A fourth generation, life-long native of Florida’s gulf coast, I now find myself in the process of building a new life with my husband of 10 years (and our sassy pup, Winnie) on the southern shores of North Carolina (#shorestoshores2020 :: wink wink). In short, this blog will be capturing the real-life, day-to-day hot pursuit of joy, developing individual personal style and living this life wholly accessorized. What does that mean, exactly? I’m SO glad you asked! It’s really two-fold…
PART ONE:
“It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.”
Coco Chanel
The many years I spent as a buyer and merchant in Fashion, Jewelry and Home Accessories fostered an undying passion in me for accessorizing and capturing trends in accessories of ALL kinds. I have kept a finger on the pulse of these industries over the years and continue to keep tabs on exciting new developments, which have inspired many of my musings in HAUTE to Joy. Plus, I will be sharing some of my favorite retail therapy tips and destinations, as well as honest reviews and recommendations of fun new products and experiences worth exploring via social media. Want a sneak peek? Check out my Pinterest boards to see just a few of the subjects I am excited to delve into with you at Pinterest.com/HAUTEtoJoy!
“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.”
Clairee, Steel Magnolias
As an added bonus, we will hear from some of the most fiercely talented girls in the beauty, fashion, home décor, culinary and travel industries (and more) with professional tips, tricks and even more trend chasing! I am honored to be able to spotlight these women: gal pals, former colleagues and professional acquaintances alike, who are experts in their fields and have so much industry wisdom to impart upon us in the most practical and achievable ways.
PART TWO:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
Proverbs 31:25-26
Most importantly, this blog is about connecting real-life everyday girls. We all have unique challenges and joy-testing experiences, and together we can encourage other ladies out there who may be feeling alone in their struggle. Believe it or not, in this huge world we live in, there really is at least one other girl/lady/woman out there who can understand exactly what you are going through — and if we haven’t heard a story like yours yet, then yours just might be the next voice we need to hear from.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God has been and continues to be faithful in every stage of my life. From the blessings of my tribe (husband, family, friends) and career as an Accessories Buyer turned Home Décor Contributor on TV; to the hardships I’ve faced in between, be it severe endometriosis, career climbing, IUI/IVF experiences or even starting life over somewhere new; He has been faithful. He has also been nudging me pretty persistently over the last couple years to share my stories of challenges and renewed strength, as well as the positive outlets that have served me well in pushing through it all — and yes, accessorizing is definitely one of those outlets! We’ll get to all of those things soon enough, but in the meantime, I hope you at least take away these 3 things: You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.
“The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear like one being taught.”
Isaiah 50:40
I won’t pretend to be an expert in all things or project a “perfect” life here — I am simply an experienced enthusiast of some fabulous facets of life, full of faith, living life in our new home in a new town, in a new state and unlimited possibilities ahead. I won’t claim to have life down to a science, but I do know some of the basics and sure can accessorize the rest! I’ve been blessed to have found some pretty amazing resources along the way, well worth sharing with you as we seek out the Joy in life together: Perfectly Imperfect. Wholly Accessorized.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12
Very Truly Yours,
Katy Shores | HAUTE to Joy
