March Favorites using StyleConnect from Chico’s
One of my favorite brands is Chico’s . Whether its time for a fancy dinner, travel (style see post here) or just out and about enjoying some fresh air, Chico’s has EVERYTHING to make me feel and look great. And right now they have some amazing deals going on.
Did you know about the new service Chico’s has that offers free personal styling from your cell, tablet or computer called StyleConnect. Try it out and see your style go from ordinary to WOW!
Let me know if you try them out! Such a smart idea to use this personal service in these days at home. As always, thank you for stopping by.
Sending all the positivity to you and yours.
Kim
Jury Duty 101
I’m sharing Jury duty 101 because I was in no way prepared for the way THIS time went down! I try my best to be a good citizen and honor my civic duties but wow was Tuesday a test of that commitment! When I received my summons to jury duty, I didn’t even consider that it was the day after President’s Day. Double the people had been called to serve which changed everything from parking to restaurants etc. The average day has 300-350 called, Tuesday had 650 called! But I didn’t know that! I have been called to the county courthouse multiple times for jury duty. No big deal right? This would be the same as all the other times, right? WRONG on all counts!
I won’t bore you with ALL the details of my experience. All I can say is it was one humdinger of a day. I learned so many lessons and that is what I want to share with you.
What you will NEED to bring for jury duty
- ID
- Phone charger/back up battery
- Water/drinks
- Food (plastic cutlery only)
- A cushion to sit on (seriously those benches are brutal)
- A blanket for cold rooms
- Wear layers for hot rooms
- A book to read
- Ear pods or headphones
- Cash and credit card
- All the patience you can muster
So maybe you won’t need any of the above. Maybe you will get there and it will be a slow day and you can leave early. Oh my friends, what if you end up there until 7 or 8 pm. Guess who that was this time? So leave early and be prepared. If you do get chosen I want you know that America is great because of people like you.
If I had prepared properly I would have been so much more comfortable. I hope these tips help you when you are called. If you have any tips to share, please leave a comment. I can use all the help I can get!
As always, thanks for stopping by.
XOXO, Kim
Feather, Fluff & Flings
Valentines Day Wow
Hello and Happy Valentines Day! This Valentines Day is a huge one for me AND my house. I received a call from Feather, Fluff & Flings. They asked me to be their Valentine! How sweet is that? They explained that they wanted to come over and give me my valentine! These gal’s are known for their seasonal decor and I practically screamed YES! We set the date and the excitement mounted.
The big day arrived and I could not believe ALL of the decorations they brought. Two huge SUV’s pulled up loaded to the roof with all the goodies! They unpacked tools, decorations, ribbon, lights and ladders. Just like magic, things began to take shape. Bows were made, garland was hung, decorations were added to the garland and they even added twinkling lights! My neighbors were all stopping by and we were amazed at the transformation.
spruced up by Feather, Fluff & Flings
by Feather, Fluff & Flings
Feather, Fluff & Flings does it all. From seasonal decorating, staging & ready to sell consultation, interior design and event planning everything they touch is done to perfection. Cheri and Jamie are the talent and brains behind this operation and two of the nicest gal’s you will ever meet. Their friendship means the world to me. Check them out for help, inspiration and to just enjoy the beautiful world they and their amazing team create. I am pinching myself that I got to be their Valentine!
Thank you Cheri & Jamie for EVERYTHING! And I thank YOU for stopping by! Wishing this world and everyone all the love this Valentine’s Day and always!
XOXO, Kim
How To Rock Your Weekend Travel Style
The holiday season has come and gone and I am telling you I feel like Dorinda from the RHONY!!!! “I cooked, I cleaned, I decorated, I made it NICE!!!!” LOL! After all the taking down, putting away and cleaning, I needed a pick me up. As a reward to myself I planned a little weekend getaway! It was just the ticket to raise my spirits and get me energized for the new year ahead. Let’s talk about a how to rock your weekend travel style.
I usually FREEZE whether in the sky or on the road. For me the first thing I look for when choosing my travel outfit are pieces that feel as good as they look. I found the BEST pieces from Chico’s that cover all my criteria to rock my weekend travel style.
Pieces You Need To Rock Your Weekend Travel Style
Barefoot Dreams Drawstring Top and Pants
Check out these pants and drawstring top that are buttery soft and sooo comfortable. These two pieces should come with a warning label stating that you may never want to take them off. Seriously, I could have happily traveled, gone to brunch, the movies and out to dinner in them. Did I do that? I’m not saying yes but I am not saying no either! I have washed them too and if you dry them on low they keep their softness and shape. The hype is real and true about these pieces. The top can be short as I wore it or let out the draw string and it can cover your bum if that feels better for you. I felt chic, on trend and VERY comfortable!
Gorgeous Print Pashmina & Puffer Bag
This beautiful pashmina adds a little oomph to my look and it is so warm and soft! I used it as a blanket too! It was like being enveloped in a big hug and on a blustery day and who doesn’t love that? It is a key travel piece.
Lastly, I found this AMAZING puffer travel bag! Seriously, I cannot believe the tons of compliments I have received about it. So many women stopped me asked where I got it. I think it could have it’s own instagram page! Women came up and were feeling it and asking so many questions. This has NEVER happened to me about a bag before. This bag is going to be on major repeat! Do Not Miss Out!!!! I am not kidding! I have seen a lot of puffer bags but none as chic as this one. It’s so lightweight and that means no hurting shoulder for this girl. Chico’s has the best selection of jewelry too. This cuff bracelet had me at hello and goes so nicely with my other jewelry.
There is no reason to give up style or comfort when traveling. These and other fabulous pieces are available at Chico’s. They have looks at every price point to keep us rocking our weekend getaway style. Chico’s has great in store help and on-line guides to help you put things together too. This means you can just enjoy all the fun of exploring on your weekend destination. Isn’t that the best, when you forget about what you are wearing and just enjoy what is happening.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. I would love it if you let me know the best places you have found for a weekend getaway. I am hoping for LOT’S more travel this year.
XOXO, Kim
*This post was sponsored by Chico’s but all opinions are my own.
The Collected Look
Hello and Happy 2020! I am so happy and excited to be here sharing my first post of this new year/new decade! 2020 is starting off great by being asked by one of my favorite bloggers, Cindy Hattersley, to join her and a wonderful group of bloggers to do a post on the collected look. All of these fabulous gals will be linked at the end of this post and you simply must check them out to see their take on the collected look. We are all so different and I really enjoy following them and getting great inspiration from them all and I think you will love them too! So let’s get to it shall we?
Let’s talk about why the collected look is here to stay! Nothing says chic like having your own personal style. I have always admired women who can take something very simple, a turtleneck and trousers for instance and make it all their own by adding accessories from their travels or family heirlooms that tell a story. Telling your story by how you dress is so exciting to me. Fashion should be fun and storytelling is just that. For me, that is the collected look.
So how do we accomplish “the collected look”? Most of us have too much in our closets and we need to go through and purge! But after you purge you will see all the gems of things you LOVE and may have forgotten about. Do you remember where you were when you got an item. Did your mother, father, aunt, best friend, husband, boyfriend or child give you a gift? To have something with personal meaning included in your outfit is the true key to the collected look.
Vintage watch from my Aunt Ethel, Bangles from Julie Vos, Necklace from Deb Pagano (Queen Bittar), Earring Old Anthropologie
The Real Golden Girl
Vintage purse found in a Mississippi antique shop, David Yurman Bracelets, JCrew Earrings
Carolina Herrera Caftan
The Real Golden Girl
The queen of the collected look is of course Iris Apfel. Not all of us are as adventurous to mix and match in this eclectic way. However, if you study her, she has a sense of fun in her style that anyone (yes, I am looking at YOU) can put into their daily wardrobe. More is more and less is a bore may not be your cup of tea but I know you have SOMETHING in your closet perhaps stashed away that will make you smile and feel wonderful wearing. As my mom used to say to me, “What are you saving it for?” Pull out the good stuff, the fun stuff, the “oh it’s too fancy stuff” and put it on in a different way. A great example is something shiny with something rough. Put on the sequin jacket with some jeans and boots. Put on a jean jacket with EVERY shiny pin you own! (Or just one or two if you like that more!) If you don’t like it just take it off and try it with something else. The key I believe is to feel good and have a genuine smile when you see yourself in the mirror! The real estate in your closet is not to be taken up by things you never intend to wear again. The purge or use lesson once again!
Jewelry is my favorite way to tell my story, remember this post? I have a ring given to me for my 8th grade graduation as well as my engagement and wedding rings, pearl earrings given to me by my parents the Christmas before I was married ( I cried so hard that morning!), pearls that belonged to my mother and my Aunt Ethel and all the jewelry from my husband and children. I love the unique jewelry that I have collected on trips. Sometimes dainty is in and sometimes bigger is better! I think a beautiful strand of colorful beads that cost just a few dollars can add so much to a look as seen here. On the other side of the coin are my Chanel pieces which I have been collecting for over 20 years! A true splurge but I LOVE them! My current obsession is the jewelry line from Julie Vos! Her designs just speak to me and I cannot wait to see her spring line.
My “collections” include kaftans see post here, purses including designer, vintage and thrift and many other pieces of clothing (coats, hats, sunglasses, shoes, boots and more) but without jewelry these pieces just cannot tell my story. The jewelry brings it all to life. For me it all begins and ends with jewelry! Without it I feel completely dull and naked. Not a good look at any age, lol!
I love the fun styles and the philanthropic heart of Kendra Scott
The Real Golden Girl
Are you inspired to tell your story with your own personal collected look? I hope you will take some time today just for you. To really look at what treasures you have hiding. Tell your story! After all, you are a true original and YOUR story needs to be told.
Now please let me introduce you to my AMAZING friends! You simply must see their take on this theme. You won’t be disappointed.
Sandra from Apart From My Art (I adore her zest for life, talent and humor)
Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home (So much great information and inspiration for your home, makeup tips & recipes)
Annie from Most Lovely Things (Her Motto Says It All…..Live Simply * Live Beautifully)
Kim from Northern California Style (A blog that shows a bit of everything we are all thinking about! Style, being present, Food, Travel Girlfriends and so much more)
Cindy from Rough Luxe Lifestyle (Cindy is talented in design, fashion, fun, life and connects so many of us over 40 gals. She is just a wonderful follow!)
Eugenia from The Age of Grace (Eugenia has wonderful tips on health, style and living with grace which she does beautifully. She is one of the kindest and most beautiful souls inside and out that I have “met” in this social media space)
Janet from The Gardeners Cottage (Janet lives in a cottage built in 1890 for the gardening staff of a large estate. She shares vegan cooking, gardening, style, second-hand as well as new shopping and she gives us a look at cottage life that I find sooooo charming)
And lastly, my wonderful friend Elizabeth from The Vintage Contessa (Elizabeth is extremely special to me as she was one of the first to notice ME and reach out! After she saw an instagram post of mine she commented and a true friendship was formed. Little did I know how lucky I was! Her life is one that should be in a movie on the big screen! A world traveler, who married her “Italian”, lived in Florence, raised two sons, took chickens to the Louve, moved back to California, owned a shop, made a home that is truly a world of wonderment and is now living a beautiful and colorful life with her family, friends, and many animals including Mr. Banksy, a full sized pig, who has the run of the place! Interesting does not even begin to tell the tale of this gem. Elizabeth was kind enough to feature me in an amazing series she and Cindy do, called Ageless Style. You can read the post here )
As always, thank YOU so much for stopping by! Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.
XOXO, Kim
Dior: From Paris to the World Tour
The “Dior: From Paris to the World” tour in Dallas was magnificent. There were over 200 pieces of couture to see along with sketches, photographs and accessories. Most notably, we saw over 70 years of House of Dior couture. The collection included pieces from Dior, Yves St. Laurent, John Galliano and others.
The Dallas Museum of Art paired the clothing with their own pieces of art in a series of rooms creating a magical mix. The DMA director Agustin Arteago compared the retrospective to “walking into a cathedral of fashion”. I could not agree more. I was moved, enlightened and even overcome at times from the pure perfection at seeing Dior: From Paris to the World Tour at the Dallas Museum of Art.
Here are a few of my favorites!
Do you see yourself in any of these creations? I see myself in the kaftan and maybe that gorgeous coat. A girl can dream, right? It was so wonderful to see it all.
XOXO, Kim
HILL COUNTRY MILE, BOERNE TEXAS
Have you heard of the Hill Country Mile? Nestled in the quaint town of Boerne, Texas, the strip on Main street has been named Hill Country Mile. This modern and historic city is not to be missed when visiting the Texas Hill Country. Boerne has seen such a transformation in the past few years and I for one am loving it! AMAZING boutiques, fantastic restaurants, wine bars, art galleries, coffee shops, hotels and all the small town charm anyone could ask for are waiting to welcome you! Not a chain store in sight. I love love love the originality of this place. This city embraces its history and yet is somehow very fresh and so very charming.
Main Street Boerne
Last week Erin from Cathedrals & Cafes and I explored the Hill Country Mile together and we had the most delightful time! Erin is a lifestyle and travel blogger from San Antonio. Once you see her work you will know she is a must follow on her blog here and here on instagram.
So here is a look at what we saw on our day visiting Hill Country Mile
Bechants
Let me introduce you to Bechants. This store is the most unexpected treasure right on the Hill Country Mile. Erin and I lucked out and received a private tour of this modern department store from Craig Brewer of Bechants. Craig described this store as retail heaven and I completely agree. Bechants has many “rooms” and each has its own specialty merchandise.
A few things you will find at Bechants are home decor, kitchen items, high end fine jewelry, fun jewelry, clothing, health and wellness products, MacKenzie Childs, stationery, fragrance for you and your home, children’s clothing, gifts and SOOO much more! The people who work at Bechants are a family. Everyone in every department will do their best to help you find just the right thing. If you appreciate great customer service you have come to the right place. The way they wrap up your selections with beautiful bags and tissue is that old time customer care that I find lacking in most places today. I was smiling ear to ear with all the attention to detail and to me!!!!!
And just to be clear you can find something at EVERY budget here. Let’s just say I might know this as a fact! Several very affordable and very special gifts will be awaiting my family and friends under our tree this year!
Bechants
Joli Boutique
Joli means pretty in french, and this store curates merchandise that is so pretty and unique. Most of the lines carried here are made in the USA or Canada! I really appreciate that the owner, Barbara, choses her apparel and jewelry to appeal to all ages and shapes. Her philosophy is that every lady should be uniquely beautiful. Joli boutique also carries special things for men and children. Joli has such wonderful selections and the best friendly service.
Joli Boutiqe
Joli Boutique
Joli Boutique
Laurie Saunders Ltd
Laurie Saunders Ltd
Laurie Saunders Ltd is a long time favorite shopping destination for me in Boerne. When Laurie took the old antique store location in Boerne, she waved her fairy decorating wand of renovation and poof this store is STUNNING! I knew I would be visiting on the regular!
With a sharp eye for detail and an amazing team that is so kind and helpful, Laurie’s shop deserves your time when you visit Boerne. It takes a very special hand to put things together they way the team does at this shop. I absolutely love visiting and getting inspiration. My heart is set on several pieces from here. (I hope Santa thinks I have been a very good girl.) Besides home furnishings, there is so much to see and shop at Laurie Saunders Ltd. Gorgeous antiques, Mexican dresses in the summer, outerwear of vests and light jackets for winter, candles, kitchen towels, stunning pillows, blue and white china, coffee table books, statuary, lighting, hostess gifts, holiday treasures, art, anything you can imagine to set a perfect table are all here along with LOTS more. Do not miss going in and saying hello.
Right now is an especially great time to shop with the Cure Cancer Card. If you donate $50 to Cure Cancer Partners Card, you will receive 20% off from October 18th to October 27th. Laurie Saunders Ltd and Joli are accepting the card as are many other merchants and restuarants. For more information click here.
Cypress Grille
All of this shopping really worked up my appetite and the Cypress Grille was just the place for a lovely lunch and a chilled glass of wine.
The food and the service are so wonderful at the Cypress Grille. I highly recommend it.
Before we knew it our day had flown by and it was time to head back to San Antonio. I hope you will take some time and go visit Boerne’s Hill Country Mile. I will be back to check out all the holiday trimmings and fun. This town will wrap you up in the holiday spirit!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Let me know your favorite place in Boerne!
XOXO, Kim
My Favorite New Fall Arrivals from Chico’s
Have y’all seen the new arrivals at Chico’s? It was love at first sight. Talk about versatile! So let’s get started on my favorite new arrivals from Chico’s to mix and match this fall.
It all started with the softest sweater and then I added layering to make getting dressed a snap. Whether shopping, meeting the girl’s or a date night with my hubby, these pieces just work. I love a wardrobe that works hard so I don’t have to, don’t you?
Let’s break it down! I started with that extra soft and polished sweater in the color kings navy. This sweater has me wanting it every color! It is THAT comfortable. The next favorite piece is the starburst jeggings. These jeggings have that EXTRA touch I love and are so comfortable. Next throw on this amazing patchwork coat. This coat is a real showstopper.
If you know me at all, you know I am an accessories addict! It’s the icing on the cake of any outfit. Try some for yourself and see how they add your own personal touch! This bag is the bomb! It also converts to a backpack for travel and this color! WOW! I just saw it is on MAJOR SALE too! This girl loves her jewelry and I am crazy for a layered necklace and blue stone earrings and bracelet too! I chose pieces that aren’t too chunky but have enough texture to compliment and not distract from the coat.
More looks can be made by adding a no iron white blouse. You do have one don’t you? If not RUN, don’t walk, to get yours now. A true staple that will make your life so much easier. Put that iron down! Anything that can look this polished and require very little care is a win in my book.
If you saw this post then you know how wonderful all of the pieces and accessories from Chico’s will play together. Not sure how to mix things up? Be sure to make an appointment with your local store for help. I got great tips and tricks from my local Chico’s on how to mix and match my favorite new arrivals for fall.
Chico’s is sponsoring this post, but all of these opinion’s are my own. I would love to hear what your favorite pieces are right now in your closet.
As always, thank you so much for stopping by. Happy Fall Y’all!
XOXO, Kim
Tips for keeping your skin safe from the sun
Today I wish to share with you my tips for keeping your skin safe from the sun. We are now officially into fall but that doesn’t mean the sun is any safer for you. Speaking from personal experience, I hope you will protect yourself from skin cancer.
Several years ago I had my FIRST skin cancer diagnosis. I am passionate about spreading the word to protect yourself. So here is my story and I hope it will help you.
As a kid growing up in the Chicago suburbs, winters were long and summers were savored. Summer meant no school, lots of freedom, sunshine, long pool days, eyes stinging from chlorine, vacations at the lake, weeks at girl scout camps, being outside as much as we could and we had ZERO SUNCSCREEN! It hadn’t been invented yet. I had so many BAD sunburns. Mine always were the kind that blistered. HUGE freckles are on my back from all that sun. We just put a tee shirt on over the burnt skin and continued to jump in the lake or pool. In high school coming back from spring break with a great tan was a badge of honor. Can you believe I even had a sun lamp from Sears that I used on my face! I know, horrible!
In my twenties I got into skin care in a major way. Women who took care of their skin looked so much better than those who didn’t. Sunscreen became a daily application for me. The one tip everyone shared about skin care was to wear sunscreen, so I did. Little did I know then, it was too late. The damage that was done in my early years would come back as basal cell carcinoma.
I check my skin ALL the time and go to the doctor immediately whenever I have a concern. Several things were burned and removed and it always came back ok. Until it didn’t. I got the call and I wasn’t shocked or even surprised. As a kid, I had white hair, blue eyes, fair skin, bad sunburns, I was the perfect candidate to get it. But even if you don’t fit those criteria you are still at risk.
Removal was not fun and it went pretty deep. It was on my face and I had six stitches. I have a scar but it blends in as another wrinkle so I am very very lucky. Since then I have had several more little cancers and go to the dermatologists religiously to check things out. My doctor feels this is all due to when I was a child. If something looks or feels different, borders changing, feels rough or scaly or I just don’t like how something looks, I get in asap!
Here are my tips to keeping your skin safer in the sun!
Wear protective clothing. Now there is clothing with protection such as this darling dress from cabana life SPF 50+
Make sunglasses and hats your new best friends!
Avoid outside activities between 10 AM and 4 PM
Use Sunscreen and use it correctly, 20 minutes before exposure and reapply reapply reapply. Sprays do not work for me as the wind carries much of the mist away. I slather it on and my skin loves it! On the daily I use Clinique sunblock, you can find it linked below. It’s the perfect base for makeup, don’t forget your hands and in between your fingers (especially if you use a lamp at the nail salon!)
Say NO to tanning beds. ZERO excuses here people. The facts are in and tanning beds CAUSE skin cancer. Instead try the self tanners I linked above. The mitt makes the difference!
And lastly get to know your skin. If anything looks or feels weird go in immediately, do not google or web MD it, go in and see your dermatologist.
With todays new sunscreens, self tanners and information I hope we will stop seeing a rise in skin cancer.
As always, thank you for stopping by.
XOXO, Kim
Fall Favorites From Chico’s
Sharing some fall favorites from Chico’s proving that animal prints work for women of all ages! (and just so you know, Chico’s sponsored this post but all opinions are my own).
This year Chico’s is really bringing it with their animal print. If you are like me, there can never be too much animal print in your closet! Just look at how Chico’s upped the animal ante with this BLUE leopard print blouse! Don’t you love it? The drape and front sash are so flattering.
Kicking up my heels in these divine jeans! I am absolutely loving these so slimming girlfriend jeans! Higher waist results in no dreaded muffin top! Thank you Chico’s! I splurged and got them in white too. Friend’s, you NEED these jeans in your life cause they are comfy as pajamas yet sleek and SLIMMING as can be!
Let’s not forget accessories! I love the gold finish on the earrings, the blue lapis inspired bracelet and last but not least the cherry on the cake of my look, SUNGLASSES. These are the perfect pair, modern and yet still very classic!
I still plan on picking up a few more pieces from Chico’s animal print collection. They have a leopard jacket and sweater that are calling my name.
I hope you will stop by Chico’s and see for yourself. I received amazing service from both Chico’s at La Cantera and Chico’s at Alamo Quarry. The women who work there were so helpful and made everyone in the store feel and look fantastic. If you don’t have time to go in check them out on line. You will be loving this collection.
I am going to encourage you to try some animal print. If you are bold go for all the leopard you like or if you only like an accent Chico’s has the prettiest scarf to tie on your neck or on a handbag as an accent. There is something for everyone at Chico’s. To see all the pieces from the collection click here. Women of any age can rock animal print. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
As always, thank YOU so much for stopping by.
XOXO, Kim
OBSESSED
