What defines you?

Today as I was leafing through my mail and so many news articles, I came across so many things that all had one underlying message. At first I couldn't figure it out. But then, as I kept going, it spoke to me. My question to everyone today is 'what defines you?'   A 'efinition' is an explanation that is making who you are perfectly clear. It is the act of being clearly outlined.  What in your life explains who you are?

<sup>There are so many people out there that think that the lighter their skin color, the more doors will be open to them. Many years ago in Asia, the lighter your skin color, the more affluent your family was thought to be. Because the lighter skinned people were inside enjoying sitting on a tufted pillow, while the farm workers were baking in the hot sun. Many people all over the world try to bleach there skin. Many celebrities do it. Why? Is their skin color what defines them?

Then we have cosmetic surgery. Women and men trying to be younger, more virile, and it turns into plastic and artificial. Millions of dollars are poured into cosmetic surgery altering ones appearance. And then there is weightloss. I cannot express enough how sick I am about hearing this can make you lose weight...call here for your enrollment in a fitness club near you.  Is your young face, big boobs, tummy tuck and liposuction and the number on the scale a definition of who you are??

Today I came across a video on facebook of Lizzie Velasquez. Lizzie has a strange illness that they don't even have a title for. Someone had put her on youtube and labled her the ugliest person in the world. The hate that spewed from this video could have brought her to her knees. But instead...she turned into a motivational speaker. And here at 25 years old, goes out to speaking engagements and is handing in the copy of her third book. She has graduated college and is looking forward to moving on with her life and to someday start a family.  This video that I have attached to this blog is one of the best videos that can be shown to a young child especially a girl. What really defines us? Is it the way we look? Or can it be what we do and accomplish as a person?</sup> http://shockable.com/called-worlds-ugliest-girl-response-unbelievably-beautiful-literally-cried/

Lizzie has taught me that when I am having a bad day, I still have to fight. I have to fight on a daily basis to ignore the negativity that overtakes me. She taught me that I may be deaf in one ear, but I still have the other. She taught me that I may have made mistakes in my life, but I still have a good heart. She taught me that it's ok to be different. WE HAVE THE POWER...to steer our life in whatever direction we want our life to go. WE HAVE THE POWER to say what defines us as humans. DO NOT give that power to anyone else. Especially the people that are full of hate and discrimination. We should take a lesson from Lizzie and BE PROUD. STAND FIRM. USE the hateful things people say as a ladder to climb to your destination. Don't let anyone stop you, don't let anyone define you..don't let anyone bring you to a place where you want to end your life. 

What will people remember after we are gone? Is it the large boobs that you have? The light skin that you have? the beautiful body you have? Or is it what you have done for someone? What you have accomplished for yourself and for your community? What will define you long after you are gone?

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

BE HAPPY

Today is January 7th of our new year. Today as I watched the news this morning, I found out that the FCC is investigating which diet fads work and which ones don't. I hate this time of year for one specific reason. People run to the gym, they run to the grocery to buy these diet pills, programs or whatever. Only to fail a month later.   I think it's great when people set their minds to getting healthier. I encourage people who try to eat better. I for one make a vow every morning...sometimes I win that day and sometimes I lose but the fact is I always try and I consciously make the choice. 

The important thing is that we should be happy with who we are, what we are, before we do anything else. We should work on enhancing our beauty instead of declaring ourselves 'not good enough'.  I get up every morning and ask myself what I am going to wear. Because my legs are thick I can't just put on any old thing. I have to camoflage, I have to create illusion. But that's the fun!  I have a 36 inch bust, a 26 inch waist and a 41 inch hip measurement!!!!   HOLY DISPROPORTIONS BATMAN! I don't know exactly how everything sunk, but I'm going to embrace it. This is me! I love me!

 I recite this poem to myself every day...thanks, Maya Angelou! 

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

Many people think that I have some secret that I carry. Why are you so happy? Why are you so confident? well, believe me, this did not happen overnight. But in time I have put all of my priorities in order. I have realized a few things and lived through some very horrendous things. My life is far from perfect. But it's the appreciation of what I do have that puts everything in order. 

Maintaining positivity is the number one key ingrediant to be happy.Optimism is a choice every day. The second thing to being happy is...treat your body well. Number three...be compassionate. Number four, smile often! number five....forgive wrongdoings of yourself and others. Number six...Love at every opportunity. 

  And so, with that being said...on this 7th day of January 2014...let your resolution be simple. Even if you are 250 pounds or more, even if you have some health issues, even if your car didn't start this cold morning and your children are giving you issues. Try to maintain the positive within yourself and try...please try ...to BE HAPPY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

www.rcmooreunique.com

Rose Ellen A. Moore

Roses and Raspberries for 2014

This morning as I was getting ready for work, I had on Good Morning America, as I usually do, and lo and behold another 'fat shaming' idiot who shall remained nameless because he doesn't deserve the publicity, said a 'JOKE' about Alyssa Milano because of her post baby body.  What makes a man so insensitive? Is it because he is a male and doesn't understand what a body goes through to produce another living being or is he striving so hard to make people laugh that he screwed up? I don't know...you be the judge. But as for me...I give him RASPBERRIES!http://wonderwall.msn.com/tv/jay-mohr-says-alyssa-milano-weight-jab-was-a-joke-shes-stunning-1790031.story?ocid=answw11

On another happy note, Pro Infirmis is an organization in Germany that helps raise awareness and empathy for people with disabilities. Thanks to my daughter Sophia Johns, who posted this on her facebook, I was quickly educated and almost brought to tears this morning. Being in the fashion world, it is sometimes hard to keep my mouth shut about people who have no sensitivity, (see paragraph above) and so with this video, I am giving ROSES to Pro Infirmis and to my daughter Sophia,  and I urge all of you to look at the rest of their videos on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8umFV69fNg

Now, I live in Bethlehem Pennsylvania and my business is in Allentown Pennsylvania. Is it cold here? well...does a bear **** in the woods? Today I woke up to 3 degree temperature. I was grateful that it wasn't -13 degrees like it is in Boston. The reality is this...when you live in the north, this is what we get. It comes every year, it goes every year. Try to be KIND to each other. HELP each other. Find the heart that each one of us has, and use it. Quit bitching about the guy going to slow in front of you, or about the guy that took your parking place. Try to be positive. It's hard...but life is easier with a smile. So....ROSES go to my friends, Mary and Tony Calcagni that allowed us the use of their snow blower to dig out our shop. Many of my customers will appreciate it and it made my husband so happy. A small act of kindness helps so many people.

To the hospital who wanted to pull little Jahi McMath's life support..words cannot express.....how can an institution that is supposed to help people be so cruel. Any amount of life, no matter how wretched, is still LIFE! I know I would never give up on my little girl, no matter how many fancy pants doctors told me it was hopeless. Sometimes hope is all you have in this world. RASPBERRIES....definately...for Children's Hospital Oakland.

RASPBERRIES to the New York Fashion Weeks Men's Trends for 2014 http://www.womensforum.com/new-york-fashion-week-2014-mens-trends.html
If my husband wore a white suit, he would be an automatic magnate for dirt. he can't do that. I would spend all day walking around him like a giant forcefield. Then they say, 'oh linen would be best'...are you kidding?> linen makes you look like an unmade bed by the end of day. so...only wear a white suit, if you STAND in a CORNER and don't EAT, SMOKE, TALK or get NEAR ANYONE!  rolled up pants? only on a boat. whoever wrote this....RASPBERRIES!

spring and summer 2014 for women ROSES! lots of ROSES! I can't wait. I'm in the middle of making my spring line of hats for the derby and this definately inspired me! check it out! http://www.swide.com/style-fashion/womens-trends/women-trends-spring-summer-2014-from-milan-london-paris-new-york-fashion-weeks/2013/10/04

and now...I send all of you ROSES! Roses for helping your neighbor. For checking on the elderly...for smiling at someone you don't know. When you feel the anger come up? push it down and treat yourself well for doing that. Roses for all.......until next time! ciao!!!!!

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

my friends

Good friends are hard to find. Many don't even know what they are. My definition of a good friend is as follows:

A good friend allows you to be yourself with no judgments
A good friend tells you the truth
A good friend can forgive you and you forgive them
A good friend never hurts you intentionally
A good friend is always there for you no matter what
A good friend understands
A good friend wants the best for you
A good friend never keeps score about who does what for who
A good friend can pick up where you left off no matter how long it has been since you've been together
A good friend picks you up when you are down

I have been blessed. For years I did not have any good friends. I had people that passed through my life that used me and hurt me. Even family members. But now, I have found a truly unique and beautiful pod of friends. They have watched us build our business with anger, tears and determination. They have seen Clayton and I at our best and at our worst and yet they still supported and loved us through it all. They have given us advice, listened to our rantings and ravings and laughed with us. We love them and we thank them for being in our lives and we hope that we have many more beautiful times together!

Here's to a great 2014!!!!

Mona Toliver, my friend since I was 19

Mary and Tony

Adrian and Monica

Nadyne and Steve..(need a pic of Steve)

Joanie Caruso 

Meg!

MaryAnn

Catherine~

Gilbert family

Sharmaine

Lori and Dave (need a pic of Dave!)

Lisa!

Talina!

Tamantha!!

Etta!!

Val and Gary!

Jerry !!

 Carolyn!

Taryn!

Olivia and Tom (need pic of Tom)!!

thank you from Clayton and Rose Ellen Moore

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

OWN IT!

Ladies,
as we approach 2014 I am seeing the 'best' and 'worst' dressed in 2013 lists popping up all over the place. Some of these looks are actually very nice. I don't know who are the judges of these things. I can say this...not everyone's taste is the same and......these people should be commended for taking a chance and wearing something that THEY like and they don't care what other people think.

lets go to photo number one:

this is Madonna in fishnet and heels.

I'm sorry, but If I had a body like hers I would rock this all over the place. She is in her 50's people and she looks great! she is an artist and she is owning her look. Owning it is feeling confident and liking it. You rock, Madonna!

Look number 2:

Solange Knowles rocking shorts and silk shirt. 

This is unflattering but she could have pulled it off with bigger hair and a more confident attitude. She is a beautiful girl, why not show off that figure?  A different pose would have been nice. 

photo number 3:

Lady Gaga....she is a true artist. Lady Gaga always wants to shock, wow and make a statement. Why not? Would I wear this? No...but Gaga? she can wear anything and I would still love her. why? Because she is right out there owning it, loving it, and showing people how pop art can be fun. 

photo 4:

This is one of the Olson twins, She is always wearing vintage and of course vintage is my forte. Everything she has on is terrific. The one faux pax is that she is standing there like a wet cat. Pose, Vogue...come on, work it girl!!!! She looks like she is unhappy wearing it. I hope next time she strikes a pose. 

photo 5:

Rhianna is wearing 2 pairs of pants~!  yes she is...but she is loving it, looking fly I have to say. Worst dressed? nah! Unique...YES! work it, girl!

photo 6:

Kerry Washington looks like she is off to find the yellow brick road...but she is stepping out of her box. and who knows...maybe this will be a new retro look for 2014. She is beautiful and that cannot be taken away!

Photo 7:

Lena Dunham is sporting a field of poppies...

She is posing and apparantly loves her dress...good for her!

Photo 8:

Ahhhh Niki Minaj! I love her...what fun! she looks great, what's the problem.  Work it , girl!

Photo 9:

No list could be complete without a Kardashian in it. But I like this outfit...she has curves~! And she likes her curves. Loving yourself is the key! work it, Kim! 

Photo 10:

Miley!!!!  I have no idea why this was on the worst dressed list...she has a young body...she is making a statement, "please stop violence" and she is owning it. I say....Leave her alone! she looks great!  

My point for the day is...be yourself. Own your outfit....be proud, confident and beautiful. don't worry about being on someone's best dressed or worst dressed list.....enjoy your life and enjoy being YOU! 

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

The Difference Between Vintage and Thrift Stores

Good morning! Welcome to my brief tutorial about Vintage versus Thrift shops. I know that since we took over this consignment store in December of 2012, we have received many questions pertaining to the cost of our items, where we get them, how our policy works, etc. In this blog, I have decided to give a brief Q&A session on what makes us tick.

Consignment shops are stores that hand pick items that individuals bring in and then they price them accordingly. As they sell, the amount is split between the consignor and consignee. It's usually 50/50 split unless repairs or cleaning has to be done.  RCMoore Unique/The Good Buy Girls consign only furs and couture items that are very expensive. 

Vintage items are from specific periods of time. Usually they are rare and unusual. Prices range from 10.00 to $500 or even more. RCMoore Unique/The Good Buy Girls search all over the world for items that are unique rare and funky. We are priced according to market demands and we are well known in the theater groups for being the 'go-to' place for costuming. We also make our own costumes if a group needs something. 

Thrift is usually lower priced items that you can find anywhere. Thrift stores usually sell things that are donated. The proceeds usually go to a charity. RCMoore Unique/The Good Buy Girls is NOT a thrift store. We do not sell donated items. We have paid for the items we sell and also, we cater to the UNIQUE. 

We also sell NEW items that are unusual. We have a wide variety of clientele. We support women owned businesses which is where we get some of the crazy jewelry we provide. I hand pick every single item that comes in this shop. It's here because I like it, it's unusual and funky. Sometimes we repurpose it to make it even more unique. Don't be afraid to stop in and try us.  I promise you will like it here, and you may not ever want to leave!

See you soon!

Rose Ellen Moore
www.rcmooreunique.com

So what exactly is beautiful? Is it a woman or man with a perfect form? Is it the smile of child? Is it a garden full of flowers or a perfect sunset? I learned long ago from my grandmother that beauty is class. By class I mean respect for oneself. Respect for others. A beautiful heart and a smile for everyone. So, with that being said, I am starting a blog for the women who feel less than beautiful for whatever reason. For the woman who is badgered on a daily basis from her husband, boyfriend or family members and feels worthless. For the woman who has cancer and learns that she must lose whatever part of her body due to this illness. For the woman who feels she has failed as a parent because her children did not make the wisest choices and now have to pay the consequences of their choices. For the woman who feels rejected by society because she is too many sizes bigger than the 'normal' woman.  For the woman who feels as Pink says, "Less than perfect".  I am here to give women hope, confidence, and to make them feel beautiful at any age and at any size. No matter what is going on in their lives, I GET IT! I've been there and I've cried the buckets of tears, punished my body and mind and now at 51 I am here to say, approval from anyone is not important .  Approval from your Creator and from your inner self is all that's needed. Like a dinner at a beautiful restaurant, presentation is key. Imagine yourself as a beautiful decadent desert...chocolate, with whipped cream, complete with a cherry on top. Sitting on a plate of confidence and served with a dose of positivity and love. 
     Lets start with the desert itself. A woman needs to present herself at her best every day. That's hard, but start with a litany of gratitude every morning to put your mind in the right perspective. Choose an outfit that reflects the inner you. Don't choose something to HIDE rather choose something to ENHANCE. Then, make up, jewelry, hair....(I can hear some of you...I DON"T WEAR MAKE UP>>>I DON"T LIKE TO DO MY HAIR) ok ok!  lets try a hat...lets try a wig...how about a beautiful head wrap....we have options. No make up? ok..how about just some moisturizer and a complexion cream that will even out your skin tone. that's it!   wearing a dress? Don't forget your hose!!! and if you say it's too hot? well....make sure your skirt is to the knee or below. Nothing screams ' no class low class '  than a woman with a short short dress and no stockings~ Proper undergarments are important as well. Make sure your bra actually performs a function which is LIFTING UP! If your 'sisters' are not in the right place..get a new bra! got a tummy? I do too. Try some spanx or some support hose to get everything smooth and tucked in. Ok..we are all together. Desert is complete. Now for our plate. Whatever you have on....LOVE IT! OWN IT! Walk with a purpose, head up, back straight ....there you go! Do you have to walk passed a group of men on the sidewalk to get to your job? are they harassing you? Just keep in your head...they are not the fashion police. If a man does not tip his hat, or his head, or give you a kind word or a simple hello, he is not worth a look or a gesture. They simply do not exist. It only takes a minute to walk passed, you blessed them with your presence, now they are gone. Simple. 
        If women at work are talking about you? great! that means you are doing something right. Because usually other women who have low self esteem HATE women who have confidence. What to do? Nothing. You keep doing YOUR do...and leave them in DOO DOO! They aren't worth the nit picking and aggravation. Don't let them take what you have away. Now serve up your delicious desert to everyone who would like to have some. Serve with a smile and there you go....beauty...class.....strong woman. And remember, there is a special place in hell for a woman who does not lift up her sister. Remember that as you enjoy being the beautiful desert that is called YOU!

Rose Ellen Moore
www.rcmooreunique.com

What and who is the perfect woman?.......ME!

This morning as usual I came to work and scrolled down the never-ending streams of news on my facebook newsfeed. I came across one that was alarming and well-written. The link is below:
http://www.dailyhiit.com/hiit-blog/hiit-life/fashion-lifestyle/perfect-woman-looks-like-according-men/

 A woman named Racheal Wright writes a blog for "The daily Hit". She wrote that a make up company took a survey and discovered what the 'perfect woman' looks like according to men. Well, Racheal had alot to say about this. I came to love this woman as she explained to these misguided people, that beauty comes from 'imperfections'...beauty comes in all forms. The gap in your teeth may be attractive to that one man who loves that itty bitty thing about you...She writes that "comparison is the thief of all joy." and she also writes that Perfection is boring...which it is.

I came to admire this woman as she spoke for all sisters. She asked, "why is it that white women are seen as the model for beauty?"  Yes, why does society do that?  Why should society dictate how thin my thighs should be, or how straight or curly my hair should be?  I always read fashion magazines to inform myself of what is 'in' for the season. Only to find that my hair or complexion is 'out'..  They can all go to HELL! I'm always IN! I like me! AND...If WE as WOMEN do not put our foot down and let society and fashion magazines, and movie stars know that WE do not CARE what they THINK then we will always be a prisoner and a victim of their opinions.

I hope that all of you read Racheal's article and I hope that all of you realize how special, and wonderful each of us is made to be. Put your best foot forward and a smile on your face.  I guarantee you will look much better than these 2 faces mixed up of the 'best' of hollywood's glamour. What makes you YOU? All the beautiful things that you do and think make up the beauty in you. The amount of time and care you put into your job, taking care of your family, doing things for others, being crazy fun with your girlfriends and enjoying some good music. Maybe you are a writer of poetry or children's stories..maybe you make jewelry, art, maybe you are a police woman, a lawyer, an advocate of somekind. Pick all the favorite things about yourself and reflect on them. How wonderful are you!  Whoever you are, enjoy your culture, your beauty, your LIFE!

Rose Ellen Mooire

www.rcmooreunique.com

RCMoore for the Unique Individual...because NO ONE is quite like YOU!

Get your green eyeshadow off ladies!

So many of the women in the media have nothing good to say about other women. I hear so many things on a daily basis of women talking so badly about other women. I hear heavy women downgrading skinny women, and I hear skinny women talking badly about heavier women. Why can't we embrace each other as sisters and support each other? 

According to Cassandra George Sturgess Psy.D who is a psychologist and also a columnist for Today's Black woman magazine, "As a counseling psychologist working with women, I have discovered that one of the indirect causes of why women are disloyal to each other is based on self-hatred and low self-esteem more so than the need to hurt other women."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/515313

Women are so hurt and maimed by society that they are disloyal to their friends and family, they are hurting deeply with self hatred and low self esteem.  Society has pit women against each other as a competition. Who has the largest breasts, who has the best body? Well...really, it should not matter. Women have had to fight for so many years for so many rights that are basic to a man. We have had to fight to vote, to have a thought, to have an equal job that pays an equal pay. And STILL in this year of 2013, we are expoited, put down, beaten, insulted and disrespected and much if starts with US! 

We as a gender of beautiful beings MUST lift up each other. We MUST cast away judgement and criticism. When a woman looks beautiful, TELL HER! If you cannot do it, that means you do not love YOURSELF! We must learn to embrace our bodies and our flaws and be confident. In our confidence, men will find us attractive. So ladies, remove your green eyeshadow and put on your red lipstick. Feel SEXY about yourself and beautiful! When you see a woman that needs encouragement, give her some. When you see a woman that lacks self esteem, give her some of yours. No woman should look down on another, unless we put our our hand to lift them up!

Rose Ellen A Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com