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Fun In The Sun May 31, 2021 08:42

We might not have time for all the beach vacations we'd like to be taking so we made our own little "beach oasis" right in the backyard! AKA The Avabelle Day Club. 

Backyard beach vacation

I shared our Saturday in the sun a couple of weekends ago on stories and got an inbox full of messages asking about the kiddie pools, our new patio furniture, etc.

Since there was so much interest I thought it would make a great blog post to share and link everything in one place for you!

Click each photo for direct links to everything! 

If you're familiar with the LiketoKNOW.it platform, you can follow me there for all the direct links to things that aren't Avabelle related. I don't share a ton there, but I do try to share the things I get the most questions about.

If you're not familiar with LiketoKNOW.it, it's an app where you can shop direct links to products all from one place. They are commissionable links, and as always I appreciate your support.

We're still working on getting the back patio together, we need to add some flowers and get a new rug. I found a patio set that was reasonably priced and just the right size. It was easy to assemble and shipped faster than expected. My mom ordered the exact same set and so far we're all happy with it! 

Patio furniture
The kiddie pools are super fun especially since we spent a ton of time at home in the backyard last summer. Ideally these would be great on the patio, not the grass, but the sun only hits the patio in the morning. We'll worry about the grass later right?!
Jake didn't think there would be enough room for my pink glitter tube, but you know I had to make it happen. It's a total vibe - plus it was only $5!! 
Bikini
We tested out both kiddie pools to see which one we'd want to keep - the pink pool is my personal favorite, but the blue one is a bit bigger and can fit more people. 
Mia even got to hang in the pool for a bit! 
Kiddie pools
My swimsuit is from last year but it's super comfortable and has great booty coverage. Not many sizes left in any of the colors, but I linked a few of the others that I wear a lot - all with the same comfort and coverage. 
Swimsuit/Bikini
I hope everyone has a safe and fun summer season! Let me know if this was helpful or if it inspired you to add your own little backyard beach! 
Cheers to having a little fun in the sun! 
Kiddie pool
xo, 
Randee

Comfort Doesn't Cancel Style! February 3, 2021 12:44

Just because it's comfy doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style.

We've rounded up our best selling pieces that can easily be mixed and matched to keep you feeling great, looking your best, while maintaining the comfort level we've grown used to over the past year!

1. To Dye For Top:

Styled 8 different ways because just like I've been living in this top I know you will too! Blush & lilac are THE trending colors heading into Spring/Summer 21. And ready or not, tie dye is here to stay! 

 

mix and match tie dye lounge set with denim and joggers

 

 

tie dye lounge top

 

2. To Dye For Joggers: 

Styled 6 ways! Perfect airport outfit, road trips, zoom call ready, sleepover set, and heading straight into the warmer months too! 

 

tie dye lounge bottoms, joggers

 

 

tie dye lounge set

 

3. Must Have Classic Crewneck

 must have classic white crewneck

classic white top

 

4. The Weekend Tee

distressed t-shirt 

 

5. Eiffel For You

 

camel and black poncho sweater

 

 6. Light Me Up Leopard

 leopard lounge set

 

7. First In Line Cardigan:

From one of our best selling brands, the quality of the material is superb. You will find yourself grabbing this piece for everything from an everyday cardigan to a jacket as the weather gets warmer. It's a neutral lovers best friend!

 

neutral color block cardigan 

 

color block cardigan

 

8. Golden Hour Set

 metallic gold lounge set

 

Pair the Golden Hour top under our Best Dressed Jacket for your next special evening or celebration! Don't forget to pack the Golden Hour pants in your handbag for lounging after the party!

 

black and gold
 

 

Matching with momma!! 

 

metallic lounge set

 

9. Polka Dots In Paris

camel and black polka dot sweater

 

10. Best Of Both Worlds

leopard and black top

 

The goal at Avabelle is to always inspire you to not only look your best, but to FEEL your very best.

One of my favorite quotes is this: "Document the moments you feel most in love with yourself - what you're wearing, who you're around, what you're doing. Recreate and repeat." - Warsan Shire

xo, 

Randee


Morning Routine: Deciding How You Want To Feel, Choosing Gratitude, & Expanding Your Mindset January 7, 2021 17:15 2 Comments

Do you feel like you just ran the world's most intense marathon, and just as you're about to unlace your shoes, someone tapped your shoulder and said "no sweetie, it's time to start again." I know I do!!!! 2020 was a LOT to process. I am slowly, in my own time, easing into planning for the new year and if you're feeling like I am this is your reminder that it's ok! Take as much time as you need to process it all, congratulate yourself, celebrate what went well, learn from what maybe didn't go so well. All the planners, pens, and notebooks will be there when you're ready to dive in. 

Great ideas pink spiral notebook and girl power pen set

 

I adopted a very specific morning routine about a year ago (after going through my friend Cat Golden's program called BE Camp) and I often share a page of whatever book I'm reading in the morning on our Instagram stories. I wanted to put everything in one place for you to reference whenever you feel like you're ready to start something new. 

 

The Routine:

Every morning I wake up and before I open any social apps or check my email, I get out of bed, make myself a cup of coffee, and I sit down with a notebook, a pen, and whatever my morning book is. I'll often light a candle and make it an experience for myself before the craziness of the day gets going.

I put the date at the top of the page and then I write "Today I want to feel _____." I then write out a list of things I'm grateful for (don't think too deep on these - you can be grateful for anything you want - sometimes I'm grateful for a fresh manicure and sunless tanner - it all counts!), and something new I've recently added is writing out what I'm most excited about that day. 

morning routine, gratitude lists, inspirational pens and notebooks

 

Starting the day with gratitude and making a conscious decision about how YOU want to feel is truly life changing. Do this before you open up Instagram and see that Suzy got up at 5am, already went to the gym, ran 3 miles, and made a green shake? All while you're just opening your eyes and it's 9am - and now your subconscious has you instantly feeling a little worse about yourself before YOU even decided how you wanted to feel that day. Maybe it's Suzy's hustle day of the week, and maybe you just worked 12 days straight and it's your day to allow yourself to sleep in.

Social apps and email can be such amazing tools, but also quite a beast. So before you let your emails dictate how you'll spend your morning, and your mind gets racing on all the things and people you need to get back to - I encourage you to incorporate the 10 minutes it takes to make this a part of your morning routine. 

After I decide how I want to feel, what I'm most excited for, and write my list of gratitudes, I then spend about 5 minutes (sometimes longer depending on the book) reading. I never thought I would be a morning reader but it has really changed the way I start my day. I used to wake up in a frenzy - 10 to do lists going off in my head before I even finished my coffee. 

 

The Books:

Heart Talk by Cleo Wade - full of amazing inspirational quotes! If you love pinning quotes on pinterest you will LOVE this book!

Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie - a daily reading meant to inspire you to live life from your heart. 

Inward by Yung Pueblo - another one full of great quotes - quick and easy snippets to start your day. 

Girl On Fire by Cara Alwill - for the woman who knows she was meant for more - it teaches you how to burn the rulebook, choose yourself, and go after whatever your heart desires. 

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman - this is a MUST read for everyone - men and women. You will learn a TON about yourself, and if you have a spouse, partner, boyfriend - this is a fun one to read together and discuss. 

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein - this one is all about transforming fear into faith and will really have you looking inward. Her follow up book called Super Attractor is on my list for this year. 

Some other books I highly recommend if you haven't read them yet:

Girl Code by Cara Alwill

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

Grace Not Perfection by Emily Ley

Like She Owns The Place by Cara Alwill

Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Own Your Everyday by Jordan Lee Dooley

I made it a goal in 2020 to really work on expanding my mindset and thinking much bigger. Similar to working a specific muscle in the gym, mindset takes time and dedication.

Some of my favorite podcasts, one in particular that I make a point to listen to every morning is Daily Mind Medicine. Taylor Welch gives super short 4-6 minute drops of wisdom daily that'll help expand your mindset.

Other favorite podcasts include:

"And She Rises..." by Amanda Frances - The Money Queen

"The Brendon Show" by Brendon Burchard

"For The Love of Money" by Chris Harder

"Earn Your Happy" by Lori Harder

"Powerhouse Women" by Lindsey Schwartz

"Style Your Mind" by Cara Alwill

And if you're interested, I was a guest for the very first time on "The Modern Leadher" podcast by Heather Rose - you can listen to that episode here.  

 I truly appreciate you being here and I hope you found this helpful! If you have a book or podcast recommendation please drop them in the comments! 

Cheers to a positive, healthy, and prosperous year ahead!

xo, 

Randee


Beachy Wave Hair Tutorial & Randee's Hair Product Must-Haves May 18, 2020 17:30 1 Comment

Beachy wave hair tutorial

Hey girls!! I've had several people reach out over time asking about how I get my beachy waves and if I would make a hair tutorial. I finally had a chance to record the hair tutorial during quarantine.

I couldn't just start with how I curl my hair though. In order to give you the full picture I have to start with the products I use before I blow dry my hair. Those products make a HUGE difference and I couldn't achieve the same look and texture without them. 

Click here to watch the full hair tutorial.

I've linked all of the products I use as well, and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out. I LOVE to gush about products. I love trying new products, but most of all I love finding great products that actually work. I've been using all of these products for a very long time. Some of which I've tried to find replacements for that don't cost quite as much (dry shampoo for example) and have consistently come back to my tried & true's. 

Click here for all of the hair products with direct links to each for you to easily order. 

Hair Products

Here's a quick rundown of the products, but if you click the link above the image it will take you to the clickable image with direct links to each product. I also discuss most of these in the tutorial.

1 & 2: I recently fell in LOVE with this shampoo & conditioner!

3 & 4: I use this shampoo & conditioner once a week. I only wash my hair twice a week typically so the other time I use the shampoo & conditioner from 1 & 2.

5: I use this hair treatment once a month. Great for color treated hair.

6: Root spray to give volume & texture from the root before blow drying.

7: Volumizing mousse for before blow drying to give added texture & volume through the mid section of the hair.

8: I use this on the ends to prevent further breakage and protect from heat.

9: Rose gold blow dryer - nothing fancy but I've had it for a while and I like it.

10: I use the 1.25 inch stylewinder. I also have the 1inch and found that I prefer the 1.25 inch for looser curls.

11. Tried & true volume and texture spray. I've tried several others and always come back to this one. I spray at the root and throughout my hair.

12: My favorite hairspray!! It gives just the right amount of moveable, touchable hold. It doesn't weigh my hair down, and it smells fantastic!

13: I use this oil on my ends when my hair is wet or dry, sometimes in place of the olaplex cream from #8. It doesn't weigh the hair down when used on the ends. It helps the ends not look as dry. You can also use this as a treatment, put it on dry hair - leave overnight and wash the next day. 

14: Tried & true dry shampoo - I have tried SO many others but always come back to this one.

15: My mom & I both love this humidity spray. We've spent several super early mornings setting up for markets & events in major humidity. This spray is a finishing spray - once you're done with your hair spray it all over and it will hold the curl even in heavy humidity. 

My hair stylist is Blake Webster. She is opening her own salon and I cannot wait to get in for an appointment when quarantine is over! I typically get my hair done every 8-10 weeks. I only get highlights, never lowlights. I also have her paint the ends at every other appointment, as well as a trim every other appointment. 

If you'd like to book an appointment with Blake you can reach out to her on Instagram, or you can text to book at 734-718-1030. Let her know I sent you and we'll both get $20 off at our visit! 

I hope this helps and if you end up using any of the products or curling your hair with my tricks it would make my day if you tagged me on social! I can't wait to see you all rocking your beach waves this season! 

If you found this helpful leave me a comment below!

xo, 
Randee


Stripped August 3, 2018 21:06

There's a Christina Aguilera album that came out while I was in high school titled "Stripped."  It was literally my favorite cd, my girlfriends and I would drive up to Somerset Mall and car dance the entire way there singing the songs on the album at the top of our lungs.  The lyrics to my favorite song from the cd go like this:

"Sorry if I ain't perfect, sorry I don't give a what

Sorry I ain't a diva, sorry just know what I want

Sorry I'm not a virgin, sorry I'm not a slut

I won't let you break me, think what you want

To all my dreamers out there - I'm with you 

All my under dogs - I feel you

Lift your head high and stay strong, keep pushin' on...."

That's it, that's the entire song.  What a powerful message.  

I had a boss at one of my college internships say to me "Randee, you're going to be really good at something someday but it better be something you really love to do."  At the time I rolled my eyes and went on with my day.  But for some reason that stuck with me throughout the years because I always felt like it was something I was supposed to be ashamed of, like it was a bad thing.  Now that I'm 10 years out of college, I think to myself doesn't that seem obvious?  Like, hell yes I better love to do whatever it is I end up doing in my career.  Why would anyone want to spend their life in a job they don't love?  

As I sit here, in bed, drinking a cup of stress relief tea typing out my first "blog" post on my website since 2015 I realize what a HUGE step I am making in my grown up professional life tomorrow as an entrepreneur.  Tomorrow I am putting in my two weeks notice at my full time job to pursue my dream, to take a (terrifying yet exciting) leap of faith.  I'm quitting a job that used to be a dream job. I say used to be because I never knew I actually had the guts to start my own business.  I don't come from a family of business owners.  I had no idea what I was doing when I decided to start my business.  Now my business is my dream job.  It's the ultimate dream job.  

Over the last 3 years I have gotten to know myself on a level that I hope everyone gets to experience.  I've seen parts of me I didn't even know existed.  I have literally missed almost every social gathering, family function, birthday party, baby shower, wedding shower, grad party, you name it and I've probably missed it.  I've spent less time with my head on a pillow than I did when I was partying my ass off at Michigan State.  It's so blatantly obvious to me that my boss at that internship was spot on with what she said.  But what I've learned is that as soon as you figure out what it is that you really love to do, it stops feeling like work - and that is the most beautiful thing.  It starts to feel more like a passion, a calling, a drive within you that you can't even contain.  

I've been told that anytime I talk about my business my face lights up and I'm beaming.  I can promise you, that's not something you can fake.  And the thing is, it's not even about selling the clothes.  It's about sharing in the small business community a piece of what makes me who I am.  I've always loved fashion, and I love sharing that passion with each of you.  Each interaction is always so personal and different.  When I launched the website in 2015 I had no idea what the future would hold.  I've met so many amazing people along this journey, some of you have become friends, some of you have even brought me to tears this year with the most sincere compliments and kind words.  And let me just tell you, I remember each and every one of them especially this year in what has felt like the most insanely trying & testing year of my entire life.  I truly don't know how I have managed to keep everything straight without skipping a beat, but that's a story for another time or maybe another "blog" post.

Most recently my mom and I helped this wonderful couple at Eastern Market pick out one of our shawl vests.  We chatted for a while and then they left to go check out the rest of the vendors at the event.  Later that afternoon, the husband stopped back by to tell us that we had absolutely made his and his wife's day by helping her pick out the vest, they'd found out just days prior that she has cancer and she purchased the shawl vest to take with her to her treatments because she knew she would be cold during them.  He left both my mom and I in tears, and at that moment I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.  It's not about the shawl vest, it's about the fact that in such a horribly scary time in that couple's lives we managed to put a smile on their faces and brighten their day. 

You all inspire me so much, and I truly thank you for that.  You make this crazy hustle life worth it!  It has been a wild ride the last 3 years working full time alongside running my little shop.  I'm SO ready to devote 100% of my effort and energy into this dream and to see where the journey leads me next.  I hope to always make shopping with Avabelle Boutique a really great experience, and if you have any ideas or suggestions please always send them my way.  I am hugely looking forward to having the time to wrap my head around being a full time entrepreneur.  I'm looking forward to having the time to brainstorm ways to make things better, where to take it next, and continuing to take on new challenges.

I hope if you've made it this far that I've inspired you in some way, and if so I hope you'll send me some positive and encouraging vibes as I could really use some extra.  All of my responsibilities tied in with my emotions have been weighing me down for quite some time now, and I am really looking forward to breathing some lighter air.  

So, here I am - this is me - stripped.  Maybe I'll make this into a regular thing and blog about the journey, about how it's not always perfect, it's mostly really hard work.  But it's the best reward I've known thus far and I'm so freaking excited to see what the future holds.  Two weeks from now I'll be channeling my inner Christina Aguilera and ready to get my hands dirrrtayy as a full time GIRLBOSS. 

 

xoxo,

Randee

 

 


Summer Fell Into Fall - How to Transition September 23, 2015 10:40

If you live in a location like ours where Mother Nature can't seem to make up her mind this time of year - everyday you're probably asking yourself "what am I supposed to wear?"  One day it's 50 degrees the next day it's 80!  We're here to help!!

We aren't ready to give up our favorite dresses or our denim shorts just yet, but we're ready for the wine and berry colored nail polish and lipstick.  So dust off your booties from last Winter and pull out those deep berry tones, it's time to start welcoming the start of a fresh Fall season. 

Here's one way you can keep wearing your denim shorts well into September - maybe even October:

The extremely popular Raven Top is so versatile that it looks great with your go-to denim shorts and sandals.  The neutral colors pair perfectly with berry accents like nail polish and lipstick. 

Not ready to put your favorite dresses away just yet?  Here's how you can work them into your transition wardrobe:

 

A classic denim jacket is such a staple.  Throw it on over your summer dresses for an effortless transition look.  The Printed Tank Dress is SO comfy that we want to make sure we get as much wear out of it as possible.  This look is so versatile!  You could wear it for a trip to the cider mill with the fam, soaking up what's left of patio season with your girls, or date night with your hunnie.  Hats (coming soon) are the ultimate accessory this Fall.  You will absolutely want a few of these in your closet.  Let's be real - who doesn't love getting away with one more day between washing your hair yet STILL looking totally chic?!  Shh...we won't tell!   

Be sure to follow us on Instagram @shopavabelle and on Facebook - Avabelle Online Boutique and tag us in some of your favorite transition outfits.  Use #shopavabelle.

Happy transitioning!  Until next time lovies....

xoxo, 

Avabelle 

#shopavabelle


Hello & Welcome! June 2, 2015 10:17

Hi there!!  Welcome to Avabelle!  I am so thrilled that you decided to stop by and checkout the boutique.  Here on the blog you will find styling tips, fashion inspiration, and other news about the boutique.  We are always open to suggestions so if there is a topic you would like to read about email us at hello@shopavabelle.com and we will do our best to feature your topic!  We hope you enjoy everything you see and we're happy to have such beautiful customers to inspire us each and everyday.

xoxo, 

Avabelle

#shopavabelle