Apr 21, 2014
Sometimes you just need a great comfy shoe for daily activities. But we shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, right? I love the way my flats look but they don’t provide much support and some of them are just plain uncomfortable. It’s hard to find a shoe with all day comfort for my active lifestyle that actually looks cute too. The Reebok Skyscape is one of the few shoes I’ve worn that does both. It’s designed as an “on the go” shoe – perfect for running errands, going to lunch or walking the dog – all without sacrificing comfort or style. This shoe has new technologies that help support the foot and provide comfort all day long. The best part? It’s so lightweight and comfortable that you’ll forget you have them on. This shoe only weighs 5 ounces! It’s really soft too and is crafted using materials and soft molding processes used to create lingerie. The seamless construction minimizes rub and irritation. I like how it adds a kick of color to any casual outfit. They come in six fun color combos. It’s the perfect shoe to take Bailey on our daily jaunt around the neighborhood. She probably wishes she had a pair too!
The Reebok Skyscape is also machine washable, which I love. Just remove the insoles and wash them on the delicate cycle, then let them air dry.
You can get your pair online at Reebok.com or in store at the Reebok FitHub or outlet locations. Also available at select Kohl’s.
It’s Your Turn: Where would you wear your Reebok Skyscapes? Tell me in the comments below and you could win a YourReebok Custom Card which you will use to design your own Reebok Skyscapes.
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
- Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 4/21/2014-5/18/2014.
Be sure to visit the Reebok Skyscape brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Apr 18, 2014
Since it’s Good Friday, how about a little feel good post?
I’m not much of a crier so when I do, you know something has touched me very deeply (or hurt me very badly). Fortunately my latest cry was for the first reason!
As I sat at my kitchen table Wednesday evening reading through the responses to an e-mail I sent out earlier that day, the tears just kept flowing.
A few hours earlier, I had asked the participants in the Spring Style Me Challenge what the challenge has meant to them so far. We’re only a week into it but from their Facebook group posts, I had a feeling I was going to get some incredible stories. It’s been about so much more than a shopping list and some outfits, there’s something really extraordinary going on.
I’d like to share some excerpts with you today.
I am learning so much from this challenge. And most of it isn’t even about outfits. I have 45 pounds to lose to get to a healthy weight, and I have been feeling like I can’t look pretty. The ladies on the Facebook page are so encouraging to each other, and when I look at their photos, I don’t judge them at all. I just see pretty, stylish, and brave people who are putting themselves out there and being who they are with confidence. I am so inspired by this. I haven’t posted a selfie yet, but I am working up my nerve and I will soon. Also, I am learning that being a confident and beautiful women is more about who I am inside and how I think than what outfits I have in my closet. Most of the clothes I am wearing for this challenge are pieces I already owned. This is teaching me that feeling pretty starts on the inside, and it isn’t about having the perfect piece of clothing. It’s more about leaving the house with a pretty attitude. I can’t believe the outfits I have found in my own closet!! Going shopping is fun, and new clothes are awesome, but it’s more than that. I have also learned a lot about the power of words and what kind and encouraging words can do for someone. More than once I have been moved to tears by some of the posts and responses on the Facebook group. What women doesn’t long to hear, “You are lovely, and you matter.” We need to be saying these things to our friends way more often! – Krista
My eyes are tearing up right now. Everyday I go into the FB page to see what everyone has on. To read the awesome words of encouragement by this fabulous group of women. What has this challenge meant to me? So much more than I can put into words. It’s so much bigger than “what am I wearing today”. It has made this insecure mom feel a little more secure. Day by day. It’s brought me “friendships” with women who are so kind and not one judgment will you find. It’s helped me begin to find my lost sense of style. To feel good when I do the dreaded drop off. You know what? I haven’t dreaded it one time this week. Nope, not once! I am so thankful for this Spring Style Challenge. It’s been a daily dose of fun and encouragement! I am truly looking forward to Summer, Fall and Winter Challenges. Thank you Alison for helping this momma get her personal groove back! – Patti
I never expected the community that developed from the Facebook page. It is probably one of the most unique experiences I have had…I love the support that people are giving each other. I love hearing other’s stories-so touching…the struggles with health issues, weight, self esteem. I love that because of this challenge that some are feeling so much better about themselves. I also am loving that I feel like I have a whole new circle of friends. Hope we can keep this group going past the end of the challenge because I truly will miss the words of support, the humor, and, of course, the selfies. 😉 Thanks again Alison. – Mary
I think the true reason I joined the challenge was to connect with some other women out there! I feel like I’ve gotten that, some extra attention from my husband, and a little boost in my self esteem. Everyone needs that once in a while 🙂 – Sarah
When I signed up for the challenge I thought it would be fun. I had no idea what an impact this simple decision to participate would actually have. I have always loved pretty clothes and to dress up, but I have often lacked confidence in my style. When I started the challenge and joined the Facebook group, I became part of an amazing community of women! The ladies are all so supportive of one another and encouragement is the theme of every post. It feels so good to tentatively share a photo and then receive wonderful affirming words. It’s the best! And everyone is stepping out of their comfort zone whether it’s to wear stripes with floral, leopard print shoes, or taking the “awkward selfie”. Beautiful ladies of all ages and from all walks of life have come together to try new ways of dressing. It’s been really fun so far and it’s only been a few days! Thank you Alison for bringing us all together! Someday maybe we will meet face to face, but until then we will all be “getting our pretty on” in our individual towns and communities! – Phyllis
This challenge has been so beneficial for so many reasons. One, I am always “waiting for that perfect size” to shop. That usually leaves me with a few pieces that fit me and a lot of clothes that don’t. I feel like the shopping list has given a wonderful set of mix/match clothing pieces that I am happy to wear. I feel confident in everything and most importantly comfortable! It’s also been such a supportive environment to try new things. I really didn’t think I would post any selfies on the FB page. However, in doing so each day, I am learning so many little lessons that are helping in “putting myself together.” For example, what colors look the best on me, tucking shirts in vs. out, the best length to wear my sweaters, etc. The best part, though, has been realizing how many women want the same thing I do and that we are all our worst critic. Its really been amazing being a part of a group so excited about getting dressed the next day! 🙂 I am using this Style challenge as a way to focus more on me and improve many areas in my life, including diet and exercise. My hope is that with each challenge you do, and I do hope you do one for each season, that I’ll be trading in my new boyfriend and skinny jeans for “smaller” size boyfriend/skinny jeans! And adding, of course, fabulous new shoes and accessories! Thanks Alison! Keeping doing what you do! You do it very well! – Heather
There are many, many more stories like this and I’ll be sharing more in-depth ones from some of our participants over the next few weeks of the challenge. I hope you are all as inspired by these amazing women as I have been. In a world where online communities can sometimes be ugly, this one has been simply phenomenal.
If you’d like to join us for the challenge, it’s not too late. You can still sign up HERE and get your shopping list and outfits immediately. Who knows? You may already have all of the pieces in your closet and a new group of best friends waiting for you to join them. 🙂
Now check out all of the smiling faces and beautiful looks on these incredible women this week! They are sure to make you smile too. 🙂
We even have a few MOPS groups participating. How cute are these girls?
I hope these pictures have you smiling too!
Have a blessed Easter! See you back here next week for the Daily Style Diary.
Getting my pretty on today with Fashion Friday.
Apr 16, 2014
So I had this whole post put together for today that took days to work on, then at the last minute I had to cancel it because of a technical issue. Time for plan B!
Oh well, that’s just fine because now I get a chance to share some of the awesome outfits happening over in the Spring Style Me Challenge.
On Monday, the first outfit of the 21 days was released. It contained four of the eighteen pieces from the spring wardrobe shopping list – a denim jacket, button down shirt, white jeans and leopard flats.
DAY ONE OUTFIT
Denim Jacket + Button Down + White Jeans + Leopard Flats
Here’s how I styled it.
Some of the challengers did exact recreations of the inspiration outfit but a lot came up with some really creative pairings. That’s what I love about this group – everyone is showing their style by making the challenge outfits their own.
Here’s how two of the challengers (ironically both named Lisa) perfectly paired it up.
If you want to see how the rest of the challengers styled it, then I guess you’re going to have to come join us! There’s still time to sign up. Go HERE to sign up and get immediate access to your shopping list and the outfits. No worries if you don’t have all of the pieces, we have plenty of improvisers in the group. You’ll be in good company.
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 pretty peeps. That’s it!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday and The Pleated Poppy.
Apr 14, 2014
Happy Monday! The first Spring Style Me Challenge outfit was released today. I couldn’t wait to wake up this morning and check the Facebook group to see how all of the challengers have styled it. There’s SO much inspiration and fun going on in that group. On a daily basis, women are stepping out of their comfort zones and feeling more confident. If you’d like to join in on the fun, you can still sign up HERE. It’s not too late to get your shopping list and start styling your outfits. You might even already have what you need in your closet. Plus you’ll have lifetime access to the outfits in the program, so there’s no rush!
One of the big comfort zone issues that many overcame last week was taking their first dreaded outfit selfie. I must say, everyone passed with flying colors. Many of them put my selfie skills to shame! A lot of great outfit selfie tips were shared among the challengers and I’ve compiled some of my favorites to share with you today.
TIPS FOR TAKING A GREAT OUTFIT SELFIE
1. Make sure you have enough light and you’re not backlit. For best results, your light source should be in front of you. Stand in front of a window or in a room with adequate natural light. Overhead lighting is ok, but try to stay away from lighting behind you as your photo will be too dark.
2. Check out what’s behind you. Remove any clutter in your background. A solid wall works best if you can use it.
3. Use a full-length mirror. It’s best to get a head-to-toe photo for an outfit selfie. The only way to do this is with a full-length mirror.
4. Hold your camera in the right position. This might require some experimentation to get it right. When you’re taking an outfit selfie, hold your camera at chest height in order to get everything in the shot. Try a few different angles to see what works best.
5. Be confident and SMILE. Yes, taking your own picture is close to one of the most unnatural feelings in the world. I still struggle with it even after all of my daily outfit selfies! But stand confidently and flash a big smile at yourself. I promise you’ll like the result much better!
DAILY STYLE DIARY
Speaking of outfit selfies, here’s a recap of mine posted this past week on Instagram. It was another week of mostly formulaic dressing. This week’s outfit formula was a t-shirt + jeans + scarf + flats. If you saw Friday’s Self Care Epic Fail post, you understand why! When life gets out of control, it’s so nice to have some really easy, put-together looks to pull out and throw on.
MONDAY
Hopefully the last sweatshirt of the season. 🙂
[Sweatshirt: Loft/Jeans: Forever 21/Flats: Merona/Watch: Michael Kors]
TUESDAY
[Denim Jacket: Kohl’s/Jeans: Similar/Shoes: Mossimo/Shirt: Merona/Scarf: Boden]
WEDNESDAY
[T-shirt: Mossimo/Scarf: Nordstrom/Jeans: Similar/Shoes: Merona]
THURSDAY
[T-shirt: Old Navy/Jeans: Paige/Scarf: Forever 21/Flats: Merona]
FRIDAY
[Denim Jacket: Kohl’s/Jeans: Kut from the Kloth (similar)/Shoes: Mossimo/T-shirt: Mossimo/Scarf: Banana Republic]
LIFE LATELY
Snippets from our day to day.
- Ava is getting ready for her first horse show. I stayed at the barn Wednesday night to take video and watch her jump. She’s made so much progress in the past year.
- I actually fixed my hair AND wore lipstick to go out to dinner with my girlfriends last week. A selfie was in order to document this momentous occasion. 🙂
- Craig came home from his business trip Friday night, we met up with my sister and brother-in-law and my parents for a nice dinner.
- Easter is this weekend and I’ve done nothing to get ready! Better get on the stick with that this week.
It’s Your Turn: Are you comfortable taking selfies? Do you have any tips to share? Tell me in the comments!
Apr 11, 2014
Happy Friday! I have something a little different planned for today’s post. You guys know how big of a proponent I am for self-care and feeling good about how we look. It’s the basis of what this blog was started on. It’s not only what I preach but it’s what I try to live every day. When I got stuck in my mom rut, the only thing that led me out was dedication to taking care of and feeling good about myself so that I could be the best possible mom for my family.
The irony in all of that is I’m failing miserably right now.
These past two weeks have been a whirlwind. The launch of my first style challenge has exceeded my wildest expectations in the best way possible. At the same time, I’ve been trying to keep up with my regular blogging schedule and responsibilities, which normally fills my days on it’s own. It’s a lot of work, but fun work. I call that “good stress”.
Then there’s the bad stress. My power steering went out on my car and Craig is out of town for work again. I’ve been coordinating car repairs while being a “single mom” and trying to keep up with everything else.
Let’s just say that my self care is in the crapper.
I haven’t worked out all week, laundry is piling up to the sky, we’ve had fast food or take out for dinner almost every night and now I have a compressed nerve in my neck. My body is screaming at me to slow down but my life is not having it.
Here’s how I’m coping with my self care epic fail. Maybe it will help you too.
1. Cut yourself some slack. I’ve worn my yoga pants almost all day every day this week. Do you know what? No one died. We all have seasons of life where it’s not going to work to get dressed and put on makeup every day. When you’re in one of those seasons, acknowledge it as temporary and give yourself permission to be where you are. Judging has NEVER made anything better. Remember, this too shall pass.
2. Enlist some help. I have a house cleaner come in once a month and what a difference it’s made. Her monthly visit fell on Wednesday of this week. Divine timing! I immediately felt like my life had regained some order just from having a clean house. Ask yourself what’s outside your zone of genius (or zone of motivation) and hire help for it. Free yourself up to do what really matters. If you don’t have the resources to pay for help, ask family or friends if they can step in for free once in awhile or barter services with them.
3. Make time for you. One evening this week, I made time to meet my girlfriends for dinner. Even though this is something I wouldn’t normally do when Craig is out of town, I knew I needed to go. My daughters got a little whiny when I told them I was going but ultimately my need for “me time” won out over mom guilt. When I got home, I felt recharged and still had quality time with them before bed.
4. Refer back to what works. OK, I know how crazy this sounds, but I re-read my own book! One night before bed, I pulled up my copy of Get Pretty, Kick Butt! on my Kindle and skimmed through a few chapters. Sometimes I need a reminder of what it takes to structure my days properly. In the season of life that I wrote that book, I had a really good handle on what was working best for me. It serves as a guidepost when I need to get back to basics. If you have a good book or guide that works for you, refer back to it often.
5. Take a deep breath and be thankful. There is so much good about this season of life. Even though it’s really hectic, there’s good to be found in every moment. Craig is out of town because he is valued and has a stable, secure job. I’m harried from running around because I have the ultimate privilege of serving my family. My blog is busy because I’m blessed to have readers who enjoy it. My car might need repairs but at least it’s paid off! Each night before I fall asleep, I say a prayer of thanks for all of these incredible blessings.
Craig comes home today and I’ve “mostly” got a handle on everything around here. Heck, I may even find time to put on makeup today and try to look pretty too!
It’s Your Turn: What tips do you have for making life work when you’re in a busy season? I’d love to hear them!
STYLE CHALLENGE INSPIRATION
There is something seriously magical going on in our Spring Style Me Challenge Facebook group. This challenge is worth it just for that community. I wanted to share with you a few quotes pulled from it these past few days:
I ABSOLUTELY love this challenge! One of the best parts of this list is how affordable it is! Each person can choose to spend as much or as little as they want on clothing items. I love that we will style clothes that can be from Target or Saks-and look absolutely gorgeous! Thank you!
Today was a breakthrough for me; I felt so good, confident and stylish, and yet still so comfortable–in my outfit and in my own skin. I wasn’t hiding under baggy clothes, wasn’t tugging on something that didn’t fit well, and wasn’t wearing something that didn’t feel like ME. What a difference! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU all!
Looking at the clothes in my closet a whole different way…not something I would of even thought of a week ago….thank you for “challenging” me to go outside my “comfort level”!
I’m getting so many good ideas here and learning so much from what you’ve shared, I’ve started a little folder of pics/ideas to take shopping. Feel like I know what I’m looking for and shopping smarter. Thanks, to all of you!
It’s nice to have a group of positive women encouraging each other. It’s very refreshing in our world-I’m feeling good about my body and clothing choices instead of feeling like I don’t measure up. Thanks ladies and Alison.
The courage and confidence displayed by the challengers has been incredibly inspiring. Feeling great about what you’re wearing and how you look is absolutely a game-changer. I love seeing how style crosses all borders. We have women in the group from their late 20’s to late 50’s and from all walks of life. It’s a universal language that we’re speaking in this challenge. I’ve never been involved in any group that’s been more supportive, encouraging or uplifting. My heart is bursting with joy!
If you want to get in on this amazing experience, there’s still time. Late registration for the Spring Style Me Challenge ends at midnight tonight. The first outfit will be released Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. CT. You can register now and get your shopping list immediately so you’ll have the weekend to shop and get your pieces in place by Sunday evening. Most of the challengers already had a lot of the pieces in their closets. Click HERE to join us!
Have a wonderful weekend! I’ll be back on Monday with my Daily Style Diary recap. See you then!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday.
