How to Dress Up Your Jeans

I am a total jeans girl.  I’m not sure when it started…. It could be because of the “jiggle thighs” so dresses and weight weight fabrics and I don’t agree.  Maybe it is because I no longer enjoy shopping and trying on clothes (GASP!)

After a summer of dressing in capris and yoga pants with LONG tops, I am ready for the arrival of fall and the crisp air. Okay, so the colder weather I am not a fan of BUT I do love my jeans and boots.   With the comfort of jeans comes the age old question: How can you dress up your jeans and feel fashionable when you head out for work, a day with your girlfriends or a night on the town?  Yup, I struggle with this all of the time.  The answer is in the accessories which is what changes your basic denim to a fashion statement!

I love some of these ideas from the staff and designers at Thirty One.…

Get your jeans party-ready with smart evening accessories

When choosing jeans for evening, it’s important to start with the right silhouette. Luckily, two denim cuts leading the way for fall are flattering on all body types – especially in a dark, saturated wash.

Your tried-and-true skinny jeans are as hot as ever and look great balanced with flowy, feminine tops. Layer on a long necklace, drop earrings and stacked bracelets for some nighttime sparkle.

In addition to skinny jeans, you’ll also see more trouser-like silhouettes this season. This cut gives you some creative leeway with opportunities to rock key details like contrast stitching, polished hardware and chic pleats. As a general rule, trouser-style jeans look best paired with a more fitted top tucked in.

Finish off your party look by dressing up your jeans with the perfect pair of shoes: Pumps add evening elegance and take both skinny and trouser jeans up a notch.

Dress your jeans for a professional setting

If you are wearing jeans to the office,, you want a pulled together professional look.  Work-appropriate jeans are usually the  darker wash the better – or try one of the dressy, deep-hued colored washes big this fall.  No, frayed or distressed jeans, or jeans with embellishments like studs.  A closed-toe pump is a solid choice for work, as is a pointy-toe flat if you’re on your feet a lot. Then add a tucked-in button-up shirt in a crisp white or a soft pastel or stripe. Roll up the sleeves a bit to show off a bracelet or add a blazer for a quick easy way to complete the look.

Be strategic with pops of color and NEVER more than one eye-grabbing pattern per outfit. A foolproof accessory is a lightweight, rectangular Avenue Scarf or one of the many accessories offered in Thirty One’s  Bright & Bold collection.

Since we often carry a laptop between the office and home, the new Colorblock Tote is a great option. Its structure and smaller scale make it office-worthy while still providing the roominess you need.

 

Ladies who lunch (or brunch!)

For a day of brunching and shopping with your gal pals, start with a pair of high-waisted skinnies and patterned flats. Add a dressy tunic or feminine peasant top in one of the deliciously rich hues that the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report for Fall/Winter 2018 says will be big this year, like Red Pear, Martini Olive, Ultra Violet or Quetzal Green.

For holding all your finds while browsing those markets and boutiques, we love a statement bag like our slouchy but structured Around Town Tote. These bags come in an equally scrumptious palette of solids and patterns to pull your whole look together, and you can add your personal stamp with a monogram or Icon-It.

Dress up for date night

Date night with your special someone? Try a sophisticated pair of trouser jeans in a dark wash. Fall fashion shows in the spring were also showing tuxedo stripes on jeans, which is another fun way to dress up your denim look for evening.

Dressing up your jeans with a peep-toe bootie/sandal hybrid with a chunky heel is perfect for transitioning between seasons, and you can switch to a full bootie later. You’ll want a fitted top so you can layer on a leather-look moto jacket, and then bling out the whole ensemble with a statement necklace, earrings and a bracelet or two. Think small for your bag; choose something like a wristlet or clutch for your phone and lipstick and such. Remember: For evening, it’s all about the fun details.

Need some ideas? Try our best-selling All About the Benjamins wallet with a matching Wristlet Strap, then dress up your whole outfit with an on-trend Fringed and Fabulous Necklace and a pair of shiny Luxe Loop Dangles earrings.

Whether you’re heading to work, a day out with friends or a night on the town, have fun dressing up your jeans for a casual yet ultra-chic look. And be sure to check out all the amazing handbags and accessoriesThirty-One Gifts has designed to help you bring out your own personal style!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Are You on a Team?

WOOHOO! It is Friday!  Typically, weekends are not my favorite days of the week.  I start my 3 days of “work“.  What I do get excited about is FOOTBALL!  For those that know me, this was something new when hubby came into my life (15+ years ago).  When we were both off on Sundays, it was the thing we did.  Now, he is usually at work and I am racing home on Sunday to catch the end of a 1PM game and get ready for a 4:30PM game….

Opps… I “squirreled” just a little…

So, are you on a team?  Or were you ever?  Growing up, I was not on any sports teams. I was on the Yearbook and I would consider it an amazing team.  On the other hand, my daughter, Belinda, was on a sports team from the time she was about 6 years old.  We or I should say she did gymnastics, field hockey and was an all-star cheerleader.  I am grateful for those years because it taught her many lessons she might not have learned being an only child.

As a single mom, Belinda and I were a team.  Hubby and I are a team.  So, whether you think of it in those terms or not, all of us are a part of some team.

If you have your own direct sales business, maybe you have a team of women under you but I can almost guarantee  you have a team above you.

As a member of a team (any team), you are very special to the other members.  In direct sales, the women under you feel safe enough to have YOU as their sponsor and to have YOU as the one guiding them.  WOW!  Please, do not take it lightly. I know I don’t.

I am going to focus right now on your team in your direct sales business.

Make sure you get to know each person. Find out her ‘why’. Learn about her life. Care about her. Connect with her. Legitimately join her on this journey. She NEEDS you and is dying for you to guide her. Don’t let her down. This is one of the most important aspects of your job/business.  The women on your team came to you, sought you out, trusted you and are excited about something with YOU. Be a part of their life, jump in to it full force. Be there for them. Don’t let them down.

On the flip side, don’t hold their hand every step of the way. Guide them to the available resources. Give them a solid foundation to start on. Share your wisdom and knowledge.   Encourage their desire to learn more, how to have fun, how to get in the groove of THEIR business and help them figure out what gets them stoked. Your business and their business will be totally different,  It is a BEAUTIFUL and exciting thing,

Remember to work with her – you don’t work for her. Walk along side her, don’t pull her behind you. Lead her down the path SHE wants.  

It is so not about you or what you want –  it is ALWAYS about her. Make sure she knows how much you care.

What other teams can you apply these words of wisdom to?  Share with us what kind of team you are on….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Get Ready

Today is National Get Ready Day.  The day was first established in the mid 2000’s by the Public Health Association.   The Get Ready website has a wealth of information to help those that are interested..  There is even a coloring book that you can downloadThe campaign is encouraging individuals, families, and communities to consider what is required in the event of natural disasters, pandemic illnesses, infectious diseases, and other crisis events. Growing up on the Jersey Shore, we were always prepared for any type of crisis.

When I hear this question, I have a flashback to my days as a Girl Scout Brownie. I didn’t make it far in Girl Scouts but I always remember the saying “be prepared”.

Are you prepared, whether at home or in your business?

The truth is “Be Prepared” should be your motto.  I mean who wants to be in the midst of the “craziness” when a hurricane or blizzard warning is issued.  You know what I mean, the ones who run to the store for bread, eggs, milk and maybe some batteries.  I am grateful hubby is BIG on being prepared and we are well stocked.

In your business, imagine getting a last minute call someone who wants you to be at their house in an hour for a impromptu party. Or, maybe you are at a gathering and someone asks if you have any catalogs or products to share with them?  I know, we all dream of this, right? Would you be ready? What if a team member had an emergency, could you step in to do their party? Do these thoughts make you sweat? Do you cringe thinking of the 1000 things you need to do to prep for a party?

Could you head out the door? Would your bags be packed and ready to go? Could you walk out the door after a quick change of clothes (or not) and do a home party?  Could you leave your house if the flood waters were coming – quickly?

If the answer any of these questions are a resounding NO, then you need to get it together. Batteries should be a mainstay in your home.  Candles, extra food, important papers & medications easy to grab if you needed to evacuate.  Do you have a list of all of the medications and supplements you take available?  I have one in my purse, one in my planner and one on my phone with the name of my doctors so if there was an emergency, I am ready.

As for your business, your display should always be packed. Your customer folders should be prepped with current flyers. Your hostess packets ready with all of the materials for your future hostess. I know, you are wondering how is this possible if you just had a party and your life is crazy busy, right? Honestly, my display bag is always ready. It may not be packed just so after a party but I could pick it up and go quickly. I always have extra hostess and guest packets ready just in case I use them all at a party.

Imagine this: You are out shopping, heading to the car using all of your Thirty One products. Someone stops you and asks about your bags. Will you have mini catalogs in your purse? Will you have a hostess packet in your car? Would you have product in your car if they wanted to see something? Will you remember to get their information to contact them?

First of all, if you aren’t a walking billboard with your products on a daily basis you are missing out on an AWESOME marketing opportunity.  My car is stocked with catalogs, order forms, sale flyers, pens, etc. Was it always? No but I didn’t want to NOT be prepared.

So, what do you need to do to “BE PREPARED”?  Will you be ready the next time there is an opportunity to share your business? Will you be ready when the next storm hits so you can sit home while others are scrambling?  Take time today on “Get Ready Day” to get ready.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

What’s Your Story?

Happy Monday!  Are you dreading heading into work?  Are you longing for the weekend already?  Is there something you want to do but fear and doubt is keeping you from stepping out of your comfort zone? I had a rare Sunday off yesterday so I enjoyed church and an afternoon of football.   I took the time to write out a plan for the week so that I can change my story!

What does this have to do with “my story”?  Well, I was thinking.  I know – scary but when I do, things start to happen.  I am especially excited on the rare occasions brain fog is not invading my space.  Several months ago, I set a goal with a date and yesterday helped me to realize I needed to stay the course even when the going gets tough.  I have  been on a mission to get my business and my life back on track.  It seems to be working – business is picking up, the number on the scale seems to have a mind of its own and I am learning how to work within the parameters of my health issues.   Is everything going 100% according to plan, NOPE!  So why am I excited about the small changes?  My mindset changed and I am relying more on God for his guidance then LISTENING for an answer.

I have been stretching out of my comfort zone.  I have been looking for the lesson to be learned in each perceived negative thing as it happens.  I am sharing my story – the good, the bad and the ugly.  There was a great article in the Huffington Post about writing your LIFE story.  I used to think my story was long, uninteresting and full of boosting which resulted in not being of interest to anyone. I was so wrong.

Here are some tips to help you tell YOUR story:

1. Your 3-Sentence Life Story.  What to write: Try to summarize your life in two or three sentences. Take your time. Think about your past. For me:

Overcoming a life filled with addictions.  Gaining my confidence. Love my life. Blessed with a loving hubby, amazing daughter, family & friends.

2. Your Crucial Incident (or Incidents)  What to write: Choose one or more of the sentences below and write a page or two that begins with that particular sentence. Just write for yourself and for your clarity of mind.

Sentence 1: I was just a kid, but…

Sentence 2: I tried my best and…

Sentence 3: In that moment everything changed.

Sentence 4: It was shocking to find out that…

Sentence 5: It was the proudest day of my life. I couldn’t stop smiling when…

My sentence would be #3 with #2 a close a second. I relive moments often wondering if I had made different choices or reacted differently if my life would be different, would I be where I am today OR the person I am today.  The “what if” in your life can be the thing holding you back!

3) Your Secret Why.  What to write: Take a minute to think about the previous two exercises. Then, finish this sentence:  “I’d like to really understand everything that led me to _______________.”   What truth is important for you to get at? You have a structure (your three sentences), you have a crucial event (that may have caused or contributed to your life story) and now you have a purpose—a reason for writing which let’s you learn, enjoy and even be surprised by the story you’ve been waiting to tell yourself and—maybe, just maybe, the world, as well.

Some days, I struggle with what to write and today was one of them.  I LOVE blogging and sharing my strengths, hopes and experiences with people.  My hope is through my story, I might touch their lives.  I believe each blog has a message – even if only one person reads it and it helps them or  brings a smile to their face – it was worth it.

Write your life story and then if you don’t like it – rewrite your destiny. Share with us, if you want.  Let’s use CELEBRATE and ENCOURAGE you.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Happy Labor Day!

The official end of summer.  For many the school year started early for others it is the last few days before the new school year.

Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day? Honestly, I never really got it. How could I relate to the “labor movement”. WHY was Labor Day created?

Labor Day was created by the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Did you know that the world of not only direct sales but self-employed individuals is growing every day and making an impact on the world.  For many years, direct sellers were not the people who were cheered for what they have given to their country. We immediately thought about those who tirelessly work everyday to support and provide for their families. I thought about all of the phenomenal women I have met on my Thirty One journey who have been an inspiration to so many.

Our founder, Cindy Monroe, whose vision opened the doors for many to change their own personal lives.  These women not only started their own business, reached for the stars and made their dreams come true – they shared the gift with others. As their teams grew, the lives they touched were not only their recruits but their customers, hostesses and their communities. They shared our amazing products and their “WHY” so that others could begin to dream. My Sponsor, my Director but most of all my friend, Hope Shortt helped me to see the potential in myself and has encouraged me along the way. Her love and support has helped many of us to strengthen our walk with God so that we are able to provide for our families with this “purse thing”. The women on my team who despite personal challenges are overcoming obstacles to provide additional income for their families. Thirty One CELEBRRATES – ENCOURAGES – REWARDS those in the community as well who are not a part of our Thirty One family by giving back in so many ways. Check out this You Tube video about Thirty One Gives:

Today on Labor Day, let’s celebrate the military who protect us everyday giving their life for our freedom; the company workers who go to work every day to support their families and the entrepreneurs who dreamed BIG and are working to change lives by owning their own business.  Let’s CELEBRATE everyone who works tirelessly to support their families.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!