The power of the flare. It’s flattering in almost all of its applications… Flared sleeves, a flared (and incredibly dramatic) neckline, and flared jeans. Add some more drama… in the form of layered pearl necklaces (one of my favored signature statements) and you’ve got a look that’s perfect for a luncheon or shopping with the girls… Or playing in a gorgeous field of wildflowers.
I, for one, am extremely (ridiculously!) grateful for my girlfriends… they are beyond wonderful and inspiring. They are beautiful, unique, and I feel lucky to know them. They are, as I have outlined below, Alpha-Females. Surround yourself with these women.
A shot of some of the fabulous Alpha-Females in my life…. A lot of LOVE to them and to many of my remarkable Alpha-Female friends not pictured. I am oh-so-grateful for each of you. xoNow… onto the unsavory bunch. We have all encountered Mean Girls. However, no matter how rude someone is, I truly believe that it is a waste of your time and energy to be rude in return. And being mean? Gasp. You, my perfect little lady, would never dare utter negative words about someone. You are far too busy with your fabulous life/family/career/man to waste your time on such trivial matters. Below is a profile of a few Mean Girl Types for you to be aware of… But you are only to be that: aware of them. Do not add fuel to their fire. These types feed on your reaction… And the only reaction you are to give them is simple. Kindness. Kill them with it. Trust me, it works. And you leave all the better for the interaction… Poised, confident, gracious and, as has oftentimes happened for me, you may surprise yourself and leave with a new friend. We women have it hard enough… Raise each other up, please. Quit it with the tear downs. Now, onto the profiling.
The Gossip Queen
She draws people close by telling them hushed, naughty little secrets about everyone she knows. These “secrets” are likely untrue… but the more farfetched they are, the more attention she receives. Immediately be on guard around someone who is a gossip. Just as your mother always told you, “If she talks like that about others, she’ll likely say it about you when you’re gone.” It’s true. You should be aware that this girl likely talks about other people because she’s uncomfortable talking about herself. Insecurity can drive people to do incredibly unattractive things. I personally despise gossip and feel that it is immature, unproductive, and an indicator of low intelligence. If you have a friend who tends to gossip, simply refuse to participate. She will likely feel uncomfortable with your silence/lack of interest and take it as an indicator of disapproval. You may have to express your dislike for it, but you can do it in a charming way (i.e. “I’m sure we can all find something more interesting to talk about. Have you heard about the current political situation/sale at Nordy’s/new happy hour spot?”). At that point, you will either find something new to talk about (a Gossip Queen can be rehabilitated into a good and sometimes loyal friend) or you will not. If no new topic arises, you may walk away knowing that you gave it the old college try and find a new group of friends (see Alpha-Females below).
The Anger Management Case
She rules through fear. She is oftentimes a spoiled girl who is used to getting exactly what she wants. Her characteristics are exacerbated through her martini habit. (more…)
I’ve always had a thing… and when I say a thing, I really mean a completely crushing weakness… when it comes to all things white. It is such a bold color (or lack of color) and projects confidence and style. Don’t be afraid to pull the whole white on white look. And ruffles… on the front, the back, and the feet tops off the feminine, yet strong look perfectly.
It was raining… yet again. And, as there is a time and a place for a classic camel trenchcoat (the time and place just happen to be anytime and anywhere)… I decided my time and place for this fashion staple was now. I paired it with a vintage animal print dress with a bow tie neckpiece (no need for jewelry) and some thigh high black leather boots with cut-out detailing. A matte red lip adds a throwback vibe to the entire look. I was singin’ in the rain.
After the unending sunny weather we’ve had here in Santa Barbara, it was nice to finally see some rain… and a perfect excuse to break out my zebra print rain boots. Umbrellas have a time and a place (usually that time and place is in the rain) and they can be a killer accessory… But I thought that a floppy hat was far more interesting… and who says floppy hats are only for the beach? Please excuse the fact that these photos are a bit out of focus… I couldn’t keep still! Go jump in some puddles, gorgeous.
Santa Barbara has gotten a bit chilly as of late. I thought it was a perfect excuse to turn my tuxedo jacket into a daytime look (I have a full blown obsession with layering my clothes). The playfulness of the oversized pearls, the brown leather accents, and the casual ponytail help balance the drama and formal feel of the jacket. A smoky eye and lips that pop a bright pink keep the look young.
