Shake your Peacock Feathers

Loving them!~  Peacock feathers that is.  I've seen them everywhere, but never done as well as this: 

I picked this up from a local artist who uses vintage pieces to create new designs.  They are so hip- amazing statement pieces.  Here is a picture of me wearing the piece- she designed the piece over a standard clip, so it is super easy to manipulate and put in the perfect spot. 

As you probably remember, I also love headbands.  I am fairly particular about size, style and color and I couldn't believe it when I stumbled on her booth at a local craft show.  It was like she was designing for me.  All of her pieces are very mature, eclectic and original.  Here is the headband I picked up, and I have already worn it numerous times.  Everytime I wear it, I get compliments on it.  Another plus is that she uses a metal headband that fits differently from others I have, and it actually doesn't give me a headache.  Love it!

So, check out her blog here: http://adesignandfinds.blogspot.com/  And her etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/adesignandfinds

Always Fabulous,

Winning, duh!

I am feeling optimistic today.  I just paid off one of our debts.  It feels good!!  I feel pumped.  After making the payoff at the bank this afternoon, I promptly came home and whipped out one of my blank copies of DR's debt snowball form.  I filled in our new snowball and was amazed at how much it had shrunk in such a short amount of time.  I pulled out my original form when we first got serious about all of this stuff and compared the two.  On November 8th of 2010, we had eight debts that totaled $34,982.47.  Seven months later, as of today, we have four debts that total $11, 691.00.  Our debt snowball is at $815 a month and we are knocking them out left and right.  If we add no more money, we will be debt free (except our mortgage) in eleven months.  At the rate we have been going, I think it will be sooner than that.  God has been good and we have been able to pay above and beyond our "minimum" debt snowball amount almost every month.  I am still shooting for being debt free by December 31st, 2011.  It's a lofty goal, but God is good and He can do it. 

My Observations of California Fashion

I just got back from a week in northern California.  I was super excited to go because I was visiting family that I hadn't seen in a long time (and some I'd never met!) I was almost as excited about the clothes.  In case you didn't know, fashion trends start on the coasts and filter inward over time.  So by the time Uggs got really popular here- remember that?  Cali girls had been rocking them for a few seasons.  So I was totally psyched to be on the front lines of trendiness.  (Is that a word?)  Keep in mind I was in northern CA, so not really the epicenter of new trends, but a LOT closer than Illinois for sure.  Also, these are just my observations I made in the small amount of time and limited area I covered during that week. 

Floral Prints

Pretty floral patterns were everywhere.  Very subdued, nothing like the early '90s florals that were all-consuming and overpowering.  Here is the example that came home with me: 

Feathers: Everywhere!

If you remember, I recently wrote a post about feather hair extensions.  Well, they have those- and so much more.  Earrings, necklaces, purses, bracelets, shoes.... the list goes on and on.  Peacock feathers are the biggest hit (more on those coming soon!) and get the most play, but I brought home something a little simpler: 

Long dresses and bold patterns

Not always together, though.  Long dresses are everywhere.  And I mean floor length long.  The nice thing about the style is that depending on the cut, they can be flattering on almost any body type.  One other thing I noticed very prevalent was bold patterns.  Think '80s but toned down a little. I brought home a piece that brings both trends together: 

(please ignore the sunburn/tan lines- those are NOT trendy!)

  Toms Shoes

Before going to CA, I had heard of this company but never actually seen the shoes in person.   Toms Shoes Website The company is pretty cool, they have a program called the One for One Movement and for every pair of shoes sold, they will donate a pair to a child in need around the world.  I had mixed feelings about the shoes.  I think they are ugly.  The look like boating shoes.  Which is cool, if your boating.  I got over my fear of looking a little funny and tried some on.  They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.  Its like walking on a pillow.  I had to have a pair.  I can get over the odd look of them.  Plus, it's not often that trendy=comfortable so I take advantage when the opportunity arises. Since arriving back in Peoria, I have only seen one other pair of Toms.  Here are mine:  

There were a few other trends I noticed that I didn't bring back from the coast.  For a reason.  One of those was see through, lacy shirts over tube tops or bikini tops.  Since I wear neither, that one didn't apply to me.  Remember ladies, even if it's fashionable, that doesn't make it advisable.  Beach wear is also very popular there.  Similar to the kinds of things we would see in a Pac Sun store, but it's everywhere.  There are tons of beachwear shops.  Lots of loose, flowy tanks (to fit over your bikini top) and itty bitty shorts.  Since there are no beaches where I am from, I passed on those trends.  And also because me and itty bitty shorts are a big NO!!

Always Fabulous,