Happy Anniversay Sale

UGG Boots @ Nordstrom

Style Shout Out to Nordstrom...Happy Anniversary Sale!

There are a lot of reasons why I love summer.  My number one reason is, of course, that my daughter doesn't have school so we have a lot more time to spend together.  Two, we always plan a fun vacation to Los Angeles to visit family.  Three, my hubby and I both celebrate birthdays this time of year.  Four, there's lots of time to spend playing music. And, five, on a style note...there is the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.

We headed to our local Nordstrom last Saturday, and for those of you who know me, you know that I am not a big weekend shopper.  I much prefer shopping when the stores are less crowded.  But there was a pair of jeans and some UGG boots that my daughter had her eye on that sold out so quickly on-line and with one pair of each left in her size we made our way to the Galleria.

Despite the crowd in the store it was, as it always is at Nordstrom, a positive experience. Their customer service is really amazing and for me that is my number reason for being loyal to a store or a brand.  Sarah helped us and my daughter found some amazing jeans and tops and of course that last pair of UGGs.

Paige @ Nordstrom

I also managed to pick up a great pair of Paige Skyline Skinny jeans in their Steely wash.  Now I have to admit that while I love denim I've never purchased a pair of gray jeans.  But all I can say is WOW!  This color is so flattering and versatile and I can't wait to wear them in the Fall with an LNA top and Splendid cardigan and Stuart Weitzman boots.  They also look fabulous with Sam Edelman ballet flats and of course for a cooler Summer evening, which we don't get here in Texas, they look great with Sam's Gigi sandal.

If you haven't been there yet, get there before August 6th to take advantage of some amazing deals.

Happy shopping...Happy Anniversary Sale!

Fireworks & Family Fun

Style Shout Out to fireworks and family fun...

The 4th is a day to celebrate our country's freedom.  We spent a great day with family and, although my nine year old and her cousins would rather have had pasta and meatballs for dinner, even they enjoyed our barbecue today!  I think the enjoyment had more to with the fact that they spent a good part of the day swimming, playing games and playing guitars.  But for me as long as there's a smile on my daughter's face then there's a smile on mine too.

Tonight as I watched her face and reaction to the brilliant fireworks that lit up the night sky, I realized that we are so fortunate to live in a country where we have so many opportunities and the freedom of choice.

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th and thank you to all of you who serve our country every day so that we all may enjoy the freedom that is America!

A Paige Out Of My Summer Book

Paige @ Nordstrom.com

Style Shout Out to Paige Denim and their Jimmy Jimmy skinny boyfriend jeans...

Sitting here this morning with coffee cup in hand I cannot believe it's already July! My nine year old has been having so much fun with music this summer that it is proving the truth in the saying, "Time flies when you're having fun!"

It's no secret that Texas summers can be scorchers but when Claire is playing a show, even though the temperature outside may be 100 degrees, the temperature inside the venue is usually "too cold!" Trying to find an outfit that can take me from the outdoors to the indoors in comfort and style isn't always easy and that's why when I came across these Paige Jimmy Jimmy boyfriend jeans I was so happy.  The fit is a slim boyfriend cut and the fabric is a lighter weight which makes them great for all year round and especially great for summer.

I picked up a pair of these jeans from Nordstrom in the Carrine wash and have another pair in the Santa Cruz wash and they are both fabulous. I've worn them with Sam Edelman Gigi sandals, Stuart Weitzman Alex wedges, LK Bennett pumps, and Chloe ballet flats.  These jeans are extremely versatile which is another reason why I love them.  Dress them up with a cute blouse or sweater or go more casual with a fantastic tee from LNA Clothing.  Either way you can't go wrong.

Nordstrom has a great selection of Paige jeans and right now the Jimmy Jimmy in the Carrine wash are on sale!  Happy Shopping!

Confidence & A Full House Of Blues

@ House Of Blues

Style Shout Out to music and confidence...

It's been another busy week and as I sat down this morning with a cup of coffee while the house was still quiet I realized that I hadn't written anything all week.  And believe me there's been some fun finds to write about including a great find on some Chan Luu bracelets at Gilt and some adorable Sperry's that I picked up for my daughter at Nordstrom.

But the highlight of my week had nothing to do with shopping and was all about watching my daughter sing at the House Of Blues on Wednesday night. You see she's played there a few times, and in fact is playing there again today, but Wednesday was different.  The Cult was playing the main stage that night which meant a packed house.  When we walked through the doors into the Voodoo Lounge where she was playing she took one look around and said, "Wow this is really crowded!"  I'm sure it must have been a bit overwhelming for her especially since she's only nine years old.  I think it would be overwhelming for most musicians who are just starting out and even some more experienced performers.

I looked at her and asked her if she still wanted to perform and she said, "Yes, of course!"

So off we went to the "green room" to wait.  It's the first time we've been to the House Of Blues where we couldn't get a table and it was literally standing room only.  I heard someone say that there were about 350 to 400 people in the place.  As I looked at Claire playing a game on her iPhone and I scanned the "green room" I realized she was the youngest performer, by far, in the room. The other musicians were very nice and a few of them assumed that I was the one playing, which made my husband and daughter smile.  I haven't played since the 90's and that's a story for another day!

To say that the other performers were a little shocked when I said that Claire was the one playing is an understatement.  But they all wished her good luck.  That's the thing about music that I love...that it's a community where most musicians support each other. Musicians know how difficult it is to take the stage and perform especially when you are playing songs that you've written.

@ House Of Blues

As I watched Claire take the stage with my husband who was accompanying her on guitar I realized how much music has played a role in building her confidence.  I realized that every time she steps onto a stage, big or small, it is another building block in an already solid foundation.

She had so much fun the other night.  When the words, "Hi I'm Claire, I'm nine years old..." came through the PA system the room became a little quieter and when she sang "Brighter Than The Sun" by Colbie Caillat people were up and out of the chairs and dancing.  The smile on her face said it all as she continued her set which included "Relator" by Pete Yorn "Let The Rain" by Sara Bareilles, and her own songs.

I don't know if Claire will want to make music a career one day and that's for her to decide as she grows up.  But I am thankful for the experiences she is having and the fun she is having right now!  As a Mom there's no greater feeling than when your child is doing something they love to do and they are smiling and happy.

Simply Gigi

Ashley Tisdale in Gigi Sandals
via Singer22

Style Shout Out to Sam Edelman and Gigi...

I am one of those shoppers that is very brand loyal and very savvy about where I spend my shopping dollars!  And I am very big on companies that are big on customer service.

When it comes to denim I love J Brand, Paige and Current/Elliott for their quality, style and comfort.

For handbags I think that Louis Vuitton and Gucci are investment pieces that will last more than a decade.  I know this for a fact as I have bags in my closet today that date back to 1996.

For shoes I love all things Stuart Weitzman because of the style, quality, comfort and price point of his shoes.  I'm wearing my Alex wedges again today as they are a staple in my Spring and Summer wardrobe. TKEES flip flops are so versatile because they take me from a day at the beach to a dinner with my family! My Sledge pumps from LK Bennett in taupe are amazingly versatile and yes, these are the same shoes worn by a very well-known Duchess.

Other staples in my closet are my Sam Edelman Gigi sandals.  I just picked up another pair from Nordstrom in Almond which goes with everything.  This is simply a classic shoe that is both cute and comfy and perfect for these very hot Texas Summer days!  Gigi is a flat sandal that can be easily dressed up or down.  I've worn mine with everything from summer dresses and my Current/Elliott snap jacket to my white Paige jeans and LNA tees!

So if you're looking for a cute sandal order some Gigi sandals from Nordstrom or Singer22 today.  I wouldn't wait too long because last year the Saddle sold out quickly and I had to wait quite a while to get them!

Oh and if you have a liitle shoe lover at home, Sam Edelman now makes the iconic Gigi for girls!

TOMS...Sunnies For Sight!

TOMS @ Nordstrom.com

Style Shout Out to TOMS...one for one!

I can't believe it's been a year since I wrote about TOMS launching their line of sunglasses.  With Summer temperatures heating up, now is the perfect time to pick up a new pair of sunnies and TOMS has some great styles at some great prices.

The thing I really like about TOMS is their philosophy of giving back.  It is both inspiring and so admirable.  The vision started with a simple shoe and is now continuing with some simple shades and some fun new shoe styles. Every time their sunnies are sold TOMS will ensure that someone will receive the gift of sight through medical treatment, prescription eyewear or sight-saving surgery!

So head to Nordstrom today and you can feel good about your purchase knowing that while protecting your eyes, you're giving someone else the opportunity to see the world more clearly.

Hello Summer

Style Shout Out to Summer...

I seriously cannot believe how quickly this school year has flown by which means my nine year old is that much closer to becoming a fourth grader.  It's been a busy third grade year for her with family, friends, school, activities and music.  I am still a bit amazed by some of the incredible opportunities she has had, like playing at the House Of Blues, at such a young age.

As a Mom the hope is that your child will be healthy, confident and happy.  I am so proud of my daughter for having the confidence in herself to say yes to the opportunities that have come her way.  And, I am so proud that she not only has the confidence to use her voice to sing, but that she also uses it to stand up for herself and others and now understands the true power of having a voice!

This has been a year of ups and downs like any other.  Navigating the choppy waters of elementary school is a lot different from when I was in third grade.  But I am fortunate that my daughter has the confidence to stand up for what she believes is right even when it's the unpopular thing to do and that she has become a very good communicator.  Positivity always makes for a better day.

So for all of you that are not sure if one little voice can make a difference...I am here to tell you that it definitely can.  Because one voice has the ability to inspire other voices and that is how change happens.

Dr. Michele Borba has some very valuable information on her web site and some great books about helping your children become self-confident and self-assured kids.  Summer is a great time to catch up on reading and of course the best thing about Summer is that you get to spend time with your children.

Happy Summer!

House Of Blues - Girls Rule

Style Shout Out to the House Of Blues for giving girls the opportunity to rock!

As I sat down this morning to write this blog I realized that it's been a week since I wrote anything.  Now it's not that I didn't have any ideas for stories. In fact it's been a pretty good week and I found some pretty good deals on LNA tees and J Brand Jeans from Gilt Groupe, and Oliver Peoples sunglasses at Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio.  And yes I did use the words good deal and Oliver Peoples in the same sentence.  It's rare to find a pair of their fabulous sunnies on sale!

The reason for my lapse in writing has more to do with the fact that my 9 year old was busy getting ready for her first one hour set at the House Of Blues.  So more of my time was spent promoting the show (with a little help from Ron Corning on WFAA's Daybreak - thank you so much!) than writing...which is fine by me...as a Mom there is no greater feeling than when you see your child find something that they love to do, and then are given the opportunity to do it.  So for me, watching my daughter take the stage Sunday with a big smile on her face, a twinkle in her eye and her Taylor Guitar in hand made Sunday a simply amazing day.

Claire w/ her Taylor Guitar

There were two girls scheduled to sing at the House Of Blues for their Girls Rule show.  Claire opened and Mikayla closed the show.  From my own experience, I fully understand the challenges of performing for an hour. Commanding the attention of the audience for that long requires some excellent music and some entertaining stories in between the songs. Both girls were outstanding, playing to a packed house with confidence.

So, thank you Tim and your amazing House Of Blues Dallas crew for giving these young musicians the opportunity to do what they love to do and an opportunity to play in front of such a large audience.  You rock and so do the girls!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Summer is a great time to introduce your children or yourself to music so sign up for some lessons today.  I personally think that music is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your kids.

Taylor Guitars...Like Mother, Like Daughter

Taylor Guitars From Guitar Center

Style Shout Out to Taylor Guitars for making a mini guitar with all of the quality that you find in their standard size guitars.

I hope that all of you Mom's had a wonderful Mother's Day.  For me it was a great day because I celebrated at brunch with my family and afterwards my husband, daughter and I stopped at Guitar Center to pick up a graduation present for a friend.

We barely made it through the doors of the store and my daughter was headed to the acoustic guitar room.   I have to admit that I didn't mind because this is my favorite area of any Guitar Center.  I got my first acoustic guitar when I was ten and even though I have a beautiful Fender Telecaster, I reach for my Taylor everyday!

It wasn't like we were there to buy a new acoustic that day, and my daughter didn't ask us to buy her a new guitar, but as we were looking around she stopped in her tracks and there it was...a Taylor GS Mini.  "It looks kind of like yours, Mom!" The Guitar Center sales associate asked if she'd like to play it and from the first strum of the strings and the look on her face as she happily played Cobie Caillat's "Brighter Than The Sun"... I knew we may have come into Guitar Center for one present, but we would be leaving Guitar Center with two.

My daughter did say that it was Mother's Day and so she shouldn't be the one getting a present.  But this was a wonderful teachable moment as I explained to my nine year old that as a Mom, the joy really is in the giving of a gift, and as much as I loved my Mother's Day gifts, the best gift was the smile on her face when we told her we were buying her that Taylor.

That GS Mini has been played so much this week!  I am amazed that Taylor has found a way to make a smaller size guitar with all of the quality and tone of their standard guitars.  It was funny because my daughter looked at me and said, "I'm not surprised about the quality...it's a Taylor!"

She'll be playing that Taylor at the House Of Blues this week and I'll be watching and smiling.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Summer is rapidly approaching and this is a great time to give your children the gift of music.  My nine year old started piano lessons two Summers ago and I have to say that I am still a little bit amazed that two summers later she's playing at the House Of Blues.  Get your kids into a music program and you may be amazed too.

Happy Mother's Day

C's Daisy Rock

Style Shout Out to Moms every where!

Let me just say...I absolutely love Mother's Day because I absolutely love being a Mom.  I learned about the kind of Mom I wanted to be from watching my Mom...who was always there for us with a hug and a smile!

I've had a lot of great jobs but there is none more rewarding for me than being a parent.  And I actually don't even refer to parenting as a job because it is truly the most fun I've ever had.

Watching my daughter as she navigates the sometimes choppy waters of childhood I am in awe of her confidence, grace and her awareness of the world around her!  Recently I wrote about her desire to use music as a way to raise money for the American Red Cross.  And, yes I was extremely proud...but as a Mom I am proud of her everyday and yesterday when she picked up her Daisy Rock and played me a song that she wrote for me for Mother's Day she said, "Mom, I'm so lucky!"  I gave her a hug and replied, "And, I am even luckier!" Because, I am...I'm her Mom!

So today I hope you all enjoy Mother's Day!