How to live ❤‍🔥

“The complete anti-God state of mind.” That’s what C.S. Lewis (author of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) call the capital vice of pride. Yikes.

Why is it so bad? First, pride should not be confused with self-respect or ‘feeling proud.’ Self-respect is being inflexible with your own dignity — you won’t violate your conscience. Feeling proud is an emotion related to achievement. Pride is different — it is “the queen of all vices” because it is a frame of mind whereby you esteem yourself so much that you won’t submit rightly to God or your superiors.

The remedy for pride is humility: Actively seek to serve others. Place yourself mentally below the people in your life. Accept humbling circumstances with grace. Maybe try this — but warning, it’s dangerous.

In today’s email:

• “Hyperfeminine” style trend: Think pink.

• Tween/teen Suits: arm yourself with good choices.

• Pet Gear: We surveyed friends and scoured the internet for the best.

• Body Integrity: Help with having a tough conversation with our children.

• Interview: with Wonder Woman Meghan Ashley … minus the spandex

BEAUTY: Here’s a Gen Z fashion trend we can get behind — the “hyperfeminine” aesthetic. 🌸 It’s an “unapologetic explosion of bows, blush, and all things girly.” It’s a mindset — we don’t need to imitate men. Instead, we can be soft, feminine, and romantic. So how do we incorporate the trend? Think pink and then some — big bows, lots of pastels and cream, a pearly pendant necklace, girly earrings, and a floral fairytale dress.

TEEN SWIMSUITS: Moms of teen and tweens girls unite! Swim season is upon us. And you know what that means — cue the modesty talks and arguments.

I can’t stress this enough — be on the same team. Remember, you want your daughters to feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident in their swimsuits. So, let’s make it fun, splurge a bit, and give them good choices— and a lot of them. Get spotty, not cheeky. Floral, classy, high-neck — this one checks all the boxes. Rust is the new blush — perfect for sun protection paired with these high-waisted swim shorts. This suit is stunning and comes in smaller sizes for those late bloomers. BRB, going to buy this kind of confidence for my daughter.🏃 

PET RECS: Not a dog (or cat) mom here — a human mom of 6 instead. 👶 But, we reached out to certified dog and cat owners for the following recs. Casper makes the internet’s favorite dog bed (memory foam?!), but our friends liked this option also. For crate training — this option is great. Not all leashes are created equal — here’s the best for dogs and it’s great for hikes. If you plan on walking your cat, make it escape proof 😂.

I don’t know about you, but all work and no play makes a dull dog. Bring in: toys & treats! Out of 30 reviewed, this dog ball was the best and there are multiple sizes. For treats - try these 96% meat chewies.

BODY PROTECTION: It’s not easy to think about. And it’s even harder to talk about — especially with kids. Body integrity.

Here’s the bottom line — we can‘t be everywhere at once. Our children have to be equipped to do what they can for themselves. Here’s our reading plan — take the ones that will be best for your children.

Children have rights to their own body. This book provides practical, age-appropriate advice about integrity, saying no, and what it means to feel uncomfortable. “I Said No! A Kid to Kid Guide” is written from a kid’s point of view and may be better for young toddlers. And “God Made All of Me” helps initiate conversations about the beauty and protection of our bodies and no shame.

Finally - teach them to work with God through fear and change with this bestseller. (Where’s the adult version of this? I need it).

• Your waffle maker might kill you — check your cupboard today. 😵

• The softest bra and undies set.

• We’re here to get you ready for summer 😎: try an internet-favorite callous remover and smoothly shave your bikini area (basically, moisturize and shaving cream). Duh.

• Some good news: egg prices are finally sunny side up. 🍳

“Men need good, holy friendships. Friendship is built through effort, vulnerability, and time. Some inconvenience has to be accepted. An hour in traffic to meet a friend for good company. Picking up a friend at the airport rather than them getting an Uber. Assisting with a home renovation project or yard work. Offering to watch their children so they can get a date with their wife.” - Mr6am

Speaking of friends, I just got a new one. I only wish we didn’t live across the country from each other! Meet Meghan, of Meghan Ashley Styling. 💗 

After studying theology at Fransiscan University, Meghan began a career in fashion. Afterwards, she worked in Cali as a personal stylist and became the Head Stylist of Allume. Meghan and her husband then moved to France, where she began Meghan Ashley Styling and focused solely on styling Catholic women. Now, she and her husband are living life between Arizona and Provence, France. Recently Meghan founded Coolotte, an online boutique for Meghan's favorite accessories and hand-crafted resort wear. When she’s not styling women, she’s either cooking, hiking or discovering a beautiful church in Europe.

Tell us first about your new online shop- the Coolotte Collection. (And how did you come up with the name?)

The Coolotte Collection came to be when I wanted something with a bit more coverage, less spandex, and more style for the pool. In the winter, I love going from the hot tub to a few laps in the pool - and getting in and out of the water with the spandex and the swimsuit line, just wasn't working for me. When I dried off in the cabana, I couldn't even sit crossed-legged to enjoy some chips and salsa - the horror!! After watching way too many Fashion Design competitions on my flight home from Rome this February, the image and design popped into my head. So, I resurrected my sewing machine, sewed it up, and wore it nonstop in the pool. I knew I wanted to sell these after how much they worked for me (and seeing almost no options in this space to buy), and I supplemented the store with two of my favorite things ever that add so much to a simple outfit- sunnies and neck scarves!

Now the name. Coolotte is a play on the French word "culotte", which is a divided skirt (and my fave option from my Catholic school uniform when I was little!). The Coolotte short has a blousey design around the thigh (so super flattering), like the French culotte and it's also a nod to my husband's and mine time in the South of France.

People can learn more at my website, Meghanashleystyling.com and click on the Coolotte tab.

I love that you have curated a versatile sunnies collection. Any special tips with how to choose a shape that compliments your face shape?

Oh my gosh, sunnies are my FAVORITE. If you have a rounder face, look for something more oversized to balance out the cheeks. If you have a more linear face, I'd go with something that has rounder edges to soften your face shape. Also, take into consideration the features of your face. If they're smaller and understated, you can definitely work a more signature, larger, or unique frame. If you have high cheek bones and full lips, go with something more classic and subtle so as not to overpower and compete with your features. It's all about balance!

But overall, make sure your sunnies are high quality, which doesn't mean they have to be $300! As someone who has a collection of designer sunglasses, I can 1000% say the sunnies on my site rival in quality!

Let's get down to it: we are all here for your new swimwear collection. What inspired you to start a swimwear line?!  

About 11 years ago, I started a men's vintage swim line, so the concept wasn't actually too foreign to me! I really designed this swim short for myself, because I just wasn't seeing anything on the market. When I showed my friends what I've been wearing to the pool, they got super excited! They had that "AHA! YES!" response. Being a personal stylist, I have shopped ends up ends for something like this. The typical swim shorts felt way too androgynous, the swim skirts turn you into lilly pads when you step into the water, and I've been just SO over the spandex options - it makes me feel like I'm putting on a Wonder Woman costume! There's a lot of spandex in the world and I think we can do with a little less of it. The cotton Coolotte actually dries quicker than a traditional spandex suit!

Tell us more about the short set- I understand you sew them yourself! Do you plan on changing the prints as you go, and how did you choose each print?

I'm obsessed with matching sets! I find them perfect for travel and can easily transition from day to eve. Once I made the Coolotte short in the pink jaguar print, it was just oozing out of my mind that it was begging for a matching top! It's playful, fun and polished. It also took the Coolotte from JUST being poolwear to more resort wear. Now, I could walk around the boardwalk and still go in the water, I could wear them to a barbecue and still be ready for the pool and it's even something I have run errands in! I'm all about having a small wardrobe with versatile pieces - so it just made so much sense.

The set is made-to-order, which is great because after you put your order in, I follow up with an email so that I can get more details on your sizing and body type to get the fit JUST perfect. I'm adding new prints and colors. I've even worked with one customer to help her find her own unique fabric. If you're long torsoed, have larger thighs, or more on the petite side, I can make adjustments to your matching set so that when you receive it ...you're totally happy!

Other than "just start!", what advice would you give a young entrepreneur thinking about starting a new business or creative pursuit?

Firstly, you have to be obsessed with the product or service you are selling. EVEN if I hadn't sold one Coolotte on my website, there's no way I would stop wearing them. Secondly, make a plan - a detailed plan! (this is where my super smart husband enters the conversation!) Setting your goals and having a timeline will keep you on track.

Where can we purchase your sets and follow you for inspiration?

You can purchase a set on the shop portion of my Personal Styling website: www.meghanashleystyling.com (Just click on the "Coolotte" tab at the top!) I'm also on IG: @meghanashleystyling and @coolotte.

Thank you, Meghan, for giving us a glimpse into your creative process, a product from your heart, and tips on sunglasses that fit. We can’t wait to see more women in your innovative, beautiful coolottes. I know I can’t wait to wear this matching set.

Let’s keep supporting small businesses! (Though Meghan does take it to the next level!) 💯

Love you girls, see you Wednesday,