE... and then you get all crazy and can't sleep or think about anything else.

It happened to me.

I recently fell in LOVE... again... and now I am obsessed!

No.

It is not a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes or a Chanel jacket that I am in love with.

It is better than that.

One morning, when I awoke I remembered a love of mine from two years ago.

The more I thought about my love, the more in love I became.

The only answer was to DIVE in (again).

No hesitation is allowed, just go for it!

Forget what happened last time.

Ignore the losses and hardship because this time, it just might be different.

So I jumped in.

And I sowed the seeds of love.

The feeling of the organic, compost based, soil in my hands was similar to the sensation of slipping on a pair of fine cashmere gloves.

Absolutely glorious!

Seeds.

They are simply miraculous.

In the garden, I see the Creator. 

With eyes crystal clear, observing the beautiful things that were obviously made with the utmost precision.

There are no random happenings in the garden.

Every bit of what goes on is entirely purposeful.

I can't help but be crazy in love and full of passion for my aquaponics system.

What a RIDE it has been trying to figure out this way of growing.

I haven't been so successful with the plants because there is so much to learn with aquaponics, but I did keep the fish alive. :-)

The future brings much opportunity for fine fashion, tilapia growing, shoe designing and wisdom slinging gardening tips on StyleHigher.com.

Please join me, won't you? :-)

See you next time,

My First Shoe Design

I designed my first pair of shoes and I cannot wait to get them!

They will arrive in about four weeks, since they are being custom made just for me to celebrate my big FIVE OH!

These glorious kicks satisfy my craving for the color OLIVE and my continued shameful lust for animal print!

I have to be honest though.

I don't NEED another pair of shoes.

Did I really need to design my own shoe... really?

Aren't there enough shoes and shoe designers in the world already?

Actually... NO.

I must know of every shoe on the planet.

Seriously, if a different heel shows up at Net-A-Porter, I recognize the new shoe on the block immediately. :-)

Still, I have been searching for that perfect pair of olive loveliness and I was unable to find what I wanted no matter where I searched.

The color wasn't the only issue either.

All the greatest shoes I have found in the world by the top designers are just too stinkin high, even for the lady at Style Higher!

The heels are so high that women don't look human walking anymore.

Sometimes we look like insects with the tiny steps we take in those towering heels.

I want to be able to walk in my shoes without being mistaken for a praying mantis.

A lower heel is simply more comfortable; I can only last in my current designer fancy shoes for about an hour, but I want to wear them longer.

Remember, I am always serving my dinner guests in these lovely heels, so it is a challenge!

The answer for me is in the height of the heel, plain and simple.

A heel three to three point five inches is very doable, even for this old lady and a wider heel instead of a stiletto will keep me firmly on the ground.

Let me break down all the fantastic textures on this fancy shoe I am thrilled to have designed:

  • Heel is covered in tough Fish Skin, for durability.
  • Heel is squared for better support (those trays of food are heavy).
  • Heel is a comfortable (and appropriate for pushing 50) three inches high.
  • Five different textures juxtaposed against each other...black glitter, pony hair, soft leather, fish scales and suede. They mesh together in a surprising and comfortable way (like many of my dinner guests sometimes!).
  • Inspiration for colors comes from my favorite olive silk blouse and animal print scarf. I wear both more than anything in my closet so these shoes will get plenty of wear!
  • The oxford style is strong but feminine and the laces will lock in my feet. A necessity because I frequently step out of my heels due to the slippery seamed stockings.

These are going to be hard working jewels on my feet.

I can't wait to wear them and share them with my guests!

Have you ever designed a pair of your own shoes?

Tell me about it!

xo

Homemade by Instinct

This woman... I must have known her in another life or something because I feel I have a connection to her.

From the moment I saw her and heard her voice, I went mad!

I do not make my own clothes (yet) but I do get her "working by instinct" concept.

It is how I built my business.

I have made my best choices by listening to my instinct.

As women, we have this AMAZING instinct, but many times we don't listen to it.

We sometimes send our instinct to the back of the bus when in reality, it should be driving!

Beautiful ladies, listen to your instinct and avoid confusion of emotion.

Emotions can force precious instinct way back, under the seat, stuck by a piece of luggage, never to be recognized.

Instinct is a subtle gift that will help you drive in the right direction.

Once you are in tune with your instinct and begin to trust it, it will become like your GPS.

Now, I present the amazing woman who uses her instinct to create.

Get ready to be inspired!

Have a beautiful day!

Freeway Fears and Python Boots

One great change in my different life is my new commute to work.

Fortunately for me, Atlanta is full of traffic, giving me a chance to contemplate many things.

I have to take two different freeways in the morning which is a huge deal.

It is not the time it takes, but the fact that I am on a "freeway" at all; that is the real issue.

You see, I have had a fear of freeways for a few years now, and it got to the point where I would only take side streets, if at all possible.

Every time I needed to go somewhere, I would use Google Maps and pick the "no highways" button so I would get my map full of all the side streets to cruise, believing I was somehow safer that way.

That was my plan in the beginning. 

I would take side streets every day to the factory.

The plan rooted in fear was destined for failure.

It takes FOREVER to get to the Tooth Soap® factory taking side streets.

It turns a quick 22 minute freeway ride into a 45-50 minute "are we there yet" journey.

I had no choice but to get over my fear of freeways, and quick like. 

There was no other choice because I can't afford a driver right now.

That is what I really needed. 

A driver who knows Atlanta really well (and who will work for bottles of Tooth Soap®).

Last Monday there was a terrific storm and from the moment I got out of my block until I got to work, I sat in bumper to bumper traffic.

It was POURING rain, non stop, and the road was difficult to see.

I had to get on a crowded freeway, with freaked out drivers who acted like they never saw rain before.

I was calm the entire time.

I was really subdued and after I got to work I realized I didn't loose it once on a stormy highway, in Monday morning traffic.

When I lived in Portland Oregon, there were these ice storms every winter. 

I saw a car flip over on the freeway, two lanes to my left, after slipping on a patch of ice.

Maybe that helped fuel my fear of freeways years ago.

Where ever the fear came from, it is now gone.

It is really amazing how I am able to cruise the highways with no fear anymore.

My heart doesn't even pound when I have to change lanes or merge! :-)

So one fear I had that was in my face was good for me... and helped me to get over it.

One fear down, many to go! :-)

Where am I today you might be wondering?

I am sitting in my infrared sauna... relaxing after being calm on the freeway.

And YES, I wear python boots, gloves and vintage cashmere/mink sweaters when I am relaxing in the dry, 150 degree heat. :-)

As always, thank you for joining me today and being accepting of my quirky personality. 

There is nothing to fear but those silly fears you know? :-)

Love and happiness,

The ridiculous boots are by Prada.

I got the killer deal of the century on them on eBay last Spring.

In case you had to know.  :-D

A Different Life Ahead

The year 2012 proved to be a year of turbulent change for me.

The world didn't end according the Mayan calendar, but in some ways, it did end in my world.

As much as I embrace change and know it is the heart of healthy growth, some of my changes were so drastic my head is still spinning a bit.

In early August I decided two things within 48 hours.

The first was that I was going to file for divorce and end my six year, long distance, 3rd marriage.

The other was that I would finally move my factory from the West coast to the deep South in Atlanta, Georgia.

Everything began to move in many directions after I made those two crucial decisions.

In the beginning, I honestly had no idea how I would be able to bring either of them to fruition.

For years I was unable to do some things I needed to do.

I was stuck and in a rut and felt I was losing strength as time went on.

Dressing up again and blogging was the beginning of getting my strength back, and slowing I was able to accomplish more and more.

If I had not been blogging the months prior to making those two decisions, I am not sure I would have been able to make them.

Fast forward to December 27, 2012.

My divorce was final by 9:00 am.

The next day, the factory and business was turned over to me, literally. 

A business I had not worked for over seven years.

A business that had been run by employees who were magnificent at their job for years.

All the fears I had (for years) were now in my face.

The business I ran years ago was definitely changed too.

It had grown and was now very, very different.

No comfort zone except for the familiar smells of the factory and the labels I designed on the products all around me.

The scent of peppermint made it feel like home.

I am grateful for the peppermint that gently tickles my nose when I first walk into the factory.

A bit of comfort.

My life has gone completely backwards.

I also realize as I approach my jubilee year that I know very little.

I never know what life will bring me anymore.

Fortunately, my new life is so radically different I don't have time to think or sort through a mess of pain or other emotions.

They are there... and they are allowed to surface, but my new life doesn't seem so interested in dwelling on things I cannot change.

I have no choice but to be different now.

Life has absolutely flipped in my world.

Any comfort zone I once knew has been shattered.

And it's a good thing.

It is so easy to be a creature of habit.

There is so much safety and ease in it. 

It is so simple to do the same thing, over and over, expecting improvement and when there is no success, do we really wonder why?

When I think about all the change that has occurred the last few months, it reminds me of the garden.

During the growing season, the plants are tossed around by the wind and storms pass through that can potentially wipe them out.

The plants that can survive the storms end up being the strongest and produce bigger and more fruit.

It is as though the storms were custom designed to force the plant to produce as much as it is capable of.

Without the turbulence, the plant would not be able to accomplish any of it.

My life feels like the garden.

I look forward to the day when I can be more fruitful in everything I do.

I weathered the storm and I will continue to press through, because I can be assured that more of them are on the way.

That is how the garden works.

Thank you for joining me today.

Have a beautiful week. :-)

Shirt:  Preowned Ann Taylor (eBay)  Sweater: Theory  

Skirt: Vintage YSL   Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Brooch: Chanel

And now, a word from my sponsor:

Hot Meditation & Jimmy Choo

Hello Beautiful People!

This is the last post of 2012.

And I am so glad the world didn't end. :-)

But before we get into the outfit, I want to talk a little about stress.

When I say stress, I am talking about the normal stress of everyday life and challenges that we all face during different seasons of our journey.

We all have some stress and it's normal.

But stress has been proven to be a killer of human beings, when there is an excess amount of it.

What are we to do?

We have two choices to de-stress when it comes to this "situational anxiety".

Drugs or relaxation techniques.

That is it beautiful people.

And drugs are winning because they are easier, in the beginning.

That is the thing though.

In the beginning the drug of choice can work well to take off the edge.

But over time, the drug may no longer work as well, and the dose will have to be increased.

Xanax is a favorite drug of American women and prescribed frequently.

But ladies, did you know that when the elderly take Xanax, it increased their chance of getting dementia? This comes from a new French study done over a 15 year period.

Xanax related emergency room visits are up 148.3% since 2004 too.

I am not judging anyone who needs to take medication for whatever reason they need to.

But I do want to share an alternative with you to consider when it comes to stress relief.

This is a non-drug solution to take off that edge and it also happens to be anti-aging.

Yes, you read that right.

My favorite form of stress relief will also make you prettier and even speed up your metabolism.

To learn more about my favorite anti-aging, stress relieving, weight reducing product that I still recommend after 3 years, please watch this video.

I do not sell these products but love them nonetheless and must share.

Speaking of hot meditation and Jimmy Choo...

These ridiculous Jimmy Choo wonders were pre-owned and I think I paid like $150 for them.

I know they were over a thousand dollars new.

Thank you eBay! :-D

I know it looks like snow, but I think it is dust on the mirror (or my iPhone lens). 

Another shot of the Jimmy Choos.

Yes, I am a bit obsessed but do you blame me?

Look at those pointy toes, they are to LIVE FOR! :-D

Nothing is between me and this Chanel little black jacket. 

I mean nothing.

Not even my usual drug store lingerie purchase.

I have to say, it was quite the sartorial feeling, to be wearing Chanel and nothing more.

The sensation of fine silk on bare skin is practically stress reducing.

And now, for the grand finale...

My last style video of 2012.

I want to thank everyone for coming to visit and comment over the last year.

It means a lot to me that you stop by and say hello.

I wish you all the best in 2013 and may you be blessed!

Love and peace,

Jacket: CHANEL  Necklace: vintage CHANEL  

Boots: Jimmy Choo   Skirt: Burberry

Blue Suede

I'm not sure when Elvis came to me in a dream, but months ago, I became focused on finding the perfect pair of blue suede shoes.

I searched all my favorite pre-owned hangouts first (remembering my pledge to Bella's cause), then, after not finding what I wanted, I searched the new. 

Nothing worked for me.

The blue suede shoes were either too flat or too high or the wrong color blue.

Weeks went by and I kept thinking about those blue suede shoes.

One night, I found a pair of pre-owned blue suede boots on eBay.

The woman selling them said she no longer wore high heels.

The boots in blue looked more like 'butter'; the previous owner confirmed the blue suede was the softest on the planet.

I knew they were for me.

Feeling blue?

I highly suggest blue suede on your feet, for a splash of happiness.

See you next time,

Pre-owned Boots: Sergio Rossi (eBay)

WIW 2012

I am sort of like one of those "preppers".

Not insane about it, but it is on my conscience to always think ahead and be prepared for any possible emergency (like they taught me in Blue-Birds, Brownies and Girl Scouts).

For example, being prepared for a blackout with extra candles, flashlights and an elegant outfit or two is just good solid advice.

If you haven't done it already, I highly suggest you put your favorite shoes (and a few gorgeous outfits) in your survival kit. :-)

Peace, love and much happiness to you,

Linking to:

MOMTRENDS