Radiating Elegance in a Culture of Magazine Cover Beauty

I love to look at fashion magazines. To see the latest fashions from all the famous designers and how they are being worn. I also love to wander the mall 'window shopping' the latest merchandise. And what woman doesn't like to get 'fancied up' {as my husband would say} to go out on the town. I would also venture to guess that most people love a great bargain! I know I do. Thrift store shopping is one of my most favorite past times. But do the clothes in the mall or in the fashion magazine define beauty? Does the price of something decide what kind of person I am? Who am I aside from the clothes I wear and the price I pay for them? 

Well... I am a child of the one, true God. I am an observer, a listener and a helper. I like simple and traditional looks. I love stripes and polka dots, glitter and ruffles. I strive to be respectful, thoughtful, graceful and elegant.

Let's talk about that last word: Elegant. The dictionary defines Elegant as showing good taste; graceful & attractive; simple & clever; classy & fine. As a woman, these are all descriptive words that I would be taken aback if someone used them to describe me! What a compliment that would be, no? But does that elegance come from what or who I wear? Does it come with the price I paid for what or who I wear? Or does it come from somewhere else? 

I believe elegance radiates from the inside out. I believe you can be the most elegant person in a room in a tee-shirt and jeans if you have grace and class and love on the in side. For those are things of the heart that shine through and people take notice of. 

This is why it is something I strive for ~ elegance ~ and something I will try to pass on to my daughter. What is elegance to you? 

Thrifting Find!

Oh, do I love thrifting! Perusing the racks at thrift stores, searching garage sales in the warmer months and sometimes even sifting through bins of miscellaneous stuff, all trying to find that really great deal. Well, this weekend I found me a great deal! 

 

I went shopping Saturday with my mom and friends for a girls day out. At one of the thrift stores we went to, I found this treasure hanging unassumingly with the other handbags. 

 

Proof I wasn't making up the
really great deal I got! : )

This beautiful robins egg blue leather handbag is a Cole Haan and I picked up for $3.49 plus tax. Yup, $3.49! Of course, when I held it up for my mom to see, (with a big grin of accomplishment on my face) she just looked at it and said, "That's cool."  I said, "That's cool!? It's a Cole Haan.... for $3.49!" Again, a shrug and look of  "that means what?" She does not pretend to know about name brands but does care about looking nice and getting a good deal like I do. (Well, to be honest, she is the one who taught me all about it! Oh, the many thrifting trips we went on when I was growing up!) So, while others pay full price for beautiful items like this, I wait. I wait until they have gotten their use out of it and they pass it on. And, hopefully, I will find it and get it for a ridiculously great price! 

Do you have any great thrifting finds? Share! I would love to hear about it. 

My favorite trends off the 2012 Spring Runways

Spring is just around the corner but why wait for the fashions to arrive! Here are some of my favorite Spring 2012 Runway Trends. I like to pick a couple of the latest trends and add a few new pieces to my wardrobe options. And, with so many great options these days in consignment sales and second-time-around stores, you don't have to go broke looking like you just stepped off the runway. Have fun picking out your favorites!

Whether you like to go bold or keep it soft, this springs color trends have you covered. 

My favorites: Cabaret and Cockatoo! 

These head to toe Florals are one of springs biggest trends. Keep it simple with hair pinned up and minimal jewelry.

Prints especially Florals

Roaring 20's 

Drop-waist and Flapper styles mixed with this springs softer hues bring back the 1920's glam. Oh so feminine!

combining Color Blocking with Asymmetrical Hems

                                                                         Get adventurous with this springs Color Blocking trend. So many possibilities with the options of this season.

Polka Dots are always, in my opinion, a spring essential. Try them in one of this springs hotter hues like Tangerine Tango or Socialite Blue.

Pleats in lightweight fabrics are feminine and flirty.