Your personal growth affects your style

I'm going to ask you a personal question...and be honest. Have you ever had one of those days where everyone is simply getting on your LAST nerve? It's that one thing after the next that is just so aggravating!  Have you ever had one of those days where you are just tired of everything and everyone around you? Well, if I'm honest with you, I'd have to say that yes, I've had those days where I felt that way.  But I will tell you because of personal growth, those days have become far less than before. Why you might ask? Because I was introduced to some simple teaching that not only helped to change my outlook on things, but has helped all types of relationships.  Then it hit me! Your attitude is one of your BEST NATURAL accessories... So you can LITERALLY change your overall look, but changing that one simple thing! So, are you ready for a secret? Simply changing your mindset, can change your overall look! You can be wearing a paper bag and be stunning with this one simple adjustment. 

The reality is,  I had to be willing to say "OK, what could I have done to make this situation better?" "Can I be provoking these emotions by the words that I'm speaking?"  Not only, do I have total control over my look, but I also have total control over my mental state, AND emotional well being... With that I was on to something :) But I knew in order for my style to be sharp, my mindset had to be sharper!  I had to lend an ear to wise counsel to make that better. So, here's what I found (maybe it will help you too). 

One of the first things I had to learn was stop making excuses and excepting excuses.  I learned this from  one of my mentors Dani Johnson.  "They did this and now I'm... " or "I can't because..." or whatever it is that you make yourself try to believe. Facts are, these are all excuses.  I had to realize that expelling excuses from my mindset and stop searching for a reason not to get things done, is really a bunch of foolishness, and is ultimately, not a good look :). 

Secondly, find what you are holding onto from your past and then forgive.  Yep, even the people that hurt you most.  Think about it...The bags and dark circles that you have under your eyes because of a lack of sleep due to worry does NOTHING for you! Trust me. The people that you are holding grudges against have gone on and are doing their own thing not thinking about you. So, why do you let their mess control YOUR attitude and YOUR mental well being? It makes no sense right... 

Then, improve your skills where you lack them... For example, if you have a problem dealing with the people at your job, fix YOU, invest in YOU and gain skills to help you where you are lacking.  The cool thing is, when you master that new skill, you handle any challenge with confidence, refinement, and grace...which will make any outfit look good on you :) (shhhh It's a LaJule Woman's best kept secret).  

Lastly, don't give up! Don't let situations you can't control define you. You can only change YOU. You are strong, and amazing! Believe that.  

Check out how my mentor Dani Johnson shares how her personal growth has helped her overcome the odds.. You listen to her story, and I bet you'll say "Now, that's stylish!"

xoxo

She's got the look!! See who she is...

This week we want to shine our spotlight on a woman who was also born and raised in Charleston.  She's a wife to her best friend, Dylan, mother to a beautiful 18 month old named Zoe Anelise, and an Independent Stylist for an elegant jewelry/accessory line named Stella & Dot. We are celebrating Shaniqua "Nikki" Johnson Bess. She loves life, laughing, fashion and awesome food (I'm sure you can relate to that too right :))

 After working in IT as a computer programmer for almost 8 years, she moved to Atlanta to support her husband's career and after her daughter was born, she found herself asking “what's next for me?” She began working for a non-profit company but in the meantime became extremely interested in making her dreams come true. Nikki says, "after my husband (yes, my husband) introduced me to Stella & Dot, I knew I had to find out more. I took a leap of faith and started this journey.  I'm so glad that I did." She immediately, fell in love with their jewelry and accessories and the company's mission to motivate and inspire women." She  loves to help women look and feel fabulous! Simply knowing her heart knowing that she believes in similar vision shared by LaJule Designs, it was a no-brainer for us to honor Nikki this week!   "My journey here was nothing more than God's way of opening a door for me to do what I love!" And she looks fab while doing it... Check out her outfit...

Nikki's hairstylist is Des Venable at Secrets Hair Salon, Atlanta, GA. She is wearing a coral colored dress by Sweet Storm (a steal from Ross!!) Her gold accented shoes are BCBG (Don't you need them in your life?!?!).  I'm going to tell you, those jewels were so fab, we had to zoom in !

The beautiful accessories she is wearing are products of Stella & Dot...

Tansy Fringe Collar Necklace, Amelie Sparkle, Christina Link and Renegade Bracelets, Gilded Arrow Bangle, and Nancy Studs, H&M gold ring. 

We simply love her and her style! If you don't know her, you should get to know Mrs. Bess! Check her out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram   It's an honor to know her, a genuine spirit, and truly awesome lady who knows how to Work it! Congrats Nikki xoxo

Get it TINA!!!

This week we have chosen Tina Dickerson, originally from Jamestown,SC and now living in 

Goose Creek, SC. Tina is Married to Mitchell Dickerson and together they share two 

children, Kobie and Malachi. With a Master's Degree in Human Resources, she is a Human 

Resources Professional and has been in her field for 13 years. Not only is there brains, but 

also beauty! As a full time consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, she helps other women find 

their beauty within as well.

I had the privilege of working with Tina, when she launched what she called her "baby 

girl" in January 2014 when Restore Your G.L.A.M. (Giving Ladies Alot More) was born. 

This was a vision she had for about two year. Suddenly, it was when she needed her 

GLAM restored in September of 2013 after suddenly loosing her job that her faith, fashion, 

fitness, health and finance were then being put to test. She didn't know what she was 

going to do, but a pity party was not an option! Her strength is what we've admired so 

much about her. It was time to restore those areas that were taken and also bring a few 

women together with her to make this come to pass. As a result Restore Your G.L.A.M. 

has touched MANY lives. Her courage to spearhead this movement, not in shame but in 

being an overcomer, has received overwhelming feedback that continues to inspire. We all 

can't wait for RYG 2015!!!

Here is Tina "Working It!!!" She stands strong bursting in confidence. Her hair was done by 

Shanaya Hammond of Passion Slice Salon (who is also amazing by the way, you have to 

check her out) That gorgeous turquoise pleaded dress was an amazing find at Dillard's. 

Finishing this look off with some gold peep toe stiletto's, pearl earrings and bracelet Tina, 

knocks this outfit out of the box!

Check out what's hot, get some great Mary Kay finds, and inspiration from Tina on 

Facebook, Instagram and online at Mary Kay!

Rock it girl! xoxo, LaJule

Adrienne Young is Working It!!!

Some of you may have heard of a woman who, online, is referred to as the "Queen of Thrifting." She is a wife and mother of two sons. She lives in Charlotte, NC. Adrienne Young, is this wonderful woman, sharing her desire as a thrift shopper. She enjoys inspiring others with her finds via Don't Go Thrifting Without Me! In addition, she has a passion to share her expertise about natural hair as the Founder of Naturally For Your Glory. Besides thrifting, she is the College Placement Director at Carmel Christian School. She is also frequently asked to speak at many events. This beautiful woman has created a style with her finds seen here.

Check out Adrienne as she rocks this fabulous orange lace dress, and accessorizes with those floral print footless tights and the mint colored statement necklace and tear drop earrings. This entire chic look costs only $18 from head to toe!  Can you believe that! On top of all of that, those nude patent leathers are Nine West. To put the icing on the cake, her crown in glory is protected with some beautiful crochet braids she did herself. Adrienne is an example of how everyone can be fashion forward, regardless of your budget.


If you haven't already checked her out on her Website, YouTube and Facebook you've already missed a treat.
Let us know about your fantastic thrift finds...we'd love to see what you've found...

Until next week,
xoxo LaJule