Falling in Love (all over again)…

In my last post, which was “years ago”, (yeah I’ve been a bad blogger, more on that in upcoming posts) I shared two words: REFUSE & EMBRACE. I went on to announce a plan to refuse all of the unwanted, unhealthy things in my life and commit to embracing my goals and intent for a better, well-lived life. It’s time to move forward, carefully, thoughtfully, and obviously one step at a time.

(Slacks: Express; Tank(s): Target; Cardigan: Express via Thrift; Shoes: JCP)

Many of us come to the conclusion at some time or another that what we have, how we are living, and/or what we are giving our attention to is simply not cutting it. We look at our lives in search of the fruit of our labors and sometimes come up empty. But the question is why? This is what I had to figure out for myself, just like anyone else who wants to go forth and change.

One of the biggest challenges that I have been faced with is making me more of a priority. When I was single putting me first was easy as pie. Everything was about me, in fact I think I was quite selfish (at least that’s what I heard – lol). However, when I got engaged and then married, everything changed. I began to put any and everything before “me”: my husband, our home, the dog, work, EVERYTHING. I thought that was what I was “supposed to do”. I became an afterthought in my own mind, watched myself disappear into the background and I ultimately lost my voice, my purpose, and the overall vision for my life. I lived like this for a while (years) until one day I woke up and made a decision …..It was time for a change…  

It all started with a conversation I had with God. I asked Him to forgive me for neglecting myself. I asked for the courage, strength, and knowledge that I would need to move get through this rut. I asked Him to help me to find my voice and make my presence known in my own eyes.  That part was easy, but the required work was hard and I had a lot of work to do. It started with figuring out why I felt that I didn’t deserve my own attention; an obstacle like no other, which ultimately lead me to face the deadliest demon of all, a lack of self love.

After realizing that love, or the lack there of was the root cause of the rut I feel into, I began to heal. Things began to get better. I started to see the light; I began to open up to myself and to the world around me. I was able to reconnect and get to know and understand the woman that I have become. It has been an amazing ride and all so worth it.

So today, I am thankful for the season of my rut, if I had not been there, I would not be here – in love! I am in love with the woman who saw the need for change and found the courage to cry for help. I am in love with the woman who is committed to refusing the old way(s) and embracing the new.

SPKH Nugget: You were created in love. You have the right to bask in it.  Give some of it away, and always keep a stash tucked away for you.

Thanks for reading!! 

 

Two words........

It's a wonderful day for a blog post!! I'm back and feeling better than ever. Boy oh boy what a little rest and relaxation can do for the body....Look at that smile - whoa!!

(Multi-Colored Tribal Tunic & Necklace: Forever21: Chocolate Brown Skirt: The Limited- so old; Shoes: 9West- Not pictured) 

Today I woke up with two words on my heart and I thought I'd share them with you today:

REFUSE & EMBRACE....

Yeah I know, where did that come from and why are they on my heart so heavy? I have no idea, but there's always room for speculation. I think it is a message, not just for me but for someone out there reading this blog.

If you're anything like me, sometimes you find yourself trying to be everything to and for everyone, while leaving yourself with a little bit of nothing, if anything is actually left. Don't get me wrong, it is okay to try and please those around you and become what you need to be for those that you love. However, what's not okay is giving so much of yourself until evey bit of you is gone. Or even worse, becoming something you aren't for the sake of making other people happy. Both situations can do nothing but rob you of who you are and even worse, rob you of who you really want to be. They can lead you down a path to emptiness. Empty to the point where there is nothing left of you to keep YOU moving in the direction that you're intended to move towards.

Another way to look at this is allowing yourself to become burned out or turning into something that you're not, and honestly, who needs that?

What better time than now get off of that rotten path and start a fresh? Today is a new day, another chance to get it right or work towards what's right. It's the perfect day to save just a little bit of you for you, to invest in your hopes and dreams... So what do you do with these two words? Well I don't know about you, but for me:

• It is time to refuse to be the last item on my list or better yet, missing from that list.
• It is time to embrace my dreams and desires and live life to the fullest (what I define as the fullest).
• It is time to refuse to continue to contribute to any type of personal pain or unwarrented stress.
• It is time to embrace a way of life that can contribute to pure joy and happiness.

 Yep, what a message for hump day! Hope you have a good one!!

Something Old, Something New...

This weekend I was out and about looking for nothing in particular, only a few good deals. So I headed out in search of the perfect price points. I ended up at the Galleria Mall in North Dallas, now this is typically not the place to go search for the perfect deal unless you have the right amount of will power and a strict list of stores that you plan to pop in. So, I mustered up as much will power as I could and walked straight through Nordstroms and headed to Forever21.

While browsing through the super trendy store full of teenie boppers and their mothers, I noticed a few items that would fit into my existing wardrobe, but ended up passing them by. Then I spotted this super cute color blocked sleevless sweater. I don't know what is was about this little number, but I HAD to have it. The little snap shot doesn't do it much justice being that it's a little wrinkled due to the way the sales girl tossed it in the bag - geeze. While Forever21 is on trend with the color block, I have to give them credit for the muted color choice. This sweater is perfect and the fabric is great. It would be casually cute paired with jeans or even dressed up undered a blazer or slacks.  For only $19, this was a major score.

After holding on tightly to my new sweater (not yet mine, but bound to be), I headed over to the jewelry. I can browse their accessories for hours, but I didn't want to waste much time. I performed the quickest scan ever but ended up eyeing a few gems. A set of silver, gold, and rose colored bangles caught my attention first. I thought that they would be a cute addition to any outfit, casual or dressy in order to spice it up just a bit - a perfect way to start an "Arm Party".  Next was a long strand of rose colored beads. I had to have them, it was almost like they were calling me. If I am in a really fancy mood, I could wear it along with the bangles... Humm, we'll have to see about that. Lastly, the multicolored twisted bead styled necklace. Love it!!

All are sure to be a great additions to both a casual or dressy outfit. I can't wait to throw on the rose toned necklace. With both necklaces a little over $6 and the bangles under $4, I'd say I managed to find that deal that I was searching for. Total damage at Forever21, a little over $30 bucks!! TOTAL SCORE!!

1). New: Color Block Sweater: Forever21

2.) New: Necklaces, Bracelet: Forever21

3.) Thrifted: Slacks & Skirt: Banana Republic/Ann Taylor

4.) Thrifted: Skirt & Blouse: Banana Republic

So I believe I did pretty well as my plan was to only spend a certain amount of money (as little as possible). I left the mall with only one bag, a great accomplishment on my part I must add. However, after I got into my car and drove out of the parking lot I felt that something was still missing. So, what would any faithful deal seeker do with cash in hand and a desire to continue to shop?

Well, I don't know about you, but I would head to my favorite thrift shop.... So guess what, I did exactly that. I drove up to the massive store not too far from my house and before getting out of the car, I took a deep breath, and focused on the fact that I am only in search of a good deal. Nothing more and nothing less..... So I was on my way....The result? Man oh man, DEALS DEALS DEALS!!! I ended up spending a total of $23.52!!! Total score!! I'm officially hooked on Thrifting!! Thank you to my thrifting blog crushes!!! 

So here's the break down, I left with a pair of white linen slacks, a yellow silk and cotton short sleeve blouse, a brown multicolored/printed linen (I'm in love with the print) skirt from Banana Republic, and a black and white printed skirt from Ann Taylor. The items were all in excellent condition and I can't wait to get these cleaned and ready for an outfit challenge.

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that your week is off to a great start!! By the way, I didn't realize that my posts from Thursday and Friday were in draft mode. Sorry about that, while I would love to blame it on blogger, it was totally a user error!!!

Enjoy the rest of your day!!

Orange Ya Glad It's Friday!!!

Today I kept things a bit light for casual Friday. Most of our executives were out of the office today, so when that happens we tend to tone it down and relax a bit more. In addition to the little taste of freedom, I didn't feel like wearing anything overly fussy as I'm still, like many other Texans, trying to stay cool in this heat. 

(Linen Top: Zara; Jeans: Old Navy; Sandals & Necklace: Forever21)

While searching for something light and airy, this morning I reached in my closet and pulled out this cute coral linen top. I totally love this color, as I mentioned in a previous post orange is my favorite color and this is pretty close. For me, anything in the orange family makes me happy. If I'm wearing an outfit that includes an orangy hue, you'll catch me with a smile (unless it's blazing hot outside like this post). Most colors in the orange family are also a great choice when transitioning from summer to fall.

Instead of shoes with a heel, I grabbed these flat woven bronze sandals, which I am in total love with. I purchased these from Forever 21 in early June with two other pairs. They were perfect to add to my summer wardrobe and priced at 7 bucks, I couldn't resist. I tend to throw these on with just about anything: jeans, shorts, leggings, and sundresses. 

Well my friends, it has been a long week. I'm heading inside to cool off and prepare for the weekend. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

The Hump Day Blues

You would think that this blue is a favorite color of mine, judging by how much of it is hanging in my closet. However it's not, I have a thing for orange that I can't seem to shake. Anyhoo, that is neither here nor there. So how are you doing on this wonderful day? Me, I'm fighting to stay cool in this heat. Still no relief in sight, not to mention a hefty electric bill that is on the way...come on fall temps!!

Enough with the complaining, on to the outfit. Due to the blazing temps yet again, I thought I'd mix a simple white tissue tee with this grey high-waisted pencil skirt. To dress it up a bit, I added this lovely scarf that I scored from Target on the cheap.  I finished it off with a leather skinny belt in the same color family, yet another score - from a thrift day.

(Tissue Tee & Scarf: Target; Belt: Thrifted; Grey Pencil Skirt: JC Penny; Wedges: Nine West - not shown - sorry guys) 

I love the way the scarf adds a little extra flavor to this outfit. Actually, In my head it creates the whole look.

Want to know a secret? I have a ton of scarfs hanging in my closet (yes along with all of the shades of blue that I mentioned). You see, when I am out shopping and I see a scarf that I like, I can't help but to grab it (and buy it of course).  Maybe I should suffice to say that I'm a collector, yes that's it. A scarf collector, yep that's me. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!

Now, the question to pose at this point would be: "Tren, how many times have you actually incorporated a scarf into an outfit?"

The truth? Well, I'm embarrassed to say, but, perhaps once or twice. Yes, I'm one of those folks who picks up something she likes and store it in the closet for another day... All while throwing on the safest outfit ever.  Again, my whole reason for the blog. I think I say this a lot... No worries, once I get the hang of blogging my gibber jabber will cut down - promise :) 

Well hope you had a fantastic day!! Thanks for stopping by!

Everybody, Everywear: Mixing & Matching IT!!!

When I saw the challenge for Everybody, Everywear, I had "mixed" emotions (no pun intended). Honestly, I have been too chicken to try out this trend. Don't get me wrong, I love the way it looks on everyone else, I just didn't think that "I" could pull it off. Then I thought to myself, "Chile, that is what this (blog) is all about: trying new things and being fearless. I mean what's the worst that could happen? Walking around looking like a fashion don't."

Yes, I had that entire conversation with myself this morning. So after realizing that I've been there and done that (the fashion don't thing), I took a hard look at my options and pulled this little outfit together.

(Pants: Express via Thrift; Shirt: Express; Cardi: Target; Necklace: NY& Co.; Watch: Guess)

I paired these stripped pants with a simple white sleeveless shirt (did I mention it was blazing H.O.T.) and to create the mix/match pattern, I added the polka dot cardi (perfect for the icebox in which I call an office). Safe, but fits the challenge!!! Whoo-Hoo!!

So there you have it, my outfit of the day. Mix & Match!!







A penny for your thoughts....

Seriously guys, what’s going on with this heat wave? I can understand a week of 110 plus temperatures, but several weeks nonstop, what gives? What’s a girl to do (fashion wise) when the temperature is this hot and there is no relief in sight? Well, she (meaning me) reaches for none other than a cool dress….

Exhibit A:

(Dress: Talbot's via Thrift; Brown Bauble Necklace: Forever21; Watch: Guess?)

I found this cute little number back in May while thrifting with my big brother when he was in town from Chicago. He's the best shopping buddy EVER!! He actually picked this little number out for me.

I love the way it fits - perfectly! And the price - well if you thrift often you can understand why I didn't hesitate to drop it in the basket as it was only $2.99 (plus 20% off).

I love the black, white, and brown pattern. It was the perfect option for today's soaring temperatures. Office friendly, cool, cotton, and lined - but there is one problem. I think perhaps I'm a little too matchy-matchy. I'm sure you can agree here as there's no "pop" effect. So here's where you come in, what would you do to make this dress pop? Would you add a belt, color, more accessories, you name it - I'm open, but go easy on me!! Seriously, I'd love to hear your thoughts, so have at it in the comments section!!!

Thanks for visiting - xoxo