Mar 6, 2015
It may not quite feel like it yet depending on where you are but spring is just around the corner. In preparation for the Spring 2015 GYPO Style Challenge, I’m starting a series each Friday featuring a different spring essential to add to your wardrobe.
Our first week is all about the trench. It’s no secret that I’m slightly obsessed with trench coats and here’s why:
Three Reasons Why Trench Coats are a Spring Essential
- They will never, ever go out of style. A good trench coat lasts forever.
- They’re incredibly versatile and can be worn with skinny jeans and flats, dresses and heels or anything in between.
- They pull together any look and add a touch of chic like nothing else can.
Whether you go with traditional khaki or experiment with color and pattern, you just can’t go wrong. Here are a few ways that I styled my trench coat collection last year.

[Coral Trench: Similar]

[Striped Coat: Similar]

[Yellow Coat: Similar]

[Colorblock Trench: Similar]
Colors and Patterns

[1/2/3]

[Short Cobalt Trench]

[Coastal Rain Coat]

[Single Breasted Yellow Trench]

[Coral Trench Coat/Parka]
Traditional Trench Coats

[1/2/3]

[Trench Coat with Detachable Liner]

[Double Breasted Trench Coat]
It’s Your Turn: Do you like traditional trench coats or are you more into colors and patterns?

There’s still time to join the Menswear Basics Boot Camp. The shopping list of men’s wardrobe basics went out this morning so you still have plenty of time to get the pieces in place before the outfits are released. Sign up HERE to get your shopping list immediately.
Mar 4, 2015
There’s just a few more days until my 16 year-old daughter and I head to Paris to celebrate her birthday. Aubrey turned 16 last month and got a big surprise in this box – an itinerary and tickets for a mother/daughter trip to Paris and London. Read the original post to hear more about it, it’s a dream come true for both of us.
Well, spring break is (finally) almost here and we’ll be heading out in a few days. As promised, I’ve put together my actual packing list for our trip. We’ll be doing lots of sightseeing, shopping and walking, plus taking a day trip to London. (P.S. Thanks to ALL of you for the incredible travel tips in the original post!) The forecast is looking awesome for this time of the year – upper 50’s and plenty of sunshine.
Believe it or not, I did almost no shopping for this trip. All of these outfit basics were already in my closet thanks to doing GYPO Style Challenges this past year. I don’t just put these style challenges together, I live by them too. Casual outfits are all that we’ll need since we won’t be dressing up for anything. I’ll also be packing jewelry (long and short necklaces, earrings and a watch), an umbrella, a tote bag, a cross body bag and rain gear.
If you like this packing list, be sure to pin it. Although this packing list is for Paris and a day trip to London, it would also work for a fall or spring trip to other destinations like NYC and Chicago. This only includes seven days’ worth of outfits but I’m confident you could put together two weeks or more just from these pieces.

The Pieces: Black Jeans/Gray Jeans/Blue Jeans/Poncho/Burgundy Tunic/Mint V-neck/Striped Top/Denim Shirt/White Tank/Taupe Tank/Riding Boots/Sneakers/Leopard Flats/Ankle Boots/Leopard Scarf/Plaid Scarf/Fleece Jacket/Trench Coat/Yoga Pants/Sweatshirt
Day One – Travel

Striped Top + Poncho + Black Jeans + Leopard Flats
Day Two

Mint V-neck + Plaid Scarf + Fleece Jacket + Gray Jeans + Riding Boots
Day Three

Striped Top + Leopard Scarf + Trench Coat + Blue Jeans + Ankle Boots
Day Four

Burgundy Tunic + Poncho + Gray Jeans + Leopard Flats
Day Five

Mint V-neck + White Tank + Leopard Scarf + Trench Coat + Black Jeans + Ankle Boots
Day Six

Denim Shirt + Taupe Tank + Leopard Scarf + Black Jeans + Riding Boots
Day Seven – Travel

Sweatshirt + Yoga Pants + Fleece Jacket + Sneakers
I’ll also be packing jewelry (long and short necklaces, earrings, watches), an umbrella, a tote bag, cross body bag and rain gear too. This only includes seven days’ worth of outfits but I’m confident you could put together two weeks or more from these pieces.

Registration for the Menswear Challenge closes tomorrow at midnight and the shopping list of wardrobe basics will be released at 12:01 a.m. Friday morning. It’s not too late to join the fun and get the pieces your guy needs for the outfits you’ll love! Get more info and 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!
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 27, 2015
I have a little secret to share with you, my hubby Craig used to rock the 90’s jeans, unfortunately well into the 2000’s. You know the ones I’m talking about. Those higher rise, relaxed fit, light wash Levi’s (although other brands were offenders too). You could call them “dad jeans” the male equivalent to mom jeans. Thankfully he’s on trend now but it took a little convincing from his loving wife. I think we owe it to our guys to make sure they stay in style, right?
Maybe you can relate because your hubby could use some updated style too.
If 1990 called and wants it’s dad jeans back, then the Menswear Basics Boot Camp is here to make sure your guy won’t be pants-less.
This style challenge just for men will include a core basics shopping list perfect for updating his casual wardrobe. It includes 15 pieces to create 14 mix and match outfits that work for just about anything.
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
Registration for the Menswear Basics Boot Camp is now open and TODAY ONLY is on sale for just $14.99. This offer expires at midnight ET tonight when the price will increase to $19.99.
THIS IS THE LOWEST PRICE THIS CHALLENGE WILL BE OFFERED AT.
To get more information and sign up for this challenge, click the link below.
MENSWEAR BASICS BOOT CAMP
P.S. HURRY! The early bird special ends at midnight ET tonight! This is the lowest price this challenge will ever be offered at.
Feb 25, 2015
Itty, bitty little February has flown by in the blink of an eye. It also seems to. I never want to rush time but it does mean we’re getting closer to spring!
Here are some of the pretties that provided us with great outfit inspiration during this month’s I Feel Pretty link up.
Lauren from Lauren McBride Blog styled some fun sneakers to complete her sweater, collared shirt and leather pants.

Kreyola’s Journeys shared her casual weekend outfit that she wore running errands. The owl tank and white cardigan is my favorite!

Red Reticule paired her chicest essentials in a gorgeous striped dress, navy blazer and pearls. She looks classic and perfect!

Tatiana from We Shop in Heels has the ultimate snowy background that makes her red trench coat stand out, along with her striped top, faux leather pants, and over the knee boots! This will brighten any gloomy snow day.

Jacket Society visited the Louis Vuitton Exhibit in Los Angeles looking very chic and fresh in a neutral jacket, white blouse, jeans and gold accessories.

MENSWEAR CHALLENGE
Registration for the Menswear Basics Boot Camp opens on Friday. If your guy’s wardrobe could use an update, this will be the perfect introductory challenge to get his basics in place. Click the image below for more details.

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 23, 2015
Love Jessica Alba’s brows? Me too. And I really wish I could have them but since my brows aren’t naturally thick, I’ve had to find a way to fake them.
Gone are the days of your mom’s (and grandma’s) thin brows and harsh arches. A prettier, more flattering, youthful and natural looking brow is where it’s at now.
Check out the video below for my quick and easy way to get full looking brows even if yours are a little skimpy, like mine.
Product mentioned in this video:
IT Cosmetics Your Brows But Better Brow Power Skinny Eyebrow Pencil
For even more brow tips, check out this post.
Menswear Basics Boot Camp registration opens this Friday! 