Happy Monday all!

With all the recent focus on sustainability in fashion I’ve been thinking about new ways to re-work my wardrobe.  It’s easy to justify buying new pieces instead of working with what you already have.  For me having a disorganized closet was stopping me from fully enjoying the clothing I already had.  After I organized my closet, I’ve been wearing pieces I haven’t touched in months.  I’ve also been having a little fun with my wardrobe. Here are some ideas I’m going to try:

1. Wearing a maxi skirt as a midi dress (see below)
2. Shirt dress as a duster
3. Midi skirt over a short dress

I’m open to suggestions so I would love to hear how you re-work your wardrobe!

Have a wonderful day!

Skirt: Astra Signature (here)
Blazer: Eloquii (here)
Belt: old
Shoes: H&M (here)
Bag: Cult Gaia (here)
Earrings: Kate Spade (here)
Sunglasses: Amazon (similar here)

Happy Hump Day all!

 For me Spring is a time for renewal.  The saying “out with the old, in what the new” definitely comes to mind.   Spring cleaning isn’t only  for  sprucing up your house or closet.  It can mean reevaluating your  routine to make sure your bladder leak protection is doing its job.  If you’re like me, your activity level increases during the Spring.  The last thing you want to interfere with your plans is poor bladder leak protection. Unfortunately the stigma surrounding sensitive bladders can be a deterrent to getting help. That stigma can lead to denial of the issue or settling for inadequate bladder protection. Initially I was denial about my sensitive bladder.  I ignored it until I had to accept it as  apart of life.  I had to learn that having a sensitive bladder wasn’t some rare issue.  In fact, 1 out 3  three women of all ages  experience bladder leaks.  For African American women, 1 out of 2 of us experience issues with bladder leaks.  Knowing this has helped me to see that what I am experiencing is not out of the ordinary or rare. Talking about my sensitive bladder has helped me to normalize it and not see it as some kind of burden or defect.  Always Discreet Boutique’s super absorbent core allows me to confidently go about my life without worrying about accidents or odor.  Their bladder leak underwear is comfortable, stretchy and secure.  Honestly they look like a pair of hipster panties.    I was able to go about my life without feeling like I had a  bulky pad between my legs. After a few minutes, I even forgot I was wearing bladder leak protection and just a regular pair of underwear. Wearing Always Discreet Boutique hasnt stopped me from wearing my favorite Spring outfits.  In full disclosure I don’t wear them everyday.  I tend to wear them when I know Ill be out for awhile and don’t have immediate access to a restroom.  Having the option of of Always Discreet Boutique has given me a peace of mind. If you’re in the market for good bladder leak protection, head to your local Walgreens and give Always Discreet Boutique a try!

Have a wonderful day!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are all my own.  

Dress: Eshakti
Jacket: Old Navy
Sneakers: Old Navy
Bag: Cult Gaia

Happy Thursday all!

On Tuesday my job had a vision board class as apart of it’s wellness program.  My primary reason for going was to get points for an extra personal day  (hey, I love my days off!) so I had no real expectations.  I was pleasantly surprised that I found the class so soothing and relaxing.  It also got me thinking about my goals for the next 5 years.  I have to admit, the thought of  getting older used to scare me a little because I never thought I’d be single in my late forties. If you had asked me fifteen years ago where I would be at 47, I would’ve said married ten plus years with two kids.  As we all know life doesn’t always goes as planned.   I never factored in having a hysterectomy at 39 which ended my ability to give birth.  I struggled for years after my hysterectomy thinking I was less of a woman because I couldn’t physically have children.  I was so angry because I knew I would’ve made an awesome mom.  I felt hopeless because my romantic life has been extremely disappointing.  With the kind of men I was meeting the prospect of getting married by my “due date” was fading fast (I used to have 40 as my “due date” to get married and have children).  When I turned 45 I found myself  feeling like a massive failure because I wasn’t a wife and a mother.  I had bought into the belief that I wasn’t complete unless I was married.  I had forgotten about the massive blessings my single life had brought me.  Fortunately the Lord gave me dose of reality to see my life is right where it  is supposed to be. While I want love in my life, I no longer romanticize marriage.  My married friends and family have taught me that marriage is not some fairy tale.  They’ve shown me that marriage takes hard work from two committed people to keep it healthy and strong. I used to focus on the process of getting married instead of being married. Now I have so much respect for being married…not getting married.  Due to my newfound respect, I no longer feel like a failure in that department.   I know in my heart if I had gotten married 10-15 years ago it wouldn’t have worked out because I wasn’t in the right head space.   I still have my struggles but I know I feel 1000% better about myself now than I did all those years ago.  I don’t know if I’ll ever get married but if someone amazing comes along and is worthy of my love, check your mailbox for an invite. If not, life will blissfully carry on!

Have a wonderful day!

Sweater: Who What Wear x Target (here)
Pants: Loft Plus (here)
Shoes: Zara (here)

Happy Thursday all!

This Spring I wanted to depart from the usual beige trench coat.  I wanted something fun and eye catching so when I saw this one on H&M’s site I was instantly smitten.  While I was smitten I was concerned if it would fit.  Lately H&M has changed their sizing so I have been able to wear a lot of their XL clothing.  While XL is an 18 on their size chart, I’ve been able wear skirts, dresses and skirts comfortably.  So I decided to go out on a limb and get the XL and to my pleasant surprise it fits! It’s not tight and buttons up easily.  The only downside is it isn’t lined so I don’t wear it when it’s really chilly outside. If you’re in the market for a fun, light Spring coat, this one is for you!

Have a wonderful day!

Trench coat: H&M (here, wearing an XL)
Shirt: Lane Bryant (old, similar here)
Skirt: ModCloth (old, similar here)
Shoes: ASOS (old, similar here)

Happy Hump Day all!

Have you ever felt like you just can’t catch a break?  For the past few months I’ve been struggling with a spate of bad fortunate. From my new car being hit while parked to having dental work that set me back over $2000, I felt like I couldn’t catch a break even if I tried. I wanted to keep my head up but it was really hard to stay positive.  I struggled with wanting to wallow in self pity but I knew it wouldn’t get me anywhere.  Despite my misfortunes,  there were bright spots like my BFF throwing me surprise 47th birthday party. The party came at the perfect time because I was feeling so defeated about my situation.  Celebrating my birthday with my friends and family was just what I needed. For a couple of hours I was able to relax and have a great time.

Things have calmed down in the past few weeks and I’ve been able to roll with the punches. I would be lying if I said I hope things stay quiet for long time.  Like Mary J Blige said “no more drama!”

Have a wonderful day!

Dress: c/o Eloquii (here)
Pants: Lane Bryant (here)
Shoes: Zara (here)