A slip is always a really good idea.

Oopsie....{I hesitate to draw attention to something so obvious, quite blatant, actually.}  But.....Somebody get Kim a slip!

There.  I said it.

Now, I don't know Kim Kardashian personally, and I'm actually not entirely sure what she does.  I do know she gets a lot of press {only because I buy groceries}.  Now, I get it.  I get publicity stuff and the whole attention thing.  You know, any attention, is still attention.

And, I'm not here to judge, but rather to illustrate a point.  My point is this:  Haven't we all been a victim of bad fashion choices, or rather, bad foundation choices under an outfit?  How about colored undies with light colored pants.  What about panty lines.  Or like this situation, forgetting to wear a slip...In her defense, I actually think her dress had a fabric lining, but clearly, the lining did not do its job.

So, maybe we realized it before the whole world noticed, or maybe we didn't.  Either way, many of us have found ourselves in a situation where we either forgot, or did not realize the need for a slip.    Unfortunately, this happens, some more public than others.

So here is my simple plea to the women of the world, young and old....Please, Please get yourself a slip--and for goodness sake, wear it...even if you don't think you need it.

xo

Lay your foundation. And love it.

A solid concrete foundation is critical to any building.
A perfectly colored foundation is essential to every woman's face.
A VERSIE slip foundation will forever change to way you dress.
A sure foundation in Christ is vital to every wise woman.

Let me explain.  I completely believe in the importance of all four foundations.  First, I have been a part of many home building projects, and know that the concrete footings and foundations are of critical importance to making a home safe, sound and secure.

Second, this ones pretty simple, ladies.  Make-up foundation smooths out coloration in the skin, fills the gaps and sets the ground work for gorgeous skin and a more beautiful face--essential to every woman's makeup bag.

Third, a VERSIE slip foundation will forever change the way you dress.  The struggle with layering shirts under a dress or skirt.  Fighting with your slip to stay in place.  All the layers....need  I go on?  A VERSIE slip is a shirt on top with a slip attached at the waist.  It's meant to show on top and be hidden on the bottom.  That's it.  Simple.  You just put it on and you've got it all.  Coverage on top and coverage on the bottom.  Finally, a slip that makes sense.

Lastly, and most important, a sure foundation in Christ, really is vital.   There was a time in my life when I had been caught up in, as the saying goes, "the thick of thin things".  I didn't entirely realize it until changes in my life lead me to do some soul searching.  I was desperate to find much needed answers.  While reading in the scriptures one day about the foolish man and the wise man--a story and song I have known, well, my entire life--hit me like a ton of bricks.  This time, I understood those verses to mean that I was that foolish wo-man.  And that I had been building my house on a sandy foundation.  I began to realize that I was putting superficial things in front of vital and essential things, and that I needed to make some changes.

What I love about this experience for me, was that I was being taught, and because I am a visual learner, the Lord knew how to show me a way to change.  He was helping me understand that I needed to take time to rebuild, but first, I needed to lay a foundation of rock, not sand.  How lucky was I to get that chance?  I began to study and read and pray and practice following promptings.  And then study and read and pray and practice some more.  And again.  And again.  And again.

So through all this, I didn't actually feel like I had arrived at any certain place, except that now, I have come to firmly believe that I want nothing more than to do the will of my Heavenly Father, even when it's hard.  Did I mention, even when it's hard?  Cause it's been really hard--in ways I never imagined.  So, I continue to repent and learn and tell myself, "Lay your foundation.  And Love it."

I hope you will too....

xo

A Woman's Closet

What is it about closets, and especially a woman's closet?  Is it the symmetrical lines, or rows of orderly clothes and special shelves for shoes?  Is it the familiarity of those things that are a part of our everyday life.  Is it that space in our home, that is uniquely our own?

Closets are those small spaces that have a really important job and, really, the many variations on how to keep our personal things orderly is endless....I am always inspired.

Our closets are one of our most private spaces.   I know for me, I have had creative bursts in my closet,  I think in my closet sometimes, I've shed tears in my closet out of desperation and frustration, I hide presents in my closet, and I've argued with my husband in our closet--so let just say, I'm pretty sure those walls have seen it all.  Literally.

But really, how we keep our closets are a reflection of where we are in our lives--for good or not so good.  Sometimes chaotic {o.k., o.k., for me a lot of the time}, or orderly, or somewhere in between...

What is your closet saying about you?--Whew. You are one busy lady? Or something else?

xo

Are slips back in style?

I've noticed for quite sometime {several years, actually} that slips were pretty hard to come by in stores.  Not to mention, even more scarcely used at *opportune* moments....so, I started to wonder....have slips gone out of "style"?  I mean, slips seem to be, in many ways a matter of function, not fashion.

The evolution of a slip is interesting.  Necessary in every girl and woman's wardrobe until about the 70's.  The introduction of more pants, and freer flowing dresses moved women away from the traditional petticoat.  Over the years, a slip became less and less frequent evolving into clothing manufactures adding linings and slips into clothing--so an obvious lack of demand occurred.

But, regardless of the history of a slip--one thing my mother taught me was to always do a "light" check before leaving the house.  This was to make sure that when I was in the sunlight, I would not be that girl....

{Oh dear, Jen--2011.  I m sure glad this wasn't me.  My mom would have killed me.} 

***

Now a days, literally the last few months, my how things are changing....I have been noticing a ton on intentional slip use, and I like it.  It's feminine. I'ts really classy and sophisticated, if it's done correctly.  Louis Vuitton and Valentino are some major designers that were using lace on hems to add the look of a slip, but an updated version.  I love it.

So, if sophisticated femininity is your goal...I think you know what to do.  If you want to be daring and try something fashion forward, add a little more interest right along that hem line--a pretty slip will work like a dream.

You are a vision, already...because a lady always wears a slip.

xo 

Looking for Light

I love good lighting.  The scale, shape and finish are so key to any good room design.  I love fixtures that are a tiny bit over-sized, so to add drama.  You always notice a disproportionate light fixture {either way too big--or an unfortunate, too, too tiny}.  So enjoy the luminous effect of good lighting...it feels really good.

And since we're on the topic...indulge me a moment.
You know the old saying, "misery loves company"?  Well, I hate to say it {out loud}, but it's true.

Misery does love company.  {Stay with me here...}  And you know, why shouldn't it?  It really does make sense.  Negative people talk about negative things and, if you're feeling down and frustrated or disappointed--there's acceptance there.  It kind of feels good to commiserate...at least, in the moment.

But, before we get too far down depression lane--I would like to mention that the opposite methodology works like a charm.

It's unbelievable.  Light attracts light, or better said, light cleaveth unto light.  I've spent some time thinking about this situation.  I've been on both sides of the spectrum, for sure.  Here's what I've found.  It's pretty simple.  When I am in or around negative conversations, it totally drains my energy.  It is literally exhausting.  I leave tired, unsettled and grouchy.  Nothing has been fixed or solved.  It's actually really discouraging.

Yet, on the other hand, when I am in super positive conversations, about anything really, it just feels good.  It feels better.  I leave feeling like I want to be better.  I actually love that.  I crave that now.  I look for opportunities to have positive interactions....whether it's complimenting someone, looking for the good in a given situation or focusing on acknowledging the many blessings in my life and others.  It just feels right, and I like it.

So, I've often said--"I'm tired of listening to myself complain" {literally and figuratively}, and then, I decided this---If I find myself complaining about something, either do something about it or be quiet.  And so, I will.

Now, go be the light that everyone wants to cleave to.  Flip the switch.

xo

Me-ow.

Leopards me-ow--don't they?  

So, I'm sort of partial to my leopard prints. And you know, why not?  Always timeless.  Classic.  Sophisticated.

Now, if you're like me, you can be a bit obsessive with the things that you love.  So, a word of caution--you can have too much of a good thing.  Be careful.  There is a fine line between stunning and scary in a blink.

I like to do leopard  like this...large pieces {jackets, pants and dresses or sofas and chairs} pair with solids.  Keep the look really clean and sophisticated.

When using leopard in smaller pieces {shoes, tops, handbags, belts and scarves or pillows, lampshades and trays} get a little adventurous--pair them with fun prints or large stripes, and use the leopard as a pattern accent.  It becomes unexpected and adds a layer of richness and sophistication.

And lastly, two things.  #1- Use a discerning eye when buying leopard pieces.  I have found fantastic pieces {from Target to Neimans}, but more often I come across ones not so fantastic...so, choose wisely.  #2 - Never, Never pair two leopard pieces together.  They never match--even if they are the same, I promise.{Unless they are throw pillows, in which case, I will allow}.  

So, how will you channel your inner feminine feline?...In your home or out and about or both?...Me-ow.

xo

Tie her up with a Bow.

This girl?  Well, she's my girl.  And I'm her mom.

Let's just say, I'm pretty lucky.  And luck doesn't even describe the gift that she is to me.  She is my oldest, a joy, a blessing and my friend.

So, what's with a bow?  It actually was a creative fix to a sweater that was "too long" and was collecting dust in my girl's room.  We actually love using ribbon to change things up.  A well-used piece of ribbon can make an outfit fun, whimsical and different.

I like to buy a yard and half of pretty silk fabric and cut my own ribbon strips on the bias.  These cuts give you beautiful ribbon strips that stretch (because of the bias cut).  The edges are a little raw, but don't ever fray.  I can cut them all different thicknesses and use them on gift packages, necklaces and as darling ties.

Ready for a little change to give a big impact?  Tie a silk Bow.

xo