It's Getting Hot In Here

  Hey people! Thanks for the congratulatory comments from my post about my New York trip and special shoutout to reader Simplybee for the suggestions, I will be taking you up on as many of those as I can!

I wanted to share a little tidbit with y'all....

I Ain't Here For That #2

Got some (more) stuff I ain't here for, y'all......

Love and Kindness

As I've been furiously writing in my journal about my goals, hopes and accomplishments for the upcoming year, I have been reflecting on the past year of my life.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Gifts and Presence

I have recently been having the conversation with friends about using our talents to their fullest. I am reminded about a Bible study lesson about "Using what is in your hand" meaning use your God given gifts to fulfill your life and God's purpose.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us."  Romans 12:6

I know that there are areas that I excel but I really want to maximize my potential. 

 Dashiki: Thrifted
Men's belt: Thrifted
Sunglasses: Bluebird Vintage - Austin
Bag: Prada
Wedges: Steve Madden

I sometimes lament that I should have stayed at my job working with truant kids because it was reliable and steady but I know that the path that I am on was the path that was chosen for me. That I would not have realized my love for teaching or even stepped out to begin my styling/personal shopping career if I hadn't tried something new.

I think that now the challenge is to consistently grow and build on the gifts that I have received and cultivate other gifts that I have neglected. I used to think that I had to concentrate solely on one thing but I know that God bestows many gifts to us and it is our responsibility to recognize and maximize those gifts. (Recognize and maximize- I had a Jessie Jackson moment there for a minute.)

Do you know your gifts? Are you using them to their full potential?

P.S. Check out my feature over at Queen of the Burbs, go over and say hi to Lynaya and tell her I sent you!

P.S.S. I got new Moo cards!

In The Fashionista's Closet: Bitter Pill

This week has been a week of irritations and disappointments and yall know that I don't like to burden you (well not too much) so I won't bother with the details.

Jacket: Thrifted

Belt: Thrifted

Skirt: Banana Republic

I read a book a couple of years ago titled "Controlling the Tongue" and there was a chapter on "Dignifying the Trial" and that has been my struggle this week. It basically says that whenever you are having a hard time, the struggle is in how you carry it. It is about accepting whatever is happening in your life without complaint. "Dignifying the trial means to accept any trial graciously...and letting it last as long as necessary to accomplish God's purpose in it." Well I can tell you right now that I haven't been dignifying a doggone thing except my indignation over my circumstances. I may have even uttered the phrase "Why me?!"

Shirt: Vintage (gifted by Reiko)

shoes: XOXO via Ross

I know that I have to begin again and face whatever happens with understanding that whatever is happening  is not a punishment, that I am being prepared, and that trials do end. I need to rejoice that I am still here to accept these challenges and that I need to face them with dignity and grace. The issue is not that we have problems but how we handle the problems and I haven't been a great example as of late.

 bag: Chloe

I did want to show you a little nugget of satisfaction from my week, I have been looking for a vintage train case and my friend, P found this vintage Samsonite one and bought it for me! 

 

  I plan to carry it as a handbag so if you see a chick around town looking like she's about to go on vacation but she's not at the airport, stop and say hi, it's me! 

In The Fashionista's Closet: Box of Crayons

I am now subbing a small group of 5th grade boys everyday to prepare them for the TAKS test and they are really really aware of what I wear to class.

 Coat: Ann Taylor

  One of them asked me today if I had someone who came to my house and picked out my clothes. When I laughed and said no, he said earnestly, "No, I'm serious. Do you? I ain't never seen nobody dress like you." (Note to self, work on grammar with them as well.)

They have asked if I used to work in fashion before I became their teacher (yes) and where do I shop for clothes (everywhere).

 

Sweater: Thrifted

Skirt: Vintage

Polka dot hose: Target

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Again with this darn sweater, one kid asked if he could touch it and said it looked "so soft and comfortable." What is it with this sweater??? 

 In addition to teaching testing strategies, I am also talking to them about the importance of good grooming. We all brought lotion, a brush and deodorant for those who may need it, I want them to feel a sense of pride in how they look. We do a self check and make sure that shirts are tucked in and shoes are tied before leaving the classroom. I tell them that we are all representatives of our class and we should all look and be our best. I hope it's sinking in...

In The Fashionista's Closet: Black y Rosado

Sorry about my background today, I had to take my pics in the classroom because I have to leave immediately after la escuela to go to my second trabajo today. No I didn't get one of the kids to take my pics, I set up my tripod while the kids were at lunch.

At my second job (I can't even call it part time because I feel as though I am working there just as much as I am at school) there is a guy that I'll call Reggie who is all things fabulous and funny. Reggie is irreverent and hilarious and will put you in your place whether you need it or not and everyone loves him, customers and co-workers alike. Reggie has these sayings at work that I'll call Reggie-isms that no one else can say or get away with.

Reggie peppers his conversations with "Lawd hammercy", "the ram in the bush"  and various things that the (Holy) Spirit told him (not to come to work that day and where the alterations person is) and when I asked him what church he attends he promptly replied "Bedside Baptist on Pillowrest Road."

 

And THAT is your Reggie-ism for today.

I used my bilingual-ness in my post today to show you how I talk to the ninos a la escuela. SPANGLISH!

Adios!

"Belt" it out!

Undeniably a favorite of Mrs. Obama's, here are some fashionable and fun belt options all for under $50:

Fashion Focus pewter obi belt $29 @ Bluefly; Arden B feather and pearl stretch belt $34


Lane Bryant wide basketweave belt $11.80; Banana Republic leather knotted belt $39.50



Arden B twist bow stretch belt $19.50; J. Crew flowerette sash $35



Enamel bow elastic belt $44 @ Topshop; Spiegel stone cluster belt $44


Lulu's "More is More" belt in ecru $15; White House Black Market flower sash $44

It's a Cinch!

Fendi plexi and suede belt $665; Fendi Nappa elastic suede belt $520 both from Saks.com

I saw these Fendi belts online and thought they were fabulous but I wasn't sure about the acrylic buckle, it looked heavy. Lo and behold, what do I see in the sample cage this very morning but that very belt! So of course , I MUST try it on and was pleasantly surprised. It is lightweight but not as amber as the pic on the website. It also looks pretty good with the dress that I wore today.

Here is the view of me wearing the belt

Why you want it: It adds definition to your waist and makes you look thinner. Don't want to spend over 600 bucks on a BELT? Here are some looks for less:


Wide belt with elastic $24.97 @ Belt Planet.com


Corset belt (love this!) $69 @ Spiegel.com



Allure wide stretch belt $64 @ Nordstrom.com

Waist knot want knot

Ooh Boutique obi belt $22

I have done a post on obis before but my interest was renewed when I spotted a woman at lunch looking oh so chic with an obi, pencil skirt and button down shirt. Her waist looked incredible with the cinching from the obi. Of course I would not be the fashion fiend that I am if I didn't talk to her about her look. She told me that the obi actually came with a suit that she had (which I can only imagine was lovely as well) and that she enjoyed being able to switch it up by pairing it with separates. A great way to spice up any outfit!

Two tone leather obi and white leather obi both $39 (on sale!) @ Arden B

Elegantly waisted red patent belt $275 @ Shopbop