Ok, sorry about that, that was just Amazon popping by with my daily delivery. Hi I’m Alison and I’m an Amazon addict. It’s true, more days than not the Amazon delivery person is pulling up to our door to deliver goodies to our house. Amazon has truly revolutionized the way that I shop. Before I make even a smallest purchase, I go online to see if I can get it through our Prime membership. We have an Echo or Echo dot in most rooms in our house and ordering is as easy as shouting out “Alexa…”
I thought it would be fun today to share with you some of my all time favorite purchases and finds on Amazon that have made my life easier, more fun or better in some way.
This rack was originally a purchase I made to do Youtube videos but it ended up becoming an organizing staple so much so that my husband wants one too! I use it to plan outfits for vacations, keep my blog photo shoots organized and to hang clothes while I’m ironing.
It’s tough to admit that I can’t survive without a pair of readers these days but it’s true. I have them stashed all over my house, in my purse and in the car. When I saw these ultra stylish pairs on Amazon for just $10, I had to have them in clear and black.
I’ve been traveling a lot more this year and my MacBook has started to show some wear and tear. This rubberized case in a pink marble print also comes with a bonus keyboard cover in pink.
This could potentially be the weirdest thing on my list but I swear by it! Years of hunching over my laptop have done my posture no favors. I pop this posture corrector on for about an hour a day and it helps me to stay in correct alignment all day long.
If I had to pick just one thing on this list that was essential to my daily sanity it would be our iRobot Roomba. With three dogs and two cats, fur tumbleweeds on the floor are a part of daily life. Our Roomba runs every morning and all I have to do is remember to empty it out. Pet hair problem solved. We love it so much that we now have two of them!
Our family is kind of crazy for coffee. When we got back from Italy two years ago, we were all craving the delicious espressos and lattes we had there. I did a little research on how to have them at home and kept coming back to the Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine. We bought one and have been hooked ever since. Every cup is absolutely perfect. In the summer months, we have them over ice. Our favorite pods are the Hazelino flavor, SOOOOO good!
My hair stylist used this smoothing lotion the last time I got a haircut and I just wanted to smell my hair all day. Not only does it smell heavenly, it smooths my frizzies perfectly, adds shine and a little goes a long way.
So this purchase was the result of getting impatient with the process of growing my bangs out but it turned out to be a whole lotta fun! I tried hair extensions for the first time in my life and have been really happy with the results. These hair extensions are so silky smooth and they match my hair color perfectly. I got the 14″ set in Medium Brown. You can check out my Youtube video of the application process here.
I’m such a fan of this product that they should be paying me to be a spokesperson! It’s seriously transformed my skin. It’s brighter, clearer and it truly glows. Just get it, you won’t be sorry.
Two Morroccanoil products made my list. This mask is my go to for a weekly hydrating treatment, especially in the summer months. I also love taking it with us to the beach and slathering it on my wet hair and putting it in a bun at the start of the day. It keeps my hair from getting dry and crispy and leaves it soft and smelling amazing.
A few weeks ago I was asked if there was one item that you could buy to update your husband’s wardrobe, what would it be? Hands down it’s this pair of mens Adidas Cloudfoam Advantage Clean Sneakers. Craig has them in white and they give all of his casual outfits a modern, updated look.
The past two summers were rebuilding seasons for my swimwear collection. I have a hard time finding the right fit, especially in bottoms. I want something with fuller coverage and that can be really hard to find. La Blanca swimsuits just work for me. I’ve bought four of them in the past two years and couldn’t be happier with them. They hold up really well and come in some really flattering styles. Here are the two pieces I most recently bought. These swim bottoms were only $9.99!
If you watch any of my videos closely, chances are you’ll see this Apple watch band make an appearance. The champagne leather matches everything! It’s super affordable too – just $12.90.
Summer isn’t just the perfect time to try new trends in clothes and accessories, but also in hair, makeup and nails! It’s a time to let loose and have fun with bright colors but it’s also a time where less is more. Whatever direction your makeup routine takes you during these hot summer months, here are some fun new products you can try!
This hydrating lip balm comes in six glossy shades and boasts 12 hours of moisture. It can be worn alone or over lipstick as a top coat and I love that it’s a tube applicator which is perfect for a quick on the go application. What shade do you think you’ll try? I think the shade Work Wife’s sheer pink color is calling me!
Return some moisture to your lips after a day in the sun with Versed Silk Slip Conditioning Lip Oil. While some reviewers used it all day every day, others thought it best to reserve for bedtime to replenish lips. You decide!
If lip glosses aren’t your thing, then these creamy lipsticks maybe just what you’re looking for. They are a light matte finish, smooth texture and won’t dry out your lips. The reviews so far are great for this lipstick and best of all, it’s super budget friendly.
There are so many fun eyeshadow palettes coming out right now. Earthtone, sunset eyes are on big for spring. Check out this one by Natasha Denona that caught my eye (pun intended).
These fun eye shadows come in eight different trio packs with either a matte or shimmer finish. They are highly pigmented and the reviewers seem to love them. They also come in a cute, stacked compact.
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette – Warm Neutrals
This extremely budget friendly palette is perfect for warm skin tones. The colors are very pigmented and comes highly rated. I love all the varying shades of browns as well as the matte and shimmer options!
Perfect for cool skin tones, this cool to neutral eye shadow palette by MAC delivers beautiful color and pigmentation reminiscent of a desert oasis. I love the colors in this palette and again, it’s got just the right amount of shimmer.
NYC’s Bare With Me Cheek Tint adds just the right amount of color to your cheeks and it’s sheer, lightweight formula is perfect for summer. It’s an ULTA exclusive and comes in three colors however it’s so popular some colors may be out of stock online so you may need to visit the store to find it. Or just enter your email and they’ll let you know when they’re available.
Perfect for adding just a touch of highlight and shimmer, L’Oeal Paris’s True Match Lumi Glow Highlighter Palette comes with four different shades in one palette so you can go with a single highlighting color or mix and match them.
Not only is this a super pretty compact, but the duel toned bronzer adds just the right amount of color without making it look too over the top. You can even use the colors separately to highlight. Reviews have said it does have some shimmer to it, but very subtle.
Said to be even better than Too Faced already popular Better Than Sex mascara is their new Damn Girl! This mascara boasts maximum extreme volume and lasting wear. The reviews on this product were a bit mixed, people who loved it really LOVED it, but some people weren’t that impressed and also found the wand hard to use. Overall I think it’s worth a try.
Waterproof mascara is a summer essential! Not only does this product promise to lengthen and volumize lashes, but it also promises to stay in place. Reviewers are impressed that this product actually does what it says and stands up to the humidity of summer. No more black streaks running from your eyes when the weather gets hot!
Supergoop! has an amazing everyday sunscreen in an SPF 50 but sometimes that’s just too much for, well, everyday use which is why they came out with it in an SPF 30. Perfect for every day, this cream based sunscreen is also perfect for even the most sensitive or acne prone skin as it does not contain Dimethicone which can be pore clogging. It also comes in a mini size perfect for your purse!
This new product could be considered a game changer for summer makeup. This setting spray boasts that makeup will stay intact for up to 16 hours with no melting, cracking or fading, perfect for hot summer days and nights. It’s recommended for all skin types and so far the reviews have been positive.
The reviews on this product are amazing and some are boasting that it’s the best microfoliant on the market! It comes in a rice-based enzyme powder that activates when you mix it with water. Once you make the paste-like consistency, gently use all over your face to help remove dead skin cells and accelerate cell renewal. Depending on your skin type and sensitivity, start off using this product a few times a week but you can work up to using it daily. I’m excited to try this product as I’ve been unhappy with the texture of my skin for some time and I’m hoping this will help to smooth it out!
If you truly want to embrace the tropical vibe of summer then you need to try this shampoo and conditioner by Briogeo! This shampoo and conditioner set cleans hair without stripping the natural oils and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. It’s received excellent reviews and everyone is raving about the smell!
This L’Oreal shampoo and conditioner set neutralizes brassy yellow and orange tones in hair which can come as a result of chlorine exposure. It’s perfect for all blonde, bleached, highlighted brunettes and silver hair and should only be used a few times a week.
The answer to dry, frizzy summer hair is Amika’s Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream. It’s a leave-in conditioner that helps to protect and repair dry, damaged and frizzy hair. Use it on wet hair and style as usual or use on dry hair to help tame flyaways. The reviews on that product are excellent and it’s recommended for all hair types.
We already know our pretties love Batiste Dry Shampoo based on GYPO’s Best of the Best 2018, but this summer they came out with a super light scented formula which is perfect for those who either don’t want a lot of smell or are sensitive to strong scents.
Nails
When it comes to nails, neon seems to be the trend in summer colors. Brands like Essie and OPI have all released color sets in fun array of neon oranges, pinks, blues and purples. But don’t discount the nudes, which I’ve included a few of those options below as well as something else we’ve been seeing this season, high shimmer! What color do you think you’ll be trying this summer?
If you are a freshly baked dad or the one with a bit more experience this article is for you. Are you up for bringing some more balance to your wardrobe? Overall, do you want a more versatile, easy-to-pair set of clothes that you can wear every day no matter where you’re heading? Below I’m sharing a few tips on how to achieve that.
Start With Changing Your Approach
The essential thing to point out – creating a minimalist wardrobe is more about optimizing, not minimizing. The aim here is to build a thought-of and well-balanced wardrobe with the right amount of clothing so your daddy life would be less stressful.
Consider Your Budget, Lifestyle And Environment
Think of what do you do for work, what you enjoy doing during your spare time and on weekends. This will help to determine how formal or casual a style you need to go with.
How much could you spend and invest in some new pieces? You don’t have to replace your wardrobe all at once. It will help you plan your budget and save up for some more expensive garments.
What is the climate like in the place you live? Is it hot and humid, or cold and windy? Do you travel a lot? What is our daily routine like? How do you like to spend your free time? Answering these questions will help you to define your style, so you feel comfortable and confident.
Know Your Size
The thing you have to learn – stop trying to fit into pre-father clothes or pretend to be a slim-fit if you’re a bit larger gent. There’s probably nothing worse than seeing a grown-up man who’s wearing clothes that are too small for him. Your apparel should perfectly lay on your shoulders and overall fit you correctly.
Go For Neutral Tones
Vibrant patterns and graphic prints aren’t entirely off-limits, yet going for a more tonal and monochromatic look in neutral colours would be a wiser step at first. If you feel comfortable, try playing with the colour weel – mix and match different materials and shades for a more vibrant look.
Invest In Your Clothing
Invest wisely. Choose forever-live, high-quality pieces (Check Define Sleek’s guide to a capsule wardrobe and essential pieces). Go for a leather bomber jacket, quality jeans, knit sweater, wool suit or a navy blazer, look for a classy overcoat and invest in quality dress shirts and pants. Those things will age nicely and make you look sharp.
Less Branding
Over-branded outfits sometimes can send a wrong signal – ‘insecure dad trying to look cool’. A subtle logo with no pointing out can add a complementing touch to a plain shirt or a cardigan. The brand word or an icon should never be visible from more than a few meters away. Stick to the garments that look valuable because of their fit and fabrics. Let those things do all the talking, not some logos.
Main Rules On How To Structure Your Wardrobe
The core of your wardrobe should be formed of foundational pieces, classic and timeless items that work well in many different situations. Your foundational pieces should make the majority of your wardrobe. Moreover, these kinds of items should pair with one another without a struggle.
The middle section of your minimalist closet should be made of clothes that are not as versatile but are still relevant. This section could include seasonal items as well as pieces for specific occasions.
The top section should be made up of your experimental, colourful, nostalgic, and very occasionally worn items.
Final Thought
As it is sad that sometimes when your life tends to be a little too chaotic – start with your closet. Eventually, it could lead to more significant and better things.
About Renaldas – Founder of Define Sleek
In 2014 I was a professional chef and yet decided to pursue a career in men’s fashion industry after spending nearly a decade of making food at high-end restaurants across Europe. The decision to tackle a world of fashion was purely based on a passion for menswear, garments, and accessories which, in my point of view, are instruments to create a unique and distinctive statement of style. Without having much knowledge in this industry, I chose to enroll in fashion design courses in London to learn some fundamentals needed to succeed in this business.
The idea of Define Sleek was born back then with the aim to provide practical style advice and offer approachable content concentrated on longevity, sustainability and education about tailoring and bespoke fashion.
Define Sleek believes that style is more about how you live your life, your pursuits and values, quality and craftsmanship in all aspects of life.
No matter how many years it’s been since I was in school I just can’t quit that internal seasonal shift – summer begins when school is out! As the school year winds up all over the country I think it’s safe to say that summer has arrived and with that, it’s time for another Style Your Budget post! If you’re new around here, Style Your Budget helps you shop smarter by showing you one outfit prompt styled at five drastically different price points.
One of the things that makes Style Challenges work so well is that we don’t provide you with the clothes. That may sound like a bad thing at first, but I promise it isn’t. By providing you with a style prompt rather than a box of clothes, you get to decide what the outfit ultimately looks like (and how much it costs).
If you already own all the pieces in the prompt you can shop your closet for a free outfit. Woohoo! However, if you need to fill in a gap in your wardrobe you get to choose which store, and more importantly how much you are going to spend, to fill in that gap.
This look is from the Style Challenges Summer 2019 Capsule Wardrobe. Bright accessories paired with closet staples are my favorite kind of outfits that are stylish for summer without adding tons of layers (aka heat) — check out my recent YouTube video for more summer outfit tips. Building a cohesive and affordable casual wardrobe doesn’t have to be tricky and Style Challenges is here to help. It’s as easy as 1-2-3… we promise! 1. I give you a shopping list so you’ll know exactly what you need. 2. Check off your list by shopping your closet or using my recommendations. 3. You’ll get a complete guide of daily outfit ideas using the pieces from your list. It’s that easy!
If you’re looking for some investment quality designer sunglasses, I highly recommend checking out SmartBuyGlasses!
We always recommend investing in the best quality that your budget allows when it comes to your closet staples. However, if you are trying out new trends, fluctuating between sizes, or need a more budget-conscious option we hope this post has helped you see that you truly can feel confident in what you are wearing no matter where you shop or how much you can afford to spend.
It’s Your Turn:
What version of this Summer outfit is your favorite?
You’ll have access to this outfit plus 30 more immediately upon signing up for the Style Challenges Summer 2019 Capsule Wardrobe. Make getting dressed this summer the easiest thing you’ll do all day! Check out how the Style Challenge is changing lives here.
Wedding season is here and chances are most of us have at least one wedding to attend this summer if not more. Weddings are fun, romantic and a perfect time to step beyond our daily attire and really dress things up. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use some closet staples to either dress it up or dress it down depending on the vibe of the wedding.
With a few simple changes, you can give most dresses dual purpose. Whether it’s a backyard wedding or something more formal, these wedding basics are sure to help you look and feel your best. Below I’ve taken some versatile dresses and paired them with some closet staples, as well as paired some closet staple dresses with some fun trends. The possibilities are endless and they’re sure to keep you looking fresh and new no matter how many weddings you’ll attend this summer.
Casual Wedding
For a more casual wedding atmosphere, most dresses can be dressed down with a neutral cardigan or even a denim jacket depending on how dressed down you want to go. Select a pair of flats or low wedges and add some simple jewelry. You can finish off the look with a small wristlet or clutch. Check out some of these casual looks below.
For a classic wedding look, I suggest either going for a simple dress and opt for jewelry that’s has a little more sparkle or choose a dress that has more interest in design and wear jewelry that is more on the dainty side. You can also either add the cardigan or subtract it depending on your dress. If your dress is a bit on the fancy side, I recommend adding the cardigan to tone it down. Check out the below style combinations.
Typically weddings held in the evening are considered to be a bit more formal so for this look lose the cardigan and add a delicate shawl or scarf to create a softer look. Then amp up your jewelry with something that sparkles and add a statement necklace. Shop your closet for a strappy heel that’s either metallic, nude or even a print and finish off with a small clutch.
This is my take on the little black dress, the black jumpsuit! This can easily be dressed up or dressed down, perfect for any age or size and a fantastic option if you don’t feel like wearing a dress.
Want some more dress options? The dresses below will pair up well with any of the accessory combinations shown above and I’ve also included a few maternity dresses for our lovely ladies that may be expecting this summer. As always, don’t forget to shop your closet first, you may be surprised by what you may find! Now it’s time to toast the happy couple!
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
SHOP THE ACCESSORY LINE
SHOP THE LOOKS
A NOTE TO READERS
Please know that Get Your Pretty On uses affiliate links in some of our posts. This means that clicking on or purchasing through a link may help me earn a small commission, which helps make this blog possible. Thank you for your support! For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.