Where I Shop

Since last week,

I have become increasingly aware 

that I am not very adventurous when it comes to shopping.

I go to the same places over and over.

And if my trusty sources do not have what I am looking for,

I wait.

 

Unfortunately, this does not happen too often.

I have a talent for finding things that need a home.

 

 This fact, 

which started to reveal itself as I forced myself to not duplicate stores 

in my examples of trends last week, 

was confirmed as I unpacked in my hotel.

All my clothes and shoes, 

with the exception of college apparel, 

were from a handful of stores.

 

Which stores?

Awww, you like my clothes enough to want to know where I got them.

Thank you for the compliment.

I am happy to share with you.

Since you asked, 

of course.

 

---1---

 

The Loft

Love, love, love Loft Petites.

This is my store.

I currently am wearing an entire outfit aquired from The Loft

over the past six years.

These items last and comprise most of my favorites and staples in my closet.

---2---

 

New York & Company

 

 I think we can agree that the second worst item to shop for is pants.

Especially if you do not fall in the "average" or "regular" categories.

My curvy petite's from NY&Co fit my height and frame perfectly.

 No gapping, no belts, no hemming.

Three cheers!

---3---

 

Macy's

 

Macy's shoes is the department I visit the most.

Every once in awhile, especially if there is a sale, I have found a great dress or top.

 

---4---

 

Target

This almost goes without saying.

My Target clothing purchases, however, stay in the workout and pajama department.

As a petite shopper, my attempts in other areas

 have most often lead to an empty cart or return aisle.

---5---

 

 Von Maur

Only four stores made it into my suitcase, 

but since I am linking up with Hallie for Five Favorites...

 I thought I should throw in the store 

the cocktail dress I did not pack would most likely come from.

 

Hope you are having a great week.

Even though I am enjoying my work conference, 

I am looking forward to the holiday weekend at home. 

Hugs, 

Christina

 

 

 

Favorite Style Trends

My sisters and I have joked that currently in fashion everything is on trend.
 
We have:
 brights and pastels,
patterns and plain,
neutrals and colors,
androgynous and curvy,
textures and soft,
etc. 
all at once.
 
I find it a bit contradictory and confusing,
but a lot of passé residents of my closet are making the rounds once again,
so I cannot complain.
My closet is also making some new friends, because this plethora of trends
has brought some of my favorite things to stores again.
 
---1---
 

Florals
 


via

 
A few years ago I would have hated to admit to liking florals,
because middle and high school taught me well that florals were,
well...80's and that was akin to fashion suicide.
Luckily naïve and gullible me grew up and can embrace florals,
because they are pretty and feminine and I like them
and fashion likes them once again.
 

---2---
 

Black and White
 


via

 
"What black thing did you buy today?"
Is a common question my dad teases me with after a shopping trip.
 
I love black,
but black and white together are dreamy.
It is so crisp, clean, put together,
it is pretty difficult to go wrong.
 

---3---
 

Exotic Prints
 

via

 
Having fun with your wardrobe is a must.
One twist to my mostly classic wardrobe that I tend towards is exotic prints.
 
Native American Prints
Indian Prints
Animal Prints
 
I love having that little bit of unexpected edge or piece that pops
 to build up my confidence from the outside in.

 

---4---

 
Lace

 

via

 
I adore lace.
I think what I love the most is the hem lace adds to your skirt and around your neck.
It is dainty, feminine, and a little flirty.
 
Thank you, Kate Middleton
for bringing it back!
 

---5---

 
Accessories
 

via

 
I am a jewelry girl, so of course I am loving the focus on accessories.
I have been surprised how changing up my jewelry has expanded my wardrobe options.
This necklace is my current favorite.

Maybe because it's kind of lacey, flowery, has 'exotic' white mother of pearl...
All my favorites in one?

Speaking of five favorites in one, I'm linkin' up with Hallie for Five Favorites.
Make sure to visit!

Hugs,
Christina


 

For McKenzie

In lieu of a traditional New & Now post this May,

I wanted to share something on my heart with you today.

 

Last week, right before Mother's Day a friend's twelve-year old niece suddenly passed away. McKenzie was her mother's pride, joy, and only child.

The family is devastated by the loss of this beautiful, promising young woman

and while they grieve they have the added worry of how to support her mother, a free lance artist, with all the expenses of rightfully remembering and celebrating her daughter's life.

 

I can only imagine the pain this family is feeling at this time.

I can only imagine how hard it is to reach out to the community and ask for financial help.

I can only imagine, but I also can do something.

 

To help raise funds, I am sponsoring a Lia Sophia Fundraiser for McKenzie's Fund between May 13th to May 24th at noon.

I will be donating my commission (thirty percent of all sales) to the McKenzie Philpot Fund for the funeral, memorial, and administrative expenses for remembering and celebrating the life of this beautiful daughter.

 

Our May special is buy 2, get 4 half off.

The least expensive items will be full price,

getting you the most out of your support for this good cause.

 

 

Social media has enhanced our ability to reach out to others.

Being able to use this medium for good, is such a blessing.

 

To order:
Visit: www.liasophia.com/cemilian
Select: Browse Our Jewelry
And Look Up this party under: McKenzie Philpot

 

When we reach $250 in sales, McKenzie's mother will receive our May hostess gift.

 

 

And when we reach $500.00 she will receive this necklace in remembrance of her.

 

I feel blessed to own my own business and be able to support others through it.

If you would like to host your own fundraiser for McKenzie or be able to do this for a charity close to your heart. Please let me know, I would love to help you get started.

 

Thank you for your support and for spreading the word.

 

You can read more about McKenzie here: http://mckenziesfund.wordpress.com/about/

 

Hugs,

Christina



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becoming My Mother

Last week, Kendra posed the question in her Answer Me This link - up:

 

Are you becoming your mother?

 

This got me thinking - how would I answer this question?

 

Yes.
No.
Hopefully so.
 

The older I get and the closer the possibility of having my own family becomes,
the more I find myself saying things
or viewing things the same way as my mother.

She shows up everywhere -

I cannot imagine a house without a room painted pale blue.
My favorite clothes she either picked out or it's a style she recommended.
Silverware goes in the dishwasher pointing up.
I cannot change my hairstyle without her input.
And when things get rough,
I go back to the truths she taught me to hold onto.
 

This is not a bad thing.
In fact, it is a good thing.
My mother has such great insight and love
that to mirror her in any way is a wonderful compliment.
 
Yesterday was a good reminder of this blessing.
Watching some old classic films highlighting mothers
(although several of the films made me think it was a marathon on horrible daughters)
I realized even more how blessed I am to have a good relationship with my mom
and to have her example to help guide me to virtue.

Today I can count my lucky stars
to have so many great examples of motherhood in my family,



Fortunately, the women in my family also have some physical resemblances.


but most especially my marvelous mom.

What makes you smile today?

Hugs,
Christina
 
Because the ultimate cure for the Monday blues is 
something that will make you smile and grateful for what you have.  

These things make me smile and hopefully they will make you smile too.




Monday Smiles Volume 28

Hello from my new office!

 

Friday started off the big move with this little gem:

 



The fake vines no one else wanted must be part of the office initiation process. ;)

 

I know this option is not available for everyone at their place of work or at home, but starting off the week in a brand new space with four walls and a door...

 

All my cube dwellers, you understand how exciting this is.

I am sorry for bragging, but I have walls and a door!

 

 ...is a great way motivator.

 

Here's to a productive week!

 

Happy Monday!

 

What makes you smile today?

 

Hugs,

Christina

 Because the ultimate cure for the Monday blues is 
something that will make you smile and grateful for what you have.  

These things make me smile and hopefully they will make you smile too.