Falling for Fashion

I absolutely LOVE this time of year! Always have. Probably always will. What is it about Fall that's just so satisfying? Is it the leaves turning, the promise of the beauty that will unfold around me, the cooler weather, pumpkin pie (one of my all time favs!)? Yep, that would be the many reasons I adore this season. But, I also love that I get to change my wardrobe! By the end of August, I'm pretty much tired of tank tops & shorts and ready to bring out the sweaters & boots! Anyone with me on that? :)

Speaking of sweaters & boots (& such), I am really into the new fall fashions this year. I mean, every year you have your staples like tunics w/ leggings, tall boots (in every color I might add), comfy, but cute, sweaters, long cardis, & pretty blouses, but I like that there's a new trend every season. This fall, I've really noticed that plaids, cropped leather jackets, and tops w/ ruffles are really in. And, the colors getting a lot of attention are shades of purple, gold, & green. Gorgeous!

I want to talk about this issue of plaids for a sec. Not sure about you, but I've never been crazy about plaid anything. But, since this does seem to be the biggest trend for Fall that I've seen so far, I bought a gray & purple stripe plaid tunic to wear with leggings & boots & I have to say, that I really like it! It doesn't mean that I'm going to rush out & get all things plaid, but I am at least willing to try something new...:)

Even with the new trends, I'm still crazy about tall boots over jeans, cute jackets, blousy shirts, long necklaces, & tunics. Yes, yes...it's safe to say I've fallen for Fall clothes...and Fall's not even officially here yet! Oh well...in my closet it is! :)

Defining Confidence

I've been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be confident...I mean, truly confident. I've always been one of those girls that struggles if I put on a few pounds, or have a bad hair day, or my make-up doesn't look quite right. I know, I know...it sounds shallow. But, it's a struggle that's been with me for a long time & I'm not really sure where it originated. Granted, it's gotten a lot better over the years, but nonetheless, still there. No one's made me feel that way...it's just a pressure I put on myself to look good ALL the time. It's ridiculous! I mean, that's impossible for any of us. So, I decided to just stop! Stop worrying about how I look 24/7, or what others might be thinking, cause more than likely they're not thinking about it nearly as much as I am any way!

Why is this a struggle for not only me, but LOTS of women? The obvious answers are the images & pressure that our society puts on women to be rail thin, beautiful, & have it all together...all the time. But, see, I don't think that's where confidence truly comes from. Being fit & feeling beautiful defintely helps, but it's not our entire identity if we are in Christ. Because the make-up of who we really are lies in HIM. HE doesn't stop loving us if we put on a few pounds or have a bad hair day. He is the One who is perfect & in His eyes, so are we....in every possible way.

Am I going to have bad days in this area again even though I know the truth...probably. But, I'm moving forward by choosing to not focus on it & by allowing Him to make me more beautiful!

Shopping the Web

Have you noticed that it's hard to find what you're looking for in stores these days? Or, is it just me?? I'm kinda picky & I have somewhat expensive taste (which creates problems at times...) so I don't always find that perfect (and yet inexpensive) piece unless I dig a little. Which is why I've recently been obsessed with online shopping! I know, I know, you're probably thinking not only is online shopping time consuming but it's probably more costly. It's actually not...always. The trick is to do your research & find sites that you'll go back to over & over. The ones that offer great deals (maybe even free shipping) and have one-of-a-kind finds that you wouldn't find in a dept. store.

Some of my personal favs are:

Bluefly: www.bluefly.com
ShopBop: www.shopbop.com
Basic Boutique: www.basicboutique.com (just stumbled onto this one & am LOVIN it!)
Piperlime: www.piperlime.com (shoe website that has a TON of varieties & brands to choose from)
Revolve: www.revolveclothing.com
Forever 21: www.forever21.com (they have stores everywhere but sometimes have stuff on their website that you can't find in the store!)
BagHaus: www.baghaus.com (FABULOUS purse site!)

A few of these run a little pricey but you can find great deals during end of season sales & they have boutique type clothes you can't find other places. And the best part is...you never have to leave your house! ;)

All Eyes On You

With the plethora of make-up on the market, it's hard to know what to choose & easy to get overwhelmed! I've spent I don't know how much money on finding the right brands & choosing just the right shades. And, then even more money after I've thrown away the ones that didn't work & went back & bought the ones that did. It's definitely a game of trial & error.

But, make-up is a girl's best friend...ok, maybe 2nd best. :) Regardless, it's essential! I feel completely naked if I don't "put on my face" every morning. Of course, there was a time when I didn't feel that way. As much as I hate to admit it, my friend Katie is responsible for my love affair w/ make-up. She would always say, "you need to play up your eyes...wear more eyeshadow & eyeliner." Don't get me wrong, I wore it, I just never wore enough to look like it was even there! I always thought it made my eyes look like a raccoon, so I shied away from it. Well, I've grown out of that stage and now I can't get enough of the stuff! I think I've probably tried every brand & color out there.

There's one thing in particular that I have to credit Katie (again) for helping me find & I think all you girls (please no guys ;)) should try!

I've used Cover Girl eyeliner for at least a couple years & have been pretty happy with it. My only complaint would be that I have to reapply it like...all the time! If I rub my eyes, it comes off. If I cry, it comes off. It goes AND comes off too easily! Katie was telling me recently that she started using M.A.C. eyeliner & loved it, so I thought, hmmm, let's see if it works. So, I went & bought it & it's the best $14 I've ever spent! It WILL NOT come off (unless of course you use eye make-up remover) & it looks fabulous! I'm definitely in love! :)

Fashion Forward

Have you ever stepped in your closet & thought, "It's time to go shopping...I have NOTHING to wear!!??" And even if that isn't true, we buy into it...literally. Besdies, it's still a great excuse to buy that new tunic you've been eyeing or those boots that scream your name! I know if I had my way (and a little more money!), I'd be at the mall as much as possible scoping out that next great piece for my wardrobe. After all, I've already thrown out or given away the stuff that's umpteen years old, so I have to replace them, right? :)

What is it about fashion that keeps drawing us in? Coco Chanel once said, "Dress shabbily, they notice the dress. Dress impeccably, they notice the woman." I think that the desire to be beautiful & noticed is at the core of every woman. And, that's why the fashion industry thrives year after year. We will keep going back...or forward...depending on how you look at it.

SO, this post is dedicated to all your fashion lovers out there who want to continually move forward with your unique style! And even if you aren't style savvy right now, don't worry, you can easily transform into a fashionista overnight. ;) Here's a few tips that might help you get started:

1. Follow the trends but put your own twist on it.
2. Dress for your body type. Wear clothes that are flattering on YOUR figure, not someone else's. 3. Be comfortable AND cute.
4. Buy a couple fashion magazines & try to mimic an outfit that really jumps out at you. (People StyleWatch is my fav!)
5. Experiment with your hair & make-up...the final ingredients to ANY good outfit!
6. Buy clothes & shoes that are versatile with lots of different things already in your closet.
7. SHOP SALES! You'll be amazed at what you will find.
8. AND, last...BE BOLD! Try things you never thought you'd wear before! (Suggestion...tunics w/ leggings...very cute!)

I love fashion with a passion & I enjoy getting other women excited about it! It's truly amazing what the right clothes, hair & make-up will do to your demeanor.

So, get started! You deserve it!