Dreaming of Summer...

I'm sitting here at the boutique, looking out of my front windows at yet another "bi-polar" weather day. Only in Oregon do you use the a/c and the heater both in a matter of hours. It's almost May, and it's about this time every year, that I am absolutely dying for warmth and sun. DYING. My insides are literally screaming for the change. I'm flipping through one of my favorite fashion magazines looking at all of the fabulous spring styles and I'm thinking, "Ooh, that's gorgeous...can't wear it until July. Oh, I love that...but I'd have to wear a sweater with it though because my arms would freeze. That is delicious, but it would look ridiculous sticking out the bottom of a coat. LOVE IT, but I'd have to lose 10 pounds to pull it off." Ok, so that last one is my own fault, but STILL! I need SUN SUN SUN.

Now let me clarify...I am not a "sun-worshiper" mind you. Every single one of us should know by now that UVA/UVB rays are our #1 enemy when it comes to skin care and aging. I do everything in my power to protect myself from these elements, as should you...SPF 15 minimum, ladies! AND please do not tell me that you still go to the tanning beds. AHHH! I will lecture you. Trust me, you'll pay for it later in life and believe me when I say, no one wants to look like a weathered leather bag in their 40's or 50's. We have so many fabulous faux tan and bronzing products available to us now, that there is no excuse to actually be damaging your skin with the real stuff when you can fake it, baby!

Ok, so that was a tangent...but an important one!

Anyway, I crave sun based solely on the emotional need! It truly lifts the spirit! Don't you just feel like skipping, when it's warm and sunny out? Gosh, I long to be a kid again on those first few warm days of summer. I feel like I could kick off my jellies and do a cartwheel on the first patch of green grass I see. Simple times, simple pleasures.

Well, you won't catch me doing back flips outside the boutique anytime soon, but I do allow myself another little indulgence I like to refer to as: "RETAIL THERAPY"...works like a charm. If you know me personally, you know how true this is (until the bill comes, but that's another entry entirely, ha.) So, what is my vice as of late? Turquoise and Coral, and anything nautical-inspired. I cannot get enough. It started in January when I purchased a simple little brass charm bracelet and matching necklace featuring an anchor and a tiny turquoise stone charm. It's funny how something so little can trigger an obsession! Love it! I consider myself a pretty creative person, so I am always looking for ways to incorporate my latest fetish into my existing wardrobe. It feels so great to add a little something new to totally change a look. That's where the creative challenge kicks in for me though. Incorporating in new pieces without spending a fortune. Easier said than done my friend...especially when my favorite things of the moment are always changing. It's the revolving door that is fashion...but I think that's the fun of it! Keeps me on my toes or flats, so to speak. What will my NEXT little quirky obsession be? That is the question!

All of this to say, figure out what simple pleasures in life make you happy, and make it happen. Step out of your box - or in our case, step out from under your umbrella - and rejuvenate yourself. Pick a NEW favorite and run with it. Maybe it will come in the form of an entire outfit, maybe just toe nail polish. Whatever it is, reinvent yourself...one cartwheel at a time :)