Don't SKIRT the issue...let's talk about them.

This weekend I wore my Lola, which is one of the lesser known Lularoe skirts.  To say I love it might be an exaggeration.  To say I worship it might go a little far, I mean its just a skirt. Let's just say I REALLY LOVE IT!

And since the Carly dress is in such high demand, I'm thinking I just might add the Lola.
Here are some more pics from Lularoe. As you can see, they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns- just like most LLR stuff.

Lularoe says this:

The Lola skirt, LuLaRoe’s midi skirt, falls fashionably below the knee. This lace or chiffon skirt features a lining that is four inches shorter than the skirt itself, adding visual interest to the lace options and enough fullness and weight to ensure this skirt hangs beautifully. This skirt in turn makes you feel  beautiful and who wouldn’t want that?

http://www.lularoe.com/lola-skirt

The Lola runs $46 making it one of the more expensive skirts- but that's why its fun to hostess (free stuff!) If you take the plunge- and I think you should- you just might wear it all the time. And let's just say they don't make good pajamas...not that I would know...or would I?


There are several other skirts that I will eventually carry.  But here are two that are some of the most adored LLR items, and I think you'll see why.

The Cassie is one of THE MOST POPULAR skirts.  I mean if she were a person, she just might be voted Miss Popularity (Do they actually vote on these things? No, no they don't...but let's move on.)

Y'all know how I feel about polka dots, right?

Sorry, I am passionate about dots.

And one more thing- this is one totally crazy thing I love about LLR, they are so diverse! Check out this CASSIE skirt pretending to be a scarf.

http://www.themommybeautyblog.com/2015/12/lularoe-review.html

Or EVEN a top!

http://www.vivaveltoro.com/2016/04/lularoe-cassie-pencil-skirt.html

(MIC DROP)

Our Cassie skirt takes the fancy up a notch without sacrificing comfort. Our pencil skirt’s waistband    flatters all body types and enables the wearer to adjust the length as needed. You can still dance like no one is watching and know that everything you want covered will stay covered. And you will look hot, too. We live in this skirt all year long.

http://www.lularoe.com/cassie-skirt

Cassies are so diverse and can be casual or fancy. A darling but comfortable pencil skirt- that's such a great combo. Cassie skirts are $35.

I don't know one YET...but I will. OHHHH YES, yes I will. And it just might have polka dots if I'm super lucky!

Last but not least is the MAXI.  Most people know what a Maxi is- but did you know that the Maxi is what started this whole Lularoe thing? The whole story is typed out nicely HERE. In short- our CEO DeAnne started sewing Maxi skirts for her daughter and her friends. She discovered there was a market for them after sewing over 60 skirts...that is about 59 more skirts more than I would have made, so PROPS!

Our Maxi skirt is a go-to piece for the woman who wants to be comfortable throughout the day but still likes to look her best. It's perfect for the woman whose demanding day requires function and style from her wardrobe. The LuLaRoe Maxi Skirt can easily be worn while playing on the ground with kids and transitions effortlessly to a night on the town!http://www.lularoe.com/maxi-skirt

And just because I like to see your face when I throw in a surprise- check this out.

http://gracepurposeandpearls.blogspot.com/p/boutique.html

BOOM. A Maxi 2-ways.  You knew it was coming...

Maxis run $42 and I will have them in stock very soon!

Shave your legs, ladies- because these skirts are awesome...or just wear a Maxi and enjoy the freedom. Happy Monday!

xoxo,

Linz

To the T- The Perfect T to be exact...

There's a reason they call this the Perfect T, look at that great fit. It can be all loose and flowing when you're not feeling it (can I get an amen?) OR it can be tied in the back and BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA! Fitted Tee. SO FUN! Here is a shot of all sides.

Lularoe describes it here:

LuLaRoe’s Perfect T boasts a fun swing shape complimented by flirty side slits and a flattering half-sleeve that makes this simple, comfortable top the star of any outfit. Pair it with any of LuLaRoe’s skirts and leggings for a look that can’t be ignored! http://www.lularoe.com/perfect-t

This is a great sizing chart to figure out how you want to wear it. I WANT ONE.  Don't you?

Perfect T is $36

Coming sooooooooon!
xoxo,
Linz

The Big Fat WHY

One of my friends called me today. Love her. She started off her conversation by saying- OK, help me understand this whole Lularoe thing. What is taking so long? What made you decide to do this?

Bless. First of all, it's taking forever because last year there were only a few thousand consultants in the whole company, this year there are tens of thousands- so they are experiencing a lot of growth and it's taking a while, as you can imagine. I know this because despite the fact that I have crossed fingers AND toes- my call to order my initial inventory still has not come and I signed up over a month ago- but I am not without hope!

One of the big deals with Lularoe is what they call "your why".  The thing that will motivate you to keep moving and working when the going gets tough- so I thought I would share with you my why...but first, a story.

Did you know that I played soccer? OK, I kinda still play.

Well I don't play as well as I used to because I am OLD...but that's another blog post (which will never be written because hello? Depressing!) The picture above is of one of my teams- The American Eagles, way before the clothing store was around.  I'm on the bottom row, 2nd to the left. I began playing when I was 8 and have played off and on my whole life. 

In case you don't have first hand experience, let me tell you- soccer is year-round. You have a month off here and there, but there is no real off-season. Playing soccer on a competitive team is a major commitment and I LOVED it. Every Saturday my parents would load me and my gear into the car and we would go wherever our next game was...for years, without an off season. In all the years I played soccer, my parents only missed one game. Just one. 

Now as a parent I realize what a tremendous sacrifice they made for my passion. I come from good people. I hope I make them proud.

OK- back on track. My WHY.  Here they are:

The whole idea started out as a simple desire. My husband does an amazing job of supporting our family.  We live in a beautiful home, own 2 vehicles, have nice clothes and food on our table.  We want for nothing. However, having 5 children is expensive and unexpected things pop up and set us back on our financial goals. I'm fairly certain we refer to this as LIFE. Can I get an AMEN?

I have found that as the children get older they want to DO things with their life.  Piano lessons, flute lessons, gymnastics, violin lessons- lots of lessons!  No soccer, but I can live with that. Haaaaaaaaaa. And since our money tree hasn't started growing in the back yard yet- I really felt the need to help where I could...so I started thinking.  I looked into lots of options. I did some research. I prayed. I felt a little lost. I prayed some more. Then BAM- that idea that I had thrown around a bit in this noggin' came clearly in my head.  And here I am, typing to you instead of dusting my ceiling fan (which by the way is SUPER dusty).

My WHY is financial, kinda. I want to stay home with my little bitties. I want to be at the crossroads when my older children need a ride, need a hug, or need a gentle reminder that they haven't done their laundry in 2 weeks. (Ew.) I also want to help them reach their dreams...and that, often, requires a little extra.

So to recap- my WHY is to give my kids the same experiences I got as a child. On the soccer field, on the gym floor, in the band hall, or at an easel- wherever they put their dreams- I want to be able to say- sure, you can do that. And please, do your laundry.

I hope you'll help us get there!

xoxo,

Linz

The Randy Man

To say I am anxious to get my inventory is a bit of an understatement. I AM RIDICULOUSLY EXCITED.  Sorry, I'll stop yelling. One of the pieces that will come in my inventory will be the Randy t-shirt. Man, they have come up with some super cute pattern combinations and I am just itching to get my hands on one! I'm thinking that if you play your cards right, this top would be so stinkin' cute with leggings. Oh and boots- can you see it in your head? What about now?

Here is what Lularoe says about them:

At LuLaRoe, comfort is key and we often liken our dresses and skirts to a simple t-shirt in terms of their wearability and comfort. With LuLaRoe’s Randy shirt, we have a t-shirt to offer. This unisex knit shirt resembles a baseball T with its raglan, mid-length sleeves in a contrasting, patterned fabric. It is everything a t-shirt should be: stylish, easy, and comfortable.

http://www.lularoe.com/randy-tee

Did you see how sneaky I was there? There was a MAN in one of the pictures. So ya- guys can shop the 'Roe too, and how cute is a guy in a baseball tee? Very. Get ready, hubs- you're getting a Randy. Ooh maybe we can get matching ones?! What? Too much? OK, maybe. Did I mention I was excited?!

Oh and one last thing- if you'd REALLY like to see how different the Randy is- check out the Instagram pics on #lularoerandy. While you're there, make sure you follow me at: shop.with.linz

Randy sells for $35.

Have a great day, peeps!

xoxo, Linz

Amelia Bedelia...no, not really.

The Amelia dress, which actually has nothing to do with the awesome book character Amelia Bedelia, is one of our higher end dresses. I have tried on the dress before and really liked the fact that it had a zipper in the back, to make it a more fitted style, and pockets- because I'm a Mom and Moms need pockets to stow little treasures like Barbie shoes and chewing gum wrappers. Word to the wise: remove those wrappers before washing. Trust me on this one.

Lularoe describes the Amelia like this:
The Amelia dress' stretchy knit fabric is comfortable enough to let you wear the dress all day, while having the structure and tailoring that make it sophisticated enough for the office or a fancy night out. The dress features handset box pleats, giving the dress a  flowing, full skirt. And before we forget the best part, this dress also has hidden pockets! This dress is everything a girl needs.

http://www.lularoe.com/amelia-dress

 My cute sister Heather loves her Amelia.  Here's her rocking it out. Please note: polka dots are a thing for my family. We love our dots. If my initial inventory has polka dots, I just might snatch them for myself. You've been warned.

Folks, if you don't have a fascinator hat, we will forgive you.  It appears that a necklace and belt do just fine.  Love my sassy sister and her style. Lots of great ways to dress up this dress.

Amelia's are $65.

Think you'd like to try one on? Let me know!

#shopwithlinzatlularoe

xoxo,

Linz

Hello Carly!

The Carly dress is the newest addition to Lularoe and they are flying off the shelf. I can't wait to add one to my closet! It looks so comfy yet stylish.  I'm also all about a dress that might hide my...what shall we call them?...Motherly curves? Those that have bought the Carly are raving about them. I haven't tried one on yet, but its only a matter of time, y'all.

Here is what Lulare says about the Carly:

 "We all want a cute dress that lets us breathe and move easier, so we are excited about the Carly - a swing dress that flatters the best parts of a feminine physique while being flowy and breezy everywhere else. The Carly comes in a wide array of fabrics, prints, and washes and has some amazing features such as a patch pocket, a flattering high-low hemline, and cool open sleeves."

-Lularoe, http://www.lularoe.com/carly-dress  

I've added the sizing chart, but I've heard the Carly runs big, so keep that in mind. The Carly is something I would like to add to my boutique- what do you think? And let's just say one more thing- I don't own a single mustard colored anything- but this model is rocking it.  Who knew mustard was more than just good on a sandwich? Well, apparently lots of people- but it would be new for me.  Does mustard go with white bread? Because y'all, that is what it might look like on me. (Yes I am looking you straight in the eyes).

Sincerly, the Non-tanner

Carlys run $55.  Coming sooooooooon. #shopwithlinzatlularoe #soon

xoxo,

Linz

Don't be a #hater, yo.

Today is the first day of school for my kids. (Imagine me breaking out into a jive as I type this.) Listen, I adore my children- they really take the cheese, but the last week of summer vacation is all kinds of painful.  EVERYONE is bored. EVERYTHING is boring. NO ONE wants to play nice- including me. (Insert a big ol' flabbergasted sigh right here.) But TODAY- today everyone was full of butterflies and smiles, just like I like them to be one Day 1. While the big kids have been away, the littles and I have done all sorts of exciting things: watched PBS, talked about the rain, loads and loads of laundry, and I have dinner in the crock pot. If the laundry was folded and put away, I'd give myself a solid  B+, but since its just staring at my from the other couch, I'm going with a B- and I can live with that.

Over the weekend I attempted to figure out Twitter. Let's just say I'm going to need some more time. Although I have an account? now- I'm not sure what else to do with it.  I'm just hopeful that I'm not making weird makes-no-sense tweets like I did when I first went on Facebook. Now that I have the "Memories" to review on FB, I am often reminded of my posting learning curve. Lindsey, no one cares about your pickle canning- move on. 

In my Twitter "research" I came across some #lularoe haters. I also read an article one of my friends posted that talked about the evils of an MGM corporation- am I even saying that right? It all got me thinking- and I really want you to hear me out on this one. I don't want to bug you. I really, really don't. If you think Lularoe is for losers, and you have absolutely no interested, just scroll on by, my friend.  Happy day to ya. But here's the thing- I have decided to make this business part of my life. I've invested a lot of moolah that I can do this crazy stunt and I can't do it alone. So I might post occasionally on my personal site about it and I may tag you if I think you'd be interested in something, but I'm going to try to keep it to a minimal.  That's why I set up a separate group- so the people that want to see my latest news can.  OK? We cool?

And one more thing- everyone wears clothes (well I guess not everyone, but let's just ignore those that don't- I blush easily) and most everyone likes to feel cute AND most everyone likes to be comfy. That's what Lularoe's mission statement is- cute, comfy clothes. So I'm just asking that you give it a try.  Because this part really excites me: you need something to wear for __________ event and you don't have time to go shopping- call me!
You: Hey Linz, I need a dress for my _________ event.
Me: Cool. What size?
You: 8
Me: Awesome, you want to come try on what I have or do you want me to send you pictures before you change out of pajamas?

I also really love the idea of having girls night out at my house.  You and a group of your friends just come over.   Try stuff on.  Buy what you like, leave what you don't. Fun! Shopping is way more fun with friends and I'm so not the pressure person. You can leave guilt free!

Don't like shopping? Our conversation could go like this:
You: I hate shopping almost as much as I hate cauliflower.
Me: Cauliflower is of the devil.
You: What can you do?
Me: Shop for you and leave the cauliflower to rot in the ground.
You: Done.


I know this is a pyramid.  I'm not currently interested in going up the ladder, I just want to fit my friends in comfy clothes. It will help me reach my financial goals and help you feel better about yourself.  It's a great situation.

So ya, please. Don't hate.  I'm just trying to figure this whole mess out and I'm bringing you along. You're welcome.

xoxo,
Linz

Who Whooooooo's Gonna Win it?

Check out my FB group to enter! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/shop.with.linz/

It started with my hair...

This post has been a long time coming. You see a few months ago I decided to get my hair chopped. For those that have known me a while, this is no big deal. I'm that cabbage patch doll that you can change the hair on- I grow my hair long, keep it for a long time because it is easy (and cheap) and then I get sick of it and chop it off.  Sometimes its a major cut, sometimes it is just shorter.  Whateve, I have easy hair.  It can be straight. It is naturally curly.  It can be curled or straightened. It grows fast too, so if I hate a cut, then all I need to do is wait a bit and BAM, hair cut time returns. You get the idea.  I know, I'd hate me too.

On the day I got my hair chopped, I was feeling a bit...rebellious? I wanted to go short, but not just shorter, shorter than I had ever gone before. (Did you hear the echo there?) I went to a new stylist and basically said- give it all you got, girl. And lucky for me, she was amazing.  She said- OK, I've got an idea- then picked up her shears.

And although I can't quite get it to look exactly like it did in the hands of my darling stylist (who can?), I have loved learning to do my new 'do. But here's the thing- this hair cut did more for me than lessen my drying time.  It opened up something in me that had been missing- without my knowing it.

I have always been on the outgoing side of personalities. I don't mind talking in front of an audience nor do I mind meeting new people or putting myself out there.  However, as a busy Mom of 5 little girls, I am guilty of putting the needs of everyone else in the family before mine. Every Mom reading this is like- um ya, that's called being a mom. The thing is, I believe there is a balance that must be met.  Your scale isn't going to look like mine (after all not too many of you have at least 5 heads of hair to do each morning nor the giant pile of pink clothing) but you will have some sort of balancing act that works for you. As we do this mommy gig, sometimes the "me" things get dropped because hello- no one else is gonna reorganize the laundry room. After a while you drop the "me" things without even realizing them and sometimes when you pick them back up, they don't fit right. That's life, right?

When I got my hair cut I had the ah-ha moment of, "hey you, it's OK to spend a little time on yourself. " Sounds simple enough, right? But the balance act! Yep, that taking a little longer each day to fix my hair requires some reshuffling- but you know what? It made me happy.  I liked looking back at that girl in the mirror.  And hey, while I'm fixing my hair- let's add a little lip stick too- MAKE IT RED, girl...oh and earrings!!! I love earrings (thus the exclamation marks). Little by little I realized that this "new me" felt a little more like the "real me" and the "old me" mixed into one short-haired version of ME. And I liked it. It gave me confidence that I didn't realize I had dropped.

So when I was beginning to feel an itch that something else in my life needed to change, it seemed like a natural progression to try out this Lularoe gig. I thought about it. I researched it. I prayed over it. I changed my mind and said NO, too much money.  Then I repeated the cycle but ended up with- I think I can do this. And here I am.

I am anxious. I am impatient, but I am ready for this new chapter in my life. I am overwhelmed at times too- but I am mostly excited. I've reshuffled my balancing act and this time it feels authentic.  And really, I'm not doing this all for ME.  My "WHY" is half me and half them. Because when they look at me and see my spark- it lights their fire too. As a Mom of 5 little girls- the gift I am giving them is me- and really, that is the best gift I can offer.  All is took was a few inches of my hair and a big leap of faith.

xoxo,
Linz

The Julia dress & me

My friend Rachel is my sponsor/trainer/mentor or however you want to put it. I've been watching her start up her business and she has a really great business sense, and I'm glad she is the captain of our team. Rachel was doing a pop-up party on-line and I looked through everything to get ideas and take notes. When I was looking at her inventory- there was this really beautiful dress. IN. MY. SIZE. Since my family is going on a cruise soon (hooray) I asked Rachel if she would be willing to sell me the dress AND some leggings that I could give away once my inventory is on its way.  She was happy to help- and even through the dress in for free as a thank you for joining her team.  What a darling! Anyhow, it had been a super tough day and when my mailbox had a package for me from Rachel, I was over the moon happy.

One of the things that I like to do- in my own styling, is accessorizing! This Julia is very colorful, which I love- so adding a belt, necklace, and cute shoes was easy peasy. Get yourself one of these stretchy belts, they look so great on these dresses! Add a little red lip stick too, just because I said so. (You're welcome.)

The Julia dress is more form fitting, so you can either stick with your normal size for a fitted look or go up a size for a more comfortable feel. I will have a whole stash of these dresses in my inventory (I hope SOON!)

Sometimes life is all about trying something you wouldn't normally just to shake things up. The Julia dress isn't something I would normally go for, but I love this one. One step at a time, my friends. Get yourself out there and make life happen. Life is happier with a smile on your face.

Here I go...

Hi friends. For a few months now I have been getting antsy.  I felt like I needed to change something, but I wasn't sure what. I considered going back to school, or maybe picking up a part-time job...but then the Mommy guilt set in and I hated the idea of leaving my babies in someone else's care- mainly because I have not done it before (I might love it, ha!)  I really did some soul searching and then I came up with an idea- what if I became a Lularoe consultant? I like their stuff, so it might be worth a shot? I looked into it and then changed my mind. It's a big investment and maybe it wasn't for me after all...but then I just kept thinking about it. (Like a broken record!) I explored the option some more then did some major praying. I can't do anything without prayer because I need the Big Guy on my team for big moves, ya know? Anyhow- it all felt good and right and BAM! I signed up. Right now I am in the queue, waiting for my turn to order my initial inventory. I am VERY excited about this new journey and think about it constantly. Success is my only option.

The thing I love about Lularoe is that it is all about making women feel beautiful in their own skin. Whatever size, shape, color you are- they have something for you! No, really- its not a sales pitch. They try to style for all of us. (I also love that they have a children's line and a growing men's line- but where was I headed here...) ANYHOW! I hope that you will jump on board with me as I begin this new journey.  I really want to do this right.

I took a picture of my shoes and leggings today because one of the things people LOVE about Lularoe is the leggings. I've never been much of a leggings person except for running, which I don't do very often but probably should.  (Unless there is a ball at my feet OR a vicious animal trying to eat me- what is the point? HA!) This morning I wanted to try out a pair of leggings and then leave the house in them.  I'm so wacky, right? ;) Way out of my comfort zone, but I did it. I think that is really what this journey is all about for me.  Stepping back into my skin- not Mommy, not wife, not friend- all of those things and more.  This about helping me- and you- and anyone rediscover their-selves. We all get lost in the daily hustle, the never-ending to-do list, but sometimes its good to take a deep breath and feel authentically beautiful...and that's what I'm gonna do- for me and hopefully- for you!