Soft Spoken

“I am drawn to warm and peaceful things.”

How would you describe your style?

Classy

Who in your life has inspired you most?

My children

What is your secret indulgence?

Cheese nachos

Where is your favorite place to travel?

Hawaii

What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Wear sun screen at all times when outdoors.

What one clothing item is worth splurging for?

Shoes

What is one fashion rule you always abide by?

The fashion rule I always abide by is..it has to be flattering to my figure.

What is one fashion rule that was made to be broken?

What looks good on one person may not work for another.

Do you have a signature scent?

Coco Madimoselle by Chanel

How do you unwind?

Reading my favorite book

What are you most proud of?

My children & grandchildren

How would you describe the decor of your house?

Part shabby chic and part classic

What’s your passion project or hobby?

I love to decorate

How has your style evolved over the years?

I am drawn to warm and peaceful things.

What’s your beauty routine?

My hair and make up have to be perfect

Do you have a signature accessory?

Earrings

Who influenced your personal style?

No-one in particular. I do what I want.

Quote to live by?

Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.

What is your favorite Soft Surroundings product?

Lace Tunic & Cami

Trulie A. of Wellington, Colorado!  Trulie has won a five-day, four-night all-inclusive trip to Hawaii for her and a friend, where they will relax comfortably at a 4-star hotel, compliments of Diana B. Trulie’s winning entry was in March 2012 when she purchased Diana B.’s 60-Second Instant Miracle Tan.  We are very excited for Trulie and wish her a FABULOUS vacation in Hawaii!

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s “Escape to Paradise” Hawaiin Sweepstakes!

To all the special “Moms” in our lives . . . .

“Look your best no matter where you’re going.”

How would you describe your style?

Sensual, things that make me feel good about myself.

Who in your life has inspired you most?

My grandmother, she was very classy.

What is your secret indulgence?

No secret, dessert. Always something lite, fluffy, with fruit.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

A wonderful Island, with turquoise water and cool drinks, and lots of dancing and meeting people.

What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Always moisturize.

What one clothing item is worth splurging for?

A wonderful dress.

What is one fashion rule you always abide by?

Look your best no matter where you’re going. Always take a few extra minutes to put lipstick on and run a brush thru your hair.

What is one fashion rule that was made to be broken?

Color, I think we can wear whatever colors we want if they make us feel special.

Do you have a signature scent?

Tresor

How do you unwind?

Walk, or see a movie!

What are you most proud of?

My sons

How would you describe the decor of your house?

Bright and airy

What’s your passion project or hobby?

Art

How has your style evolved over the years?

From very casual, to work proper, to feeling good about what I choose to wear, not what I have to wear.

What’s your beauty routine?

Cleanse, cream, moisturize, make up, and do hair.

Do you have a signature accessory?

Purses and shoes.

Who influenced your personal style?

Marilyn Monroe

Quote to live by?

Care about your family and friends forever!

What is your favorite Soft Surroundings product?

Caramel Color Duster

Editor’s Note: The picture above right is of our Davos Duster, now available on our Outlet site in both gray and black, while supplies last.

Dear Mom… over the years she’s been a nurturer, listener, advisor and best friend. From luxurious loungewear to amazing fragrances to gorgeous pieces for the home, indulge your mother with a gift as extraordinary as she is. We’ve culled a wonderful selection of one-of-a-kind presents that are sure to make her feel like Queen for a Day:

Scentsational gifts. Give her the gift of a signature scent with our Enchante, Il Segreto or Aya Blu perfume sets. Great for giving, these unique fragrances are created exclusively for us by a world-renowned perfumer. Set includes an engraved crystal bottle with wand applicator, an empty roller ball bottle, a 1 fl. oz. bottle of perfume oil and a miniature funnel for easy transfer into the crystal or roller ball bottle.

Make it personal. Bring some romance into her world with The Romance Novel Kit, in which she is the star. Once the kit arrives, all she has to do is register and fill in the online order form to provide dozens of personal details. In a few days, she’ll get her perfectly bound novel—and it’ll be all about her! 

A luxurious treat for her tresses. Give her the gift of gorgeous, younger-looking hair with Alterna’s 4-Piece Caviar Experience Kit. Each product is infused with a combination of Caviar Extract, Vitamin C and Cytokines to give hair a vibrant shine and youthful elasticity.   

Lounge act. Inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, our fabulous Shanghai Robe will make her feel like a star, with its flowy kimono silhouette and stunning floral print.

Take a (virtual) trip.  Our Tasting the Wine Country set includes a beautiful book with more than 100 recipes from acclaimed wine country inns and resorts, all adapted for the home chef. Chock full of fabulous photographs, menus and tips for hosting your own wine-tasting party, it also includes a 53-minute CD to set the perfect mood.

Luxury towels. Give mom the gift of out-of-this-world luxury with our exquisite Bamboo & Egyptian Cotton Towels. Deliciously soft and absorbent, and offered in a palette of gorgeous colors, they can even be personalized with her monogram.

I love everything I have ever bought from Soft Surroundings. That is why I keep buying from you. The latest I bought was the white blouse and it fits perfectly. I have not worn the jackets yet . . . but tried it on . . . and of course it fits nicely also.

This encouraged me to buy two more blouses from you. I am anxiously waiting their arrival. I know from previous experience that I will be delighted when they arrive and they too will fit just right.

Thank you for a wonderful way of shopping without me leaving my home, for I am 75 years old and still enjoy looking good in wonderful clothing.

Ruth

If you would like to submit your own Soft Story for publication on our blog, you can do so here: http://softspoken.softsurroundings.com/stories/.

One thing we LOVE at Soft Surroundings is making different unique “looks” from one item. One of our versatile favorites is the Necklace Shirtdress. By changing up a handful of items, you can take this look from a light and airy “Casual Chic” to clean and polished “Posh Perfection.” Take a look at the ensembles below to see how these pieces work together beautifully. Click on each image to see the pieces that make up that outfit.

Our Sun Safe Sweepstakes begins today! May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, so we are giving away two ‘must-have’ products that will keep your skin safe from the sun and looking beautiful.  The prizes are Jane Iredale’s Powder-Me SPF, a portable power sunscreen, and Tantasia, a lightweight, citrus-scented self-tanner. Enter today for a chance to win these two fabulous products, a total retail value of $81.50!  Enter now by clicking here. For each friend that you invite who enters to win, you get 3 extra entries!

Sweepstakes entry period ends May 31, 2012. The winner will be announced the first week of June. Good luck!

(Please note: This contest is run through Facebook. If you do not have a Facebook account, you can still enter to win here: http://bit.ly/JeNCSL .)

Read the Sweepstakes Official Rules.

“My travels are reflected in my style, as I always find interesting and fun pieces to bring home with me.”

How would you describe your style?

Funky Classic

Who in your life has inspired you most?

My sweet husband.

What is your secret indulgence?

An afternoon nap.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

Alaska

What one clothing item is worth splurging for?

A great jacket.

What is one fashion rule you always abide by?

I don’t purchase anything that doesn’t reflect me. I know I just won’t wear it, if it isn’t “me.”

What is one fashion rule that was made to be broken?

No white jeans after Labor Day. That just doesn’t work in the South.

Do you have a signature scent?

Yes. Calvin Klein Euphoria.

How do you unwind?

On a warm day, I love to sit in the backyard by the pool. In the winter you will find me in front of the fire.

What are you most proud of?

My husband was a police officer killed in the line of duty in 2010. We have worked on several projects to honor him and to give back to our First Responder Family. We are working to make good come from this.

How would you describe the decor of your house?

Eclectic/Comfy

What’s your passion project or hobby?

I love travel and working in the yard.

How has your style evolved over the years?

My travels are reflected in my style, as I always find interesting and fun pieces to bring home with me.

Do you have a signature accessory?

Bangles and beads.

Who influenced your personal style?

Me. I wear what I like, and I like what I wear.

Quote to live by?

“When a defining moment comes along, you can do one of two things. Define the moment, or let the moment define you.” John Norville and Ron Shelton from Tin Cup

What is your favorite Soft Surroundings product?

Victoria Shirt

Think about this: According to the American Cancer Society, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. That’s approximately 227,000 new cases a year. With that in mind, breast cancer awareness shouldn’t just take place in the month of October; it’s a topic that should be on our minds year-round. In addition to monthly self-exams, here are a few non-traditional ideas and suggestions about how to support the cause and raise breast cancer awareness 365 days a year.

Buy breast cancer awareness stamps.  Help fund research to find a cure for breast cancer by using Breast Cancer Awareness stamps. They cost 11 cents more per stamp than regular first class mail stamps, and the difference in price goes towards finding a cure. Since its inception in 1998, these stamps have raised more than $73.5 million for breast cancer research.

Collect your change.  Save all your pocket change for a month and make a donation to your favorite breast cancer charity.

Add a tagline. Adding tagline to your email signature about breast cancer awareness is a simple and effective way to keep the topic alive on an everyday basis. You can also purchase address labels and note cards with the official breast cancer pink ribbon symbol.

Hats off. While you’re in the midst of your spring cleaning, collect any hats you won’t be wearing and donate them to a local cancer treatment center for women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.

Take a walk. Join the Susan G. Komen™ 3-Day Walk to find a cure. Walks are held all around the country, and 100% of the net proceeds fund global breast cancer research as well as local community programs, including screening, education and treatment. To learn more, visit www.the3day.org. If you want to do something more local, visit a cancer treatment center in your area and volunteer to take patients for a walk.

Be a friend. Getting a mammogram is stressful! Offer to provide moral support and go with a friend who’s nervous about going to her mammogram appointment.

Give a ride. Every day, thousands of cancer patients need a ride to treatment, but some may not have a way to get there. Road to Recovery is a program set up by the American Cancer Society to provide transportation to cancer patients. If you want to volunteer to drive, contact the American Cancer Society at 800.227.2345.

Stay in. Instead of getting together with your girlfriends at a restaurant, stay in with the girls and donate the money that you would have spent going out to your favorite breast cancer charity.

Bring treats. Call your local cancer treatment center and arrange to bring goodies (i.e., popsicles, tea, fruit, etc) to patients.