Closet updating??? a few must haves’ for the season!

This is unacceptable!  I haven’t blogged in weeks… but I have been very busy, preparing my closet and a few others’ for the next few months of stylish entrances and memorable exits!

I have always loved the style, comfort and  intelligent design of the Carol Anderson line… CAbi if you haven’t heard is the latest in the “home trunk show” style of creating a look that fits every body type ! I have seen for myself and I am on board with this amazingly well-crafted and affordable line of  clothing and accessories.  Our philosophies are in line with the right “fit” and not the number on the tag! However I can honestly say, CAbi (Carol Anderson by invitation) is more than just function, it’s of-the-moment design and fabrics that move, flatter and caress the body… French Terry, Boiled wool, and Ponti-Knit fabrics hold their shape while not concealing yours!

Here’s a few examples fo what I am wearing… but go the website and do a little browsing for yourself… and by the way, nothing is better than having a CAbi consultant come to you to create your perfect Fall /Winter look…nothing!

www.cabionline.com

No excuses! Take care of you!

 

Let’s talk about what it really means to take care of  ourselves. First, when was the last time you just sat still for an hour??? Yeah, I know, in traffic. But seriously there is something to be learned from the whole process of “booking time out” for yourself.

Recently I went to spend some time with my girlfriends…who happen to be facialists, massage therapists and lifestyle experts. I started the day with a Balancing Light Therapy treatment… designed to kill the bacteria thats causing my facial breakouts and then heal and begin the collagen building process down deep… sounds rigorous? Not really, I slept in a cocoon of light for 30 minutes…I was out, I mean OUT, snoring and all.

Then a Krashada Massage…accupressure with a hint of aromatherapy to release the energy blocks… and I have ‘em …lastly, a Hydrafacial and Derma Planing that left my skin feeling and looking like a baby’s behind…REALLY.

But what I really want you to know is that just showing up was half of the benefit! I mean from the time you enter Luxury on Lovers, you feel a sense of calm, of release. Then, lying still for a couple of hours… while experts treated my body better than I ever could. Don’t wait for a special occasion…every day is a special occasion.

Make the appointment, and use this fall’s National Spa Week offer to treat yourself well. There is no excuse for not doing this. You can scrimp on lunch this week and spend it on your soul. It’s an investment you cannot afford to put off!

http://www.spaweek.com/spas/Texas

www.luxuryonlovers.com

Tell them you are a friend of mine, ask about the Spa Week offer and book it… they will treat you like a queen.

Namaste

Makeover Maven…. to the rescue!

Whenever I am tired and I think…”I can’t tweeze one more brow”, someone reminds me that it’s all worth it.

Hello Sherry,
Just wanted to let you know everyone I’ve seen since arriving back in Memphis has said “wow” about my makeover. The haircolor & cut really make a difference.
You were fantastic & have a great talent for what you do. I appreciate so much the extra effort & time you gave me. Especially with the extras, makeup tips, clothes, style, & super referrals.
Everybody needs an extra bit of ‘pizazz’ every now & then to stay current & feel good about themselves. You are blessed that you can do this for others.
Dr. Sule was so caring & fantastic at what he does also. Really liked him alot. He used Botox on my forehead & around eyes. Juviderm around mouth & lips. Just enough to help!
Got the facial & deplaning from Lisa & she was nice & did good job as well.
Now about to send Loraine an email for the clothes! That was fun & enjoyed my time with her & you being there helped ‘pull it all together’!
I plan on seeing you again in few months when my hair needs help again. Thanks again for helping me feel better at a time when I desperately needed it.

Truly Changed

You are welcome,

Namaste.

 

leggings….do or don’t?

The other day I decided to break one of my fashion rules… wholeheartedly! ( I am a rule breaker if you haven’t heard)

I went to the one place I just KNEW I could find a reasonbly priced pair of leggings and a pretty good quality to boot. So as if sent by the fashion goddesses, they were “in” the store. I grabbed a couple pair (19.95) and perused the sale rack and left with just what I came for… imagine that!

Maybe you’re asking , “so, what’s the broken fashion rule”? it’s the one that goes, “If you have done the trend once already, it’s a definite NO NO”! Take for example, narrow legged pants and acid washed jeans. Or maybe SHOULDER PADS with t-shirts. Or possibly shoe boots…. or the “flashdance style sweatshirts”…. to name only a few.

These are definitley for the under 30 crowd…cuz on them it’s cute…on us 40 somethings it’s dated…period. Except, I think, leggings. They are versatile, comfortable and slimming…if worn properly. They are NOT however…PANTS! this is where we start to run into trouble…. (see photos).

No matter how the designers show these stylish accessories….somebody , or everybody, seems to go out on a limb and try their own hand at high fashion. Here’s a list to follow. Period. You will notice there are only the DO’s on this list. If it ain’t on the list it’s a don’t. If you have any questions skip this trend. Please.

1. Do wear solid colors. They are flattering and the darker the better. (try chocolate instead of black, but stay away from gray.)

2. Ballet flats, a sling-back with a “kitten heel” …if you have to ask, you don’t own them, and calf-height(at least) boots, are the ONLY shoes that GO with this lean look.

3. Balance the bottom half with a blouse that covers the hips completely. Wear a knee length dress over them, or a mini skirt that is the same color… monochromatic is very chic. Add a long, thin cardigan and you look positively pulled together!

4. Know your body’s contours… if by chance you have a full calf….the leggings go all the way to the ankle…. ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!! ( ok, one  don’t, STIRRUP style is a don’t unless you are going skiing and that’s final.)

bad leggings

good leggings

namaste

Thank you LuLuLemon! (and New York magazine)

This past week I got my favorite weekly magazine …probably my favorite magazine …period. New York Magazine. You will have to check it out for yourself to understand, but they really have great articles, I love the LOOK BOOK feature and the whole concept of things being new there first…Ifeel I am in the know.

This issue caught my attention right off,  big articles on LuLulemon and why it’s so popular… sort of cult-ish and the marketing of yoga in the west. I have only been practicing for a little over a year, but I have to admit, I am totally hooked. I have a fantastic teacher( Linda B.) and a very open mind!

Two things I planned to do after reading this article…

1. Practice yoga outside in the park. The photo of 400 people taking part in a free yoga class offered by LuLulemon  in Bryant park NY city, was pretty inspiring and beautiful. I suggested we take our practice outside today and right there in the middle of Uptown Dallas we stood with one foot lifted to the trees while the other was firmly planted in the grass… it was sublime. I loved the feeling of being in the park, but totally focused on what I was doing… very groundingand peaceful.

2. Acquire a pair of these famous butt-enhancing LuLulemon pants. Apparently the women in New your at least, are wearing these during the day cuz they make one’s backside look great… I’m in! Going to galleria today to invest…yes, INVEST in a pair of these $100.00+ workout pants… to see for myself. ( the article actually offers that there are plenty of used yoga pants by LULU on Ebay, however, I am NOT in the habit of wearing someone elses’ sweaty ‘ol leotards…no matter how cute I look in them)!

 

 

I will keep you posted on my findings, or you can just drive down Turtle Creek Blvd in Dallas and look for the only women doing “downward dog” out in the open…. with beautiful form…and nice butts!

Namaste

http://www.lululemon.com/home

This will make your hair curl!

Started growing my hair out not long after I cut it, but that’s half the fun of whacking it off for me. So now I am in the market for a new product to let my hair be curly for a while… just till I change my mind!

Now trying TIGI ’s products for curl enhancement… so far, I am not so sure it works. I have used it for a couple of days and while my hair is pretty curly, it’s not defined as I expected it to be. I am giving it a couple more days and then I am off to the drug store. Like most of you, I am not into paying a million dollars for a product that doesn’t get results! I welcome your suggestions on al of this, cuz while I am a style guru, I am always heeding the advice of real-gurus…YOU!

Let me hear from you,

“The product I love best for curly hair is….”

Home is where you lay your… scissors?

Looking for a new home to do my work in is not easy…coupled with the time frame that I had NOT anticipated, it’s nearly impossible! But if you know me, all you have to do is say the word impossible, and I am off and running.

So, after some “go-sees” and careful contemplation, I know I have found my people!!!  I am joining the team of Evolution Salon and Spain the Uptown area of Dallas. This salon has been a quiet little oasis for over 20 yrs and has recently become the sanctuary of several of the finest stylists, colorists and body gurus  in the city of Dallas. I am happy that they have room for me and I am very excited to be a part of this very diverse team of professionals.

Evolutions’ owner Theresa is as laid back as they come and her intention for the salon/spa is to bring that feeling of comfort and calm to every customer. The interior is funky and ecclectic, using every inch of an old Dallas apartment building  to create an environment that leaves you feeling as if spending the day at your favorite commune!! Theresa even teaches meditation in a dedicated room upstairs…

I am sure that as my customer you will feel as “at home” in this new place as I already do. Theresa and the team are doing alot to accommodate my move and I appreciate everyone’s patience during this transition. There are a few things on the Evolution Salon website that will still need to be adjusted…mainly my services and prices… If you are currently a customer I have not changed my prices … (up or down) , and if you are a future makeover client as always your prices are quoted during your consultation appointment. 

Please join me after July 26Th 2009 in my new spot , call for an appointment 469-335-0000 ( yes, that’s Shopaholic’s #) .

I appreciate your business more than you can imagine!

Namaste!

http://www.evolutionsalon.net/

Thriftstore meets Hipstore

Spent the afternoon at the mall yesterday. Not just any mall…Northpark Center…the coolest reinvention since urban renewal. It was busy. VERY busy. I enjoy the designer studios as much as the department stores, they seem to have a window dressing competition goin these days and I for one enjoy window shopping! I am a bit amused however when I go to a store that while they do spend alot of time decorating and displaying, it ends up looking like my favorite flee market/thrift shop. Funny, I have been digging through bins of god knows what for years and loving every minute… not that these stores are new exactly, I mean Anthropology and Urban Outfitters have been here a bit. What I am curious about is the price tags and the shopper. Ok, I can see the value of a “distressed chair or farm table, maybe even an old ceramic pitcher for lemonade… I am not sure about the price points. When someone wants to get that “flee market funky” look in their home, do they really pay $2000.00 for a table? I am not judging here, promise, I just want to know. I guess the answer is YES, or Anthropolgy wouldn’t be here. Don’t get me wrong I love getting ideas from their store(s), and I love even more paying 9.99 for a cotton blanket that looks like it is vintage… LOVE!

Urban Outfitters is having the YARD SALE  themed sale… everything in boxes, people digging through them… it’s fun for me, and it was air conditioned! Most importantly it didn’t SMELL like the Army Navy store ;0). It just seems a bit staged, like we are all pretending to be really grunging it… watching our nickles, scavenging for artifacts. Hmmm, but are we , really?

Part of the greatness of our culture is the choices we have…so many that sometimes we can’t actually choose anything. Here’s how I see it as the generations separate into areas of the mall:

20 somethings= Urban Outfitters… Funkyfleemarket

30 somethings= Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware… buy house, insert family .

40 somethings= Z Gallery, West Elm… iwannabejustlikeyou-urban chic.

50 somethings= Quatrine, anything touting “Shabby Chic”… single women and gay males insta-cozy.

60 somethings= The design district any city USA… has designer on speed dial, and thinks shopping is a bore.

Now, I know this is just telling you what you already know… and you probably have shopped (as I have) at several of these stores. My only suggestion is this:  Try being an individual. Try adding some truly “you-nique” pieces to your homes. Pictures of family and friends are fun to look at… furniture that says, come sit on  me is welcoming!

If you want to look like you took a few years to create your farmhouse chic kitchen…then start collecting real farmhouse stuff… from a real farm!

I just don’t want you to become “homogenized”…

you’re more stylish than that!!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

The beginning of the end…

First I want to thank all of you who have shopped at our boutique and found that amazing little something that you could not LIVE without and took it with you with a smile! That’s what Sherry Gilderoy’s Shopaholic has been about…well, and the friendly if not lively conversations and opinions. If you tried something on, we made you model it; if you got a MAKEOVER, we taught you how to pose like a pro; and if you wore capris….well, you didn’t leave in them A fresh baked cookie, a cup of coffee and a couple of puppies to greet you… it’s exactly what Carrie and I wanted it to be. EXACTLY.  Now, it’s time to move into the next phase , gladly and with an open mind and heart.

I know my gift is to re-create someone’s appearance, to make another human say, “Wow, is that me”? I know that I am ready to use my gifts in ways I have yet to experience… and in the meantime I need to focus on the task(s) at hand. Closing our store is bittersweet to say the least, but it is not a final act… just a scene change and I am looking forward to whatever the Universe has in store for us next!

We would love to see you before the last day, so please come and say hi…. oh, and everything is for sale….even the furniture!

Michael Jackson, a human being.

I didn’t know Michael Jackson. I did not know his family, or close friends. I am like most everyone else in my generation, awed and saddened. What I DO know is that this man was a human like the rest of us, with all the same juicy flaws and quirks… only his were “on the radar” as the saying goes. Addiction, abandonement, fear of failure..we all have it to some degree. What I celebrate today is my ability to overcome to some extent the experiences of my childhood and some of my adult indulgences… I have responsibly addressed ,whenever I have become aware of them, the issues that have caused  suffering and pain and that I would rather escape by any means.

Maybe, instead of taking HIS inventory right now, we can take ours. make a decision to change our behavior(s) and embrace life for all the good that we bring to it, and that life brings to us. Just reflect… it is our responsibility to show up for our selves… oh, and listent to some MJ because he made us feel in ways we may never again.

Namaste