Iowa

God's timing is perfect. He is never late. But most importantly, He is never early. Did you get that? He is never early. Have you ever been waiting patiently for something and it just never seems to come? I was to leave on a 7:10am flight to Sioux Center, Iowa on Friday morning. I didn't make it.

At 11pm Thursday night I got sick. Violently sick. The stomach-virus, food poisoning sick that you can't stay in bed for because you are running to the bathroom kind of sick. All night this went on...I didn't sleep, I couldn't, because I was in the bathroom. I have not been this sick in a very long time. So when 7:10am came and I lay in my bed feeling like I would die with pain, there was an event coordinator in Iowa getting ready to come to the airport to pick me up. Bev, I suppose, woke up in great anticipation of the women's event she had planned for almost 9 months. She was so excited because as of Thursday they had sold nearly 200 tickets. News of the event was on the radio, in the papers and advertised all over town. So as she was getting ready, her phone rang. It was me. Sick.

I had to give her news I'd never had to give another event coordinator before....that I might not make it. Dave, my husband was on the phone with the airlines at 4am checking on later flights and all were sold out, but they told him if I showed up, they might be able to get me on one. IF I showed up. IF I could get out of bed. I prayed, she prayed, she got her prayer team on it, I got my prayer partners on it, I got the Proverbs team on it. We prayed. I knew that if God wanted me there, He would heal me. He has the power. I don't. You don't. And satan doesn't. Hear me on this...satan doesn't. Because God ALWAYS has the final say. I was miserable, yes, because I couldn't keep anything down, but mostly because I was letting down nearly 200 women who were waiting on God's message that was being delivered thru me.

I said to Dave that, really, there was only one way to make that conference not happen. Take out the speaker. Think about it. It could go on with no food, it could go on with no music. But no speaker? Yep, take out the speaker. I received a text from my friend, Heather, who said these words, "Rest. Don't fight. God is in control." These words settled me as I remembered it was she who once told me, " God is never early, He is always on time." So all I have to go by as I sit here on Saturday night under the blankets still, is that, for whatever reason, the conference was too early. It wasn't supposed to be today. Perhaps we won't know the reason why until we cross from this side to the next and Jesus reveals it then, but I know, that I know, that I know, that God is in control. And with those words, I will rest. And I thank God for the grace that Bev and her team extended to me in postponing the conference till early Fall. Perhaps then, we'll know why it was too early. So for now, there were no cows for me in Iowa, no women to help dress and feel better about their appearance, but God knows why...and in that, finally, I will rest.

Shoes and Bags and Where did I find these??

Hi gals, I've had several questions about where in the world did I find these clothes I'm telling you about. I was sent to a really cool website by my friend MaryBeth that I think one of her Disney friends told her about. It is a place where you can find all sorts of things....kind of a woman's idea of paper dolls! But it gives you the link to all the clothes I've listed. So if you want to go check it out and see all the clothes go to this link. You'll have to search around to find the exact items I posted about but just to give you an idea, the kakhi shorts are from Kohl's, on sale for $18. The white pants are from Alloy and are $14.99, the jean shorts didn't show a price and the printed skirt is on sale for $129.50....it was originally $248. All the tops except for one were from the United Kingdom! Oops! But if you'll read my comment from yesterday you'll know that the purpose of this wardrobe listing the way I'm doing it is not to have you find the exact items but to give you an idea of what a working wardrobe looks like....a working wardrobe is one that "works" for you and not against you. You can find items like these at Target, Walmart and Saks Fifth Avenue, too. It's all about your individual budget. So try not to get caught up on finding the exact items, but use this as a guide to build your own fun wardrobe.

Okay, on to shoes and bags today! Here you go. I have listed a pair of tennis shoes (really cute ones!) from Coach. I normally don't advise women to buy a brand name but when it comes to shoes it's a different story. If you want comfort, you must spend a little more. I have a pair of Coach slip on tennies that I adore. They are honestly the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever owned. They zip me thru airports like none I've ever worn. I got them on sale for about $45 but I will spend full price for them when these wear out. They are awesome. So if you need some comfy flats for walking alot (not for walking walking....does that make sense?) but for running around alot, then I highly advice you try some by Coach.

Enjoy the pics today! I will post the add on accessories next post for this wardrobe. Notice I've posted 2 big bags and 2 smaller shoulder bags. You will need one of each for travel cause if you're walking all over Disney or some other vacation spot, you want something easy to carry over your shoulder and also you don't want it to be very heavy. I posted 2 of each to give you some choices.

Beautiful Blessings, Shari FYI, I'm off to Iowa on Friday morning to speak at a women's conference this weekend so I'll be back on Monday to answer any questions! Not taking my laptop cause my host says I'll have lots to look at cause there is cattle out my bedroom window!

Coordinating Tops and Jacket/Sweater

I'm so excited to be posting pics! Yeehaw! As they say in the south and I'm not even southern! heheh! Today I'm posting 5 tops to be worn with the 5 bottoms from yesterday. You will notice the printed t-shirt does not go with the printed skirt. That's okay to have one that doesn't go. But for the most part, when building a traveling wardrobe, you want to make sure that the majority of your tops can be worn with each of your bottoms! Notice the cream blouse can be worn with every single bottom I have listed...even the white pants. It will be the accessories that will bring it together. The other item shown today is a denim jacket. This can be worn with every combination and looks chic while keeping you warm on a chilly night or in a chilly restaurant. I think all wardrobes should have a denim jacket. Now girls, there's one rule. Never wear denim with denim. That's the reason I show an off white sweater...for when you are wearing your jeans or denim shorts, you'll throw this on, and not the denim jacket for warmth. Feel free to wear the sweater in place of the jacket anytime, too. So here you go....tomorrow I'll post shoe options. Also, I realize that most of the clothes this week are for a gal with a pretty good figure. Next week, I'll post a wardrobe for a fuller size girl....one that hides our fluffy areas!

Hi all, pretend this top isn't here. I am trying to figure out how to post pictures and I'm not sure if they are going to show up as super huge or super small or what! But I didn't mean to put this shirt on here...it's that my eyes saw "skirt" but it really said "shirt"! So you got one of tomorrow's pics...today! My friend MaryBeth got invited to go to Disney World with some other blog moms...how cool! Then I found out my other new friend, Jo-Lynne gets to go, too! So then I got privvy to their talk on what to wear on their trip so I figured I might help them out a little! And, for any of you who are planning your spring wardrobes for a little get-away, this might help you, too! (Don't faint that I have pictures.)

Today I am covering your bottom half. When traveling, you want 4-5 bottoms. As you see, I have skinny jeans, white slacks, jean shorts, kakhi shorts and a cute skirt. You can choose any bottom you wish, just make sure you stick with mostly solids. Prints are okay but only on one item because prints are more memorable and you don't want people thinkiing you're wearing the same things often....does that make sense? So today, think about what bottoms you want. Maybe for you, it's 2 skirts, 2 pair of shorts and a pair of jeans. For someone else, it may be different. Tomorrow I'm going to show you the 5 tops I've chosen to go with these. You will end up with over 25 combinations with these pieces. I'll also show accessories and shoes this week, too, so you can complete your looks. I think as long as you have an idea of the basics to put together, you can shop easily for them...at places that fit your budgets. Also, consider the colors you want and you'll all have very unique wardrobes, but one that mixes and matches and won't cause you stress! Happy planning! love, Shari

Update on Purses!

Okay, Okay, I get it...you all like colorful purses! I love them, too....BUT my post yesterday really had to do with the color of neutral bag you should buy IF you are only buying one of them.

The majority of women carry one purse for everything. And that's how it should be, cause who wants to change out purses all the time? BUT, most women also pick a neutral bag for this one thing. So they pick either brown or black. In most cases.

That's where the rule comes in. I should have clarified it for my more fashion savvy readers...ahem....see comments from yesterday....smile!

For Spring, you are right....big, bold colors are in! So go ahead and get splashy, get bright, get colorful, be bold! But if I see you at the mall or She Speaks conference with a neutral bag that DOES NOT coordinate with your haircolor, I might just tell you so! Have a beautiful day~and don't forget to go fill those Easter baskets....you'd think when your kids get to be 23 years old (triplet stepdaughters) and one who is thirteen (my boy) they'd be too old for baskets???? Nooooooooooo....of course not! They'd still like to hunt for eggs if I hid them....oh wait, I think I do. Oh dear.....maybe it's me that needs to grow up! Ha! Beautiful Blessings my bloggy girlfriends, Shari

What Purse should YOU buy?

I was looking thru some old photos from elementary school the other day and found my second grade class picture...the group one. I was standing on the end on the top row (because I was almost the tallest, next to Mary Ellen Gum....how do I remember her full name?) and there I was....in my warm, autumn colors, dress and matching purse. Yes, I am serious. Matching purse....same fabric as my dress! How many little girls actually take their purse to the group photo? Most are left in their locker or at their desk...not me....So it started early, yes indeed it did.

Anyway, I want to post about what color purse you should be carrying the majority of the time.

The answer is: Match your hair. Get as close to coordinating it as you can to your haircolor. Most of you (because I've seen you at the mall, you just don't know it) are carrying black purses and your hair is not. Now, if you have white hair, get a taupe or camel color...or a metallic that you like. If you are a redhead, your metallic choice should be gold or bronze, not silver....because it's closer to your hair color. If you are a medium brunette, then a medium brown is best....dark brunette, then dark brown or black is fine. If you have salt and pepper, then black is good as it will match the pepper.

Hope that helps....any questions?

Some info on my events/appointments

Hi all, What fun it was in Lexington! It turns out I didn't take pictures but if anyone else at the conference did, I'd love some copies...and Lisa B. can help me post them...after all, since she can't go far on her new Harley she has some time to help me!

Lexington was awesome....I must tell you something funny, though. Remember when I told you when I arrived in New York, they had a driver for me holding the sign with my name on it? Well Lexington has them beat! As we (my assistand Patti and I) exited off the highway to turn into our hotel, the Comfort Suites had "Welcome Shari Braendel" on their big sign!!!!! About that time, my sister Wendi called me on my cell so I had to tell her. She said in the most serious of tones...."Well you better take a picture cause THAT'S never gonna happen again!" We laughed and laughed....and pulled over and took a pic with my cell phone...not too clear, but at least I have it!

On another note, I've had some requests lately regarding how I go about doing the personal shopping appointments. Also, April asked how to find out about The Modest is Hottest Fashion Show event. I'm going to use this post to tell you about both.

First of all, if you are interested in knowing about the Fashion Show event for girls and their moms, please e-mail me at shari-p31@earthlink.net to give me your address and I will mail you a full blown event on DVD....this way you can show it to your women's or youth ministry dept. so they can see if it's something they'd like to do! I am now booking for Fall 2008 and Spring and Fall 2009.

Next, here is the info for personal shopping appointments OR in-home group workshops:

4 hour session: $250 This is individualized to the specific needs of the client. This will include all that is in the description below and/or personal shopping time. This can also include a wardrobe evaluation in her home. Appointment takes place in home or a store of choice. If this appointment is strictly for shopping, we will meet at the store and client stays in dressing room while I bring her things to try. All is done within client's preferred budget.

4 hour session with 4-6 women: $125 each includes color analysis, color swatches, body type analysis, wardrobe ascessment. Each woman brings several outfits to be assessed. Makeup and Accessories are also discussed. This is usually done in someone's home but can also be done in the training center of Dillards/Northlake. If done here, we can also have professional bra fittings for each and a short personal shopping time. I will send you a list ahead of time of what you need to bring.

4 hour session with 2-3 women: $175 each same description as above.

All appointments are discussed ahead of time to determine what is best for the client. I believe once you meet with me, you will know how to do this on your own for the future...money well spent...hey Mother's Day is coming up!

Have a super day! Beautiful blessings to you, Shari


.

A Personal Shopping Appointment!

I had such a good week! I met a woman well over a year ago, it might have even been two years, but she got my color swatches at an in-home workshop I conducted for her 2 daughters- in- law and her (it's a 4 hour appointment with 2-6 women where I ask clients to bring 4-6 outfits and I analyze them, tell them what is best for their body shape, how to accessorize, what colors they should wear, etc.) Anyway, she found my website and e-mail on the swatches and e-mailed me several weeks ago and set up a personal shopping appointment with me. We were scheduled to meet on Tuesday at 10am. I got there early, and so did she. Except we couldn't find each other. Okay, Dillards is really not that big, but when you haven't seen someone for awhile you really don't know who you're looking for. I kept checking my cell phone but no message. And of all days, I left my daytimer at home. The thing is, we forgot to EXCHANGE cell phone numbers with each other...I was just hoping maybe she had mine. She didn't.

I had my assistant with me so I decided to take advantage of the time and do some shopping myself. I finally figured I must have had the wrong day. I am usually very careful with my dates...not usually, ALWAYS careful, but this time, I figured I must have gotten it wrong. Finally, at noon, yes, NOON, I was standing at the accessory counter looking for something to go with one of my new outfits and this beautiful woman comes up to me, leans on the counter and says, "Shari?" I say, "Carolyn?" Oh dear. She had an armful of tops (which I made her return all but one) and had decided I must have left since we hadn't found each other. Have you ever done that? Crazy.

So, I called my husband, asked him to take care of carpool that afternoon and Carolyn and I shopped till 6pm! And oh my goodness....she had driven over 4 hours for our appointment...she lives in Atlanta! Can you imagine her dismay? But, it all turned out well, we even went out for lunch and she stayed an additional night in a hotel.

But on to the good stuff! She got a slammin' wardrobe! Wow! She is already beautiful, (she doesn't think so) but she is....she has the most porcelain skin and we found some really neat stuff! Here's the thing. As you grow older, it is important to take time when shopping. It's also important to buy better quality, which means you may have to spend a little more than you are used to. The reason I had Carolyn return the 6 or 7 tops she picked out is because they looked inexpensive. She is retired, a grandma, a wife, a mother and on her way to Disney World! She's gotta look good....no, she's gotta look GREAT! And sometimes when you let someone else tell you what to wear, it's a good day! I put things on her she would never have chosen for herself. But then, we usually just buy quick and cheap, don't we? Here's what I want to say to you today: You are worth full price. What I mean by that is this, when shopping and you find a bargain....meaning it's on sale and you think it might work for you, ask yourself this question..."If I could afford anything I wanted, would I pay full price for this if I could?" If your answer is YES, then buy it. But, honestly, for the most part, you'd probably say "no". We tend to buy things just cause their on sale. Don't do it. That's how you end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. Plan your wardrobe purchases. Just like you might plan anything else you do....like a menu.

I am off to speak in Lexington, NC. Can't wait to meet a beautiful group of new women. And would SOMEONE please drive here on Monday and show me how to post pictures? Lisa B.....can't you get on that Harley of yours? It's really not THAT far. Smiles! And Beautiful Blessings to you all, Shari

Planning Your Spring Wardrobe

March is here and time to think about Spring clothes. I know, I know, whoever plans like that, but honestly, I do. You may call it what you want, but the reason I do so is to save money. I am not an impulse buyer, in fact, I am the opposite. I like really good quality....okay, VERY good quality, but I don't want to spend alot. So that takes planning.

The first thing you do is decide what colors to build your wardrobe around. I am a bit tired of brown as it is my "black" and sometimes I overload on it. So I decided that my neutral this spring would be gray. When planning, choose one neutral color and two pop/accent colors. So I pull out my swatches (yes, I really do that) and lay them on the stool in front of my husband (who helps me plan and shop) and discover there is no gray in my Warm swatches. Isn't that funny? Funny because I teach on color every single week and really, I should know my colors. But because I typically build around brown so I never gave it a thought as to whether or not I could wear gray! And I can't. So I won't. Never a rule breaker when it comes to color...as it will either make or break YOU.

So, back to brown as my neutral. If I can find a few basic pieces in deep taupe I will do that but I don't have high hopes for it. Now for the 2 pop/accent colors. These are the colors that will bring life to your wardrobe. You can get these colors in pretty blouses, accessories, shoes and even a beautiful dress or jacket. I decide on an orange/peach color (if you are warm, it is the #2 and #3 color on the Orange/Red strip on the swatches) and also I am choosing a green...probably the last swatch on the Green strip. I will look for big and bold accessories to coordinate (since I am a Rock Star!) and 2 pair of awesome shoes. I will add a great spring bag to the mix.

I am going to shop for 8 new pieces. I will be looking for clothes that I can wear when I am speaking and traveling. I will add my basic pieces from last spring to make it complete. You probably don't need 8 new pieces, but if you are new at "building" a wardrobe, then you might. You have to take a serious look at your lifestyle. What do you need clothes for this spring? Do you have a wedding coming up? A class reunion? Where do you spend most of your time? At home? At a job? At your kids' school? Then make sure the clothes you buy will fit your lifestyle where you spend at least 70% of your time. Don't spend big dollars on something for a wedding. Go to a consignment store and dig around there. Or borrow something from a friend who has good taste and is your size. Most women run out and spend way too much for a one time event than is necessary. You should have a good basic dress in your wardrobe ready for occasions like this. So here's what I'm going to do...I hope this helps you, that's why I'm blogging it.

3 neutral pieces in brown or deep taupe. These will most likely be a pair of slacks, a jacket and a pair of walking shorts or cropped pants.

3 pieces in the pretty green....most likely a beautiful blouse, jacket and some sort of bottom, maybe a skirt or wide leg pants.

3 pieces in orange/peach...2 pretty blouses or sweaters (pullover) and dress in a print. I'd love to find a peach pair of good fitting jeans.

2 other pieces...probably in leopard print with brown back ground that can be worn with all the pieces. This will probably be in a blouse and a jacket.

I will add large gold hoops and tortoise shell type jewelry to this wardrobe. I will get a big, fun gold metallic or straw bag for my purse. I will search for the right shoes (I wear size 11 shoe so I know I will have to spend full price on these and they must be comfortable as I am on my feet for hours at a time.) I will buy a flat and a heel. I will most likely look for a wedge and peep toe shoe for the heel.

This may seem like hard work to you to plan in advance. But honestly, I don't buy all these things at once...I keep my eye out. I have wonderful pieces from last spring that I can add in...a pair of Ralph Lauren off-white linen wide leg pants, a brown crinkle wide leg pant, brown, beige and off white camisoles. I also recently purchased a pair of skinny jeans from Calvin Klein that I love and practically wear every day. Find a pair of cute tennis shoe that look like ballet flats (I recently got a pair from Coach brand on sale for $42....originally $100 AND my size!) Love them....and they get me thru airports in the most comfy way! But they look super with my skinny jeans.

You may need to add a few more shorts and cute tops to your wardrobe than I do, but whatever it is.....don't be impulsive about it. Make a list and stick to it. Pull out your swatches (if you don't have them I'll run the special again for the next week! $20) and decide what colors make you happy! Then start looking for those sales. Visit the upper end consignment shops and start dressing on purpose! Beautiful blessings to YOU, Shari

Weigh In Day

Tuesday is weigh in day at my house. Oh what a day...sometimes I look forward to it and sometimes not. My husband has been put on a strict diet from his doctor...he MUST lose 50 lbs. And soon. His liver is a mess and he's way bigger than is healthy. I think he's cute that way but I'd rather have him alive and a bit thinner so he's gotta cut out some stuff. Well, a LOT of stuff. So we began last week with a series of Stir Fry. Okay, I'm a meat and potatoes kind of girl, raised in Ohio by meat and potatoe parents. My dad raised us by telling us that Coke and Chocolate Bars are food staples AND that carrot cake is a vegetable. You are laughing....he is not kidding! And he is the healthiest human being I know. Oh, and did I tell you he's almost 76....oh yes, indeed! And still golfs at least once a week....and is an inventor. Just had to throw that in cause that's really cool, isn't it?

Anyway, my poor husband has to live with me and my son who in reality, got my dad's genes. I pretty much stay the same weight and just have to watch it a little bit. Now, hear me on this, I am 5'11" and am very happy at size 14. I could work to get to a 12 (maybe eat a few less girl scout cookies this week) but honestly, with my height, I don't feel real good when I weigh much less. Luke is my 13 year old who not only got PawPaw's genes but also his eyebrows...much to his dismay! That's a story for another day...(my dad's are pure white and about 3 inches tall!) I wonder if my dad ever reads this???? Hmmmm. Anyway, poor Luke and I have been subjected to Dave's stir fry all week....broccoli, onions, mushrooms and more broccoli. I have been making jello and rice krispy treats for a low fat dessert alternative. (Because if we get one more delivery of girl scout cookies I think my hubby is gonna start throwing them....why did we order so many??)

So we just knew that today was gonna be a good weigh in day cause Dave worked really hard all week to eat right. On the scale I went first....oops, put on one pound. Too many lemon cookies from those darn girl scouts. Then Dave. Happy Dave cause he had stir fry, remember? And he walked around the mall with me so long his feet hurt so he got his exercise in. Weigh In begins. He lost .5....yes that was POINT 5 pounds. Try this again. He goes UP one pound. Try a third time...he goes down...finally....1.5 pounds. Finally, a fourth time....down 1.5 pounds. He decides to go with that one....(since it did register that way twice by golly).

So, it's off to begin another week of ....Please, God, NOT stir fry, but of trying to eat less, move more. Our one thing different to do this week....drink 6 glasses of water per day. Maybe that'll help. And hiding the Girl Scout cookies. Hey, what does this all have to do with fashion you might ask? It would be nice to fit into our spring clothes, don't ya think? So I'm off to drink some water...won't you join me? Beautiful Blessings, Shari