all fired up...

I swear I get 15 emails daily about the "black and white" trend... news flash people, black and white IS not a trend...its timeless.  So don't believe the hype with all the emails from Neimans, Saks, Express, Shop Bop, just to name a few...you have this "trend" all over your closet... do you own jeans??!! YES.... do you own a black jacket??  YES... do you own a white tank or collared shirt? YES... well there you have it... the "black and white" trend.
                                      This look is a little trendy but cute nonetheless...

in love with all three of these looks! 

super timeless? Look no further... 

want to throw a perfectly polished statement necklace into the mix? 

For under $90 the "Allegra" will match everything in your closet... 

         http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/necklaces/necklaces-all/allegra-necklace

Don't be pressured to buy into the "black and white" trend... everyone can perfect this by simply opening their closet and using a little imagination.... my favorite is to pop in a little color.  To do that without any thought throw the "Mae" into the mix! Red is the perfect pop and this beauty is under $50! 

        http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/necklaces/necklaces-all/mae-necklace

        Hope this helps with a fun look...get to work because spring is in less than a month!! 

                                                           WOO! HOO!

Is it just me?

Is it just me or are turquoise and yellow about the cutest color combo ever?! Throw a little hot pink in there and I'm literally jumping up and down!! Pathetic I know but this combo is like hearing Will Smith's "Summertime" in April... You hear it and think OMG its that song that sets the season... you hear it on that first warm day and nostalgia sets in of all the wonderful summers in your past.  Colors, scents, styles, they all do it for me... I'm a visual girl so with that said...

tell me I'm wrong?!  

I'm going for this look this summer... I love it for the home, wardrobe, wedding colors, the skies the limit... I'll show you a few of my favs and of course a few of the pieces you too can have from the Stella and Dot spring line! 

how cute is this board... I mean it says it all. I'm redecorating my very heavy living room which is black and gold like the rest of my boring home! I'm popping bright yellow in...why? Because I can!! HA! 

These pillows would brighten up an indoor or outdoor space... 

ahhhh this bag... the classic... was sold out all last summer! I kept mine hidden as not to be weak and sell my sample... I'm a sucker for the customer!  Its back in stock and available on my website! 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/the-classic

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/norah-chandeliers

the Norah chandeliers are PERFECTION... I love these and have worn them dozens of times since they arrived on my doorstep! Priced under $50...these are a great gift for a girlfriend or a treat to yourself... put them on with my very favorite mary margaret ring shown below... I wore this ring EVERY Single day last summer!!!  Love it... 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/mary-margaret-stone-ring

and last but not least the glue that holds it all together!! This palm springs scarf is amazing... its got the colors and makes the pink OK if you're not much of a risk taker. If you don't own this scarf, you are missing out.  I was in the grocery store the other day and saw someone wearing it, I pulled mine out and wore it the next day... its too cute to sit in my closet!  

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/palm-springs-turquoise-ikat

Is there a color combo that pops into your head that you'd love to pair together but just aren't sure? Google the colors, you'll be so surprised what you will find.  Color is fun, don't be afraid to try fun combinations.  Its super easy especially if you have a closet full of black or neutrals... throw in a bright and get a whole new look!  Have a super fun weekend and CHEERS!!! TGIF! 

Living the dream....

Have you ever just looked around and thought, wow this is it?! This is the MY life, the one I get.  Am I doing everything possible to make it the best it can be? Am I appreciating my kids while they are little?  Not sweating the small stuff, because after all, it is all small stuff! Calling mom everyday because you are lucky enough to have her still?  I'm sure like me, the answer to most of these is NO.  Its been an interesting couple of weeks... cancer, deaths, power outages, snow, car accidents, babies being born, new pregnancies being announced...so much "news" daily, both good and bad.  
The news of a best friend having breast cancer or a friends father dying suddenly, or the news of chemo just not working anymore, or a 100 car pile up, in a snow storm.  It never ends.  At the end of the day, this is your life.  This news that keeps the phone ringing or the email blowing up is LIFE...take time to breath it all in.  Mourn death, and hold onto life.... its so easy to sit here and "say" it but really think about it.  Its out of our control... we have no choice but to deal with what comes our way.  So read this and think, How can I make the most out of what was handed to me today and do it.  Start every day being thankful and end every day being thankful...this is your life, you get one.  Live it.
A little deep from your Silent stylist, yep but I am real... I'll bring you fashion fun later... until then...smooch!

10,000 savings....well kindof!

When these things come across my computer, I always get a good laugh and then try to think of creative ways for you to spend what you "didn't have" to spend.  With that said, here goes, maybe my best look for less yet!!

How gorgeous is this gold necklace?!!

ok fine, its 2 gold necklaces... can you tell which one is over $10,000?? 

Yeah, I didn't think so.... 

if you said this (the one with the toggle clasp) then you are right!! $10875... how crazy is that? 

WHEN you get get almost the same look (literally had a hard time telling them apart)

The Christina Link by Stella & Dot is one of my favs... Its perfect alone 

or layered up! 

how ever prefer to wear it, you don't have to spend 10K... your welcome!! 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/christina-link-necklace?color=gold&

ok I did break down the savings and its $10796... 

and I couldn't stop there...with the difference you could buy this... 

yep, a ROLEX...see for yourself! 

http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex/Yacht-Master/RLX3958

My golden rule will not be tarnished!!!

So, you are probably wondering what this picture is all about?! For those who have read, maybe you've figured it out.  I did this trend which means I personally can't do it again...I'm one and done with trends like this.  I repeat... my golden rule of fashion.  If I wore it the first time it was in style, I am probably too old to wear it again.

 First thing yesterday, this picture was smack on the front page of an email from one of my favorite websites.  I GASPPPPPPED... Niko probably thought I read horrific news, nope, just got an email containing one of the worst fashion trends of our time! I confess I wore it in the late 80's, they were Guess, and they were ADORABLE, I was like 16.  This would be cute on a 16 year old or a 2 year old, I'd prefer to see it on a toddler just sayin!  I'm not proud that I wore overalls but I'm honest so I confess.  I also spotted a pair at Target yesterday so this trend is LARGE and in charge.... YIKES... I challenge all of you to prove me wrong... All 23 of my followers, Speaking of my followers, can you guys help a sister out?!!! 23 followers????? Ok, sorry, Prove me wrong.  Make it cute and email me a picture.... directly to my mailbox.... silentstylistblog@gmail.com  .... I'll be waiting!!!!  You have a better chance of seeing me in a crop top!!!

just because they sell it doesn't mean you should wear it!!!

Yikes have I got a story for you.... check back later.... I'm gonna need some time so I don't just blurt out exactly whats on my mind!!!! See you later today....

Its for sure an addiction!

If you opened my makeup drawers, bins, boxes, bags your jaw would hit the floor. Its an issue, its not normal, I am addicted...to products!  It started in my 20's with MAC lip glasses...I've always had an issue with lip gloss and they are always pinkish nude.  Thats the kicker, they all look the same!! Now I buy the nude lipstick and liner to match....anything from NYC to Chanel,  I own it all. In June of 2005 when Niko and I got married, I yearned for JLO's GLOW, after she started it.  The girl who did my makeup was AMAZING... I was dewey, exactly the look I wanted.  Today I its Kim Kardashian's makeup I'm dying to duplicate.  This look is PERFECTION if you ask me!

]

her skin is flawless.  At night while I try to fall asleep, I watch tutorial after tutorial to perfect this look.  For those of you who know me and see me on a daily basis, are you laughing yet?!  99% of the time I am completely make-up-less! 

With that said, I'm going to master it, and I'm going to do it for CHEAP!  Then, if I love it, I will spend for my beloved high end products.... 

The highlight and contour...thats what its called. I'm over 40, should I use liquid or powder? Bronzer or dark foundation? Fingers or brushes? These are all the crazy things that are running through my head.  So i've bought a few inexpensive products to get the look going and I'm going to share them with you here... 

for the contour I bought Maybelline fit

me shine free foundation stick in 330 (looks like bronzer)...available at any drugstore $6.99

next I'm going to blend it with the ELF studio stipple brush (looks just like the MAC one) I got it at target for $3!!! 

I swear by NARS orgasm blush and have it on hand but if you want that look for less, you can try ELF twinkle pink for $3!!! Its the best dup yet!!! 

and for your highlighter and NYC sun and bronze ($4.99)... I added this picture to show you the amazing gloss by NYC as well... I kid you not, on my wedding day, I had a bag full of MAC and the girl who did my makeup sent one of my Bridesmaids to CVC to buy NYC U57 (I think its under $3!)...I will never forget it as long as I live, they since changed the packaging and this is the color above... very similar to Nars orgasm gloss... 

the rest, eyes, and foundation, I am using what I have in my bag, bucket, drawer etc!!!

I'll let you know how it goes... and I'm gonna need a hot date for this look, so someone let Niko know....

I'm hoping to have this glow allllll spring long!!!! 

a gal can dream ... Have a great weekend....TGIF!!! 

oh and by the way.... you'll need something to store all of your fun new makeup and brushes in... 

I'm in love with Stella & Dot poufs!!!  At 3 for $60, you might as well stock up!!! Here is my favorite but it comes in tons of fun patterns!! 

 http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/pouf-elephant

Dreaming of WHITE... but not by choice...

So here it is, the drab view out my front door.  If you've so much as turned on your TV (providing you don't live on the east coast), you know we are getting HAMMERED... its brutal.  All the while my email inbox is filled with beautiful resort wear!  I LOVE spring, wardrobe, weather, flowers, all of it!! This winter has been long, cold and WHITE.  My kids have had 2 days off this week and we just got the call that they will be off tomorrow too, so while reality is what you see above, I am dreaming of WHITE, wardrobe that is.... here are a few of the items I'm loving...from affordable to absolutely not a chance, I love them all the same!!! Hope you enjoy my beautiful bright white dream....

ohhhh how I love this bag! 

http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2013/11/02/busy-philipps-jimmy-choo-candy-mirror-clutch/

http://www.juicycouture.com/Denim-Short/JG009147.html

Love these shorts??  Score them for 30% off on juicy.com

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=941394012

25% off your gap.com purchase today with code: TREAT

if you've never experienced Havianas, you must...they rock!

 http://us.havaianas.com/women-sandals/slim.html

There are no words for these...love! 

http://www.zappos.com/hunter-original-high-gloss-enamel?ef_id=Unf3mQAAAAD9pz1h:20140206014736:s

*Ruching is super flattering, even in white! 

http://www.victoriassecret.com/clothing/dresses/high-neck-dress?ProductID=164869&CatalogueType=OLS

I may or may not have ordered these already (wink wink!)

                    http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ray-ban-aviator-sunglasses

what a cute slip on... another option would be white Chuck taylors... 

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/michael-michael-kors-slip-on-sneakers-boerum-studded

From Gap to Jimmy Choo...these are some adorable spring staples... I means seriously those white hunter boots?! IN LOVE!!  

BUT I can't forget a few fabulous Stella and Dot pieces as well.... in white of course! 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/adonia-necklace-white-stone

the AMAZING sutton stone necklace in white is available to hostesses only... if that isn't incentive to book a show, I don't know what is! 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/dot-bloom-necklace

the beautiful Dot Bloom necklace is another fabulous statement piece in white.... 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/isla-drops?color=white&

priced under $40 these look remarkably close to a high end brand jewel I'll refrain from mentioning... you will not be disappointed with the ever so versatile Isla drop earrings! 

Winter can get a little gloomy, nothing better to brighten your day then some fab bright white must haves!!! Spring will be here soon...I promise!! 

From Louboutins to Chuck Taylors...that has ZERO ring to it!!!!

 You gotta love the Tuesday night impromtu dinner at friends.  Tonight while totally crashing family dinner at my gf Debs, her husband led the family in prayer then proceeded to ask the children what they are thankful for... we got some random answers... "truth", from Demi, "my heart", from Ella and then I felt the need to say "Christian Louboutin"... I was half joking.  I really love that man but only for his shoes.  He is by far my favorite shoe designer... there is nothing sexier than a red sole!!!  With that being said, I have a new obsession... you may want to sit, seafoam green (peppermint) Converse Chuck Taylors...yep the ones with ZERO HEEL!!!!!!  

                  http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Gigantic/4/_8727904.jpg

I mean seriously?? How cute are these??!! I had coffee with my girlfriend Lori  the other day and she was wearing a pair and they were so stinkin cute! Not sure I can pull it off like Lori did, but watch me try.  Here's my thought.... The chucks... with ripped rolled jeans like these.... 

http://www.agjeans.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=8815&colorid=7110

my favorite white tee... 

                      http://www.alternativeapparel.com/featured/alternative-originals/women/

               and of course a little Stella&Dot, after all, no outfit is complete without it!!! 

the classic bag.... I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS!!!!! Last year it was completely sold out, so I couldn't carry mine...this year, if it ever stops snowing, I will carry it all spring long!!!! 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/the-classic

and the palm springs ikat scarf shown!!  Notice the yellow and that seafoam green color?! 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/accessories/designer-scarves/palm-springs-turquoise-ikat

in my head this outfit is the cutest thing ever...lets see if a girl that would normally pair it with a 5" heeled pair of wedges can pull it off!!! Stay tuned for the look!!! 

Stay warm, spring is coming, I promise!!! 

What did we do without pinterest?!

Every time I see someone newly engaged, after Congrats (of course!), the first thing I say is OMG, you get to plan your wedding with PINTEREST!!!!  Its amazing, for those of you who aren't familiar, wait we are all familiar and hooked, never mind!!  My "Pinterest wedding" in my head is simply amazing... everything I ever imagined!! HAHA, I am happily married but will be using Pinterest if Niko and I ever renew our vows!!

Pinterest gives ideas for everything, I've used it for everything from makeup tips to kitchen organization! My favorite are the motivational quotes, I've probably pinned 1000 of them!  Each year for my Christmas card I find myself searching for ideas as well.  This year in my search I found the cutest idea.  I of course put my own crazy twist on it...

                                         Photo taken by the amazing Todd Fleming

I love leopard, I love shoes, I love all things leopard and shoes!!!! I took this print and made it into a fun acrylic picture and use it as a display in my closet. I put a huge vase of pink hydrangeas next to it and fell madly in love!!!

The acrylic block is from Erincondren.com it was one of my favorite gifts this past Christmas, got one for my in laws with the kiddos, one for my husband, and this one... the front is the picture and the back you can customize.  I added in hot pink (of course!) PEACE LOVE AND SHOES 2013.  I bought them black friday when they were on sale.  They are a little pricey but a forever gift an so worth it!!!
                                         https://www.erincondren.com/acrylic-blocks

There is nothing more important to me than my family! Pictures are like capturing a moment... I will forever cherish this and the moment I drove everyone crazy getting all the feet "perfect". Perfect being in quotes because in the 7 years I've been a mother, I have realized that the meaning of perfect has changed.  Imperfect becomes more beautiful every day to me!  I hope you get something positive out of each of my posts...that is my goal!!

                                https://www.facebook.com/toddflemingphotography?fref=ts                           

loving lululemon!

About 6 months ago, I stopped working out on Saturdays.  As a stay at home mom who is lucky enough to have kids that have been raised gym rats, we go during the week and take advantage of the child care.  By saturday, I normally have about 4 workouts under my belt, so a day home with the family has been earned!  This past week, if you remember I posted about a new Barre 3 studio about 20 minutes from my house, well you may have guessed that I instantly fell in love and found myself there on this morning kids in tow!!  This morning I tried a new pair of Lululemon pants I bought yesterday and I swear about 20 minutes into my workout I had to look down to make sure I was wearing pants, they felt like I was wearing nothing...SERIOUSLY AMAZING!!!!  They are the "run with grace crop" and if you don't have them, you need them!!!!

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/crops-run/Race-With-Grace-Crop?cc=0001&skuId=3518905&catId=crops-run

I also found out yesterday while at Lulu that I can dry (on low) my workout gear from there.  Seriously?? By friday my drying rack is filled with black cropped pants...its crazy.  So needless to say, yesterdays laundry got dried and came out PERFECT!!!  I love learning new tricks to simplify my life. 

And just when I thought I loved Lululemon and Barre 3 it gets better... for class I went to this morning, I was actually wait listed, those not familiar, Barre classes generally have a limit and you have to sign up in advance.  This morning I got an email saying that I had a spot, hence the reason I went.  At the end of class, the local Lululemon store came in and gave everyone a FREE pair of pants!! They wanted to welcome Barre 3 to the area! It was like being on OPRAH! (well kindof)...woo hoo, I feel like its my lucky day!!!  

I hope you have a fabulous day....do something that makes you smile today!!!! 

here's the free pants btw

http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/pants-yoga/Wunder-Under-Pant-IPLUX?cc=0001&skuId=3516210&catId=pants-yoga