Happy Birthday, Mom

Hi Friends-
So, today is my moms ??th birthday (I got your back, Mom) and I figured a tribute to Sue is a good high note to tie up 2015.

Susan Inman Russell was born to be a mom (and grandma!). A loving, caring, beautiful, smart, crazy, know-it-all mom. I say all that with 100% love because as much as we try to avoid it, most girls become versions of their mother. I don't know why we fight it so much - moms are great. Yes there are things that make us go "UGGGGHH" about our mothers but what other person in the entire world will ever love you like your mother loves you? In some cases, no one, but I'm one of the lucky ones. My mom and I are very much alike which is the root of most of our arguments. It would be much easier if she would just realize I'm always right, but that's neither here nor there. She is also the basis of most of my comedic material. It's pure gold, so thank you for that, mom :-)

I'm 35 but I will always need my mom. When I'm sick, whether it's mild or crawling-to-the-bathroom sick, I call my mom. When I don't understand the complicated insurance jargon on my company forms, I call my mom. When I need to know if I should test the expiration date of meat, I call my mom. When I need unused antibiotics, I call my mom. I mean my mom watches my dog every day while I'm at work, which I fear will probably come to an end when the grandbaby gets here but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

One of my favorite 'mom' memories is us cruising in her Oldsmobile with me sitting on the arm rest in the front seat (not super legal but I did buckle myself in) singing the classic Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers hit 'Islands in the Stream.' It's our song not because of the meaning but because of our 'tradition' every time it came on in the car. To this day, every time I hear that song, I immediately think of my mom with her fab 80s hair beboppin' with me, the little girl who looked pretty much like a boy until I hit first grade. It will always be one of my favorite songs and will hold a very special place in my heart.  

Sue will always be my mom and I will always be her first born and nothing can change that. Last week we were talking about how I HATE talking on the phone and she pointed out that there will come a time when I will want to pick up the phone to call her and she won't be around. As morbid/depressing as that sounds it's a reality and I don't ever want that day to come. So, as one of your gifts I promise to call you more and not get exasperated when you ask me more than one question (haha).

Mom, I love you with all my heart and hope you have a wonderful year. I also hope this made you cry because you realized you raised such a wonderful daughter - hahaha!

Love,
Kimberly

Bridesmaid Dresses: Trust me, I'm a professional

You guys! I've been a bridesmaid twice this year and 7 times total so that makes me 20 short from being Katherine Heigl in the movie 27 Dresses but still enough to be considered a professional. I just wanted to share a secret (well, not really secret) online Bridal shop that has really cute, affordable, and comfortable bridesmaid dresses. Let me introduce you to Azazie.com. This online bridal shop offers wedding and bridesmaid dresses plus some accessories. You can order by size or send in your measurements for a custom-fit dress (note: custom fit dresses are not returnable). Here's my Azazie story:

When my cousin, Jenny B, now Jenny D, told us we would be ordering our dresses online I had questions and clearly needed more information. Was it going to be quality fabric? Will they have good customer service should I have 35 questions about fit? Is the color pretty? Can we exchange them if they look horrendous? Much to my surprise and glee, the answers to all my questions were a resounding 'YES!'

Fabric: Jenny D chose chiffon so it flowed like butta' and hid any and all sins. The dresses weren't fitted so we had plenty of room to shake our groove thang. And if that isn't enough room for you, you could do as one of the bridesmaids, Kayti, did and just cut the dern thing at the reception! Side note: Jenny D approved of this before the chopping commenced. #ihatelemonchiffon

Customer Service: Luckily, I only had one question regarding the sizing and the gals at Azazie were ON IT. I got a response the next day that was so polite, professional, and helpful. They really do want you to be happy and look great in their dresses. #rightontopofthatrose (hint: that is from a Christina Applegate movie that I LOVE)

Fit: As with every single bridesmaid dress in the history of bridesmaid dresses the dress I chose needed a few alterations but nothing crazytown. I just needed to hem the bottom and take in the top a bit. Nothing outrageously difficult and nothing that I wouldn't have done to any other dress. Some of the gals didn't have to do a thing (lucky bitches! and I say that with love) Unless you are mega tall you will ALWAYS have to hem a bridesmaid dress and I ain't gonna be mad if I have to TAKE IN a dress, for Pete's sake! That's what you want so I was happy to make these alterations. #doesthisbouquetmakemelookfat

Color: Since Jenny D's color inspiration was 'Citrus Explosion' (okay, so I added the explosion part but it was really bright and happy so it totes fits) she chose a watermelon chiffon. The color was deliciously gorgeous on all the girls. Also, it made you look tan even if you really look like Powder (does anyone remember that movie?!?). Any way, weddings are such a magical and happy time and this was the perfect color for the amount of happiness at this wedding. #icarriedawatermelon? (hint: that is from one of Jenny D's fave movies even if she fell asleep during the opening credits)

Exchange Policy: So, ordering anything online can raise anxiety levels and the fact that it's a bridesmaid dress can make it even more stressful because everyone will be looking at you walking down the aisle! Oh wait, that's the bride. Regardless, if you are a bridesmaid that means you are special to the bride and in return you want to look your best which means you want your dress to look fabs, or as close to it as possible. Here's the beauty of Azazie: if you don't like the dress you order you have two weeks to return it. Two weeks might not sound like a lot of time but who doesn't rip open a package the day it arrives to check out the loot? No one - that's what I thought! So, the first dress I ordered was cute but the cut of the top wasn't working for my lady pillows and I would have had to purchase yet another torture device that masks as a bra and I wasn't in the mood for all that jazz. So, I sent it back, ordered a new dress, it came in, I loved it, had it altered, rocked it, end of story. #exchangeittillyoumakeit

I would highly recommend Azazie and no I'm not being paid to write this blog (although that would be a dream come true). Azazie is also a great option because the bride can pick the color and fabric and then the maids can chose from over 100 different styles. There is literally something for everyone. So, before I go, here are a few photos of the dresses so you can admire the color, fit, and quality. P.S. my dress was only $129! Enjoy!

With the BEAUTIFUL Bride, Jenny D and Aunt Judy

 

Fabulously stunning line up I'd say!

Pretty sure I was laughing at my sister here

 

close up of the neckline (which I loved) and a little sass for ya'. muah!

 

Love and shoes,

Kimberly

Jack & Monroe - you should shop here!

So, I'm not a huge online shopper because I wasn't blessed with a supermodel's body and it takes a few strikeouts in an actual dressing room to find that perfect acceptable fit. However, when I find a fashion gem, I share it with whomever  (or is it whoever? whatever) is listening whether they care or not. Ya' never know when something might stick, right? Plus, I have plenty of girlfriends who are on the same fashion plight as me - wanting to dress your age with a 'hip and cool' twist AND for a good price point. Don't get me wrong, I still walk by Forever 34 (I know, it's Forever 21) and sometimes think to myself "look at that cute top. I think I can still pull that off" but then quickly come upon the Ann Taylor LOFT window and realize "oh yeah, I'm 34. Know your place, Kim!" Needless to say, I do my research and report my findings, which leads me to my newest online store that I love: 

Jack & Monroe

(click and shop)

This trendy, affordable shop is owned by my good friend, Mackenzie Hensley, who I've known since my days at CMAI - my first real-life job out of college. 'Jack' is the middle name of her cute bambino, Tatum, and 'Monroe' is the middle name of her sweet princess, Addison. I love family and love the fact that she used her children as inspiration. Now, you might be saying "oh, you're just making this post because it's your friend." Well, you are wrong. Dead wrong, Madame! I am posting because I wholeheartedly believe in my friend, her customer service is top notch, and I own many pieces from her shop that I L-O-V-E. Like I said before, I don't have a supermodel body where I can throw anything on and walk out the door, however, the items I've purchased from Jack & Monroe have been great go-to pieces and wonderful additions to my wardrobe. Plus, and this is a biggie, Mackenzie is like the Nordstrom of online customer service. An added bonus: it's FREE standard shipping. That means you can spend MORE money guilt free! Can we say "accessories!"

Here are my reviews of a few items that I own so you can really see, like real-life proof, how these online pieces translate to a 'normal' bod:

The Cute 'N' Sassy Kimono (note: this is not the official product name; I just like to go rogue)
I NEVER thought a kimono would be a good fit for me. I assumed they would look like a sack. However, when I wore this hot little number to work one day, I received 4 compliments! I'm showing it with just a simple tank, jeans, and mixing patterns with my animal print wedge (rawwr!) I can also see this kimono with a slimmer sundress, maxi, or fitted crops. Also, if you are blessed with a body that can strut in a jumpsuit, A) I'm jealous and B) I think this would be a great layering piece. Also-also, you can belt it to give it more shape.
(My sweet Gracie enjoyed this selfie photo shoot so I had to include her!)

 

 

Hi Gracie!

Swirl-it-Up Maxi (credit for 'swirl it up' is given to my cousin, John Berno)
I recently threw this easy-like-a-Sunday-morning maxi on and loved every maxi-minute. It's an effortless piece for a casual look yet the print gives it a dressy feel that's perfect for a night out. The material is light enough for the brutal Houston heat but substantial enough so you don't give the whole world a show like those see-through Lulu pants (bummer, Lulu). Add a chunky necklace or long strands, some sandals or wedges, and maybe even a floppy hat and you, girlfriend, are ready for the summer. Go Swirl It Up!

 

The Naughty Southern Belle Baseball Tee
If you know me, you KNOW I don't play sports but guess what: you don't have to in order to wear this cute little baseball top. I love a slogan tee, especially when it's about my Southern roots and this shirt is a home run (see what I did there?). It's kitschy, cute, and anyone with Good Ol' Southern pride will want to rip this top right off you. Bless their hearts. I haven't taken this lady off the bench for a test run yet but I bet it's a big hit at the bars. I can just hear the pickup lines now...I do declare!

 

 

Top it with some Sugar (sugar = accessories. see maiden blog post for explanation)
I live for accessories. I firmly believe the right accessories can take an outfit from drab to fab. Many people don't see the value in spending money on the 'sugar' but I can't tell you how many times someone has complimented an accessory that I was sporting. To me, an outfit without an accessory is like cake without the icing. GET OUT with that blasphemy! So do yourself a favor and go for sugar. Behold some adorable blue and gold earrings and a 'lacie' headband, which are all the rage right now.

 

 

As you can see from my personal photos and anecdotes, I'm not trying to blow smoke up your maxi - I truly want to spread the word about good finds and Jack & Monroe has my stamp of approval. I realize my stamp of approval probably means nothing to most people but for what it's worth, it's stamped and it's approved! I support good things, good people, and good causes and Mackenzie is all of these wrapped up in a hardworking, creative, loving wife, mother, and business woman. She's pretty much a super hero and has your back when it comes to fresh fashion. So give it a Google and check out Jack & Monroe. I hope you find a little sugar on your shopping adventures!

love and shoes,
Kimberly