When you get my age you reflect on many things you have done, (particularly this time of year) decisions you’ve made and in some cases wonder if the direction you’ve taken in is the right one.  When I get to that point, I have to remind myself of the many l things I have accomplished and experienced and stop that negative self-talk pronto!

One of the great perks of being a fashion reporter (and now blogger) is I have many opportunities to meet and interview some really cool people and I’ve experienced things that are on many fashion gals bucket list. I get inspired and I love to listen to what strong women have done to make themselves successful and I try to take away a little nugget of wisdom  I can use for my own life.  I was in for quite a treat at a recent networking luncheon.

The Texas Women in Business is a dynamic women’s networking organization founded by LisaBeth Thomas.  The small group of women started out with a few gals meeting for fun and it has turned into a large, charitable organization empowering women-owed business owners.   The meeting featured the new board members for the 2014 term and honored LisaBeth who will be acting in an advisory role.  The Austin Fairy Godmother boutique also received a $750 check presented  to founder Keri Byer from proceeds of a previous TWIB happy hour.

For December’s meeting we were honored to hear award-winning speaker Suzie Humphreys.   If you lived in Dallas in the 80’s like I did, you may have listened to radio station KVIL where Suzie was their traffic reporter. Did she have any radio experience when she started? Nope and no experience on Suzie’s resume was not about to hold this Texan back.

Suzie Humphreys is a self-professed D- high school student who doesn’t know what the word no means.  She plowed through all of what life dished out and the power of laughter, having fun and saying yes to every challenge, has created the successful Suzie Humphreys brand.  She grew up with a single mother who sold insurance in a time when most moms stayed home, she’s been in show biz,  a  television host and the list goes on.

When I arrived at the December TWIB luncheon, I introduced myself to Suzie and I was so flattered when she complimented me on my new jacket. The designer?…Texan Lela Rose! Then our fashion conversation continued with Suzie asking me if I knew about a blogger named Courtney Kerr. Absolutely! Courtney’s blog, What Courtney Wore, was actually one of my inspiration sites for this blog.

Currently Suzi AND Courtney Kerr appear on a Dallas show called The Broadcast, a local version of The View where four women talk about anything and everything. Courtney is also starring in her own show, Courtney Loves Dallas (which I love) on Bravo – Thursday nights.  When I asked Suzie about her fashion taste and about any favorite trends she quickly said, “I don’t like trends, I like things that last. I like clothes that are not trendy that will sustain through the years. That you can wear a great pair of shoes seven years from now as you can in twenty.” stated Humphreys.

That philosophy pretty much sums up a majority of my own personal wardrobe. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about some of the latest trends but I too enjoy keeping great, classic pieces for years. This green houndstooth jacket by Lela Rose will be something I keep for many years. I found it at Moss Consignment in Austin and paired it with my go-to stretch black jeans which have received quite the workout this fall. The gold necklace I have on is one that is very special to me. My mother wore it in the 70’s and I have always admired it as I typically made secret digs in her jewelry box when she was out of the house.  My long wait was over and I received it as a 50th birthday gift.  I cherish it and I’m happy I found an outfit that sets it off perfectly.

This next year will bring many of us Texas women so many ups and downs and we’ll be there to support each other no matter what.  Many of you all have inspired me to do so many things and  I thank you so much for pushing me and supporting my dreams and I hope I can inspire yours.

I know I was suppose to be at that TWIB luncheon to meet and network with many inspirational Texas women.  And to top it off speaker Suzie Humphreys, reminded us to get excited about saying yes to new things in our life, “because it will shape who you are and will lead to every adventure you’ve had in your whole life.”   Happy 2014 ya’ll!

See the picture gallery of all the fashionable gals at the luncheon.

xo, Cheryl

~ The Look ~

Lela Rose Green Houndstooth Jacket – Moss Consignment / Austin
Black stretch jeans – Nine West – TJ Maxx
Gold Vintage Necklace – Belonged to my mother and worn in the ’70’s
Patent Black Pumps – Nine West – Macy’s
Ring – Vintage Kendra Scott
Earrings – From my jewelry box / old
Bracelets – Had since high school
Hair Style: Lecia Harkins / Russ & Company Salon

| Category: Fashionably Cheryl |