Sep 3, 2014
Happy Wednesday pretties! Before we get to today’s Q&A post, I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. On Monday, my book went on sale and you all responded in a BIG way. So big that you put “Get Pretty, Kick Butt” at #1 on the Parenting & Relationships best sellers list on Amazon!
Thank YOU for making my dream of becoming an Amazon best selling author come true. I’m over the moon!
Now back to today’s business. I put out a request to GYPO Facebook followers yesterday to submit questions for a Q&A today on the blog. First off, I LOVED your questions. Some of them made me outright giggle, so I knew this was going to be a lot of fun. So much fun, that I might just make this a regular monthly feature. Without further ado, here are my A’s to your Q’s.
Q&A Wednesday with Alison
Q: What was your worst style purchase/decision? What was your best? What’s the one item you’ve had the longest and still wear?
A: Worst, hmm. Can we just count most of the 90’s and early 2000’s? I didn’t understand fit back then so I had a lot of ill-fitting clothes. Mainly baggy jeans and pants that made my lower half look out of proportion. Now, I know myself so well that if I don’t love how something looks on me, I just don’t buy it.
On the other hand, my biggest appearance faux pas (which my kids are more than happy to remind me of) was when I got my hair chopped off super short while wearing braces…as an adult.
Not my best look. 🙂
Moving on…
Best style purchase? Definitely my Frye Boots in Cognac. When the weather turns cooler, I wear them almost daily. Totally worth the splurge on a cost per wear basis.
The item that I’ve had the longest and still wear is my pair of cheap leopard flats from Target. I’ve had them for five years! They’re starting to wear out now but they’re just so darn comfy and worn in that I can’t quit them. Really, I should just spring for the $14.99 for a new pair but I don’t want to break them in all over again.
Q: If they made a movie of your life, which actress would you want picked to portray you?
A: Tina Fey or Sandra Bullock. Yes, I’ve given this some thought. 🙂 They’re both incredibly funny, smart and down to earth brunettes who aren’t afraid to poke fun of themselves or look silly. I LOVE that.
[Via]
Q: Who is your style hero?
A: Another easy one. Hands down, Kate Middleton. She has classic style nailed. I love that she throws in some trendy elements and sometimes even wears things that I can actually afford. What’s not to love?
[Via]
Q: Can you give us some ideas on transition pieces that we can turn into fall outfits?
A: My all-time favorite transition piece is a boyfriend cardigan. You can throw it on over t-shirts, button downs, tank tops and pair it up with skinny or boyfriend jeans and ballet flats or ankle boots for a cute fall look that takes the chill off without being too warm.
This outfit is totally me in the fall.
Boyfriend Cardigan + Striped Top + Scarf + Gold Watch + Boyfriend Jeans + Leopard Loafers
That’s it for today’s Q&A. Thanks everyone for submitting your awesome questions. Let’s do it again next month!
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!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday and Friday Favorites.
Aug 29, 2014
We’ve completed the first week of outfits for the Work Your Work Wear Challenge. If you’ve never done a challenge with me before, this is how it works. Participants get a shopping list of wardrobe basics (for this challenge, business casual basics) and ten days to get all of their pieces in place. Then every day for the next three weeks, they get a new outfit combo created from the pieces delivered to their inbox every day.
For the next three Fridays during the Work Wear Challenge, I’ll be featuring an outfit from the challenge along with some of my favorite interpretations by the participants.
This week’s easy outfit combo is perfect for a business casual environment but works just as well for lunch with friends. The key to this outfit is coordinating the colors of the blouse with the cardigan and flats. You can repeat the formula over and over again with different pieces to create completely different outfits.
Easy Outfit Formula
Cardigan + Printed Blouse + Neutral Pants + Bright Shoes
The Pieces
Cardigan – A colorful cardigan brightens up your office days. You can never have enough cardigans!
Floral Blouse – The colors on this floral blouse are even prettier in person. They make it perfect to transition into fall. A simple graphic pattern also works great.
Earrings – These simple statement earrings in a trellis design will be your new go-to.
Over Sized Watch – Forget the fussiness of stacks of bracelets for the office, an over sized gold watch makes a big enough impact for your every day.
Pants – A slim fitting ankle pant gives this outfit a more modern silhouette. You could also opt for a stretch trouser or pencil skirt for a dressier look.
Flats – These cute bow flats keep feet comfortable and happy all day. Or try swapping them for a bright heel to elevate the look.
Here are some of my favorite interpretations of this outfit by real members of the style challenge. 
If you’d like to join us for the Work Wear Challenge, it’s not too late. Sign up now to get immediate access to the shopping list and outfits. 
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday.
Aug 25, 2014
If you read my Budgeting for Clothing post, you already know that I’d much rather get my nails done than buy clothes. When I tune into what’s new on the runways each season, I’m more interested in seeing the nail colors than the fashion. Nail polishes translate more easily into my everyday life than haute couture anyway. Each season I anxiously await the new “it” colors so I can buy a few new colors for my own collection and plan my salon visits accordingly.
The hot new nail colors for fall 2014 did not disappoint. Most of them are totally wearable and colors that I already love. Without further ado, here are the top five trends in nail polish for fall 2014.
1. Greige
This mixture between gray and beige looks so polished and goes with everything. It’s my current go-to nail color.
[Essie ‘Miss Fancy Pants’]
2. Pinky Nudes
Neutral nails are always in style. This season’s nudes have a sweet hint of pink to them.
[OPI ‘Barefoot in Barcelona’]
3. Jewel Tones
Shades of deep burgundy, emerald, deep blue and magenta are quintessentially autumn hues. Try one with a little sparkle.
[Butter London ‘Shag’]
[OPI ‘Keeping Suzi at Bay’]
[Revlon Top Speed ‘Ocean’]
4. Metals
Metallics in gold, silver and pewter are on the scene again this fall. I’m a huge fan of Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel formulas. They last for weeks without a drying light.
[Sally Hansen Miracle Gel ‘Game Of Chromes’]
5. Bold
Bold colors are big for fall and winter 2014. A risk-free way to try the trend is with a bold nail color like this vibrant violet.
[Wet n Wild Megalast ‘Through the Grapevine’]
It’s Your Turn: What are your favorite fall go-to nail colors? Tell me in the comments.
Aug 22, 2014
It’s the last weekend of summer for our family before heading back to school on Monday. Although I love having my kids at home, we’re starting to crave the structure and routine of the school year. Well, at least I am. I guess we’re as ready as we’re going to get – the school supplies are bought, uniform pieces are in place and we’ve even started going to bed earlier.
My teacher friends have already been back in school for a week. Before heading back, one of them challenged me to put together some cute, casual jeans outfits for her. There’s just one catch, they had to be from pieces she already had.
Challenge accepted.
Here’s one of the easy outfits I put together with items from her closet that you may already have in yours too. All it takes to create this casual Friday outfit is your favorite cardigan, a white button down and cuffed jeans. Then add in a fun belt, some comfortable colorful flats and a statement necklace for panache.
Clockwise from top left:
Cardigan – If your cardigans are in need of a refresh, this one comes in 23 different colors and has great reviews.
Button Down – A good white button down is one of the most versatile pieces in your closet. This one lends a more relaxed vibe.
Statement Necklace – This pretty sparkler with gold and crystals will dress up any casual Friday.
Cuffed Jeans – This favorite pair of cropped cuffed jeans is on sale.
Suede Flats – These flats have awesome reviews for comfort and they come in nine different colors. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, they could be the perfect pair for you.
Floral Belt – We found this fun floral belt on clearance. I like how it ties together all of the colors in this outfit. You can either wear the belt with your jeans and the cardigan open. Or button up the cardigan and wear the belt at your waist.
Satchel – This carryall is perfect for all of your work week essentials.
The Work Your Work Wear Challenge outfits start next Monday. If you haven’t joined us yet, there’s still time. Sign up now and get your shopping list immediately.
Have a great weekend and for those of you starting school on Monday, enjoy these last moments of summer!
xoxo
Alison
Getting my pretty on with Friday Favorites and Fashion Friday.
Aug 20, 2014
Over the weekend, Craig and I planned a mini getaway for our 15th anniversary. Although we usually go out of town each year, we decided to stay local this time and booked a night at a hotel close to home. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss our usual getaway, it’s always one of the highlights of our year. But with a son heading off to college today, it seemed more prudent to stay close to home.
Did I mention he’s moving in TODAY? Mama’s freaking out just a little. 🙁
Since we’re squeezing in as much family time as possible before he goes, we took the kids to brunch to celebrate our anniversary with us. I felt comfortable and put together in this maxi skirt, tank top and denim jacket.
[Denim Jacket: Similar/Tank Top: Same/Maxi Skirt: Same/Sandals: Same/Head Wrap: Similar/Earrings: Same/Necklace: c/o Onecklace/Watch: c/o Fossil/Bracelets: c/o Alex and Ani/Bag: c/o Barrington Gifts]
My new St. Anne Tote from Barrington Gifts was perfect for our weekend getaway. This tote bag is big but very lightweight so it’s great for everyday. I love that it can hold just about anything I want to stash in it like a cardigan, water bottle or even my laptop. The coolest thing is that you can customize all of their bags in the pattern and color of your choice. They even offer personalization with your initials. You can check out all of the colors and styles for yourself at BarringtonGifts.com.
It’s Your Turn: What’s your favorite way to celebrate your anniversary? Tell me in the comments!
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!
