Be an Original

Aren't some of the most intriguing people you know the ones who do things just a little bit different? Fear of what others might think or how they may judge us often keeps us from living in the fullness of who we were truly created to be. It's the little quirks, habits, passions and skills that make you uniquely you. So why not embrace them all and forget about other people's opinions?

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day,

to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle

which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting."

~ E.E. Cummings

When I think of my favorite blogs and the bloggers who write them, it's their originality, creativity and how they are unlike any other that keeps me going back for more. It's our authenticity that attracts others to us.

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Weekend & Weddings

I hope the weather is just as amazing where you are as it has been here. Today was stunning! I'm told tomorrow is going to be a steam bath of a day for Mother's Day so I've just been soaking up the sunshine and cool evening breeze until then. It was the perfect day for a wedding! A friend of mine got married today and I celebrated with her as she said "I Do" and  married the man of her dreams.

On this same day 5 years ago, I took an exciting and new step in my life also. I said "yes" to spending forever with my hubby.  During the wedding ceremony I was reminiscing about that day and our own wedding day and am still amazed at how fast time flies by.

I have another wedding to attend this coming week which is out of state so I'll be away from the blogging scene and taking some time off. If I don't respond to your e-mails or comments right away, that's why.  :)

I want to wish every mom a very Happy Mother's Day tomorrow!

What to Wear: Elegance isn't about Excess

When it comes to the many attributes that our appearance is comprised of, less is truly more. The classy woman understands that elegance isn't about excess. In fact 'more' or too much of anything usually equates to tackiness and often an overall sloppy look. Last week we discussed perfume etiquette and how fragrance can overwhelm others in a way that detracts from your overall appearance.

Today we'll be discussing clothing, accessories and makeup.

4 Appearance Areas to Consider

1. Jewelry- When it comes to the finishing details, there is nothing lovelier than seeing one beautiful statement piece like a necklace, cocktail ring or a beautiful scarf to polish off an outfit. A woman should never appear as though she's wearing the entire contents of her jewelry box at one time with rings on every finger, you don't know where to look first. When in doubt stick to one statement piece and let the other accessories be present but blend in and complement the overall outfit without being too prominent. For some, it may be your engagement ring and/or wedding band. If you choose to wear a cocktail ring, you don't want it to compete with your engagement ring/set so it's best to wear any fashion rings on your left hand and leave the valuables at home.

2. Makeup-When it comes to makeup, it is meant to be a tool to enhance your existing natural beauty. An excess of makeup can look thick, caked on and anything but natural. Opt for spending your time and money on proper skincare, this way you'll spend less time covering up your skin and more time letting it shine with a hint of color here and there to create a natural glow. Be careful to only play up one particular feature. If you want to wear a red lip, go easy on the eye makeup. Likewise, if you plan to make your eyes pop and be the star of the show for a night on the town, you'll want to go a bit more neutral or nude for the lip, keep blush light also.

3. Accessories-Similar to jewelry, when it comes to accessories, it's best to only have one statement accessory. It could be a beautiful pair of red pumps, in which case, competing colors and even patterns should be kept to a minimum. A gorgeous hat will really stand out if everything else you are carrying is minimized. If you like to keep your accessories minimal most of the time or for a daytime look, make the star of the show one really awesome investment handbag that you love that can take you almost anywhere. Your keyring is also an accessory, there is nothing more juvenile looking than a key ring of a couple keys taken over by charms and dangly things as if one were in a Vegas casino.

Hair is also an accessory, be sure to keep it neat, soft and well cared for. Shades close to your natural hair color are best. Going platinum blond when you're a dark brunette may be a fun adventure but it can be excessive and appear too artificial and is hard to pull off if you want to be taken seriously.

4. Clothing- Some people overdose on a good thing. A top with ruffles and a pair of shoes that pick up on the same element can be very pretty, but having head-to-toe ruffles is nearly impossible to pull off and would look too over the top. Patterns should be kept to a minimum. If you are wearing a dress that is in a busy pattern or floral, everything else needs to be neutral and very minimal as to not compete with the dress. Layering works best when you use solids so everything doesn't appear so bulky.

*A word on labels. We all have brands we prefer over others, we just don't need to be a slave to these brands wearing many items all in one moment, otherwise you'll appear as a walking billboard instead of a polished professional. Classy women invest in quality basics that don't have brands or logos advertised all over them.

Do you have a new statement piece or clothing item that you are excited about right now? Please share!

I also wanted to announce the winner of the $20 worth of Pear Tree Greetings' goodies, it's Kelly of the blog 'I'll be back' . Congratulations! I'll be in touch shortly with the details. You're going to love their stationery! :)



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