Feb 18, 2015
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.
[Image Via]
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[Image Via]
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!
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!
Feb 16, 2015
Last week, I announced that my husband Craig and I are collaborating on a special style challenge just for the man in your life (if you’d like to get a sneak peek of a casual outfit, check out this post). It’s called the Menswear Basics Boot Camp and we geared it toward updating your guy’s basics with the pieces he needs to create outfits you’ll love. OK, so some men might be resistant to this idea but it’s not going to be the usual selfie snapping experience. (Sneaky Tip: If he’s not game, just get the shopping list, update his wardrobe and then start gently suggesting outfit combos.) 🙂
Today I’m sharing an updated list of business casual basics for men. Whether your man works in an office environment or not, having dressier outfit options also comes in handy for date nights, church, weddings and other special occasions. If your guy could use an update in this department, here are seven pieces to focus on.
1. Fitted Button Down – Whether layered under a sweater or sport jacket or worn on it’s own, an updated fitted button down should be at the core of every man’s wardrobe. This shirt features a print that’s subtle yet adds interest.
2. Layering Tees – Don’t forget about base pieces. It might be time for your guy to refresh his t-shirt inventory.
3. Dress Watch – This watch is casual enough for every day yet dresses up quite nicely too.
4. Black or Brown Belt – A great belt can be worn with jeans or dress pants. This belt is versatile enough for either.
5. Gray or Black Dress Pants – Dress pants have changed a lot over the years. A modern fit with a flat front looks good on every guy. This pair looks sharp and has great reviews.
6. Black or Brown Loafers – Comfort is key for men. These shoes are my hubby’s favorite.
7. Dress Socks – Try swapping out basic solid black for a printed pair to add a little interest and style.
It’s Coming…
If you’d like to be the first to find out when registration for the Menswear Basics Boot Camp opens, get on the list HERE.
Feb 13, 2015
Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day with a date night? Craig and I used to every year. As a matter of fact, other than our anniversary, it was the only time we ever had a date night. Now that the kids are older, it’s a lot easier for us to commit to regular date nights. But Valentine’s Day is no longer on the list. We usually just stay in and make chocolate fondue with the girls, watch a movie and chill out. I’d much rather go the weekend before or after V-Day so we don’t have to deal with the crowds or fixed menus.
When we do have an impromptu date night, I often times find myself spinning around in my closet wondering what to wear. Through the years, I’ve come up with a few tried and true date night outfit formulas so I always have a go-to. Here are three of my favorites created from pieces that many of us already have in our closets.
Three Date Night Outfit Ideas from Your Closet
1. Black Blouse + Dark Wash Skinny Jeans + Heels
A black shirt or blouse always feels a little dressy. Add some chandelier earrings plus a clutch and a killer pair of heels for a simple yet sexy date night ensemble.
[Blouse: H&M/Jeans: AG/Clutch: JCPenney/Shoes: Zara/Earrings: Similar]
2. Pencil Skirt + Jewel Tone Blouse + Metallic Heels
If you saw this post, you know that I’m a lover of the pencil skirt. It’s flirty and feminine. Perfect for a dressier date night. Add a pretty jewel toned blouse and some gold accessories to complete the look.
[Blouse: Similar/Necklace: River Island/Skirt: Similar/Shoes: Similar/Clutch: Similar]
3. Romantic Blouse + Gray Jeans + Ankle Boots
There’s something about girly + tough that’s just right. Pair up a feminine blouse with some gray or black jeans and ankle boots for a night out to remember.
[Blouse: House of Fraser/Jeans: 7 for All Mankind/Purse: Lulu’s/Boots: Steve Madden/Earrings: Nasty Gal]
It’s Your Turn: What are some of your favorite go-to outfit combinations for a date night out? Tell us in the comments.
Feb 11, 2015
Since my corporate days are (thankfully) a thing of the past, I don’t dress up much anymore. Honestly, sometimes I REALLY miss it. Nothing makes me feel more feminine than a great fitting pencil skirt with a tucked-in blouse and some heels.
But one of the best things about blogging is I get to play dress up when I want. 🙂
[Skirt: Loft (Similar)/Shirt: Loft (Similar)/Purse: Wallis/Shoes: DSW]
OK, so playing dress up at the barn isn’t ideal but this is an example of one of those outfits that makes me feel like I can conquer the world. Skirts and heels give me that powerful combination of confidence and femininity like nothing else. The same goes for dresses but I’ve always been partial to skirts for some reason.
Here are some other ways to wear different lengths and styles of skirts. Which one is your favorite?
Floral chiffon maxi skirt with a sleeveless ruffle top
Red midi skirt with a white short sleeve top
Classic a-line skirt with a maroon sweater
White mini skirt with a button down blouse
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!
Feb 9, 2015
Guess what? There’s a GYPO Style Challenge coming soon and it’s just for men! Except it’s not called a style challenge because that’s not very manly, right? Instead it’s going to be known as the Menswear Basics Boot Camp. This challenge will consist of the basics he needs to update his wardrobe and the outfits you’ll love to be seen with him in.
I never really thought about doing a menswear challenge but then so many of you told me that your guys wanted one after seeing you participate in GYPO Style Challenges. That’s right, the men requested this!
This challenge is going to be collaborative in a few ways. First, my husband Craig and I will be working together to create it. We’ve never worked together in this way before so this should be interesting (I’ll let you know if we’re still married when it’s over, ha!) It’s also going to be a collaboration for you and the man in your life as you’ll be helping him shop and put outfits together. The Menswear Basics Boot Camp will start in March and end just before the GYPO Spring 2015 Challenge begins.
Because it’s for men, this challenge will be slightly different than a typical style challenge. More details to come on that later. But for now, let’s check out some basics that your man is going to need for this challenge.
Printed Button Down + Lightweight Sweater + Updated Dark Wash Jeans + Nice Watch + Cognac Belt + Dress Socks + Oxfords
[Similar Shopping Options – Button Down/Sweater/Watch/Jeans/Belt/Socks/Shoes]
It’s Coming…
If you’d like to be the first to find out when registration for the Menswear Basics Boot Camp opens, get on the list HERE.
