Numbers

In all honesty...I LOVE TO HELP GALS FIND THEIR PERSONAL GOD GRANTED STYLE! What to do I mean by that? I mean God created us all unique. Different. And just right. We have our own preferences, tendencies, comfort levels, aka {STYLE}. This new blog is the place we (Anna, Stacie, and I) will try and help you find your sweet spot with your style.

Topic today: Numbers.

I have to start with a quote from Joyce Meyer: "You gotta learn to take what you got and do the best with it. If you can improve it, improve it but if you can't, learn to love it."

That being said, are you ok with your numbers? It is something I have been thinking a lot about since opening the store. I have 5 lines of denim, and each run differently. Therefore, when I am helping a gal pick out jeans to try on, she may have to grab an 8 in one line, and a 14 in another. It is just the nature of the industry. But, these numbers throw gals. It is probably a huge marketing scheme for some of the labels, but the jeans that run larger sell more. Hmmm.... Why do ladies care what number is on the inside of the label? Nobody else sees it! I couldn't guess what one gal is to the next, because we are all SO DIFFERENT!!

So there is the issue. Focusing on a number. We have to get to the point where we use the number as a guideline to grab a piece of clothing off a rack, but NEVER use it as a measure of our worth. NEVER again feel better about yourself, or worse, because of the size you pulled on that morning. Be healthy for your shape, yes, but never put yourself down. If you are getting healthy, putting yourself down will NOT help you reach your goal anyway!

I am 5'10. I am 155 pounds. I am a size M/L on top, 8-12 on bottom, depending on the brand. Those are my stats- they don't define me. These numbers do: I am a wife to 1. I am a mom of 4. I am a daughter of 6. I am a sister to 5. And ultimately, I serve 1 God.

Embrace the numbers that count. Really truly count.

Blessed,

This Blog Has a NEW LOOK!! She feels so stylish and sassy!! There are some wonderful changes coming her way, as Stacie and Anna, two wonderful gals who help out at Ali J Boutique storefront will be guest bloggers! Here is how I would describe these fab gals:

Stacie:

~Color master extraordinaire (she can blend, match, and smash colors together to make the perfect complete ensemble...her blogs on this topic are a MUST READ!)

~Encourager and Uplifter (if you are having a blue day, she can put your whole attitude into perspective!!)

~Busy, busy bee (She will work, work, work until the job is done...but better yet- she works SMART!!)

~Organization (this is an understatement...leave her alone in a room and it will be completely sorted, sifted, and clean by the time you turn around)

Anna:

~Funky, daring, and visionary style (looking through new bracelets to get in....Anna, "Is that a sloth?? How awesome- to have a SLOTH wrapped around my wrist!!")

~Compassionate and Empathetic (this girl is the one to come to for prayer and understanding...she is wise beyond her years)

~Anal (ok- don't like that word, but I COMPLETELY admire the trait!! There is a place for everything, and everything in it's place...)

~Visionary (we share a similar love for boutique spaces and everything it stands for...taking your time shopping in a unique, beautiful environment with unique, beautiful products)

I am so excited to post more on here now- just needed a little "boost" and off we go! Oh, and as for me, I LOVE fashion, style, accessorizing, etc. So I will be more than happy to share the tips and tricks I live by.

Blessed,

The Process

I struggle to find things to talk about on this blog- i always feel like it should have a theme...or a certain angle to it. But, life isn't organized like that, so I am writing this blog about this crazy process of opening a storefront!

I have been running Ali J Boutique as a traveling boutique for three years, but not until about 6 months ago did I feel the push to expand into a storefront. It seemed way too impossible, with my husband and my 4 kids being priority. BUT!! God has sure showed me that what I thought would make it impossible are the very things that make it possible!! A husband who is so supportive, can run the house as well as I can or even better, and friends and family who are so willing to help it is incredible. I have learned how to ask for help and not feel bad about it!!! And the kids- Ethan and Emri are so excited to help mommy in the store (when I can...) and Crew and Ayla are very flexible and love to hang out with Grandma. So there it is! I have gone through a journey already and I haven't even opened yet! But, I am now EXCITED not SCARED to begin. The Lord runs my business just as He runs my life, and I am completely relieved, because I know He has great blessings in store!!

Ali J Boutique will now be open Fridays and Saturdays, 9-5!! Come in for a warm welcome, a positive atmosphere, and helpful staff ready to please. I say "thank you" in advance for supporting this venture and in that way, supporting my family.

Thank YOU!!!!

It is getting REAL...

Hello!! I am so excited as I write this!!! Okay, excited, nervous, scared, happy, CRAZY BLESSED!!! I am officially a Boutique Storefront Owner!!!! I am moving Ali J Boutique into the "old Big Store" space in New London. The building is now called Midtown Plaza.





I can't believe how God is making all this happen...My sign is up!! Check it out!!








Also, since it is Girlfriend's Night Out in New London tonight, Wade and I worked hard the past two days to get my windows pretty :)

Here is an attempt at a picture, but until we get light inside, there is a pretty bad glare. More pics to come!! Or, come out tonight yourself and SEE IT!! I will be there, handing out business cards (AND CHOCOLATE!), weather permitting ( stay away rain!!)

I will keep this blog updated on the progress....also check http://www.alijboutique.com/ for updates.

Blessings!!!!

Alison

New website...New Venture!!!

The ~WEBSITE~ is back up!!! http://www.alijboutique.com It is cute, simple, and pretty much just informational at this point. BUT! It is a great start! Keep checking back to see a more definite date than "mid-summer" for....

ALI J BOUTIQUE THE STOREFRONT!!!!!

I feel so blessed that my dream is coming true. This is a definite God-breathed adventure, and I would love to share it with you all (all 5 of my readers...hah!) sometime. It truly is awe-inspiring, and trust me, not because of anything I have done. I am so proud that He is President of my company. Couldn't do it any other way....and the ride wouldn't be near as exciting!!

That's all for now- on we go!!!

~Ali

CrAzY SPRING!!!

So, ladies, I can safely say this has been the craziest, and yet most BLESSED Spring I have had with Ali J Boutique!! I did my homework....I booked myself out....I asked, hired, or begged wonderful people in my life to help me....and I have had a great time so far at Expos, women's events, and Home Parties!! Wow- so many people have been so good to me, i can't even tell you how wonderful it makes me feel :) Special thanks to Linda Larson, "Ma", who set up a special event at Melvins on April Fools Day for a bunch of her daughter (Cari Huisinga)'s friends who represent different companies. It was honestly a blast. It is people like her, who take a genuine interest in my business, that make me feel so humbled. Honestly. And people like Karen McLaughlin, who had one of my first home parties, and makes a point to come out and support me. Also, Sharon Nelson, Deb Wessling, Sue Sunde. And Kim Kleven, Diane Hagedorn, Janelle Cockrell, and Billie Madsen. And Brooke Lien, Amy Combs, Elizabeth Johnson. And Lynn Stier. Oh- there are so many- and I FEEL SO BLESSED!! Ok- this has turned into a big "thank you fest" but, that's the way I feel right now. SO!! THANK YOU CARI HUSINGA!! RACHEL ELMHORST!!! NIKKI FRIESE!! ERICA GAHLON!!! JOANNA LIEN!!! BECKY VILLNOW!!! AND LASTLY, BUT NOT LEAST BY ANY MEASURE, MY MOM!!! MY MOM-IN-LOVE!! AND MY DEAR SISTER, DANI. Thanks. Whew. I feel better now :) Love you all. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you. Alison

FaShIoN FRiDaY Take two!!

(yep- i know my post is black...and plain...but someone pointed out it is easier to read that way, so to accomodate, this is my "new look" :)

Here are the results from week two of the fashion weeks...wish i had more time to do fashion chat! But, I just posted my schedule and as you can see, I am pretty busy (it doesn't even show the home parties I do!!) So!!

For Day 1, Best Color....I think I see the common thread...we ladies get our "best color" by taking other ladies opinions, but also because of our own preferences. Personally, I think I have worn every color possible, but there are some I am sure that don't look so hot. I am guessing I shouldn't wear orange...or sage...but, don't you dare try and take away my teal, lime, or jewel tones right now!!! I am a mom of four toddlers- I have muscles!!

For Day 2, What to wear when the weather is not too cold, but not warm either?? Most of you said Scarf (atta girls), a light coat (like a TRENCH?? ME WANT ONE!!), and a couple said vest. I think vests are tricky. I like the two i have had for three years from Gap Tall because the are long and have a tie around the middle. For anything that is slightly puffy, I love it when it comes with a tie. Gotta show the shape, gals!! If it doesn't, I would be very tempted to add a belt. Yep, that's what I would do!!

For Day 3, Legwear in winter? leggings, yep. tights and boots, yep!! I love the convo we had going on about wearing pants with skirts. Hey- anything goes!!!

For Day 4, Girls Night OUt!! I went with yep, Steph, a shirt, skinnies, boots, and a scarf :)

Thanks for participating Ladies!!!! Here is what I plan to do with the results....If you responded, you get 30% off an Ali J at any Ali J Boutique show you come to!!!!! Check the schedule to the left, I will keep adding dates as I get them!! Or, you can save your 30% for the store. Thanks so much!!!