What do you see?

I woke up this morning with a barrage of things on my mind (what else is new). During prayer I was led to listen to a certain bible teaching where this statement exploded in my ears:

The flesh believes what it sees, but the Spirit sees what it believes.

Wow.
Our reality "is what it is" right? Your bank account may be low, your spouse may be acting up, your boss may be a miserable son of a gun! But our challenge is to connect with the Holy Spirit within us and believe what he says about our situation:

We are troubled on every side yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor. 4:8-9 

Our minds have no idea, but the Spirit knows the outcome of all our situations. He reminds us in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose. He has a bird's eye view of your beginning and your end, so he's not tripped up about the temporary problems at work or home. Let's stop believing what we see and start seeing instead what we believe.

What do you see?

But Why?

As the New Year approaches I know most of us will be contemplating our current place in life. Career,  Family... What can I do to have more joy every day? Well since Jesus is the only one who can give you real joy, (praise break: HAL-LE-LU-JAH!!), and we are all doing our best every day to be like him, what practical steps can we take to move upward?

This quote inspired me to write this post:

Are the actions you take significance driven or service driven?

In other words, is your motivation for the choices you make, an attempt to feel that you matter in this world or because you know you have something unique to give to others without expecting anything in return? 

 When I took the leap from corporate to becoming a florist it was motivated by lifestyle. My intentions were pure. I was using my creative gifts in service but my main reason for doing it was to have my own freedom at work, so I could proudly say I have my OWN business when asked that dreaded question at social events "what do you do?" I thought these things would make me feel successful.  Instead, I often lacked peace knowing that something was missing. Over the last year I've been led to a new career path with new motivation. It's a purpose that's been with me all along, but I was too caught up in being comfortable to see it. It's my mission and I will share it with you over the next couple of weeks.

 In the interim, while contemplating your next move please ask yourself.. Am I doing this to mainly serve myself or someone else?

The greatest among you will be your servant.  For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. ~Matthew 23: 11,12

Jumpsuit Love

One of the biggest trends in the 70's & 80's were Jumpsuits. Big shoulder pads and all, I loved them. TV shows like Charlie's Angels where they lounged around in silk ones, the Dynasty girls wrecking havoc in sharp shoulders belted with wide belts and the Mandrel sisters singing a country diddy in cotton ones with Western appliques. So imagine my joy when I found a tye-dye jumpsuit in my fave color!
It's two sizes too big but I removed the shoulder pads, cinched my waist with a belt and threw a light weight vest I found in my Dad's closet over it.

Tip: Don't hesitate to buy items that are too big. Make it work yourself or bring it to your tailor.

Jumpsuits are Timeless. Enjoy the pics!

Jumpsuit: Thrifted here Beacon's Closet
Clutch: bought from Marshalls find similar here
Heels: Beverly Feldmans bought from TJMaxx find similar here

Fashion's Night Out 2012

If your turned on by fashion but have never been to FNO, purpose in  your mind to go next year, God willing. I had an awesome time! My girlfriend and I decided to stay on on the Upper East Side. It was the best decision because the crowds were in the Meatpacking District and the Village.

What makes FNO so great is that some stores throw events similar to the exclusive kind usually reserved for celebrities, the media and established stylist only. I enjoyed free cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while rubbing shoulders with industry folks. Good times!

Here's some pics from the night. Enjoy.


Wish I would have gotten his whole outfit. He paired construction boots with his tuxedo top. Loved it!
 

Leaving Tory Burch. One of the most beautiful flagship stores in New York. The layout is exactly like a luxurious multi-level brownstone. Fireplaces and all..
 

 

 

Inside Tory Burch
 



My wish list items for Fall from J.Crew

Checking out sunglasses at Dolce & Gabbana

 

 

Neglected to write down the designer's (on my far left) name but she created the beaded skirt on the model in the middle

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous couture pieces at Dennis Basso

 

 

Met this stylist (LHW are his initials) at Lanvin. Asked to take a pic with him and then tried to convince him to give his back to the camera to get a shot of that fabulous jacket! lol He was really sweet though...

 

 

Beachwear Tips

I know the summer's practically over but I figured folks could keep these beach tips in mind for winter getaways or next summer's festivities.


Tip #1
Wrapping your hair with a silk scarf is a stylish way to keep sand out (for those like me who don't intend on going underwater anywhere in the U.S.)

Tip #2
Using a cotton or silk jersey knit dress as a beach cover up does double duty as a chic outfit to enter a restaurant with, plus it wont get wrinkled while it's in your beach bag

Tip #3
Coordinate your sunglasses with your outfit. Everyone does black! Be unique with colored frames

Enjoy the pics and what's left of the summer!
~ Roe

 

Fall Preview I (What I'll be rocking this Fall)

So the fur vest dominated our looks last fall/winter season.

It's a timeless way to glam up your look so I doubt it will go anywhere. But if your looking for something a bit more understated, try the leather "moto" vest.

I found one on the BCBG sale rack in winter 2010 and I know H&M and others are still carrying them.  It's another great way to timelessly rock out your look. Try with with a fur scarf, layered over denim pieces or juxtaposed with a frilly skirt. Check out Beyonce.

Here's more inspiration and links to where you can purchase.

Trust me. It's a layering piece you will pull out every season..

www.manrepeller.com Luv her blog!

Love the contrast of the matte vest with the shiny dress. Great day to evening look ;)

Purchase here and here oh and check out here

Timeless is Style!

It's never too late

Today I found a copy sheet from a book I read 10 years ago. At the time I was demoralized at work, so I'd visit the library on my lunch hour and target books about finding work you can love.
In the book Second Acts by Stephen M. Pollan he explains that it's never too late to change your career and warns of comparing your journey to someone else's. It's kind of long but these were my highlighted paragraphs that I'm impressed to share with you..

Just Row and Leave the Steering to God

We are all unique individuals. Our journeys are all different. In order to succeed in your Second Act, you need to let go of the tiller and concentrate instead on the oars. Don't try to predict your path through life. Second acts are rarely straight lines or steady climbs up ladders; they are unique journeys into your heart and soul. Just put one foot in front of the other. There is no such thing as wasted movement or going in the wrong direction.

Jane Parker, a thirty-seven year old, has learned to trust God's navigation. She has gone from undergraduate English major in Florida, to waitress in Europe, to MBA student in California, to international marketing consultant. Her circuitous path seems to have led to her dream Second Act. She's now assistant headmaster of a private prep school in Connecticut.

A tiller is used to steer the boat while the oars give the energy needed to advance. How encouraging to know that my resume and the things that I'm passionate about, will all lead to God's fulfilling plan for my life. If I just row and leave the steering to him.

Get your shine on

I love sequins. They are the epitome of timeless glamour. The great thing about them is they were very popular in the 70's/80's era, so you can find great pieces while thrifting. Like a friend said to me recently, "I feel like I robbed the place when I thrift shop!" That's the way I feel when I purchase a couture, bedazzled piece for $20!!!

Here are a couple that I've found.

from a street vendor in Harlem, I've worn this belted with a satin tulip skirt

from Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn, looks great with jeans, heels and clutch purse

from The GoodWill store in Philadelphia, plan to wear cinched in the waist with a sash

And check out this bag I bought for $25 from ALDO.

This dress to too long for me in the torso so it's for sale. 80's era with shoulder pads and peplum waist. Hit me up if your interested. Size 4.

Also, someone showed me this lovely Etsy vintage shop today. Love this piece! Ruvarashe Vintage Shop Check out her entire store. Can't go wrong with vintage. No one else will be wearing it.

Timeless is Style!

What's Old is New

There's something timeless about polka dots. They never seem to go out of fashion (for women that is). I'm not too fond of men in polka dots a'la Kwame from the 80's...

I bought this dress from a vintage shop in New Orleans thirteen years ago, and have worn it at least once every spring or summer since. The brooch is a fave of my mine I picked up in Soho, Manhattan.

Enjoy the pics! I hope this look inspires you.

Dress (Vintage) similar here

Shoes Jessica Simpson (DSW) similar here

Purse Iceberg (Daffys) similar here

Brooch similar here

My first role model

As little girls our first role model is our Mom. We learn how to carry ourselves not only by listening to warnings of bad choices, but by watching and unconsciously emulating our mothers. I loved watching her get dressed. She loved to sew our clothes but time didn't always allow so sometimes we'd shop till we dropped! She taught me how to find a bargain, that proper fit was the most important thing and how to store and take care of my clothes.

When my Mom passed, a friend who grew up in the same church as I did sent me a beautiful message. I'm sharing part of it along with some vintage pictures of my Mommy. I thank God for sending me to this earth through her. Everything in our lives is for a reason. Nothing is wasted. I miss her terribly.

May God continue to rock you in the cradle of His arms today and for always. Be strong. Live the evident Christian legacy that your mom lived. She was the epitome of a sophisticated Christian woman. That banner has been passed down to you.

With sincerest compassion,
Karl

Bring out your Natural Curls.

It's very rare that I like a pic of myself (we are all our worst critics), but I love this one. It's from an interview I conducted for the web series "Passion Paved Journey". I'm so excited to work on this project! More to come about that soon..

Some folks wonder how I create my curly hair-do.  When I first started wearing it this way it was called the shake n'go, but now I see youtubers calling it the wash n'go.  Shake and go is a better description because that's the key to it all:

1. After I wash and condition my hair while in the shower I put moisturizing cream throughout and then add a little oil concentrating on the ends.

2. Next step is adding gel all throughout, parting my hair and working it through section by section (fave Gel is EcoStyler).

3. Once this is complete I turn the shower on again and place my head under the water, shaking my head from side to side for about 10 seconds.  The water and shaking motion allows the oil and cream to weigh my hair down and separate the curls while the gel holds them in place. 

4. I then blow dry my hair without the comb attachment, concentrating on the roots only and I'm done. 

I can keep this style until my next wash by adding a dab of gel and doing the shake under the shower each morning.  My drying process is a lot shorter because my hair isn't as wet.

So there it is. Give it a try and let me know how your hair comes out.
In the meantime, here are some more pics from the interview..