everything changes

Sometimes, just like that, everything changes. I thought I knew exactly what my next 12 months were going to look like, and suddenly it all changed. Now I'm facing a time in my life that I haven't planned for, and it's all exciting, but it's scary too. So just like the colors I'm wearing, I'm feeling a little, well, unusual lately. So here's to jumping and hoping the net will appear.

the saltys

I just wanted to share a quick post about these awesome "trophies" husband and I made for his school service awards. John teaches middle school religion at a Catholic school and so he wanted to do something extra special to acknowledge the kids that had gone above and beyond with their service hours this year - thus the "Saltys" were born! They are based on the Biblical ideal of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world - so salt and light bulbs! We did different size bulbs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd most hours in each grade and the kids loved them!

oh, shoes and bags, let me count the ways I love thee

In my very brief stint as a working women (more on that later) I have already rediscovered my love for shoes that seem weird to just wear around the apartment, and therefore have gone utterly unworn for the longest time - but no longer! Even though my job was short lived, my love for these shoes will not be, and I'm thinking some new ones might be forthcoming now that I've found a new site to fall in love with. Ummm, check these out.

I'm a shoe and bag girl, so ShoeDazzle is like my dream store. Prices are super reasonable (Look at them!), styles are cute and - this is a big one for me - the styles aren't what you would find at the mall or in chain shoe stores. Shoes are about the only thing I don't often buy used or vintage and so they are my most likely splurge item - i.e. ShoeDazzle is dangerous. The two pictures above are my #1 picks!

Here's what ShoeDazzle has to say about itself:

ShoeDazzle is the original online personal-styling innovator treating millions of women to a monthly showroom filled with on-trend, personalized shoe and accessory recommendations.
By building an intimate, customized experience through creative innovation, social engagement and world-class service, ShoeDazzle aspires to make women feel pampered and beautiful.
Fashion icon, designer, and world-renowned stylist Rachel Zoe serves as the company’s Chief Stylist. The company’s founders include Brian Lee, Robert Shapiro, Kim Kardashian and MJ Eng.

So here's how it works: You take a fun quiz so ShoeDazzle can get to know your style and based on the results of the quiz, ShoeDazzle gives you your first showroom of shoes and handbags they think you’ll love. At the beginning of every month you will receive a new selection that fits your individual style, and as new styles get added to the site throughout the month, they continue to tailor your personalized recommendations!


I don't know about you, but I love styling quizzes. It's worth it to take the quiz just to see what a professional stylist would pick for you to wear and sometimes it helps you look at something in a new way. And hey, free professional styling? Who couldn't use that!

And so here's another perk: if you make a purchase within 2 days of taking the quiz you get 25% off your order! YES PLEASE!

This post was sponsored by ShoeDazzle.com.

illustrations: andrew hamilton

I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote each week with you, my dear readers.  Today's quote is from Andrew Hamilton, "Art is the only discipline where saying less means more."

All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit this link. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.

Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!

first day

Two weeks ago I got offered a job I was so excited to take and I am bittersweetly happy to take a step back from working full time for Favoring Brave. Today was my first day and I am excited! I think I will really love being back at work full time - especially somewhere with a super fun dress code! I will have a lot more new outfits to share now that I have to be dressed for the public everyday.

illustration: ralph waldo emerson

I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote each week with you, my dear readers.  Today's quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson., "Don't be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams."

All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit this link. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.

Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!

twice around dresses

I wore this dress to a Spring event at the Garden Center a few weeks ago and a sweet older lady came up to me to comment on it. "I had a dress pretty much - no - exactly like that one in the early 1970s... I should have just given it to you so you didn't have to buy it." "Well next time you come across it," I said, "Look me up! I'll take it off your hands!" 

I love how trends seem so new to us, when they've actually been around one, or more, times before. I've realized it's been over a year since I bought a piece of new clothing off the rack because I can find just about whatever style I'm looking for in a lot better quality at the thrift store, leftover from it's first round on the trend wheel.

This dress, however, was a notable exception because it was $1, newish, but badly damaged at a closeout store - so, since I basically rebuilt it, I don't have to count that, right?

mini bit of glam

Nothing like a little bit of glam for your Wednesday. I wore this to a sales event at the University of Tulsa last week and I put the outfit together while asking myself "What will look cute even if I have to run with huge boxes in the rain?" Nothing like quality 90s synthetic mini dresses and some red lip stain to keep you covered in all situations.

Hope your midweek quickly speeds into the weekend!