Fur + Feathers + My Dress on Instagram

Can you thank God when life seems bad?  Pastor Rick does it again.  The more of that bad stuff that happens, to more I find I am able to do this.  “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV).

Temps are dropping and the holiday season is upon us!  Grocery store runs, playing with the Peanuts or work out wear to the Y...  It is time to break out the fur. 

Also, I am thrilled about my newest editorial contributorship to Scoop Charlotte.  Head over here to read my article about all things fur and feathers, and check out my top luxe, low and local picks just in time for the holidays. 

Next up, yesterday I was at Capitol shopping the 40% off sale for a client, and stumbled upon this Self Portrait frock.  This happens every time!!!  So many winners just waiting to be had.  If you love this dress (seriously my most liked Instagram photo ever!?  What??  Over the Peanuts on Halloween? Or qualifying for the Boston Marathon... Crazy!?!), you can snag it for yourself and shop all of my current Self Portrait favorites below or HERE if you are unable to see the images from your phone. 

Last but certainly not least I experienced THE most amazing facial of my life yesterday at Infinity MedSpa and Wellness. I had a facial plus some dermaplaning, which was seriously radical exfoliation.  If I could achieve one thing it would be that my face feels CLEAN and free of all the dirt and dust that flies through the air and goes into my pores.  I left feeling just that and more.  Shiney, clean skin thanks to Perri!  Get more info here!

Boundaries, Booby Twaps, Controversial Accessories + My Home Photographed!

I've been working really hard on setting boundaries.  It's something I've been working on for a long time.  What sometimes seems like forever or can't you just learn?!  I swear, every time I get into one of those deep back and forth girlfriend therapy sessions when it's my turn, I hear "you really have to read this AMAZING book!"  Then I say, let me guess!  It's called Boundaries. It's all about...When To Say Yes, How To Say No To Take Control Of Your Life.  What a novel idea!  I have the disc version and need to put those babies in my car and listen when I'm ever alone.  But this week, I've been setting boundaries left and right.  Like they are freaking booby twaps.  And let me tell you, it feels really good. As Pastor Rick explains here, Fear Grows When We Refuse To Do What God Wants Us To Do. 

A big exciting THANK YOU to QC Exclusive Magazine for including me in their Arts & Culture issue now on stands. I had some amazing help pulling my home (and me) together all swank. You can read the article here.  Ariene at Dressing Room Interiors is so talented, and Cali Stott is magical for helping me feel pretty!

There's this article on Who What Wear about "The One (Controversial) Item In Fashion Everyone Is Wearing Right Now."  For the record, I feels strongly the reason these fab ladies can pull it off and look great is because the item is GUCCI. Anything less is a fail.  I'm saying simply it is because of the brand that it is acceptable. 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Bags + Sunglasses

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has it ALL, down to the perfect accessories to top off your look. I've included some of my favorite bags in this round up, as well as sunglasses.  We all know that every look needs to be polished off with a cool pair of shades!  Shop all my favorites below, or click HERE if you are unable to see the below images.  

This whipstitch leather hobo bag is a great size one for travel, or this slightly more classic version.

I love the cool geometric shape of these Marc Jacobs shades. 

NOW is definitely a good time to spring for those investment brands, like Burberry.  These shades are super chic. 

I've been enjoying my genuine crocodile purse from House of Landor.  This leather version is reminiscent of mine.

Click HERE if you are unable to see the below images.

I couldn't help but share one of this week's devotions from Rick Warren:  Life Is About Relationships, No Accomplishments.  

Dress To Room Pairings That Will WOW + This And That

If you love interior design, great fashion and style, hopefully you are already following Holly Phillips' blog named after her interior design business, The English Room.  I'll never forget when Holly asked little ole me to lunch when she was thinking about starting a blog.  I still chuckle at the notion... Holly is a FORCE and at about 54K Instagram followers, it appears the social media world agrees!  But seriously, sign up for her blog HERE.  The English Room is one of my favorite reads and of her posts, I particularly enjoy her Dress To Room Pairings that follow any major fashion/awards event.  Here's a glimpse...

• The Fanny Pack is BACK... Say What?!  But seriously, it's totally functional people.  Especially as a mom... at the park, or Disney World, or whatever.  I've knocked it Buuuuuut..... Check It.
   
• Does anyone listen to Pastor Rick Warren?  He was the one that wrote The Purpose Driven Life back in 2002.  Whenever I'm in the car for any length of time, albeit not often, I am listening to Rick Warren's radio broadcast.  God's Mercy and My Failures, Part 3 was especially impacting for me.  He speaks about the noteworthiness of having small groups in your life, especially during difficult times and the importance of networks of loyal supportive friends.  I am so grateful for those friends in my life!
   
• ast week I worked with a great team on a photo shoot at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. The wardrobe maintained the floral theme... It was so hard narrowing down this rack of beautiful threads!  I cannot wait to see the pictures!

• I am happily sending off in style one sweet beautiful client to next weekend's Kentucky Derby thanks to some amazing custom design help for my client's hat for Saturday's race, as well as for her fascinator for Friday. If you are ever in need of a great headpiece, I highly recommend both The Hat Girls and Jill Courtemanche Millinery!  Both of these designers did an amazing job custom designing headpieces for me to pair with my client's dresses.

Seeking Approval

Rick Warren for President!  I read A Purpose Driven Life when I was just out of college. During my journey through adulthood thus far, I have turned more and more to my faith for comfort and security.  It has helped me to put less importance in what other people think of me, which has controlled much of my personal happiness for so long.  Daily Hope With Rick Warren is just one email devotional I read each day.  I find him to offer very sound, level headed yet powerful words of encouragement. 

I recall feeling a major shift in my friendships when I made the leap to pursue my passion on a professional level.  I felt there were close friends and readers of my blog (which is how the career started) who fiercely supported me while there were other friends who seemed to change in our friendship.  I am still not quite sure why, but I do feel as a result of longing for their love and approval during those early times, I have grown in my confidence in my own self.   This recent devotional by Rick Warren really hit home, and I hope it will provide some comfort for you if you ever find yourself seeking the approval of others in order to be happy.