Freeing My Mind With Free People

You know I try to be a positive person in life. I pray, I make time for my family and I try to hustle when it comes to my business. I believe (as cliche as it may sound) that you get out of life what you put in. However, as balanced as I try to be, it REALLY irks me when people try to take advantage of a situation. 

Two Friday's ago I was headed home from a client meeting on 77 South, when I watched a bolt fall off a hauler truck and hit my window. I looked up at my windshield to assess the damage and realized not only was my front windshield shattered in the upper passenger side window but that the bolt was still laying on the hood of the Stormtrooper. 

My eyes immediately refocused on the hauler truck it had fallen from and I proceeded to flag down the driver. As we pulled off the highway I took a photo of the bolt still laying on the jeep. When we stopped I explained to the driver that it had fallen from the top of his tall tailgate and returned the bolt to him. I also at that point asked for his insurance information and to speak to the owner of the company. 

I spoke to Andre, the owner of the Excavating & Hauling company on the phone and he assured me that we would rectify the situation. However, after weeks of getting the run around from the company and their insurance, it became painfully obvious to me that my windshield was not going to get fixed... at least not by them. 

After coming to terms with what goes around comes around, I've decided to let karma work it's self out and get the window fixed myself. I mean who has time to sit around and wait on dishonest people? I've got blogs to write. 

Thus, to take my mind off the vile words I could name call (can you tell I'm really hanging on to this one?) I've decided to share this perfect spring transition look with all of you! 

I'm freeing my mind with this adorable Free People embroidered dress and blush booties from Chinese Laundry. I chose to pair this look with my favorite Page 6 fringe earrings. I get so many compliments anytime I brake them out. Plus, who doesn't love a great bag to complete a pretty seasonal look? 

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4 For Fashion : Luna Boutique

Well, it has been some week! Truth be told, I am happy to pull myself away from the hustle and bustle of all that is going on in my life to tell you about another boutique that I love dearly! 

That's right! it's time for another "4 For Fashion" with some of my favorite local bloggers. This week, Rachel (Queen City Chic), Laura (Smart Southern Style), Barbi (Blonde Southern Style) and myself are all in my neck of the woods to check out and spotlight a boutique we all know and frequent. 

Luna Boutique is nestled into the heart of South Park and is a staple in my recurrent visits to Phillips Place! In fact, I am currently dining at Cafe Monte with a glass of wine after one of my visits to Luna Boutique. 

If you know "4 For Fashion" you know we focus on establishments that cater to fashion for all ages! Rachel represents the ladies in their 20's, I hold it down for the young ladies in our 30's and Laura and Barb embody women in their 40's & 50's. 

With such a broad age demographic it is nice to find a resource that provides something for everyone, especially with the holidays upon us. 

I personally know how hard it can be to shop for the women in your life. Then add the fact that we are all in different stages of life and you have some obstacle. However, that is only if you are shopping at the wrong locations. Hopefully, this blog will give you the solutions you need to pick the perfect holiday outfit for yourself or that special woman you are looking to impress.  

Rachel from Queen City Chic always has an amazing eye for the hipster millennial in your life! She's your skinny jeans, graphic tee and blazer kind of girl. Pair that with a low key pair of Vans and an awesome statement bag and Queen City Chic is ready for a casual or dressy event. 

Whether you are a momma or still playing the field in your 30's I feel ya! As the "middle child" you still want to feel relevant without committing to the role of Madre just yet. Luna boutique is great when it comes to classy, yet "look at me". I walked into Luna and immediately found this side sinched dress and leather jacket combo. In fact, I almost felt like I cheated this week because this look was already paired by their in-house stylist at Luna. I added my flair with a pair of leopard block heeled booties and a Luna double layered necklace.  

Laura from Smart Southern Style is always one of my favorite bloggers to follow as she mixes affordable and fashionable! Laura found these black denim jeans and red blouse to match with this faux fur vest from Luna. She also did a great job with the accessories noting her studded clutch and gold fringe jewelry with this look. 

Barbie from Blonde Southern Style is in a 50's league of her own. Her fun yet classic approach to attire is contagious and so is her laughter. Her leopard print blouse represents her wild side while the timeless black pants and fur vest shows her sophisticated point of view. 

As you can see there is something for everyone at Luna Boutique in Phillips Place. Whether you are shopping for the youthful boss babe in your life or the stay at home mom, you will be in good hands with the accomplished stylists at Luna. You can always check out their Instagram page for more gift ideas and stylish looks @ShopLuna or on their website at www.ShopLuna.com. They also have locations outside of Charlotte, boasting the Atlanta, Bethesda, and Charleston areas. 

Luna Boutque

6809 Phillips Place Ct

Charlotte NC 28210

(704) 554-6000

Happy Holidays My Ageless Beauties! 

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4 For Fashion : Adair

Finally, fall fashion is in full swing and I couldn't be more excited to bring you this month's "4 For Fashion" looks courtesy of Adair boutique! This is a fun collaboration for Rachel, Laura, Barbi and myself because Adair just opened their second location in South End. Adair has lived in Concord for years and this new location brings even more affordable fashion, trends, and gifts to our uptown area. 

Adair boutique not only has two full locations of inventory to choose from but also a full website of apparel for you to enjoy. Of course "4 For Fashion" is here to give you a look at Adair's trendy looks at all ages. Rachel from Queen City Chic is leading the pack with looks for your 20's. I am at the helm for my 30 something sisters. Laura from Smart Southern Style is representing our lovely ladies in their 4o's and Barbi from Southern Blonde Chic is rounding out our possie with looks you'll love in your 50's. It's fashion for all ages! 

Rachel from Queen City Chic always has a style all of her own and I LOVE that! She put together this boho-chic ensemble that is to die for! Her suede skirt really pulls the natural colors out of this long sleeve off the shoulder blouse. Pair with a braid and this fabulous orb necklace and you are ready for a night out with the girls! 

Playing off of Rachel's adorable off the shoulder style top, I chose to go with this black long sleeve basic. I went with this piece because I think it is an article that will work with many different body types, perfect for any wardrobe. Coincidentally, this orange fall dress was hanging right next to my black beauty and upon discovering it I decided they went great together! I paired them with these perfect snakeskin booties and fringe earrings also available at Adair. 

Laura from Smart Southern Style takes on the honor of shopping for our ladies in their 40's and she always makes everything look so great! Laura is great about finding pieces with beautiful detail. This plaid button up boasts handstitched embroidery throughout the shoulders that really makes this look. Laura threw on her favorite pair of jeans and gorgeous gold hoop earrings to complete her casual style.  

Last but certainly not least is our blonde bombshell from Southern Blonde Chic! Barbi opted to embrace all that fall fashion has to offer! How can you not love an aubergine long sleeve and a hand knitted duster vest?! This statement piece looks amazing with Barb's blonde hair, jeans, and necklace! 

Adair really has something for everyone in the way of fashion! As you can see we had no problem putting together show-stopping looks that look great and are age appropriate for anyone. Now that we have started your creative process feel free to check out Adair's Instagram for more looks that you will love! Their stylist are always on hand to help you put together a look for any occasion or to help you shop for a gift your friends will love! 

You can shop Adair's Concord location at 6185 Bayfield Pkwy or at their NEW South End location at 1820 South Blvd!

I also want to give a special thank you to Say Cheese CLT for providing our group with some really fabulous photos for this weeks blog post! 

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All Or Nothing

 

It's been hard to find time to blog lately. 

I seem to have a ton going on and nothing much to say. Truth be told ... I'm just worn out. My day begins early and ends late. Putting in a full 8 hour day before noon on minimal sleep does take it out of you. Then add a new routine with my husband's new job, appearances for work, a sick dog, a baby and a blog. Whoa.

I know it might sound like I am complaining because I am stressed, but I am just trying to remind myself that this along with all other worry is only temporary.

Dallas got a GREAT new job as a regional RVP with a medical company and it is requiring him to be on the road most of the week. Which would typically be a cake walk for us (and a nice break for me) but our nanny, who we love dearly, has taken a leave of absence for a family emergency. For the last two and a half weeks we have been struggling to find childcare while we are both at work, adding an extra layer to our already nutty lives. With some help from our mothers, Cash has been well taken care of but it has definitely taken a toll on all of us. 

Luckily, I have found an interim replacement nanny who will start at the end of this week. Fingers crossed all works out and our dear Sandra is back to work soon. 

In the meantime, I have been searching for answers to Cashton's speech delay. Today he saw a speech therapist for a consultation and it was the toughest hour of my life but I have to trust the process. Children are typically tested in private, away from Mom and Dad so that they are not distracted and Cash was having none of it!

During his one hour consultation, I sat in an empty waiting room listening to my baby cry out to me for 25 mins before he even entertained the idea of playing with a stranger. At nineteen months children are dealing with some separation anxiety so I know that behavior is normal but it doesn't ease the hurt in your heart when you hear those cries. 

All in all, they were able to complete the evaluation and we should have a course of action for his speech therapy in about a week.

While I wait, I thought I would get back on the wagon and share with you this innovative look for your #bossbabe Monday. The Blazer dress is a collaboration by one of my favorite influencers (Olivia Culpo) and Revolve. The dress runs small so size up. I paired this chic look with a pair of white mules from Nordstrom and Kendra Scott's brand new adjustable earrings. 

Enjoy Boss Babes! 

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NYC > Adulting

Ugh, adulting is the WORST! I have been stressed out all week because my car lease is up! Don't get me wrong I love my Ford Edge but I am at a crossroads in my life. If you listen to our radio show then you know (at some point - for a very brief moment) I was considering a minivan. 

Yuck! #Momlife. Now I know many people have and love their minivans but it's just not for me. 

Thus, in the wake of having my minivan meltdown, I somehow convinced myself the opposite side of the spectrum would be fun. A four-door Jeep Wrangler?

Here is my issue. I know Dallas and I want another baby in the next few years. I also know that a Jeep probably isn't the most practical vehicle for a newborn, but if we were EVER going to do it, now would be the time. Cash is old enough to sit in a big boy car seat and loves to be up high.... but baby number 2 is still in the back of my mind. You can see my struggle, right?   

I know what I should do is forget the whole thing and go get myself a nice practical Ford Explorer with three rows and call it a day but that White Jeep is calling my name. 

I went to look at both the Explorer and the Wrangler this week and the decision-making process is giving me a headache. Pass the wine, please. 

Can we just not adult for like 3 minutes and pretend we're back in NYC where the hardest choice I had to make was if I wanted a Dirty Martini or a Vodka Soda at dinner? Speaking of NYC how adorable is this little embroidered dress from Fabrik Birkdale? It's perfect for any time of year. 

I styled this look for spring transition with a pair of over the knee boots but you could pair it with wedges for the summer or rock the boots and a jacket for fall/winter. 

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Happy Years Eve

Good Morning Brunch Babes and Happy New Years Eve!

My family and I are bidding farewell to 2017 by going to brunch at Upstream today, and although I am not wearing this little number to brunch I wanted to share it with you while I get ready for my day. It is limited stock, which might be great news for you because it is on sale for $30! 

It runs pretty true to size, although if you want it to really hug size down. I opted for my true size, that way I could wear a simple long sleeve t-shirt under the dress during the colder months. Call it my tribute to Cher from the movie Clueless.  (That's a 90's reference for all you youngsters.) 

Although I wouldn't typically style suede on suede, this look was perfect for a pair of black Stuart Weitzman's or any pair of over the knee boots for that matter! 

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The Casual Holiday Party

Well, this is kind of sad. Tonight is my last Christmas party of the year. 

After today we'll be onto New Years Eve fashion exclusively. 

 Every year one of my big bosses in the corner office throws a huge casual holiday house party. Of course, I am always so nervous about picking out the proper attire that my fellow ladies will love while trying to stay trendy and "office appropriate". 

 I came up with this little number and I think all will approve. I found this laid-back suede dress at Ivy and Leo. It's the perfect length and the flowers and ruffle detail keep it fun and fashion forward!

I styled this look with red fringe earrings from Fab'rik Birkdale to compliment the ruffled sleeve and paired it with my red YSL bag to give it a dressier feel. 

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Black Friday at fab'rik Birkdale

HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY!!!!!

I know you crazies are already out and about, but while your running around shopping for everyone on your list, swing by fab'rik Birkdale for yourself! 

They are doing 30% off from open to close today and they will have giveaways for the first 50 customers! Yesterday's whole look and today's skirt, sweater, necklace and earrings are all from fab'rik Birkdale!

I paired this look with my Tory Burch bucket bag and Stuart Weitzman "Highland" over the knee boots! 

Okay, kids! Have fun! Since I did most of my shopping online last night, I am off to a spinning class and then to South Carolina to get our enormous Christmas tree from Penland Farms!  

Stay tuned! 

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