Style Your Budget – Monochromatic Outfits

Style Your Budget – Monochromatic Outfits

I have always been a fan of monochromatic outfits. It’s an easy and quick way to pull together an outfit that looks chic and polished. This summer, however, monochromatic outfits are definitely having their moment. They can be seen all over Pinterest, in your favorite magazine, and in retailers’ advertisements. But what exactly is are monochromatic outfits? While it typically means dressing in one single color, it can also mean choosing pieces from the same color family, just with varying tints or shades. For instance, I love a solid black ensemble with a pop of color either using a fun heel, a statement necklace, or a top layer. This is my go-to look especially when it comes to holiday parties which you can read about HERE.

For summer though, I’m enjoying all the bright color selections as well as the earth-tone neutrals. This is one trend that’s definitely fun to play with. That’s why I thought it would be a great look for this month’s Style Your Budget. What is Style Your Budget? It’s where I offer an outfit formula for inspiration and then style it at different price points. For some items, you may be able to shop your closet and if you find any gaps, I offer different price points to fill in those gaps. While the formula this month is pretty simple, the pairing options are endless. What color palette will you choose for your monochromatic outfits?

Solid Top + Solid Bottoms + Neutral Shoes

Monochromatic outfits from various stores including Old Navy, Nordstrom, J.Crew Factory, H&M and Amazon.

Now Let’s Style Your Budget

Option #1

Monochromatic outfit from H&M with gold hoop earrings, taupe tank top, gold pendant necklace, sunglasses, beige linen pants, taupe crossbody and canvas espadrilles.

Solid Top $7.99 / Solid Bottoms $17.99 / Neutral Shoes $34.99 / Neutral Handbag $17.99 / Earrings $5.99 / Necklace $5.99 / Sunglasses $14.99

Total $105.99

Option #2

Monochromatic outfit from Old Navy with cream wrapped earrings, gold aviator sunglasses, a rust color tank top, a gold tassel necklace, rust paper bag waist shorts, canvas tote and natural color wedges.

Solid Top $8.00 / Solid Bottoms $29.99 / Neutral Shoes $30.00 / Neutral Handbag $27.99 / Earrings $9.99 / Necklace $17.99 / Sunglasses $12.00

Total $134.97

Option #3

Monochromatic outfit from Amazon with silver drop earrings, silver aviator sunglasses, a navy flutter sleeve shirt with a long silver pendant necklace, a brown leather tote and brown slid on sandals.

Solid Top $17.75 / Solid Bottoms $45.90 / Neutral Shoes $18.90 / Neutral Handbag $49.50 / Earrings $12.95 / Necklace $7.98 / Sunglasses $20.99

Total $173.97*

*Price may differ depending on size

Option #4

Monochromatic outfit from J.Crew Factory with gold hoop earrings, tortoise shell sunglasses, a pink v neck shirt with a pink and gold flower necklace, pink shorts, a straw tote and canvas espadrille wedge mules.

Solid Top $14.59 / Solid Bottoms $29.50 / Neutral Shoes $64.50 / Neutral Handbag $59.50 / Earrings $10.50 / Necklace $14.50 / Sunglasses $19.50

Total $212.59

Option #5

Monochromatic outfit from Nordstrom with a sage green flutter sleeve shirt, sage green drawstring shorts, silver hoop earrings, white and brown sunglasses, a long silver necklace, a brown crocodile embossed tote and brown sandals.

Solid Top $29.99 / Solid Bottoms $49.00 / Neutral Shoes $29.96 / Neutral Handbag $49.00 / Earrings $18.00 / Necklace $27.30 / Sunglasses $59.00

Total $261.26

Your turn! Are you a fan of monochromatic outfits? Which look is your favorite?

Treat Yourself Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Treat Yourself Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is just days away and by now you may or may not already have the perfect gift in hand for your mother, mother-in-law, or that someone special who is like a mother to you. As a mother, it’s pretty much our job to look after and take care of everyone and that’s okay. I LOVE my family and couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather do. However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve also realized the importance of self-care and that it’s okay to ‘spoil’ ourselves every once in a while. That’s why this year’s Mother’s Day gift-giving guide is a little different. It’s all about ways we can treat ourselves. Below are some things I’m loving plus a few extras that have caught my eye. Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all our Pretties!

1. Hey Humans Lavender Vanilla Body Wash, Lotion, and Deodorant

There’s been a huge shift in trying to use beauty products that are clean, natural, and eco-friendly and my household is no different. Three products that have found a pretty permanent place in my bathroom are the Lavender Vanilla Body Wash, Lotion, and Deodorant by Hey Humans. These products can be found at Target which I love because easy access to the things I use is crucial. They also have other scents such as Banana Aloe, Cedarwood Sage, Coconut Mint, & Apple Matcha.

2. The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi

Being a Lazy Genius isn’t about doing more or doing less. It’s about doing what matters to you and I can’t wait to check out what that actually means for my life! This gift idea comes recommended by our very own Lauren who loves this easy read and its realistic and practical approach to deciding what’s important in life. It’s completely changed the way she approaches things.

3. iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit

My morning doesn’t start until I’ve had my coffee but that can take a toll on the whiteness of my teeth. This at-home treatment is really easy to use and the price is really budget-friendly especially compared to getting my teeth whitened at the dentist. Did I mention it’s really easy to use? Just put the gel into the mouth tray and wear it for only 10 minutes a day. One helpful tip is if you’re finding it hard to get the gel evenly on your teeth using the trays, you can apply it with a q-tip then use the tray and light. This will help keep it off your gums as well. Now say ‘cheese’!

4. Hanicure The ll-In-One Facial – Single

At $29 for a single-use kit, this is definitely an indulgence. It boasts the promise of smaller pores, reduced fine lines, firmer and healthier skin. It’s gotten great reviews but make sure to read the directions carefully regarding the mixing of the products. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and as the product dries, it will begin to feel tight on the skin. It can also leave skin a little red after you wash it off but that typically goes away after a few hours leaving skin feeling smooth and fresh.

5. Oofos Active Recovery Footwear

This suggestion comes from another member of the GYPO team, Jessica, and her need for some summer footwear to cushion her feet. Her favorite cozy slippers, while perfect for the cold Pennsylvania winters are just a little too warm during the summer months. Oofos Active Recovery Flip-Flops and Slides are the perfect combination of coolness and support making them a great ‘house shoe’ that can also be worn to run errands. They come in many different colors and styles and they give her feet the relief they need even on her tile floors.

6. Q&A A Day For Moms

For those who want to get into journaling but aren’t sure where to start, this Q&A A Day for Moms is perfect. It only takes a few moments to answer each day’s fun little prompts. Plus with five years worth of space, it’s fun to look back at what little story each day holds from years past. Kids grow up so fast and this is a great way to be able to look back and remember those special moments.

7. Jo Malone London™ Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

I don’t know what else to say about this except that this is my new favorite year-round fragrance! It’s earthy but fresh and the scent lasts all day. It’s cozy enough for winter but light enough for summer.

8. Ember Temperature Control Mug

The Ember mug is seriously one of the best inventions ever. If you don’t know what the Ember mug is, it’s a self-heating mug that keeps your coffee (or tea) warm to the last drop. Originally my husband got one from our son and he immediately said I needed one because I’m constantly reheating my coffee. The mug comes in a 10oz or 14oz as well as a travel version. They also just came out with a new metallic finish collection and I love the Rose Gold! If you know me, you know how much I love my coffee and this makes it even better!

9. Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara™

I’ve had really bad experiences with most mascaras because they all tend to irritate my sensitive eyes. Anything that flakes will make them instantly hurt which is why I find myself wearing false lashes pretty much every day. I’ve seen a lot of chatter about Thrive Mascara both online and from the Pretties so I decided to buy it, not for myself but for my daughters. They too fell in love with the product and after further review, I learned that this is a ‘tube’ mascara meaning it wraps around my lashes and won’t flake off. It’s been really good to my eyes and really does help lengthen my lashes. It comes in both a rich black and rich brown color and is also an Allure Award Winner for 2020.

10. Prose Hair Care System

The Prose Hair Care creates customized hair solutions by utilizing a quiz that takes into account your hair type, hair habits, health, and even environmental factors. By creating a system that is customized only to that person, no two systems are alike. They offer a variety of natural scent options and even a fragrance-free option. You can do a one-time order or set it up on a subscription basis at a discounted rate. If you’re not happy with your products they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee that you can either return the products or change your formula within 30 days of your delivery date. I always feel better trying new products that have an easy return policy.

Bonus: THE ULTIMATE BOOK OF OUTFIT FORMULAS®

Lastly, something that is near and dear to my heart, my book, The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas®, A Stylish Solution to What Should I Wear? This is the perfect gift for any woman who struggles with what to wear. This book is the epitome of the Get Your Pretty On mission, to change the way women feel about themselves- forever. We believe every woman, no matter their size, age, ethnicity, or budget, deserves to feel pretty. Women who feel good in their own skin are always the prettiest – and that touches every area of their lives.

Your turn! What have you spoiled yourself with lately? Let me know in the comments below!

Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

by jessica pigza

There’s just something about that first pedicure of the spring whether I’m doing it myself or I’m able to make it to the salon. To me, it’s the official start of the season which means warm weather and lighter layers. It also means it’s time to break out my flip-flops and sandals. However, this year mother nature has been playing with my spring fever by covering the ground with snow not once but twice this April putting my sandal-wearing a bit on hold. Not to worry though, higher temps are coming and now I just need to decide if I want to go big and bold or soft and natural. Below are some of the fun ideas I’m seeing when it comes to spring and summer 2021 nail trends and colors. Which ones will you try?

1. Candy Colored Nails

These are nail colors good enough to eat! The bright rich colors remind me of a bag of skittles but prettier.

Essie Limited Edition Summer 2021 Collection

Essie Limited Edition Summer 2021 Nail Trends, bright colors

Deborah Lippmann Welcome to Paradise Nail Set

Deborah Lippmann Welcome to Paradise Nail Set, 2021 Nail Trends

2. Earthy Tones

On the opposite side of the bright and bold color spectrum are the soft and muted earth tones. These are the ones you’d find in nature like moss green, terracotta, pale yellow, and dessert sand. They’re still pretty colorful, just on a more subtle level compared to the bright candy colors above.

Essie Spring Trends 2021 Collection

Essie Spring Trends 2021 Nail Collection, Earth Tone Nail Trends

3. Dive into the Blue

Blue-toned polishes are a huge trend this season ranging from a bright royal blue to a tropical aqua, a minty green, and everything in between. Wear the color alone or add a coral or navy accent nail to take them up a notch. Need more inspiration? Just imagine a gorgeous blue sky over some fantastic tropical waters. The colors are amazing and something you can easily incorporate into your nail color.

H&M Sky High

H&M Sky High

Courtesy of The Polished Pursuit

Essie Seas The Day

Essie Seas The Day

Courtesy of Instagram @essie

Sally Hansen good. kind. pure. Nail Color Mint Refresh

SALLY HANSEN GOOD. KIND. PURE. NAIL COLOR MINT REFRESH

4. Colorful Corals

I think it’s safe to say that coral polishes never really go out of style. They are a quintessential spring and summer nail color and with a variety of pink, orange, and red undertones, you’re sure to find one that you love.

CHANEL LE VERNIS Longwear Nail Colour Coralium

CHANEL LE VERNIS LONGWEAR NAIL COLOUR CORALIUM, Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

OPI Aloha

OPI Aloha, Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

Orly Push The Limit

Orly Push The Limit, Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

5. Glitter Accents

The ring finger accent nail is still trending but what I’m seeing most is using a glitter polish or nail wrap to accomplish this look. Remember when applying a glitter polish you want to dab it on instead of swiping. This will allow more glitter to stay on your nail and not be brushed off. Below are some great ideas I found.

Sinful Colors Endless Blue & China Glaze Glitter-iffic

SINFUL COLORS ENDLESS BLUE & CHINA GLAZE GLITTER-IFFIC, Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

Courtesy of Instagram @darkeststarnails

Essie Lady Like & Essie A Cut Above

Essie Lady Like and Essie A Cut Above, Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

Courtesy of Rosy Disposition

China Glaze Four Leaf Clover & Color Club Gingerbread

CHINA GLAZE FOUR LEAF CLOVER & COLOR CLUB GINGERBREAD, Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

Courtesy of glitterandnails.blogspot.com

6. Going nude

This is one of the surprise trends of the season, bare or nude nails. This trend is super easy to achieve and requires only the use of a clear coat. If you want to add a little something you can opt for one that has a pink tint to it or even something that is a little more opaque but still sheer.

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Clear Polish

SALLY HANSEN HARD AS NAILS CLEAR POLISH

Dior Nail Glow Nail Enhancer

DIOR NAIL GLOW NAIL ENHANCER

OPI Baby, Take A Vow

OPI Baby, Take A Vow

Essie Gossamer Garments

ESSIE GOSSAMER GARMENTS

7. Multicolored Nails

When you can’t choose just one color, you don’t have to! Painting each nail a different color can be seen everywhere this season. The key to this trend is to find some sort of theme and go with it. For instance, use different shades of the same color family, or stick to all pastel colors or perhaps all bright colors. Using coordinating colors will also look great like navy, coral, and some gold glitter polish. Have you tried this trend yet? What color combinations did you use?

Zoya Polish in Byrdie, Winnie, Ella, Cora, and Sawyer

ZOYA POLISH IN BYRDIE, WINNIE, ELLA, CORA, AND SAWYER, Multicolor Spring and Summer 2021 Nail Trends and Colors

Courtesy of Instagram @thepolishclub

Olive & June Blue Crush Set

OLIVE & JUNE BLUE CRUSH SET

Bio Sculpture Pretty Pastels

BIO SCULPTURE PRETTY PASTELS

Courtesy of Instagram @katebonarnails

8. Small Details

Sometimes it’s the simple details that can take your nails to the next level. This can be easily achieved with different polishes, nail tape, or even using a budget-friendly nail art tool kit like this one from Amazon. The possibilities are endless!

Dot-to-Dot

Dot Manicure

Courtesy of Instagram/@katebonarnails

Two-Tone Nails – Paint Box Power Couple

Two-Tone Maincure

Courtesy of Instagram @laurenladnier

Seeing Stripes – OPI Alpine Snow & Metallic Striping Tape

Striped Manicure

Courtesy of topinspired.com

Your turn! What spring and summer nail trends and colors will you be trying this season?

Pretty Fix – Overalls

Pretty Fix – Overalls

It’s Pretty Fix time and this month I’m diving into one of this season’s polarizing trends, overalls. Love ’em or not, overalls are everywhere this spring. They are like a fun cross between jeans and a romper and whether you’ve worn them before or this is your first time exploring this trend, they are actually pretty comfortable. And just like jeans, they pretty much go with everything. Plus they come in a variety of washes, cuts, and lengths giving you plenty of options. I will, however, be the first to admit that even though I have done this trend before, it did push me a bit outside my comfort zone but that’s okay. I always encourage you all to try new things. Don’t knock it till you try it because you just may surprise yourself. That being said I’m also featuring another trend on this month’s Pretty Fix and they are high tops. I know, I know, what are we, back in the 80s? But retailers are putting a fun and almost sophisticated spin on these comfy classics by introducing them in leopard print, with metallic accents, and even snake print. The high tops I’m seeing have been updated for the times and you never know, they may be finding their way into your closet this spring.

If you are already familiar with what the Pretty Fix is, then feel free to skip down to this month’s formula but if you’re new here let me tell you what the Pretty Fix is all about. It’s where I offer up an outfit formula that features a few seasonal trends that you can easily add into your closet staples to give them a fresh look. By using a formula you’re able to adjust it to fit your lifestyle, budget, climate, and personal style to create a look you love. While I know this month’s look will be a heck yes for some and a heck no for others, it’s still easily adaptable. Simply swap out the overalls for a pair of skinny or even crop jeans and stick with the high tops or opt for a low sneaker instead. I promise there’s a little something for everyone.

Utility Jacket + Bright Top + Overalls + High or low top Sneaker 

1. Utility Jacket

The perfect spring layer for those days that start out with winter temps and end up at summer temps around mid afternoon. While a neutral olive green is styled in this look you can easily swap it out for another neutral such as gray or camel. For longterm wear it’s best to go with a classic silhouette but that doesn’t mean you can’t opt for one with a hood or even a draw string you can cinch in to create a more defined waistline. You really can’t go wrong with adding this casual closet staple to your arsenal, plus it’s perfect for fall.

2. Overalls

The key to wearing overalls is similar to joggers, you don’t want them too tight but you also don’t want them too loose. There are some great relaxed or boyfriend cut overalls but again the focus is on fit. Opting for ones that also have a little stretch in them is never a bad idea. Plus you can mix it up by opting for a different wash or even overall shorts. I always suggest that even if they don’t make it past the dressing room or are now awaiting a UPS pickup to be returned, at least you gave them a try. In that case simply swap out for a pair of jeans, crops, or shorts for a complete look.

3. High or low Top Sneakers

Yes, I know, here is the second spring trend I’m throwing your way but again, it’s fun, casual, and always age-appropriate as long as they make you feel good! (This same statement goes for the overalls too) From simple solids to fun accents, high tops are everywhere this spring. I’m seeing them paired up with skinny jeans, rolled crops, and even shorts. Have fun with this trend and find ones that fit your personality and style. I’m pretty sure these leopard print high-tops will be finding their way to my closet very shortly.

4. Neutral Crossbody

Now we’re back to the classics. During the spring and summer months I find that I like to stay more casual and have my hands free as well which is why I love the crossbody style hand bag. When I saw this handbag I knew it was the perfect one to finish off this outfit formula. It’s not too big but not too small that I can’t fit the essentials in it. Plus it will pair with everything. Easily pair this up with some shorts and a bright tee in the summer and finish off with some bangle bracelets and metallic sandals. I love pieces I can enjoy for multiple seasons, don’t you?

5. Bright Top

Spring to me is all about color! Like the beautiful flowers of spring, I love it when the pastels and vibrant colors start popping up at various retailers. For this look, you can easily opt for a bright tank, short sleeve, or even a long sleeve if your climate is still a bit chilly. For those of you who recently welcomed a dumping of snow, I may even recommend a bright sweater for under your overalls. Again the key to keeping this look from feeling sloppy is fit. Look for a top that’s a little more fitted and long enough that you can successfully keep it tucked into your overalls unless you want to go for the cropped look which is also very on-trend this spring. As I said above, it’s all age-appropriate as long as you love what you’re wearing and the way you feel when you’re wearing it.

6. Hoop Earring

Classic, timeless and it’s okay to have multiple styles, sizes, and metals when it comes to your hoop earrings. This look already has a lot of great visual interest I decided to keep the jewelry simple. You can even opt for a pair of stud earrings to simplify it even more. Also, don’t be afraid to mix metals. just because the buttons and snaps on your overalls are one color does not mean you need to match it to your jewelry. Have fun and mix it up!

Your turn! Will you give overalls a try this spring?

Find your most flattering colors

Find your most flattering colors

Are you a summer or a winter? Cool or warm? Or maybe even a neutral? If you’re scratching your head right now you’re not alone. Color is all around us and picking the ‘right’ colors that coordinate with our own natural coloring can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider and sometimes we don’t fit neatly into one defined category which is totally okay. However color does play a huge role in curating a closet that we love just as much as fit and feel does. The right colors can make us glow and look vibrant while the ‘wrong’ colors can leave us looking washed out and tired. I don’t know about you but I will take all the help I can get when it comes to looking refreshed and more awake. And since I am no expert when it comes to color analysis, I decided to partner up with someone who is to bring you a GYPO exclusive Color Analysis Masterclass with Shannon Manion founder of Color Curate.

Who is Shannon?

Shannon is a certified color analyst who completed her training at the Image & Color Institute International. She is a color and style consultant who is passionate about helping others curate their best image by understanding their own unique coloring. She believes every person deserves to feel great about themselves, like what they see each day in the mirror, and walk into any room with confidence. Our coloring is not a mistake. Nature doesn’t get it wrong. When we embrace our natural coloring – by repeating and complementing it in what we wear – we can create visual harmony.

What Will I learn in the class?

Through helpful illustrations, Shannon will explain the four-color seasons and how they are further divided into twelve sub-seasons, as well as the three elements that are used to determine your color season. As you watch the video you can follow along with your printable worksheet. Once you discover your own color season you can check out the color palette resource guide which includes the best colors and neutrals for all twelve sub-seasons. Shannon will also explain how to incorporate your best colors into your Outfit Formulas® capsule wardrobe every season!

How much Does it Cost?

The Color Analysis Masterclass is available for only $39.

What Does The Class Include?

1. Master Class Color Analysis Video

This video masterclass covers the why, how, and application of color analysis. Shannon will discuss the basics of color analysis, the process of determining your own season, and how to apply that information to your own wardrobe.

2. Color Analysis Worksheet

This downloadable worksheet alongside the masterclass video will help you assess your skin tone, value, and color quality. This information will help you to determine your color season.

3. Color Palette Guide

After determining your season, this downloadable color palette guide will help you to discover the best colors and neutrals for your season.

What are you waiting for?

Learn the secrets to wearing colors that harmonize with your skin tone, makes your skin look brighter, your eyes clearer, and your smile appear whiter. Enhance your natural beauty by dressing in colors that allow you to shine in, rather than compete with, the clothes you wear. The Color Analysis Masterclass will take you through the basics of color analysis, the process of discovering your season, and teach you how to apply that information to your entire wardrobe!

Ready to determine your most flattering colors? Click Here!