Paul's Letter to the Philippians

I know what you're thinking, "She has definitely lost her mind with this post's title!"  Not quite. See, my son, a.k.a. this blog's photographer, said to me,  "You know, you don't write about Jesus anymore." And he's right. And on such a glorious day as today, with the sun shining and the temperature's above freezing, it's hard to ignore His presence. 

Yesterday's Sunday School lesson (yes, maybe hard to believe this too, but I am a Sunday School teacher) centered around Paul's Letter to the Philippians. Our class consists of 3 adults (including myself) and 4 teenagers (including my teenager). Pretty good ratio if you ask me. Intimate. Quaint. Personal. In other words, no room to run or to hide. 

Have you read Paul's letter recently? How amazingly beautiful, encouraging, uplifting and inspiring! In four short chapters, this imprisoned solider of Christ was able to tell his followers, to rejoice and be joyful because in this "race of life", Jesus Christ should be your ultimate goal, your finish line. He encourages them to love one another and be of one mind as a church. The entire letter exudes positivity. He tells them to rejoice and be joyful even in times of suffering. And that's what it means to be a Christian. We should always be joyful in anything we do...as long as we seek to know God. As Christians, we shouldn't be depressed and have a "woe is me" attitude. Paul certaintly did not in this letter, which makes him a credible writer. 

One of my favorite verses in this letter is, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (3:20). I think I'll use his words the next time I travel.

But of course, most readers would quote Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Aint that the truth!

So I guess I inadvertenly (*wink *wink) wrote about Jesus today, or at least about one of his men.

Best,

H.

Here's the look:
Blazer: Super old, Worthington.
Blouse: Bellatrix from Nordstrom Rack. Find here. 
Pants: Old Navy. Worn in previous posts.
Shoes: Natural Sole

Can you believe it's November?

Tote: BCBG
Watch: Michael Kos
Green link bracelet: groopdealz
Cuff bracelet: gift from my mom

Chloeandisabel Bouquet Rouge Long Pendant Necklace. Find here. 

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (3:20).

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Color Block

One of the fashion bloggers that I follow announced recently that she's calling it quits for a while. While not a "professional blogger," she decided to concentrate on her studies (she's a college student) more and become "less superficial." She said that she got obsessed with her page statistics and "got caught up in the game." Um, am I missing something here? Aren't we all doing this for fun? Isn't this supposed to serve as a creative outlet? A modern-day, electronic visual diary?  I mean, at least for those of us who have real jobs? 

I actually get a little bummed out when I neglect to post for a couple of days, or recently in weeks. But sometimes it's not my fault. I don't have a professional photographer following me around or a stylist putting my outfits together. Instead, I have a 14 year-old boy with homework, sports and his own vlogging channel who can't be bothered to take pictures of his mother daily. Currently, I have a closet that looks like it's been ransacked (God forbid). Yes, ransacked. Clothes everywhere. Without being too graphic (neat freaks will be appalled and may send me to fashion prison), simply stated...the shelving could not withstand the weight of my clothes and accessories. I may have a problem. Even the hubby is at his wits' end (and he's a rather rational fella).  

So while I may not post everyday because of the aforementioned reasons, I do try to take, at least, instagram photos. #nophotographerneeded #usuallyjustheadshotsofjewelry #imayhavespelledsomethingwronginthesehashtags.

I promise to take before and after photos of the closet. I will get it fixed and it will be better than ever.

Any suggestions?

Best,

H.

Here's the look:
Dress: Calvin Klein. Similar here.
Shirt: J.Crew
Shoes: Aerosoles
Purse: Kate Spade. Find similar here. 

Love my new chloeandisabel celestial frost convertible necklace. Find here.  Earrings also chloeandisabel. Find here.

Another shot of these gorgeous studs.

I am in love with Lancome's new Grandiose mascara. It's a work of art. Find here. 

Yes, I am in love with the bottle too.

Taking It Easy

I've been having one of those months...blah, blah, blah. Although I have gone out with friends; had a jewelry party; went to a jewelry party; bought new shoes...it just seems as if I'm getting the winter blues a bit too, too early. Waaay tooo early. Maybe I'm just beginning to realize that certain friendships are ending or maybe that they weren't friendships at all. Or that life can be really, really hectic. Or that I really hate liars and oppressors. 

I know, too deep and depressing for a jewelry blog. So, I shall stop.

This is the time of year in PA when the weather is beyond unpredictable. I like to think that God has a sense of humor and wants to let the meteorologists know who is really in control and in charge. No barometer, hygrometer, psychrometer, doplar radar or satellite can compare to God's omniscience. Because of this unpredictability,what I plan to wear at night may change by daybreak. 

Today's outfit was totally unplanned. I had to run a few errands after church and just wanted to take it easy. My parents are coming over for dinner (nothing fancy), and I didn't necessarily want to greet them in my fuzzy jammies. 

Hope you're taking it easy. I know I have to.

Best,

H. 

Here's the look:

Baseball T-shirt: From my days at the non-profit
Jeggings: Charlotte Russe, last year
Jacket: Gap, over 13 years old. I will never get rid of this jacket.
Shoes: Lucky Brand
Purse: BCBG, cross body
Earrings: chloeandisabel, heirloom pearl studs

BCBG crossbody. Find similar here. 
Bangles: All Brighton. 

Wanted to show you a close-up of not only the heirloom earrings (love them) but also my burn mark above my left eye-brow. Yes, I tried using a curling iron yesterday, and it wasn't pretty. Actually, pretty dangerous. 

Necklace: chloeandisabel tresors chain with tresors ornate pendant 

Jeweled Neck

Fall is alive and well in PA. Spending time in church on a gorgeous fall day is a great way to end a busy week. 

Let's see. What did I do this past week besides going to work, running my son to soccer games and practices, remembering to take my medications (let me tell you; it's harder than it sounds) and taking care of a new puppy? That's right. I caught up with a friend for lunch, went to dinner and a movie with some of the most gorgeous and hilarious women in town (same women, not different) and celebrated my nephew's sweet sixteen. 

But more important, I spent the last 48 hours trying to convince my stubborn, older brother to get his little girl a puppy...a Havanese to be exact. The verdict is still out as to whether he will cave in. 

Enjoy your Sunday!

Best,

H. 

Here's the look (and oh, am I missing my St. Thomas tan):

Jeweled blouse: AGB. Find similar here. 
Cardigan: Massimo Dutti. Find similar here.  Link shows actual color. Picture here shows color faded.
Skirt: Grace Elements. Find similar here.
Shoes: Bandolino. Find here. 

Bracelets and ring: chloeandisabel. Find here. 

Earrings: Last year; Christmas gift from a friend. Find similar here. 

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Here's the look:

Dress: Macy's old
Blazer: Christian Siriano via Sam's Club
Shoes: Franco Sarto
Watch: Michael Kors
Link bracelet: Brighton
Crystal Bracelet: chloeandisabel
Necklace: Zara, the princess Kate

Lipstick: Lancome, fashion icon; metallic. 

Find the jardins du trocadero statement bracelet here. 

Safari

I can't get enough of this Banana Republic (factory) safari print blouse. I have worn it several times. Here I have it paired with jeans, but earlier in the day, I had it paired with a black pencil skirt. Two weeks ago, I had it paired with a camel colored, high-low skirt. Can't wait to see what I pair with it next. If I'm going to invest in a piece (even a factory piece), it better be versatile. 

Modern convertible torsade sans crystal strand with tresors chain and pave necklace. Earrings are the beau monde stud earrings. Find here. 

You can see I was photo bombed by the soccer ball in the background.

Here's the look:

Blouse: Banana Republic
Jeans: American Eagle
Cardigan: No Name; very old
Bangles: chloeandisabel. Find here. 
Watch: Michael Kors
Cross Bracelet: No name

Wedges: Dolce Vita. Find similar here.

Lace Love

It has been a while. A lot has happened in the last two weeks from hospital visits to leaky air conditioner units. But through all of that, I have to shout THANK GOD for everything. 

Hope you are having a splendid Sunday.

Best, 

H.

Love this lace pattern. Find similar here. 

LOVE! LOVE! Color code three-row necklace. Find here. 

Find ring and bracelet here. 

Linen Love

My friends know that 95% of the time, I plan my outfits the night before, including accessories. Last night the hubster and I went out for some drinks--celebrating our sweet sixteen anniversary a day later.

To cut it short and spare you the details, I didn't have enough time to plan out my outfit for today. So here is what I put together this morning. Minimal accessories...so unlike me.

Have a great Friday!

Best,

H.

I love this linen skirt. I love linen. Period. As a side note, I'm getting my roots done tomorrow. Thank God!

Here's the look:

Sweater: old
Skirt: tjmaxx purchase
Flats: Lucky Brand
Earrings: Kenneth Cole
Cuff: Brighton

Botanica

So I am very excited about the new Fall/Winter Botanica line. I want every, single piece. Seriously, I do. And I want every woman I know to own at least one (maybe two) pieces from this collection. Do you hear me?!

One word: gorgeous!

The pieces are intricately bold and vibrant.

The line launches tomorrow. I am so excited! Visit chloeandisabel.com/boutique/heidir (after 10 p.m. tomorrow) to see the new pieces. Photo courtesy of  Jessica Saint.

I wanted to share recent selfies...for no particular reason. Wait, yeah, I want you to check out this awesome jewelry.

This is the feather and cabochon long pendant necklace.

I love this overlapping metal disc collar necklace.

Can you say a must have? Papillon Nocturne Statement Necklace

Best,

H.