Welcome to our Pretty Profile where we will be featuring one of our amazing GYPO Style Challenge Pretties! Have you been curious about the GYPO Style Challenges but you’re not totally sure what they’re all about? In short, they are a resource, a learning tool, a confidence builder and a gateway to meeting some amazing women! Not only are you receiving the benefits of knowing what you’re going to wear each day, but even more than that, you also have the benefit of meeting the most amazing, supportive group of women in our private Facebook group. They just have so much to offer which is why we asked some of our Pretties to share with us what the Style Challenges have meant to them. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be featuring some of their answers in our Pretty Profiles.
Meet today’s pretty, Helena B.
1. What ‘season of life’ are you currently in?
I am a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom to two tweens, aged 9 (going on 16) and 11.
2. What led you to try out a GYPO Style Challenge?
I stumbled on Alison’s blog and absolutely loved her casual-classic style – one of the few “mom fashion” bloggers I found who was super-fashionable for REAL life – so once I realized she had a challenge that could help me emulate her style, it was a no-brainer.
3. What’s your best advice for first time Style Challengers?
Don’t be afraid to make it your own! If you don’t like a certain color or style, substitute it with something more appropriate for your taste or needs. View the challenge as a template which you can customize any way you want – the community loves and will celebrate your creativity! Take your time shopping, and don’t feel pressured to have every piece. Most importantly, have fun! It gets easier and more natural with every challenge 🙂
4. What piece from your closet do you feel your best in?
Currently, I’m loving my cozy knit long gray cardi, a striped t-shirt, a navy fine-knit sweater, and taupe ankle booties – all challenge buys! But I can honestly say there is nothing in my closet I don’t feel good in anymore.
5. What are your favorite stores to shop?
I love the Gap and Banana Republic – most of my clothes are from those two stores. I find some great pieces at Old Navy, Joe Fresh and H&M. I love Target, but don’t shop there much since we can only order online in Canada 🙁
6. How has GYPO Style Challenges impacted your life?
I have fewer clothes but more actual outfits, and I never, ever get caught feeling like I have “nothing to wear”, whatever the occasion. I never shop between challenges anymore – so I’m saving money on clothes too. Most importantly, I feel like I have a modern, up-to-date but classic style that makes sense for my life and that I feel good in!
7. If you are an annual member, what was your favorite benefit of the annual membership?
I became an annual member for 2017, and I loved knowing that my wardrobe for the year was taken care of – no stress about clothes this year for me! I loved getting to know the ladies in the group better as each challenge went by. The “Re-discover Me” challenge was an unexpectedly huge bonus – this challenge helped me set the year off on the right foot, and I come back to it anytime I feel a little off-track or unmotivated. I will definitely be an annual member again in 2018!
The 2018 GYPO Style Challenge Annual Membership enrollment period is NOW OPEN! Get all four seasons of style for one incredibly low price. I’d love to be your personal stylist for 2018 for $125 – that averages to under $11 per month. The 2018 membership is packed with more exclusive benefits than ever. Learn more and sign up HERE!
I’m not a big shopper. Quite the contrary. After four years of doing GYPO Style Challenges, my wardrobe is smaller than ever. Even though I have less, I also have more of what I love – pieces I wear season after season that create easy outfits that work for my lifestyle.
With the changing of the seasons, I have added a few new trendy tops and accessories and replaced some of my staples – like coats, shoes, and pants.
In preparation for the Winter Seasonal Style Challenge, I did a little “damage”. Today I’m sharing how to dress for the cold fashionably, with some of my recent purchases
How to Dress for the Cold Fashionably Outfit #1
Pastels are downright magical for winter. When I saw this light pink floral top with a gathered bottom, I knew it was a MUST HAVE. These cords add another soft texture to the mix. Even though the color is called silver shadow, they look more pale blue to me in person. This pearl statement necklace is really heavy and well made. It elevates the whole outfit for a casual holiday party. Finish it all out with these super comfy taupe booties.
It was love at first sight when I spied this GORGEOUS velvet puffer vest. Seriously the quality on it is amazing, it’s even prettier in person. It takes the outfit up another notch! If you get just one new item this winter, let this be it. I promise you’ll love it as much as I do.
How to Dress for the Cold Fashionably Outfit #2
My black turtleneck got more wear than almost anything else in my closet last year. The funny thing is this is a really inexpensive one I found on Amazon last year and it’s held up beautifully wash after wash without stretching or fading. I love the look of it paired up with winter white cords, a blue agate pendant necklace, and leopard booties.
One of my “splurge” purchases this year was on a good wool topcoat. I’ve always dreamed of owning one of these classic beauties in camel. This is a purchase that will last for many years and is totally worth the price tag.
See the wrinkles and general dishevelment of my cold shoulder sweater in this pic? That’s because it’s wet after it’s second washing this week because I CAN’T STOP wearing it! #keepingitreal It looks much better when dry. Just take my word for it, you’ll love it! Cold shoulder and off the shoulder are big for winter and this is a fun way to try the trend.
Add in some skinny jeans (LOVE the zippers on this plum pair) and leopard ankle boots for a little edge, finish it off with a rose gold pendant necklace and pave earrings.
If you saw this week’s SAHMonday post, you saw three ways I paired up this shirt. The cinched sleeves on this olive top are what make it really special. Olive tops pair perfectly with gray released hem jeans. Finish it out with an agate pendant necklace and comfy gray ankle booties.
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.
Happy Monday pretties! I hope you had a super fantastic weekend. Mine was pretty much just that. Craig agreed to bring the Christmas decorations down from the attic before Thanksgiving. #winning So I spent the weekend in Christmas euphoria decorating the house. If you follow me on Instagram, you also know I did my fair share of Hallmark movie watching.
We rounded out the weekend with a beautiful day at Texas Rose Horse Park watching Ava compete with her horse Razzle at their year end show. She actually wept after one of her rounds because of the amount of progress they’ve made together this year. #perfectweekend
Welcome to another edition of SAHMonday – outfit inspiration just for the stay at home and work from home moms of the world (like me!) who aren’t heading out of the house on Monday morning. You can check out the other outfits in this series here.
These outfits are perfect for when you want to feel comfortable, yet put together, so that you can face the day and any errands you may need to run. Plus, most of these outfit formulas can be pulled straight from your closet!
By now you probably know that I’m a basic t-shirt and jeans kind of girl but that can get a little boring. So anytime I see a cute tee with interesting details, I have to have it. It’s the little things that really make a difference! When I spied the cinched sleeves on this top I knew it would be one of those outfit making type of pieces.
When I got home, I immediately went to work pairing it up with other pieces in my closet. Here are three outfits created from it.
This is one of my basic no-fail SAHM outfit formulas that I wear all the time. Cute top, frayed hem jeans, long necklace and comfy ballet flats – it works like a charm!
Sizing Tip: I sized up in the top because I like it to fit more like a tunic. I’m wearing a size medium. The jeans fit true to size.
Let’s pause to talk about this velvet puffer vest for a second. If you add one thing to your winter wardrobe, let this be it! It is a MUST HAVE and honestly one of the most special things I’ve bought in a long, long time. It’s extremely well made and lined in satin and elevates any outfit (even a top and leggings) into the stratosphere!
Wearing a vest over this shirt allows the cute sleeves to show while a cardigan or coat would cover them up. Try a vest with your bell sleeve or ruffle sleeve tops this winter.
Sizing Tip: Use the sizing chart when ordering the vest. I’m wearing an XS and it’s cut generously. If in doubt, size down.
These ponte leggings are the go-to pair in my closet. They’re thick and feel more like pants than leggings to me which means extra coverage!
Let’s just agree that green and gray were made for each other! It’s hard to see in the picture but there’s a gray cord on this tassel necklace that ties the outfit together quite nicely.
Sizing Tip: The gray jeggings fit true to size but have a lot of stretch. If in doubt, size down.
Get the Look
It’s Your Turn: Tag me on Instagram with hashtag #SAHMonday and show me your #ootd!
If you liked this post, check out my SAHM Wardrobe Basics Builder! It’s a capsule wardrobe program that gives you a shopping list of closet basics, links to shop online and 20 different mix and match outfit ideas delivered right to your inbox. You’ll never stand in your closet and wonder what to wear again!
Alright pretties, I know this one has been a long time coming! You’ve been asking me for an updated hair tutorial for months but I have yet to get my act together and do one. It’s not like I don’t curl my hair every week, I just never take the time to actually put on makeup and document it! #lazygirlproblems
In my defense, my hair styling is constantly evolving now that my bob has grown out quite a bit. I feel like I’m learning something new about styling it every week. It’s a work in progress!
Without further ado, here is my updated hair curling tutorial.
Step 1: Start with cleanish, dry hair. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you’ll want to blow it out first. I say cleanish because my hair holds curl better with a little crud in it. If you need to soak up some oil or add a little volume, I highly recommend this dry shampoo.
Step 2: Get your curling iron nice and hot, it’s time to curl! I’m using this curling iron in the video. Curl pieces away from your face, starting close to scalp and leaving at least an inch of hair out at the end uncurled. Work your way around your entire head, doing the bottom layer first, then the top layer.
Step 3: Spray your curls with a light hairspray (this is my favorite) and let them cool for a minute.
Step 4: Evenly distribute a small amount of shine pomade on your fingertips. I use this one. Starting near the roots, gently tousle and separate curls, making sure not to pull them all the way through. I highly recommend watching the video for this part.
Do you struggle with what to wear on Thanksgiving day? Does your Thanksgiving call for getting dressed up and hosting a proper dinner with perfect table settings? Or is it a more casual football watching, buffet style free for all?
Ours is definitely more the second. I host almost every year at our house for our extended family and it’s a day we all look forward to months in advance.
Thanksgiving Prep at The Lumbatis House
Prep starts a few days before, I make my pumpkin pies first from my Aunt Bonnie’s recipe (always, always double the spice).
The night before the women in our family have a tradition that I grew up doing with my Grandma Bussard, mom and sisters – we tear up the loaves of Italian bread for our traditional stuffing (no cornbread dressing for us). Aubrey and Ava usually help out with this, as does my mom and my niece Lauren.
While the bread is being torn, I melt about 8 sticks of butter (yes, 8) and cook onions and celery in it until the whole house smells of this wonderful, once-a-year concoction. We pour it over the roaster pans full of bread chunks (usually 3 roasters full, we LOVE stuffing), toss to coat them and then cover them in foil for the night to let all of the flavors really soak in. Craig always loosens the foil and steals chunks of buttery bread out of them.
The next morning, I get up early and get my turkey prepped and in the oven. I stuff the cavity with apples, onion, and celery, melt some honey butter to baste him and add in plenty of thyme. My sisters bring the side dishes so my work here is done, at least until it’s time to make gravy.
This gives me enough time for a quick work out and shower before the meal is put on the kitchen island. We serve buffet style around here, no fancy table settings for the Lumbatis’! Everyone fills up a plate and the guys head upstairs to watch the game in Craig’s man cave, while the women have our “hen party” in the kitchen.
I try to wear something that will be forgiving (um, stretchy jeans!) and comfortable but still feels a little special. Recently I got two tops from Social Threads that are just perfect for the occasion. (p.s. if you sign up for their e-mail list you get 10% off!) These tops are no longer avalible, but I’ve included links to similar items.
This black ruffled top feels a lot like a sweatshirt, which I love but the ruffled details are what make it really special. Pairing it up with my favorite corduroy pants seemed like a natural choice. The corduroy adds a nice texture element to the outfit and this color begs to be paired with leopard.
Have you tried leopard print yet? We asked the Style Challenge Members how they felt trying leopard print for the first time. Their reactions were amazing!
SHOP THIS LOOK
What to Wear on Thanksgiving Day Outfit #2
For outfit 2, I paired up this super soft slouchy off the shoulder sweater with olive pants. I have three pairs of olive jeans. They are one of my favorite closet staples. Check out how I used olive jeans for 5 fall outfits.
This sweater will also be perfect for lounging around in leggings and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. 🙂
The unifying element in both outfits are the agate pendant necklaces. I’m not much of an accessorizer and like to keep my outfits pretty minimalist. These necklaces are perfect for me because they make a big impact and pull the outfit together with just a single piece.
SHOP THIS LOOK
Yep, I know what you thought when you saw “off the shoulder”…the dreaded strapless bra. Off the shoulder is both sexy and sophisticated but I’ve avoided it because of the strapless until I discovered the life-changing bandeau bra! The bandeau bra is soft and comfy and doesn’t dig in like a regular strapless.
If you can’t bring yourself to do any type of strapless, this lace bralette is a pretty alternative. The straps can show on this and it adds a little delicate detail to the look.
Have you decided what to wear on Thanksgiving day? Share your Thanksgiving outfit in the comment section.
2018 Style Challenge Annual Membership News
Speaking of Thanksgiving, at midnight on turkey day, the 2018 GYPO Style Challenge Annual Membership enrollment period opens for a limited time. This is the only opportunity to get a discount on the style challenge – and it’s a big one! For less than $11 a month you get exclusive members only benefits including:
All four seasons of 2018 at a discounted rate – this is the ONLY discount available on the seasonal challenge!
Sign up once and forget about it – you automatically get each season delivered without having to remember to sign up
No recurring membership fees – pay one time for your annual membership
Get your shopping list before registration opens to the general public – get first dibs on the pieces before they sell out
Get all of the outfit formulas for each season immediately right along with your shopping list – see how each piece is styled while you’re doing your shopping
NEW for 2018 – Exclusive SNEAK PEEKS! – only for annual members
Special members only bonuses worth over $200! Including the SAHM Capsule Wardrobe Builder, all four seasons of 2017 GYPO Style Challenges, the Rediscover Me 30 Day Life Coaching Challenge and a secret early bird bonus to be announced soon.
“I became an annual member in 2017 and I LOVED knowing that my wardrobe was taken care of – no stress about clothes this year for me! The Rediscover Me Challenge was an unexpectedly huge bonus – this challenge helped me set the year off on the right foot, and I come back to it anytime I’m feeling a bit off track or unmotivated. I will definitely be an annual member again in 2018!”
Get on the waiting list to be the first to find out about the early bird bonus and when registration opens!
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.
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
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