Reflecting on 2014

Let me start by saying how excited I am to start a new year but I also want to reflect on 2014.  This year has been filled with such up's and downs but I have also learned so much about myself which makes me want to learn even more in 2015.  I wanted to take this chance to look back at some of my favorite looks from previous blog posts and also some moments that have really touched me in different ways.

1- Ladies Who Brunch Indy - I was asked to be a guest panelist at an awesome women's empowerment event in Indianapolis . This was actually my first speaking engagement and I was so nervous but it proved to me that I am stronger than I ever thought I was.  It was a blessing to feel that I can inspire other women in any way.

2-Collaborations - I was fortunate to work with some awesome boutiques - Ash &Co's Closet and the Exquisite Pink Boutique .   I was contacted by Eshakti and featured on Macy's. I also have done work with the local The Clothes Mentor  and Treat by Shutterfly  and various product reviews.  I have learned so much about myself with these opportunities and welcome many more.

3. Let Your Hair Down Event - shortly after my Step - Father was diagnosed with Cancer I learned about this event. I wanted to be involved and feel like I was contributing to this great cause. This was to raise money for Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. I was deeply moved by these woman and their stories. I connected with many different women and I feel so fortunate to be involved in this group.  This is a cause near to my heart and I want to get involved in many more in the future.

4. Prophet Luther Mckinstry - this is a pastor that I have followed on Facebook for a few years and I was finally able to watch him preach right here in Fort Wayne at Come as You Are Church . His story.. his message touched me deeply and hearing the beautiful voice of Vashawn Mitchell made it magical. It was an experience that my daughter and I will not forget.

5. Kohl's Yes 2 You Fashionista-  If you follow my blog than you know how much I just love me some Kohl's.. so when I was contacted to be a part of such an awesome group I was elated.  I have only been a member for a few months and I just love it so much. A great way to connect with other Fashionista's that have an obsession with Kohl's just like me.

6. Curlybyrdie Chirps turned 1- now last but not least my blog turned 1 year old in 2014 and even got a makeover.. don't we all need one of those on our birthday?I was just a girl that loved finding  awesome deals on fashion. Wanting to show other woman that you don't have to break the bank to be fashionable.  It has been an awesome experience. I am looking forward to new things in 2015 .. I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for me.

 

My Shiny and Sparkle Wish list

What says Holiday more than shiny and sparkly items? This time of the year there is sure not a shortage of options. I wanted to share some of my favorites .  Something about a little bling that makes you feel a little more festive and will chase those holiday blues away. 

1. Leather Look Peplum - H&M this piece is so versatile can be dressed up or down and it a flattering peplum style . A must for your wardrobe
2. Sequin Jacket- H&M how cute is this jacket ? It could be worn over the leather peplum or over you favorite LBD  and it's on sale! 
3-Broach- New York and Company - I am not really a broach person or so I thought this is not your Grandma's broach  it is classy with so many possiblities which makes it a yes in my book 
4- Eva Mendez - Statement Necklace- New York and Company I am in love with this colorful bunch of loveliness . This necklace makes a major statement !

5 Lauren Conrad Sweater- Kohl's - bows and sequins what is there not to love about this sweater? Would be great with some faux leather pants or even a pair of jeans. Ms Conrad does it again!
6.Sequin Maxi Skirt - Windsor Stores I am obsessed with this skirt I feel like I need of of these in my life . I would totally rock this with a cute t-shirt , jacket and some booties! 
7 . Sequin Beret -Forever 21 this beret is so chic and at $9 I can get my mama, my sister and my daughter one . How cute would this be with the Lauren Conrad Sweater?
8.Gold Booties - Forever 21 really brought it with these booties so fun and festive

What bright and shiny things have caught your eye this holiday season?

R

Say Yes to Plaid

Nothing says holiday like classic red plaid I just love it. It is kind of festive with a shot of school girl. I love the fact that this is such a classic pattern with a kind of sexy shape. What more can a girl ask for in a skirt? I can totally see me wearing this with a jean jacket for a more casual look.   I decided to add my J-Lo sweater from Kohl's I love that the sleeves are sheer giving it an airy kind of feel than add my Silver statement necklace and I have turned this regular outfit into a festive ,fun and fashinable look.. Oh Fudge that's a lot of F's.. Wait did something say fudge? LOL.  What patterns scream holiday to you Fashionista's ?

My Look
Skirt - Windsor Store ( last year)
Top - Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's  I got in the store for $10.80
Shoes - Lauren Conrad via Kohl's
Bag - H&M - I got in store for $20
Jacket - Windsor Stores ( last year) $15

A Litte Dramatic

There is something about the right kind of hat that adds a little drama to any outfit.  When I was out doing a little Christmas Shopping my sister aka my little shopping ninja in training spotted this super cute hat a Jcpenney's . This hat had me at hello. It was cheetah print and with a bow on the back... yes please!  I decided to make it an accent piece to a casual weekend look.  I picked up this stylish jacket from the on of my favorite places to shop the Clothes Mentor perfect place to pick up a little of everything at a great price and right now at the Fort Wayne location they are having a 12 days of Christmas deals so check them out on Facebook to see what special deals they are offering.  I added my own cheetah belt to the jacket to for some coordination .. u have to coordinate.. LOL and my " Dramatic Look is in full effect " 

My Look
Hat - Jcpenney 
Jacket - Apt 9 via Clothes Mentor Fort Wayne $16
Red Sweater - Macy's (old)
Jeans - Jessica Simpson Via Macy's (old)
Booties - Style and Co via Macy's (old)
Bag - H&M ( I got mine in store for $20)
Gloves - H&M - last year $5

Jewels for the Holiday

The holiday seasons is filled with so many events so that means various oufit choices are a must.  Now I can't afford to spend tons of money on different pieces for all functions after all I am a " Fashionista on a Budget" .  Now typically when I dress up for the holiday I am usually attracted to red , black or maybe gold but I decided to come out of my comfort zone and go for some lighter hues. The minute I saw this jewel ensemble from the Elle Runway collection at Kohls' I knew I had to have this cute little outfit. I am huge fan of the peplum top and pencil skirt look it is so flattering on all body types and with it being scuba material that made it even better. Now what says "Holiday "  like wearing a jewel pattern? I decided to accessorize with pearl accessories to give it a regal finish and my this chic look was born. Sometimes you have to come out of your comfort zone and you may discover something new about yourself I discovered that I can wear pastels in December!

What new things are my fashion loving friends trying for the holiday season?

My Look

Peplum Top and Skirt - Elle via Kohl's - I purchased Thanksgiving $15.99 each piece
Shoes - Elle - Kohl's sim  Apt 9
Pearl Necklace - H&M $5
Bracelets - H&M $1.50 , Bangles $5 NY and Company
Sweater - H&M $10

Life is About Moments

This holiday season has been different than previous years . Usually I am all excited about the Christmas season and sometimes I do have my moments but this season one of my family members is very sick.  So the Christmas season has been about appreciating the moments because you never know what tomorrow may bring.  

This weekend I thought about the little things in my life that I am thankful for . That if they went away tomorrow I would miss them greatly .  I went to visit my Mom and Step Dad this weekend  and I surprised by my mother with lipstick on earrings and a cute top . I was just leaving my holiday look photo shoot and I asked her to take a picture with me.  When I got home an looked at the picture and I smiled.  My mama this woman that is small in stature has such a big heart. This woman raised 4 kids all on her own and did with such grace and gentleness .  I admire her in so many ways .. I strive to be half of the Mother she is.   During this holiday season I want to reflect of things that I am grateful for and today I am focusing on my Mama!  What moments have touched you over this holiday season? 

 

Casual Holiday look on Budget

Nothing says Christmas like the color Red and it is actually one of my favorite colors to wear. I must have gotten that from my Mama .. she loves wearing red and she looks beautiful in it.  You know it is that time of year when you are out buying gifts and that doesn't leave alot of money to spend on yourself but I still like to look festive and cute .  I have the perfect solution to that problem you should try shopping at the Clothes Mentor.  I am telling you will be surprised with the selection it's kind of like being surprised on Christmas Morning.  I was able to get 4 awesome pieces for $32 now how cool is that?  I wore this look to office for a casual day and nothing makes me happier than a little pop of animal print like this super cute belt.  I think this would be great look for a family gathering or perhaps some holiday shopping.  

Don't forget you can take those fabulous pieces that you are no longer wearing and take them in for cash on the spot. Perfect time of the year to get some extra money or you can get a festive look of your own. Also check them out on Instagram they are always posting new awesome pieces that you can get first dibs on. 

I hope you Fashionista's are having a very Happy Holiday season! Please share any tips you may have about staying fashionable of a budget. We are in this together 

My Look
Skirt  -Alfani via Clothes Mentor $10
Denim shirt- Eddie Baurer via Clothes Mentor $8
Belt - Clothes Mentor $4
Fur Vest - $10
Boots -Carson's

Holiday Look Made Easy with some Fab Shoes

It has been a busy but exciting December so far and I am not even halfway through it! I was so honored to be invited to join an awesome group by Kohl's called " Yes 2 You Fashionista" .A wonderful place for fellow fashionista's who love fashion and Kohl's as much as I do. If you follow my blog than you know how much I love me some Kohl's. They even gifted me with a $50 giftcard .  A giftcard to one of my favorite stores now it doesn't get much better than that. So my sister and I were out doing some shopping and I decided that I would use my giftcard on these fabulous Jennifer Lopez leopard shoes.   Now I have been stalking these shoes for awhile as you can see my on previous post (here).   These shoes are so sexy and fashionable but they are comfortable as well which was the icing on the cake. I decided to incorporate these fabulous shoes into my holiday look.  I styled items that I already had in my wardrobe.  I had this chiffon  midi skirt that I purchased from +Forever 21  last year added a cropped summer top from Jcpenney clearance rack , pulled this together with the belt with bling that was a steal for only $10 from H&M .  Than to top off the look these gorgeous shoes.  My sister asked me what am I going to match these shoes with . I responded "Everything" Hasn't anyone told her that leopard is the new black.. duh! LOL. I could easily wear this out for a girls night out  or a holiday program at my kids school.  A holiday look made easy by Curlybyrdie ! 

How are you styling items in your closet for a festive holiday look? Please share I would love to hear about it.

My Look
Shoes - Jennifer Lopez - Kohl's $39.99
Skirt - Forever 21
Belt - H&M
Top - Jcpenney- Degree
Necklace- H&M $5
Bracelets - H&M $3
Jacket - Jcpenney ( last year)
Bag - H&M
Clutch - Jessica Simpson via Meijer $6 ( last year)

Tar-Jay Day

Nothing like a new dress to give you a little pep in your step! It may be new shoes for some or a new lipstick for another but for me it's a dress. Now when I find a cute dress on clearance that's even better.  I saw this dress a few months ago and it wasn't on sale so if you know me you know I just had to walk away and see if I was lucky enough to get in sale or clearance. When going to Target for "tights" lol.. (who ever leaves Target with just one thing?). I decided to stroll over the the clearance rack to "just browse" and low and behold there was my dress on clearance for $13.98! How awesome is that? So you should definitely should check out your local Target for some great discounted finds. I opted to pair this with with my black sweater that was trimmed with a little bling bling gold chain and my work look was born.  What items make you feel good about yourself when you walk out the door?


My Look
Dress -Target - Now I got this in the store for $13.98 so you should try your local store for a better price. If not they are offering by get one 1/2 online.
Sweater- Target- Another Tar-Jay find last year 
Necklace - H&M clearance find $1.50
Bangles - NY and Company $5
Ring - H&M - $1
Shoes- Lauren Conrad - I picked this up last year and I just love them so much so I purchased a grey and black pair this year . Check them out  here $38.99 use code DASHER for 20% off
 

My Kohl's Finds !

I didn't do to much damage over the Thanksgiving weekend or Cyber Monday but I did get a few items that I had been eyeing for a while. Now I am not going to list everything because honey I may be here all night but I will tell you about some of my favorites. Now after a weekend of shopping at Kohl's Thanksgiving I was lucky enough to get some Kohl's Cash so that made some of these deals even sweeter . Getting great deals and earning Kohl's cash to get more deals how sweet is that?  Shall we begin? Why yes we should, here it goes!
 

1)Jumpsuit- Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's . I love this jumpsuit and have been eyeing it for a while as you can see from my previous post My Wittle Wishlist. I just love the color of this fabulous jumpsuit and the cut looks like it would be so flattering and it was on sale for $27.99 and than an extra 20% off how could you not pick this beauty up!
2) Peplum Top and Skirt - Elle via Kohl's - I instantly fell in love with these pieces they are so girly and I am just obsessed with peplum tops . On Cyber Monday I saw that these pieces were $15.99 each so I had to add to the cart immediately.
3)Slouchy Boot-Candies via Kohl's  now I couldn't leave my daughter out . I just love the slouchy boot style and these were on special Black Friday for $29.99 plus 15% off
4) Gym Shoes - Reebok via Kohl's with me recently going back to +Weight Watchers I felt like I needed some cute shoes for motivation to get in the gym and with these cuties being on sale black Friday for $29.99 they became mine and they are so comfortable !
5) Jacket - Fila via Kohl's - this cute jacket is another reason to get me in the gym. I love this jacket so much that I want it in every color . It is a quality material and it's so flattering. I was lucky enough to pick this up on Black Friday for $25 . This would make a perfect gift for any lady in your life!

What deals were you able to score this past weekend or Cyber Monday? Inquiring minds would love to know !

Weekend Finds

I can hardly believe it is December already! Only 25 days till Christmas the good news is I am over half way done with my Christmas thanks to some awesome deals that I scored over the holiday weekend.  Between my son's basketball, work , shopping and my other duties I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off.  So with it being Monday and the first of the month I decided to hit the reset button in every area on my life so I can have a fresh new start. 

I wanted to start this week chirping about some of my recent finds

1) Dress - Bar III via- I feel instantly in love with this fabulous dress when I saw it while I was out shopping on Thanksgiving ( yes I am one of those people) . The pattern caught my eye but the hemline is what sold me and the fact that it was 25% off and than additional 30% so I decided I just had to have it. I ended up getting this dress for $34 which was worth every penny

2) Studded Jeans- Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's - I decided I like these jeans a while ago and I was lucky enough to stumbled on these on the clearance rack for $18 and I had a free $10 coupon and ended up scoring these for $8 what an awesome deal and the fit if wonderful . I love the added bling on side make them rockstar chic

These are a few of my finds at awesome prices during my holiday weekend shopping excursion . What deals did u run across ?

Thankful

There is so much craziness going on in the world right now it's so easy to get caught in the negative and forget all the things that you have to be thankful for.  This has been a hard year for my family we have family members in and out of the hospital , some suffering from terminal sickness. It is times like these that really makes you appreciate what is really important . The little things you take for granted suddenly becomes the big things in your life.  

Things I am Most Thankful For

1) My Faith- Without my faith I am not sure where I would be. When I have no one else I know there is someone who will always be there for me and that is Jesus.  As I have gotten older my faith has changed I always prayed that is the way I was brought up but now I talk to God and he answers it may not be the direct answer that we are looking but he always answers.

2) My Family- now more than ever in my life have I understand the importance of family. Don't get me wrong I always loved my family but as you get older and you start realizing that tomorrow really is never promised you develop a deeper appreciation of your loved ones. You start to savor the taste of your Aunt's Apple pie a little more.  You learn to hold your Mom a little tighter when she hugs you. That cup of coffee that you have with your teenage daughter becomes a little sweeter.

3)Good Friends- I am 42 and have a handful of really good friends . The kind of friends that you can cry about the same thing over and over again and they will still listen but they will also tell you want you need to hear and not what you want to hear.  You don't need a dozen friends .. you need a few good ones and I am fortunate. 

4)My Health- Good health is something that you can't buy. I am thankful that I am fairly healthy and able to work to support my kids. 

5) The Lessons- I am thankful for things I have learned weather it be from a mistake or by any other means. My Mom always tells me it wasn't a waste of time if you learned something from it... and let's just say I have learned some good lessons this past year

6) This Blog- I can't even begin to express how thankful I am that I started this little ole blog. The connections and opportunities have been wonderful but most importantly the friendships that I have developed.  When I started this blog over a year ago I was 40 year old woman that felt kind of washed up.. I needed something that was mine that mattered to me something that made me excited . If that makes any sense. I had my job , my kids, my family and friends but I needed a creative outlet that was just mine. I am thankful for the journey and I can' t wait to see where it takes me.

7) You- I am thankful for you and anyone else that have ever taken the time out their day to read any of my blogposts it means the world to me. 

Happy Thanksgiving!