Are You Real?

Social media is always amazing me. Just when I think that I have pretty much seen it all, I am surprised by another revelation or advancement that comes to my attention. You all know that we have the blog on WordPress and the Facebook and Instagram accounts as well. The latest revelation that  has come to my attention is within the world of Instagram!

The world of blogging includes many different roles that we all play, One of the roles is as brand influencers, where we are paid either via a free product or a monetary payment to try different products and give our opinions in an honest review or just post pictures of us wearing or experiencing the product. It could be food, clothing, makeup, a hotel or any other type of product -the list is endless.  Knowing that leads me to what I just discovered.

The latest revelation for me is the existence of robots (virtual influencers) in the world of social influencers.  How crazy is that!! Virtual influencers  are influencers who are NOT human, but rather are CGI creations or robots. CGI stands for “computer-generated imagery” and it is a technology that creates pictures through the use of computers, now applied to create the new trend of virtual – but realistic – Instagram influencers and models.

One of the most popular  of Instagram CGI influencers  is Miquela Sousa – also known as Lil Miquela by her Instagram followers. She has over 1.5 million followers,  and is  a 19 year old IT girl living in Los Angeles with a passion for music and fashion. She voices her opinion about food, makeup, fashion, and even social issues.  I have to admit that this blew my mind.   Hello, she’s not real!!

Someone who does not even exist is touting how they enjoyed a meal or wearing a dress, and how they love this makeup they are wearing.  How in the world are we supposed to trust their opinion when they are not even real? How do we as humans identify with a computer generated robot?  I have no problem with it as entertainment, but I definitely prefer real people with real opinions and real life issues as influencers.

That brings me to this point! I want to insure each of you that I am not a robot!!  I am not an eternally 59 year old woman.  I am aging! I have wrinkles, cellulite, and very pale skin just to name a few things. In all honesty, I did try to use a photo edit once to make my waist smaller. It was a tragic experience that reduced  me to a puddle of laughter and gave me the realization that I need to never try that again. I do use the smoother at times but not a lot.  It tends to make one look like a mannequin if you use it a lot. . Again, not real.

The clothing that I share with you is mostly mine and has been purchased by me.  I sometimes have accepted a gift from companies,  but I can guarantee you that I only accept things that I truly like.  I also have promoted products and businesses for nothing- no money and no gifts- because I simply like them and want to give them a shoutout with our readers.  In addition, I have  turned down a number of opportunities because I was not that big of a fan of their products,  and  I am committed to being honest, genuine and as real as possible with our readers.  If you are wondering why I am sharing all this, the reason is simple.  I want you to know that my goal is to share fashion tips, ways to build a stylish wardrobe,  ideas for styling looks and  also share information about being a  real woman who is proud of who she is not matter what our ages might be! We can all enjoy this  wonderful journey together!!  It is pretty simple, actually!

That leads me to the outfit that I am sharing from this past Memorial Day weekend. I was very excited to find this dress at Ross for only $9.99.  The price was right, and the style is one that will stand the test of time and trends that come and go. It is definitely a keeper.

The navy blue silhouette is a simple one with a v-neck  and short sleeves. Goodness knows, I needed it with the horrific temperature this weekend. The dress looks I it is belted but actually there is not belt. It has a ribbon trim that has a belt buckle to the side. It is totally just for looks not function. I loved that they added it to give a splash of red and white to the look.  I paired the dress with a cute red and khaki hat/visor from Calvin Klein. Navy blue pumps, red earrings and navy blue wedge pumps completed the look.

I hope that all of you had an enjoyable Memorial Weekend and were able to relax while remembering and honoring the many heroes who have sacrificed their lives throughout the  history for our great country!  We are indeed blessed!!

Let’s keep it real, my sisters!

Go With the Flow!

Are you riding the wave of life or swimming against the surf?   I know that  some of my faults are that I worry too much and try to plan everything and I mean everything out.   While planning can be a good thing and can help us reach our goals and dreams, sometimes it takes away from living in the moment.

Have you ever had those friends who just live in the moment and enjoy it to the fullest? I know that I have always had these people in my life and have watched them and even envied this ability that I just did not seem to possess.  I enjoyed life and am quite happy but I have always  worried about what was coming next and the thousand and one other thoughts that would intrude upon the moment!

Towards the end of last year, I made a commitment to spend  this year being more mindful and intentional and to work on doing a better job of  living in the present instead of planning for the future all the time.

Of course, I looked for guidance in this and wanted a step by step guide!  Typical of my personality!! I needed a plan. ( Anyone else in this boat?)  Needless to say that I was not able to locate a money guaranteed plan but I have been working hard on changing some of my habits one by one.  I am kinda proud of the progress that I am making.

In this ongoing process, I have learned a few things which have helped me so far in my journey, and  I thought I would share some of them with you!

Sharing a Smile –  This was something that I already did quite a bit, but I have increased it by tenfold.   Smiling is one of those activities which instantly boosts our mood and just gives us a really wonderful feeling! Not to mention the wonderful gift it is to those around us.  This is an easy one!!!

Cut Down on my Multitasking –  I used to pride myself as being in my mind, a queen of multitasking.   Wearing the hats of mom, wife, daughter, sister, teacher, friend, church member (the list goes on and on)  came with a long list of things to do and  then  pairing  that with my inability to say no, I resorted to multitasking constantly.   I thought everyone must be really impressed by my skill because I had it all under control. But did I really?

I think that this quote is perfect for the lesson that I have been learning about multitasking.

“He who chases two rabbits catches none.   – Confucius 

Yep, that was me, chasing rabbits and catching none.  I wasn’t giving 100% to any of my tasks when I was doing all those things at once. So I have been working hard at this one. I have to confess that having our first grand baby has been instrumental in my lessons in this area. I am soaking up every moment with Branson and our family.  Living in THAT moment.

Taking My Time With My Tasks ( Slowing Down) –  Rush- Rush- Rush! We are all running against a clock…. a deadline…. our competitive spirit.  Think about how many times you rush through your lunch and hurry on to the next task without a thought to enjoying the meal….. the moment .  Sometimes not even paying attention to the surroundings  and the people around us because we have more to do.  Does the rushing make us better or smarter? Does the speed with which we do things improve the quality of our work? Slowing down and taking the time to be intentional and mindful about more of the moments in my life!

Learning How to Say No –  Oh, how I struggle with this one!!!  Does Anyone else?  I am hardwired to say yes, and  to try to fix things. It has always seemed rude and unkind to say no. I am not sure why that became a habit for me, but there it is. I am trying hard to cut down on the number of things that I say yes to. Limiting the things on my to do list.  I am a long way from changing this habit, but I am on the pathway headed in the right direction. it’s a journey, right?

Being Kind to Others – This one has always been important to me, but I am making a point to take more time to share kindness with others. Trying to be aware of those who are around me and in need of a dose of kindness, a positive word, a helping hand, a prayer, or an ear to listen to them.  Talk about  helping to keep you in the moment.  this has definitely shown me that the giver does indeed become the receiver.

These are not all of the things that I am implementing in this journey of becoming better at going with the flow, but I hope they will help you, my friend,  if you are on the same journey!

Now, Here’s my look for today!!! Spring layering for this past week was a necessity. Cool mornings with warmer afternoons were the daily deal  this week with next week’s temps headed to the 90’s.  What can I say, it’s life in the south!!

I started the look with my cream lace maxi dress. Who else is loving the neutrals?  This dress is so easy to style with different elements in my wardrobe!  I was excited to pair her with some of my new purchases from Versona.

I found this lightweight cape there and fell in love with the pink, mauve, and taupe colors with the cream background!  I went bold with my necklace and earrings that I found there as well!!  I love the different textures and the natural materials used in the jewelry.  My simple straw hat with pearls  is from Ross and will be a staple this spring and summer!

The perfect look to wear while living in the moment!!  Keep smiling and styling, my sweet sisters!!!🌺🌺

 

 

 

 

 

Hats in the Belfry!

I just absolutely adore the drama of a hat!! For me, my hats are one of the ways that I like to enhance my personal style! There is an old saying that  goes ‘if you want to get ahead and get noticed, then get a hat’.  Indeed the word ‘ahead’ means just that one head further forward.

Interesting enough, at the turn of the 20^th century in 1900, both men and women changed their hats depending  on the activity that they were engaged in.  It was very common for  ladies of some social standing to change their hats several times a day. Etiquette articles  even suggest that it would’ve been a disgraceful act for a lady to venture out of the house without a hat or even gloves for that matter. I so would have loved  living during that time!!!

Then, things changed. Between 1914- 18 during the Great War, the lives and roles of men and women shifted dramatically.  With the men off fighting the war, the women had to make a move into the workplace and thus needed a more practical style of dress as they took the place of the men.   Times and fashion changed even more when in the 2nd World War , as people were often rushing to bomb shelters.  The hats that were worn at this time tended to be more utilitarian and often  were knitted or a  were a scarf used as a turban head wrap.  While hats were still popular in the 60’s, they began to lose their  style status as a must have accessory.  That brings us to the present where not many women see a hat as a fashion must have!

In spite of the changes, there are a number of us who still take delight in wearing a chapeau! I  proudly count myself as a one of these ladies!!  I adore watching the hat  fashion in England,  seeing the Queen in her various stylish hats,  and knowing that she has such affection of them!  There, hats are worn at christenings, garden parties, weddings, and funerals. The main event for hat wearers is the Royal Ascot Derby. Ladies’ Day at this event is considered to be the “Oscars for original hat design.” Wacky hats are prominently on display each June. I dream of attending it someday!! It’s on my bucket list!!

 

One of the things that I love about wearing a hat  is that they draw one’s eyes immediately to your face and bring about eye contact with the other person which is something that I love to have when I encounter those around me. I do not intend to be invisible ever!!

I was really excited when one of my sweet friends, Jay Guerry, gifted me with  this awesome vintage Betmar  hat!!  He always finds such fun and stylish elements for me to add to my wardrobe! Often adding to the wonderful hats in my belfry!  Betmar hats have certainly been providing women with beautiful hats since 1933 during the Great Depression.  The name, Betmar chosen was taken from Betty Marks, the first designer for the hat company. Within six months Betmar blossomed at key department stores around the country. Betty Marks continued making great designs into the 1950s, and her protégé, Miss Arleen, carried the name and reputation forward for many years. Betmar hats  are sold today in more than 15 countries and are a leader in women’s headwear fashion.  I am so excited to add this beautiful lady to my collection!!

This hat is a natural straw hat with a red fabric trim from the 1950’s!! ( Back when hats were totally cool) The brim of the hat can be positioned however you choose!  I love it when  I have a hat where that is an option,  because you can change the look of the hat very easily!

I wanted to style my look around the hat!! So I chose a red jacket from my closet and my new red slacks from TJ Maxx!   I decided to bring out the color of the hat with my belt and my vintage crocheted shawl!  The look is casual and fun!!!

I also have three other new hats that I will be styling with in the near future! I can’t wait to share them with you!!  More hats in my belfry!!!👒

Keep styling and smiling, my sisters,  and while you’re at it, wear a hat!!!💚👒

 

 

 

 

 

The Long and Short of It

There’s no need to skirt the issue, I absolutely adore styling around  maxi skirts and pencil skirts!  ….Talk about versatile! They can both be worn during all the seasons and also  be dressed up or down.

That being said- I decided to style two different spring looks  centered around  a navy blue maxi skirt and pencil skirt!  I hope you like the two different looks!!

Let’s go with the maxi first!!  Maxi skirts are easily worn by all body shapes! . There are so many gorgeous styles available- for example  draped, pleated, asymmetrical, frilled or straight skirts.   The trick is to choose the one that flatters your shape the most!

One  of the things that I look to avoid is my height or lack there of! At 5’5”,  I am always wanting to appear taller.  That being said, I try to choose a less voluminous shaped skirt, and  wear it at the smallest part of my waist (high waist) so that the skirt’s length will make me  appear to be  taller. I also wear my skirts with heels ( this being for height and the fact that I just love heels -always have…always will!

An easy and versatile color for a maxi skirt is navy blue. It is such an easy color to style throughout the seasons and is a one of the fashion neutral colors which can be worn with any other color.  My skirt is a dark navy blue which can often be seen as a black in a low light.  I always keep navy slacks and skirts (both maxi and pencil skirts)  as  must have elements in my foundational wardrobe.  This skirt  has an elastic waistline and is easy to wear with tops both tucked and untucked.  Today, I chose to pair this skirt with a blue and white dotted tunic. I have also worn this top untucked both loose and flowing as well as belted. It is an extremely easy top to incorporate into many different looks.

A friend of mine teased me about wearing my white boots with the navy maxi. I almost went with navy shoes, but I just could not resist the pop of white peeking out of the hem! They also just seemed to work well with the white shades! I am always excited about the arrival of spring because I am a huge fan of white sunnies and  always bring them out and about on the regular when the weather warms up!!

The second look is styled with a dark navy pencil skirt. I just added this one to my wardrobe from TJ Maxx.   No zipper – it has an elastic waist. So easy to wear.  I wanted to style a little more tailored look with this skirt. I paired it with a  white short sleeved summer turtleneck.

I could easily wear the top and skirt without any other additions, but y’all know that I have to add details to the look.  I have this almost vintage jacket in turquoise and thought that it would be nice with a  navy belt with a  turquoise and pink floral design. Navy Nine West pumps and a pink bag to give a nod to the pink in my belt.

The common elements used in both looks are the white sunnies and the navy hat!  Two different skirts and two different looks can always share common details.  I mention this because so often I have friends who only wear some accessories  with certain outfits -which really is a shame since these elements could really bring a lot to other outfits in their wardrobes. Step out of the routine way of styling looks and mix it up a bit!! Experiment with your baubles!!!!

This spring and summer, take a tour of your closet and pull out those maxi skirts and pencil skirts that you already have. Take note of the colors and styles and style away!!! Mix and Match.  Pay attention to what you see online and on display in the shops. Use what you have and add a few new elements to your wardrobe when shopping.  You will probably be surprised at what potential already exists in your closet.  Let me know if you need help!! I will be glad to lend a fashion hand in any way I can.

After all, we are all on this journey together, and we are all meant to shine!!!  That is what style sisters are for, right!  We should cheer for, support, lift up, and even carry each other if need be!!!  Keep smiling and sharing your light with those around you!!