Congratulations! You made it to Friday, and you're still alive! You may be dragging but you're still alive. Praise God! Hopefully, all your Labor Day plans are coming together seamlessly! I know I could use the extra day with my family, especially with my birthday Sunday! It gives me lots of time to celebrate with my loved ones, which honestly, I cannot get enough of.

If you've been following me on Gold & Charm for any time at all, you know that I have a habit of writing some, more opinionated less mainstream, ideas. I am a nonconformist, and I have this habit, where if the trend is to go to the right, I go to the left. I don't have any problem jumping on a clothing trend if it is something I would pick anyway, even if it weren't the hottest thing out there. Yet, my thought process rarely follows the trends. Mostly because I am a Christian, and in the messy world we live in now, there is very little in the mainstream I can agree with in any way, shape, or form.

So, when I see this Women's Empowerment Movement, questions begin popping up in my head. Everyone has their own opinion on the movement, and it is a topic of great debate. But all I want to do today is to share four amazing characteristics of a truly empowered woman. These traits have inspired me to be the best woman that I can be! I'll warn you though, it has nothing to do with feminism, or the future being female. It has nothing to do with equal pay or equal rights. It has nothing to do with the sorts of jobs that I've held. It actually comes from something much deeper, much more sensitive. 

No.1
Ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't figured it out yet, women are incredibly powerful creatures! We can tantalize men with our bodies, we have an uncanny ability to manipulate others into doing our bidding by doing something as simple as flirting. We have changed the course of history by simply preparing a dinner party, think Queen Esther! We are clever. We are creative. We literally have been created to carry one, or more living, growing human beings inside our bodies for nine months! And it's been our God-given leadership abilities that has helped hold the family unit together since the beginning of time. Women have been world-changers, society-shakers, and action-takers, inside and outside the home!

But behind many amazing women has been some wonderful men who have helped teach, train, mold, and shape women into being the most successful and productive women they can be. I have been extremely empowered to be the best woman I can be by my husband. He has been a driving force behind me, encouraging me not to give up in whatever task I may be trying to complete. Why does he do this? I'm sure there are many reasons, but let me tell you, this is a give and take relationship. I give him time, attention, love, my body, my encouragement, and my heart. If I didn't do those things and only took advantage of his generosity, would he be so willing to empower me? Doubtful.

Ladies, being an empowered woman does not mean that we need to take power from men! On the contrary, I believe that women who have strong men in their lives actually become stronger women, not weaker. Empowered women empower others. Empowerment is not meant to be horded, but meant to be shared. Shared with everyone that is; it is not gender specific.  So instead of running men down, refusing to let a man help you out, etc. I encourage you to do the opposite. When a man holds the door for you, don't see it as him viewing you as weaker. Instead, allow him to honor you and your graceful power as a women and put you ahead of his own needs and desires! It should be an honor not a disservice. Thank them for giving of themselves for your sake. They don't have to, ya know? But yet you are something fine and special. And even something as simple as holding a door for you reveals that. Respect the men in your lives. If you treat them with dignity and respect, it is not far-fetched thinking to assume they will do the same in return. Even if you aren't married, respecting the men in your life is vitally important.

No. 2
And what if they don't? What if you aren't respected for being the amazing woman that you are? It doesn't just have to mean a man is disrespecting you! A woman could just as easily do the same. I have heard the phrase many times, "They didn't respect me, so therefore they don't deserve my respect!" Let me remind you of the golden rule, "Treat others as you would want to be treated." Not "Treat others as they treat you." Honestly ladies, the pressure is all on us for this. As empowered women, we should be the first to treat people well. And if they continue to mistreat us? Well, that doesn't give us any right to mistreat them back, no matter how much we wish it did. When we are empowered it means we have the ability to treat others badly, we may even have the ability to practically destroy another person, yet our power should be controlled! A respected woman is not someone who just obliterates any and everyone who gets in her way! No, she grows in strength, grace, and dignity, and helps others achieve the same along the way!

No. 3
As I touched on in No. 1, an empowered women empowers others! Words of affirmation are literally healing. I have worked with teens and I have worked with foster care kids. I have worked with young women and I've worked with old. I have seen the power of words! Words lack power when they are only sound and no action. But when action accompanies what is coming out of your lips, the world can change. Empower those around you by encouraging them to be the best they can be. Believe in them, support them. Especially important, be honest with them. Treat them with love and kindness while doing so. You have the power to leave a legacy, how will you be remembered?

No. 4
As a Christian woman, I am empowered by the Holy Spirit. Scripture says that no one is good, meaning that, without Jesus I would be completely powerless and constantly stuck doing things that are evil. I wouldn't be able to love my husband or my child like I should. But Jesus came and gave His life for me, so that I might have power over sin! I can say, "no" to the bad stuff! And I can love people without selfishly expecting pay back. Jesus loved the world so much that He gave His life that we all might know what true love is! He was willing to lay down himself completely, to empower us! Through Jesus we have power over sin, power over death. That's right, death! And any women who have power over death, I would say is pretty empowered. You don't need to have the best position at your company, you don't have to have the highest education. You don't have to be the best or smartest, or most well-known, to be an empowered woman. You  only need Jesus.

Before we part ways for the weekend, I want to share this lovely little bell-sleeved top that goes beautifully with these thrifted shorts. I purchased the top at Ross for less than eight bucks, and these incredible shorts were $.25 at a thrift store sale! I love finding deals like that. I am all about pulling colors out of bright patterns and creating a very eye-catching outfit. 

Have a happy Labor Day! I am grateful for every single one of you who inspires me to continue blogging and sharing my heart. If you have any thoughts on women's empowerment, please share with me! I'd love to hear your heart. 

Xoxox,
Shell

Hey y'all! It's still my birthday week, and I am one day closer to being...22! Enter Taylor Swift. HAHA! I hope all of you are in the midst of planning a fabulous labor day weekend! We are actually staying in the area for most of the weekend, with a little trip to Sacramento on Friday for a date-day. Yay! I am so excited to go hang out with my hubby. I know we only have one kiddo, but even so, kids have a way of sucking a lot of attention away for your significant other. So, I am really looking forward to just some "US" time. 

If you follow me on Instagram, about two weeks ago I posted on IG Stories about my $10 challenge at my favorite consignment shop. I did a major try on session and walked out with some of the best pieces. I did end up going a little over my budget...like fifteen dollars, but never the less, I have some fabulous transition tops, each one majorly flattering and feminine! I styled four different looks for you to enjoy, and maybe get some inspiration about those pieces that are sitting in your closet, waiting for the weather to cool down a bit. 

Let me warn you, if you haven't been following me for long, I absolutely love pattern and design. I enjoy bold colors and adding interest to each outfit. So for some of you these outfits may be a bit bold or daring, but this is a personal style blog, so I will obviously share how I would personally style these looks.  All four of these tops can be styled multiple ways, and worn in autumn or spring.

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You can never go wrong with a neutral sweater! Seriously, everyone should have at least one. They go with everything from jeans, to skirts, to these camo joggers. This sweater is just a little over-sized, and I love that feeling. It makes me feel so cozy and comfortable in the colder seasons. Over sized sweaters are also great paired with leggings or with a chambray shirt underneath. 

Accessorizing is really easy with a neutral sweater, seriously. Like, they go with just about everything. I didn't want to get too carried away since I had camo, leopard, going on already, so I kept the baubles simple. But I have a great leopard choker that would be fabulous, if I wasn't already wearing the shoes and joggers.
 
Note: When camo first took the spotlight a couple years ago, I wasn't totally sure if I liked it or not. I tend to gravitate to flowers more than military style, but camo is a great way to add some edgy to a plain wardrobe. It's also great for mommas who can never seem to keep a white jeans white or a plain top...plain (aka stain free). Please tell me I am not the only mom who struggles with that. 

Okay y'all, if I could have a whole closet with tops like this one, I would. 100% I would. I love the design, the color, and the different textures! I love that there is nothing boring about this top! The bottoms were purchased at New2You as well, but it's doubtful these will go into every day wear. They are extremely tight, and I could hardly sit down in them. The shopaholic in me couldn't resist the color when I paired it with this top. 

After looking back at these pics I realized that next time I ware this blouse I will probably wear it with a darker cami. I don't know if you noticed, but the skin-colored cami I wore for this look was too bright beneath the dark top, for me. Anyway, lesson learned. I just loved this top too much to not share it. 

Don't let funky patterns scare you off. I didn't really stick with one specific color throughout, which is fun when working with a visually stimulating top. This wine and olive combination is definitely complemented by the deep navy loafers because the top already had those colors included in the design. Don't feel like you have to go super neutral with complementing pieces when you have a bold top. That is not a hard and fast rule. 

So this look could be appropriate for the office, or just for lunch with the ladies! I wore little booties to keep it a bit more casual, but you could pair it with some heels, wedges, or loafers and it would be 100% acceptable! Oh, adding some tights would be super cute in the much cooler weather! Over the knee boots would be darling too. 

This is a top that you could definitely pair with a vest if you wanted to, as well. It would look great with jeans or some high waisted trousers. Tucked in or out, this top is a major winner, and the flowy fabric just calls to me! The tie detail gives it a vintage flair, which of course, I love! 

Last but not least, is this sweet little floral number that can be worn with just about anything. I love these blush loafers, so I kept the denim simple, with a medium wash, and allowed the shoes to draw out the little pink floral details in the top. The neck was high so I went without a necklace, but made sure to wear some fun neutral earrings.

If you haven't already noticed, I used the same purse with all four outfits to show it's versatility to go with just about anything. I bought this purse because as a mom toting a baby bag + a purse is WAY too much work. This 9 West bag has plenty of room for both Sami and I, and looks very professional, yet can be dressed down to go with jeans and a tee-shirt.

Having a neutral purse keeps things easy if you happen to be wearing a bold pattern, or bright colors. I personally like gray because it isn't white so it's harder to dirty, but it isn't just black... It also goes well with all neutrals.

It's almost fall, y'all! And I am stinkin' excited to add these lovely looks into circulation. I know they will get lots of wear! Have fun going through your closet to get some fun looks prepped for the incoming cool weather!

Xoxox,
​Shell

Hola, Y'all! How is your Hump Day, thus far? I am so excited it's Wednesday becauseeeee it's my birthday week! And every day is one step closer to September 3rd, and I am looking forward to our 3 day weekend. I always love that about my birthday, having a relaxing holiday so close to my actual day of birth. Some years my birthday actually falls on Labor Day, but unfortunately that isn't happening this year.

Speaking of a work holiday, I thought this would be a good day to share a fun work wear outfit. I was actually asked a couple weeks back if capris were still in style at all. Obviously, they aren't as popular as they used to be a few years back, but just because they aren't necessarily as popular doesn't mean they aren't wearable. For Work Wear Wednesday, I wanted to share a quick way to dress up a pair of capris while making them quite fashionable ithis summer.

Most of the time I kind of avoid the color yellow, just because I'm a blonde and some yellows tend to almost wash me out. But these pastel yellow capris were so cute when I saw them in Cato while I was in Alabama, I just had to have them. They reminded me of something Audrey Hepburn would have worn, and she is totally one of my celebrity style inspirations! I'd worn them a couple times since coming home, but just couldn't decide if I really liked them or not. I don't have the thinnest calves so capris can tend to hit my legs weird. But when asked about capris, I was challenged to find an outfit that really worked for my body and would be work appropriate.

I chose this sweet bell-sleeved top to compliment the yellow. I mean seriously... blue and yellow together? Yes please! The top helped give the whole look a professional yet relaxed feeling. It kept the whole mood summery and drew attention away from my calves. Haha!

When wearing capris it's important to figure out the whole look to make sure it compliments your body shape. Because I don't have the best legs for capris I wanted to draw more attention up top to the blouse and keep my legs looking longer with heels. The bottoms are fitted so I contrasted with a flowy top. Often times when you match fitted bottoms with a fitted top, or flowy bottoms with a flowy top, you end up getting either a look that is too form fitting or too frumpy, respectively. So keeping the contrast can really help pull off a professional look made with capris.
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