Summer Preview:  The One Must-Have Accessory that Changes Everything

Summer Preview: The One Must-Have Accessory that Changes Everything

What if I told you there was just one accessory that could instantly transform all of your summer outfits into something special?

There really is.  We’ll get to that in a minute.

In the meantime, last week I polled the Spring 2015 GYPO Style Challengers to find out what they want to see on the summer challenge shopping list.  One question came up over and over again.

I want cute ways to look pulled together in the heat.  How can I complete an outfit without adding more layers?”

Today I’m going to share with you one of my must-have accessories for my summer 2015 outfits.  The holy grail of accessories – the multi-color beaded necklace.

Now you’re thinking, “really Alison?  A necklace can make the much of a difference?”

YES!  I got one myself a few weeks ago and it instantly transforms the simplest t-shirts and jeans or maxi skirt and tank into an outfit you’ll love.

Consider it your summer scarf alternative.  It adds color and panache minus the sweltering heat. 

Here’s one starring in a sneak peek sample outfit from the Summer 2015 GYPO Style Challenge (more on that later!).

[Eyelet Tank/Beaded Necklace/Statement Ring/Bright Shorts/Neutral Wedges/Bright Tote]

Shopping Options

Old Navy has some great options in store but not online.  That’s where I got mine.  Here are a few others that have caught my eye.

[Large Beads]

[Small Beads]

[Multi Strand]

[Multi Strand]

[Tassel]

SUMMER 2015 GYPO STYLE CHALLENGE NEWS

Registration for the Summer 2015 GYPO Style Challenge opens in just two days on Friday, May 22nd at the early bird rate of just $29.  You’ll get a shopping list of summer wardrobe essentials plus 21 days of mix and match outfits.  This challenge includes two special bonuses including access to the Summer 2014 challenge and a 14 piece/10 day vacation packing list made up of pieces from the 2015 challenge.

14 PIECE_10 DAY(1)

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 May List

Pretty Fix: The May List

Do you subscribe to one of those personal styling monthly box services?  I can’t speak from experience because I’ve never tried one, but the feedback I’ve gotten from many of you is that often times they totally “miss the mark”.  You’ve told me what you really want is budget friendly pieces to add to your wardrobe and keep you on trend without having to ship them back if they don’t work out.

One of you brilliant readers asked me to come up with a list of five affordable items that I’d personally recommend each month.  And so the idea for the Pretty Fix was born.

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.

Want to know the best part?  You can buy everything in this month’s fix for under $100! 

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

 

MAY PRETTY FIX TOTAL = $85.93

 

1.  Floppy Hat – $14.99

Fedoras are still in but the floppy hat is having it’s moment.  I just picked one up for our upcoming summer beach vacation.  The wider brim provides more sun protection.

 [Floppy Brim Hat]

2.  White Sundress – $30

Don’t let white scare you.  A basic white sundress will be your new go-to for summer.  You can dress it up with wedges or pair it with flip flops for a day at the beach.  The versatility is amazing.  Look with one with eyelet details to be totally on-trend.

Women's Eyelet Sundresses

[Eyelet Sundress]

3.  Statement Studs – $8

Studs in a generous size are a no-fuss way to accessorize your summer outfits.  In coral or mint, you’ll be pairing these with everything all summer long.

 

[Stone Studs]

4.  Gel Nail Polish – $7.99

This pretty pinkish coral is the perfect pedi color and the gel formula lasts up to two weeks.

[Gel Nail Polish in “Pretty Piggy”]

5.  Striped Espadrilles – $24.95

Add more stripes to your life with these adorable espadrilles.

 

[Sandal Espadrilles]

Lifetime Mothers Interview

I recently had the privilege of sitting down for an interview with Kristen Hewitt, Fox Sports reporter and creator of the blog Mommy in Sports as part of The Mom Interviews series sponsored by LifetimeMothers.com.
Watch my interview with Kristen to find out my essential pieces that every mom should have in her closet, the reason behind starting the Pretty Strong program and more info on how style challenges came to be.

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!


Spring Outfit Formula:  Chambray + Striped Dress

Spring Outfit Formula: Chambray + Striped Dress

Ahh the chambray shirt.  In the spring, there’s quite possibly not another item in my closet that I reach for more.  It’s perfect with white jeans, printed jeans and of course as a top layer over tees, tanks and even dresses.

Last week, I showed you how to pair a chambray shirt with a floral skirt and this week, we’ll be layering it over a striped dress.

Chambray Shirt + Striped Dress

The best illustration of how cute and versatile this look can be is to take a look at how the Spring GYPO Style Challengers styled it this past week.  This look is equally as cute when a denim jacket is substituted for the chambray shirt.

Collage 1

Collage 4

Collage 2

Collage 3

This was the last live week of outfits for the Spring 2015 GYPO Style Challenge.  It was most definitely our best challenge yet.  I’ve got a special shout out to two challengers who were new to the challenge this time around and kept us thoroughly entertained throughout.  Jennifer and Laura are co-workers and friends from Minnesota that kept us laughing with their OOTD photos.

Here’s just one example of some of the fun they got into – messing with ‘Squatch.

sasquatch-1

sasquatch-2

sasquatch-3

sasquatch-4

Thanks so much girls for your hilarious creativity throughout this challenge!

If you want to join in the fun, there’s still plenty of spring left! The girls in the Spring 2015 GYPO Style Challenge Facebook group plan to start the challenge over again next week.  They will be styling outfits from this challenge and the 2014 challenge until the summer challenge starts.  Learn more and sign up HERE.

spring-challenge-banner

Spring Outfit Formula:  White Jeans + Black Tank

Spring Outfit Formula: White Jeans + Black Tank

Do you love easy outfit formulas?  Of course you do!  Who doesn’t love something that makes life easier and getting dressed a breeze?  Honestly I rely on formulas to get dressed almost every single day. Having one in mind when I walk into my closet makes it super easy to pull pieces together into a quick outfit.

The GYPO Style Challenge is basically built around my favorite outfit formulas.  This past week, participants in the spring challenge got their first full week of outfits to style from the items on the shopping list.

One of the favorites from the week was this easy outfit formula built on the foundation of white jeans and a black tee or tank.  By swapping out the scarf and cardigan, you can create endless possibilities from it.

White Jeans + Black Tank + Bright Cardigan + Print Scarf

Here’s how I pulled together my outfit.

white-jeans-black-tank-green-sweater

And here are some of the awesome ways that the challengers paired it up.  (They put me to shame, right?)

white-jeans-outfits-springCollage 12I have to say that this has been the best challenge yet.  We have many returning challengers who are knocking it out of the park this round.  They’re setting a great example for the new girls and guiding them in the right direction.  But we also have quite a few girls who are brand new to the challenge and stepping right up to the plate.  The beauty is each challenge builds upon the next so challengers are passing down what they’re learning.  Maybe I’m partial but I’m just going to go ahead and say that it’s the nicest place on Facebook!

GYPO GNO

Last week, the Dallas area style challengers got together for a fun girls’ night out at Watters Creek in Allen, Texas.  We munched on appetizers at Mi Cocina then headed out to take advantage of some great deals on last minute items on the spring challenge shopping list.

gypo-gnoOther challengers are organizing regional events across the U.S. to meet up in real-life too.  You have no idea how happy this makes my heart!

If you’d like to get in on the fun, it’s not too late to join us.  When you sign up, you’ll get the shopping list and outfits immediately so you can jump right in!  Click HERE to sign up.

spring-challenge-bannerSquare CollageIt’s Your Turn:  Do you have any go-to, no fail outfit formulas for spring?  Share them with us in the comments!

Getting my pretty on with The Pleated Poppy.

Three Ways to Wear Lace (Without Looking Like a Teenager)

Three Ways to Wear Lace (Without Looking Like a Teenager)

Think the lace trend is just for teens?  So did I.  But today’s post is going to prove us both wrong.

Last week I was out doing some spring/summer shopping for my 16 year old daughter Aubrey when I noticed that the juniors’ department was overflowing with lace everything.  Tees, tanks, shorts, dresses, you name it.  There was lace everywhere.  I thought to myself, “cute trend, but I can’t pull that off”.

Then I strolled over to the “age-appropriate for Alison” section (it’s really a thing) and saw a few cute lace and eyelet pieces there too.  Immediately my mind started piecing together outfit scenarios and I realized that I really can pull it off and so can you!

Here are three totally mom-appropriate ways to wear lace.  (P.S.  Aubrey approves!)

1.  Lace T-shirt + Boyfriend Jeans + Sandals

Throw on some layered gold necklaces and grab a pretty crocheted tote to finish this outfit.

[Lace T-Shirt/Boyfriend Jeans/Tote Bag/Necklace/Sandals]

Change It Up:  Add nude heels and pearl accessories to take it up a notch for date night.

lace-tee-boyfriend-jeans

[Image Via]

2.  Eyelet Top + Bright Pants + Wedges

Lace’s cousin eyelet is every bit as pretty. Tie this look together with a fun statement necklace and some wedges with a printed heel.

eyelet-shirt-coral-pants-wedges

[Eyelet Top/Statement Necklace/Bright Pants/Wedges]

Change It Up:  Get double duty out of your eyelet top by pairing it with some printed shorts for an easy breezy summer look.

eyelet-top-printed-shorts

[Image Via]

3.  Lace Shorts + Fitted Tee + Sandals

This updated nautical look stars lace shorts paired with a fitted tee and sea-worthy accessories.

striped-tee-eyelet-shorts

[Striped Tee/Tote Bag/Eyelet Shorts/Gold Sandals/Hoop Earrings]

Change It Up:  Tie up a soft chambray shirt and add neutral wedges and accessories.

eyelet-shorts-chambray

[Image Via]

It’s Your Turn:  How will you be wearing lace this spring and summer?  Share your styling tips in the comments.

spring-challenge-bannerFor easy spring outfit ideas, join us for the Spring 2015 GYPO Style Challenge.  Over 1,700 women have already signed up and are dishing style advice and shopping tips in our private Facebook group.  If you haven’t joined us yet, there’s still time.  Late registration is now open!  The spring trend outfits started this week.  Sign up HERE.

 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!

Getting my pretty on with The Pleated Poppy.