On showing up for yourself…
Yesterday, I went down a rabbit hole that I won’t explain right now but it had to do with this business I’ve created and feeling a bit discouraged. I started thinking about what I need at my core and what I think all women really need and want. For me, my business…this blog, my Substack and my social media are all completely intertwined with my life. It’s all constantly on my mind and I can’t really separate my life from what I do because what I do is my life and my life is what I do. Of course, I obviously love my family more than anything and spending time with them is so important to me, but how I’m feeling about the success or failure (strong word) of what I’m doing at any given moment affects me probably more than it should. I do pour my heart and soul into everything I do and love the life I’ve created. So…this is what I think most women want…
We want to be heard. We want to feel valuable and successful at what we do…without the constant second-guessing that seems to follow us everywhere. We want to explore our passions, live beautifully, love our families well, and still have something left to contribute to the world beyond our front door. We want to be seen. We want to feel beautiful and peaceful and healthy… and loved. By others, yes. But also by ourselves.
I know that today, more than anything, I need to hear that I’m doing okay. That things are working out. That now is not the time to stop. Baldy reminded me yesterday that so many people quit right when they’re on the cusp of something great. I don’t want to be that person. I want to inspire women to get up, get dressed, and live beautifully…to know that this chapter in their lives is possibly the best, if they decide to make it the best!
And…obviously I want to tell you about this fabulous look from The Noli Shop!
I honestly cannot say enough about the fit of these gorgeous snakeskin pants! The metallic snake print is one of those classic “trends” that’s so great right now and paired with a cream tweed blazer (also with metallic thread) and gold buttons these pants feel polished and a little wild at the same time!
My shoes are from Cult Gaia and I’ve had them forever! They are probably my most worn heel because they go with everything! The gold heel is a great detail that adds a little extra oomph to any outfit. I styled everything with my gorgeous VAHAN jewelry and took these pictures on my street in front of the most beautiful azaleas that bloom every April! I’m truly in love with this look! I’ve linked it all below including another pair of Cult Gaia heels that are calling my name as well as a few other pieces from The Noli Shop!
PLEASE let me know if any of this resonates for you! It really helps to know your thoughts as I’m going forward and planning content!
Happy Weekend and thanks so much for reading today!
~XOXO Suzanne
Hi. I love to see your home, recipes and most of the fashion posts – maybe less of the psycho stuff though. You’re 63 and you look great, I’ve followed you since you began but have lately thought of stopping. This is not criticism, just my own thoughts!
Wow. I really am floored by this comment. I guess I did ask if this resonated, but I’m going to be honest, there is a way to be constructive without being hurtful. I do pour my heart and soul into this blog and it takes a great deal of work. This "psycho stuff" as you call it is important to me. I am deeply spiritual and believe in uplifting women and that’s what I try to do here. I also love fashion and believe it brings joy into life. I share so much of my life and my heart and as I said, it’s hard to separate my life from this blog and my business because they are so intertwined. Your comment cut to the core. Normally I have a pretty thick skin, but when I’m truly trying to enrich the lives of the women who read my blog and I get a comment like this, it hurts. I don’t want anyone to follow me if they don’t want to. I realize you don’t think this comment is critical and maybe it’s not, but it’s also not nice. I’m trying to build a community here and want to uplift as much as possible, through fashion, inspiration, and living a beautiful life.
The Noli Shop Jacket and Zara Jacket with outfits are to Die For! I would look good and feel good wearing them and the Jewelry. I never bought that style jacket but I have Jewelry similar to yours.
It is the Season to wear white pants or the snake skin. Your ideas of just wearing them downtown or just at home would be me cause I don’t have many special occasions. That person Karen was rude and completely opposite of you and me. There are hundreds of us who love your ideas everyday.
Nobody would relate to her comments. I’m glad you had opportunity to Be Yourself and put her down. She is Negative to the Max and you are Positive without a hurtful bone in your body. Your latest outfits are truly Proud Americana Conquering Women’s Style I think! No doubt we all love it and are Thankful for You.
Correction her name was Linda. Sorry for the mistake.
Hi Aimee
You are very kind and thank you so much for this sweet comment! I really want to be uplifting and inspiring every day…I think the world needs it right now! I appreciate your support more than you know! And also, I do believe wearing your clothes at home or for a casual dinner is important…you feel so good when you take the time to get dressed and look your best. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Hi Suzanne,
I haven’t left a comment for a while, tech problems etc. but I thought I’d try today.
I hope you will keep being you, being strong, being vocal, doing what feels right and authentic. Don’t let the haters get to you! I’m trying to follow my own advice, some days are harder than others but if we aren’t ourselves who are we supposed to be? The world is too messed up and life is too short.
XO
Heidi
Hi Heidi
I’m so happy to see your comment! Things have changed here at Crazy Blonde Life and I’m always happy to see your name pop up! I am going to continue to be authentic…true to myself and to be as uplifting as possible! I believe with all my heart that calm follows the chaos and that we are on the verge of great changes in our country and in this world. That doesn’t mean it will be easy or less painful, but things are being brought to the light that have stayed under the cover of darkness for way too long and that’s necessary if anything is to change! It is hard some days to know exactly what to do but just remembering to listen to intuition and spend time in silence always helps me! Sending you so much love! Thanks for your comment!
Hi! I have followed you for years and have always enjoyed your blog. You recently made the decision to start speaking out more on what’s happening in our country and I applaud you for it. It even gave me the courage to do the same. But the minute I did, my core group of friends told me that I had offended and hurt them, questioned their MAGA Christian faith and no longer wanted to be around me. One even unfriended me and blocked me. I asked them if they could find it in their heart to forgive me and there was silence. And just like that our 6 year friendship was over. Needless to say I was shocked and hurt by their reactions and I’ve cried many tears since it happened. But I realized I had compromised my own beliefs in that relationship and so I have no regrets going forward. Keep being you and setting the example. It’s going to take all of us to get through these next years. And if that’s considered “psycho” then by all means add me to that list! 😂
Hi Lisa
This is such a heartfelt comment and so raw and honest. It stirred a lot of emotion in me…sadness for you and anger all rolled into one. I have a feeling you’re not alone in what happened to you. The silence when you asked for forgiveness says everything, and none of it is about you. Losing people over your own authenticity is one of the hardest things… but staying small to keep them was already something I’m sure you were struggling with. Thank you for sharing this and thank you for being here. This is exactly the community I want to build and I do so much appreciate your honesty! We can be psycho together!
Baldy is RIGHT!
Now is NOT the time to stop.
As someone 10 years younger, I look up to you as a role model for the way I want to evolve.
I don’t want to just settle.
Women also need women who champion them and I champion you!
What you say resonates beautifully.
Much love!
Andra I cannot even begin to tell you how much this means to me! Thank you and I won’t stop…just a pause to regroup every now and then! Thank you!