Love Across The Globe

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Don’t these sweet faces just melt your heart? I have only spent a short time with these children, yet, I can see such great love through each and every one of them. The two girls holding hands in the middle are (older) Mangali and (younger) Saraswoti. Both girls are especially near to my heart since they were unable to be adopted by my parents because of Nepal shutting down adoption with the United States. Through the heartbreak, we began work on a retail line called ‘Mangali Collection’ where proceeds go to the orphanage that these children are in, New Beginnings Children’s Home, Kathmandu, Nepal.

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For the second year in a row, we will be participating in Forget the Frock movement which is simply what it says. We are forgetting the frilly Easter attire that your grandmother loved putting you in for church when you were 5 and are wearing a t-shirt to support a charity instead. Mangali Collection has designed a new FTF tee this year and we are so honored and humbled to be a part of such a special movement. 100% of the profit from Forget The Frock, will directly benefit the orphans in Nepal. For more information on how to join in on the movement with Mangali Collection contact;

Laranda Brockman: (662) 419-8337  or larandabrockman@hotmail.com

Please check out our Facebook page  to learn more about these sweet children in Neapl!

“Chain of Jewels”

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Everyone needs an “everyday necklace”. Most of you know what I mean when I say, “everyday necklace” and for those of you who don’t, I am about to tell you. You know those days when you just want to throw on a v-neck tee and jeans? Well, with outfits like that you really need an everyday necklace to spruce it up a bit. Not anything to bulky or long but just a little something to not look so “blah”.

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Isn’t this necklace ADORABLE?! Well, I think so and not only is it adorable but it is also for a good cause. As I have talked about before, my parents tried adopting a little girl named Mangali from an orphanage in Nepal a few years ago. Because of Nepal closing the country to adoption, the process was unable to happen. This necklace is just one of the many products from Mangali Collection which a percentage of profits goes to providing Mangali and her orphanage with food, clothes, and other necessities. Our brand was created a little over a year ago and has been helping these children the entire time. If you’re wondering why the necklace has a rhino on it, it’s because that is the brand’s logo and oh is it so cute! If you would like to contribute to the Mangali Collection fund visit http://www.southern-cloth.myshopify.com or visit our store in Tupelo, MS.

Into the Duffle

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So last week we covered my favorite things to bring “on the way” to a trip and this week we are going to cover what to bring for the trip itself. I am going to give you all a look into my duffle on a few necessities I cannot vacation without. First of all, I cannot go anywhere without a pair of nice skinny jeans. My absolute favorite brand is Blank N.Y.C. (pictured above). I mean no matter what the weather or venue… jeans work. Now in case you’ve worn the jeans to every dinner by the third night of the trip you may want to wear something else to change it up. This is why I always pack a cute dress, something light and easy to wear. Whenever you are wearing the dress you don’t want to be walking down 5th avenue and the wind give you a Marilyn Monroe look so I would pack a pair of spandex shorts… trust me, it doesn’t hurt to wear them. Also, I always bring a cotton basic tee because you never know what wardrobe malfunction you may have. As far as the shoes go I can’t leave anywhere without taking a pair of flats. Flats can go with so many things so even if your flip flops break while you’re pretending to be a showgirl, throw on the flats and it’ll be great. Yes, in the picture above you will see that I have put a topper with my necessities and that is because it is so versatile. Toppers easily dress up a plain top or can give you another layer of fabric when it get’s chilly at night.

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Now let’s talk about jewelry. Jewelry has always been my hardest part of packing because I feel like I need a different necklace and earrings for every outfit I take. I have decided that is so not true. My main jewelry that I pack is just a pair of stud earrings and a simple necklace. I have pictured a leather and pearl necklace because it can be worn dressy or casual and is great for every season.

On the Way..

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Traveling… Always so fun but when it comes to packing, lets face it, we all get stressed. So here’s a few of my fave things that make traveling a little more delightful. First of all, you can’t go anywhere without lip balm. My favorite kind is the “black tea and blackberry” from Jack Black. I also carry an Emi Jay hair tie because you never know when you may need to throw your hair up trying to get through security… we all know that’s always a struggle. Along with the hair situation, I constantly have a Banded headband with me just in case. Another favorite of mine is  a little pouch to keep all my necessities in because who wants to dig around in your purse trying to find an Emi Jay, to be honest that’s probably how I loose mine. Last but definitely not least is a mini-emergency kit. Friends let me tell you I cannot go anywhere without this handy thing. Whether you need a bandaid, hairspray, earring back, or even sewing kit… this has it all.

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Now what to wear while traveling 101 by… well, me. When I travel I don’t want to look like I have just rolled out of bed but I do want to feel like it. Traveling comfy is the way to go but how in the world do you do it? I usually where leggings and a cute tee with a cardigan or sweater in case the “hot flashing” lady next to me on the plane needs the air on full bast. Pictured above I am wearing a comfy “need coffee” tank (describing me extremely well on those 6 A.M. flights) with a sweatshirt cardigan. On the bottom I am wearing these great leggings with a skirt overlay which I have fallen deeply in love with. As far as shoes go, flats are my favorite to wear because I can easily slip them off going through security while being a little fashion forward.

So there are my favorite things to take and wear while traveling… check back in next week to take a look into my duffle and what to bring for the trip itself.

Toppers Not Croppers

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Well, friends, it’s Monday again and you know what that means, another fashion tip! So let me ask a question… have you seen the “crop tops” people are wearing now? Well, I want YOU to wear one. Don’t go crazy… stay with me while I explain myself. I want each of you to where one of these “toppers” but, not just the topper. I don’t want to be seeing everyones bellies and it be my fault. These tops can be flattering and not revealing if worn the right way. One of my favorite ways to wear them is to put on a loose fitting dress and wear the topper on top of the dress, coordinating colors/patters of course. Another way is to simply wear a tank or basic tee underneath the topper for a casual day around town. The other idea I have for these toppers is to wear a loose tunic with leggings and throw the topper on over the tunic, which can be dressy or casual while also being extremely comfortable. These toppers are so flattering because they draw attention away from the waistline, and lets be honest, we all have those days when you don’t want any attention to the waist. So what’d you say… try it out and see how you feel about a topper. 

Living on the… “Wedge”

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My oh my, it was love at first sight when I saw the most popular wedges for this upcoming fall. THE shoe for the season is a bootie wedge (pictured above). Whether it be opened toed or closed toed, either way, you really cannot go wrong. A casual way to wear these wedges is with crop length jeans and a comfortable top. Yet, you can dress to the nines by throwing on a fabulous dress and the booties. These wedges are very transitional and can be worn a multitude of ways. I cannot wait to see all the different ways you guys show off these gorgeous shoes! 

Curtain Lady

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Well, my friends, fall is right around the corner and in my opinion this is THE season to show your style. However, it is also the season to see curtain ladies. You all know what I am talking about… the ladies that throw on comfy pants with a long, loose top underneath the frilly cardigan and yada.. yada.. yada. Basically these women look like they got twisted up in their curtains before leaving the house, hints the name “curtain ladies”. While they may think this covers their bodies and makes them look thinner, it does just the opposite. All these fabrics piled on one another widens the ladies and isn’t appealing. This isn’t to downgrade the women who wants to dress like this but I am only trying to help. Instead of throwing on more loose layers, divide it up… loose pants with a more tailored top or skinny pants with a loose, comfy blouse. One of the newest ‘in things’ is to wear a tunic underneath a cropper (loose crop top).. this cuts off the waistline a bit just to create a flattering look.  It IS possible to be comfortable and cute.

91 and sunny

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I think it is safe to say we have reached summer weather and boy is it warm! As the summer has progressed the style for the season has shown its way through. I’m going to fill you in on the oh-so-hot jewelry this year: pearls. Pearls have been in style for a number of years but this year they have a little twist. Leather and pearl jewelry is the new “thing” and it is flying off the shelves everywhere. This jewelry is worn with everything from casual t-shirts at the park to a dress out to dinner. Don’t forget that this good looking jewelry is also worn with swimwear! All leather colors are popular so it’s up to you on what color and style works best with your wardrobe. Believe me, you can’t go wrong.

Layers Upon Layers

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Layering. Yes, I know it’s becoming warmer and you’re wondering why in the world anyone would want to put on more clothes than they have to. Trust me, you’ll be fine. I want to show you the proper way to layer clothing so you won’t look like you’re trying to fit in at Abu Dhabi when trying to be fashionable. So since it is still spring and you haven’t brought out all your summer clothes yet, let’s start with simple jeans and layered top. In the picture above, I have on a loose summer tank top underneath a light weight sweater. Notice I have the sleeves rolled a bit to make the outfit more cool. The trick to layering is always have the top layer brushing your hip. If you wear something long over something longer you will look two inches tall, and I would hate for that to happen. With the top layer coming about to the hip it adds height (and in my case, so do the wedges). Now when layering a dress or skirt, still keep the top layer length rule but add a “flowy” skirt or dress underneath. Yes, you can continue layering all summer because despite common belief you will NOT die of a heat stroke if you add a light layer. I think if you try this tip out, you will really enjoy the flattering look it creates. 

Ditching the Duds for Easter

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Aren’t these children precious? I absolutely think so and my heart is still in Nepal with these orphans. The little girl in the middle with the blue hat on is Mangali. She is very near and dear to my family’s hearts. My parents were unable to adopt her a few years ago, and as torn as we all were, we couldn’t just forget about her and her friends. We began work on a brand called Mangali Collection which provides these orphans with things all the way from running water to birthday parties. As the brand has just recently kicked off, we decided to be a part of Forget the Frock movement. Forget the Frock is simply what it says, on Easter we are wearing a t-shirt that supports a cause instead of spending money on traditional Easter attire. I am so excited to be sporting a Mangali Collection tee this Easter instead of going through the, “Ugh I have to find an Easter dress!”.  I cannot begin tell you how thankful we are that so many of you have participated in this with us. Also, we want to thank the sweet people behind Forget the Frock that had such a creative idea.

http://www.facebook.com/mangalicollection

http://www.mangali-collection.myshopify.com