It's been a colorful road to say the least...but today I feel like I am truly in my element with Shopaholic and the environment we have created to make a woman feel like she can just be herself....at the same time she is looking for her new self.... I love being that person they trust and come to for real-life advice. I love what I do. I love what I do. I love what I do!!!!!
Peace

I have been a bit indecisive when it comes to the Holidays this year. I mean, I have this very cool Christmas tree, some pretty fabulous yard decorations and a Christmas album collection that would make anyone jealous. But something has me a bit fakklempt this year. It just doesn't feel as it going-all-out is the right way to celebrate this year. There are alot of things to be thankful for, and I am truly greatful for all that I have. It's just that something is nudging me to keep it simple. Just relax.

Don't get me wrong, my Martha Stewart days of entertaining are definitley over. Yes,I was the one who obsessed over the right theme for the children's tree trimming party, put decorations up in every room in the house, hot glued all of my old Christmas decorations into a fabulous wreath and then did the same for all of my friends! I was a bit obsessive. However as I have gotten older I have cooled it a little. Decided that the best part of Christmas cookies was the decorating and eating of them; the most fun Christmas tree is the one that isn't an actual Christmas tree; and the Snoopy/ Charlie Brown lawn decorations are more fun for the people who slow down to look.... and we have a sense of pride when they drive by so slow there could be no other reason except the joy the Snoopy Snow Globe brings!

Even as I write this little note- to-self, I am imagining the look on my partner's face as she finally plugs in the lights that rival the runway just down the street at Love Field. Not kidding!That's the face I am so greatful to have in my mind's eye. We all have them I am sure of it!

So, as I am still a bit weary from the elections, the global warming threats and the stock market crash... I think maybe the best part of all of this year has yet to happen. I scheduled our annual cookie decorating party, I wandered through the Holiday section of Target, and I dusted off my Martha Stewarts Guide to Entertaining. ( it's still the best book ever printed even if it was in 1982!)

I will celebrate this season with friends and some family. I will celebrate the idea that our new President is BLACK! I will celebrate the idea that change is constant, and we must be the people we want to have in our lives. I will celebrate, period. In whatever way FEELS like the right way. A wise person told me once, " Do it! You can't get it wrong".

Events, no matter how difficult they seem, are always exactly as the are supposed to be. But don't take my word for it, look at your life and show where that hasn't been the case.... in this moment, during this season, CELEBRATE the good. There is always GOOD!

Peace

I am also pretty impressed with myself this morning...I mean I actually HAVE most of the "must haves" in the mags. Not because I have been shopping, but because if you keep it long enough it comes back around! So here's my list of gotta have's for you to scan... and by the way, there are NO SKINNY JEANS ANYWHERE IN MY CLOSET!!!! These trendy little leggings are for little girls....under 30, and very slim! Since this is not me, or anyone I hang out with, I say get them outta your head and closet now!

1. Lace...anything. Keep it simple though, one article of clothing at a time, try layering it with a t shirt instead of a camisole for daytime practicality...and it's funkier!

2. Fringe... handbag, boots or a shirt with moving pieces... love this!

3. Coats... fitted, slouchy, velvet or trench...anything BUT DENIM, dress up dammit!

4. Knitted things.... I knit, so I wear original pieces.... but if you aren't as crafty as I am, look for something handmade...even if it's a bit kitschy... it's all about the "story" of how you aquired something.... garage sale, going outta business sale , vintage digging or stop by Luxury On Lovers and pick up one of my one-of-a-kinds.... put an antique brooch on it and viola, you are instantly more interesting than gal that shops at "Stepford-retailer-anywhere USA". (You know who you are )

5. FIND A.... SignatureFragrance.Mine's Chanel COCO. It makes me feel glamorous .Find yours and layer it. Put it on your Gift list, people like to give things you will really use or enjoy!!! I promise.

True style is .... a state of mind!

Peace.

I spent the afternoon in the closet...of a client who is changing her style a bit!!! This is what I live for, throwing out dated, un-flattering clothes that you will never wear again!!! I took great pleasure in chucking the capris, the long knit shape-less dresses and the very expensive but way too sparkle-y tops, pants and jackets. Now it's time to help re-invent this lady.... take 10 or so years off of her look and create a look that feels like she does!

We are off to Harold's today for a few white shirts, jeans that fit and are BOOT CUT, and maybe a blouse or two... by the way, this long time retailer is GOING OUT OF BUSINESS...sad for them, yipee for you, save a bundle on great quality...even if a bit conservative clothing....stock up! Ask for Sharon, she's the gal with all the style know how.

Have a great day!

Peace

So I will fill you in, and you can share your thoughts from now on...on just about anything. Now you know I am no prude, but keep it clean and this can be a fun way to create conversation and support through sharing our experiences.

Quite honestly, this year has been a challenge. I finally settled ( if you want to call it that) my lawsuit. Yeah, I got sued. It took 2 yrs , alot of money and stress and I didn't even get my day in court... We were there, but the judge sent us back to the drawing board. Exhausted and baffled by how this person could've created such a mess of a perfectly good business, I settled for nothing except to be done. That was the Up-side. So, on to the next phase of my career...

I love doing makeovers. That being said, I also like to yak about anything and everything. I enjoyed my segments with LITE FM / Gene and Julie... They afterall gave me the gumption to focus on my own gig in radio! Some of you know that I have been pitching radio show ideas to anyone who will listen for about 4 yrs. I got the idea when I was listening to weekend talk radio and found the only thing available was Car, Mortgage or Lanscaping talk.... boar-ing!

So, fast forward to now, I am pitching my idea today to the guys at "KMNY" Rational Radio 1360 AM. It's an interesting( to me) path to get to this day, but it's all pretty cool and synchronistic! All along I have been told that my concept is there, but there aren't any talk stations ...and those that target women have all bit the dust in short order. Not a very promising outlook for a gal. In comes the only left-leaning radio station in North Texas.

Now, I don't hide the fact that I am a liberal-minded woman. I always dreamed of a show where I could really be myself. I like to talk. I love a good conversation. I happen to be in the beauty/fashion industry but that doesn't mean I am all about the outside... What I imagine this new opportunity to be is simply entertainment for those who are confident enough to share their life experiences without being embarrassed; laugh at themselves; learn a trick or two about style; share in a light-hearted exchange about life!

I am 44. I have raised a son. I have owned businesses and I have alot of colorful experiences that make up Who I Am. I know you do too. Starting today, let's have an open dialog about what we care about, think about and do with our time. Just cuz it's more fun to feel connected right now than dis-connected. We need each other in more ways than we probably know. I will do my best to sell our show to the world... I will keep you posted on our progress! In the meantime, just stay in the loop, share your thoughts and keep an open mind... it's really the only way to learn and love.

Peace

http://www.northparkcenter.com/blog

Peace

The honorees were present as well, Phillip Lim, Thakoon and Marchesa to name a few. Designers must be American, have an actual design business and creat 5 pieces of work that is judged by fashion icons.The winner gets $200,00o to help further their dreams of making it in the world of high fashion. I felt the red carpet-esq gowns by the female team at Marchesa were the show stoppers!

We get so used to hearing the names of fashion designers... Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi and Diane Von Furstenburg to name a few, that we forget they too were once struggling artists in their field...we take for granted that they are the touchstone of how we dress and what we buy. Once, a long time ago they to were just starting out, had a vision and stuck to it. Hooray for the ingenuity of creative minds and stylish people .... and the public that helps to creat ICONS of their art! The designers that were honored last night have vision and ideals that inspire and amaze those of us who call ourselves fashionistas... Thank you.

Peace

Peace

Loved the white lace and mesh booties to start, then out comes the good stuff... COLOR like no body else can do. The feminine tux with white ruffles was elegant and edgy, the mixture of sequins and fuchsia tiers of fabric was a nice surprise and the PURPLE patent leather-lace up - shoe boots were AMAZING!!! (Since my foot is in a cast, I could truly imagine the pain...but I would buy and WEAR those just for the reaction!!!) I was impressed to see the crowd so large and so well dressed for a post-stock-market-crash party.... but as they say, "If you can't feel it, FAKE IT!!!" And that they did... fabulously.

It was a nice bonus to actually see the designer this time... somehow it brings it back to reality. This guy thunk this all up. Created the beautiful fabrics and inspired alot of others to follow suit. That's what this runway stuff is about... the art of it all. I'm inspired to dress better today. Thanks Roberto!

Peace

Salvation Army- $15.00=Velvet jeans, wrap cardigan, cute western shirt and a fabulous A-line dress that will be perfect with leggings and flat boots. (Half price day is Wednesday...thats my day to shop)

St. Vincent De Paul- $8.00= White button down blouse (Herve Bernard), Guess Jeans. This week everything is 40% off!!! I regret not nabbing the beautiful camel's hair coat priced at 20 bucks...I decided to think about it and when I went back 30 minutes later, gone. Damn I hate it when i don't use my gut!!!

Fallas Paredes-$17.00= Satin dress, 2 pair of leggings, and a pair of yoga pants. This is one of my little secrets. This store is one that caters to the Hispanic community and is nestled into shopping centers that you probably can't pronounce the names of. However, I will tell you that I have found some pretty cute things in there and on occasion a brand or two I love. BCBG, Calvin Klein and ABS to name a few. Now I warn you, the service is worse than a garage sale and the atmosphere is definitley not a priority... but if you are looking for a retail fix...you just may get one here. Like most of my shopping haunts, you have to know it when you see it...cuz they have no ability to display their goods!

I hope you have fun reinventing yourself this season...It's always fun for me!!!

Peace