Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Shoes...Oh my God, Shoes

Well, I finally decided to stop procrastinating and make a contribution to our lovely blog. If there’s one thing in fashion I would have to say I love the most, it would be SHOES! So what should you know about shoes? Well, here are seven simple rules for the best accessory to any outfit.
SOME OF MY FAVS:

Number 1: Pick comfort first

The number one rule of thumb for picking out shoes should be comfort. One thing that could ruin your work day, trip to the store, or night out on the town is that excruciating pain from wearing shoes that are just murder on your feet. If you are going to buy a pair of shoes, make sure they fit you properly and are easy on your feet. A proper fit means your foot doesn’t slip out or down the shoe when walking, you have a little wiggle room, and the shoes fit snuggly, not tight!
Number 2: Make sure you can walk in them
Some people can wear the highest of heels and walk like they are in sneakers, but that’s not everyone. When trying the shoes on, walk around the store; try them out. A classy chick knows how to walk in her shoes and hold her own. The last thing you need when at a club is not being able to dance the night away without wiping out.
Number 3: Break in your new shoes

Wear your shoes around your house. It may feel weird to be wearing high heels with your sweats, but this will help with comfort and as an added bonus heels are great for building sexy thigh muscles.

Number 4: Don’t be too matchy
Wearing a little black dress doesn’t mean wearing a black heel or flat. Try a bright color that will add a little pop to your outfit like red or leopard print. That little extra color can go a long way.

Number 5: Keep your feet warm
Be kind to your feet! They, along with your hands are the first parts of your body that become cold because your heart will pump blood to your vital organs (the core of your body) to keep warm. So wear shoes that are appropriate for the weather; that includes those hot summer days too. Boots (…a.k.a Uggs) were made for the winter and that’s the season they should stay in.
Number 6: Stay within your budget
It’s okay to splurge once and awhile, but don’t jump at the designer shoes so quickly. You can find almost the exact same pair of shoes at a cheaper price, if you just take the time to look. Be sure to watch for sales and the Internet sites for many stores have web exclusives, where you can find items at a lower price if you purchase them online.

Number 7: Have fun!
Whether your 5’9” or 4’9”, wear the style you want to wear. Don’t be intimidated to wear sky high heels because you are afraid you will tower over others. Own your height! Being a shorter girl myself, I've felt like flats wouldn’t look so flattering on me, but it is all about how you wear them. For example, if you wear flats with skinny jeans, make sure the jeans stop at you ankle. Jeans that are too long will shorten your legs even more.

Remembering these simple tips can help save you from a fashion disaster and help boost your confidence. There's nothing sexier or classier than a strong confident woman!
Stay Classy!

LL

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Secrets to a happy relationship


Truth: Happy relationships make long lasting relationships.

First and foremost, you will not have a long lasting relationship if you do not have chemistry. Chemistry is one of those things that is hard to explain, but you know it when you have it. When you have chemistry, things just click and make sense. You never think in the back of your mind that you can live with your significant other's problems or convince yourself that eventually they will see the light and change. If there is chemistry, you love them for EVERYTHING that they are. Trust me, even the smallest things will eat away at you overtime.

Now, I might as well go ahead and say that I am in no way a relationship expert. I've noticed over the course of my relationship that the following secrets have come naturally and are constant.

1. Laugh everyday.

For one reason or another, we always end up laughing our asses off. Sometimes we laugh so hard we end up in tears. If your sense of humors mesh well, you will never run out of things to laugh at. So, goof around and make each other laugh.

2. Make plans.

Make plans so that you have something to look forward to together. Don't just wait for fun things to come along. Introduce each other to something new. Share your favorite things and places with each other. We already have plans for laser tag, the pumpkin patch, carving pumpkins, Halloween, the Christmas tree farm, sledding, and driving around looking at Christmas lights. In the long term there are a dozen or so weekend trips that we would love to take.

3. Challenge each other and conquer.

Challenge your loved one to go outside their comfort zone. Introduce them to a new type of food or entice them to do something that they would never have done before. Most recently, my boyfriend enlisted me to bike the annual Moonlight Ramble in St. Louis. I was really nervous before the event because I had not ridden a bike in over 10 years. I wasn't sure if I could complete the 14 mile course and I did not want to disappoint him. We started off kind of rocky. He was getting a little agitated that I was going so slow, but he recognized that I was trying hard and switched into supportive mode. Needless to say the bike ride kicked my ass, but I was so happy we stuck it out and completed the full course together. We conquered the Moonlight Ramble and are ready to move on to our next challenge.

4. There is always time for cuddle time.

Take at least 5 minutes out of your day and cuddle up with each other. Some of your best time spent is in each others arms. You cannot get closer than being physically close. Take the time to unwind and relax with each other. My favorite is falling asleep tangled together and taking a few extra minutes to wake up with each other.

Finally, always be supportive, encourage each other to grow, expand each others horizons, and pick your fights. Don't be afraid to disagree. Just don't turn disagreements into full blown fights.

What are your secrets to a happy relationship?

SH






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