Strong & Confident

You are beautiful. You are strong. You are smart, driven, kind, and generous. We don’t always recognize how amazing we are.

We’re living through a time now where there is awareness around female empowerment. This gives me hope that we’re beginning to realize just how strong we are… physically, mentally and emotionally. My hope is that this recognition translates into self confidence. A little confidence can go a long way. I know so many women who look in the mirror and are dissatisfied with what they see. What do you focus on when you look in the mirror? Do you see the circles under your eyes? Do you see the grays that drive you crazy? Do you see the pounds that you just can’t seem to shed?

 Here’s what I want you to see. I want you to see the smile that you can’t control when you encounter something hilarious. I want you to see the amazing body that has  carried you this far in life. I want you to see how strong you are. I want you to see your accomplishments. I want you to see all the love and kindness you show the world. How do we make that happen? There’s lots of ways. We can start our day with gratitude. We can smile when we look in the mirror. We can pay someone else a compliment. Show someone a kindness. All these little things can go a long way and bring you an amazing positive energy.

That smile in the mirror might come more naturally if you’re feeling confident when you look in the mirror. Feel comfortable in your skin and your clothes.  Wear an outfit that flatters your style and your body. Think about how great you feel when you’re wearing your favorite outfit. Think about what you’re wearing when you feel your best. Imagine feeling that way every time you dressed. That’s what I wish for you.

Take a little inspiration from the new arrivals at J. Crew and Rebecca Taylor! Happy Fall!

J. Crew Short Sleeve Ruffle Top

J. Crew Juliette Collarless Sweater Blazer

J. Cew Long Sleeve Dress

RT Lynx Silk Burnout Dress

RT Leopard Metallic Top

RT La Vie Celia Check Top

In Pink Inspiration & Style

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center’s In Pink Brunch & Fashion Show again. This is a beautiful annual even that I am honored to be invited to attend. The energy and enthusiasm in the room are contagious and fill you as a guest with hope and positivity. The room is always decorated beautiful in shades of pink. This year the details included pink pumpkin centerpieces and pashminas in shade of pink and teal tied around every chair. The color is overwhelming in the best way possible. The speakers are wonderful and then there is the fashion show… clearly my favorite part!

The fashions were provided courtesy of Chic Consignment of Andover. The gorgeous models showed off the latest fall trends varying from day to night style, casual to elegant and everything in between. The fall trends included booties, full skirts, cropped jackets, texture and pops of color.  Glitter, sequins and metallic items are popular this fall from jackets to accessories and shoes. I’m seeing this trend everywhere and the runway was no exception. Bright pops of color are also trending this fall. The color pop is popular in coats, shoes and accessories. The fashion show was dripping in high quality items showcasing brands from Vince, Miu Miu, St. John, Prada and much more.

While I loved all the fashion moments, the highlight was seeing these gorgeous models who all contribute to the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center is some way. One of the models is even fighting her own battle with cancer. These lovely ladies truly embody the beauty that it is to be a part of something so special.

This event is always a lovely reminder that we can make a positive impact in our world and that so many women are doing so every day. Have the confidence to not only do your part but encourage others to do their part as well. It takes a village and we are capable of so much. I love when so many women can create a beautiful wave of positivity. I hope it travels far.

How do you define beauty?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

We all define beauty in our own way. This is especially true when defining beauty for ourselves. We each have our own style and opinions on what we think look good. I'll give you an example. I have naturally curly hair. Most people are surprised to hear that since I never wear my hair curly. Since I graduated high school I have been blow drying my hair straight. I prefer it that way. I don't know how to style curly hair and I simply don't care for it on me. With that said, I've had both friends and strangers tell me that they like my hair with a natural wave to it. This usually happens when it's been too humid and my hair starts to curl. While others are admiring this, it's driving me crazy! I don't like the texture and I don't like how it feels. But apparently to some, it looks very attractive. So even though I know others like my hair curly, I always blow dry it straight. I do this because it matters more what I think. If I like the way I looks, it will be reflected in my positive attitude and confidence levels.

When I meet with clients, I keep this in mind. What matters most is not the conventional definition of beauty or the rules of fashion. What matters is the way that you define beauty for yourself. I want you to feel beautiful and confident every day. I work with my clients to achieve the best versions of themselves. When they do, they will beam with confidence and beauty.

I went out to dinner with my husband this past weekend to a fairly new and very cool place in the city. We were dressed up as was everyone else in the place. I happened to notice a couple sitting near us that stood up to leave. Her husband began to walk behind her and she stopped, let him pass and started walking behind him. She did not walk with an air of confidence. She walked behind him as if she wanted to not be noticed. She wanted to be an afterthought. There was a small part of me that wanted to walk right over to her and say "pick your head up, throw your shoulders back and walk with confidence!" I don’t know the reason why but everything about her demeanor screamed uncomfortable, intimidated and self-conscious. By contrast there were two girls sitting the next table over, when they stood up to leave they strutted out of the restaurant like they owned it. They were smiling, heads up, confidence beaming! And they looked gorgeous. But it had less to do with what they were wearing and more to do with how they wore it.

We can be our own worse critic. I know I am. It's easier to focus on what we need to improve than on what we have going for us. We think about the weight we need to loose, and the teeth we need whitened and the hair we need dyed! We focus on the wrinkles in the mirror and the bags under our eyes. We don't need someone else to critic us. We do a pretty good job of that on our own. But how often do we compliment ourselves or think "wow, I look great today". I'm sure it happens but not nearly as often. What if we did that more often? What if we could find a way to feel more confident? What if we could share that feeling with others? That's what I have attempted to do with this business. I want you own your style, your confidence and your beauty so that you can walk with that Beyoncé swagger every day.