Saturday, February 27, 2010

A Less than Stylish Week

This week, starting tomorrow, it is my honor to serve as Chair-Woman for the UCUMC Consignment Sale for one last term.  The sale is a children's consignment sale that my church holds twice a year.  It is a true passion  in my life.  The sale helps so many people it is unbelievable and I feel truly unworthy that God has chosen me to be a part of it.  I would like to say that I am "in charge"...but I really, really am not.  Not only have I learned since being Chair that God is fully in charge (of course), I also came to realize that I could never take the full credit.  The sale is run by a board of women that work tirelessly to make it all happen.  We make it happen for God, for others and for our families.  I have developed lifetime friendships through this sale as well as many, many friends and acquaintances in volunteers, consignors and shoppers.  It has made me appreciate all that God has blessed to me and my family and made me feel a purpose other than being a wife and a mommy.  I pray that everyone experience the feeling that I feel about the consignment sale...whatever it may be in your life.

With all of that said, you may not be hearing too much from me this week.  It will be my time to focus on my kiddo's fashion this week!  I will be wearing lots of Yoga pants and sneakers and NO sassy accessories.  But, I will try to keep up with what is fun and interesting in fashion news (well, as it applies to me of course!) and share some of that.  I may even have to brag on some good deals that I snag for my little princess!

If you would like information on the sale please visit www.ucumc.org and click on Consignment Sale under the Serve tab!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Frugal Friday - LOFT coupon 25% off!

Today's Frugal Friday tip is a coupon!  There are actually lots of coupons lately for different stores...Banana Republic, Kohl's, J Crew.  But, here is a link to a coupon you can print out and take to Ann Taylor LOFT and get 25% off!  Happy Shopping on this Frugal Friday!!

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/home.jsp?cid=y_ps&cid=PPC0001

Thursday, February 25, 2010

ELLE News Blog:What’s Your Fashion Personality?

I love quizzes!  This one said I was a "Thrill Seeker"...hmmm, don't know about that.  What is your style???


ELLE News Blog:What’s Your Fashion Personality?

Posted using ShareThis

Help for Updos!

I am very excited to try these new Goody's hair pieces! I have been trying to play a lot with my hair and figure out how to make it look like those girls on The Bachelor. I hope these help!

Hot on StyleList

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Leggings and Jeggings and Skinnies...Oh My!

PLEASE!  If you do not already own some leggings or "Jeggings" (denim leggings)...GO GET YOU A PAIR!  This is by far my favorite trend in my adult life.  I will say that I was skeptical at first.  Mostly, I felt I was too old (at my ripe old age of 37).  This cannot be farther from the truth.  YOU are not TOO old!  My Stylish sister-in-law's 70 year old mom has some jeggings!  Let me explain what I know of the whole leg-hugging style.  First of all, leggings are just what you are thinking...tight cotton pants that you used to wear with over-sized sweatshirts in the 80s.  Jeggings are very similar but made with a denim/spandex mix.  My personal pair zip up and button just like a pair of jeans.  But, they are far more comfortable than any jean I have owned.  Skinny jeans are a bit different.  They are truly jeans, but super, super fitted.  I have all three and love them all!  For me, the best way to wear the legging/jegging/skinny jean style is with a long tunic top.  You can wear a tunic and then a cropped jacket or cardigan over the top. You can wear ballet flats, ankle booties, long boots or sandals in the summer.  So very versatile, as you can see!

I will put a small caveat with this...if you do have really big legs, this may not be the best style for you.  They are, after all, very fitted and will make big legs look bigger.  Lucky for me, all of my extra weight settles right around my middle.  Wow, I NEVER thought I would say that I was lucky to have my weight settle in my middle!  I guess anything is possible!

Best For Fine Hair - Get a Star-Worthy Blowout - Get Hollywood Hair - Beauty - InStyle



Best For Fine Hair - Get a Star-Worthy Blowout - Get Hollywood Hair - Beauty - InStyle

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Never Underestimate the Power...

...of a Scarf!  The Scarf is a new accessory to me that I have discovered here on my Journey.  I am still a little confused whether it is a fad or a timeless classic that is always appropriate.  I am leaning towards the latter.  I never realized how much a scarf could add to an outfit.  In fact, I would venture to say that a majority of my previous outfits would have been pretty satisfactory if I had only added a scarf!  I am still in the learning process in the world of scarves, so I am still fidgeting and fussing with mine when I wear them.  The following sites are very informative on how to wear, tie and accessorize with The Scarf:

http://www.texeresilk.com/cms-scarf_tying_guide.html

http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/how-to-wear-scarves/

The Scarf is a great way to go a little bit bold if you are not used to bold.  Bold color, Bold pattern...anything that would be out of the norm for you.  You can add a scarf to a very boring or neutral outfit to really spice it up!  My next quest is to start looking for smaller and thinner scarves to accessorize through the summer!  Why don'y you try "tying one on" today?  Sorry...I couldn't resist!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Hot on StyleList

I have recently started looking at sites like ideeli...Very cool! I have not made a purchase yet...just doing my research. Now ebay is jumping on this bandwagon. Check it out! It is a little addicting :)

Hot on StyleList

Friday, February 19, 2010

Frugal Friday - Consignment Shops

Happy Frugal Friday!!!


For the past several years, myself and a group of incredible women have been running an amazing children's consignment sale twice a year at our church (www.ucumc.org).  We re-sell people's gently used children's clothing, toys, baby equipment, bikes, and more.  It is a wonderful mission and I call it a win-win-win-win...sellers receive money for what they sell, shoppers get great quality things for a steal, and the church and many families and organizations benefit from the proceeds.  I also am rewarded greatly by being a part of it and doing God's work.


While the sale is where I shop for the bulk of my children's clothes, we do not sell clothes for moms (well, we do for pregnant moms...but sadly, that is not me anymore).  A few years ago, I lost 40 pounds and the clothes I had, even though not to stylish, needed a new home.  I began to think "I should look for a place that I can sell my clothes".  So began a fun adventure learning about women's consignment shops.  At a consignment shop, you can take clothes to sell and you get a percentage of the sale.  You can hold your earnings there and spend it at the shop or they can cut you a check once a month.  And when you go to shop, you can find some REALLY great deals and some funky things.


My favorite shop here in my town is called Fifi's Fine Resale Apparel (http://fifislkn.com/default.aspx).  Keep in mind that different shops carry different types of things.  Fifi's has more things for "grown-ups".  They carry brands like Ann Taylor, Chicos, J Crew, 7 for All Mankind, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, etc.  There are other consignment shops but I find that the things they carry are more for high school and college aged girls.  Just Google women's consignment in your hometown and see what you can find!  Think of it as your part in saving the world...it is recycling after all! 

Hot on StyleList

I cannot believe that I am following what is going on during Fashion Week...as I am sitting in my flannel pj's! But, nonetheless...my Journey must go on! So the Fashion Week is all about what is going to be hot in the FALL, not this spring and summer. Hmmmmm..

With many designers, I have seen snake-skin accessories are going to be the big thing. I will have to keep this in mind. My first thought is that I cannot pull it off, but I will certainly keep an open mind. I have also seen a lot of cable tights and short wool shorts. Very cute, but again...I think I may be a bit too old to pull this off. Maybe the tights and a wool skirt would be more appropriate?

I am excited about Brooks Brothers revamping their women's line. My husband gets many (if not all?) of his suits from Brooks Brothers...he thinks their quality and style is timeless. Their women's line has always been a bit boring if you ask me. Click on this link to see how SOOOOO not boring they are becoming!!!

Hot on StyleList

Are you following Fashion Week? What do you think?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

10 Easy Ways to Update Your Spring Wardrobe - InStyle

Found this helpful and interesting!!

Trench Coat - 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Spring Wardrobe - Spring Fashion 2010 - Fashion - InStyle

Mother - Daughter fashion

Is it bad that I think it is adorable how little Suri is such a priss-pot? And I think it is totally okay that Katie encourages it? If I had the $$ I would too!

Katie and Suri Sport Matching Ferragamo Bags - This Week - What's Right Now - Fashion - InStyle

Style from the Web

I am SOOOOO ignorant when it comes to where to find clothes.  I always go to the same places and rarely order online.  I think I am really missing the boat here!  I am subscribing to various style blogs for my Journey.  Some bloggers are women who love fashion and others are professional stylists or fashion reporters.  The best thing about reading the different blogs are the ideas I am getting about where to shop.  I am going to make a list of places to "laptop shop" and get cranking!  One is a place I already knew about but didn't think they had an online store...H & M.  I have never been to an H & M store but everyone I know just loves it!  I have also heard they have a kid's line that my newly finicky tween son will like as well.  Another on my list is LuLus.  Very similar to H & M...very trendy clothes at moderate-low prices.  Finally, I am going to laptop shop at Charlotte Russe.  I love the clothes there, but I find the store can be very crowded (with clothes and people) and really scattered.  


Shopping online is fun also, because at most sites you can keep items in your shopping cart if you are signed in to the site.  This way you can buy a few things at a time if you are on a budget and save the rest for later.  I also have my site set up to reccommend different online stores on the right side of the page and I check those out as well.  I would love to hear some of your favorite places to shop online and how you shop...with a cup of coffee or tea?  Or with a glass of wine?  Definitely I will do it in my yoga pants!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Get Ready, Get Set!!!

It is with deep regret that I inform you of a fact that I have learned on my Journey.  Looking "Put Together" actually requires being put together.  Let us take a moment and mourn my disorganized self...okay, moving on!

Yes, I am finding that I really need to be organized and prepared to feel confident.  And, I am not just talking about laying your clothes out the night before.  For example, in the morning, you need to have a plan for the day.  From what's for breakfast to when am I going to work out and get ready to what am I going to wear.  All of these questions need to be answered in advance (or at least plan your outfit while you are in the shower).  The more time you have the less stressed you will be. 

Today is my menu planning day.  I do this and hang it on the fridge for all to see.  You know what is for breakfast and what is for dinner.  You know what to shop for and what you can prepare in advance.  If you have to scramble at the last minute, that could be a work out you lose.  Or, if it were me, I know I would skip figuring out what to wear and grab my yoga pants.  Ahhh, good old yoga pants!  Seriously, you can save so much time (and money!) if you plan out your menu for the week.  I follow several bloggers that, not only plan their menus for the entire month, but they actually COOK for a month at a time and dinners are ready to go in the freezer.  THAT is awesome!  But WAAAAYYYY too organized and thought our for this procrastinator. 

There are so many ways to be prepared and save time and stress.  I would love to hear what YOU do to be prepared and ready for your day, week, month!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Frugal Friday

Although I am on a quest for Style, I will always be frugalicious!  I cannot help but get excited over a good deal. That is why I am going to dedicate Fridays to Frugality!  I will tell you about a great deal I found that week or a sale going on or maybe even a good money-saving shopping tip.  Since this is my first Frugal Friday and I am so new on my journey, I thought I would just talk about places I have found good deals so far.  I know that I have SOOOOOO very much to learn about Frugal Fashion shopping!


To start, there is something to be said about when to shop frugally and when you just need to suck it up and spend a little cash on your clothes.  This is a lesson that my husband has been trying to make me follow ever since he has known me.  I always just go toward the clearance rack at the cheapest store I can find.  When shopping for your basic classic pieces (dress pants, cocktail dresses, even jeans), quality will take you farther than economizing.  The better made the clothes are the more they are going to cost.  Usually, higher priced clothes are cut more true to size and are made with higher quality fabrics.  These pieces will last longer in your wardrobe and can end up saving you money in the end.


But, once you have those basics and you are looking for trendy, fashionable yet inexpensive pieces to compliment your wardrobe, here are some tips!  SALES!  Look for sales and coupons in the paper or online.  This seems obvious, but how many times do  you see the ad and forget to print it out or bring it along?  Many times you can use the discount on already discounted merchandise.  Places seem to discount seasonal clothing way before that season is over.  You can get some great transitional pieces right now to wear that will carry you for a few months...all on sale!  Some places that have great discounts and sales as well are Kohl's, Ann Taylor LOFT, Gap, J Crew and Banana Republic.  These places are also known for their trendy and current clothes.  If you want to get super-trendy, try Forever 21 or RUE21 or any of those Juniors shops.  You may look a little ridiculous in a complete outfit from there, but accent pieces and accessories are great!  


Which brings me to my next tip...KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.  A place like Kohl's is great for a trendy basic piece.  For instance, I got an awesome pair of denim leggings at Kohl's recently.  They are the most comfortable things I own!  I paid under $20 for them.  If you go to a department store you could pay over $100 for denim leggings!  But, you need to be careful...Kohl's is not always consistent with their quality, cut or style.  Definitely try things on.  I also need to be careful shopping at Kohl's and Ann Taylor LOFT because it seems like my entire community also shops there and they all tend to look alike.  I am trying to have MY OWN style...not everyone else's!


Also, don't forget your SHINE.  So many places have costume jewelry and they mark it all down when new things are coming in.  Are there really hard and fast rules when it comes to what is "IN" as far as costume jewelry?  There may be current trends, but I swear I have been hearing about how gold is back "IN" for 5 years now!  Look for costume jewelry that fits your personality.  I was at Kohl's the other day and got two long necklaces and earrings to go with each for about $20 total.  They were all on clearance and I had a 15% off coupon.  I bought a few other things there as well (Leggings, a Tunic and a sweater) and received gift cards to come back and shop some more!


My last Frugal tip...BE YOURSELF!  If you find something really unique that you just love...Get It!  Even if you don't have anything to go with it.  Even if it is not the most current thing in the fashion world.  Even if, or Especially if, it is on sale!  You will find a way to work it in to your wardrobe!


I hope this has inspired you to start finding some good deals this weekend. Happy Frugal Shopping!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Thoughtful Thursday

So now that I have started this blog about my style Journey, I have been thinking a lot about why it is so important to me that I develop some style.  The first thing that comes to mind is my mom.  My mom was an amazing, incredible single mother.  She was an outstanding teacher, receiving many awards in her 25 year career.  She was a tireless worker...sometimes working 4 or 5 jobs to provide for my brother and me because my "father" did not pay any sort of child support.  She was always there for us and provided anything we needed, whether it was physical or emotional.  So what does my Mom have to do with style?  Well, I guess because she didn't have very much of it either.  She had many other things...patience, kindness, grace, integrity, love, acceptance, loyalty.  I could go on and on.  Why didn't she have a lot of style.  If you can't tell already, it is because she gave everything to everyone else.  She put her self last in all things.  My mother passed away 10 years ago from cancer.  Certainly a lack of style did not cause or contribute to her cancer.  But I do believe that not taking care of herself and the burden of all of the stress in her life did.  I wish she had taken it easy a little more.  I miss her every single day.


I am not nearly as selfless as my mom.  I enjoy doing things for me.  I workout, have lunch dates with girlfriends, give my time to charity, drink Starbucks, watch trashy reality TV, etc.   I believe that feeling great has a lot to do with where your heart is.  Are you right with God?  Are you right with your husband?  Are you right with yourself?  For me, those answers were an easy "yes"...but I still did not feel confident enough to let my personality be reflected in my style.  I prefer to blend in and not be noticed when it comes to my style.  My personality far from blends in and certainly stands out.  I am not afraid to say what is on my mind and have very strong opinions that I voice freely.  I swear a little (not around the kids of course) and love a good fart joke.  I care deeply for people and would defend someone I love til the end, probably even if they were wrong.  If you don't like that about me, I am not offended if you keep on walking.


What does my lack of style have to do with my mom's lack of style?  I wasn't so sure until one day a couple of weeks ago when I had lunch with a dear, stylish friend.  She told me she liked my sweater.  I immediately replied "Oh really?  It's from Target...it was really cheap."  My friend did not ask me where it was from or how much it cost, but I felt so strongly I had to tell her that it wasn't anything "fancy" (no offense Target!) and that I didn't spend much money on myself.  I realized that I needed to tell her those things because I don't feel I deserve to look nice.  This was the beginning of my turn around.  I need to be good to myself.  I am going to start buying clothes and shoes that look good on me and make me feel confident.  I am going to keep my nails looking nice and my hair current with highlights.  I am going to make time for me so that I can reflect the good I feel on the inside on the outside as well.  Come to think of it, I think I will get a manicure tomorrow!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Christ the Patron Saint...

If you saw last Friday's "What Not to Wear" you may remember Clinton's joke about Christ the Patron Saint.  They were making over a young Episcopalian priest (female) and they wanted her to remember a fashion rule.  Although it may have been a bit sac-religious, it did help me remember the CTPS rule of fashion!

* Color
* Texture
* Pattern
* Shine

Every outfit should have one of each element.  While I have no problem with the Texture piece, and I actually enjoy a little bit of Shine and sparkle (maybe that is my ADHD distracting me with shiny objects though)...the color and pattern thing scare me a bit.  I guess I could do one color and one pattern.  That is not quite so scary.  And, they did say that your accessories could be one of the elements (a colorful purse or some sparkley jewelry).  Maybe it is not so hard.

They also talked about the equation for putting an outfit together.  Let me see if I remember it correctly...

1 Basic + 1 Accent + 1 Extra + Accessories = A put-together outfit

For the example, they said the Basic would be a skirt or pant.  This would be a black skirt, grey pants or even dark washed jeans.  Just something basic and not one of the CTPS elements.  The Accent would be a shirt.  This would be a cami or blouse with a pattern.  The Extra (that may not have been what they called it...I can't remember!) was a colored blazer.  Then the Accessories would have been jewelry or even a patent leather bag.  Anything that would have added a little shine to the outfit.

This was so informative for my Journey!  I feel like the CTPS rule and the equation is something I can follow and understand.  When I woke up this morning and got dressed I had the elements in mind.  I put on black leggings (my basic), a patterned tunic (my accent), a cropped, textured sweater (my Extra) and shiny patent leather flats (my Accessory)!  Okay...so I missed color.  I told you this would be a hard one for me!  What could I have done?  Maybe a sweater with color? or even shoes with color?  That probably would have worked.  But, I feel good about not putting on yoga pants and fleece.  That was an accomplishment for me!  And let me just tell you...the whole leggings and a tunic is by far the most comfortable style I have worn in a while!  I am keeping my fingers crossed that it sticks around for a while.  Maybe I should be praying to Christ the Patron Saint though... 

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

My First Official Style Assistant

Thank goodness my brother has impeccable taste in women!  My sister-in-law is the best!  She is gorgeous, has an awesome figure and is a style guru.  If she weren't so sweet I would probably hate her!  I have secretly always been a little jealous of her style.  She always looks great.  She always knows just what to wear and how to wear it.  I always have to call her to ask what to wear when we go out together.  Don't you have people like that?  When I thought of who could be my first style assistant I immediately thought of her.  Coincidentally, she became a rep for CAbi (Carol Anderson by Invitation) clothing line.  She now attends seminars and classes to officially be that style guru.  How perfect is that!  Now before you think this is one big ad for her website...it isn't.  But, I can't help that I will likely be buying several of my items for my new style from her.  She is someone who will be honest with me and make me feel really good about trying new things.  She helped me pick out a few CAbi tops and told me how to wear them.  


The first is a taupe sheer tunic (the Peasant Tunic).  I can wear a white or black cami underneath.  I can wear it with black leggings and boots (my new favorite look).  I even found a pair of cropped leggings and cute, black Gladiator Sandals  for the spring.  I can also wear it with jeans or shorts.  This is what I am looking for!  Versatile, stylish pieces! 


The second is a bright "Statement" piece.  It is a berry and orange print tunic (The Origami Tunic).  I got a scarf also to tie around the waist.  The tunic on it's own is a "trapeze" style and really does nothing for a larger chested gal like myself.  It basically would hang from where my chest goes out and look like the rest of my middle is this big.  The scarf defines my waist, which is actually pretty small!  Then the bottom glides over my hips and hides any bumps or rolls quite nicely.  Whew!  Once again, although this top is bright and funky, I can wear it with skinny jeans, cuffed white jeans or a straight skirt.  My sister in law also recommend a cute pair of brown platform sandals for this top as well. 


You will see that although I spent a bit on the tunics, the shoes are Target and quite a bargain.  My goal in my Journey is certainly not to bleed our bank account dry, but to mix quality with afford ability.  We will see how that goes....

My Journey without Style

I wouldn't say I ever really had any "style".  Oh sure, I had my moments.  A good hair day here, a cute and daring outfit there.  But "style"...never really has been my thing.  I look at the ladies who always look put together, polished, sharp.  I really wonder how they do it!  And, the good ones make it look effortless as if they woke up with perfectly fitting dark-washed jeans and pumps on.  Not me.  Usually when you see me, I am wearing yoga pants and a zip up hoodie.  Some people say "casual" is just their style.  You know what?  Really, I just gave up.  I don't like getting "dressed".  I prefer my yoga pants and fleece PJs.  But, that is not how I WANT to look.  I WANT to be that put-together hottie mom!  I WANT my husband to be proud of my look and DESIRE me even more!  I WANT my kids to be proud when I come to volunteer at their school.  I always make sure the house looks great before friends come over, why wouldn't I do the same for ME? But, I am learning that WANTing style and HAVING style are two very, very different things.  I know I cannot go it alone.  I am enlisting the help of stylish friends, stylish family, and maybe most of all...my DVR'ed episodes of "What Not to Wear".  I feel as if I am starting at ground zero.  I have lost all of my baby fat and am in pretty good shape.  I can't really use my body as an excuse.  I know that this is a learning process.  I can go into a store and buy an "outfit".  But I am looking for more than that.  I want a LOOK.  I want to feel natural, confident, and (like those sharp ladies) effortless.  So my style education begins.  I certainly don't know what I am doing and plan on making many mistakes and faux-pas.  Feel free to laugh at me and share your adventures as well.  Hey...maybe I'll see you at the mall!
Welcome to my blog...my personal Journey to Style! I am a 37 year old married, stay-at-home mother to three (2 boys, 1 girl, all precious). That's right...I am just like YOU! After watching "What Not to Wear" for several years and always feeling like the makeover victim on Day One of shopping, I have decided to make changes in my Style (or lack there of). I hope you join me on my journey! I will share any tips, secrets, successes, failures and hilarities along the way.