#1 Color for Spring is ..............

Alexandre Herchcovich, s/s11

HONEYSUCKLE

After a VERY rainy day today I'm excited to see this color and am hopeful SPRING will get here.  I can't wait to see this color in stores and also on me.  If you don't wear THIS much color, grab it in a necklace, bracelet, scarf, shoe or handbag.

Will it ever stop raining?

Janna's Spring Preview Favorites

Colors For Spring

This outfit from Ralph Lauren makes me smile.  

Donna Karan

Jcrew

Fedelity Denim

Prabal Gurung

This Ralph Lauren dress is by far my favorite.

Accessories-Putting the Right Pieces Together

Camera Ready

Are we in LA or Portland?

Love it in black or brown.

Beautifully done!

A perfect blend of colors and textures.

Until next time...........

When we (the Willows gals) headed out for dinner and a movie, I told them I was bringing the camera (oh no was there first thought I'm sure).  I knew they wouldn't let me down with their fantastic sense of fashion.  They walked in wearing amazing accessories and POOF there was my inspiration.  Just look how gorgeous my mom, Wendy, Merry and Alex are.  A confident woman knows how to mix several pieces together.  They didn't even plan the animal scarves.  Animal print is so easy to wear and looks fabulous with black or brown. 

A special thanks to Al-Amir Restaurant in Portland, OR for making us feel special. A great experience.

Shop STYLE Run 2011

Bring It

I'm passionate about continuing my blog about STYLE and RUNNING.  I'm thinking BIG for this blog including style workshops, video blogs, inspirational running stories, before and after pictures of women concurring their personal style challenges and much, much more.  I took a needed break during this holiday season to concentrate on Willows, my other love.  My goal is to continually challenge myself and take every opportunity to listen and learn. 

Ever since I started running, I've had this intense need to set goals for myself and try new things.  The marathon I completed last Summer was a good slap in the face to wake up my creative soul.  I would love to inspire just one person to have that slap happen to them. 

When running, I take the time to praise GOD for everything I have and ask for all the WISDOM and PATIENCE I can get.  I tend to want things to happen overnight and undoubtedly get discouraged.  The most important thing for me is FOCUS and open my heart and mind to endless possibilities. 

I promised myself to go for the GOLD in all I do.  If I don't get a medal at least I trained my hardest. 

Best to all of you throughout 2011.

Janna

Rock and Roll Seattle Marathon 2010

Which dress would you pick for 2010 New Year's Celebration?

Preparing Your Closet for the Winter Season

You know you need to clean things out when you find 2 of the exact same shirts.  This happens a lot when things are tightly squeezed together.  I try to purge every few months.  My creative side is so much happier after my closet is cleaned. 

I was able to find 4 pairs of shoes I could donate.  My husband would disagree with me about this but I don't have THAT many pairs of shoes/boots.  I really don't.  I am super hard on my shoes and really wear them out by the end of the year.  I only have one new pair of boots this year which are EMU and I love them.  The real key is to be able to shop for shoes that will withstand a few seasons and are comfortable.    Ladies, don't buy shoes you can't stand to be in more than a few minutes.  It is SO NOT WORTH IT.  Just because they're expensive doesn't mean they will be comfy too.  If you buy on line, read the comments.  I've done this many times and it helps tremendously.

It took me about 3 hours to clean tonight.  I have about 3 loads of my laundry to clean and put away.  Did you know you can find some strange things in your closet?  Tonight I found my daughters two teeth she lost recently.  What do I do with them?  I guess they can stay in my jewelry box for now. 

Focus on the current season when purging.  If you can clean some old sweaters or boots out, it will free up some space for new Winter clothes.  Most of my Summer is put away in a couple of drawers.  Plus, this Summer was short in the Northwest, I didn't buy too many things.

Try to hang all your clothes in your closet.  If you fold or put in a drawer they will be forgotten.  The only things I don't hang are my workout clothes and lingerie.  Even your jewelry will be worn more if the pieces are visible.

On a more personal note, I have a few things that will never leave my closet.  A bright striped robe hangs on my closet door greeting me every day.  A reminder of my dad who died in March.  Sometimes it brings me to tears but other times it just sits.  I also have a few flannel shirts of his hanging proudly with my other clothes .  I try not to think of them every time I'm in there but at times it's nice to remember him wearing them.  Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving and in a few weeks will be Christmas, I will soon be thinking of him in his red plaid flannel shirts he loved.   

DIY Style for the Holidays

Martha Stewart craft material all available at Michaels

I had a great Sunday with my two beautiful girls.  We did our usual trips to Costco, Fred Meyers and a quick trip to Michaels.  I've been in the mood to create something and what better way than with sparkles and yummy smelling pinecones.  I also bought two blank canvases that are currently hanging on my wall in the living room.  Hannah had to let me know it was weird to have two pictures empty.  My paintbrush and metallic paints are waiting for me to take charge.  We shall see.