Your hair makes me 'Blue'

No ma'am.

Not only do we have to endure her media tour in which she has done nothing but talk about rehab (b/c she didn't know how to deal with life. her words. i swear), how she feels bad about being a cheater/homewrecker, and how sexy her husband is, now we have to endure hair experiments gone wrong. She'd be better off wearing her crimped hair in a scunci.

Love and shoes,
Kim

2012: Tying Up Loose Ends

I think at the end of every year, a lot of people, if not all, take a moment to look back and take stock of what happened, what they learned, what they want to change, and hopefully, their blessings. I am one of those people. This was my 2012.

Family. Though they're already 1, I watched my baby cousins, Maddy and Logan, continue to grow, learn, and get more adorable by the day, possibly minute. We haven't had a baby in the family for about 18 years and the addition of these two awesome blessings have almost rejuvenated our family. It's not like we were in shambles, but as everyone gets older, we move further down our paths and life gets busy but somehow, Maddy and Logan have been magnets, pulling everyone back together again. I believe it's reminded us how awesome our family is and how much support is available at all times. Sure, we're crazy but whose family isn't? What it comes down to is that there is love and a whole new crop is on the horizon and it's pretty amazing to watch. (Side Note: While babies are the cutest things ever, childbirth and childrearing are still two of THE most terrifying things. Ever.)

Friends. Relationships take effort. Friendships take effort. You have to make the effort. Period. Oh, and I'm not talking about writing on people's Facebook walls or 'liking' their photos. I'm talking about a real, bonafide effort to show up and to nurture that relationship. I know I can say with each year that passes, I'm more and more thankful for my friends. I've been amazed at the support and love that has been shared over the past year and I was a part of it. I was lucky enough to be in their lives and they in mine. Friends are the family you can choose, so why not take advantage? I hope all my friends know how much I love each and every one of them, because I do.

Career. Let's be honest, we all have dreams of being something other than what we are currently doing, and in time, those dreams might come true or they may morph into something else. I will fully admit I have big dreams that don't involve being a marketing coordinator, but I also know I am very lucky to be where I am and fortunate that I work in a healthy environment. Maybe 2013 will bring new paths. Who knows? I do know that my dreams won't stop and goals will continue to be set and (hopefully!) met.    

Love. Well, I haven't found 'the one' just yet and quite frankly, it's frustrating at times. Not for the reasons you might think. Not because I want to plan a wedding, pick out china, wear a pretty white dress, or have a baby. No, those are not the reasons at all. Frustrating because it's fun to share your life with someone who wants to share theirs with you and to me, that doesn't seem like a tall order. Also frustrating because I see bozos all the time that find each other and it's a travesty. I mean like Grade A bozos who treat each other poorly. Ugh, so sad. And for me, as I've gotten older and more mature, what I really want and what's really important is becoming clear and simple. I'm not looking for a husband. I'm looking for a partner in crime, a teammate, a best friend. A person who gets me, can make me laugh, and has a good heart...oh, and if I'm putting a wish list together: cute, good kisser, and loves dogs. Not too much to ask and if he becomes my husband some day, that's a bonus. There have been some good ones, but still looking for that special someone going into this new year. Here's to lucky number 13!

Fun. There has been NO lack of this in 2012. This is yet another reason why it's good to have good people around, they make life SO much fun! If I had a better memory I'd start listing all the hilarities, but I can barely remember what I did yesterday, and I'm not even lying. Now what was I talking about? Oh yes, fun! I've seen some great concerts, been on some fantastic trips, laughed my ass off on the regular, and have made some great memories (Thanks to social media and camera phones, I don't have to remember them all). I can't wait for next year. What's so great about fun is that it's free and it's around us all the time. You just have to be fun enough to spot it.

2012

You were good, you were fun

I've collected my memories and am still on the run

Another year older and another year wiser

No rest for the weary, no time to be tired.

You brought the laughs, you brought the tears

We've all had our share over the years

I look forward to more and wish for good cheer

To my friends and my family, I love you another year.

Love and shoes,

Kimberly

From Songbird to Jailbird

Fiona Apple was arrested in the Texas border town of Sierra Blanca on Wednesday night for possession of marijuana. You know what else they should have arrested her for?

THAT SHIRT!

While the ill-fitting, straight jacket-esque, horizontal black and white stripe shirt is appropriate for a prison visit, it's not okay in real life. I guess it's all gone downhill since her Lilith Fair days in the 90s. 

Hey Fiona, wake up, drink a milkshake, and get a mirror.

Love and shoes,
Kim

*Public Service Announcement*

I'm sure most of you have seen these heinous things, but I have to share my disdain for such a travesty in fear some women out there might not know what to do when faced with such fashion vomit. First line of defense: run. run away quickly. Second line: scream and beat them senselessly.

Not only are these horrendously unflattering on everyone (toddlers excluded) they don't even have their own department. I found these in the accessories section of Dillard's with the belts and scarves. Pants are not an accessory but even the department stores don't know what to do with these dreadful things.

Ladies, if you know what's good for you and the good of the public, please, please, PUH-LEASE stay away from these leggings of evilness. There are so many other options for colorful bottoms. We don't need to be traipsing around looking like clowns stuffed in ribbed sausage casing.

This concludes my public service announcement. As you were.

Love and shoes,
Kim:-)

On a more personal note

All of my blogs have been about fashion, but this time, I felt the need to get a little more personal. I enjoy writing and it's not always about shoes, so I figured, this is my blog and I can post any random nugget that comes to mind. Am I right? Besides, everyone could use a little inspiration every now and then. It's a little long but I hope you enjoy:-)

Love and Shoes,
Kim

A Letter to My Younger Self

Hey Miss Priss, yeah you, the one with all the sass. I'm you, 15 years from now, here to give you some advice so listen up and listen good.

You'll stress about fitting in the right crowd and the right pant size. There is no 'right' crowd and pants will never fit you the way you want them too, but you'll be just fine. That's why dresses were created, and lucky for us, they never go out of style!

You'll wonder is my hair straight enough? Are my shoes cool enough? Do I have the right friends? Will I get married?

You're hair is curly, always will be, and older women will tell you to appreciate it till the day you die, which will piss you off because you clearly know more than they do, right? Wrong. The invention of the hair straightener will change your life until you realize you live in Houston and will battle frizz no matter how much product you shellac on there. Deal with it. People are dying of Cancer. You can deal with curls.

Never worry about your shoes. You will have a shoe room that people will make fun of but really envy, you'll have the keen sense of knowing a shoe can make an outfit, and will develop a reputation for having fabulous shoes. You will choose a cute wedge over a flat any day of the week knowing it's not good for your sawdust knees but, damn it, it makes your legs look longer, and in the end, that's all that matters.

Your friends are the great loves of your life. Women that get you, appreciate you, and will back up any crazy idea you can ever dream up. Keep them close to your heart and never let those friendships go. They will become women you admire and lean on for the rest of your life and are completely and utterly irreplaceable. You always make time for friends.

As for marriage, hell if I know! We're 32 now and we've had quite the ride. You win some, you lose some, and you date some real ass clowns that could be contenders for Douche bag of the Year. You're going to get your heart broken into a million pieces, hate them for doing it, blame yourself, compare yourself to the new whores, I mean, girls, and then hate them all over again. But guess what? You'll live. You'll date. You'll love. All I can say is that you've got some great stories for your memoir, should you ever choose to write one. It's a concrete jungle out there and you are quite the lioness, just don't show your fangs all the time. There are some good ones out there.

You're body image will never be what it should be: 100% positive. Appreciate what you have and how you look at every moment, because with each year, or minute, that passes by, it gets that much harder to lose weight; to fit into trendy clothes; and to get your ass dressed in the first outfit you choose, which will NEVER happen, so figure out when you should start getting ready and back it up about 15 minutes. You'll complain that your weight is a byproduct of a faulty thyroid, when in reality, it's the food that goes down your throat. One day you'll be taking shots in your Forever 21 top that could double as an ice skaters costume and before you know it, you'll be having a conversation with your friend about how you prefer a mid-rise cut over a low-rise jean. WTF!?! My thoughts exactly. But it happens in the blink of an eye. Just remind yourself that you are beautiful, and no matter what the mirror tells you or what you think in your head, you are NOT a heifer that should just wear a pillow case with a belt.

You're going to worry about money, savings, 401Ks and salary and then you're going to go out and buy a car, one of the worst investments you could ever make, but you love it, and the fact that you couldn't unlock your driver-side door was reason enough to go into debt. You're going to wonder about your jobs, if you should follow your passion, and where life is going to take you. Don't be afraid of the fear because it will paralyze you. Hold on to what you love and keep that in your sight. You will be scared to make big moves, but if you are ever going to find your happiness, you're going to have to let go of your security blanket. Take the leap.

You're going to think your family, immediate and extended, is crazy, and they are, but they are also the people who will mold you, teach you, love you, and provide you with some of the best material for jokes and impersonations to last you a lifetime. Your mom and dad will do anything for you and will love you more than anyone in the whole wide world, no matter what you do, so never take that for granted. They gave you life! Your sister will be your best friend, the person that can make you laugh the hardest, and will always be there for the ups, downs, and everything in between. She might be 4.5 years younger, but she'll turn out to be one of the biggest inspirations in your life.

So, now that I've delivered a few tough pills to swallow, let me spell out the moral of this story. Life is confusing and tangled but it's also beautiful and amazing. There will be days when you feel like you are on top of the world and then there will be days where you could just give up. You will feel accomplished and left behind all in one week. You'll feel ugly and pretty all in the same hour! But let me be clear, you are who you are, there is no one like you, you are loved, and that is enough. You are enough. Cheers!

P.S. You love dogs more than shoes. Shocking, I know!

DSW Rewards Card: It's Worth It!

Hey Fashionistas!

As we all know, shoes are fabulous, and shoes at a reduced price with coupons are even more fabulous. I'm SURE you have all been to DSW before and have been asked to be a part of their rewards program. If you haven't signed on, I suggest you get with the times. I've been a member for quite some time and have graduated to being a Platinum Member, naturally;-)

Truth: you sorta feel like a celebrity when you go to check out and they say "Hi Ms. Russell. Congratulations on being a Platinum Rewards Member." hehe!

But what does all this mean, you ask? Well, if you love shoes, this points program is the bomb dot com. With every dollar you spend you get so many points and rack up those awesome coupons that much faster. I recieved a $30 off entire purchase coupon the other day (it's already been spent) and those are RARE, my friends. You can also keep track of your points online and use them with any online purchases you make. It's so easy and convenient. They even offer a cute little key chain card so the savings are never far away.

This might be old news for you, but for those of you that are new to the game, stick with me, kid. Get the card and keep the addiction alive at an even cheaper price!

Just FYI: I got 4 pairs of shoes for $140 because I had two coupons as a reward for all the hardwork I've put into my shoe collection:-)

Shop on and save big!

Love and shoes,
Kim

New York State of Mind

I recently took a vacation and visited my cousins, Jenny B and Johnny B, in New York City and had a blast! This wasn't my first time but it was definitely a first in regards to the feeling I had while I was visiting. I went by myself, a little older, a little wiser, and knowing a little bit more about who I am. I was able to have more of an open mind and really take in what the Big Apple has to offer its own and visitors alike.

Now being more in tune with my love of fashion I was able to absorb the intricacies of the city and people. New York is a place where you can truly be you, wear what you want, and nobody will give you a second glance, unless they want to ask where you got that fabulous scarf or John Lennon-esque platform shoes;-) Sure you can dress however you want no matter where you live. This is America after all. But let's face it, some cities are a bit more accepting when it comes to risky fashion statements.

Block after block, borough after borough, I saw men and women strutting their best (and worst) without a care in the world. It was refreshing and inspiring. We went to Brooklyn one day, land of the hipsters, and even though I'm not a hipster, I was welcomed with open arms.

See, that's just it. Everyone has a place, a spot, a home, a runway, and you are free to WURQ in whatever fits your fancy.

 

 

 

I heart you and thank you, New York. You are the Apple of my eye:-)

Love and shoes,

Kim