May 12, 2017
TGIF Pretties and welcome to another edition of Friday Favorites! If you’re new around here, Alison’s Friday Favorites is a weekly list of anything that makes my life a little easier, prettier or happier. Here are a few things that checked those boxes this week.
Favorite #1 – D2 Summit!
I’m going to keep this week’s Friday Favorites short and sweet because our family is at Disney World at D2 Summit! My daughter’s cheer team Wylie Elite Diamonds got a full paid bid to compete at this All Star cheer championship for small gyms. It’s a bittersweet weekend for her and us as this will be her last time performing as a cheerleader. Her team takes the mat tomorrow morning to see if they will advance to finals on Sunday. Wish us luck!
Favorite #2 – Age Appropriate Shorts
In case you missed it, this week I published my Guide to Age Appropriate Shorts. If you’re still struggling to find the perfect pair, take heart. Just like jeans, you have to keep trying but there is a pair out there for everyone. Check out the 12 pairs I tried on in this post and let me know what you think.
Favorite #3 – Pom Poms and Tassels
You may have seen this flat lay floating around on my Facebook page and Instagram lately. (BTW – a flat lay is a photo of an outfit taken from above on a flat surface for the purposes of displaying it. I had a reader ask last week so figured maybe some others wondered the same thing.)
Anyhoo, these colorful sandals are something you’ll probably see me wearing a lot this summer. My favorite thing about these shoes is you can build entire outfits around the colors in them. This past week I paired up a cobalt blue top with my white sailor shorts and a red tassel necklace. If you don’t have a pair of embellished sandals for summer yet, I recommend this pair. They are cute and pretty comfy too.
[Sandals: Same/Sailor Shorts: Same/Blouse: Similar/Purse: Same/Bracelet: Same/Necklace: Same]
Favorite #4 – Girls’ Spring/Summer Shopping List
Remember when I said that the Girls’ Spring/Summer 2017 Capsule Wardrobe was one of my favorite capsules ever? Well it is! It makes me wish my girls still wore sizes 7-16 so I could dress them in these outfits. Sadly they are both my size (yes even the 12 year old) and borrow my clothes all the time. 🙂
I’ve got a special treat for you today – because I LOVE this capsule so much, I’m letting you download the shopping list for free. No strings attached, whatsoever! You don’t even have to give me your e-mail address or your first born or anything. I just want other moms to benefit from being able to easily shop for spring/summer clothes for their daughters. I’ve gotten feedback from a few of you about how much fun you’ve had shopping together for this list – so have some mother/daughter shopping bonding on me!
Click the image below to download it now.
If you’re so inclined, you can purchase the full capsule along with all 28 days of outfits. Below are four sample summer outfits created from this shopping list. You can upgrade to access all 28 days of outfits HERE.
And if you decide not to buy the outfits, I ain’t mad at ya! Enjoy the shopping list anyway. Maybe it will serve as a springboard for your own outfit ideas.
Favorite #5 – Summer Challenge Opens in One Week
Speaking of summer capsule wardrobes, the Summer 2017 GYPO Style Challenge opens in just one week. I’d love to be your personal stylist this summer for just $39. You get a summer trends and basics shopping list plus 23 days of mix and match summer outfit ideas delivered to your inbox daily. This challenge also includes six bonus outfits bringing the outfit total to 29! Stay tuned for more info and fun giveaways.
Do you follow GYPO on Instagram yet? If not, hop over now and follow along. I’ll be doing some IG only giveaways, you won’t want to miss out! Follow me HERE.
Linking up with Erika, Narci and Andrea for Friday Favorites.
May 10, 2017
Hey pretties! It’s that time of the year when I seem to get asked this question more than any other…
Please help Alison! I’m over 40 and have NO idea what length shorts I should be wearing (or if I should even be wearing shorts!) Do you have any rules about shorts lengths? What do you consider age appropriate shorts for us gals? Thanks in advance!
This is a GREAT question dear reader. I’ve been getting asked this question a lot so I wanted to get this guide out ahead of your shopping. To answer your question, let’s start (and end) here…
Rule #1: There are no shorts length rules.
How freeing is that? So that means if you’re 50 and wearing 3″ shorts, I ain’t mad at ya! It also means if you’re in your 20’s and love Bermudas, awesome sauce! There’s no such thing as age appropriate shorts. For the record, I’m 43 and wear them from 3.5″ to Bermuda length.
One Glaring Exception: If at any point you’ve got cheek peeking out, then add a few inches. Please. Seriously, I can’t tell you how many times I was out last summer and saw young girls (and some not so young) with inches of cheek hanging out. Inches, I tell you! No, just no.
I will get off my preachy, judgy soapbox now, but again, no.
Other than that, remember rule #1, there are no rules. That’s right NO RULES!
It’s all about YOUR comfort level and what flatters YOUR body type.
Some women are petite with short legs and can rock a 3″ short, some have longer legs and prefer a longer style. I have medium length legs and go either direction. I also have a special challenge of finding pairs that fit my waist and hips. Since I’m wider through the hips, shorts typically gap at the back of my waist or they pull across my hips. That’s truly what makes shorts shopping a challenge for me.
In order to do a little research for this post and prove my point, I went out shorts shopping recently looking for that elusive perfect pair (which I didn’t quite find, but more on that later). I also wanted to illustrate how different lengths and styles can flatter…or NOT. Sometimes it’s not about what length the shorts are but how they fit in other areas that truly determines how they look.
My journey began at Target and here’s what I found there.
*Sizing Note: All of the shorts featured in this post are a size 2 and run true to size.
Pair #1 – 5″ Printed Shorts
The Verdict: The length on this pair of 5″ printed shorts was fine but they pulled across my hips. NOT flattering.
[5″ Watercolor Floral Chino Shorts]
Pair #2 – 3″ Textured Shorts
The Verdict: These 3″ textured shorts also had the weird pulling and were a little too short. Although you can’t tell, if I had bent over in these we may have had an issue. The next size up was too big in the waist.
[3″ Textured Neon Shorts]
Next stop…Loft.
Pair #3 – Bright Bermuda Shorts
The Verdict: I’m usually not a fan of Bermuda shorts on me yet I LOVED this pair! Normally I can’t wear shorts like these because the pockets pop out since my hips are wide compared to my waist. These laid nice and flat. Plus I love this color!
[Bermuda Roll Shorts]
Pair #4 – 4″ Riviera Shorts
The Verdict: Although I have a few pairs of 4″ Riviera shorts, this pair did nothing for me. They felt boxy and awkward and I was between sizes in them. Not a winner.
[4″ Riviera Shorts]
Pair #5 – 6″ Riviera Shorts
The Verdict: I actually liked these 6″ shorts better than the 4″ shorts because they were less boxy. Shorter doesn’t always equal more flattering.
[6″ Riviera Shorts]
Pair #6 – 3.5″ Denim Roll Shorts
The Verdict: Winner! I loved these denim shorts and they were the only pair that came home with me from this shopping trip. Perfect length, great wash. The only thing is that they gap a little in the back, so not quite perfect, but close.
[3.5″ Denim Roll Shorts]
Pair #7 – Denim Bermuda Roll Shorts
The Verdict: These denim bermuda shorts were just ok. They were a little big in the waist and made me feel like SpongeBob Squarepants.
[Denim Bermuda Roll Shorts]
Moving on to Old Navy…
Pair #8 – 3″ Cuffed Denim Shorts
The Verdict: I really liked these cuffed denim shorts. The only reason I didn’t buy them is because I wanted the darker wash and they didn’t have them in my size. This denim is really soft and comfortable. This pair of shorts fit me the best of any I tried on, no gapping in the waist and no pulling in the hips.
[3″ Cuffed Denim Shorts]
Pair #9 – Denim Bermuda
The Verdict: Just plain weird! My daughter and I were both perplexed by the fitted thighs on these slim Bermuda shorts. It’s like they took a pair of skinny jeans and cut them off at the knees.
[Denim Slim Bermuda Shorts]
Pair #10 – 3″ Boyfriend Cutoff Shorts
The Verdict: The face says it all! These 3″ cutoff shorts felt more like bikini bottoms on me than shorts. The picture doesn’t do it justice but I definitely felt a little too exposed in these bad boys! This pair was definitely not in my comfort zone.
[3″ Boyfriend Cutoff Shorts]
Pair #11 – 3.5″ Pixie Shorts
The Verdict: It’s amazing the difference a half inch makes! I actually liked this pair of Pixie shorts, although they pulled a bit too much across the front.
[3.5″ Pixie Shorts]
Pair #12 – 5″ Mid-Rise Everyday Khaki Shorts
The Verdict: These 5″ mid-rise shorts were a little too park ranger for me – not just the color, but the fit too. Yuck.
[5″ Mid-Rise Khaki Shorts]
Honorable Mention
After exhausting the store options near me, I resorted to online shopping. I bought these fray hem white shorts last week. Kut from the Kloth jeans and shorts just fit my body type, period. When you find a brand that works, you buy them.
[Gidget Fray Hem Denim Shorts]
And if you’re just plain not into shorts…
I get it. Trust me, if I didn’t live in Texas, I’d be perfectly content wearing jeans year-round! Crop jeans might be your thing.
[Straight Roll Cuff Jeans]
My hope is that this post illustrated one thing, the length is not necessarily what makes for age appropriate shorts, it’s all about the fit. As long as your shorts fit well and flatter your body type, you’ll be good to go!
Do you follow GYPO on Instagram yet? If not, hop over now and follow along. I’ll be doing some IG only giveaways, you won’t want to miss out! Follow me HERE.
May 8, 2017
Welcome to another edition of SAHMonday – weekly 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. If you don’t have my exact pieces, that’s ok. Just use one of the substitutions that I recommend.
Just the Basics – Yellow Tee and White Jeans
I think I’ve said a time or two (or ten) that at the heart of it all, I’m really just a basic t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. That’s what you’ll find me in about 99% of the time. That’s also one of my struggles with being a “style blogger” (which I don’t really consider myself, btw). There are only so many variations of t-shirts and jeans that I can create and keep interesting!
This is one of my classic Alison outfits. I pick a t-shirt and jeans and then try to elevate it a bit with some fun earrings and sandals. This outfit formula works like a charm for me every single time. It’s also one of the classic outfit formulas I often put into the GYPO Style Challenge because it just plain works and can be replicated so easily with other pieces in your closet.
[Yellow Tee (sold out): Similar/White Jeans: Same/Earrings: Similar/Wrap Bracelet: Same/Sunglasses: Same/Sandals (sold out): Similar]
Substitutions and Shopping Options:
Yellow Tee: Any bright tee or top. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
White Jeans: Any white jeans or denim shorts. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Black Sandals: Any pair of black sandals. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Do you follow GYPO on Instagram yet? If not, hop over now and follow along. I’ll be doing some IG only giveaways, you won’t want to miss out! Follow me HERE.
Show me YOUR SAHMonday outfit! Tag me on Instagram and use the hashtag #SAHMonday.
If you liked this post, then you’ll LOVE the GYPO Style Challenge! Let me be your personal stylist and give you step by step instructions for building an on trend capsule wardrobe you’ll love. You’ll never walk into your closet and wonder what to wear again. Learn more HERE.
May 5, 2017
TGIF Pretties and welcome to another edition of Friday Favorites! If you’re new around here, Alison’s Friday Favorites is a weekly list of anything that makes my life a little easier, prettier or happier. Here are a few things that checked those boxes this week.
Favorite #1 – Embroidered Tops
I may be slightly obsessed with embroidered tops this spring/summer. They just make it so darn easy to look cute! Seriously, just throw one on with your favorite pair of jeans or denim shorts and voila! Instant outfit.
The top in this flat lay is from last year and is now sold out but this embroidered top has similar colors in it. It’s perfect paired up with my most favorite jeans and a pair of red sandals.
[Embroidered Top: Similar/Frayed Hem Jeans: Same/Wrap Bracelet: Same/Earrings: Same/Sandals: Similar/Saddle Bag: Same]
I bought this chambray one last week, you can expect to see it on the blog soon.
[Chambray Embroidered Top]
This embroidered yoke tank is really cute and would go great with fray edge white shorts.
[Embroidered Yoke Top]
This one breaks the bank but it’s a STUNNER, right?
[Embroidered Cotton Top]
Favorite #2 – Age Appropriate Shorts
Want to know why I’m making that face? Because last week I went out on the ultimate shorts shopping mission – to find age appropriate shorts. Tune in next Wednesday for the full report of my findings – including the pair that made that face happen!
Favorite #3 – Multi Colored Beaded Necklaces
News Flash: Summer is hot in Texas. HOT, I tell you! Which means it’s 120% harder to dress cute (that’s an arbitrary number that I just pulled out of my you know what). But you get it.
Since layering is out of the question (unless you’re into spontaneous combustion) accessories are KEY to taking an outfit from ho hum to something special. One of my all time favorite ways to jazz up an outfit is to add some colorful beaded necklaces. This beaded necklace has so many great colors in it and it’s a steal!
[Multi Color Beaded Necklace]
Favorite #4 – Tie Shoulder Tee
I’d be lying if I said I haven’t already worn this gray tie shoulder tee five times in two weeks. By my math, that’s nearly 38% of the time since I’ve owned it! Yes, I love it that much and it seems to go with everything from my frayed hem jeans to distressed white jeans and bright shorts. I can’t quit it.
[Gray Tie Shoulder Tee]
Favorite #5 – Mother’s Day Sale
If you’ve been wanting to get one of the silk scarves from the GYPO Collection, there’s never been a better time. Through Tuesday, May 9th at midnight you can get $10 off your total order with code GYPOMOMS. These wearable art silk scarves make a unique gift and a portion of proceeds goes to benefit Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. So you can feel good about your purchase! Check out the collection HERE.
It’s Your Turn: What are you loving this Friday? Tell me in the comments!
Linking up with Erika, Narci and Andrea for Friday Favorites.
May 3, 2017
Hey pretties! It’s already May and it “may” not feel much like summer in your neck of the woods but Memorial Day is less than four weeks away. Time to start taking inventory of your summer wardrobe and filling in the gaps!
If you’re new around here, the Pretty Fix is a monthly feature with five budget-friendly recommendations for staying on trend. The idea for it was born out of frustration some of you have had with box styling services. The Pretty Fix allows you to shop for the pieces at your favorite stores so it’s budget and quality conscious. Of course, I always recommend that you shop your closet first!
This month’s Pretty Fix styles the “official shirt of summer 2017” with white denim and some colorful accessories to instantly update your summer basics.
Psst – If you’re going to join the Summer 2017 GYPO Style Challenge, you can confidently shop all of these pieces. They will be in the summer challenge opening on May 19th!
Here’s your May 2017 Pretty Fix.
Pretty Fix – May 2017
This fun pair of pom pom tassel earrings are so on trend and so affordable at under $10! Here are some other options: 1/2/3
It’s the summer of the off the shoulder top. This blue and white striped one is so fresh and pretty! If you’re not into the off the shoulder look, try this cold shoulder instead (you can wear a normal bra with it!) Shopping options: 1/2/3
This bag comes in five fun colors and is under $20. It adds just the right pop of color and lightens up your load for summer. Shopping options: 1/2/3
White denim is a summer must have. Choose from shorts, capris or ankle jeans. Here are some options: 1/2/3
What will the “official sandal of summer 2017” be? It’s the pom pom sandal! These fun embellished sandals add a kick of color to all of your outfits. Additional shopping options: 1/2/3
If you’ve been wanting to get one of the silk scarves in the GYPO Collection, now is the perfect time! Get $10 off your total order of these wearable art scarves with promo code GYPOMOMS through Tuesday, May 9th at midnight.*
Your purchase also supports a great cause. Your recipient will receive a card letting her know that a portion of proceeds is donated to Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support.
*Orders must be placed by May 9th at midnight in order to ensure delivery for Mother’s Day.
I Feel Pretty Link Up
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.
Getting my pretty on with Style Elixir and Jo Lynne Shane.
There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (
Bloglovin‘,
Facebook,
Instagram or
Pinterest)
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to GYPO (using the button above or your own link).
4. Visit other pretties.
