HOW TO ADD VIBRANT COLOR TO YOUR SPRING WARDROBE

 















 A few months back I took an online fashion course, it was an amazing experience and I made some awesome connections. I was delighted  to connect with Chaya, the designer of the unique Chartzie collection. Her chic wearable art is inspiring, beautiful, and one of a kind.  Each design is hand painted by Chaya, and infused into the fabric by a special printing process.  When you order a top, it is crafted just for you at a small factory here in the United States.  

The selection of tops are available in gorgeous vibrant colors, as well as short sleeved or sleeveless.  I LOVE mine , they are so fashionable, soft, and comfortable.  The possibilities to dress them up or down are endless! 

I admire the heart put into Chaya's art.  She started this collection in honor of her mother's battle with Parkinson's Disease, and is donating part of the proceeds to foundations that fight this disease as well as others.

Thank you to Chaya for the collaboration opportunity. Visit Chaya's site Chartzie , her Facebook page, or Instagram /#Chartiziewear to find your next fashion obsession.

This beautiful orange hued top I'm wearing is called Alive.  You will make a bold statement for spring or any time of year you choose to wear it.   What are your favorite colors for spring? 

3 WAYS FUR BABIES ENRICH OUR LIVES

  

Bella getting cuddles from my daughter Ashlin

 Would you quit your primping and get my breakfast! This cat
is personality plus with a little bit of sass(like her owner!)

 Happy weekend beautiful people, hope you are doing great! Most of my posts have been fashion focused but I decided to venture out into some lifestyle themed posting.

I am a huge cat lover, but not a crazy cat lady with 100 cats! I am OCD about animal hair, so keeping up with one pet is plenty. I with out a doubt,  inherited a love of cats from my daddy.  He was a painter and travelled for work, with his cat in tow!  I've always had a soft heart for all animals, except for the those nasty little bug creatures, snakes, and rodents!

I know how much fur babies enrich life for us all!

1) They help beat the blues when you are down in the dumps!  A loyal companion, and unconditional love always awaits you.

2) Many people enjoy improved health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and emotional healing.

3) Animals also provide a huge social benefit! They are the common denominator that helps us connect with others!

How has an animal enriched your life? I'd love to hear your stories!

Thanks again for all your continued support.  I joined a blogger group on face book and after visiting several blogs, I am feeling the pressure to step it up.  I am going to hire someone in the near future to redo the design of my blog so it will be more visually appealing!  The technical side of blogging  is definitely "kicking  my butt!"

Talk again soon!

Valerie



 

Getting love from my friend's dog Strider

I

HOW TO STYLE A BOHEMIAN KAFTAN





Happy Monday lovelies! Today I wanted to share this fabulous bohemian top. I am not usually a fan of anything with floral prints, but I loved the flow and comfort of this kaftan.  I paired it with distressed boyfriend jeans, but really the possibilities are endless.  You could wear it with  a cute pencil skirt, a pair of jean shorts, or a dressier version of cropped pants.

You can also change up your shoes for a different look as I have done here.  Add a chic spring bag, and you have a fabulous casual outfit!  It was amazing that I found this kaftan in my favorite accessory shop: Icing.  What is your favorite place to find unique outfit pieces?  I hope everyone is having a fabulous spring!

Bohemian Kaftan: Icing  | Jeans: Rue 21 |  Shoes(Mules) Forever 21 | Shoes: Cork Heels| Bag: Zara| (Similar I purchased my bag in the store.)

Photogrpahy by Ashlin Hansen

9 CHIC OUTFIT PIECES FOR A TROPICAL VACATION

Hello my friends , are you ready for the weekend? I am!  It  looks like the shopping bug has bit me again..imagine that!   I am taking my daughter and her best friend to Hawaii soon, to celebrate her high school graduation.  I went on a mission to find outfits for the trip.  I can't believe I found everything I was looking for...that never happens!!  How often do you go shopping and come home empty handed?   It seems when I have some loot to spend, I can't find a thing.  Of course when it's not in the budget to spend, it all comes calling my name!  

If you have a vacation planned tropical or otherwise, I'd love to hear about it! What are your favorite go to pieces for your time away?  I was most excited about the romper with the Hawaiian print, both are very popular this year!  Thanks for visiting and I hope your shopping trips are a great success!

SHOP THE LOOKS: ROMPER|CROCHET OPEN BACK TOP|MICHAEL KORS SANDALS|STRIPED CROP TOP|(Similar)|WHITE HIGH WAISTED SHORT|DISTRESSED HIGH WAISTED SHORT|BOHO FRINGE TOP|
ALOHA SLEEVELESS TOP| STRAW HAT|(Similar)

HOW TO FEEL FIT, FAB, AND FASHIONABLE AT 50!

 

Turning the big "50"

  I was dreading this milestone birthday just a little bit.  I am happy to report my teeth and hair didn't all fall out, and I'm still very much alive and kicking!! The worst of it was... receiving an application from my friends at AARP to sign up!  I am thankful for the gift of life, amazing family and friends, and for all you wonderful people who read and support my blog!

Staying Fit: 

 Keeping in shape at middle age is definitely an up hill struggle and takes a LOT of hard work.  Of course gravity takes its toll in all kinds of ways :) but exercising regularly helps greatly! With a busy  schedule it's hard for us to squeeze in time, but a few minutes here and there can make a huge difference.  I walk at the park 3 times a week for 1 hr, and do resistance training at the gym 4 times a week.  A new chain, "Fitness Evolution" is very inexpensive to join, it costs $9.99 a month and a small yearly maintenance fee. I love it and hope you have one nearby, or something similar!

Feeling Fabulous: 

It has been said for years, you are what you eat! I never believed it much when I was a young, and paid no attention to a healthy diet. It took over 40 years to come to my senses!  I do fall off the wagon sometimes, dang those jalapeno Cheetos and pepperoni pizza won't leave me alone! A breakfast smoothie always gets me back on track. It's very tasty,  refreshing, and will give you a boost of energy for the day.(double dose for an already hyper gal!) Throw it all in the blender-  OJ, chia seeds, flax meal, protein greens, frozen berries, a banana, and Greek yogurt.(on occasion I'm bad and throw in some cool whip..shhhh!)

Fashionable:

Whatever your style is, embrace it and feel great! I know not everyone is obsessed with fashion like I am.  However, I'm a firm believer that taking time to look your best boosts your confidence and makes you feel positive about life in general.  I was blessed to go to a fashion trade show in Vegas for my birthday with a dear friend who also turned 50 a few months before I did. We had a blast and I learned a lot!

Age really is just a number!  Celebrate the beautiful person you are and always be comfy in your own skin. What are your fitness goals, or things you are doing to feel fabulous?  I'd love to hear your ideas. 

Valerie

HOW TO GROW YOUR BLOG: FASHION BLOGGER MEET UP

Yay the weekend is almost here, hope everyone is doing well!   Recently I joined a group on Facebook called "Grow your Blog".  The blogging community is amazing and so supportive of each other!  I have connected with bloggers of every kind from all every place you can imagine..so much fun!  I've been wanting to meet other fashion bloggers in person, and this week, it came to pass! 

I connected with Fernanda just last week before coming to Calgary Canada to visit my mother.  I was so stoked to find out she was close to where I was visiting! We met up, had coffee, and had a great time discussing our obsession with fashion!  Her husband was so gracious to take some pics for us!  If you are a blogger, joining "Grow Your Blog" is a fabulous platform for more exposure and growing your social network!  Thank you Fernanda for the great meet up!  Check out her fabulous blog at NandaReis.

TEACHER STYLING ON A BUDGET

I just love the cute modest style of this South Carolina gal. She is new to our school this year, and teaches 6th grade.  I really enjoy the bright cheery vibe she brings to her classroom!  I work with her each day with kiddos that are struggling in math.  Some time during the week we always get a chat in about the latest fashion trends, we are definitely kindred spirits!

Being fashionable and staying within a budget is actually very doable now with all the "fast fashion" retailers such as: H&M, Forever 21, and Zara to name a few.  I adore Jaime's style and admire her for the impact she is making on students as young educator.  

I'd love to hear what are your favorite go to outfits for work and where you find them! Happy spring, and to all the teachers...enjoy a much needed spring break!

SHOP THE LOOK:   bag|blazer|pants| flats| Top...still searching!