tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53425146912376616862024-03-12T16:29:09.984-07:00Horizontal StripesHorizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-55139997843935440822016-09-14T13:36:00.001-07:002016-09-14T13:36:58.819-07:00#TeacherBae and the Body Police: Can a Woman just ******* Live?!?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Greetings Stripers,<o:p></o:p></div>
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It has been WAY,
WAY too long since I’ve written for my own blog. I have been on a long hiatus
and writing stories for my friends over at Bmoje.com, so if you’d like to take a
look at what you’ve missed, head right over. Getting to the matter at hand
however, I know by now some of you have seen stories about #TeacherBae and the conversation
concerning the appropriateness of her clothing for her profession. If you haven’t, people with no lives made an
issue out of a non-issue the other day in writing this <a href="http://www.theroot.com/blog/the-grapevine/atlanta-teachers-photos-go-viral-but-some-think-her-attire-is-inappropriate/" target="_blank">article</a>, and though I’ve
been stewing about it for a few days in silence, I decided to use my craft as
catharsis. Plus, this is right up Horizontal Stripes’ alley! So alas, this is not
exactly a think piece but one of those things that should make you go Hmmm? instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In case, you
skipped the link I provided above and have been living under a rock, and
Atlanta area teacher has been criticized and damn near vilified for wearing allegedly
“inappropriate” outfits to work. She has
also been criticized for taking pictures in her workplace that were on
Instagram of herself in an empty classroom, and lastly, she has been criticized
for “sexualizing herself” by taking pictures: because we all know how people
absolutely HAVE to comment on those just because you put them out there. So
while everything I just wrote sums up the facts, I’m going to speak to you in
the dialogue of Kermit and say, that little Billy’s mom rolled up in her dirty
sweats and rat’s nest hairdo for a Parent/ Teacher conference, saw this young
lady’s curvy body and beautiful face, felt intimidated, and made this an issue
with someone. ***Mmmm, that chamomile sure tastes good today.*** And yes, I’m
calling out my ladies because y’all can be catty and petty for absolutely no
reason! 99% of the negative comments I’ve seen are from women, though there was
a particularly soul searing one I saw by a man telling her to lose weight.
Negro please! From where?!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I’ll go on by
saying that I don’t have kids, but I understand why some parents are quick to
jump on the “She’s inappropriate!” bandwagon. Americans have a convoluted
relationship with sex, the body, policing women in particular, and associating
professionalism or merit with outward appearance. I understand that there are
social mores that we, unfortunately, are forced to follow in certain environments,
however a few comparisons have been drawn between this young lady, and a handsome
male teacher who circulated earlier this year nicknamed, “Mr. Steal Your
Grandma”, who rocks fitted jeans and formfitting attire to teach his students
and in his free time (as he has the right to), and yet no one had anything to
say about his student’s wouldn’t be able to concentrate with him around. </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This young woman teaches 4</span><sup style="text-indent: 0.5in;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> grade
students to boot, so though some of them may notice her body, the only reason
they should be having “sexual feelings” toward her is because they are being
taught that outside of school. I’m not naïve enough to say they won’t notice
her figure, but as part of her personage, not as a sexual object. Besides if
you’re afraid of kids seeing “inappropriate” bodies, how about not using women
in various stages of undress to sell everything from burgers to watches to cars,
often disembodying them and plastering them on every billboard, magazine ad,
and commercial. How about that?</span></div>
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She is not
teaching high schoolers, or students closer to her age group which would merit
some additional considerations; unfortunately, this is the time we’re living
in. It’s just ridiculous how out of proportion this has been blown, and I’m
sure it’s by the same people who watch Susan from accounting stroll in, in her “walk
of shame” uniform once a week, and want to dish about it with her, but are
outraged that this woman simply exists in her body while consciously making
clothing choices. I’m not gender bashing here, but notice how Teacher/Accountant
Kevin can come to work every day after a series of different one night stands
and wear whatever he wants without reference to his clothing. Does anyone care?
Of course not. Do they even ask or insinuate what goes on outside of school or
in school for that matter when he walks in. The answer is simply: no. Even when
he posts things to his personal social media. How is this fair? It’s not. Oh yeah,
I know.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">Teachers do a whole lot, so much so that their
lives at school and personal loves often intertwine. There are the endless
extra hours lesson planning and grading take, the pay that is so laughable,
that almost every educator I know has at least a second part time job and
sometimes another full time job, freezing your cheeks off during game duty
because there aren’t enough outside volunteers, the lack of appreciation
expressed by parents, society at large, and lastly being patient and unbiased
with all the little hellions you send our way and practically want us to raise.
We do the best we can with love and passion, and the desire to better our
students and our country’s future. </span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">We
feed them, sometimes clothe them, and in extreme situations find them places to
live. You know, REAL problems. At the same time must be wives, mothers,
fathers, husbands, aunts, uncles, chefs, bus drivers {sometimes literally), disciplinarians,
mentors, and a million other things to our students; way more than just someone
who has to teach them the skills to advance to the next grade level.</span></div>
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This issue
struck me as deep enough to write about because I feel that many of her critics
are operating on a few hundred thousand assumptions, and she has won awards for
her professional prowess and is obviously passionate about her profession, but
the picture where she’s sitting next to her student, helping them with reading is
not a part of this conversation though. Hmmm, I wonder why that is? If this was
a mugshot vs student life still of a young teenage black man recently shot by
police, a good portion of y’all would be the first to scream, “Racial profiling!
How Unfair!”, but you can’t check yourself for your deeply embedded display of
sexism and double standards, so I have no problem forcing you to look in the
mirror and confront your hypocrisy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Firstly,
teachers are allowed to take pictures of themselves at work, no matter what
kind of work they do. If she isn’t involving students without their parent’s consent.
She’s allowed to take photos of herself. It’s literally in a consent form that
everyone signs at the beginning of the year because when the school decides it
wants to use you for good PR, it’ll take whatever it wants including your
accomplishments and any independent accolades you’ve earned. Let’s keep it
real. Secondly, it’s clear that she puts
thought into her outfits. She always has a high neckline, though she’s busty,
for the most part she has on dresses to the knee. I think the only real
complaint based on what I know about a school dress code, could be that some of
her hemlines are too short to comply with the same dress codes students could
get into trouble for, which someone brought to my attention, and I understand
that. However, while I don’t think even these things should be such an issue at
school or anywhere else for that matter, people seems to be hell bent on vilifying
her as attention seeking gutter trash or something. SHE IS WEARING CLOTHES THAT
FIT! <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the
assumptions I have the biggest problem with is that she’s almost maliciously wearing
“Bodycon” dresses to work, meaning dresses that emphasize a person’s figure by
being made often of fabric like jersey or a thinner cotton which drape the body
differently than other fabric combinations. I’ve seen everything from, “Leave
those outfits for the club,” to “She can wear a bodycon after work on Friday, “
which creates several more assumptions: 1) that she hangs out at the club to
make those clothes appropriate, 2) that she is purposely wearing fabrics like
those I mentioned above, when it is clear that she is curvy and you would be
able to identify her as curvy if she was wearing a burlap sack, so maybe and
for the second time SHE’S JUST WEARING CLOTHES THAT FIT, and 3) that even
wearing those types of clothes makes her have bad/inappropriate intentions and
make her lack the competency to do her job. It almost feels to me like people
want her to wear baggy, ill-fitting clothes that would definitely be frumpy and
unprofessional in their own right. And just as a side note, teachers have
plenty of time to wear their “leisure time” clothing on weekends that are
dedicated to all of that lesson planning, project planning, and grading papers.
Teachers don’t have time for, nor can
afford separate wardrobes. GTFOH!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her
body type is her body type regardless of whether she’s dressed down in jeans
and a school shirt on casual Friday or whether she’s wearing pant or a dress
during the week with heels or flats.
Pants come with their own issues. If you’re a woman who is really full
in the hips, thighs, and butt like me, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Then you’re inappropriate for emphasizing body parts, when ALL PANTS FIT YOUR
BODY LIKE THAT! I always joke about how I love my “slutty” pencil skirts
because I once was in the library working and someone told me I should’ve asked
my husband how I looked before I came to work that morning (to check my appropriateness)
*Rolls eyes The Exorcist style*, and God forbid you enjoy playing volleyball
because with the uniform required, you might as well go into hiding! I do
believe that if a less buxom woman were wearing the same things, this story
would never have made press, but I’m not going to harp on that in the way that
makes the less curvy woman any less worthy, simply because of the way she
naturally exists either.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">It’s crazy that this young woman’s life
has been turned upside down when she touts her philosophy as God 1</span><sup style="text-align: left;">st</sup><span style="text-align: left;">,
Educator 2</span><sup style="text-align: left;">nd</sup><span style="text-align: left;">.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">She is young
and still passionate about education, which promising and innovative young
people are leaving in droves, for several REALLY good reasons. You want to be
outraged about something, be outraged at their treatment, inability to survive
based on the compensation, and the amount of bureaucratic, hands tied No Child
Left Behind and Common Core BS that keeps kids testing half of the school year
away, instead of actually preparing them for life with content that matters. If
people would get as up in arms about the deficiencies of the American public
school system, as they are about her dresses, we would invoke a lot more change
than I’m sure has happened to this poor girl over the last week or so. (Seriously
media. You do in fact affect people’s lives!) I could go on and on y’all
because this issue touches upon so many intersectionalities! Her dress is only
one thing that barely scratches the surface. I’ll wrap it up here though, and
set my sights on my homework!</span></div>
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Love, peace, and rock those
stripes! (Bodycon or nah!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<3 Brittani<o:p></o:p></div>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-4050351205294621242016-04-28T05:46:00.001-07:002016-04-28T05:46:59.280-07:00Knock, Knock! Who's There?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Hey there guys and
gals! </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
I said
I was going to put some more varied content on Horizontal Stripes, and I think
this one definitely counts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
wondering whether or not to write this post but think it merits a few words
just as equally, if not more so than the other things I usually post for you.
Unless you’ve been on Mars for the last few weeks, you know that Prince, one of
the most versatile and talented musical artists and creative geniuses of our
time, died last week at the age of 57. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
I promise this will not be another
tribute post; I’m sure you’re sick to death of those by now, however it may be
just as interesting to you. Many have contributed art in all forms, created
social media posts, and many memes in memory and celebration of the artist. I’ve
personally seen nails, tattoos, and even shrines to the Artist Formerly Known
as Himself. Aside from those, some of the most striking to me have been many citing
his ascendance to heaven and/or drawings or pictures of him next to Whitney
Houston and Michael Jackson as angels. On a side note though, he really didn’t
value MJ’s work as revolutionarily as most of us did, but I digress. I have
always found American attitudes toward death fascinating, and in the same vein
it’s always been interesting to me how celebrity deaths seem to feel so
personal to people who have never truly known a person but feel melded to their
persona.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m usually indifferent to the mourning
bandwagon, but I had to speak on this one. Though he was a wonderful artist and
philanthropist, from what his protégés have been revealing, he was a human
being like the rest of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doesn’t
mean I’m telling you, you aren’t allowed to feel a certain way: please don’t
take that from this post. It’s just that, in addition to his music and giving,
he was deeply spiritual and wouldn’t want what I’d almost consider, the
idolization of his artistry and personage. He wanted his music to be his
legacy, and I’m sure would be glad he’s touched so many lives. A little known
fact to many of his fans is that:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
Prince. Was. One. Of. Jehovah’s. Witnesses!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVOplAB4vLA/VyIFBqT5HeI/AAAAAAAABiI/F3PRbTLxFwIk6EIutNVHCIlGBWSrmTnUACLcB/s1600/trippy%2Bunicorn.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVOplAB4vLA/VyIFBqT5HeI/AAAAAAAABiI/F3PRbTLxFwIk6EIutNVHCIlGBWSrmTnUACLcB/s320/trippy%2Bunicorn.gif" width="227" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
duh. Duh. DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLAMKrKjugI/VyIFNCxxBrI/AAAAAAAABiM/RsoS1zDrLMQBQHA8rzRQXIzwUWRDT3PLACLcB/s1600/flanders.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLAMKrKjugI/VyIFNCxxBrI/AAAAAAAABiM/RsoS1zDrLMQBQHA8rzRQXIzwUWRDT3PLACLcB/s1600/flanders.gif" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t a total surprise to some
people because Prince wasn’t shy about sharing his faith and engaged in the
door to door ministry with the rest of his brothers and sister, which is a
hallmark of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I’ve been listening to interviews
with people citing that he could or couldn’t, did or didn’t do this or that
because he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a lot of it has been
inaccurate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anytime JWs are mentioned in
the news, there is always some misinformation; so I figured what better time is
there to clear up a few stereotypes and misconceptions, while everyone has
their “Knock, Knock” jokes respectfully holstered. How do I know what I’m
talking about? I’m one of Jehovah’s Witnesses as well, if you weren’t aware. Don’t
think this is me trying to force feed you anything or that this post is a push
for conversion. I don’t operate like that. But, if you don’t want to read on
further about spiritual matters, you might want to stop right here. You might
just learn something, though. Imagine that? :-D</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal;">
This is not the
definitive list of beliefs by any means, but commonly asked questions created from
the objections most people hit us with when they think they’re doing a good job
of insulting us off of their doorsteps. I tried to take good care to choose
ones that Prince himself has addressed publically in interviews:<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What
do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jehovah-witness-beliefs/">https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jehovah-witness-beliefs/</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>You
don’t believe in Jesus, right?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/believe-in-jesus/">https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/believe-in-jesus/</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Who
is this Jehovah dude, you speak of and why do you call yourselves Jehovah’s
Witnesses?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/good-news-from-god/who-is-god/video-gods-name/">https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/good-news-from-god/who-is-god/video-gods-name/</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/name-jehovahs-witnesses/">https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/name-jehovahs-witnesses/</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What’s
the big deal about celebrating birthdays?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/birthdays/#?insight[search_id]=2cbf7d30-35ab-42cf-8a0f-4e4a88a9fc86&insight[search_result_index]=5">https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/birthdays/#?insight[search_id]=2cbf7d30-35ab-42cf-8a0f-4e4a88a9fc86&insight[search_result_index]=5</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What
happens when people die?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/when-you-die/">https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/when-you-die/</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Why
don’t Witnesses give blood or get transfusions?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jehovahs-witnesses-why-no-blood-transfusions/">https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jehovahs-witnesses-why-no-blood-transfusions/</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Why
do you knock on people’s doors?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/door-to-door/#?insight[search_id]=fcd3ca2a-4e84-4876-ac5e-dd4b9c7c2ad6&insight[search_result_index]=1">https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/door-to-door/#?insight[search_id]=fcd3ca2a-4e84-4876-ac5e-dd4b9c7c2ad6&insight[search_result_index]=1</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Why
do you knock on the doors of those who already have a religion?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/own-religion/">https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/own-religion/</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
If you are
curious about other beliefs, would like to explore some Bible based advice for
teens, couples, kids, and adults, or ever need information for a project, there
is a wealth of information that can be found at JW.org or you can ask a Witness
yourself. Believe it or not, we don’t bite!</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
You don’t have to hide from us in your houses. If you don’t
want to talk, we will leave if you tell us you’re disinterested, but please,
don’t be rude.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
We don’t believe Christians are perfect and acknowledge
that we are all flawed human beings like everyone else. We also don’t expect
you to be perfect, nor are we preaching perfection. We are not an angry mob
coming to judge you at your door. I promise!</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
If you have questions, we will always try to answer you
with a Scriptural reference, when possible. Our ministry is about glorifying
Jehovah and loving our neighbors as ourselves, not about harassing you: truly.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
I hope I shared some valuable information with you today, and
while I can’t answer any questions from Prince’s perspective because he was his
own person, I am always available to answer questions about Witnesses or
Jehovah, without judgment. I recognize that everyone’s relationship to religion
is different, and respectful adult conversations are always welcome!</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Have a great day
Stripers! Until next time!</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal;">
Brittani</div>
Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-59756845833529024332016-04-24T02:54:00.001-07:002016-04-24T02:54:13.100-07:00Brands You've Been Sleeping On, Serving Up Summer Trends<br />
Greeting Stripers!<br />
Just in case you thought I'd completely
forgotten you, know that that will never happen. I started blogging for a
friend about social issues, and after they were published would put
them on here but with time and circumstancial constraints, I gradually
just forgot about this poor blog. Anyway, I'm back now! I missed you all
terribly and really just miss writing in general. I think Horizontal
Stripes will definitely be getting a revamp, with more varied content
but the same quick wit and fashion tips you've come to know and love!
Let's get started on today's topic!<br />
<br />
Y'all know, if you
have ever read this blog before, that I will take fitted over frumpy
and the showing of a few stretch marks over being dressed like a nun on
her way to the convent any day. There are several brands that I have
never liked because:<br />
<ol>
<li style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">They
use traditional models to sell plus sized clothing. I will never
understand this. And I don't mean a traditional plus sized model, (size
6-14) I mean a size 2 or 4 model, drowning in fabric, I guess meant to
inspire you to look that way too, if you buy that brand's clothing. I
think we can all agree that this is an ineffective marketing tool.
Someone's buying it though, so...yeah. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://images.plussizetech.com/images/site_images/womanwithin/ww_060214_sle_01.jpg" height="227" id="yui_3_5_1_2_1461417125901_683" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If this is your favorite nightgown forgive me, but while you don't have
to look like Adriana Lima going to bed, let's stop short of giving up
completely, ok? Might I add that this dress is for daytime. Oh, you
were ready to put on your sleep mask? Me too.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. It feels like to me, that these brands, operate under the premise
that if someone is a little thicker, that they want to be covered from
collarbone to ankle because they can't stand the thought of themselves
being seen or that all women of a certain size have suddenly become
church ladies.I'm sure some of that applies, but those of us of a
certain age don't feel that way!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41r1jEOV%2B9L.jpg" height="320" id="yui_3_5_1_2_1461419139822_699" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="222" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaaaammmmaaaazzziiiinnnnnggggg Graaaacccceeee, How Sweet The Sound?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3.
I'll wrap it up here because I could go on and on, but I kind of feel
like most brands who primarily circulate via catalog are looking for a
client who doesn't leave their house because they feel so badly about
themselves, but they still need to wear clothes so they order from these
catalogs full of terrible choices; then they see themselves wearing the
clothing they bought and feel worse because it serves a purpose, but to
flatter is not one of them!<br />
<br />
Phew! Being negative takes a
lot out of you, but let's explore the flip side! There are now, probably
more than ever, plus sized companies, making clothes that you want to
wear, from fast fashion juggernauts like <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Category.aspx?br=plus&category=plus_size-main">Forever 21+</a> and <a href="http://www.fashiontofigure.com/">Fashion to Figure</a> to higher end selections like <a href="http://www.jibrionline.com/#">Jibri</a> and <a href="http://thecurvyfashionista.com/2014/11/first-look-plus-size-designer-label-rum-coke-holiday-collection/">Rum + Coke</a>. The online world, is your giant, succulent oyster!<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are a few brands you may want to keep in mind, in addition to the ones I've already mentioned.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.boohoo.com/usa/boohoo-plus/icat/boohoo-plus#esp_pg=2">BooHoo</a><br />
Boo
Hoo still does that annoying thing of not swapping out the models,
however in the plus section you will find the exact same items found in
the plus section down to the cut and style. A few other brands that make
the plus version tend to change something about the original design,
thereby making the item ugly and moo-moolike. Check them out for rompers
and fun maxi dresses, along with soft shorts, and other festival
essentials!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Plus Ainsley Wrap Front Playsuit alternative image" src="http://i1.adis.ws/i/boohooamplience/pzz94819_black_xl?$product_page_thumbnail$" height="200" width="133" /> </div>
<br />
RebDolls<br />
Rebdolls
is like a big middle finger to the haters that try to tell you what you
should and shouldn't wear. Think of it as the literal clothing version
of Horizontal Stripes after a few shots and rounds of karaoke. Check it
out when the rebel in you is trying to escape! You'll find enough high
slits, low necks, and vulgar message tees to please your inner IDGAF.
This is also a place to display your sexy with crop top, keyholes, and
bodycon clothing galore!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Blue" class="bigImg" data-image-id="11665925127" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0807/5835/products/all-summer-long-pant-set-blue-macara-004_fdeba4e5-8b32-4184-90fa-46882ef56869_1024x1024.jpg?v=1461250034" data-zoom-image="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0807/5835/products/all-summer-long-pant-set-blue-macara-004_fdeba4e5-8b32-4184-90fa-46882ef56869.jpg?v=1461250034" height="320" title="Rebdolls " width="209" /></div>
<a href="http://www.catofashions.com/">Cato</a><br />
For
those of you who've never heard of Cato, it is a treasure trove for
trendy clothing at affordable prices. I feel like an appropriate way to
sum it up is Southern Belle on a Budget. It has a lot of sweet, trendy
styles, and if you have a physical store nearby, it actually does mark
downs fairly often. It's very affordable to start anyway, but is a
great place to try if you have never heard of it before. They also do
free shipping to the store if your size is out of stock and serve sizes
0-34W (tall and petite) with the same items! If you don't have a Cato
nearby you can now shop with them online. Check it out and let me know
what you think!<br />
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<img alt="" src="http://www.catofashions.com/prodimages/24432-193-l.jpg" height="320" id="yui_3_5_1_2_1461423194286_714" width="220" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/">New York & Company</a><br />
This
is not a plus centric brand: just a disclaimer. Their focus is not
solely the plus customer, but I was excited to find that they have
expanded their collections to size XXL in tops and dresses, and size 20
in bottoms.I'm sure you've heard of their collaboration with Eva Mendes,
and their generally bright, girly, fun clothing. I would say that all
their sizing is actually one size smaller than is on the tag, so the 20s
actually fit like an 18, which I am, and an XXL is probably more like a
16, which I also am on top. I have suddenly become obsessed with shorts
this summer, as though they never existed! Not sure why, but there is a
surprising lack of choices over a size 16 (and that depends on if it's a
true size 16), and if you need extra room in the hips and booty, forget
it! Short inseams are beastly! Anyway, I am happy to report, in
addition to the two pairs of Lane Bryant shorts I bought this summer, I
have bought about 10 other pairs from NYC and am happy with them all!
They actually fit, give or take a one pair I had to return and they make
me feel like summer! I may not have her gams, but I hear my catwalk
music come on whenever I have on a pair. And yes.....I do shake my
little tush. Right Said Fred, told me to!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><img alt="" src="http://images.nyandcompany.com/is/image/NewYorkCompany/completelook/7th-Avenue-Design-Studio-4-Short-Signature-Fit-Floral-Park-Green-_03426091_279.jpg" height="320" id="yui_3_5_1_2_1461423521862_799" style="text-align: center;" width="238" /><br />
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I hope this post finds yo well and gives you some outfit inspiration!<br />
Love, peace, and all things fashion,<br />
Brittani <br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-61482929601204952952015-07-16T04:58:00.000-07:002015-07-16T04:58:49.946-07:00The Summer of Self-Care<div class="MsoNormal">
Good morning Stripers! </div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Summer is firmly
under way, and we all have the midday hot flashes to prove it. Crop tops, sleeveless
tees, and fresh fades are everywhere! People are looking hot while trying to
keep cool, and of course, the haters don’t miss an opportunity to share their
opinions with the rest of us. There’s a popular meme from a foreign country
advising summer tourists to, “Dress for the Body You Have, Not the Body You
Want,” and anybody that knows me, knows that body shaming gets no love here!</span></div>
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Now, don’t get me
wrong, I don’t think everyone should be Sashay Shauteing it down the runway in
daisy dukes, but I resent the implication that people need to inconvenience
themselves by overdressing in this treacherous heat because other people are ***holes.
Point. Blank. Period. With the launch of the ESPN 2015 Body issue last week showing a
diverse range of athletic bodies, as well as vast media recognition of some of
my favorite pioneers of body confidence to include the incomparable Misty
Copeland and Miss Tess “EffYourBeautyStandards” Holliday, it is clear that
there’s no reason for ANY body to be your standard to live up to. We are unique
individuals with a wide range of physical features, strengths, weaknesses,
depths of soul, and special gifts. Big changes are happening right now all
across the country and it’s a great thing, but we still have work to do and
part of it starts with wholly accepting ourselves!</div>
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That’s why at the beginning of July, I decided to dub this the Summer of Self-Care. For me, it’s about making sure
I am in a good place holistically: mind, body, and spirit. Each day, I am
choosing to focus on different aspects of myself and doing some
self-reflection; and even more importantly deciding to relax and enjoy
reevaluating what I want out of life right now. I’m a teacher, so I have a
unique window of time to be existential right now; I recognize that not
everyone can take a few weeks off, but I urge you to block off a chunk of your
day to focus on you! My wellness arsenal includes lots of Trap Muzik acoustic
covers, pole fitness time, chats with good friends, and
challenging my mind academically. Sounds too much like work you say? Well Summer
Lovin’ has taken on a new meaning this year, and I plan to be <st1:city w:st="on">Sandy</st1:city> by the times the leaves begin to change
instead of Sandra Dee. I hope you’ll choose to be a bit of a chameleon for the
rest of summer too. Don’t be afraid to join me!</div>
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XOXO,</div>
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Brittani</div>
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If you enjoyed this post, go on over to my friends at www.Bmoje.com! It's a virtual think-space that challenges and empowers you to freely express your authentic self. Bmoje's motto is v<span style="text-align: center;">alue difference, question tradition, take the edge off. I love it! The Bmoje</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> app expands the options of representation in the digital world and is available in the App and Google Play stores,</span></div>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-25538653402225304902015-05-12T12:22:00.000-07:002015-05-12T12:22:20.021-07:00An Attitude of GratitudeGood afternoon Stripers!<br />
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I wanted to write a non fashion related post today about an important topic: Gratitude! The struggle has been oh-so-real in my life lately and instead of turning into Eeyore about it all, I've decided to count all my chickens, both hatched and unhatched. I think it's very easy to get bogged down by what we don't have, whether it's a job that seems unattainable, the 30 cents in our bank account, or the broken A/C in our car. We tend to forget that there are people without shelter, those who've just lost loved ones, and those who, no matter how hard they try, cannot seem to catch a break. Take a little time to show an Attitude of Gratitude today!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq694g9zHuQ/VVI6umjHmkI/AAAAAAAABXY/IQgP-Zy3uwo/s1600/attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq694g9zHuQ/VVI6umjHmkI/AAAAAAAABXY/IQgP-Zy3uwo/s320/attitude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Below is a short list of tips compiled from Jeff Haden's article, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-know-you-extraordinarily-successful-jeff-haden" target="_blank">How to Know You'll Be Extraordinarily Successful</a>, which I read on LinkedIn earlier today. They were aimed at the business community but are generally good advice for all of life. I hope they give you a place to ground your attitude transformation.<br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4f51; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Find happiness in the success of others.</span></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4f51; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Relentlessly seek new experiences.</span></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4f51; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't think work/life balance, just think <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">life</em><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">!</span></span></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4f51; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be incredibly empathetic.</span></strong></span></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4f51; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have something </strong></span></strong></strong></strong><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4f51; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">to prove -- to <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">yourself</em>.</strong></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4f51; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't think you're special.</span></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d4f51; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Realize that success is fleeting, but dignity and respect last forever.</span></strong></strong></strong></div>
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I hope this post is encouraging to you, and though it's not Turkey Day -- the usual time that self-reflection is encouraged-- a little self-reflection never hurt anyone. I hope you'll join me in seeking out joy in the small things over the next 30 days! Show us what you're grateful for by tagging your photos #30daysofgratitude and sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or by following us on Instagram: Horizontal_Stripes</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrEz5hF1BBg/VVI_DWYAtAI/AAAAAAAABXg/cDB-imHFXaU/s1600/from%2Bnaomi%2Bblake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrEz5hF1BBg/VVI_DWYAtAI/AAAAAAAABXg/cDB-imHFXaU/s640/from%2Bnaomi%2Bblake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Until next time Stripers!</div>
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Brittani</div>
<br />Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-32102020294851143722015-05-08T03:53:00.000-07:002015-05-08T03:53:10.150-07:00Sizzlin' in the Rain!Greetings Stripers!<br />
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I apologize for the delay between posts, but I had the end of the semester time crunch at both work school and virtual school. I'm not a flake, but I don't have the ability to pull all nighters anymore.</div>
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Nor can I pop up like a daisy in the wee hours of the morning to work on assignments.</div>
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But at least for awhile, I will have both my normal sleep schedule and my faculties back, so look out for posts to become a bit more consistent. </div>
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Anywho, in celebration of the consistently warm days and Vitamin D washing over me, I decided to be the ambassador of Spring today!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqmx4nXtRi4/VUyPrala15I/AAAAAAAABWo/hLvm9xgtuEc/s1600/20150507_101314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqmx4nXtRi4/VUyPrala15I/AAAAAAAABWo/hLvm9xgtuEc/s640/20150507_101314.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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April showers have brought lovely May flowers, but a little rain doesn't have to mean sadness in the forecast!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykRWz5yRLOc/VUyPrX1pcKI/AAAAAAAABWw/dTv-ILS-Zvg/s1600/20150507_101336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykRWz5yRLOc/VUyPrX1pcKI/AAAAAAAABWw/dTv-ILS-Zvg/s640/20150507_101336.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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One of my students came to stand under my umberella, ella, ella. She loves to photobomb my blog pics.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiBF0eAju4A/VUyPrcsnoRI/AAAAAAAABWs/Nl1o4OgPfRQ/s1600/20150507_113519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiBF0eAju4A/VUyPrcsnoRI/AAAAAAAABWs/Nl1o4OgPfRQ/s640/20150507_113519.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Shirt: <a href="http://www.catofashions.com/" target="_blank">Cato</a>, Skirt: Venezia(an old Lane Bryant brand), and Sandals: Payless</div>
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I usually shy away from pastels because I think deeper colors look best with my skin tone, but this parasol skirt and butter yellow shirt just made me so happy, I couldn't resist!</div>
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The temperatures are rising and summer isn't that far away! Break out of your routine and try pastels today! </div>
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Aren't I just a regular Dr. Seuss?</div>
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My classroom is calling, and I've gotta run!I hope your day is filled with fashion and fun!</div>
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Ok, I'll stop. I promise! Have a great day all!</div>
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Until next time Stripers!</div>
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XOXO,</div>
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Brittani</div>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-7507314056375269012015-04-20T13:40:00.000-07:002015-04-20T13:40:49.083-07:00Stop the Presses! Tomboy Chic Finally Meets This Geek!Greetings Horizontal Stripers,<br />
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It's been way too long since I've seen your virtual faces, and I apologize for such a long hiatus. A few things have happened since the last time I posted, and some changes may be coming to the world of Horizontal Stripes that'll make it easier to navigate for both me and you! I've had the writing bug lately and lots more to talk about, so thanks for your patience while we try to figure it out.<br />
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So, what's on our agenda today?<br />
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Well, I've always been kind of enamored with the sporty girly style clash that I've seen celebs like Rihanna or Ciara pull off with ease. It's not quite menswear, and it's not trying to look boyish necessarily, ironically. These ladies always look comfortable and stylish, but with edge and sass; sparkle and grit, and I love it!<br />
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The components are usually one part Jersey/jersey dress/ skirt + skinny jeans/shorts + heels/cute sneakers</div>
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<a href="http://www.necolebitchie.com/" target="_blank">Rihanna</a></div>
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or one part sweat/tracksuit + heels/cute sneakers</div>
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<img src="http://www.osochic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rihanna-tweed-sweatpants-wang-ciara-creme-sweatshirt-zoe-osochic.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://osochic.com/" target="_blank">Ciara</a></div>
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Well, it only took me 28 years, but I think I've finally pulled it off!<br />
Garbo from the knees up & Cal Ripken from the knees down.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arZD0aXv1RA/VTU2_7V88AI/AAAAAAAABWQ/kecLEKng9UU/s1600/gingham%2Bstyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arZD0aXv1RA/VTU2_7V88AI/AAAAAAAABWQ/kecLEKng9UU/s1600/gingham%2Bstyle.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Top : Mynt 1792 via <a href="http://goo.gl/mKbaCR" target="_blank">Gwynnie Bee</a>, Skirt: Torrid, Kicks: Target, Necklace and Earrings: Versona</div>
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Dress: Spruce & Sage via <a href="http://goo.gl/mKbaCR" target="_blank">Gwynnie Bee Shop</a>; Kicks: Target<br />
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Though I'm no Rihanna or Ciara, and honestly didn't even try to aim for either combination of their looks, with a dash of this and a twist of that, I think I turned out ok. I'm not a big hat girl, and can't be anymore with my 'fro, but lipstick or big earrings are another way to throw a little more girliness at an outfit like this. I hope you'll give it a try.<br />
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Until next time Stripers,</div>
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Brittani</div>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-15019291155514894272014-01-07T20:26:00.001-08:002014-01-07T20:55:41.074-08:00Style Crush - Mindy KalingGreetings Stripers!<br />
It's my 27th birthday, and I'm in a contemplative kind of mood. I'm reassessing who I am and what I want out of life, as well as little things I can do to make big changes seem less daunting. One of my goals this year is to be the most authentic version of Brittani I've been yet. This is the year entirely free of other people's expectations, advice, and mental static. I am going to be the most genuine version of myself I possibly can, and to help that spirit permeate throughout all areas of my life, fashionwise I'm going to challenge myself to embrace ladylike sophistication.<br />
I have a lot of really fun clothes that I don't plan on abandoning anytime soon, but I'm going to add a little polish to my panache; not quite Charlotte of Sex and the City Fame, but more like a superimposed version myself or Brittani ². In the spirit of this new venture, I'm going to give nods to women whose style and confidence I greatly admire by periodically showcasing a style crush!<br />
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I can't extol her virtues enough! I am not one of those people who confuses the character in a TV show with the real person. I don't know her personally, but I'm convinced she and I could be BFFs in real life.</div>
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Crushworthy Trait #1:</div>
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Girlfriend knows how to rock multiple prints like its her job! </div>
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I've developed minimal comfort with two, but as you can see here she pulls off three without a problem </div>
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( plus a texture on her purse for all you overachievers out there).</div>
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Crushworthy Trait #2: </div>
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Color is her friend!</div>
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She doesn't seem to trap herself within a particular color palette or family</div>
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She never misses on the red carpet!</div>
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Short or long, daring or classic, curve hugging or voluminous, she always looks like a Glamazon.</div>
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I love that she doesn't Spanx herself to death and experiments with shape while looking flawlessly elegant.</div>
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The many faces of Mindy were the reason I thought about starting this style spotlight, and don't even get me started about Dr. Lahiri's cute outfits on the Mindy Project! I look forward to seeing where her inspiration takes me this year!</div>
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Who's you style crush? </div>
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If you have suggestion for ladies you'd like us to profile, give us a shout out at horizontalstripes4eva@gmail.com </div>
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And for those of you who are wondering, we'll have some outfit posts coming soon, as soon as we can feel our toes again after this week of crazy weather!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Brittani<br />
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P.S. Did I mention this is what my hair look like in the morning? Sans birds, and just a bit curlier of course:</div>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-6063703504899844142014-01-03T11:39:00.000-08:002014-01-03T11:39:28.974-08:00New Year, New You! Make Frugal Look Fabulous with Clothes Mentor!Greetings Horizontal Stripers!<br />
Let me apologize over and over again for the long delay. There has been a lot going on from summer to fall. We haven't forgotten you. It's been an interesting couple months for me personally, and I haven't given as much love to the blogosphere as I should've! But now that presents have been unwrapped, champagne has been uncorked, and all of us oldies but goodies had to force our way to stay awake into the new year, I have some exciting news for you! As you're cleaning out your closet to make room for your new frocks, you can make some extra change and find your old clothes a new home at Clothes Mentor!<br />
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What is Clothes Mentor and what makes it so special you ask?</div>
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Well, besides the immaculate rows and rows of beautiful purses, shoes, and endless clothing options, you can get </div>
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for your gently used clothing and accesories! We had one open recently in Fayetteville, and I had to go check it out. I love supporting green businesses and saving money on clothes!</div>
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If you're anything like me, you may have some excess clothing hanging around. Perhaps something's gotten too small, or you bought it on clearance and can't take it back, or you bought it online and don't want to pay return shipping on something you got on sale, but it was a bit too pricey to just write off to Goodwill. Well never fear, you've got a new friend! Clothes Mentor is a franchise that takes gently used brand name items that have been trendy in the last two years, pays the donator 30-40% of the item's value if it is deemed acceptable and sells things at 70% off the purchase price to other customers. You are able to accept or decline the dollar amount offered to you when your items are accepted, which means they are not forever cast off as with a thrift store, if you change your mind. You can also turn around and buy new things at affordable prices after you get money for things you didn't want anymore. The most impressive thing I loved is that Clothes Mentor carries size 0-26 or 3x, maternity, petite, and tall sizes and even carries size 11 shoes! There is literally something for every woman!<br />
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For you locals of Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg, Clothes Mentor is located at 399 Westwood Shopping Center and the Grand Opening is January 23rd @10 AM. They are currently accepting items from all season, but you are not able to purchase until the grand opening. They are also hiring associates with 2 years of retail experience, customer service skills, and a passion for fashion!! </div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Brittani</div>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-6940819072716680742013-10-20T12:24:00.000-07:002013-10-20T12:24:00.407-07:00Pretty in PrintsPrints have been huge this year and I hope they carry over to Fall and Winter. Fall is almost here in eastern NC. It's still in the mid seventies most days, which is nice because it means I can keep wearing my sandals for another week or so. Though I do have some new leggings stockpiled and waiting in the wings to wear with boots soon. Sometimes drab and neutral, fall clothes get me a little bit down, but I am looking forward to watching my razor collect dust during the coming cold months. (Thanks, Leggings!)<br />
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I ordered this great mixed paisley print dress from Zulilly. It was manufactured in India, though there was no manufacturer name label inside, so I can;t tell you where to get one of your own. I love the bright colors, grass green is a pretty close runner up to orange ad my favorite color. Since my dress came from India, I decided to pair it with some green bead earrings that Rachael brought back form her recent trip to India. The best kinds of friends to have are the kind that buy you accessories!<br />
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We will be switching gears to fall clothes coming up. Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-81707969452867081892013-10-14T07:48:00.000-07:002013-10-14T07:48:44.943-07:00From Paris with Love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings Horizontal Stripers!</div>
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Fall is in the air! The leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spice is in everything, and the days are getting shorter. Unfortunately around here, the weather hasn't really made up it's mind! We have gotten a few cool days, but the rain always follows, or the temperature decides to jump back up! What's the cure for fickle weather? To join the jet set, of course!</div>
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This combo is perfect for a morning walk along the river Seine! <img height="419" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.globeimages.net/data/media/178/seine_river_paris.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="670" /></div>
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The Lourve is another fantastic idea!<img border="0" height="451" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12-BsD3udM0/Ulv3jH_WcII/AAAAAAAABB0/U7mvVROIDNM/s640/lourve.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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And the reward for looking fabulous and getting fit?</div>
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Baguettes, and croissants, and eclairs, Oh my!</div>
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Even though my Parisian excursion was imaginary, these on trend pants are not! Rock an ankle length pant, and don't be afraid to add some volume on top since they are tapered at the bottom! Keep your wellies and umbrella in the car, just in case of emergency or last minute vacation! Until next time, au revoir, and in the immortal words of B*Witched, C'est La Vie!</div>
Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-22160601673612757692013-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:002013-10-07T08:51:46.160-07:00Over the weekend I headed up to Asheville, NC for my college reunion at Warren Wilson College. (Asheville, btw is a magical place that all of you should visit before you die. It's beautiful and full of friendly, interesting, and unusual people.) I'm not a particularly nostalgic or emotional person, so I was surprised that visiting my old campus actually made me a bit melancholy. <br />
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Prior to our reunion dinner, I received a card in the mail along with the invite asking me to write down the craziest thing I had done while attending WWC. And I couldn't think of a single thing. I have never been much of a risk taker and I would probably describe myself as a bit of a wallflower during my college years and being back there reminded me of good times and old friends, but it also reminded me of all the insecurities I had back then, and how I let those insecurities keep me from really living my life to the fullest. <br />
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My visit also had me reflecting a bit about my style back then. It was pretty typical hippie-college style back then, flare leg jeans, sandals or clogs, and whatever clean top that was nearby. I rarely wore make-up and never shaved and I always looked slightly disheveled like someone who just woke up from a nap (mostly because I had probably, actually, just woken up from a nap). I definitely blended it. <br />
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These days I don't dress to blend in anymore, I wear what I like, whenever I want, wherever I want. And I think it's an outward manifestation of the confidence I found/made in my late twenties and now my thirties. If you asked me to fill out a card today about the craziest thing I have done, I could prob come up with a short list. I'm still not the world's biggest risk-taker, but I'm not afraid to get out there and see and be seen anymore. <br />
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There is only one constant from my style then to now and that's my affinity for cardigans. (Well actually I still don't shave my underarms, is that considered a part of my style?.) I always have and always will love me a cardigan. I own dozens of them in every color imaginable. I wear one practically every day; I even have some lightweight ones for summer months. I have cropped ones and long boyfriend ones, prints and solids. But lately the cardigans that I am most obsessed with are the super adorable, retro-inspired, Isaac Mizrahi Live!, cardis from QVC. That's right QVC, you read it correctly. His cardigans are well-made, come in fabulous colors and prints and so far I have three of them. Behold:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac Mizrahi Live! cardigan in ikat print, ASOS Curve dress, and Annie shoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I must've seen this pose in a JC Penney Catalog, it says "I'm sassy, but I take no guff." </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another ASOS Curve desss with Naturalizer sandals.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding onto my sweater tight to keep it form blowing away like my hair. ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I didn't get a picture of myself in this cardi, though it is probably my current favorite. Can't you picture it with a pair of red trousers? So cute for fall.</span></td></tr>
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Until next time Stripers, make sure to give yourself permission to be who you really are, flaws and all. Whoever you are is enough and positively fabulous.<br />
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xoxo, KellyHorizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-67334786982398529402013-09-30T00:15:00.000-07:002013-09-30T00:25:38.206-07:00Let's go to the Beach! Let's Go Get Away!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good morning!</div>
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Greetings Horizontal Stripers!</div>
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I want to apologize for the long hiatus! Kelly and I went to relax and let our hair down, or rather put it up in a turban at the beach last week, and I relaxed so much I didn't properly blog. Please forgive me! Now we're back with tans, freckles, and ready to run our 0.0 marathon after all the of carbs we consumed. Time to get back to the business of Horizontal Stripes! We didn't make any fashion milestones unless you count the number of consecutive days we wore yoga pants, but we did have a great time! Check out our adventures below:<br />
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Kelly, being the overachiever, showed us all up by learning to captain the USS Carbohydrate.<br />
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I, on the other hand, chose to overachieve in different ways.</div>
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For all you science nerds out there like me, guess who we saw scuttling around?</div>
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This guy! Hermie, the ghost crab </div>
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We saw a lovely brick lighthouse, which was the first I'd ever seen that wasn't striped black and white.</div>
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Kelly and I joking around about how it must've been to trot out to the outhouse back in the day.</div>
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Speaking of trotting, meet Kelly's new wild horse friends: Sparkles, Rainbow, Cupcake, and Andrea!</div>
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Last, but certainly not least, a montage of beach pictures</div>
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There's nothing like being at the end of the earth to remind you of how small you are. </div>
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If you haven't made time to get away recently, don't forget to build in some R&R into your life. There's nothing more rejuvenating than getting away from life's stresses, even if just for a few days, to set things right with the world again. If that's not possible, remember to enjoy the simple things like a beautiful sunrise, or if you're not a morning person, the sunset's nice too! YOLO, so fill the time you've got with good food, good friends, and fabulous fashion!<br />
XOXO,<br />
Brittani<br />
<br />Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-29437975005316388502013-09-18T11:54:00.002-07:002013-09-18T11:55:44.063-07:00Orange you glad?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Look, it's me, wearing more orange. I don't know what it is with me and this color, but I can't get enough of it. I was going through my clothes the other day and couldn't believe how much orange I have in my wardrobe. It's starting to resemble Fred Flintsone's closet in there. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lane Bryant cami, Asos skirt, Ralph Lauren madras clutch, Annie shoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, even the gemstone in my ring is orange.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my many orange dresses, this one is by Asos.</td></tr>
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What colors are ya'll obsessed with, Stripers? Please tell me that I'm not the only one with this problem.</div>
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xo, Kelly</div>
Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-26144661055361969602013-09-13T13:36:00.004-07:002013-09-17T20:49:53.451-07:00Fitspiration: Friend or foe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings Horizontal Stripers!<br />
It's been a busy week for us at Horizontal Stripes. Though the weather isn't cooperating with my fall wishes, I haven't let the blistering sun deter me from going to the gym. There are many reasons that fitness is a beneficial piece in the puzzle of life. There are a bunch of health benefits that you can receive from working on your fitness -- more restful sleep, improvement in body systems, and having more energy during waking hours are just a few. Yesterday morning I did step aerobics for the first time in ages, and while it was tough, I felt better for the rest of the day, and I slept better than I had in ages. Getting back into my fitness groove has left me thinking a lot about fitspiration memes. For those of you who haven't heard of them, they are picture phrases that are supposed to be encouragement for exercise and healthy living, but can really send strong messages, some of which I'd consider harmful. There are some amusing ones like this one below:<br />
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or this cute and fun one:</div>
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But many of them follow along these lines:</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7St3uNrI1g/UjMgdHMqqdI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/EoBkSWJKEJ0/s1600/strong-is-the-new-skinny1.jpg" height="320" width="220" /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkFwYj_OG_E/UjNmu8m9-2I/AAAAAAAAA-s/U95iulGvwAo/s1600/fasting_noteating_text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkFwYj_OG_E/UjNmu8m9-2I/AAAAAAAAA-s/U95iulGvwAo/s1600/fasting_noteating_text.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Now I'm certainly not trying to be Debbie Downer, but I do feel a responsibility to talk about this as someone who promotes body acceptance and likes many types of fitness. If these images are motivating for you, I am not trying to tell you, you're crazy. If you have trained and you look like this or your goal is to look like this, I am not telling you you're in the wrong. My main concern with these images is best summed up by <span style="background-color: white;">this <a href="http://reembody.me/2013/09/10/the-6-most-shockingly-irresponsible-fitspiration-photos/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">article</span></a>.</span> There is a lot of fitness misinformation and misconception out there. It can prove to be dangerous, if you're not careful. Also, looking like the people above is not a guarantee for happiness, which is alluded to over and over in fitspiration around the web.</div>
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The context into which these memes are put asserts that if you want to be considered healthy, you have to look like X. This is nothing new of course. We've seen something similar in fashion for years, and that mentality can definitely take a mental and emotional toll on individuals as studies have shown. With physical training though, there is also the possibility of injury if you are trying to do things your body can't handle, and many of these images have pushed people to injure themselves. Most importantly though, many of the fitness models (yes, models) that are in some of these memes are doing <a href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/vince-del-monte-10-true-confessions-of-a-pro-fitness-model.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">a million things</span></a> to their bodies behind the scenes that the average Jane doesn't have the time or resources for. So don't beat yourself up, if you follow the Shape or Women's Health regimen of the month, and you don't experience similar results to our friends above. If you look like this naturally, kudos to you, I'm not hatin'! I do suspect, however that not too many of us are born with rippling muscles in these "idealized" proportions. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hETwj4hQ8w/UjMgctRwuZI/AAAAAAAAA78/GHO-gpIjmxo/s1600/nomoreskinny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hETwj4hQ8w/UjMgctRwuZI/AAAAAAAAA78/GHO-gpIjmxo/s1600/nomoreskinny.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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If the above is true, then why is the only way to be "healthy" to look like the women above? They are beautiful in their own right, please don't get me wrong, but just speaking personally, I could follow their routines to a T, and not achieve the same results. I look completely different from them to begin with. My point is to take these images with a grain of salt ladies and gents. If you use the same products and do the same routines, there isn't a guarantee that your body will react the same way. Below I've rounded up a few pictures of some other women that are also beautiful and healthy and are working on their fitness. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwll3JlBw-g/UjNc-eGzKpI/AAAAAAAAA-M/UqNka5ru40c/s1600/2008AFWomensVolleyballSm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iwll3JlBw-g/UjNc-eGzKpI/AAAAAAAAA-M/UqNka5ru40c/s1600/2008AFWomensVolleyballSm.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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The US Air Force Volleyball Team 2008 </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j99mv6ceeUc/UjNc-VYoObI/AAAAAAAAA90/QP6agZ5_fds/s1600/72-any-woman-or-man-can-pole-dance-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j99mv6ceeUc/UjNc-VYoObI/AAAAAAAAA90/QP6agZ5_fds/s1600/72-any-woman-or-man-can-pole-dance-web.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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They may be animated, but the message is true. Pole fitness is for everyone!</div>
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Women's rugby teams know how to kick butt!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0EFH5scC2Lo/UjNc-lnTt5I/AAAAAAAAA94/1yRY3sa8DDs/s1600/plus+fitness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0EFH5scC2Lo/UjNc-lnTt5I/AAAAAAAAA94/1yRY3sa8DDs/s1600/plus+fitness.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
A Zumba instructor working her class hard, if the sweat is any indication!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvBo9WHQX1s/UjNc-66FVxI/AAAAAAAAA-I/1YMsgbhsdC4/s1600/plus+yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvBo9WHQX1s/UjNc-66FVxI/AAAAAAAAA-I/1YMsgbhsdC4/s1600/plus+yoga.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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These Yogis are getting in some meditation. </div>
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She's got game!<br />
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I hope no one takes this post as me bashing gym rats or those who want to look like fitspiration models. My point is what it always is: you don't have to try to look like anyone else to be healthy. Accept your body for what it is and be grateful for all it does for you everyday, instead of picking at every flaw you think you see. If you hate working out, you don't have to! That's up to you too! If you decide to though, just be safe and realistic with yourself. That will <a href="http://www.tastyeatsathome.com/2012/04/strong-is-the-new-skinny-how-about-body-appreciation-is-the-new-everything/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">protect your mind and body</span></a>. In closing, I will see you on the flip side Stripers. Keep calm, and take care of your bodies!<br />
Brittani<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYfDSn2AhpY/UjNc_Y8ECeI/AAAAAAAAA-U/l1R_D7fYyQY/s1600/real+talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYfDSn2AhpY/UjNc_Y8ECeI/AAAAAAAAA-U/l1R_D7fYyQY/s1600/real+talk.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_P4__fMClm8%2FUjMgczgcJsI%2FAAAAAAAAA8A%2FjQ04y5Kn4pI%2Fs1600%2Fpigfox.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_P4__fMClm8/UjMgczgcJsI/AAAAAAAAA8A/jQ04y5Kn4pI/s1600/pigfox.jpg" -->Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-10137372914488990332013-09-09T20:45:00.001-07:002013-09-10T07:26:59.092-07:00Hats off to Summer!It's finally happened.....the end of summer. Well, almost anyway. Brittani and I still have one last hurrah planned before we dust off our leggings and boots. In just 12 short days we are headed to the Outer Banks with some friends and family for a week of waves, sangria, and sunshine. We can't wait.<br />
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There's only one teeny weeny problem for me when it comes to the beach, sunburn. I'm a pale, freckled, Scotch-Irish, girl and I can go from blindingly white to beet red in fifteen minutes. I am not exaggerating. I have found some great sunscreens over the years and I discovered that if you actually follow the directions on the back, they work really well. ;)<br />
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But there is one place that I always, without fail, get sunburn and that is my scalp. My side part will be hot pink by the end of a day in the sun. I know you are thinking: why doesn't this lady just wear a hat? Because I hate them, because it's hard to find hats that fit my boulder head, because they make me feel like an old lady, because on windy beaches they blow away. What's that you ask, why don't I apply some of that magic sunscreen to my part? Because it makes my hair greasy and flat and sad. :(<br />
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So I have come up with the most stylish of all solutions, the turban! All you need is a large square scarf and you too can protect your hair and scalp from damaging sun rays.<br />
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It took a little practice for me to get it right. <br />
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Observe:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUcD1bVwFVU/Ui6NeC4LabI/AAAAAAAAA3I/_SPYWhN47H8/s1600/130904-180148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUcD1bVwFVU/Ui6NeC4LabI/AAAAAAAAA3I/_SPYWhN47H8/s1600/130904-180148.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Square scarf folded in half, to make a large triangle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArWTVXJWw6w/Ui6NvHcOiGI/AAAAAAAAA3k/tfkxZLoxjpI/s1600/130904-180239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArWTVXJWw6w/Ui6NvHcOiGI/AAAAAAAAA3k/tfkxZLoxjpI/s1600/130904-180239.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">90 degree corner to the front.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8VWs-sz62c/Ui6NwVvYB7I/AAAAAAAAA3s/ZU8kyj8lQZg/s1600/130904-180248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8VWs-sz62c/Ui6NwVvYB7I/AAAAAAAAA3s/ZU8kyj8lQZg/s1600/130904-180248.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bring both ends to the front, </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ0pbQE2_tQ/Ui6Nxays3xI/AAAAAAAAA30/nq-Z0v0sD6g/s1600/130904-180307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ0pbQE2_tQ/Ui6Nxays3xI/AAAAAAAAA30/nq-Z0v0sD6g/s1600/130904-180307.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">then tie. Not too lose or too tight. Maybe don't put the tag in the front. ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0T7J7Udh6G8/Ui6NyTiO3RI/AAAAAAAAA38/YKxrGUq5CfE/s1600/130904-180335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0T7J7Udh6G8/Ui6NyTiO3RI/AAAAAAAAA38/YKxrGUq5CfE/s1600/130904-180335.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fold front corner back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKDCkkIbcX0/Ui6NzQtAOOI/AAAAAAAAA4E/xr4-6CQh4Pg/s1600/130904-180344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKDCkkIbcX0/Ui6NzQtAOOI/AAAAAAAAA4E/xr4-6CQh4Pg/s1600/130904-180344.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tie ends again, over corner to hold it down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnWG6m7RChw/Ui6N0qseXMI/AAAAAAAAA4M/BOyiNbt8aX8/s1600/130904-180356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnWG6m7RChw/Ui6N0qseXMI/AAAAAAAAA4M/BOyiNbt8aX8/s1600/130904-180356.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're getting there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cp2xDE465bw/Ui6N1sU2K8I/AAAAAAAAA4U/rRNtwnsrDNY/s1600/130904-180413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cp2xDE465bw/Ui6N1sU2K8I/AAAAAAAAA4U/rRNtwnsrDNY/s1600/130904-180413.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuck sides down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XITFxaBK6aE/Ui6N2p7LT9I/AAAAAAAAA4c/ta6i3atiJGU/s1600/130904-180426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XITFxaBK6aE/Ui6N2p7LT9I/AAAAAAAAA4c/ta6i3atiJGU/s1600/130904-180426.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuck loose ends under.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaidgZBaDZ0/Ui6PNx1abfI/AAAAAAAAA4s/As4sqGXLUoE/s1600/130904-180023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaidgZBaDZ0/Ui6PNx1abfI/AAAAAAAAA4s/As4sqGXLUoE/s1600/130904-180023.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDqkShUCKPY/Ui6PO02VcwI/AAAAAAAAA40/3IwsBzH-_Wk/s1600/130904-180046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDqkShUCKPY/Ui6PO02VcwI/AAAAAAAAA40/3IwsBzH-_Wk/s1600/130904-180046.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, stylish, sun-conscious, lady.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you use a really large scarf, you will have to tie the ends and then pull them all the way back behind your head and tie them again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFroBPBdQ_Y/Ui6Rf86TckI/AAAAAAAAA5s/tSyeYIAWXmI/s1600/130904-180803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFroBPBdQ_Y/Ui6Rf86TckI/AAAAAAAAA5s/tSyeYIAWXmI/s1600/130904-180803.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pull the front corner forward, </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k02chigU-Fc/Ui6Rhp0pCPI/AAAAAAAAA58/Em9zo7M5pX8/s1600/130904-180906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k02chigU-Fc/Ui6Rhp0pCPI/AAAAAAAAA58/Em9zo7M5pX8/s1600/130904-180906.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then tuck it back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with cool, asymmetrical looks and strange, facial expressions</td></tr>
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In case you need some more inspiration, here's an instructional video about turbans from 1942.<br />
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xoxo, KellyHorizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-91963431989709403892013-09-03T14:57:00.000-07:002013-09-09T19:33:24.643-07:00Maxi-mize your wardrobe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Greeting Horizontal Stripers!</div>
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As the seasons are about to change again, I thought it would be a great time to discuss the year round favorite: the Maxi dress! As readers of the blog know, I love a maxi dress. They're quick and easy, can be dressed up or down, and can function year round to boot! What's not to love? Though most people think about summer when they pull out their maxis, they're a great way to stretch your current wardrobe into fall with cardigans, boots, and tights. Below I challenged myself to dress up a maxi, which I never do. If I were actually wearing this out for date night or something, I think I would've added a necklace, a cardigan, and a little makeup.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAEF3FkUNwA/UfrCu-Mf3tI/AAAAAAAAAvo/I1K2QQT5m8o/s1600/07_30_13-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAEF3FkUNwA/UfrCu-Mf3tI/AAAAAAAAAvo/I1K2QQT5m8o/s1600/07_30_13-70.jpg" width="379" /> </a></div>
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Dress: SWAK via <a href="http://goo.gl/dK4oK" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Gwynnie Bee</span></a>// Shoes: Torrid// Belt: Lane Bryant// Earrings: Cato</div>
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Here are a few more ideas about how to stretch your summer wardrobe into winter.</div>
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Image courtesy of Polyvore for those end of summer days</div>
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Some more inspiration from Polyvore for those entering fall a bit earlier than the rest</div>
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Please excuse my wayward hair; we don't have stylists waiting in the wings on this blog.</div>
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The plain and simple truth is that you don't have to replace your wardrobe every season to find great new looks! Supplementing the clothing you already have is a great way to look chic, limit your purchases to trends you're interested in trying, and possibly discover a new favorite in your existing closet. Take your own adventure to Narnia during this seasonal switch. Don't be afraid to mix things up! </div>
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Until next time Stripers!</div>
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Xoxo,</div>
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Brittani</div>
Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-85999025533764459022013-08-23T07:06:00.001-07:002013-08-23T07:06:22.873-07:00Bargain Shoppa!I love a deal. I come from a long, proud, line of bargain hunters. The women in my family do not believe in paying full price for anything. 20% off is not a bargain, 10% off won't even make us look up from our sale circular, and 5% just makes us laugh and shake our heads (seriously, Retailers?). We want a real deal, a deal we can boast about. When someone compliments our new sweater we want to be able to smile and say "Thanks, $4.00, Macy's clearance rack."<br />
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Bargain shopping takes patience, you can't be too impulsive with your purchases and you have to accept that sometimes you are not going to get that skirt that you love because it may sell out in your size before it gets cheap enough. It also takes time, not everyone has a lot, I know, but it involves digging through heaps of clearance clothes and racks at consignment shops. But it is possible to dress like a princess on a pauper's budget.<br />
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This dress I'm wearing is a true, bona fide, bargain. It's Cynthia Rowley and I got it for........$19.99 at Marshalls a few months ago. It wouldn't be half a lovely if I paid full price!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lane Bryant cardi and cami, Aerosoles sansals.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty in pink!</td></tr>
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A lot of great deals can be found online too, if you prefer it. There are some great bargain sites like Ideeli.com, Zulilly.com, and 6pm.com. Also, before you make any online purchase, you should take a minute to do a google search for promo codes. I find them a lot and it can save you an extra 20% off or get you free shipping.<br />
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Some of my favorite brick and mortar stores to get deals from are Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Macy's. <br />
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Happy Hunting,<br />
Kelly<br />
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<br />Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-56868799433996683922013-08-18T14:11:00.001-07:002013-08-21T05:41:17.143-07:00Reader Request: The Peplum TopGreetings Horizontal Stripers!<br />
We love feeling the blog love and welcome your feedback. Please let us know anytime you have suggestions of styles you'd like us to cover, and we'll try our best to make it happen for you. Today's feature is the peplum top, thanks to a reader request! Now I have to admit y'all, as much as I love some crazy prints and patterns, shapewise I'm fairly traditional with clothing. I resisted the peplum top as long as I possibly could! Though I'm a late 80s baby, I wanted this style to stay back in the day with Madonna and Cyndi. Part of my apprehension was that my frame didn't need a lot of extra volume near my hip area - the widest part of my body - and the other part was that I'd tried on a few tops that were too long or too billowy, and I just didn't like any of them. But I figured if I can wear all my crazy color combos, I could definitely challenge myself to a fashion duel. I can't tell y'all to be adventurous in your fashion and not follow suit, can I? So here goes! One of the three peplum tops I now own!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trQ2LPZUdb8/UhElA3ioerI/AAAAAAAAAzU/DKHTEKaA2d8/s1600/peplum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trQ2LPZUdb8/UhElA3ioerI/AAAAAAAAAzU/DKHTEKaA2d8/s1600/peplum.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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Top: Cato// Skirt: City Chic// Earrings/Belt: Lane Bryant// Shoes: Guess via Marshall's</div>
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Our reader request also wanted different ways to wear peplum, so here are a few below!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QymvSYbnKLY/UhEngpbCELI/AAAAAAAAAzk/zeTZCw3KkBI/s1600/ways-to-wear-peplum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QymvSYbnKLY/UhEngpbCELI/AAAAAAAAAzk/zeTZCw3KkBI/s1600/ways-to-wear-peplum.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.fashionbased.com/blog/article/chic_ways_to_wear_a_peplum_top" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Fashion Based</span></a></div>
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<u>Peplum Wearing 101</u></div>
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This is a short checklist that will help you in your peplum selection:</div>
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1) Peplum will add volume around the hip area. If you carry weight there or it is the biggest part of your body, you can still pull this top off! You'll almost always see it styled with a less voluminous piece on the bottom half of the body if it is in top form or with a sleek top if it is in dress or shirt form. This not only draws attention to the detail, the peplum, but also makes a nice line with one outstanding detail on the body.</div>
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2) All styles are not created equal. There are long styles, high-low styles, and short styles as shown above. Don't count them out before you try them on. You may be surprised by which style flatters you most. </div>
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3) It's also ok to feel like there is too much material. Don't let one unflattering style stop you from trying other things on.</div>
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4) Like any other fashion choice, don't be afraid to experiment with color, pattern, and texture. These also affect the way the style may fall on you.</div>
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5) If you really want to ease your way into this trend, you can try adding things like a peplum belt instead of buying a top you may not know if you'll wear often. This also allows you to add a peplum look to more outfits if you like belting things.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkEOUeo5vEE/UhEsvDOh8KI/AAAAAAAAA0E/YbZMlg3DMa0/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkEOUeo5vEE/UhEsvDOh8KI/AAAAAAAAA0E/YbZMlg3DMa0/s1600/download.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWJYGIQJhzM/UhEsFIaEsvI/AAAAAAAAAz4/fTz7cU--cBk/s1600/peplum+belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWJYGIQJhzM/UhEsFIaEsvI/AAAAAAAAAz4/fTz7cU--cBk/s1600/peplum+belt.jpg" /></a></div>
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Belt available at <a href="http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Peplum-Waist-Belt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2820988&cid=4174&Rf997=4078&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=Black" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Asos</span></a></div>
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Here are a few more variations on the peplum trend:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEnY2mQhQWU/UhExWwEq7pI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/qhqckE2wSJs/s1600/pepblazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEnY2mQhQWU/UhExWwEq7pI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/qhqckE2wSJs/s1600/pepblazer.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7jmqCeHstM/UhExW3UpCxI/AAAAAAAAA08/LGNk1cL0ptw/s1600/pepcoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7jmqCeHstM/UhExW3UpCxI/AAAAAAAAA08/LGNk1cL0ptw/s1600/pepcoat.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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Blazer and Coat</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdNYeFiroD8/UhE0blDqNKI/AAAAAAAAA1U/rmDuRXKf9rc/s1600/Givenchy-Shiny-Stretch-Jersey-Peplum-Long-Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdNYeFiroD8/UhE0blDqNKI/AAAAAAAAA1U/rmDuRXKf9rc/s1600/Givenchy-Shiny-Stretch-Jersey-Peplum-Long-Dress.jpg" width="231" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xcGrSif49U/UhExXBV0d2I/AAAAAAAAA0k/UGnwkXO3chI/s1600/pepdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xcGrSif49U/UhExXBV0d2I/AAAAAAAAA0k/UGnwkXO3chI/s1600/pepdress.jpg" /></a></div>
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Dresses </div>
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Skirts</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AYC2cGz-KY/UhExXvZlL4I/AAAAAAAAA00/Jo1zDQ4nWnk/s1600/pepsuit2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AYC2cGz-KY/UhExXvZlL4I/AAAAAAAAA00/Jo1zDQ4nWnk/s1600/pepsuit2.png" width="211" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLyDobVktkc/UhExXZLIK8I/AAAAAAAAA0w/vOMfS7FwRlk/s1600/pepsuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLyDobVktkc/UhExXZLIK8I/AAAAAAAAA0w/vOMfS7FwRlk/s1600/pepsuit.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Even bathing suit options!</div>
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You CAN tackle the trend called peplum! I hope this post has given you some ideas.Keep those reader requests coming! For some other great peplum outfit ideas be sure to check out Tanesha of <a href="http://girlwithcurves.com/post/58224506358/style-challenge-peplum" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Girl With Curves</span></a>. She has impeccable style, great beauty and lifestyle tips, and she has this peplum thing on lock!</div>
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Until next time Horizontal Stripers,</div>
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Brittani </div>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-2498237450054556342013-08-14T15:50:00.001-07:002013-08-14T15:50:45.238-07:00Short hair, don't care.When it comes to my hair, I am really lazy. I'm totally a wash and wear, kinda gal. Mostly I sport a smart, bob hairstyle, between earlobe and chin length. Except every two or three years I decide I need a change and try long hair. It just does NOT flatter me. I have fine, wavy hair that gets kind of stringy when it gets long and I usually just end up putting it into a ponytail or bun. <br />
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So this year when I wanted a change, I decided to go shorter. I had a lot of trepidation about this and I pinned pictures of Michelle Williams and Ginnifer Goodwin for months, but this past Saturday I finally bit the bullet and chopped it all off. Spoiler alert: I am adorable!<br />
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I tore a picture of Michelle Williams out of a copy of Self Magazine that's been in my bathroom for months and headed to my stylist. I wish I had taken a picture of the picture because the styling instructions underneath advised women with round faces to avoid the cut. (As did many of the hairstyle websites and magazines that I read.) I did have a small moment of panic when she was about halfway through, but my lovely hairstylist, Rachel, was really excited about my new cut and reassured me. <br />
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Self Magazine doesn't tell me what to do. Behold:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlxsPRcYg2o/UgwFoTczG8I/AAAAAAAAAyk/Z5Wi1CARlpU/s1600/shortcar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlxsPRcYg2o/UgwFoTczG8I/AAAAAAAAAyk/Z5Wi1CARlpU/s1600/shortcar3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suck it, Self! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VN1QdE_-cZI/UgwFw9ei_7I/AAAAAAAAAys/_YUgE-KeMCE/s1600/short2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VN1QdE_-cZI/UgwFw9ei_7I/AAAAAAAAAys/_YUgE-KeMCE/s1600/short2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other side ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lg_5W0-j34/UgwF_U82ZpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/0nqT1xQIF1I/s1600/short1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lg_5W0-j34/UgwF_U82ZpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/0nqT1xQIF1I/s1600/short1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A post from me would not be complete without an awkward expression.</td></tr>
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It's just hair, ladies. Don't be scared to try something new. I am so glad I did.<br />
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xo, KellyHorizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-59916434373666045192013-08-08T14:48:00.000-07:002013-08-10T15:26:13.598-07:00StarstruckGreetings Horizontal Stripers!<br />
At our last photo shoot I was not feeling very photogenic. I'm usually the one dancing around in the background so that the other Stripers can laugh for the camera, but my perk was gone that fateful morning until I put on the piece de resistance. I'm in love with this dress, and I just had to bring in some props to exploit my inner diva! I knew she was in there somewhere. Eat your heart out Beyonce!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PnJNrPFNToE/UfrCildZQRI/AAAAAAAAAxo/gwF3Ic8mihA/s1600/07_30_13-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PnJNrPFNToE/UfrCildZQRI/AAAAAAAAAxo/gwF3Ic8mihA/s1600/07_30_13-42.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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This snazzy number has a handkerchief hem which isn't my usual go to, but there's just something about it! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laxw-GHOKZU/UfrCgzzvtaI/AAAAAAAAArw/v7z_DAbEUIo/s1600/07_30_13-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laxw-GHOKZU/UfrCgzzvtaI/AAAAAAAAArw/v7z_DAbEUIo/s1600/07_30_13-39.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
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Dress: <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.ashleystewart.com/product/UY3/AS-025650_CW949/pumice/V-neck-Handkerchief-Dress/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Ashley Stewart</span></a> </span>(on clearance now!) Shoes: Torrid</div>
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Telephone not included ;-)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKomD2NA5zc/UfrCiKiN0ZI/AAAAAAAAAsE/1iNDzlzOH3s/s1600/07_30_13-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKomD2NA5zc/UfrCiKiN0ZI/AAAAAAAAAsE/1iNDzlzOH3s/s1600/07_30_13-41.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
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You're just hilarious, Dahling!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVUm7pEfN84/UfrChaAI-EI/AAAAAAAAAr4/G6NAbz8EKmA/s1600/07_30_13-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVUm7pEfN84/UfrChaAI-EI/AAAAAAAAAr4/G6NAbz8EKmA/s1600/07_30_13-40.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
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Bang Bang! We're beautiful and dirty rich!</div>
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The other Stripers and I are so glad to bring you our little piece of creativity each week, so to help fluff my plumage I decided to channel the one and only Gaga by alluding to several of her song lyrics in this post. You get some cool points if you can find them all. We hope that Horizontal Stripes inspires you to let your inner diva shine through: without the mental breakdowns and trips to rehab, of course! While you're channeling your inner Sasha Fierce, check out <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://ilivethecutelife.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">I Live the Cute Life</span></a>. </span>It's an awesome blog by a friend of mine whose wit and insight into life will not only have you in stitches, but will also have you nodding your head in agreement.</div>
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Until next time Stripers! Groove. Slam. Work It Back. Filter That, Baby Bump That Track! </div>
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Brittani</div>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-44707516120484211222013-08-05T10:31:00.000-07:002013-08-05T10:32:04.726-07:00Sometimes I get a little too attached......When I love an article of clothing or accessories, it takes all my willpower to keep myself from wearing it EVERYDAY. When I was in high school, it was a bright yellow shirt that fit me just perfectly, in my opinion anyway. I would wear it something like three days a week, until a few of my friends were like, "Seriously, what's with the shirt?"<br />
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So although I have an overflowing closet, I pretty much wear the same 15 things over and over again. But if it wasn't for fear of another intervention, I would probably wear the same 4 things over and over till I tired of them or they fell apart.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1b4VKjzHY-s/UfrCnyjlxxI/AAAAAAAAAtk/_N5_-lphxSw/s1600/07_30_13-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1b4VKjzHY-s/UfrCnyjlxxI/AAAAAAAAAtk/_N5_-lphxSw/s1600/07_30_13-55.jpg" height="640" width="387" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Navy cardi with a blue and green, color-blocked, dress that I got for about $15 at Ross Dress for Less. It has pockets! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZdIs6At-4k/UfrCnYgNwaI/AAAAAAAAAtw/yGd-JvQ5QRg/s1600/07_30_13-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZdIs6At-4k/UfrCnYgNwaI/AAAAAAAAAtw/yGd-JvQ5QRg/s1600/07_30_13-53.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the pose I make when I am shushing people in the library stacks. I am obviously taken very seriously.</td></tr>
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This Old Navy cardi is on it's last legs. It has a little hole in the shoulder, the color is starting to fade, but I still love it and I will keep wearing it until it totally disintegrates. I hope you like it too, because you will probably see it again......and again.<br />
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xo, Kelly<br />
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<br />Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-54820092715965990322013-08-01T08:05:00.001-07:002013-08-01T19:37:27.477-07:00Hardware 101: No Hard Hat RequiredGreetings Horizontal Stripers!<br>
Since the longer days provide plenty of summer sun, why not try jazzing up your wardrobe with metallics? Though I'm not particularly partial to vampires that sparkle, there's no reason not to add a little shine to your own look!<br>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20tRQNFxkfM/UfgknS6J9iI/AAAAAAAAAlM/fSVgULu_1qI/s1600/Brittani_+Gladiator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20tRQNFxkfM/UfgknS6J9iI/AAAAAAAAAlM/fSVgULu_1qI/s1600/Brittani_+Gladiator.jpg" height="640" width="425"></a></div>
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Dress/Flower: Cato, Shoes: Payless, Ring/Earrings: Lane Bryant</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2Xp2qmys0I/UfgkofTu8dI/AAAAAAAAAlU/gS7EoH2BFoY/s1600/Brittani_+Brights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2Xp2qmys0I/UfgkofTu8dI/AAAAAAAAAlU/gS7EoH2BFoY/s1600/Brittani_+Brights.jpg" height="640" width="424"></a></div>
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Dress: Ashley Stewart, Shoes: Cato, Necklace: Eloquii, Flower: It's Fashion Metro<br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_OwBtuB2qY/Ufpqdj9ZhzI/AAAAAAAAAmM/E6q3ZWiYt5E/s1600/Brittani_+Gladiator.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_OwBtuB2qY/Ufpqdj9ZhzI/AAAAAAAAAmM/E6q3ZWiYt5E/s1600/Brittani_+Gladiator.jpg" height="640" width="424"></a></div>
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Of course y'all have seen that I'm partial to gold and bronze because they compliment my skin tone so well, but feel free to mix in any metallic: silver and brass are other favorites! You can see above that I've used shoes and jewelry to add some sparkle to my ensembles, but you can also find built in beading as in the first dress above or use other accessories that take the guess work out of mixing and matching. One awesome way to try this is with purses:<br>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYjSahiXmY4/Ufksn-hg8YI/AAAAAAAAAlg/Y4Q8UG1e1Rk/s1600/balenciaga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYjSahiXmY4/Ufksn-hg8YI/AAAAAAAAAlg/Y4Q8UG1e1Rk/s1600/balenciaga.jpg" height="400" width="400"></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f83ZhauqbQs/UfkspwuXVRI/AAAAAAAAAlo/prUFElI_Oa4/s1600/purse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f83ZhauqbQs/UfkspwuXVRI/AAAAAAAAAlo/prUFElI_Oa4/s1600/purse.jpeg" height="400" width="400"></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-862P2mTBko4/UfksqnJ0cNI/AAAAAAAAAlw/z2XnK3ve5M4/s1600/madden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-862P2mTBko4/UfksqnJ0cNI/AAAAAAAAAlw/z2XnK3ve5M4/s1600/madden.jpg" height="275" width="400"></a></div>
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If you have an old bag you don't mind crafting on, check out this neat DIY for strap replacement <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/112519690662764318/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">he<span></span>re</span></span></a>.</div>
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You can also forgo any of the original strap and use just the chain, which can be purchased at any home store like Home Depot or Lowe's or even craft stores like Michael's or A.C. Moore. Don't forget to check out your local mom and pop first though! ;-) </div>
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Remember that: <br>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xh1TitZ8Oi0/UfpvvDgxDWI/AAAAAAAAAmo/4ZjksVKtr0E/s1600/sparkle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xh1TitZ8Oi0/UfpvvDgxDWI/AAAAAAAAAmo/4ZjksVKtr0E/s1600/sparkle.jpg" height="295" width="400"></a></div>
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Stripers!<br>
XOXO, Brittani<br>
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-84025673048344190942013-07-27T08:58:00.000-07:002013-07-27T13:27:00.891-07:00Summer Sale Round-UpIt's happening, I'm starting to get Fall preview catalogs and advertisements in the mail. I'm not ready to think about the end of summer yet! I mean, I love boots and leggings as much as the next girl, but it's too soon. Lucky for me I live in NC where the weather doesn't usually turn cool until well into October, but this year is flying by and it will be here long before I'm ready. But there's good news, retailers have to make room for all of these boring, neutral, fall clothes somehow and that is by putting all their pretty summer stuff on sale!<br />
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So just for you, my very good friends, I have collected some promo codes and sale links so you can snap up a few more bright, shiny, things before it's too late.<br />
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First up, <a href="http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-sale-clothing-initmate-apparel/view-all-clearance/4053c18831/index.cat" target="_blank">Lane Bryant</a> has an additional 50% off Clearance with code HOTSTUFFLB. I picked up this adorable cover-up for my upcoming beach vaycay for a measly $18.00.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WeBFjdKkrkI/UfPlOe5q9nI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Wm_QXt9E90k/s1600/LB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WeBFjdKkrkI/UfPlOe5q9nI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Wm_QXt9E90k/s1600/LB.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get in my closet!</td></tr>
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Next <a href="http://www.simplybe.com/sale/icat/sale/" target="_blank">Simply Be</a> has a ton of cute things on clearance and, as always, first time shoppers can get 30% of their order with code 5550. I'm totally drooling over this maxi dress that was originally $125.00 but is now marked down to $62.00! Then if you subtracted the additional 30% off that would be........well, you do the math. ;)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Qa8q97_xc/UfPmKMm1CSI/AAAAAAAAAjg/n7ulNNP70qo/s1600/Simply+Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Qa8q97_xc/UfPmKMm1CSI/AAAAAAAAAjg/n7ulNNP70qo/s1600/Simply+Be.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Sale/Clearance.jsp" target="_blank">Torrid</a> also has 50% off clearance with code EXTRA50. You can grab a couple of trendy pieces like these print, cropped, skinny jeans, and this pretty floral dress.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure that I'm cool enough to wear these, but maybe you are.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPwvp4tNYzU/UfPnN6flAoI/AAAAAAAAAj4/m-R3SRUlzcE/s1600/torrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPwvp4tNYzU/UfPnN6flAoI/AAAAAAAAAj4/m-R3SRUlzcE/s1600/torrid.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.onestopplus.com/Plus-Size-Clearance.aspx?DeptId=12579" target="_blank">One Stop Plus</a> has 25% off orders of two or more items with code OSPSALEWEEK.<br />
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<a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/category_landing_galleryview.jsp?id=cat90032&rootCategory=cat70018&section=Sale&subCategoryIdUnderSale=cat220038&conceptIdUnderSale=cat90032&colorOverride=" target="_blank">Tablbots</a>, a retailer that I have recently fallen in love with, has an extra 50% off markdowns, no code needed. You might see me in one of these in the near future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkreJplyzZM/UfPoRfaFPoI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Hr3QqMSmNFE/s1600/22.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkreJplyzZM/UfPoRfaFPoI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Hr3QqMSmNFE/s1600/22.49.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrap tops look good on every body, true fact.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3LAZnquCsw/UfPoWoqLHQI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/QIP2vDgvXdw/s1600/24.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3LAZnquCsw/UfPoWoqLHQI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/QIP2vDgvXdw/s1600/24.00.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, I think this skirt and I could be best friends.</td></tr>
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It's also not too late to get that perfect bathing suit. <a href="http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/" target="_blank">Swimsuits for All</a> has 30% with code JULY8; if you sign up for their mailing list, they will send you a promo code just about everyday for up to 50% off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that retro styled swimwear is so in this year. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.alwaysforme.com/swimwearsales1.html" target="_blank">Always for Me</a> has some pretty cute suits and cover-up on sale right now too. I just got the following suit in blue and it looks even better in person.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$66.75!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This 8-way cover-up is only $24.00</td></tr>
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Enjoy the summer and these deals while they last, friends. XO, Kelly<br />
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Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342514691237661686.post-46029246182525218282013-07-24T08:48:00.000-07:002013-07-27T06:58:39.725-07:00Boop Boop Be Doop!Greetings Horizontal Stripers!<br />
An outfit you feel sassy in is one that will be around for a long time! Everyone should have something they can throw on that makes them feel polished and happy in less than five minutes! If you don't have that outfit ladies begin the hunt!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcw4CPIdAu8/Ubfd2zOz9JI/AAAAAAAAAR4/RtGb5AtkQbI/s1600/34_brittani_June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcw4CPIdAu8/Ubfd2zOz9JI/AAAAAAAAAR4/RtGb5AtkQbI/s1600/34_brittani_June.jpg" height="400" width="265" /> </a></div>
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Dress: Lane Bryant circa 2009 // Peeptoes: BCBG // Headband + Earrings: Cato </div>
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Ginny's not the only adorkable one in this group! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klq9MVSnYJc/Ubfd1nGwoCI/AAAAAAAAARs/i90zhL4fd8w/s1600/33_brittani_June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klq9MVSnYJc/Ubfd1nGwoCI/AAAAAAAAARs/i90zhL4fd8w/s1600/33_brittani_June.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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Walk this way! Attempt to look cool on camera this way! </div>
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Alrighty Horizontal Stripers,<br />
Now that I'm done channeling my inner Steven Tyler, I will bid you adieu! What's that outfit or makeup trick that equals instant polish for you?<br />
Until next time!<br />
Brittani <br />
<br />Horizontal Stripeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840095580479232407noreply@blogger.com0