Staying True to Yourself Through Style

This is the first of my SEVEN part blog series from all the topics you (my wonderful readership) voted to learn more about! So thank you for sharing your opinion.

And away we go….

Today we will focus on a relevant topic for many of the clients and one I have wrestled with in my own life: Staying True to Yourself through Authentic Style.

Seems easy right ?… And sometimes not so much.

First off, there is that big black hole called TRENDS, which so many of us fall victim to but shouldn’t given our body type or limited budget. Or there is the fact that you could have a full sleeve of tattoos but work in a professional field that does not accept them. And then there is the reality that most days it is easier to throw on workout clothes {God forbid yoga pants with your rear exposed} instead of actually thoughtfully dressing. Let’s also just own the fact that you haven’t gone to the gym in 3 years anyway so spandex really isn’t for you.

Though I could take on this topic for days, I will spare you some of my chatter and instead give you my top 5 ways to stay true to your authentic style in any environment.

 

1. Find Your Pop and Stick With It: By pop, I mean your style thing. Is it that you collect out-of-this-world shoes or love to tie scarves in your hair? Know your thing and do it as often as possible! I personally include a touch of “leopard” or animal print with most of my outfits to remind myself that I am a lioness arising. Mic Drop.

2. Turn Quirks Into Accessories:  If you are someone who is needing to cover up something that is special to you, like tattoos or piercings, consider them an accessory. Take into consideration buying items with brighter colors or bold patterns to mimic the beauty of your bodywork. And if you have to cover up those gems at work or hide your brightly colored hair due to dress codes…let your beauty erupt on your days off. Own it. And remind yourself that while we sometimes have to conform to get our jobs done, that doesn’t mean we cannot express ourselves when appropriate.

3. Notice A Rut Before It Is Too Late: Let’s face it..bad pants do happen to good peopleI think one of the biggest killers to personal style is the thing we never see coming. Ruts happen, like buying the same top in multiple colors or collecting 25 pairs of khakis as if preparing to work at Target because they are comfortable. But thank God there is something you can do about it.  Start by recognizing you have a problem first. {Wink.} When you regularly trade those cute skirts and dresses for yoga pants and oversized college t-shirts–you need to hug a friend or call me and abruptly steer clear of losing your style {and self -worth} in a sea of unflattering nylon and cotton. Redirect your rut with intension so you can be free. Um. Now.

4. Define Your Style Words and Live by Them: The first time I work with my clients, I walk through a discovery process to identify key words that define each person’s visual voice. These words often evolve over time based on life circumstances and seasons of life.  My own style words happen to all start with the letter A: Approachable, Appropriate, Authentic. Begin jotting down key phrases that you want others to say about you. Ask friends how they would describe you? Create a vision board of images that inspire your style to get your creative juices flowing. You will see patterns emerge that point you to the right words that express the impression you want to make. Let these words be your guide so you stay true to your authentic style.

5. Trends Aren’t a Have-To: I started this blog by saying that being a slave to the trends can be a slippery slope into a bottom-less pit. When cropped flared jeans surfaced last year, I was like, “WHAT?” Ain’t nobody should climb on that bandwagon..but that is just me. While the runway can talk for us, we should honor the fact that most of the world isn’t accessorized by Tom Ford. I am hopeful this 5’5″, 135 pound frame might someday mirror the likes of Behati Prinsloo…but I reserve those thoughts for my dreams. Know your shape and dress to your assets no matter the trends. I am here to help if you need wise council on that topic.  #goturback

 

Remember, style is something we all have inside, and something that is unique for each one of us. Stick to yours and watch yourself shine!

Oscar De La Renta said, “Fashion is a trend. Style lives within a person.”

And thank you Coco Chanel for saying it best, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Galentine’s Day By Forever Styled!

Party Bundle | Wine Glasses | Cookies | LOVE Clutch | Pajamas

 

February is a time of love, and what better way to share it than with the gals in your life?? I’m not saying you have to block off February 14th for a Girl’s Only day… But take a night or a weekend and celebrate Valentine’s with the ladies who lift you up!

 

Go to a hotel or even better, send the kids to grandmas and have the sleepover at your own home. And when you have this awesome night of girl talk and sweet fun, here are a few of my favorite things that MUST be present:

 

FOR THE LOVE OF WINE: What better way to start the party than with a cute decanter and matching glasses?? Have more than 4 friends? Simply add in plain stemless wine glasses to fill in the gaps. And using a deep red makes for a great splash if Valentines Day color in your party place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DESSERTS FOR THE WIN: We all have a little sweet tooth when we get to the bottom of it. These cookies in a can are not only delicious, but great for bringing to a destination. It is an easy way to not show up empty handed and also a good idea for a late night bite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARTY BUNDLE: There is no better party in a box for your Galentine’s celebration that this Meri Meri bundle! Especially for those doing their party at home, this has all the paper wear, sweet accessories, and favors you gals would ever need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRETTY IN PINK PAJAMAS: We all want our best foot forward when it comes to looking adorable for group photos. Keep the cute going all night with a romper set for sleeping. If you are like me and enjoy a coordinating these, tell the gals to all grab something pink or red for night attire!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE SIGNATURE LEAVE BEHIND: Something I always like to do is leave a little something once I’m gone. These clutches are an amazing party favor for the ladies you love, and something that you can all rock year round! It will remind them of your love and give them a cute new evening bags for their future girls-night-out’s!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for any final ideas, both for your Galentine’s and the guys in your life, see my

 

UNDER $100: foreverstyled.com/under-100/

HER: foreverstyled.com/for-her/

HIM: foreverstyled.com/for-him/

THE FAMILY: foreverstyled.com/for-the-family/

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

Outfit Inspiration – New Years Eve

 

DRESS (Alternative Option)  |  CLUTCH  |  SHOES

EARRINGS  |  DRESS (Alternative Option)  |  CLUTCH  |  SHOES

CLUTCH  |  EARRINGS  |  SHOES

EARRINGS  |  DRESS (Alternative Option)  |  CLUTCH  |  SHOES

DRESS (Alternative Option)  |  EARRINGS  |  CLUTCH  |  SHOES

 

New Years Eve is just around the corner and, with tons of deliberation, I’m ready! Unlike when you are in your early twenties, dressing for New Year’s Eve tasks on a new meaning in life as a mother. I want to look fun, but not in the way I did back then. Finding a balance between being a big sparkling ball of wonder and looking like a lady of the night is always difficult, so here is what I’ve settled on:

By keeping the glitz and glam away from the main attraction (my dress) and letting it settle on the accessories, you can give off a more sophisticated look on New Years Eve. I also like to move away from the expected on New Year’s Eve. Instead of doing loads of sparkle or sequins until you can’t see straight, go for something a little more subtle, like leather. It still gives a shine but keeps your outfit on the calm side. I am also mindful to keep plunging necklines at bay.

I added my pops of flair in the shoes, using “blush” as my accent color with feathers as a fun touch. Oh, and news flash ladies… These heels are a dream for your feet! Sole Society has a fabulous reputation combining affordability and comfort. This is a must on New Years Eve as we all end up walking way more than expected. And I  of course rounded out my outfit with a handy-dandy clutch! Leave your oversized bags at home please.

Finding the right bag can some times be tough. How much do you really want to carry verses how much you NEED to carry is always the question. This mid-sized bag is great for hauling the essentials. The added gun-metal sheen helps pump up my look just a little more too!

Hope these holiday tips and tricks inspire the confidence you need to look and feel fabulous !

Cheers to a beautiful New Year in 2018!

Jen Young

How To Wear A Hem

 

When it comes to jeans most of us know the basics: Length, shade, rise and in-seam. Did you know there is something more to the fit of a jean though? Something that has nothing to do with the denim pants themselves??

 

The deciding factor of pants being a do or a don’t resides in the shoe. That’s right ladies! Shoes once again are the thing that matters most.

 

Ever put on a pant and thought to yourself, “These just don’t look right…”? You’ve worn them a million times before and never had a problem. It is the holidays and all, but you got them buttoned so it isn’t your waistline being the problem.

 

Even if the fit is just right, wearing the wrong shoe with an ill matched hem line can make all the difference in an outfit. Here are a few of my fashion do’s when it comes to hem line / shoes type matches:

 

Hem Frayed

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Frayed Hem & Heel: The jean that started it all. I recently purchased a pair of frayed jeans like the ones in the photo above. Upon trying them on I had a long conversation with all the sales reps about why they didn’t look just right (but were still something I HAD to buy). They informed me that swapping my flats out for a higher heel would do the trick.

Sure enough, all I needed was to balance the frayed edges with a little pop of height.

 

Hem Cropped

JEAN  |  SHOE

  

Cropped Hem & A Strap: I am honestly not the biggest fan of a cropped hem. Maybe it is PTSD from my pedal pusher days, or perhaps just something I don’t think looks right. Though, if you are going to do a cropped hem jean, the way to do it is by breaking up the lines with more lines!

Pair with a strappy heel to keep the eye going in the right direction.

 

 

Hem Flare

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Flare Legged Hem & Platform: When it comes to flare legged jeans, the whole point is to elongate. My rule of thumb is to keep the length going as long as you can. Max out on the height with a pair of platform heels or booties.

Stay away from flatter shoes or a lesser heel, it usually gives off a stumpy look.

 

 

Hem Skinny

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Skinny Leg Hem & Flat: Not so much that it is how you have to wear them, but how you get to wear them! Skinny legged jeans are on the list of those which can be dawned with flats. Since the tailored leg allows for a slender path, it is great for making into a more casual look with a flat.

 

Hem Cuff

JEAN  | SHOE

 

Cuffed Jean & Bootie: A cuff of some sort is always in style. May the cuffs of your jeans be skinny and rolled like the ones shown above, or thick and singular how they are being worm now. The problem with a cuffed jean is that they can easily cut your height in half. The harsh stop often times becomes a distraction, and when not paired with the right shoe can be detrimental (not to be dramatic) to an outfit.

I always suggest wearing a bootie of some sort. It keeps in line with the cut of the cuff but still gives an elongated look when turned to the side.

 

 

So before the next time you slap on a pair of jeans and shoes, take a moment to think, what would your little jean angel do?

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

 

Holiday Highlight – Haute Exchange

consignment

 

It’s holiday highlight time again for my favorite stores in the greater Austin area and this one goes out to my lovely friend, Natalie Thorp, Owner of Haute Exchange. Not only do I love shopping her consignment finds, it is a reliable resource for me and my clients.

 

Consignment is a thoughtful way to get a little cash back for your gently worm items and make room for something new. Working with Natalie and her team makes it easier than ever. The staff at Haute Exchange is kind, organized, and helps you re-home the old and welcome the new!

 

Even more than being the perfect resource for your closet, re-selling your consignment potentials also helps the environment.

 

Here are a few words with Natalie on why that is true and how her business owning dreams came true:

 

 

JY – Tell us the background of how Haute Exchange can to be and why you chose to work in the consignment industry instead of classic retail?  

 

NT – I’ve been consigning and purchasing consignment clothes since I was 16 years old. I was raised in Temple, Texas and there was a consignment shop that I thought was a great business model.  My husband is an entrepreneur and this was his idea to start the business in Dripping Springs.   But most of all… I am a recycler.  I am also a treasure hunter. This business keeps my interest.

 

JY – Please explain why recycled clothing is so important to the environment?  

 

NT – Textiles are toxic when buried in our landfills.  In 2013, Americans recycled some 2.3 million tons of textile waste. That brought a reduction in greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 1.2 million cars off the road for an entire year.  Would you throw a car away when you’re done with it?  Used car sales brought about consignment for clothing. We want you to consider consignment as an option for all your clothing. We spend so much on our attire it is a wonderful option to get some of your investment back from unwanted items.

 

consignment kate spade

consignment coach

 

JY – What are a few tips you have for shoppers over the holidays? 

 

NY – Shop local. Don’t buy at full price. Always consider consignment as an option to the mall.  Also consider vintage clothing for a change.  You can find wonderful vintage coats, jewelry, and purses especially.

 

JY – What does your store specialize in?  

 

NT – We sometimes take clothes that are brand new. People order off the Internet and decide that’s not what they wanted or perhaps it didn’t fit properly. There are so many options in buying clothing at a consignment shop. We may have that suede fringe jacket you’ve been wanting for less than half the retail price. It’s really the thrill of the hunt, the treasure hunt!  If you get it in your blood it doesn’t stop.

 

We have a 3 generation concept.  You could bring in your teenage daughter or your mom.  We have brands for everyone at any age.  Most of all we inspect the garment completely, so you know you are getting quality pieces without snags, loose buttons, etc.  We never want you to pay full price for your fashion.  Most of all if you purchase something with regret you now have a chance to make some of your hard earned money back!  We accept consignments daily!

 

When you shop here…You will start to look for that unique thing that nobody else has or something you can’t buy any longer.  We may have it here!  And that’s what we seek out at Haute Exchange. We want one of a kind, unusual, very attractive items in our shop. Will also take all the Chico tops that you have too!  Ha!

consignment Ralph Laurenconsignment shoes

consignment Michael kors

 

JY – What other things would you like potential customers to know? 

 

NT – We are here for the Dripping Springs community to repurpose their clothing. I just want to foster those ideas in the community that some things are meant to be reused and that it’s ok for you to shop resale.  Our shop is clean and neat.  We have the best consigners, the best brands and our clothing is top notch.

 

 

For those looking to consign, here is our extended preferred vendor:

 

    

    

 

 

Happy and Peace-filled Shopping to each of you this Holiday Season.

 

Jen Young

The Gift That Saves Time & Money

Gift That Saves

We are only two weeks away from Christmas which means sheer panic has set in. HA! If you are anything like me, there is not ONE gift under the tree to date, nor do you even have an idea of what you need to purchase.

 

Hopefully, you saw in my blog last week how local boutiques like Raven and Lily hold such a dear place in my heart and how finding brands that give back as a part of their mission helps your holiday shopping make an even larger impact.

 

Next week, we will reconvene for our boutique spotlight series and touch on the importance of recycling and re-homing fashion {as I call it} with a wonderful re-sell shop I adore, Haute Exchange. It’s like an adoption process but for clothes. This topic just makes me giddy—especially for my clients who struggle to let go of those items they have purchased but still have tags hanging on them. Or those still-so-fabulous items that no longer work for your body type.

 

Pardon my interruption, but this week, let’s unpack the theme of TIME.

 

TIME is of the essence and each year there seems to be less and less of it. TIME is a big thing I often help my clients with and a topic of interest I value. Though my services focus on bringing peace to the daily dressing routine and fine-tuning a person’s individual style, they are also geared to help you save time and minimize the clutter of your life.

Gift Closet

Working with me during a thorough closet assessment allows the opportunity to make educated choices on what you should and should NOT wear/keep, as well as make room for new things in your life. Like that fabulous pair of shoes you want for Christmas! Personally, my heart is set on these Valentino Studded beauties. What can I say ? This girl can dream.

I also help with the ins and outs of your everyday wardrobe through personal styling! And thanks to this amazing thing we call technology, I have recently added a virtual styling option to the mix. That is right my friends, you can inventory your closet online, and I can help you style, fill in gaps, and organize your clothing all over the world wide web. Woo hoo. It is a more affordable way to stay organized all the while keeping your fashion mojo intact.

Gift Shop

SHIRT | LEGGINGS | SLIPPERS | NIKES | NECKLACE | PERFUME

 

Although, best of all in my opinion, is that you can now save even more time and money by shopping my top monthly picks under the categories: For Her,  For Him,  Home Items, Things Under $100 all on my website! Never overthink what to purchase for you or a loved one ever again!

 

So long story LONNGG, as we continue with our month of shopping with a purpose, I would love to have the privilege to work with your special friend or someone this holiday season. Consider purchasing a gift card from Forever Styled as your thoughtful  way to bless those in your life with an experience way more creative than a spa treatment {although don’t get me wrong…. massages are also straight from heaven!}

 

Gift Card

I will be offering my Seasonal Closet Nip and Tuck for $375 (usually $495) or if you Prepay for a year of Virtual Styling I will give you a month for free – $600 value for $550. Both options make great gift card ideas!

 

 

Wishing you all a HAPPY HOLIDAY!

 

Jen Young

 

 

Holiday Highlight: Raven and Lily

Holiday Highlight Raven and Lily

Holiday Highlight Sign

Holiday Highlight Dresses

 

The holidays are indeed upon us… And getting back to my original plan this month, I am honored to feature amazing businesses in the coming weeks that deserve high praise for not only the “beauties” they sell but also to celebrate the mission behind their brand.

 

This Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning for me as a single mom, so I am excited to share about a thoughtful company that empowers the working woman to experience financial reward and personal freedom as a result of unique international partnerships.

 

Holiday Highlight

Kirsten Dickerson {the tall blond} alongside her beautiful artisan partners

 

It is a joy to talk with my dear friend Kirsten Dickerson, Co-Founder of Raven and Lily, for this post.
We have known each other for over 20 years from our Pi Beta Phi sorority days, so it a blessing to watch her business thrive as she changes lives everyday. Her vision to offer trend-forward fair trade fashion, accessories, and home furnishings to empower women on a global scale truly inspires me.

 

Here is a little Q and A with Kirsten.

 

J- What was your inspiration behind Raven and Lily?

 

K- My inspiration behind Raven + Lily is the value of women. I believe in dignity oriented opportunity for women, and I know that when women are empowered, they will invest in their families and communities. I created a lifestyle brand that would provide the Western women with products that reflect the beauty and culture of the women who made them. We think about the impact on people and the planet at every stage of production and follow fair trade standards. Our customers are part of the beautiful redemptive stories of hope unfolding in the lives of the women who make our designs.

 

Holiday Highlight Outfit

J- Can you explain your signature look / describe the brand behind Raven and Lily?

K- We are modern, yet organic. I love neutrals, texture, minimalism and a little bling. I believe in designing things for fashion and the home you can love for years and aren’t dictated by trends. All materials used in Raven + Lily designs are natural and sustainably sourced.

 

 

J- Could you tell us a bit about your heart for philanthropy and vision for sustainable fashion?

 

K– With every purchase, our customers are helping to provide fair trade employment for at risk women.  With every purchase, our customers are also helping to donate back to help provide micro loans for HIV+ women who have graduated from a business skills training program. At every stage of our production process, we think through the impact on people and the planet…as far back as the buttons and where cotton is sourced.  We want to know the story behind our designs so that our customer can be confident they are having a positive and not negative impact with their purchase.

Statistically, fashion is the second largest polluter, 1 in 6 people are employed in the industry, less than 3% earn a livable wage, and 80% are women. These stats are heart-breaking, but I’m in the business of breaking that negative impact and proving that it is possible to produce beautiful products that empower women and protect our beautiful world.

 

 

J- What tips would give others to keep in mind this holiday season when shopping?

 

K- Slow down, and look for opportunities to gift, dress, and decorate thoughtfully this holiday season. It takes time, but its possible to do this.  There are so many wonderful companies and products that do good in the world now. If you don’t know where to start, try this excellent of social good companies  http://www.thegoodtrade.com

 

Holiday Highlight Bag

 

J- What is your favorite piece in the store right now (if you had to choose one)? 

 

K- For fashion, I love the goat hair bucket bag and Simbi black dress with brass buckles. It’s the perfect LBD for year round wear.  For the home, I love the wool pom blankets and pillows from Morocco. They are on my master bed and look perfect for the holidays though I use them year round!

 

Holiday Highlight glamping

 

J- Talent runs in your family. Tell us a little about  your husbands movie premiere and background?

 

K- Well, my husband, Brandon Dickerson, is a film-maker and current director at Laity Lodge.  His most recent movie, “Amanda and Jack Go Glamping” was filmed at our former glamping retreat, Green Acres, outside Austin and was just released. You can download and watch it this week! Our son is also an aspiring film-maker and my daughter wants to be a culinary artist.  So I guess its safe to say we are a family of artists who really love movies and nature.

 

 

Learn More About Raven and Lily by visiting them ONLINE or on INSTAGRAM

 

I  hope your holidays are filled with happiness and peace. It always pays royally when you shop with purpose and with brands who gives back a hundred-fold like Raven + Lilly.

 

Blessings to You and Yours this Holiday Season.

Jen

Skip The Crazy This Black Friday

NATIONAL

     

 

LOCAL

 

 

 

Now, don’t let the title fool you, I know good and well most of us are doing some kind of shopping this Black Friday. However, I am trying to make it as easy and quick as possible so you can get back to laying on the couch with family and respecting your time to give thanks.

 

Above are tons of sales, both locally and nationally, and their links to guide you through your shopping experience. And to make things one step easier for you, I’ve added a SHOP tab to my site with easy to snag options for gifts under $100, for him, for you and for the family!

 

For those of you still needing to get out and face the crowds… Here are some tips on making your excursion a little less painful:

 

  1. Do all the ONLINE shopping you can first, before trying to get out and about. And don’t forget to take advantage of free shipping and gift wrapping, it is such a time saver in the long run!

 

  1. When going out to the stores make sure to prepare like a momma. Bring snacks and water to keep your pulse and blood sugar going with you!

 

  1. Don’t feel like you need to do it all. Splurge on a nanny for the kids so you can shop child free.

 

  1. Better yet, make it a girls day! Meet up with your friends and throw a relaxing lunch in between stores.

 

  1. Always remember to dress for trying on! This sounds silly, and though you might not be shopping for yourself, it is always something to keep in mind. Wear a regular bra, not a sports bra, and cami so you can easily slip on and off tops. Think comfortable shoes and make sure to have on bottoms (not a dress).

 

  1. Take advantage of curbside pickups at stores like Nordstrom’s. You can shop ahead of time and roll right up to snag your bags.

 

  1. Be willing to valet park (or prepare for walking). It is a good way to shed those newly added turkey pounds!

 

  1. Prioritize. Don’t think you will make it to every store on your list. Know the top things you want to score deals on and go for those first. Anything else is a bonus and a pat on your back!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! And happy shopping to those brave souls out there.

 

 

  • Jen Young

Holiday Outfitting Done Fashionably Festive

holiday outfitting one

SHIRT (COMPARABLE)  |  RING  |  BRACELET  |  CLUTCH  |  JEANS  |  SHOES

 

holiday outfitting two

BRACELET  |  CLUTCH  |  JEANS  |  SHOES

 

holiday outfitting three

RING  |  BRACELET  |  CLUTCH  |  JEANS  |  SHOES

 

SHIRT (COMPARABLE) |  RING  |  BRACELET  |  CLUTCH  |  JEANS  |  SHOES

holiday outfitting five

JEANS  |  SHOES

CLUTCH |  EARRINGS

 

When it comes to the holidays we are all great at dressing the turkey for dinner or our trees with lights and garland. Somewhere we often don’t have the best of luck though, is with our holiday outfitting! If you are anything like me, you want to look put together for all those random photos your parents are sure to take and attempt to post on Facebook… But at the same time that means fighting the urge to throw on your grunge sweats after a long week of preparing food and gifts and table settings and so on and so fourth.

 

So this year, I’m letting you all in on a little secret of mine – the art of holiday outfitting!

 

The trick I have learned is that having the correct outfit for working hard in the kitchen (or pretending to nap on the couch) is in the shoes. I suggest going for a flat or wedge for extra support. Use this day as a time to go all out with the denim. I decked my holiday dress with a pair of funky frayed legged skinnies. They are super comfortable and still give off a done-up look. Lastly, and what I think elevates most looks, is going for a top that pops. This jewel toned top is a nice light fabric perfect for running around but also looks great when you are needing that extra touch!

 

Working with minimal jewelry is also a good way to keep your look simple yet sweet. I usually stick to gold, like my ring and bracelet, around the holidays as it always feels just a touch more festive to me for some reason.

 

Wishing you all a happy holiday full of love and family!

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

 

 

 

Just Saying Thanks This Holiday Season…

It’s 11:23 pm, and I am just siting down to draft this post after a crazy-pants day. You know the ones—when you pile laundry upon work upon dinner upon kid duties upon bills and so on… It is the holiday season after all! But somehow I have tremendous energy and passion left to share how thankful I am that you are a part of my life and the Forever Styled Community. Without your support as a faithful client, diligent reader and/or dear friend, I wouldn’t be the same!

 

Since the month of November often warrants expressing gratitude and appreciation for the key influencers and blessings of our lives, I am excited to share insight on some of my favorite boutiques and why their vision for fashion is changing the local style scene as we enter the busy holiday season.

 

But, before we launch into that upcoming “love fest”, God has given me some insight I thought appropriate to share before we get out our mega Christmas lists and overstuffed turkeys, become irrational towards the person who steals our parking space during black Friday, or suffer from an egg nog hangover. Not to preach, but let’s not succumb to the madness this year, shall we? How can we reign the in crazy and actually enjoy the time with loved ones and friends instead of stressing out and making ourselves nuts?

 

Here are some ways I am planning to stand out like Clark Grizzwald {you MUST watch Christmas Vacation if you have no idea what I am talking about} but without the 2000 strands of lights…..

 

1.} Approach the holiday season by setting your intension. Plan out your shopping with a budget in mind and stick to it. Don’t allow wish lists to pressure you to invest in things you cannot afford. For me, this year is about creating new traditions with my kids like cooking family recipes together, watching classic Christmas shows, sleeping {a lot—which is not common for me!} and playing a ton of ping pong. I also hope to gift more “experiences” than legos and xbox games this year. Just last week I had the pleasure of meeting my new friend Blue in the horse ring during my recent Charismatic Cowgirl experience with friends at Sandra De Robinson’s gorgeous ranch. Who knew a horse could be telepathic? This “blew” my mind…no pun intended.

 

Holiday Season Horse

 

2.} Bless others by practicing random acts of kindness. My personal goal is to do something thoughtful and creative for someone I don’t know every day until Dec 31st. I am journaling about people’s reactions and so far—I am in awe. For example, today I found a penny with the year of my birth on it while I was filling up my car.  I ended up giving it to the man across my view. He smiled HUGE, and said thank you. Once nestled in his car, he turned and hugged his wife after showing her his lucky prize. Tomorrow I plan to buy for the person behind me in the Starbucks line. Scatter joy…it is contagious.

 

Holiday Season Coffee

 

3.} Extend Grace to Yourself if you burn the turkey or holiday ham. Most of us put too much pressure on ourselves to cook the perfect meal, outfit the best dressed home and body, and maintain composure with that 5th glass of cabernet. Avoid feeling bad if you burn the bird or anything else for that matter—order take out and get over it. Life is short. As long as your clothes are on and clean and your belly has food in it… Be happy. Give yourself grace when things get out of sorts or your hair is on fire. You deserve a break this season. Remember to silence the voice that says you aren’t enough and eat that giant slice of pie.

 

Hope these quick tips bring light and harmony to your home and heart this month. What are your tips for thriving during the holidays? Do share…

 

 

Love,

 

Jen