For this month’s Q&A, I’m answering questions posted on my Facebook page, as well as those sent to me via e-mail this past month.
Q. How do you decide upon the pieces and outfits for the GYPO Style Challenges? I’m interested in hearing about the process.
A. I do some market research (a.k.a. shopping) in advance of each challenge to check out trends, quality of the pieces I’m going to recommend and to get an idea of price points for them. When it comes time to decide upon what actually goes on the shopping list and into the outfits, there are a few criteria for a piece making the cut. It has to have versatility and be able to be worn at least four different ways. I tend not to pick items that I think will be out of style by next season although I do include a few trends. Most importantly, EVERY outfit has to be something I would wear myself. If it’s not, it doesn’t get included.
Q. I was reading your About page the other day and saw that you used to be an actress and print model. Were you in anything that I would’ve seen?
A. Acting was a big part of my life for eight years. At one point, it was what I wanted to do full time. My favorite was live theater with film acting being a close runner-up. I had a few roles in independent films but most of my work was in the commercial arena. Although much of it was local to the Dallas area, I did a BUNCH of commercials for Chevrolet dealerships all over the US. My only two national commercials were for Hasbro’s Electronic Monopoly and American Girl.
Here’s a very poor quality screen capture of the American Girl commercial.
Here are a few of the print jobs that I did.
American Standard – If you pick up a brochure, you’ll see me in there adjusting the thermostat.
James Avery – Modeling necklace lengths.
Learning Resources – This shot was on the cover of their 2010 catalog.
Pier One – Spring catalog a few years ago.
It was a fun part of my life but surprisingly, I don’t really miss it since deciding to take an “early retirement” in 2012. Maybe in a few years when the kids are all out of the house, I’ll go back to doing some theater again. Maybe. 🙂
Q. I’m a home daycare provider and have a full house with children from 1 year old to school ages. I have let myself go so much. I work almost 12 hours a day. I’ve gained weight and have hardly any time to myself. I have been inspired by your blog, and have been trying to fix myself up a little bit in the mornings. The problem I have is that I’m always wearing yoga pants and big tops. I want to look presentable, put together and professional when I receive the families in the morning. Thanks for your inspiration!
This is my big why behind starting GYPO in the first place. I had been working from home for a few years and fell into a major yoga pants rut. Not only did it effect my appearance and the way I felt about myself, but everything around the house just started going downhill. Having a good core of mix and match wardrobe basics helped me get dressed every day and get out of my rut. I stocked up on colorful cardigans, fun scarves, good quality t-shirts and tanks and dark wash, stretch skinny jeans as well as comfortable flats to create outfit combos that were perfect for working from home. Check out this post I did on Five Wardrobe Basics for Moms. You may want to skip the scarves since you work with little ones but can add interest to outfits with jewelry or patterned tops.
Q. I’m thinking about changing up my hairstyle for spring. What are the 2015 hairstyle trends?
Long hair is back and all over the runways for spring 2015. Bobs and lobs are getting grown out and pretty boho waves, long ponytails, loose braids and twisted buns are in as well as beautiful bombshell blow-outs. Instead of getting a haircut, consider growing yours out and taking advantage of one of these pretty styles.
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That’s it for this month’s Q&A!
I FEEL PRETTY
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell us what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to my blog (using the button above or your own link).
4. Visit other pretties. That’s it, now go have some fun!
