Little Red Dress Event & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #112
On February 22, I attended a women’s networking event hosted by my favorite financial advisors, Nichole Wall and Laura Nicol of New York Life Insurance Company. The theme for the event was the Little Red Dress in honor of heart health awareness month.
I was invited to be one of the guest speakers to share some of my favorite styling tips, but earlier that week I came down with laryngitis that left me completely and totally silent. Like no sound would come out of my mouth when I spoke. But it’s all good because in light of the other guest speaker for the event, my topic of discussion felt quite frivolous. I am going to share more about her later in this post to help spread awareness as well as information about her cause and her mission. But before I get there, let me start with the frivolous…my little red dress.
You know I love any reason to buy something new so when I received the invitation to attend this event, I went out looking for a little red dress. I found the cutest knit swing dress with a corset lace up front at Torrid and was totally sold on it. But when the day of the event came around, I put the dress on and I felt total frump factor! I blame PMS, but regardless of the reason, it didn’t make me feel great. So I relied on an old favorite that appeared on the blog back in September of 2017 in a post called How to Feel Like a Million Bucks in an Eleven Dollar Dress. Yes, this dress was just $11 from the clearance rack at Kohl’s. And worth every cent!
And at $11, the dress was the most expensive thing I was wearing! The shoes were just $4.99 on clearance from Charlotte Russe. The jacket was gifted to me from Zaful and the necklace was gifted to me from Chico’s. The sparkly clutch was a clearance find at Target also for $4.99. I suppose the point of my sharing that information is to show you that you can get all dressed up for a fancy event and stick to a serious budget. And it’s fun to tell people how little you paid for things!
My husband/photographer took the kids to Pennsylvania for the weekend when this event was scheduled so I had no one to take photos of my outfit. But I decided I really wanted to share about the event as well as the outfit, so I put it all together again yesterday and we headed out for a photo shoot. The dress is sleeveless and it was about 12 degrees outside, so there was no shedding of my jacket this time! And I am wearing nude stockings, in case you were curious.
But that’s enough about the outfit, let me next tell you about Nichole and Laura, the amazing hostesses of this fabulous networking event. I honestly can’t tell you the first time or place that I met them, but I think it was in the consignment shop. Being the frugal investment types that they are, they buy some of their business attire at Solitary Consignment. They are also huge supporters of local small businesses. I also know Laura from my SmartChicks group. In any event, I got to know them both through various interactions over time and when I felt comfortable with them, I approached them about insurance. They never tried to sell me anything. They simply won me over because they are fabulous, inspiring, and empowering women in business. They seriously care about their clients and the financial well-being of them and I would not trust any other person at this point to help me on my way to better financial stability.
If you need help finding your way to financial freedom and don’t already have an advisor to assist you, I highly recommend reaching out to Nichole and Laura. They really, truly have your best interest at heart. And shortly I want to share a video. Nichole gives the introduction and you will be able to see immediately how much she cares about the people she helps.
Following the introduction, a beautiful young woman named Karleigh Stuckey shares her story and experience with her newborn baby daughter’s undiagnosed heart condition. This is the very first time that Karleigh has spoken publicly about her story. I am so inspired by her courage and her commitment to her mission. I encourage you to watch this video…I wanted to embed the video directly into my post, but for some reason I cannot. So please click the link to view it, but first make sure that you have some tissues on hand. I am such a firm believer that from our tragedies comes our purpose. And Karleigh is a perfect example of that. I would love for you to share your comments below or directly on Nichole’s Facebook page. I know that Karleigh would certainly appreciate any feedback. And feel free to share the video directly from Facebook to help Karleigh in her mission to spread more awareness.
I really, truly hope that you have taken a few minutes to watch the video. I know this community is so committed to uplifting others and helping them on their journeys. Some of you may really relate and have your own story to share. I encourage you to do that. All that being said, I thank you for stopping by today and reading the things I write, supporting the things I support, and encouraging me to continue following my own passions. Keep shining bright, my friends. The world needs your light.
And now your featured favorites from last week’s link party.
Jacqui of Mummabstylish shared her super empowering post, Playtex Lingerie-Did I Didn’t I? Having done an underwear review on my own blog, I know first hand how freaking intimidating it is to share photos like these. But Jacqui looks amazing and I am so inspired by this post! If you haven’t read it yet, do check it out.
Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag shared her post, Cropped Flair, Another Pair. I always find myself smiling when I read Kellyann’s posts and see her style! She has fun with fashion and looks fabulous doing it!
Inlinkz Link PartyKeeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
57 Comments
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
Love it with that jacket!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tamar! It was much too cold to have bare arms!
xoxo
Shelbee
Julie | This Main Line Life
That’s a pretty outfit and I love your hair. Beautiful!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Julie! I am finally getting the hang of this curling wand thing!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
What a find that dress was! And how did I never think to add a cute little ankle sock with a pair of heels? Girl, you are so creative and I love it. You certainly look like a million bucks and I love it when you score such great deals yet look so grand! I’m so glad you dressed up again and did the photo shoot!
Thanks for the shout out sweet friend!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Kellyann, thank you so very much. It was fun putting the outfit on again especially since my husband didn’t see me in it the first time. He really liked it! And socks with heels or open toed shoes is so totally one of my favorite trends ever!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
You are rocking these red dress Shelbee! The leopard heels are perfect with it. Your is hair is so beautiful too. Glad you connected with so many women at this event.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I do love these shoes, but they are definitely not meant for walking!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
What a fun event! You are gorgeous in red! Love how you edged up the look with the moto jacket and those fun booties!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! I struggled a bit trying to find the right top layer and not lose the shape of the dress. But I was really happy with the result!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
You always have the best people to introduce to us, Shelbee. And great topics!! Then again, you are queen of spreading the kindness!! As is should be!!
I adore everything about this outfit…especially the socks with the shoes. Super trendy and fun!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jodie, thank you so much! You are always so kind and inspiring as well and you always leave me the best comments that put a bounce in my step for the rest of the day! Bouncing off to work now! Have a fabulous day.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzanne Smith
You look like a million bucks in that red dress! I cannot believe the deals you found for your amazing pieces! So nice to read your blog because it always makes me smile! Have a great day and thanks so much for the link-up!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Suzanne, thank you so much! This comment totally made me smile! Have a fabulous day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kimberly Malkiewicz
That dress certainly was a good buy! How special that you were invited to speak at the networking event. I get it that fashion may have seemed frivolous, but it’s something everyone is interested in and many women don’t understand how to dress themselves…
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Kim! Yeah, I think everyone was a little disappointed that I couldn’t speak that night. But I am planning on speaking at a similar event hosted by the same women in October. I will be talking about mental health awareness and doing some sort of fashion/styling thing as well.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking very, very nice and what a great event. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! Have a fantastic day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica A Jannenga
Looking red sensational my friend! First, I love the little tuft of blonde hair on the side, making a cute statement, love your hair curled too! The dress is so pretty and such a steal for the moto jacket. Youve got a great collection of footwear and I enjoy wearing fun socks with heels too! Glad you enjoyed the event.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Jess! This was a super fun and inspiring event and it is always great to have a reason to get all dressed up! I am finally learning how to curl my hair and having such fun with that as well…when I have the time to do it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Liz
Wow, Shelbee! You look amazing in this! Red is SUCH a great color on you! Love your hair like this too! Hope you had fun 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Liz! I am loving red lately. I wore it three or four times on the blog in the past 2 weeks. And these networking events are always fun and so inspiring!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ada
And the world needs YOUR LIGHT, Shelbee, especially in a beautiful red dress. At eleven dollars, nevertheless! I had to click at your post from some years back too. You styled this LRD so beautifully and look like a million bucks for under 50 bucks. Sounds like a great event too and you wore the right dress for it. I am pissed I didn’t get to wear a red dress this past February but I need to make up for it, soon. 😉
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, my dear friend! Even though you missed the red dress stuff in February, there no rules saying you can’t style a red dress any time of year! Go for it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Elizabeth Ramsey
LOVE both the dress and the jacket! Can’t get over the fact that you found that beauty for $11 – what a win! And your hair has been looking especially lush and fantastic of late! Have a good week and happy Mardi Gras.
Betsy | https://nattygal.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Betsy! I still can’t get over that I only paid $11 for this dress either! And I am finally getting the hang of the curling wand! It only took me my entire life to figure it out, but better late than never, I guess.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
Hello, hot mama! Love the red dress, and how you’ve styled it with a moto jacket and leopard booties. Also love your new lovelock!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl! Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
You look like a movie star! So beautiful and elegant and sexy! You chose a fabulous outfit for the event.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Nancy! I kind of felt like a movie star, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
JUST love your hair!! So pretty, especially with that stunning red dress. I love the leather jacket with it! I just got a leather jacket, so of course I love any inspo on how to wear it!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carrie! I am finally, finally getting the hang of using a curling wand! It just takes a bit more time than I normally want to spend on styling my hair, so I don’t curl it often. I look forward to seeing how you will be styling your new leather jacket.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura
You are standing there in living proof we don’t need designer labels to look fabulous! You are rocking that dress and I love the edge you added with your accessories!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Laura, that might be the best compliment ever! Thank you! I don’t wear things frequently enough to justify the price of designer labels. I am all about the bargain! And you definitely can put together a killer outfit on a super cheap budget!
xoxo
Shelbee
Robin LaMonte
Shelbee,
How wonderful you look for the Red Dress affair!
I love your moto jacket styled with the red dress and your open toe leopard booties!
You do such a wonderful job of sharing others on your blog and I will check out the video!
Hugs,
Robin
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Robin, thank you so much! Sharing is caring, right?! I do love to highlight others and their missions and purposes. It makes me feel like I am fulfilling my purpose.
xoxo
Shelbee
linda cassidy
what a stunning look.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Linda!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Sparks
Stunning in red as always. And that event sounds amazing. laurensparks.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lauren! This was the first time they had this event and they are planning on doing one 3-4 times a year. I am excited to be a part of it and watch it grow.
xoxo
Shelbee
chez-rama
Fun event and you killed it with your red dress, moto jacket and some sass from the shoes. Love your hair
nailed it
http://www.chez-rama.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rama! Oh these shoes definitely up my sass factor! And I am finally getting the hang of this curling wand business for my hair. It only took me 44 years, but better late than never!
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
Shelbee, it’s great to read your posts about the strong and amazing women you encounter. And you look like a boss lady yourself in that red dress! You know red is a power color, right? And I love it with the leather jacket and those unique boots!!
Thanks for sharing,
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Darlene! I definitely feel powerful whenever I wear red. It is in a strong second place on my list of favorite colors (green will always be my favorite though)! Have a fantastic day, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Stu
How stylish that dress looks, and so clever to wear the fur coat with a red lining, really goes so well together.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Stu! The lining of my coat was quite accidental but it really did coordinate perfectly!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna at Muttonstyle
Thank you for sharing another thought provoking post. I work in finance and having speaking slots often on that topic. Never on style as I stay anonymous regarding that. Hey a dual social media life:). So glad they invited you to talk on style as it is always missing from these events. Very forward thinking of the ladies, even if you didn’t speak the intention counts. Hope you join muttonstyle Monday
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anna! I am going to speak at another event that they plan on hosting in October…I will be speaking about mental health awareness and fashion and tying the two together. It should be fun! I am sure I will share more about it when it happens. And we all have sort of a dual life, don’t we? Nothing wrong with that! Have a great day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
That sounds like a great event. Sorry to hear you were unwell, I hope you are feeling better now! You look amazing in your little red dress Shelbee and I love socks and shoes together! xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Maria! I am feeling much better now. And it is so cold here that I have to embrace the socks with open toed shoes trend! Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
You look a million dollars Shelbee! Your hair is very glamorous. Sounds like a great event.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Gail! More importantly, I felt like a million bucks!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
The red dress for the heart health awareness is great idea. You look fab in your little red dress.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anna!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire Justine
I love your red dress and how you styled it. You hair is beautiful too 🙂
Thanks for sharing at The Wednesday Blog Hop 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Claire! I was feeling all kinds of sassy in this red dress with my curly hair!
xoxo
Shelbee
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