Palazzo Pants and Polka Dots

Posted on July 6, 2017 by barbiebeauty

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Palazzo pants are the absolute best! They are the epitome of the term “dressy casual”. When the school year is winding down or I have professional development during the summer, I welcome palazzo pants. They are extremely comfortable but still give off a professional vibe when worn with the proper top.

Now, if you read Polka Dots Please, you know my favorite print/pattern is the polka dot. So, can you imagine my glee when I stumbled across this perfect pair of polka dot palazzo pants in New York and Company? They were having one of their fabulous sales and I was able to snag this pair, off the mannequin, for 80% off the regular price. The darling mannequin was also wearing the shirt featured, so I took that as well and left her bare. Now, I typically don’t shop complete outfits that are displayed on showroom floors but this look was too charming to pass up.

I can wear polka dots everyday. The pattern has a playful appeal. I also enjoy the coziness and freedom of palazzo pants. If you enjoy them as well, head over to New York and Company for one of their incredible sales. And don’t forget your coupons.

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Picnic Vibes

Posted on June 29, 2017 by barbiebeauty

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The state of  Texas makes it difficult to wrap up cool, comfortable and chic in one outfit during the summer. To prepare for the heat, sundresses, tank tops and shorts are a necessity for every wardrobe. Being that summer months are big months for family gatherings, picnics and reunions, one must stay ready to endure the intensity of the high temperatures accompanied by the mugginess.

I always keep short shorts in stock for the warmer months. They are my go-to gear whenever I’m headed outdoors for an extended period of time. I like blue jean shorts because they are a lot more durable and it’s almost impossible to sweat them out. I found the pair I’m wearing at Old Navy (similar pair here) and have purchased several more identical pairs over the years. I also like to grab multiple tank tops from Old Navy when they have their $2.00 tank top sale but I appreciate the fit of the tanks sold at Walmart much more than any other brand I’ve tried. The one I’m wearing fits impeccably. It’s snug, yet it stretches perfectly. To dress up my casual look, I threw on this very light, sheer kimono from Ross, and it completed my outfit appropriately for an outdoor gathering.

Staying cool this time of year is important. Staying hydrated is even more important. But staying cute, even in the heat, is even more critical. Because, when you look good, you feel good.

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Bodycon Bliss

Posted on June 22, 2017 by barbiebeauty

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Bodycon dresses have been trendy for years but they are becoming more popular as women have gotten creative with the way they style them. In the past, fitted dresses were used for the purpose of going on dates and making sure they revealed a woman’s sex appeal. Now women are wearing these dresses as casual attire by pairing them with tennis shoes, flip flops and even boots.

I love a simple bodycon dress. For starters, they are comfortable. The attire gives a lady a lot of adaptability, which is great when you’re planing to eat a hearty meal on a date. Secondly, I enjoy the versatility of the garment. As stated, it can be worn in numerous conventions, such as casual, dressy, and even business, with the appropriate blazer. Bodycon dresses also imitate the shape of your body and will have a woman feeling sexy, free and confident. The appropriate ensemble will have you feeling as if you can set the world on fire.

I was able to snag this cutie during one of JustFab’s summer sales. The material is super soft and the dress was snug yet relaxed. I paired it with these black strappy sandals that I also purchased during JustFab’s summer sale. This complete look had me feeling comfortable, radiant and divine.

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Clear Creek Vineyard

Posted on June 8, 2017 by barbiebeauty

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During the summer months, as we anticipate our annual vacation, we buy time by seeking new adventures in our local area. Our first experience this year consisted of a wine tour and tasting.

We were surprised to find the Clear Creek Vineyard across the street from the Kemah Boardwalk, which is a place we visit at least twice a year. I purchased tickets on Groupon and the fee included a wine tour and picnic lunch. For an additional charge, we could indulge in the wine tasting.

Upon arrival, we were greeted and seated in a waiting room at a reserved table that housed our lunch baskets. The host came in and gave a brief history of the winery and its owner. From there, we started our tour which consisted of the three floor facility, a beautiful patio area and the resort. At the conclusion of the tour, we were guided back to the private waiting area where we enjoyed our lunch, a choice of three wine selections (red, white and fruity), and two fruity cocktails.

This was a new experience for my husband and I, and we thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company as well as the experience. The staff at Clear Creek Vineyard was remarkable, the picnic lunch was delectable and the wine was palatable. What a great way to start the summer break! Now off to our next adventure!

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Thankful Thursday

Posted on June 1, 2017 by barbiebeauty

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As a young girl, I was teased about numerous things. It bothered me to the point of no return because people were always taunting me about things I had no control over. For starters, my peers constantly ridiculed me about my height. In fifth grade I stood approximately 5’5, so of course, I was one of the tallest people in my class and grade. I was aware of my height and therefore I always opted to stand at the back of the line where taller people stood and I played games with people that “looked” like me. Staying away from shorter people did not stop them from taunting me about my stature. They were cruel and didn’t care how uncomfortable it made me feel.

I started a new journey when I transferred schools at the beginning of my fourth grade year. I’m assuming the students weren’t aware of the fact that we all had different builds and being a different size was okay. They would call me a giraffe and ask questions like “When are you returning to the zoo?” This was a very awkward period for me in my life because I wanted to embrace the idea of being tall but was made to feel like I should have been embarrassed about it.

Entering middle school, I was glad for a fresh start. I  befriended girls that were taller than me and I was accepted by girls that were shorter than me. I found myself in a place of comfort because my peers were receptive to the differences of others. It was during my middle school years, where many grieve, that I was able to start focusing on all the favorable things about me and I was encouraged by a very strong support system.

Entering my teenage years, the very thing I was teased about was the very thing people would gawk at. My legs could walk on their own. Today, I am thankful for my mom with the good genes and for those that helped in building my confidence. It took a while, but I’ve learned that God has a purpose and a plan for every attribute he has given me, even the physical ones like my long legs.

 

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Posted on May 25, 2017 by barbiebeauty

 

Planning a trip in our household can turn into pure comedy. The person that picks the destination is usually responsible for making all the arrangements for the trip, by default that is. Everyone else runs around trying to avoid the conversation and pretending to sleep so they don’t have to engage in the decision making process. One year the kid asked why he never got to pick the location, so we gave him the privilege and told him he had to pick the activities and he had to determine the route we would take to get there. When he told us we were headed to Oklahoma City, OK., heads started spinning and it appeared we were cancelling our annual vacation. Two-thirds of the group were not interested in going to Oklahoma. Like seriously, what was there to do in Oklahoma?

As we started packing for the trip, my husband said he had a surprise for us. Really, a surprise in Oklahoma??? Yea, right! Our first stop, the big surprise, was in Turner Falls, Oklahoma. We stayed a couple of days at Turner Falls Park in their luxurious cabins and were welcomed by the most wonderful group of flies. We played a game of “Let’s Kill the Flies” the first night and we really exhausted ourselves running around laughing and chasing flies. We were later told, “That’s normal around here. You’re going to see flies everywhere.” And that was confirmed for us when we saw them in a restaurant days later and we were the only ones appalled by it. Despite fighting for space with the flies, Turner Falls was a great place to visit. The cabins were spacious and had everything needed to get comfortable and enjoy the stay. We spent time hiking and relaxing near the natural swimming areas. My husband was bold enough to dive into the waters and swim around. The kid and I, not so much. Putting our feet in and walking around a little bit was enough for us. And of course they had concession shops where we were able to get delicious snow cones and funnel cakes while we toured the park.

Our next stop was mama’s choice. We had a chance to take pleasure in visiting Frontier City Theme Park. You can find discounted tickets everywhere, online, hotels, at the park, etc. Tickets were half price after 4:00 P.M. but we chose to go before 4:00 (still got a discount) and that was a good decision. The park was bare and we were able to walk straight up to the rides and hop on. If we enjoyed a ride, we could jump back in line and proceed again with no hassle. We were able to experience the thrill of almost every roller coaster in the park before the crowd started coming in. The funniest part was when one of the coasters stopped at its highest point while my husband was riding. He was at the top waving and laughing while the kid and I took pictures. We thought he would get off when they got it moving but he was bold enough to take another spin.

Museums were at the top of my son’s ‘To Do” list so of course we had to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial/Museum. It was disheartening to walk through the museum and see the aftermath of the bombing. My son was at an age where he didn’t totally understand that sometimes people are cruel and will hurt others for no reason. He was saddened to know that innocent lives were claimed by someone that simply didn’t care about the human race. According to the attendant, it would take us about 1.5 hours to tour the museum. My son read every article, every plaque and every dedication. We ended up spending approximately four hours in the museum that day.

Our final pause was at the 45th Infantry Division Museum. My son thoroughly enjoyed this museum as well. Upon entering the museum, our attention immediately went to the light fixtures that were designed using the soldier’s helmets. We also had an opportunity to learn about the aircraft used during war. I spent a lot of my time in the chapel, sitting down. My son truly enjoyed the experience and as long as he was happy, all was well.

Shockingly, Oklahoma had more to offer than we thought. In the process of looking for things to do, we found they have many parks and a ton of museums. The experience was far better than we anticipated and I am glad we had an opportunity to step outside of our comfort zone.

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How Much for the Bag?????

Posted on May 18, 2017 by barbiebeauty

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Recently, I’ve found more and more women harping on the idea of buying “the bag”. Whether Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Celine, etc., the conversations are becoming heavy about the handbags we absolutely have to have adorning our arms. More often than not, I get quiet when my girlfriends start speaking about purchases of this magnitude. I’m pretty sure I won’t be copping a handbag that runs about the same amount as my monthly mortgage payment, so no need for me to chime in with my negativity.

Years ago I was conversing with a gentlemen that asked if I had a handbag fetish. I responded with a confident “Yes!” and kept the conversation moving. He asked if I was like his niece, who had a thing for remarkably expensive bags. She would go to the mall and spend a full paycheck on a handbag. I replied, “Sir, as much as I like having nice purses, I refuse to spend that type of money just for the brand.” He laughed and said, “I tried to tell my niece, until you can casually carry $1,500 in the handbag, you shouldn’t walk around with a $1,500 handbag.” This statement struck a nerve because I never thought to approach making purchases from that standpoint. I figured being frugal was reason enough to not buy something.

Do I like fine bags? Absolutely! But does it have to cost an arm and a leg? Does a $1,500 handbag hold more or have more functionality than a $300 bag? I love brand names but I have followed the advice of uncle. As an educator, I cannot casually walk around with $1,500 in my purse and therefore, I DO NOT have a $1,500 purse. I do have a few great, quality handbags by brands that I love to shop. I know high end bags are fashionable and a big trend but I refuse to go broke trying to look rich. Below are some of my favorite brands and I love each brand for it’s customer satisfaction.

  1. Coach – Coach was the first brand name bag I purchased with my own money. My first purchase was a shady purchase and I ended up getting a $250 bag for $40. 22 years later, I sold that same bag for $35. It was still in excellent condition and had no signs of wearing. Over the years, I’ve found great steals on Coach bags and I have never been disappointed with the quality of their handbags. Pink coach
  2. Kate Spade – I think I love the honesty of the sellers more than I do their handbags. My first Kate Spade handbag was made of soft leather. When purchasing my second one I remember the customer service representative saying, “If you are looking for a dressy bag, don’t get soft leather. Our bags that are made of soft leather tend to look worn.” Who actually says that when they have a chance to make a sale? Although the purses don’t actually look worn, they don’t have a classy appeal and I appreciate her for bringing that to my attention. Several bags later, I am still impressed with the durability of the brand. 

     

     

  3. Dooney and Bourke – Dooney and Bourke has to be my all time favorite. Customer satisfaction is their number one priority. If something happens to your purse, you can send it to the company and they will repair it or send you another bag. You can also send your old purses back and upgrade for a newer bag (of course you have to pay the difference). Although I’ve never had to return a bag or desired to send one in for an upgrade, to know that option is available is remarkable. Dooneys are definitely resilient handbags. Not to mention they have the cutest styles and great, affordable prices. I am always on the hunt for a Dooney. PhotoGrid_1495050154773

Now, I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t buy whatever you want. Do I care that others have pricey handbags? Absolutely not! But don’t show up to Happy Hour with your $1,500 bag looking for me to pay for your drinks and appetizers.

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Paparazzi Jewelry

Posted on May 11, 2017 by barbiebeauty

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As women, we know accessories can make or break an outfit. However, many of us don’t want to pay for cute accessories because they won’t be considered fashionable within six months of buying it. Therefore, most of us find a statement piece and we stick to it all year long.

But what happens when it’s time for Girl’s Night Out or the concert coming in two weeks? We rush out trying to find cute, costume jewelry to complete the perfect outfit we’ve picked out for the occasion. And then we put the necklace or bracelet away, never to wear it again. When we come across the trinket two months later, we get frustrated with ourselves because once again we’ve spent more than we wanted to on an accessory that we don’t use.

Fortunately for me, I have a few friends that have come to the rescue on numerous occasions. Thanks to my loved ones over at Paparazzi Jewelry, I am able to find budget friendly accessories for any occasion. If you’re like me and want something inexpensive and on the fly, check out their website (here) or Facebook page (here). I promise you won’t be disappointed!

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Ruffled Skirts

Posted on May 4, 2017 by barbiebeauty

“Girls never stop playing dress up.”

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Some things never change and for me being “girlie” is one of them. I still enjoy a few of a girl’s favorite items including ruffles, lace, bows and Barbie. I spotted this ruffled skirt at Just In in the Harwin Shopping District. It only took me three additional trips back to the store before I actually bought it. It’s paired with one of my favorites, a simple white blouse, which I’m glad I bought when New York and Co. had one of their fabulous sales.

When I  purchased this skirt, the idea was to pair it with a tee shirt or tank top and canvas tennis shoes. Hurriedly, getting ready for church one day, I threw it on with a crisp white blouse and some heels and couldn’t have been more gratified. Three cheers for impromptu outfits that turned out great!

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Aztec Prints and Maxi Dresses

Posted on April 27, 2017 by barbiebeauty

Life is too short to wear boring dresses.

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Spring has sprung and there is nothing like having cute, cool dresses for casual wear. As mentioned in my previous post (Distressed Denim), I am a sucker for sundresses. I enjoy bold colors, wild prints and the length that maxi dresses and skirts provide. I often feel as if I am in lounge wear when wearing a maxi.

I always catch the best sales on dresses at NY&Co. and this one was no exception. I’m not a big fan of the off the shoulder trend but the Aztec print of this dress (exact match here) was too appealing to pass up. I paired this baby with a pair of BCBG sandals (found here) and voila, a complete and carefree look on deck.

 

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