Transformation on the Runway - Fort Wayne Makeover Conference

Last year I attended the Fort Wayne Makeover conference and I can't even voice enough the impact it had on my life.   It was there that I met Jil Jordan Green and Denita Washington and it was a meeting that would help take my life in a new direction.  I  was 42 at the time a single mother of 2 kids and working full time and I was blogging as my creative outlet but I was comfortable I was not walking in my purpose.  I knew that I wanted more out of life I wanted to make a difference in my community but most importantly I wanted to love the person I was inside .  I didn't want my past to define me or determine where I was going in my future.    It was after that conference that my life started to change it awakened something inside of me that had been there all along.   

So when Jil and Denita asked me to organize a fashion show for the "Fort Wayne Makeover Conference " I was flattered and humbled.  We agreed that this was not going to be a just about fashion it would much deeper.  The theme of this conference was " The Butterfly Effect " all about the transformation of the caterpillar to the butterfly.   We not only wanted to highlight just the outer beauty of these women but we wanted to talk about the obstacles they have overcome or are currently working through.  There were 5 women that included myself and we told our stories in hopes of inspiring another woman and letting know they are not alone. These are women who had overcome physical and emotion abuse  , who have overcome racial identity issues , abandonment issues stemming from missing love from their father.  Our story was told in own own voice while we walked down the runway so that everyone could hear the emotion and authenticity of our  story and it was life changing not just for the audience but for ourselves. 

I was honored to be a part of such a wonderful event.  The fashion show was just a part of this conference . There were so many areas that were touched such as mental health a subject that is often not talked about but one needs to be.  I laughed , I cried but most of all I learned.  There was such a sense of sisterhood in that room.  So often in life we don't celebrate each other enough we put on an act like everything is just perfect in life when your transparency could help another women see that her situation is not hopeless. 

                                                                        Sisterhood 

              

   What a day it was and I will continue to take it all in.  I am so thankful to Jil , Denita and all the other fabulous women  that were there making this an event to remember . I am so grateful to all the models for being  brave and transparent . I was so proud to walk the runway with such lovely women I can't wait to see that this year has in store! 
                                                  
                                                  XOXO - Mary aka Curlybyrdie 
                                                                      

All Striped Out !

I am a girl that loves her stripes. So when I was contacted by Romwe  to select an item for a sponsored post I gladly gravitated toward this black and white maxi dress .  I loved the way this dress looked on the website so flowy and chic .  I previously heard of Romwe but this was the first item that I actually saw in person.    When I got this dress( in a timely matter I might add) I did notice that it was not as long the one in the photo and it does run slightly small so I ordered a size up.   Once I tried it on I loved the crochet top it gave the dress a little added style .  I just love the mono chromatic black and white especially when you add a pop of color.  I thought this lovely dress went perfectly with my new favorite bag from Kohl's . Not only did this add pattern mixing to look but it gave it that pop of color that I am so fond of . 

                              Dress -Romwe- (here), Bag -Kohl's (here), Shoes -Jcpenney (sim)

Are you sucker for stripes like I am ?   If you are than this dress would be a great spring and summer option and at less than $20 it's definately worth a try. 

                                 Thank you lovelies for stopping by it really makes my day ! 

                                                  XOXO  Mary aka Curlybyrdie 
                             

Fab 40's in Pleats

Well here we go another fun style challenge for the Fab forties and this time we will tackle pleats . When I was first presented with this challenge I was like this may be a little difficult but than I skimmed my wardrobe and actually had quite a few options so I opted for my favorite summer dress of all time this vibrant Eliza J number that I literally stalked at Carson's till with went on sale last year .  Well my patience did pay off and I think I scored this for like $29 . I am so obsessed with hot pinks and oranges in the warmer months so this dress encompasses everything that I love .  

              
                                                    Dress (sim), Shoes (sim), Bag (sim)

                             
       I simply love the way the other Fab Forties styled pleats they amazed me with their creativity ! 

Sheela of Sheela Writes  - Oh Sheela slayed this look she brings the fierceness to pleats who would have thought ?  I am big fan of the her unique take on everything ! 

Anne from Kremb Da La Kremb - Anne takes the pleats to a colorful and casually cute look . I love how Anne's looks are always so artistic and I would have never thought of it. I love the way she makes me think more out the box . You go Anne! 

Diane - Fashion on the 4th Floor- Oh why is Diane always so stinkin cute !  I just love her take on everything here style just gives me life. Her vibrant personality to just shows through with her fun and  gorgeous style and she is my curly sister , Great look girl ! 

Samantha from Fake Fabulous- I simply adore this look  the white pleated top gives just right amount of sexiness but very tasteful and check . I love the pops of red  that gives a little extra ummph!  Love it lady ! 

S

Dawn Lucy from Fashion Should Be Fun - I am going to call Dawn's look.. Posh . She took the pleats to a sophisticated look and giving us a take charge look !  I love this look 

Jennie from A Pocketful of Polka Dots- takes the pleats to a romantic look yet and put together. I love the how she added a colorful button down to give it a more put together look. 

Yvonne from Funky Forty our guest blogger took the pleats to a casual and playful style her fun personality really shine through in this sweet look 

Well there you have it another great challenge . I love this group of women and there individual style and reflects our personality . Can't wait to see May's challenge.

                                               As always want to thank you for stopping by ! 

                                            XOXO - Mary aka Curlybyrdie 

Sunday Flowers

There is nothing more perfect than a Sunday with beautiful weather it is the perfect close to a wonderful weekend.  I spent  the day with my sister Erin and it was such an unplanned day out which ended up being pretty awesome..  She was out on mission looking for Gold shoes which is right up my alley but  instead of her finding  gold shoes I ended up finding this vibrant and beautiful skirt on the clearance rack at +Burlington Coat Factory  .  The bright gorgeous floral pattern and it had major twirl factor made it impossible to say no  so it was an "Oh yes " for this Fashionista !  

The wonderful thing about this photo shoot was my sister ended up taking the photos.  Usually I have a photographer or my teenage kids are taking the photos. It actually was great time seeing my sister behind the lense and her discovering that she actually has a love for photography . I mean this girl had me standing on things.. twirling around  it was a lot of fun.   We all have a passion mine being fashion it's my art and I love when I see other women discover theirs it's a beautiful thing. 

Skirt Burlington Coat Factory (sim)|,  Shoes Jcpenney (sim)

I think my sis did a pretty good job with the photos and we had a pretty awesome day and I look forward to her exploring this new found hobby!  

As always I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to stop by it's always a pleasure ! 

XOXO Mary aka Curlybyrdie

White Party Ready

Nothing says Spring has arrived quite like the crispness of the color white.  I just love the clean and classy look that a  white ensemble  conveys. I mean there has to be a reason why P-Diddy throws all all those " white parties". White is clean , chic and sophisticated . It makes me feel like I headed to a little soiree in the Hampton's darlings!  

I was stopped  dead in my tracks by this little number at you guessed it +JCPenney and I new I needed it for my upcoming photo shoot.  The gold and silver design had me singing " Oh yes " .. and I knew this was not one of those looks I should not wait on because it was simply perfect ! I felt very Beyonce like in this and if you can make this 43 year old women even feel a little like that fabulous Beyonce than  you must proceed directly to the cash register.  LOL .

                                           Top - Jcpenney (here), Skirt -Jcpenney (here), 

                                                         More of my Favorites in White 

Reed Dress Eyelet Dress  (here) - I just love wearing eyelet in the spring and summer it's feminine and classic and the high low design of this dress gives it a slight modern twist .

Reed Bag Kohl's  - (here)- I am in love with this entire line of bags at Kohl's and this little white bag is the perfect accessory for almost anything!

Necklace - NY and Company (here)- this flower makes a statement and I am all about that . I just love the design it will make the most boring dress new and exciting . I am a huge fan of New York and Company's jewelry !

Off the Shoulder Top - NY and Company (here) - I love everything about this top off the shoulder , high low and the light and airy material . I am obsessed ! 

White Pleated Skirt - NY and Company - (here) - This sheer skirt is the great staple for the spring and summer . Wear with a tank top and sandals and you are off to the beach . You could add a button up and belt with pumps and off to the office you go ! 

How about you Fashionista's ? Are you love the all white trend for the warmer months ?  Do you have any tips for wearing white ? 


As always I want to thank  you for dropping by it means so much to me.  Until the next time :)


                                                  Mary aka Curlybyrdie 

Photo Cred - Le Petite Studios  - Casey Brothers

Go Bold or Go Home

Nothing like colorful and bold especially when it comes in striped form. As if this midi dress was not fabulous enough on its own I was able to score the cardigan as well because every superhero needs a cape .. LOL.  This chic look is from the Eva Mendes line at +New York & Company had me like "What " the very first time I laid eyes on it. I did wait around and luckily they still had it in my size at 50% off and than a $50 off $100 coupon. Those are my favorite shopping days additional coupon on already low prices!  Look at me sounding like a commercial but it's so true.  I was having a bad day but that soon went away the moment I put this number on and added my $5 Target hat.   It's amazing how the right outfit can turn that frown upside down :)  

                                              Dress (here), Duster (here), Shoes (here)

How about you fashionista's do like going bright and bold ?  I will tell you I thoroughly enjoy it! 

I hope you have a wonderful week  and just remember we have fresh new week to get it right! :)

                                                        XOXO Mary aka Curlybyrdie 

April Showers Bring May Flowers

I know they say April Showers bring May flowers but what does April snow bring?  Yes it was snowing this second day of April in Indiana . It would an understatement for me to say that I am so over the winter weather and I know it could be much worse..so I am going to get off my little soapbox and get on with this post because it is about something I absolutely love and that is dresses and to be more exact a perfect floral dress. Now luckily when I was doing these photos the weather was more springlike .

I have to say I love my photographer she comes up with these awesome ideas when we shoot.  This time she informed me that we would shoot in the Castle Gallery right here in Fort Wayne.  The Castle Gallery displays art in a renovated older home and it is beautiful, I mean I am surrounded by all of this stunning artwork and I fell in love with the rich wood trim the stained glass windows it really was a beautiful back round for this beautiful dress. 

When I saw this beautiful burst of flowers it was literally love at first sight.   I mean the pattern was eye catching but the fit is what brought this baby home was the fit . It's difficult finding things that fit this pear shaped body correctly but the A-Line and the Hi- Low hem makes it just about perfect .  A perfect dress for a visit to a Castle ! 

                             Dress - NY and Company  (here)  Shoes - Pumps -Carson's (here)

                                       Are you fashionista's loving florals as much as I do ? 

                     As always I  want to thank you for taking time out of your day and stopping by !

                                                     XOXO - Mary aka Curlybyrdie 

                                               Photography Credit - Kimberly Bailey at KB Photo