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!
Aug 18, 2014
This month’s Ask Alison is all about curly hair. In my world, August is curly hair month. After a summer of sun and chlorine, my hair can start to look pretty fried. It’s not very enticing to spend 40 minutes blow drying and flat ironing (a.k.a. “taming the beast”), just to have it frizz in the humidity. No thanks! So today I’m sharing my favorite products and styling tips for managing curly hair.
Alison, like you, I have naturally curly hair that I wear straight most of the time. But in the summer months, I don’t want to mess with it so I let it go curly. What are some of your favorite tips and tricks for styling your hair curly? – Anna P.
Hey Anna! I’m glad you asked this question. In late summer, I try to cut back to blow drying just once a week and style my hair curly the rest of the time. It’s so much easier, I just apply my favorite curly hair products and let it air dry. Here’s my exact curly hair styling routine.
1. Shampoo – Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo
Normally I use a frizz control or smoothing shampoo but when I wear my hair curly, Ouidad offers the gold standard in curly hair products. Their Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo really does hydrate well and helps my curls hold their form better than my regular shampoo. I don’t mind spending a little more for it because I don’t use it as often.
2. Hair Mask – WEN Sweet Almond Mint Re Moist Intensive Hair Treatment
An intensive hair mask is a MUST if you have curly hair. When Shay did this awesome hair mask post, I immediately ordered her top pick, WEN Sweet Almond Mint Re Moist Intensive Hair Treatment. When I say that it’s transformative, I mean it. My curls looks healthy, shiny and bouncy after using this. Just be careful to use it on the lower part of our hair only, it can get a little greasy if you apply it near your scalp.
3. Styling Product – Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream
This has been my go-to curly hair styling product for years. It gives my curls great definition and frizz control without being crunchy. I just scrunch it into my curls while my hair is still wet.
4. Air Dry
My secret to great curls is letting my hair air dry and keeping my fingers off. After I apply my styling product, I don’t touch my hair until it’s completely dry. Touching it just makes it frizzy and separates the curls.
5. Shine and Smooth – Macademia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment
After my hair is completely dry, I rub a dime-sized amount of Macademia Natural Oil between my palms and apply it to the ends. I then use what’s left on my hands to smooth any frizz around my face.
That’s it. A simple routine for healthy, bouncy curls that takes about five minutes to do. Makes me wonder why I don’t wear my hair curly more often!
It’s Your Turn: How does your hair routine change in the summer? Tell me your tips and tricks in the comments.
Aug 15, 2014
Today’s easy outfit comes to you by popular demand. I originally used this outfit to create a graphic for my Budgeting for Clothing post on Monday. But I got almost as many questions about the pieces of the outfit as I did comments on the post. So today I’m giving you guys all the deets.
It may still be too hot to wear it in your neck of the woods but be sure to pin it for later. It’s a great casual chic outfit to wear in early fall and will transition easily with the addition of your favorite fall scarf for cooler days.
Clockwise from top left:
1. Tortoise Stud Earrings – Aren’t these awesome? The color is perfect for all of your fall outfits.
2. Lightweight Crewneck Sweater – Lightweight crewnecks are perfect with skinny jeans, ankle pants and even skirts. Check out this option and this one in lots of great colors.
3. Dark Wash Skinny Jeans – Every woman needs a great fitting pair. These are my all-time favorite.
4. Color Block Flats – These do doubly duty with tones of beige and black.
5. Leopard Belt – Use it to cinch cardigans and sweaters at the waist or wear it with pants or jeans.
6. Stila “Kitten” Eyeshadow – This iconic color is always in style.
All of the pieces in this outfit are also on my Work Wear Challenge shopping list that was released this morning. Late registration for the challenge is now open. If you’d like to see more ways to mix and match these pieces and get your shopping list immediately, sign up HERE.
Have a great weekend pretties!
xoxo
Alison
Getting my pretty on with Monday Mingle.
