Winter Cute?

The hardest part about winter is looking cute.  The only benefit is the low humidity and cold air, so your hair style will last longer.  After that?  It’s not so grand.  We are constantly wrapped up in layers, gross snow boots, and hats.  I have found that when it comes to sweaters, whether it is a turtleneck or other various sweater styles, the best way to dress up the outfit is big, bold statement jewelry – especially bold necklaces!

My favorite place to buy jewelry is Burlington Coat Factory.  They have a very wide selection and low prices so you won’t feel guilty splurging.  If something breaks, gets lost or stolen it’s no big deal.  I have found some cute stuff at other stores but it’s so hit or miss that they aren’t worth mentioning.  I usually try to avoid those house party companies.  You know exactly what I’m talking about.  The items that cost an arm and a leg when the quality is no where to be found.  If you are going to spend a lot of money for jewelry, be sure that the price is on par with the quality, clarity and design.  I see a lot of women who claim their stuff is top notch but I can tell it’s just expensive costume jewelry.

These are some of the items I own that I break out from time to time.  They are big, bold and always start a conversation.

Great pearl necklace for all seasons.  Found at Burlington Coat Factory.

Turquoise necklace that can either be casual or dressy.  I love wearing it more in the Spring and Summer than other times in the year.  Also found at Burlington Coat Factory.

It’s not always you can find green jewelry.  It’s original and can work for a  dressy outfit or something more casual.   Another BCF find.

I love the tiger faces! I found this at Ashley Stewart but I don’t recommend their jewelry at all.  It breaks easily and is incredibly cheap.  I only bought this because I used it in part of a Halloween costume I created.  I know if I wore it all the time it would have fallen apart by now.

This necklace can be twisted and knotted in different ways to create something unique each time.  I got this from Torrid.  I don’t usually buy their stuff but this caught my eye.

 

I always suggest getting a long strand of pearls.  They can be worn a variety of ways, and it is such a classic piece. This was another BCF find.

How are you staying cute this winter?  What are you rocking this winter?

The Value of Beauty ?

We hear this almost every day but what does it really mean in our lives?  What is the standard of beauty that we hold hostage over every girls head?  Reminding them to hate themselves 24 out of 24 hours in a day?  We start young, instilling envy with a recipe found on the cover of every magazine, telling them to be somebody because they simply aren't enough.  Why do some companies have to fight so hard to campaign for real beauty?  I've noticed that it finally took almost 60 years for women to accept being a blond truly isn't more fun nor does it imply stupidity.  They can be a redhead, brunette or have purple, pink or bright green hair and they are still beautiful, with brains to boot.

The lines on your face, the freckles that were sprinkled on your skin through a chef inspired round of DNA or the curves of your skin all encompass beauty and you.  Simply, you.  Nothing more, nothing less, nothing in between - no funny business or mess.  These girls, they are dying, their spirits are missing.  Where are the detectives putting out a APB?  Return these girls their sanity, return them their favor, but for God's sake, return them their individuality!  They are cutting pieces of themselves away, with only scars that reveal a treasure map of depression that is induced by standards that are unrealistic or rejection that is unrealistic.  They are starving or over-feeding the monster that lives in the basement and it's growing over powerful to the point it is shaking and destroying their foundation. 

Soulless eyes, dark hearts with sprouts of bleached ambition on top.  I want you to sing with a heart full of gladness, and a mind full of equations.  Always ready for adventure, and ready to change the world.  Progress into the next dimension while you are at it; never stop until you hit the edge then simply keep going.  Remember that you are beauty intensified, you are a delicious morsel waiting to be devoured by life and its riches.  Form your own path because these old roads are leading nowhere fast to the edge of a cliff and dear, I hope you don't fall off.

I love you and YOU should love you!