standing on....

It's been a while! Not even for sure if anyone still reads, but that's OK- getting words out into the great wide open does the mind good! When decisions are made and reality settles in remorse is also soon to creep in. The last couple of weeks have been tough, a mind full of wondering can leave you confused. So how, how do we deal? We find what it is that we are standing on. If we/ I can find something that keeps us focused, driven, and ready then doubt has no place.

"I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, NOT abandon you, plans to give you the future you hoped for."
Jeremiah 29: 10-11 MSG

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 NIV


These scriptures are my block of choice to stand on.
If you understand the love God has for us then you can remind yourself:
Hey, Jessica, He knows where you are and where you need to go.
FAITH. TRUST. AND A LITTLE BIT OF PIXIE DUST

...it doesn't hurt to travel the path with some spec shoes!!!!

xo Jessica

Locally Local.

If you are around, and local to Hatteras Island the Slough asks that you join us this weekend for a special "local's ONLY" SALE!! We have been surrounded and supported by a huge local following, and its truly been amazing. Please stop by and pick you up something sweet!

 

xo Jessica

The brown horse.

It amazes me how we cross paths with some truly amazing people. Today in the shop the cutest girl came in and through small chit chat I learned some pretty stellar things. Her and her husband with a group of friends have started the brown horse garments. Its adorably simple t's with so much more in meaning. They do all there own screen printing and 100% , yeah!, go to organizations in need. It was so inspiring to watch the passion fire through her and what was driving deep within her to walk in love.

She, like me, felt the calling. She listened and obeyed.

"It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for"

   Ephesians 1:10 MSG

YES!

xo Jessica

Face the Music.

It is no secret and has been mentioned numerous times in the previous blog post that a change of wind was blowing, and now the time has come to spill the beans. After much (actually more than that) consideration and sleepless nights the hub and I have came to a major decision. We will be closing the Slough!! Our last day will be September 15,2013. I know, its been a tough little pill to swallow, but one that is becoming more bearable every day. The Slough has been a dream of mine since the age of 18 and it is priceless to know that it has been fulfilled. It could not of been more perfect to stumble upon this passage today, in that its truly how I feel:

Nothing in your life is going to make sense or be right until you've surrendered everything you are and have to Him. Then, and only then, will you be prepared to discover and live your God-given dreams.
Mac Hammond

 

 

I been racing back and forth wondering what was the next step, if this was my dream complete why was I still feeling so empty? So here is what I have decided. As mentioned above, I'm going to look at this shop for exactly what it has been. I have learned a lot about myself, I have grown more confident in the person I am striving to become, and I have fulfilled that dream. Questions are inevitable and answers are not always available. Please know that my love for fashion hasn't ceased in the slightest and my next step will contain some form of creativity this I am sure.

 

 

So what's next? I can honestly say I have no idea :) And I'm Ok with that. I mean the most obvious...I need a job, have any ideas?

 

 

I am very aware this may come as a shock to some and I have had an amazing following and strong clientele that I am over the top grateful for, but life is moving and when a door opens...you walk through it!

 

"What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open"

          Revelation 3:7 NIV

 

As the weeks progress I will continue to post things I love, and fashions for fall, and the must go SALE and all it entails!!

 

Sweet Tuesday

 

xo Jessica

 

 



College Fashionista Debut

Look! Its my sister and fellow Slough Gal. She certainly is salty sweet and her style is just the same. Her love for fashion isn't a complete obsession like her elder sis, but she embraces style in a such a way that I love to watch. Just recently she was featured on a fashion blog and boy let me tell you, I sure am proud!! Check it out here. We make a great team and my life would be incomplete with out her!!

xo Jessica

Studs & Stilettos

Studs and Stilettos are by far two of my favorite things. If I'm honest you must know in the summer months I prefer a barefoot, but when fall roles around and a slight chill, the stilettos are a MUST! Its amazing to see this shoe transform in so many ways. I remember as a small little girl playing dress up I thought the day would never come when these fabulous shoes would actually fit (even know I'm a full 6 1/2). The transformations are endless and change within mere seasons. This style however, is my favorite yet. Its a classic point but with such a modern flare. Colors, fabrics, and cuts are so individual, very fun..and I must say my shoe budget might need an increase.
In terms of studs, well, I've always rocked a more gaudy approach. This season and these styles I feel that might be changing. Studs are no longer the 6 week dread of freshly pierced ears. I love a simple statement and studs seem to do that little trick every time.

Where are you finding yourself? In studs and stilettos?

xo Jessica

Step. Breathe. Step

 

 

Well Salts it another Monday! Time to embrace change and start a fresh week. The summer is flying by and I can barely believe that fall is right at our toes. Its important to embrace the moment but also to know what lies in the future. Its always exciting to watch how life changes through seasons. The fall holds some really great things but for now, I'm going to enjoy my bikini, continue to eat watermelon and know that boots will soon be in :) I've got my eyes on these!

 

xo Jessica

K.I.S.S

K.I.S.S.
Keeping it Simply Stupid

As the years quickly pass by I believe a sense of maturity settles and you open your eyes to life and what it holds for you. As the shop matures, the kids continue to grow, and I see in a new light, the K.I.S.S plan becomes more of a goal then an acronym. Dress can be so much fun and salts love true gaud, but there is something to be said for a woman who dances in a neutral silhouette. It screams confidence and security. I challenge you to be comfortable in even the simplest outfit and know that beauty comes from within.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment,...Rather it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
1 Peter 3:1-8

xo Jessica

ahhhh!

Salts, it is officially the weekend!! This week has been packed with goodness but I am ready for a day of rest. The Slough has a fashion show on Thursday..yeah, its going to be a busy week :)

xo Jessica

Camera Caught

This Salt is a firm believer that pictures are worth 1,000 words (at least). I am a browser of many blogs and the true attraction speaks through photos. What are these people doing? What are their exact thoughts at the very moment the picture snapped? I love comparing and contrasting the life of others through photos. Are you drawn to a candid? Do you blog browse? I would love to know some of your favorites!!

 

 

 

1,2,3

 



Ps. Make sure to check the above blogging! I promise you will not be disappointed.

xo Jessica

Its the Dig.

Its definitely a must have for this salt! What? The Bar Necklace! Its so chic, a simply piece that speaks volumes. I've been on the look out for quite some time trying to find the perfect one for the shop. I haven't had much luck (yet) but after browsing this months Bazaar..I'm sure they will be hitting the market in no time. Our pinterest board has a few of our favorites, do you have a bar? Stay tuned, the Slough is sure to find a perfect match!!

xo Jessica

Incentives

Small business requires big plans, promotions and constant production of new ideas. After browsing around and brainstorming The Slough is going to start a $10 and Under table. Salts love to accessorize, and on the beach  it is the most convenient way to be savvy. Looking wasn't too hard as accessories are the most fun! Bows, lace and Bohemian pulled together the look board and goods have been ordered. What's coming? Y'all will just have to wait and see!
Aren't you excited? oh, and its the weekend. Happy Weekend!!

xo Jessica

active

I think its safe to say that this is about as close as I have gotten to active gear this salty summer. The shorts are all together so precious and an easy grab for a quick day of errands. Any ol tank will do but aren't these two great? Sneakers and shorts make me nausea if your not running but paired with these little kicks..nailed it!
Activity is so important and should be a must on all of our lists!
Remember what Paul said...
"So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep is under control,"
(1 CORINTHIANS 9:26-27 EVS)

I will encourage you as I do myself to keep pressing on, fighting, finding a healthy balance in mind, body and soul. Discipline can be a beautiful thing.

xo Jessica

Today..

Contrary to the rest of the population, this salt enjoys a good Monday! Think, we get a fresh start at least once a week. A chance to set new goals, new dreams, new attitudes-

 you fail...start again on Monday. 

 The flowers for tomorrows market are stunning. I love a natural neon, and as I was cleaning and cutting the freshies a few buds popped off,  LOOK! They are precious in a stemmed  mini glass. Style is effortless, trust your judgment and make that first move. The week is calling!! We would love to see you, stop by :)

 

xo Jessica

Warrior in a ...

OBSESSION. check them out here.
Certainly got my eye peeled for a pair of these, its madness!

xo Jessica

Your Inner Martha.

This salty girl use to LOVE a good DIY project. Honestly not anymore- convenience of already made is almost priceless. Anyway, its still fun to see what others do and how talented our fellow trenders can be. My mom is the mastermind behind these painted goodies, I absolutely love using them for merchandising purposes here at the Slough, but I also think they would look great styled on a catch all tray. What do yall think? Make sure to check out our pinterest board here.

Do you DIY?

xo
Jessica

Join us!

Every Tuesday Hatteras Island hosts a local farmers market. Its been an awesome addition to the Island and I am over the top thrilled to be a participant. Fresh Cuts are an amazing work of God's Creation that can literally be enjoyed by all. The Slough has some newbies in transit and excitingly enough, we are getting FLORAL trouser pants. Its a #majormoment, and paired with a basic tank makes it an effortless outfit for so many occasions. Do you do floral? How about a baggy trouser? Its all the rage! Come join us if your on the Island!!

xo Jessica

FREEDOM.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.^[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,^[b] Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:14-18 NIV


That is our ultimate freedom.


Be Free! I hate that the past couple of post have been pictures of me, but its me forcing myself- to be comfortable with myself, and I ask you to do the same :)

Salt made

A per usual salt isn't a gal who puts on her face for the beach, but quickly after, product needs to be applied. Today was the Slough's first run at the local farmers market spreading joy via flowers. The weather was remarkable and the sun was hot. Afterwards I had no choice but to take a quick dip in the sea. I had about 20 min on my hands before I was due back at the shop, so what to do? I packed a quick bag and jumped in head first. What did I pack? A maxi, a cami, strappy sandals and a makeup bag.

Here are a few of a salty girls must haves
1. Laura Mericer, its number one on the list for a reason
2. Bobbi Brown Brick, I'm on my second and so obsessed
3. Nars, a cheeky color in coral gives the sun a little added attention
4. Urban hit it just right with this pallet, day or nite its a sure thing
5. Slap of coral shine for the lips (Mac offers the best consistency)
6. Maybeline for a strong lash

And there you have it! Whats in your makeup bag for post beach?

Ps Salt cures

xo Jessica

The Minds of Women.

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward apperance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7

What is your heart saying?
Happy Weekend!

xo Jessica