You know what I find so interesting? That we can spend alot of time trying to figure out what we are supposed to do with our lives...and the answer is usually right in front of us! I was thinking about this when I was closing up Shopaholic last night. Here I am, 25 or so years after I graduated from Beauty culture College... doing exactly what I set out to do. Wow people with my artistic skills! Honestly, I can't think of many things that give me a sense of true joy like seeing someones face after I have completely changed their appearance. I remember doing haircuts in my bedroom as a teenager, wearing a t-shirt my friend made for me that read"Let Sher do your Hair" and reading in my senior annual " See you on TV"... that's when HOUR Magazine and Gary Collins were on the cutting edge of trends.... we have come a long way to E! entertainment and The Style channel since then! And I still love the big REVEAL!!!
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!
UGH! I am back in this menopausal sleep cycle that kick's my rear... woke up this morning/night at 3:31.Laid awake till 4:45. Got up. Made Coffee. Read Lucky Magazine. Cover to cover. Now what? I am totally confused about what to wear today... and pretty sure I am going for comfort, since I will be at the shop till 7 or so. I still love planning my outfit though.
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.
Well the meeting with the radio station went pretty well! I left feeling encouraged about the prospect of getting a show on the airwaves. Just in case, I am prepping my first show. I could use some suggestions from my followers.... what do you want to know about, who would you like 15 minutes with to ask beauty/fashion or health questions of? I have an idea for the first couple of interviews but I need backups always!! Get your pencils out and take some notes... or just write me here!
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.
I know, I know. What the h$^&* ? Where have you been? In a dark place with no flashlight!!! I have tried to be honest about my life in this blog... Just sharing the good stuff and leaving the rest for the therapist. I have had a bit of a revelation this morning though... I decided to allow the public to post to my site. To be a bit more transparent... it's the new buzz word after all!
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.
