So I guess you’ve noticed I fell off the face of the Earth.  Ok, maybe you didn’t…. I know some of you have been wondering what’s up with me and have asked why I haven’t blogged in forever and why I kind of left you hanging.  Anyway, I finally decided in fairness to my readers and those who have really encouraged me along in this endeavor that I owed you an explanation.  It’s not you.  It’s me.  Ok, actually, it’s not even me as I’m blaming it all on God.

To preface, I’ve felt for 6 months or more that God is up to something in our family –  like a major change is coming.  I’ve felt like He’s been preparing us for something.  He’s been asking us to free up money, time, etc.  For what, I don’t know yet, but it definitely feels like we’re on that big giant climbing hill of a roller coaster and as soon as we reach the top, we’d better hang on…

now, back to the blog…

It was the weirdest thing.  I sat down to write a post in February and got this really hot, like burning feeling all over me, hurting all up my spine.  Very strange. So I got up thinking I had done something to a nerve and walked it off.  It went away.  I sat down the next day to write.  The same thing happened. For a week straight, the same thing happened – not when I sat down to work at the computer but every.single.time I sat down to blog (and I had some really good posts, I’m just sayin’).  I know you’re thinking I’m crazy, and truthfully, I am crazy but I’m telling you the truth, it felt like I was on fire.  By about the third day, I began asking God if He was trying to tell me something.  I truly can’t explain it but I do know that when I asked He very clearly has said “Not now” to blogging.  I don’t know why.  I don’t know for how long.  I don’t know if He’s trying to protect our family from something or if this is somehow part of Him getting me to the end of myself to fulfill some other purpose or what. So with that being said, I still love blogs.  I’m still reading yours.  I think that God uses them to fulfill His purposes and that there is much awesomeness in the bloggy world.  He has simply told me not to do it for now…and as I grow older I’m learning not to ask why but to simply do as He’s told me and not worry about the why.  I do know that I started this blog with the purpose of encouraging women and that everything I’ve ever written here has been for that purpose.  I can also say I’ve seen the fruit of that so I know I was supposed to do this.  I can also say, however, since the moment in Feb. when I said, “Okay, God, I don’t get it but I’ll do or not do whatever You want, ” that I’ve been perfectly at peace with that.  In fact, there has been a feeling of calm over me.  So for now, that’s where I am.  Interrupted.  I’m not sure what’s ahead but I thank you for your encouragement and your prayers and as soon as He gives me the green light to post, I’ll be back at it. (And of course, if you have a fashion emergency you can always email me and I’ll help you out.)

Here’s hoping your day looks great and you do to . – Dani

(www.healthylifeetc.com )

1. The first major rule to these basics is that they should FIT (I cannot explain to you how many women I see everyday, who could benefit from new undergarments.  Seriously, even if you did nothing else to your wardrobe – a good bra fitting would change your life). Your shape and size changes over time (even if your weight doesn’t) so a style and fit that worked for you five years ago may not be best for you now.
2. They should be in good condition (no bleach, pilling, stretching, bagging, sagging – whatever else you do to them to wear them out).
3. They should be of good quality.  These are items you are going to wear a lot and wash a lot so they need to stand the test of time.  They don’t have to be crazy expensive, but pay attention to quality not just cost when purchasing them.
4. Remember, when it comes to your outfit, they’re just there for moral support. When you are choosing basics for an outfit, choose basics that allow the focus of the outfit to be the feature – not compete with it.  They should fade into the background of what you’re wearing.

Tomorrow, we’re on to more exciting things, I promise.  In the meantime, clean that drawer out and make room for fresh new ones.  I promise you, it will be freeing.

I’m linking this post up at www.Wearethatfamily.com as part of Works for Me  Wednesday!

If you read yesterday’s post, where I explained how my wardrobe is designed like the food pyramid, you know that the foundation of my wardrobe are my closet staples.  (If you haven’t read it yet, head over there now and then come on back…).  Think of these things like you think about your pantry staples.  These are basic pieces that you always have on hand.  While you look for the best deal you can, you look for quality at the same time.  These are the pieces that everything else is built upon.  If you have high quality closet staples in your wardrobe, you’ll find that getting ready is so much easier.  Here are 10 Staples I believe every woman should have:

1. Timeless black or charcoal gray suit in a seasonless fabric.



2. A really fabulous fitting pair of dark trousers – microfiber is an excellent seasonless choice because it can easily be dressed up or down.  My favorites are the Editor pant from Express.



3. A great pair of simple jeans that FIT (TJ Maxx and Marshall’s have had quite the slection of Lucky Brand jeans lately).



4. Dressy Jeans – different from the ones you’re going to wear to the park.  These do not need to be designer jeans but should a more refined, higher quality look – a dark wash with a boot-cut leg like these from Express is universally flattering.



5. Black Heeled Boots



6. Black Pumps and Flesh Colored Pumps or Dressy Sandals



7. A Simple, Neutral, All Season Dress – a jersey wrap dress is an excellent choice  (This one available at www.nordstrom.com)



8. A Basic Dress Skirt  (AGB. available at www.macys.com)



9. A Basic Casual Skirt (www.gap.com always has a great selection of styles)



10. A Well Fitting Jacket – that suits your body shape as well as your lifestyle. This one is from Bloomingdales.



This post is linked up to www.ohamanda.com as part of Top Ten Tuesday!

I think it’s time for some more rules from yo’ mama (Can’t you just picture me using my gangsta voice?).  For the first sets of “rules” click here and here.

Here we go:

10.  Anything that is too large or too small only makes you look larger than you actually are.

9.  In contrast, clothes that fit just right actually make you look smaller than you actually are.

8.  Clothes that are too old or too young for you generally make you look older than you actually are.

7.  Likewise, clothing that is both stylish, yet age appropriate actually makes you look younger than you actually are.

6.  If you choose to wear something offensive, don’t be offended when people “misjudge” you.

5.    Real clothes and comfortable clothes can be one in the same.

4.  You are beautiful.  Tell yourself. Now, tell the world.

3.  Shoes (and handbags, for that matter) DO NOT have to match.  They have to go.

2.    It doesn’t take any longer to put on real clothes than it does to put on pajama-ish clothes.

and finally, regardless of what you wear…

1.  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

I’m linking up to www.ohamanda.com for Top Ten Tuesday, won’t you join us?



I find that if you design your wardrobe around this model, not only will your wardrobe contain an excellent blend of both sophistication and style, but you’ll also find that you don’t have to think so much so much about what to wear because you always have just the right thing.  So, since I’m going all “teacher-y” on you today, let me explain…

The bottom layer of the pyramid contains your High Quality Closet Staples.  Think of these as your carbs.  These are the clothes that the rest of your wardrobe is built upon.  These pieces you’re going to keep a while (maybe even forever) so invest in high quality pieces that are going to stand the test of time and are not going to go out of style quickly.  (I’m going to give you more info about these closet staples tomorrow so come back now, ya hear). I’m not saying you have to spend a ton of money on these pieces but buy ones that are well made.  I also like most of these pieces to work in at least three seasons so look for seasonless fabrics.

The next layer is your basics (undergarments, tees, tanks, tights, etc.).  These pieces are like your fruits and veggies, not always super exciting but you have to have them. These pieces should fit well and be in excellent condition.  Once you’ve spilled bleach on it, it doesn’t count.

The third layer contains the meat of your wardrobe.  This is where the magic happens.  These are the pieces you mix and match a bagillion different ways and they serve a lot of different functions so I call them Multi-taskers. Look for pieces here that are super versatile, fit well, work for your lifestyle and make you happy every time you wear them.

The final layer contains super trendy pieces and statement pieces.  These pieces are either only going to be in style a short while or are items that are priceless to you (things like your grandmother’s broach or a bracelet your husband you on vacation).

We’re going to talk more about the pyramid as the week goes on, but that’s a sneak peek into the way I design my wardrobe. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing with you the top ten Closet Staples every woman should have.

I love this jacket from Tommy Hilfiger that I found at TJMaxx.  It is a fabulous color, and the shape is really great.  The bright pink brings out the blue in my eyes so as long as I’ve put mascara on, I’m good to go.  It adjusts at the waist so I can make it fit. Plus it has fabulous gold buttons.  This makes it look a lot more tailored than just a big old windbreaker.  And….Since it’s outerwear, you can use this trick days in a row, without anyone knowing the wiser. People just assume you have on something fabulous under there.  So find yourself a really great windbreaker or lightweight jacket that fits great and is in a color that you look fabulous in. Now, I’ve let you all in on my secret – so when you see me just smile and I’ll smile right back at you!

Hope your Monday looks great and you do too!

1. Color Blocking (While some designers and retailers are styling it as I remember it from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air I prefer it with a more sophisticated vibe – as seen here from Ann Taylor.)

2.Classics with a Twist (of lime, tangerine, coral) – I’m sure you have a navy blazer or a navy striped top.  Pair it with a dash bright citrus color for an instant pop of pizazz and bring those classics into Spring 2012. I love the way the LOFT simply added a bright belt to an otherwise classic look.

3.Bright. Bold. Color – Either in pops of bright colors against a neutral or as a tone-on-tone ensemble as seen here from The Limited.

4.Bold, Black and White – Look for interesting prints and graphic details.

5.Nautical Inspired Looks – This adorable belt from The Loft will add just the right amount of nautical charm.

6.The seasons hottest colors: yellow, coral, lime, and royal blue

7.Romantic, feminine details

8. Draping, A-line tops, and “Swingy” details

“

9.Katherine Hepburn’s tailored sophistication – These dresses from heartmycloset are custom made for you! (and the price is not outrageous either)  How fabulous is that?!

10. Tribal influences (think birds, feathers, tribal patterns, etc.) – In my opinion, a small dose goes  a long way.

If you’re in the Charlotte, NC metro area you don’t want to miss this awesome event!

Who? You, yes you (if you’re a lady, no boys allowed)

When? Saturday, Feb 11

What time? 9am -12

Where? First Baptist Church Rock Hill

Why?

Brunch (what other reason do you really need?)

Tickets are only $2 and can be purchased either through the church office or at the door

Awesome praise music from an all female praise team!

The fabulous and witty Branda Polk will be our keynote speaker!

Break out sessions on Red Hot Health;

Red Hot Finances (with some super awesome couponers);

Red Hot Fashion (with Me as your guide)

I’m linking up with www.ohamanda.com as part of Top Ten Tuesday!

Manic Monday is a new addition to the site.  Each Monday, I’m going to share with you my tips for making things a little less “manic.”  If you’re like me, you could use all the help you can get…These tips are not likely earth shattering, just things that work for me to make life a little simpler.

So, here goes…

I discovered a couple of years ago that my morning makeup routine was taking longer than I’d like.  With a new baby at the time, I only had minutes to get ready but wanted to wear makeup every day, even if it was just a little.  Wearing makeup makes me feel ready for the day, I get more accomplished and am more likely to engage in lively conversation with others I meet.  I set a goal to get this routine down to 5 minutes.  You can read more about that in this old post here or here.  As I was working to get my routine down I realized that most of my time was spent digging through my makeup bag (and drawer…and did that eyeliner get in the hair stuff drawer…where, where, where is my favorite lip gloss????) rather than actually putting on my makeup.  I’ve found that, except for special occasions, I pretty much wear the same eye-shadows and blush every single day.  So I cleaned out my drawer and now only keep what I actually use every day.  I keep everything in my handy-dandy Mary Kay roll-up organizer that comes when you buy the brush set (which is fabulous I must say).

Everything I use on a daily basis is kept in this little bag.

I keep about 4 eye-shadows in one pocket, one blush and one bronzer in another pocket, and my eyeliner, mascara, foundation, and a few other goodies in the large zipper pocket.  All of my lipstick stays in my purse because usually I’m drinking a cup of coffee until I get where I’m going. I know, this post is earth shattering, right.

Excuse the fuzzy picture. My camera battery is charging and I'm absolutely horrible with pictures on the iphone.

Seriously, though, having everything where I can quickly grab what I need saves at least half of my time in the morning.  Plus, when we go on vacation, I don’t have to pack it – simply grab and go.

Hope your Monday looks great and you do too!