Summer around here was hectic. I yelled too much, my kids had too much screen time and we probably didn’t spend enough time outside. I didn’t go to the gym like I should have, and I only had real tan lines a few times that faded quickly (Thank goodness for my Desert Bronzer) I’m sure I worked too much too and should have had more “Fun” plans for the kids. All of that being said we had fun camping, spent a week at the beach, went to Great Wolf Lodge, and even completed a few hikes. (For us at this stage in life they count as hikes if we make it there and back and no one has to be carried.) Success!
Everything is a phase…this is what my mom keeps saying…, so much so that I believe her. Everything passes and in time your focus changes and you’re on to the next challenge or phase of life with your child. It goes so fast…that’ what they say too…this one I’m on the fence about but I’m sure someday I’ll believe this one too.
This phase has been hard. I find myself complaining more than I’m praising and it makes me feel awful. I prayed a long time for these girls and even had three miscarriages before Elsie. She was so worth the wait and a dream come true. I can honestly say she was 15 months old and I was ready to pop with Phoebe before I ever uttered a negative word about motherhood. That’s got to be a record, right? At the time I think I felt like if I complained someone was going to come and take her back because I wasn’t appreciating the fact that I was given this gift. I remember it down to the second. I was in the kitchen and was holding her. She had been sick and wasn’t feeling well and she projectile vomited in my face and all over me. I thought I would die and puke my eyes out but by the grace of God I didn’t. I made it through, and we lived to tell the tale. I also got over it and she hasn’t done it since so she too must have been impacted by the event.
This summer was hard. The girls act more like twins than sisters 15 months apart and they are on top of each other hugging & wrestling or yelling in each other’s faces and hitting each other. Nothing in-between. The Herron Girls give 100% no matter what they’re doing! Add poor Levi to the mix and you’ve got a full-on Zoo. The house is always full of racks of clothing, boxes and shipping bags - it’s an obstacle course and a hazard for children but again we made it through.
Tonight, I asked the girls if they wanted to go to The Depot (What we call Home Depot) and they were thrilled. I told them to go up and get dressed and we’d go when they were ready. What commenced was nothing short of comedy. It literally took them an hour to get dressed, pick shoes and decide what they were going to wear in their hair. Each girl came downstairs no less than 3 times in an outfit only to go back up because they liked what the other was wearing better and were going to have to go change. In the end they came down in the matching outfits below. You see I’ve dressed the girls the same ever since we had two…and this summer Elsie made a shift that she wants nothing that Sissy is wearing, and she wants something different. I’ve followed her lead for the most part and just gone with it. I think it’s funny that after all this back and forth we leave the house with them matching looking like magical unicorns.
On the way to The Depot as we were passing 7-11 Elsie starts screaming, “Look Sissy it’s a Spicy Chip Truck, Look Sissy it’s a truck full of our favorite chips right there. Mama, do you think we could talk to them and ask if they’d come to my Birthday?” I mean is this real life. Have my kids just had a heart attack over a Dorito’s Delivery Truck? Yes, folks they have! So, I did what every mother would do (who had my mom as a Mother) and pulled over immediately to take their picture with that truck. This picture was followed by their first trip into 7-11 to meet the man that was delivering all the chips and check out his inventory. Both girls proudly grabbed their chips from the shelf he was stocking like it was Christmas. Elsie was still in shock that I had pulled over, that they had their chips and that the store was the same as her Birthday (Obviously we need to get out more). I told the man that they were their favorite chips and that taking their picture with their truck was probably the highlight of their summer. Without a second thought he looked at me and said, “I just hope they stay in school, so they don’t have to drive that truck!”
Ladies I got in my car and felt like crying. It amazes me who God puts in your path when you need it. No one is where they want to be, everyone wants better for themselves and the ones around them. We’ve all got work to do and we need each other to accomplish great things. Keep dreaming and believing in yourself. It’s never too late to be what you want to be and become the best version of yourself. I looked at him and made sure he knew the truck he drove made my girls day and that I was sure a lot of other people he didn’t know were thrilled that they had what they wanted when they walked in the store because he had delivered it.
This business constantly amazes me but it’s not where I want it to be. Jenn and I were working on our Back to School Strategy today (while another summer miracle happened, and all the kids napped at once). We’ve accomplished great things this summer -we’ve launched our website, made it through a hard season of mom hood and summer with kids under tow. Some Boutiques can’t make it through the summer months let alone 5 of them. We’ve got a full year under our belt with Jenn being full time and we made it. That in itself is an accomplishment we should celebrate. We realize the boutique business is booming and we aren’t your only option when it comes to shopping so know we appreciate your support. We’re just like you. Hanging on a thread counting the days and hours until the bus comes.
Got get em Mom. You made it and deserve the 5 minutes you get to yourself on Tuesday before you start #mombossing all over again. We have a lot to be thankful for and our Village of women that make us feel comfortable enough to complain about our children with mean the world to us. You know we love our kiddo’s and prayed for them and now we’re praying for the teachers that get to spend the school year with them. Prayers change and each season/phase of life with our kids will pass. Thanks for being on the ride with us.
XO Rach
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For me your style is shown in more than what you wear. My style and what I like at the time always spill over into my home as well. The color that’s trending or that is my favorite at the time is also what you will see most of in my home as well as in my closet. Funny but my choice of clothes is usually well represented in my home as well.
Being able to dress you is something I love. In most cases I can look at you and know what would look best on you and maybe have something totally different that I’d like you to try based on your body type. This kills Jenn. So many times, something will come in and she’ll look at me like I’m crazy and will full on say it’s awful and by the time we post it or go live she wants one or is already wearing one. One of my favorite parts of this business is challenging you to try something totally out of the box. The reward for me is you loving it.
All of this being said, please don’t hold it against me if you run into me with no makeup and a pair of joggers with a hoodie. This isn’t the best look for me and I know it but sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. Being able to leave the house alone is sometimes a last-minute unexpected treat so a girls got to GO. I know you know what I’m saying. Staying home long enough to really get dressed could run the risk of my entire trip being canceled or someone wanting to join me, so Mama’s got to BOLT when she’s given the opening. Plus, all that getting ready stuff for the most part isn’t me. Keeping it real is who we are and is a big part of our business, so the messy bun always wins!
Bottom line is I love dressing you and am constantly blown away by our customers support. You guys make this business work. I know there are A LOT of other boutiques out there and I’m so happy you continue to choose us. We have big plans and hope you’ll continue to be a part of this journey with us.
If you need something in your wardrobe or are feeling stuck in a rut message us. We’d love to help you and schedule some time to help you feel your best with clothes that fit and are right for your body. Gosh, I got all the way to the end and I haven’t said a word about dressing all bodies. Who am I? We do! S-3XL we’ve got lots of choices for all of you, it’s what we do.
XO
Rach
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Truth be told I wouldn’t be in this business if it weren’t for my Mom. She’s always an encourager and participant in what I’m doing. She’s always supported my endeavors and has always been a part of any business I’ve been involved in during my adult years.
When I ran The Flower Shop she was the 1stperson I hired on. She’s a great employee and sounding board when I need it. She’s taken well to my bossy ways and is always a key component to anything I’ve done.
I think I got my love for fabric and color from her. She’s always been a seamstress and loved home décor. I can’t remember a time at my house growing up when she wasn’t painting something or putting up wallpaper (when it was more affordable than paint) or making me a new bedspread. I truly think the love for color & texture of a house translates well to clothes.
I was the only girl so I’m sure I was dressed to the 9’s on most occasions. Unfortunately, I really just remember the few items she slaved over on the sewing machine for hours that I hated!
We love to shop together and more times than not we ended up in the dressing room trying on the same thing not knowing we had both picked the same item up while perusing the store. I think our taste is similar and we can wear the same item and just style it differently to fit our personalities.
I love when we’re open and she’s here and is able to see the full age spectrum of our customers. We’re selling Leggings for little girls, Tank Tops and Dresses to 20 somethings, Jeggings to Mama’s in their 30’s, Tunics and Jeggings for days to all our 40ish teachers and Jeggings to some of our ladies in their 50’s and 60’s. Age doesn’t matter it’s just about how you feel. All of our customers regardless of age love our Bralettes. Our clothes have no age limits and aren’t for a specific style or generation. You can make them your own. It makes me so happy to see so many different ages and body types wearing the same thing but styled to make it their own.
I always hate it when I’m with my mom and she asks “Am I too old for this”? NO! You’re never too old. Wear what you want and wear what makes you feel good. Nothing looks good if you don’t feel like yourself when you’re wearing it.
My GG (Grandma Flowers) was 100 when she died and even though she wasn’t leaving the house much or as mobile as she had been in the past, she always wanted to know what was new and what I had for her to wear. She loved our Leggings and would need a new pair each time she came over or I saw her. The next time I would see her she would have washed them and was handing them back to me as someone has said something about her being too old to wear them. It made me feel bad. Why? They are perfect for someone her age and such an easy wear. People can be so mean. I’m sure it was someone that wishes they could have had unlimited Leggings at their disposal as well but didn’t. This ruined the fun for her….don’t be that person! Here is GG in our Sunglasses from when they 1st came in. She was all over this pair and had to have them.
Wear what you want regardless of your age. Support other women and any time you think to yourself, “She looks GREAT, I wish I could pull that off. She’s so fun I love her style’”, say it out loud. Tell people- I promise it will make their day. I’ve made a conscious effort to say what I think (when appropriate) and always do my best to encourage other women. People need compliments and they are FREE!
We will always sell clothes for every BODY, to wear every WHERE, for ALL Generations. It’s something I’m proud of. Plus ,if I cut off my mom’s clothes supply she might quit babysitting and I’d be in A LOT of trouble!
XO Rach
]]>It’s hard to believe you can wear one of our $36 Maxi Dresses to the pool on top of your swimsuit or to a wedding but it’s true. Most of our pieces are so versatile that they can be completely changed up with a shoe and some accessories. Styling is everything.
Sometimes I’m amazed to think of the women we’re dressing and the places they’re going. Teachers, Business Women, Stay at home Mom’s, Grandmas - this list is never ending. We really do have something for everyone. It’s great that we can get a phone call that someone has a trip planned and needs XYZ and we’re able to create a rack for them or send them a few pictures to fulfill their need. Someone’s singing at Church on Easter Sunday and they are looking for something they will be comfortable in and look fabulous…hello, you came to the right place.
I’m wearing Worn & Refined to the soccer field, to work daily, and to Church on Sunday. All different outfits, all comfortable and all on trend.
If you know me, you know I like different. I don’t want what everyone else has - I want something with a twist…. on trend of course but different. With Worn & Refined I can do that too. I can take a basic Tunic and accessorize it to make it my own. I can wear a different shoe or put on a fun pair of earrings and all of a sudden it’s more me…
We can help you make this happen for yourself too. We’re all about bringing out the best in people and helping you focus on your best features.
At this point I know some of you so well that I have you in mind when I’m buying something. I always feel like it’s a huge win for me when you buy the item I purchased with you in mind.
We hope you are living on your worn & refined as much as we are and that if you have an event you’re going to or just think you need help in the styling department that you let us know. After all it’s what we’re here for
XOXO
Rachel
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Let’s be honest, no one really loves their body. People that are small wish they were bigger and people that are big wish they were smaller. Then you’ve got ladies with no baba’s wishing they had a little cleavage and ladies with baba’s that are so big nothing fits and they’re never going to own a Button Down shirt that actually fits. It’s life. We were all dealt things we wish were different. To me it’s all about how you deal with it that determines the life you’ll live.
I’ve always felt I was big. I seriously remember feeling like I was too big in elementary school. Sad but true. I had a very loving mother that was always encouraging me and never made me feel less than the best, but all I had to do was look around and it was easy to see I was different. Having Worn & Refined has made me become more confident in myself. How can you tell people they look fabulous when you’re looking at yourself and feeling less than your best. It’s way easier to encourage and compliment others than it is to do for yourself. It’s something I’m working on and probably will be until the day I die. Loving yourself…damn it’s hard.
I’m so happy our community has made so many changes to the way we see things and the way we raise our children. I don’t ever want my girls to look at a person and see them as bigger or smaller…I want them to just see a person. I know we have a long way to go but I am doing all I can to teach my children that people are people and to love them just as they are.
My goal with Worn & Refined has always been to dress EVERY BODY, size Small-3XL, in the same outfit and that everyone would feel the same level of confidence when they’re wearing it. When you’re in something you feel comfortable in, you exude confidence, and there is nothing better than a confident woman.
I hope we encourage you to try something different, put something on that makes you feel great about yourself, and put your hair up in a high messy bun and take on the world.
Please live your life in the now. Enjoy every moment you’ve been given while wearing our fabulous clothing...,maybe even a Tank Top. The arms are yours don't eliminate an entire wardrobe item because you'd don't like what you've got. Life is too short!
XOXO
Rachel
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I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re reading this it means you made it to our website and that we officially launched. I had no idea the amount of work that would go into making this happen. A huge shout out to “My Person” Jenn that was the lead in all this and has spent hours inputting items and fine-tuning things. She’s all about the details and organization and I’m the constant dreamer…she’s really made things happen here for all of us and I couldn’t be more proud.
I’m happy to say this really is how I pictured it. So often we have an idea in our head and it never makes it to fruition or when it does, it’s just not quite right. This is what I was hoping for…my vision…and it really happened! Noelle Bonn @Bonn Creations listened to what I wanted and made it come to life in pictures. My desire is that this website is a good representation of us (Worn & Refined) and that by being on our homepage you’ll know you’ve come to the right place to find clothing for every body, to wear every where , and for all generations.
Can you believe we’ve survived and grown into this by selling our clothing on Facebook? It still baffles me to think we’ve created a livelihood for two #mombosses and our sidekick Joe, just by posting our clothing and being ourselves on our FB page. How blessed are we?
We know this is a change and something that’s going to take time to get used to so thanks for hopping on board with us as we venture into new territory. Truth be told this is something you’ve wanted for a long time and we’re super excited that it’s finally happening.
Believe it or not up to this point we’ve known our inventory like the back of our hands. If you asked me what colors and sizes I had in a certain top, I could most likely tell you off the top of my head. Now you’re going to be able to just look online and see it for yourself. No more "Do you have this?" business. While I think our turnaround time is top notch, this is available to you 24 hours a day. Plus, there are folks that aren’t on FB and would like to shop our clothing and now you have a place to send them.
In general, we’re excited. This is just the 1st step of many for Worn & Refined and we continue to be grateful you’re along for the ride. So many other exciting things are in the works and we hope you’ll continue to love our items and what we stand for.
There. It’s official. I have a website AND just wrote my 1st blog and no one died in the process. So much more to come. I promise not to cuss too much or be too controversial, but hey…I’m just me being me and that’s not going to change so all I’ll say is, I’ll try…
Happy Shopping!
XOXO
Rach