Friday, September 30, 2011

Make Drab Fab!

Fashion Friday already~ Wow! Time sure has a way of zipping on by doesnt it?
Today we will continue our discussion on the 50 most Fabulous things FarmGirls should know about fashion and accessories.

Accessorize With Brights!!
Many of us have a closet filled with camel, black , gray and navy. What might be considered a bit drab by itself turns fab when you add a pop of color.   These pieces are the staples or canvas for us to create an exciting outfit.  By gathering up accessories, meaning jewelry, shoes, scarves , handbags or even head bands in fun textures, colors, metals and fabrics means we can create all sorts of wonderful new looks.  How about a black pair of slacks, black turtleneck and then red shoes and a fun floral headband with hints of red ?  Or maybe go with a camel color scheme and add a pair of leopard or animal print ballet flats.  And if you are more into just jeans how about adding a fun printed scarf or some big chunky bracelets.   Lots of fun and so many ideas.

  What is your idea of dressing up some of your fun staples?

Need other ideas, my friend at Crystal Cattle does such a fun job of pairing wonderful things together , her sense of style is like no other , have fun checking out her blog at http://www.crystalcattle.blogspot.com/ or just check her out by looking at the left side of my page , she is one that I follow regularly !  That might be easier for you.  She too talks everything from clothes to cows and all in between, she is our kinda gal.


Do you want to hear more on Fridays about Fashion,  do you live in the midwest - tune in to KFRM Radio out of Clay Center, Kansas at noon for Rural Route Radio with Trent Loos,Kyle Bauer and Duane Toews - and yes ME doing Fashion Friday tips for all of my fun farmgirls out on the Plains and on the Prairie.  Lots of fun for sure !!  Or listen online at http://www.kfrm.com/ or http://www.ruralrouteradio.com/

Until next time~

Friday, September 23, 2011

50 Fashion Tips, Let the Fun begin~


I recently ran across a great article talking about the 50 Best Fashion Tips of All Times.  I thought so much of it that I thought to myself – Wow! This would be great for Fashion Friday to share with my Fun Fashion Forward FarmGirls.  What to buy, what to pass on, what to look for and what can we pull together to create something that says Ultra- Fab!!
Let’s get started……………….

The White T-shirt, Tank and Blouse
They dress up jeans, look great with skirts and are timeless with a pair of slacks. I like to keep a few on hand because I absolutely cannot stand when they lose their bright white color.  My suggestion is Hanes Tanks and T’s for wearing under sweaters or with jeans, Then invest in a nicer button down to wear when you get dressed up.  I buy the mens t-shirt packs of three – Yep I do and I make them my own. Why is it that they are so much cheaper than the same brand women’s tanks and t’s??? Hmmmmm. They are cheap and when they get a bit ratty-looking or lose their fresh pop of color I can go back and replace them at a minimal cost.  Keeping a good inventory of white tanks, t’s and a button down or two is a wardrobe staple.

Check back next week for our next wardrobe must have !

Friday, September 16, 2011

Nail It !


I am a big fan of nail polish.  With my old ranch hands I need something to perk them up and make them look a bit girly from time to time so I like to paint my nails.  Fall is in the air and just like a change of wardrobe for fall , the tips of your fingers need to follow suit.

Gone is the fluorescent shades of summer, green, yellow , pink and blue. Personally I never got into this trend it was just a bit too much for me but I do love however the new colors for fall.  Shades of brown, neutrals, dark reds and dark greens and grays are taking front and center stage on our short filed down tips.

Nail color should complement your outifits. Never have nails that scream – “ look at me” – I think it is best to choose a shade that works with all of your fall tweeds, plaids and rich deep gem colors.

My favorite polish is Essie and you can now purchase Essie polishes at mainstream drug and discount stores. It was once an exclusive salon polish but like many things it has made its way into CVS pharmacy stores and Targets across the country.  Typical price is right around $7-8 per bottle !  A cheap investment to add a little punch to your outfit and they make those old ranch hands look a little prettier .

Thursday, September 15, 2011

A Little Bit of Magic Found in Middle America

Many of you know from following me on Facebook that I took some time to visit Nebraska this past week.  Some might also remember me sharing that I did a report on Nebraska in 4th Grade. I did a booklet with the state flower, bird, state seal , etc etc. The typical grade school project.  During my oral report to the class I said someday I would visit. Time passed and at 43 years young I finally took my trip to Nebraska! Thanks to some amazing friends offering a visit!

What a wonderful little part of rural America!  My adventure brought me to the Nebraska State Fair where I spent a few days helping friends with 4-H animal projects.  I was simply amazed by the amount of people participating in the Fair and the Fairgrounds itself - Wow! I fell in love with the washracks and the electrical outlets - I know sounds a bit strange but when you have shown at numerous cattle shows you can appreciate good facilities! They were top of the line !  Big screen televisions in all the barns showcasing the classes in the ring and alerting young people of their next class - quite cool.

I met alot of wonderful people, some that were facebook friends that now are real friends. Some found out I was at the fair so they swung by to meet me and visit , bringing me a tshirt from their local 4-H club or breed association - fun stuff!   I will be sure to wear them with pride throughout California !!

On the final day I had the opportunity to watch the market steer grand champion drive- I have never witnessed such an outpouring of support for young people! Literally hundreds of people gathered to watch the champion selection and hear the words of the cattle judge share his thoughts not only on the calves before him but the importance of young people. I have heard numerous speeches given by folks from throughout California discussing the importance of young people and commitment to agriculture but I have yet to hear it with the meaning and the heartfelt truth that I did during this show.  Nebraskas commitment to young people and agriculture is something they can be extremely proud of , many of us talk the talk but in Nebraska it was evident they walk the walk as well !

After my Fair Adventure I got to spend some time with a real Nebraska Farm Family. There home is a small slice of magic in the heart of America. Their commitment to family, to their livestock and to their friends is next to none.  It was humbling for this California Girl to spend some time in a place where makeup did not matter, where what I wore did not matter, where who I was or where I came from did not matter - the only thing that seemed to matter was those moments that I spent feeding pigs, chasing little donkeys, playing with doggies and spending time talking about REAL things that truly mattered.  

I want to thank all of you that made my Nebraska experience one I will certainly never forget. Thank you for introducing me to Mountain Dew made with real sugar, Runzas, skrew top cheap wine $2.77 per bottle to be exact and dill pickle sunflower seeds :) :)

You guys are the REAL DEAL - everyone should have the opportunity to take a trip to the heart of America and to give you the feeling that you matter and find your newfound love of all things agriculture- give you a shot in the arm that agriculture is alive and well.  Look out California, I have a new excitement for our industry - who knows whats in store next !!!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Spring Forward!

A peek into the year ahead~

Fall is in the air but Spring is on the minds of fashion designers everywhere.  It is said that one sign of a retreating storm is a rainbow.  A rainbow is what you will find when you checkout the 2012 spring line of clothing. 

According to the San Francisco Chronicle Personal Journal , colors will be vibrant and saturated! Look ahead to below the knee skirts, high necklines and overall less skin showing.  Many seem to be thinking retro and 1960 style thoughts.

This is not the last you will hear of this , eager to share lots more in the months ahead but thinking y'all might want a glimpse into what the Fashion World will be showcasing in 2012!

Until next time ~