Welcome to a brand new year!  Time to leave behind the worries and fears that weighed you down – life is too precious and has so much to offer! 🙂

Speaking of lightening up…our current weather feels more like autumn with sunshine and blue skies accompanying crisp morning and evening temperatures.  The Husband and I dressed accordingly in neutral tones (and layers) to stay comfortable all day. 🙂 He looks great in his $2.99 ultrasuede vest from Goodwill, doesn’t he?  Jeans and a polo were all he needed to keep it simple.

OMG, have you taken advantage of Old Navy’s huge sale?  Everything I’m wearing (except for my old comfy Target scarf) is from their clearance racks at 50-93% off!  Unbelievable! 🙂

What wonderful adventures do you have planned for 2012? 🙂

MsMona

Merry Christmas to all MsMona readers!

What a beautiful day to spend with family, here and in spirit.  I thought about Mom and how stylish she always looked for church, so I chose this classic black and white Chanel-inspired outfit in her honor. 🙂 Would you guess the jacket and skirt are from different department stores?  I was lucky to find this $15.00 I.N.C. jacket at Macy’s (originally $129.00) and mega clearance Allen B skirt at JC Penney.  Woo Hoo!

Mom also liked to accessorize, with hats being one of her fashion favorites.  I found this netted fascinator at Ross for only $14.99! 🙂 This type of popular headwear can be quite expensive, so I was happy to come across such a special piece.  My black patent purse with zipper and flower accents was a $5.00 bargain buy at Charming Charlie – I just removed these chain links from my skirt and clipped them to the front of the bag for a little extra shine!

I hope your Christmas was a magical celebration.  Happy Birthday, Jesus!

MsMona

I totally understand:   Stripes can make us look short.

Newsflash – at 5 feet tall, I AM short! 🙂

Doesn’t matter to me, STRIPES ROCK!  When I saw these adorable dresses, the colors are what caught my eye.  They both screamed “Girlie” (pink/gray I.N.C.) and “Fun” (multi Old Navy), so with each barely being out of the single digits, how could I say no?!  Simple black Walmart accessories were the warmer additions, while the hot pink “Team Naughty” 🙂 holiday pin on my beanie, well that just made me giggle…

As if you couldn’t tell already, I’ve always been a fashion rebel.  What other styles or patterns do you love, but are considered no-no’s by the Style Gods?

MsMona

“We all know that when a woman feels like a woman, there is POWER!”
-Dianne Samoff, Founder SWWLS (click above to see her gorgeous sequin dress)

The rain didn’t stop volunteers and guests from coming out to support non-profit organization, Society of Women Who LOVE Shoes…and Fashion.  Not only did we collect shoes, but this month we are excited to accept toys for many deserving boys and girls around Dallas/Ft. Worth!

In wet weather, comfort is key. 🙂 This $10.00 Apt. 9 knit dress from Kohls has a tiered crinoline skirt attached, making it an easy choice for our evening event.  And these crazy clearance sequin slingback heels by Tahari – let’s just say Marshalls made them even cozier by way of my pocketbook.

Oh, and how handsome is The Husband?!  His celery green Banana Republic shirt and Stafford black vest (OMG, JC Penney tag still attached) were both an extra 50% off at the Samaritan Inn’s Thrift Store 2 in McKinney.  This $6.00 combo makes both of us smile. 🙂

Bringing JOY to families around the Metroplex this Christmas.  What better way is there to enjoy the holiday season? 🙂

MsMona

How I love celebrating  with the ladies of WIL!  We were extremely fortunate to have Cowboys EVP (and daughter of owner, Jerry Jones), Charlotte Jones Anderson, speak at our luncheon.  The topic, “How Passion and Compassion Have Shaped the Dallas Cowboys”, was especially important to hear as we move through the holiday season.

RED was the color of choice – many of the guests looked so festive!  I found my International Concepts (I.N.C.) jacket and faux leather-trimmed pants at Macy’s.  Less than $25.00 for this sassy stretch duet, originally $188.00!  Woo Hoo!

Thank you to Ms. Jones Anderson and the Cowboys for continuing to support the Salvation Army and their Red Kettle Campaign.  Many toy and monetary donations were made, and we were so blessed to have been part of it! 🙂

MsMona