Photography by Angie Garcia

Hi Friends.  Sorry for my absence. I’ve been out of town, came back for a day, and left town again. One of my dearest friends lost her mother, and I consider her a sister. I don’t even have the words to express how sad I was for her. I know the heartbreak of losing a parent, and nothing can make it better except for time.  I’m not trying to be Debbie Downer on a Friday, so I’ll end on a positive note.  It was wonderful to have a friend reunion with her and our other sister.  We are known as “The Breck Girls” because I’m the brunette, Michelle is a redhead, and Elizabeth is a blonde.  It’s a 1950s thing, but I love it.  Now, I’m in California with the family on a vacay i.e. tagging along with Mr. S while he is working.

The title of this post probably doesn’t make any sense, but give me a sec to explain.  I attended TWO very fun Fort Worth Moms Blog (FWMB) events last month.  The first was a Moms’ Morning Out hosted by the FWMB and Lululemon.  There were two amazing speakers that shared their views on time management and the importance of saying no.  The second was a Moms’ Night Out shopping event at Stella’s Boutique.  Holy wanted-everything-in-the-store!  I purchased this necklace and striped dress that night.  See… post title is clear as mud!

Anyhow, I really wanted to share the helpful tips learned at Moms’ Morning Out.  Both speakers were so authentic and really helped me with some great take away messages that morning.

The first was Stacy from Camp Gladiator Fort Worth.  She spoke about time blocking, which isn’t a new concept, but reiterated how important it is to the healthy happy momma.

• Four different time blocks:  Work, Spouse, Self, Child.
• “Swallow the toad first.”  What that means is do the most difficult thing first and everything else will be a piece of cake.  Plus, you may be surprised at how much time you have left.
• Advice to keep the mommy-daddy relationship on a good note:  Date monthly.  Escape quarterly.  Vacation yearly.

The second speaker was Brooke from Indigo Yoga.  She also founded Blue Butterfly, a non-profit organization that provides yoga as a treatment model and option for addiction.  She spoke on the importance of saying NO and examining the real reason that women tend to overcommit.

• What is reason that you are having a hard time saying no?  (Is it because you feel guilty, you want to be a “martyr”, you don’t think your friend/coworker/whoever will understand, you may not get another chance at XYZ?)
• What will happen if you say no?
• Brooke gave us a handout on HOW TO SAY NO!  There should be no SORRY or BUT after you say it.  Now, if that isn’t amazing… someone teaching you how to actually do it.  (I’m out of town and forgot to bring the handout, but can update this post if anyone wants that list!)

And I’ve told y’all I listen to Jess Lively podcasts when I have a chance… she had a guest on who also gave spectacular advice on saying no.  Say no but leave the the person in better shape i.e. I am not able to help you with that project.  However, ABC is a wonderful ____ and would be a great fit for XYZ.

Okay, hope some of this helped y’all!  And since this is a style blog, I’ll get back to some fashion stuff… So this dress, I’l LOVING it!  I’ve worn it a bajillion times already!

The Style Rx: A sleeveless tee dress is a perfect transitional piece.  Wear it in summer 1) with sandals, 2) over flare jeans as a tunic for a little more coverage, 3) over skinny jeans with boots and a blazer for Fall/Winter.

GET THE LOOK

striped dress {similar} and necklace via THREE FW in Stella’s Boutique || OUI etsy, GORJANA shimmer,  VITA FEDE cube rings || KELLY WEARSTLER peforated bangle, CC SKYE nail, RYAN SADKIN labradorite bracelet || CARTIER watch || ZIGI SOHO spiked gladiator sandals {similar} || RAY-BAN aviators || MANSUR GAVRIEL bucket bag

P.S. There are some FAB-U-LOUS sales going on right now. Nordstrom opens their Anniversary Sale to the public today!  THIS is the time to stock up on all of those clothing basics.

There are great picks for winter jackets, and I’m especially loving this blush leather jacket which would be perfect for traveling now and later when the temps drop.  I also stock up on undergarments and sleepwear.  It sounds ridiculous, but I basically wear nude bras all the time (so I don’t have to worry about what shows) and this memory foam bra is one of my faves. I’m also a fan of matched PJs, and this striped tank/pant set is so cute.  Of course, no sale would be complete without shoes (and you know I’m gaga about them)!  Boots and booties are my fave “save” picks, and I’m always a sucker for a pair of cognac riding boots.  Gorgeous, like buttah!  I also have the taller version of these fringe boots in black and wear them all the time.

TOOTSIES is having their major sale so RUN to the store if you are in Houston, Dallas, or Atlanta!  I scored my Missoni dress and bikini at their previous sales.

JCrew still has an extra 40% off sale items with code GOSHOPPING.  I’ve been wearing my white slides non-stop and they’re less than $30!  I also love these leather espadrilles.

Last but not least, I’m still dying over everything on sale at Farfetch.  It’s all so good!  My Stars and Stripe picks are some of the goodies you can find there.  P.S. They carry vintage Chanel!  Ugh… dying!

P.P.S.  If you made it this far, I’m amazed!  This is a really wordy post!  Guess I’ve missed y’all.  Happy Friday Loves!