Worry, Worry, Worry, or TRUST?

I'm a worrier.  I think about things, and then re-think about things.

I analyze every silly little detail and often go over and over things in my mind...annoying, right?

Well, here's one of those things I am learning and constantly reminding myself these days...

It goes something like this:  I can worry, and *congratulations*, I care about things and situations and decisions and people's feelings.

But really, what's the purpose?  It doesn't change anything--not one single thing.  So, I say, how about being productive?  How about using that energy towards believing and trusting in God?  How about opening myself up to God's plan for me?  How about allowing myself to be an instrument in His hands?  How about becoming the person I am meant to be?  How about focusing on being purposeful, instead of petty?

Doesn't it just feel better--less critical and controlling, and more positive and peaceful.

What change would truly trusting in God bring to your life?

So, what are you waiting for?

xo

The Green-eyed Monster

I always forget this concept.  I think it's a fairly easy one to forget, actually.

Isn't it so easy to look around at others and see the things and ways in which they are seemingly "better" or "smarter", or more "talented", or more "beautiful", or more "skinnier" {I know, wrong tense, but I just like the way that sounds though}, or more "successful", or more "evolved", or....etc.....

What I fail to remember sometimes is that we are all on a different chapter, called our life.  Some just barely beginning the discovery of their book, others right in the middle, while others on their closing remarks.

Isn't it all about Perspective?

I think about where I am in my journey--what chapter am I on?  Am I progressing, and am I even in the right book sometimes?  Am I learning the lessons of the past and setting goals for my future?  Am I looking to others for inspiration or with envy?  Am I happy right where I am?

It's easy to get lost in all the details of life and forget that when we are focused on evolving ourselves, rather than outdoing others, we can keep things in perspective--and more importantly, find peace in whats right in front of us---our next chapter---while genuinely celebrating the successes of others.

What chapter do you wish you were on?  What chapter are you really on?  Where's your joy?

xo

Just Block It Out

Either block out how skinny these models are, or....notice why they look so dang skinny.  It's called color blocking.  The use of vertical color blocking is the most slimming style trend I have seen.  To the eye, it literally removes the outside blocks so that your eye only focuses on whats in the center....it's amazing how it works every time....

And then there are just color blocking in different combinations.

These designs add interest and color to a dress or outfit....

^ {I love how this shirt is paired with these printed pants--perfect}

So, do you need a little secret weapon---just block it out.

xo

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