How to Style a Textured Lob and Four Simple Summer Hairstyles

How to Style a Textured Lob and Four Simple Summer Hairstyles

In case you missed the announcement on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, I chopped my hair off last week after nine years of having it long.

It’s taken a little while for the shock to wear off because I never imagined doing it.  It was truly an impulsive decision, yet one of the best I’ve made in a long time.  I love my new hair cut, it’s modern, updated, easy and fun.  All of the things I feared about having shorter hair didn’t come to fruition. I can still easily put it into a ponytail and it’s actually a lot more versatile than my long hair was.

Here’s the new look.

Honestly the seeds had been planted a few weeks back when I saw this tutorial for a textured lob and fell head over heels in love.  I just didn’t think I’d have the nerve to pull the trigger.

Last summer, I answered this reader submitted question by creating a video of some of my easiest summer hairstyles.  I can still do all of these with my hair shorter.  They work great for mid to longer length hair and some of them could even be adapted for short hair too.

Hi Alison!  I could use some cute, easy ways to style my hair up for summer. Nothing too crazy that requires an extra set of hands or a ton of products. All of the ones on Pinterest say they’re easy but then they end up being 17 steps. Help! – Ashley

Well, Ashley you’re in luck because all of my summer hairstyles take seconds to master. Yes, you read that right, SECONDS. Most of them are only three steps. How’s that for super simple?

You just need to start out with clean, dry hair. Actually one of them only requires your hair to be clean, not dry and with the others it can be dirty. So scratch that.

I told you this would be easy, right?

Sound too good to be true? Then watch this quick video I put together with my four super simple summer hairstyles. These are my go-to hairstyles when it’s just too hot to make much of an effort.


It’s Your Turn: What are some of your favorite easy hairstyles when the heat is on?

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!

There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest)

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!

Link Party News:  I’ll be taking a break from the link up for the next two months.  I hope you all have a safe and fun summer!


Easy Summer Outfit:  Graphic Tee and Bright Shorts

Easy Summer Outfit: Graphic Tee and Bright Shorts

One of my favorite casual wardrobe essentials is the grown up graphic tee.  When I decided to put one on the Summer 2015 GYPO Style Challenge shopping list, I was a bit apprehensive.  I knew there might be a little push back from some of the challengers who felt it wasn’t age appropriate.  But the new crop of graphic tees in stores are grown up, sophisticated and add a little something special to every outfit.  I even featured my favorite graphic tee that I picked up in London in June’s Pretty Fix.

This week, the challengers really stepped up to the plate in beautifully proving that graphic tees really do work for everyone.  Here’s the day two outfit from the Summer Challenge.

[Graphic Tee/Bright Tote/Bright Shorts/Metallic Sandals/Stone Earrings]

And here are a few of our challengers’ interpretations.

Summer Collage 3

Summer Collage 2

Summer Collage 1

Shopping Options

[J. Crew Factory]

[J. Crew Factory]

[Forever 21]

[Plus Size – Maurice’s]

It’s Your Turn:  Have you given the graphic tee trend a try?  If so, how are you wearing yours?

Eight Pretty Cool Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Eight Pretty Cool Father’s Day Gift Ideas



My husband Craig is not a guy who likes to buy things for himself. So in the weeks leading up to a gift giving occasion, I go into detective mode, picking up subtle hints and clues to put together his wish list of items.

The past few weeks I’ve been in sleuth mode, even going so far as to check out what he’s viewing on Amazon.  If you haven’t tried that yet, it’s a great way to get ideas!  Not that I’m encouraging snooping or anything.  🙂

Here’s my short list of Father’s Day gift ideas that Craig has on his radar that would be sure to please any dad on your list.

1. Watch

My husband is addicted to watches.  He loves big watches like this one and this one.  But since he already has both of those, I’m going with something a bit sleeker and dressier this time.

2. Cologne

Every guy likes to smell good and most of them won’t buy cologne for themselves.  It’s our wifely duty to make sure that they get a great smelling cologne.

3. Grooming Kit

Manscaping is a necessary evil.  This handy grooming kit makes it a cinch.

4. Travel Essentials Kit

My hubby travels a lot for business.  Having these travel sized essentials in his grooming tote is a great space saver.  And they smell amazing!

5. Shoes

A comfy pair of casual kicks is always a good idea.  This pair looks great with jeans.

6. Sunglasses

A classic pair of Ray Ban sunglasses will always be in style.

7. Belt

Craig wears his belts until they are almost falling apart.  Since it’s my job to keep him from looking like a hobo, a nice leather belt makes the list.

8. Speakers

This speaker is perfect pool side this summer.  Remember, men LOVE gadgets so you can never go wrong with one of these!

And one last bonus item…

A GoPro!

A GoPro Camcorder is the most hinted for item on Craig’s Father’s Day wishlist.  I’m not exactly sure what he plans to do with it but I have some ideas…like, strap it to the dog’s head to see what she does while we’re gone.

It’s Your Turn:  What’s on your hubby’s wish list this Father’s Day?

$200 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

The GYPO Style Challenge bloggers have teamed up to offer a Gap Brands gift card giveaway.  Be sure to stop by and visit their blogs and enter to win a $200 gift card in the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!I Feel Pretty Logo

There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest)

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!

Five Beauty Products that Changed My Life

Five Beauty Products that Changed My Life

Is it really possible for a beauty product to change your life?  Of course it is.  Anything that makes us feel good every day by improving our appearance and confidence is nothing short of life changing.

Fortunately I have a few indispensable items in my beauty toolbox that fall into this category.  These are my go-to products that help me face the day confidently and make me feel great about the skin that I’m in.

Without further ado, here are five beauty products that I truly believe have changed my life for the better.

1.  NARS Blush in Orgasm

The other day the cashier at Target remarked that I was “glowing” and looked “happier”.  My 16 year-old daughter said “Mom, your blush is ‘on point’ today”.  These compliments are all because of this magical fairy dust for cheeks – NARS Blush in ‘Orgasm’.  It’s got a subtle amount of sheen that gives a pop to cheeks and the peach color is gorgeous on most complexions.  Get it, you won’t regret it.

What Makes it Life Changing: The texture, the color, the sheen and of course, the compliments.  🙂

2.  IT Cosmetics Your Brows But Better Skinny Pencil

This little miracle pencil from IT Cosmetics gives me perfect brows every single time.  I constantly get compliments on my brows when I use it.  The IT Cosmetics Your Brows But Better pencil is super thin so you can draw in individual hairs and it changes color according to the amount of pressure you use.

What Makes it Life Changing:  It works for all hair colors and creates perfect brows every time.

3.  RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

RoC  Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is my anti-aging secret weapon.  I’ve used prescription strength products but this one is still my favorite.  It’s gentler but just as effective.  It helps with collagen production and really does make wrinkles less apparent.

What Makes it Life Changing: It really works, lines are less apparent and it makes skin glow.

4.  Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel as Primer

OK, so this one isn’t a beauty product at all, but trust me here.  I was a Smashbox Primer devotee for many years before trying this.  Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel is only $6 a tube, has the same ingredients and works every bit as well.  My makeup goes on smoother and stays put all day when I use this under it.

What Makes it Life Changing:  Budget friendly, works just as well as Smashbox, available everywhere, makeup goes on smooth and stays put all day.

5.  IT CC+ Cream Illumination Foundation

I’m addicted to this stuff!  IT Cosmetics CC+ Illumination Foundation gives my skin just the right amount of glow without looking too shiny, has SPF 50, is packed with healthy skin ingredients and is light enough for every day.  It’s the all around perfect product.

What Makes it Life Changing:  Just the right amount of coverage and glow, SPF 50, light enough for every day, a little goes a long way.  What’s not to love?

 It’s Your Turn:  What life changing beauty products are on your list?

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!I Feel Pretty Logo

There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest)

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!


Pretty Fix:  The June List

Pretty Fix: The June List

The Pretty Fix is a new monthly feature at Get Your Pretty On that features my top five picks for the month that you can shop for on your own to stay in style at a price you’ll love.  The idea for it was born out of frustration that some of you have had with other monthly box services that you feel “miss the mark” or are too pricey.

Each month, the Pretty Fix includes five affordable items that I personally recommend to stay on trend.

Want to know the best part?  You can buy everything in the monthly fix for under $100! 

Consider me your budget-minded personal shopper.  Here’s your June Pretty Fix.

 

JUNE PRETTY FIX TOTAL = $91.42

1.  Graphic Tee – $14.50

Graphic t-shirts are not just for teens.  There are plenty of grown up versions to add to your summer collection.  If you’re bored with your typical t-shirt, pair one of these up with shorts to add interest to your outfit.

 [Graphic T-shirt]

2.  Bright Shorts – $19.94

Summer is the best time to add a punch of color to your closet.  Move over khaki, white and denim shorts, it’s time to let your brights shine!

Women's Twill Shorts (5

[5″ Chino Shorts]

3.  Bright Tote– $36.99

An over sized sunny tote bag is perfect for stashing all of your summer staples.  Bonus – it doubles as a pool or beach bag!

 

[Reversible Tote]

4.  Hair Wrap – $6

When it’s just too hot to accessorize any other way, try a colorful hair wrap or head band. It doubles as a disguise for a bad hair day.

[Mixed Material Hair Wrap]

5.  Metallic Sandals – $19.99

Every summer I add a new pair of metallic sandals to my collection because they go with everything.  This year, my 16 year-old daughter and I are both wearing this pair of embellished sandals with a cork foot bed.

 

[Cork and Gold Sandals]

SUMMER CHALLENGE CLOSING

SUMMER 2015 HEADERIf you liked the items in this month’s Pretty Fix, then you’re going to love the outfits in the Summer 2015 GYPO Style Challenge.  We’ll be styling these shopping list items and many more in our 21 days of mix and match summer outfits.  Registration closes tomorrow night when the summer trends shopping list goes out.  This challenge also includes a 14 piece/10 day vacation packing list.  Sign up HERE so you don’t miss out!

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!I Feel Pretty Logo

There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest)

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!