May 25, 2018
by Elysha Lenkin
You know how some days getting dressed is a breeze, and every piece you put on feels amazing? And then there are the other days; when everything you try on feels wrong. For those days, when finding an outfit that feels good is a struggle, I’ve put together some stylist tips for how to dress with confidence even when you have to push past the dissatisfaction with how you look so you can feel great in everything you wear.
How to Dress With Confidence
1. Know Your Shape
Understanding your body type is key to finding a truly flattering fit for your clothes. When your clothing fits well, you feel more comfortable, plus it’s easier to move around. Also, when you know which silhouettes work best for your body, you’ll be able to select pieces that complement your figure. I always recommend dressing for your shape, not your weight.
2. Accept Your Body
While wearing clothes that fit you well will definitely help you feel good, if you’re not satisfied with your body overall, you’ll never be comfortable in your skin. When I’m feeling self-conscious, whether it’s about my arms or stomach, I tend to fidget with my clothes. Sometimes it can take me 20 tries just to find an outfit I want to wear. On these days, I realize that it’s not the clothes causing the issue, but rather it’s my attitude about my body. Accepting our bodies as they are today is a major component of feeling great in what we wear.
3. Be Clear On What Suits Your Personality
The reality is there are a lot of styles out there that won’t be right for you. Maybe it’s because they’re the wrong cut for your body type, or they may not be your taste. It’s important to know what you like and want to wear so your style stays a strong reflection of who you are. This way you don’t end up looking like a fashion/trend victim, but instead, you always look like yourself. One way to know if something suits your personality is to ask the question, does this garment look like me? Your answer will tell you everything you need to know.
4. Have Fun
I realize that getting dressed comes easier on some days while other days it can be a struggle. As mentioned above, many times the difficulty of finding an outfit stems from my attitude, which can weigh me down. When I relax and lighten up, I can become more experimental with my style. It is then that I discover new looks, try out fresh ideas and enjoy myself in the process. This should be fun, and who doesn’t like having fun? A playful attitude goes a long way in helping you feel great in what you wear.
5. Learn From Your Mistakes
Since we all have some oops moments where we end up feeling terrible in our clothes, the way to benefit from this is to use it as an opportunity for learning. If I go out in a scratchy wool sweater that kept me itchy and hot all day, I’ll remember this when I’m shopping for sweaters, and test out the fabrics before I buy. If I feel self-conscious in a skirt because it seemed too short, I’ll know to layer leggings underneath next time, or let the hem down for more coverage. By zeroing in on what caused you to feel uncomfortable in your outfit, you give yourself the gift of learning what makes you happy.
Once you understand your shape, accept your body, have clarity around your taste, have fun with your style, and learn from your mistakes, you’re on track to feeling great in everything you wear. You’ve learned how to dress with confidence and when you’re happy with how you look, others will see this too.
About Elysha
Elysha Lenkin helps busy women get the glow of confidence that comes from looking current in their clothing and feeling amazing in their skin. As a commercial stylist for 20 years, she’s styled women of all shapes and sizes including Tina Fey, Carrie Underwood and Serena Williams. Sign up for Elysha’s free challenge to Reclaim Your Style and create your signature look in 5 days.
May 23, 2018
I don’t know about you but Memorial Day weekend has completely sneaked up on me this year. I about fell over when I realized it was coming up this weekend. It’s not like we ever make big plans though. We will probably go to my sister’s house for a cookout (Heather, if you’re reading, I just invited us over!) She just got a new pool installed, so the way I see it, she should be designated party thrower. Am I right? 🙂
I’m also feeling a bit behind on my summer shopping although I did pick up a few things for the Style Challenges Summer 2018 Capsule Wardrobe last week. My shorts collection needs a bit of an update so of course I had to have a few new cute tops to pair with them!
Today’s outfit is made up of trendy items from my recent shopping trip that are also on the summer shopping list. I can’t remember the last time I got this excited over summer trends! There are SO many good ones out there – like scalloped and pom pom trims, ruffle details, gingham, bright colors, kimonos and tropical patterns.
This top had me at pom poms and I just love the color of these scalloped shorts. These two trends play really well together. Solid colors and minimal accessories keep it from getting too busy.
Two of my essential accessories for summer are my layered oval tassel necklace and this cuff bracelet. They both go with everything.
These bright tassel earrings add just the right pop of color. I’ve always adored bright pink with green!
Shop the Look
Style Challenges Summer 2018 Capsule Wardrobe – Opens Friday
If you struggle with summer style or just need to update your staples, I’d love to help you build a functional, on-trend capsule wardrobe with the Style Challenges Summer 2018 Capsule Wardrobe. At just $39 it’s an affordable way to have a personal stylist tell you exactly what to buy and wear every day. I promise you’ll feel stylish and more confident in your clothes!
If you’re not familiar with how this all works yet, I’m happy to fill you in.
1. Capsule Wardrobe Shopping List – Upon sign up you get a shopping list of classic basics and on-trend items for the season. Most women shop their closets first and check off any items they already have on the list. This summer’s shopping list has 29 pieces, including shoes and accessories.
If you don’t like the colors or styles used in the sample outfits, no problem! You also get a downloadable guide with color coordination rules and suggested substitutions.You get to choose the colors for your own palette (we even include warm and cool color palette examples!)
2. Daily Outfits – Once your pieces are in place, you get a daily outfit combination delivered right to your inbox so you know exactly what to wear every day. You can wear them exactly as they are or substitute pieces in the combos to make them your own. You also get a handy printable outfit guide and one page calendar of outfits to hang in your closet.
3. Community Support + Bonuses – The best part by far is our private Facebook community of style sisters on the journey of rediscovering style together. From getting instant opinions while you’re in the fitting room to fit advice, sale alerts and making real life friendships, our group is one of the most active and kindest places on the internet!
Plus each challenge comes packed with extra bonuses! Summer 2018 comes with a handy wedding guest outfit guide.
Early Bird Bonus Giveaway!
If you sign up for the Style Challenges Summer 2018 Capsule Wardrobe between opening day on May 25th and midnight on Memorial Day, May 28th you’ll be automatically entered to win $150 in free accessories from Alison + Aubrey. Be sure to join the wait list so you’re the first to know when registration opens!
Share the Love and Win Giveaway!
Share this post for a chance to be entered to win one of three Style Challenges Summer 2018 Capsule Wardrobe Memberships! To enter, do one or both of the following:
- Pin any images from this post on Pinterest
- Share this post on Facebook with your friends
Each pin/share counts as an entry. Winner will be randomly selected from all shares next Tuesday, May 29th. Good luck!
I Feel Pretty
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes every one of 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 me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments.
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to GYPO.
4. Visit other pretties!
May 21, 2018
Hey pretties! Welcome to another edition of SAHMonday. If you’re new here, SAHMonday is my weekly outfit series for stay at home and work from home moms (like me) who may not be heading out the house on Monday morning BUT still want to look cute and put together. I started it as a way of getting myself out of the “yoga pants mom rut” and inspiring you to do the same. You can check out the other outfits in this series
here.
In case you haven’t heard, gingham is THE pattern of summer 2018. Go out and get you some! I got these scalloped gingham shorts recently and have had a blast pairing them up with everything from brights to black and white tops with a pop of color in my shoes and accessories.
In the coming weeks I’ll be showing you a couple of other ways to pair up these shorts and some of my other recent purchases for the Summer 2018 Style Challenge by GYPO (which, btw, opens this Friday!) Hint: these shorts are on the challenge shopping list.
We’ll be styling summer’s hottest trends like gingham, scalloped shorts, tropical prints, kimonos, tie sleeve tops, ruffles and more in this summer’s capsule wardrobe! If you’ve ever wanted someone to tell you what to buy and how to pair it up, I’m your girl! Get on the waiting list HERE to be the first to know when it opens.
For this week’s SAHMonday outfit, I’m styling my new gingham shorts with a bright pink v-neck tee, colorful tassel earrings and a pair of neutral sandals. My tee is only available in limited sizes now but you may have better luck finding this exact color in store.
Scalloped details are a fun way to update your shorts collection. This pair packs a two for one trend punch with gingham and scallops! (Update: The gingham print appears to be sold out right now but the ‘owl’ print is also super fun for summer!)
Simple accessories like these colorful tassel earrings and this gold bar necklace add interest to summer outfits without adding layers or heat.
I choose my neutral patent sandals to pair up with this but gold or black would also work.
Shop the Look
It’s Your Turn: Have you added any gingham pieces to your summer wardrobe yet?
Looking for more easy outfit ideas? Check out the SAHM Casual Wardrobe Basics Builder. You get all the tools you need to rebuild your casual wardrobe plus 20 days of outfit ideas sent right to your inbox. It makes getting dressed the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more HERE.
May 16, 2018
by Jessica Pigza
For many of us, summer is the hardest season for hair. From humidity to chlorine (and sweat!) it’s hard to keep your hair looking it’s best or let’s face it, sometimes even presentable.
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with a new style or color. From simple to drastic there are some great trends going on with hair this summer.
Hair Style Trends
1. Bangs
Bangs are back in a BIG way! Think soft, thick and textured – and they are not limited to any certain hair type. If you’re not sure about completely committing to the fringe, opt for having your bangs cut a little longer and not as thick. You can always go shorter and thicker later if you decide you like them. You can keep them in front, part them down the middle or sweep them off to the side but they are still long enough that they can easily be pinned up when you want them out of the way.
Photo Credit: @cwoodhair
Photo Credit: @hairmajestiii
Photo Credit: @rachelwstylist
2. The Bob
In all its forms the bob is here to stay and perfect for keeping your neck cool this summer. Wear it sleek and straight or messy with textured edges. Browse through Pinterest and find the bob style that calls to you and go for it!
Photo Credit: Tantalum Salon
Photo Credit: Anh Co Tran
Color Trends
If your summer change comes in the form of hair color, there are some great trends from all over color to different highlighting techniques.
1. Rose Gold Hair
Rose gold is everywhere and now you can even add it to your hair. Whether you’re a blonde or brunette, this color can be added and provide some amazing results. Rose gold is beautiful as an all over hair color or use it as a highlight color!
Photo Credit: @guy_tang
Photo Credit: @hairbymayraaa
2. Color Melting Hair
This is a great way to add a natural yet multidimensional effect to your hair. Your colorist would use multiple tones and apply them in a way that they will “melt” together. The light picks up these different tones and the outcome is seamlessly beautiful!
Photo Credit: @rachellemariano.che
Photo Credit: @janetmallon
3. Babylights
How many of us look at our kids and think, “man I just want my hair to look like that.” Now there’s a way to achieve the look the younger versions of us naturally have during the summer. Babylights is a hair coloring technique that is similar to balayage and ombre, but more delicate. Highlights are created using a very fine hair color technique to mimic the subtle, dimensional hair color seen on children’s hair. This creates a soft, natural, sunkissed look.
Photo Credit: @cristen_smith
Photo Credit: Main Interest
4. Soften your Blonde
Change up your blonde this summer by going with some softer shades. Try a blonde that is more beige or even margarine looking. That may sound weird but going softer on your blonde will help you achieve that all natural look. Think buttery and not brassy.
Photo Credit: @kileymorgan_
5. Blonde Ash
It’s inevitable, grey is coming, it’s just a matter of when. If you’re not ready to fully embrace your silver strands opting for blonde ash is a great alternative. It just a touch deeper that grey and looks great on many different skin tones.
Photo Credit: @headstudio
6. Dark Chocolate Hair
Rich brown color is timeless but if you are feeling a change this summer some beautiful caramel or honey brown may be just the change you are looking for.
Photo Credit:@sadieface
It’s Your Turn: Comment below with your favorite summer cut and color. Are you feeling daring? Or just want a subtle change?
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 me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments.
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to GYPO.
4. Visit other pretties!
May 14, 2018
Hey pretties! Welcome to another edition of SAHMonday. If you’re new here, SAHMonday is my weekly outfit series for stay at home and work from home moms (like me) who may not necessarily be heading out the house on Monday morning BUT still want to look cute and put together. I started it as a way of getting myself out of the “yoga pants mom rut” and inspiring you to do the same. You can check out the other outfits in this series
here.
To say I’m slightly obsessed with kimonos lately is a huge understatement. So much so that I included the one I’m wearing today in my Pretty Fix for this month. It’s easy to see why – you can throw one on over your basic white tee and denim shorts and add a pair of neutral sandals for the easiest outfit ever.
Seriously…the EASIEST outfit EVER!
For this week’s SAHMonday outfit, I’m styling my navy floral kimono with three of my favorite basics – my must have white tee, denim shorts and patent sandals.
If you’re on the lookout for the perfect white t-shirt, look no further than this one! It’s just slouchy enough and not too sheer plus it holds up wash after wash. It layers perfectly with our navy floral kimono and this mint floral too.
These opal tear drop earrings are stunning! They literally glow when light hits them.
This is my favorite pair of denim shorts. I especially like that you can unroll them to make them a tad bit longer and see the frayed hems! Not quite shorts season for you? That’s ok, pair this up with jeans instead.
Looking for more easy outfit ideas? Check out the SAHM Casual Wardrobe Basics Builder. You get all the tools you need to rebuild your casual wardrobe plus 20 days of outfit ideas sent right to your inbox. It makes getting dressed the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more HERE.
