At GYPO we’re all about closet staples. They are the foundation of any outfit – classic, simple pieces that are easily interchangeable and pair well with any trend. They are the white tee, the dark wash jeans, the taupe boots. These are our go-to items and once we’ve established this foundation it makes getting ready that much easier. However a great closet is not something we can rush to create, it’s something we curate. We take our time and build it with pieces we love and that we’ll wear. Even once you’ve achieved this level of closet curation, there are always going to be items you may want to change whether that’s adding an investment piece or something that just needs updating. Below are some great pieces to easily refresh your winter basics and the best part is, they are all on sale at Nordstrom!
For the past few weeks, I’ve been easily living in denial that winter is actually here. We’ve been spoiled with higher than normal temps and I’ve been able to get away with my ankle boots and slip-ons with ease. However this week we had a cold front move in and I was quickly reminded how bone-chilling winter can be in Southwestern Pennsylvania. That means my outfit has to do more than just look put together, it has to function in temperatures reaching the teens. All my body parts need to stay warm and my ankle boots no longer cut it. Check out these four looks from Outfit Formulas® that are sure to keep your ankles, plus the rest of you, warm this winter.
Option #1
Straight Leg Jeans + Thick Calf Socks + Booties
For this look, thick calf socks are hidden beneath some straight-leg jeans and booties meaning your ankle boots can stick around a little longer. A long plaid coat adds some texture to this outfit and the yellow handbag gives it a pop of color, perfect for the dreary winter.
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Option #2
Leggings + Thick Calf Socks + Sherpa Boots
The second look utilizes the same thick calf socks but instead of hiding them, they are going to be scrunched down over the leggings to meet the edges of your cozy sherpa-lined boots. Faux leather leggings are a great way to again add texture and depth to your outfit. But, if you’re looking for something a little warmer, try some fleece-lined leggings. A thick shacket will help keep the cold away and this look is finished off with a neutral handbag.
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Option #3
Boot Leg Jeans + Thick Calf Socks + Sock Boots
This look utilizes socks on socks in the form of thick calf socks under sock boots and boot leg jeans. The snugness of both the calf socks and the socks from the boots will ensure no cold air gets in keeping you warm and cozy. Keeping with the cozy theme is a sherpa-lined moto-inspired jacket. This time though, it’s a red handbag adding that perfect pop of color.
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Option #4
Tights + Thick Calf Socks + Knee High Boots
The final look will keep you just as warm even though we’re styling a sweater dress. For this look, you’ll want to start with some ribbed tights. Then add the calf socks over them then add your knee boots. Make sure there’s enough room in your boots for the layers or they will be uncomfortable. Also, remember to keep the socks tucked in a bit for a more polished look. This outfit is topped off with a houndstooth coat and a black handbag.
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Your turn! What ankle warming look is your favorite?
It’s that time again, time to say goodbye to one year and welcome in the next. But how we welcome in the new year varies with everyone. With all the craziness of the holidays, my husband and I decided that we wanted a chill night at home with our kids to ring in the new year. This includes movies, pizza, and popcorn, and a cozy fire. Let’s be honest, there’s a 50/50 chance we’ll actually see the ball drop and I’m okay with that. I know for others though, it’s all about ringing in the New Year surrounded by family and friends with food, drinks, music, games, and great conversation. While still for others it’s a fancy night out on the town. No matter what option you choose I’ve got the perfect outfit formula that can be modified to fit these three different scenarios. Here is the outfit formula in the most basic sense:
Neutral Cardigan + Solid Top + Black Bottoms + Black Shoes
But now let’s take this formula and make it our own to fit our evening plans. The modifications don’t stop there. They can easily be modified for your weather and what you feel comfortable wearing. So have fun and don’t be afraid to dig in your closet. Recently I tried on items I haven’t seen in a while and it opened up a whole new world of outfit possibilities. (yes, cleaning out my closet is one of the things I will be tackling in the new year). Now, let’s see some New Year’s Eve outfits!
Option #1 Staying In
Neutral Cardigan + Solid Tee + Black Leggings + Slippers
This is the perfect option for staying in. It’s cozy, comfortable, yet you’ll still feel put together. And since we’re staying in, we’re replacing the usual footwear for slippers. It’s a great way to ring in the new year!
Option #2 Going Out
Neutral Cardigan + Solid embelished Top + Dark Wash Jeans + Black Ankle Boots
This option is when you are going out for a low-key dinner or maybe you’re getting together with family and friends to ring in the new year. It’s a step up from a cozy night in but something you’ll still feel totally comfortable in. I’m keeping the neutral cardigan from above but swapping in an embellished top in place of the tee. Embellished tops are very much on-trend but any solid blouse will do. Make sure to do a full or half tuck so your shape doesn’t get lost. This creates a polished look when paired with a cardigan. Finish off with some dark wash jeans, ankle boots and I threw in a cute metallic crossbody for added sparkle.
Option #3 Really Going Out
Solid Blouse + Black Skirt + Black Heels/flats/Knee High Boots
This look is perfect if your New Year’s includes a fancy night out. It’s simple and easy to put together but will still create quite an impact. We’re skipping the neutral cardigan from above and adding in a flowy blouse and pairing it with a black skirt. You can opt for a pencil skirt or something that flairs out but make sure you don’t lose your waist with your blouse and skirt combo. If skirts aren’t your thing then a pair of black pants will easily work with this look. Finish off with some black heels, black flats, or black knee-high boots if you’re rocking a skirt. I added this fun metallic clutch and statement earrings for a little extra sparkle!
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and safe 2022 from everyone at GYPO!
If you are anything like me, December leaves me with an attitude that’s a little less “peace on earth and goodwill to men” and a little more Ebenezer Scrooge (or at the very least, Clark Griswold) until the final present is opened and the last bite of Christmas dessert is consumed. It’s not that I don’t love the holidays, they are truly my favorite time of the year. But no matter how much I tell myself I’m going to be chill and take it easy so I can actually enjoy the season without losing my ever-loving mind, I never manage to actually be chill and take it easy.
Instead, I spend most of the month with a to-do list the length of a small skyscraper, wrapping paper up to my kneecaps, and a kitchen overrun with peppermint sticks, hot chocolate packages, marshmallows, and a mysteriously sticky floor.
All of this is to say–the holidays are busy. We know we’re supposed to slow down and savor the season, but somehow when the month of December rolls around each year we forget this little mantra and go full-speed ahead until December 26th. The truth is that most of us, as the female members of the family, carry the weight of the holidays on our shoulders. We shouldn’t. We know this. We should delegate or involve our own real-life Mr. Clauses in the planning and execution of all of the Christmas magic. But we often don’t. And that often leaves us worn-down, tired-out, and more than a little Grinch-like by Christmas Eve.
Or maybe that’s just me.
But, given that I am the Queen of making things easy on myself, at least in the kitchen. I decided to create this simple appetizer to take at least some of the pressure off when I’m entertaining. A tad bit deceiving, these Bite-Sized Crostini look like they took a very long time and a lot of effort. But of course, they didn’t, just no one has to know that part. It’ll be our little GYPO secret.
Like all of my recipes, this is one you can play with. I call for a quick spin with the mixer for the goat cheese, but if you’re feeling lazy, just mash it up a bit with a fork. I realize that I am having a make your own jam moment (see my raspberry version here) but if you’re feeling extra lazy (which, hey, it’s the holidays and you’ve done enough already, so be lazy if you wanna. It’s totally fine), just use good quality jarred jam. It will probably be just as good, especially if it’s from a farmers’ market.
Play with your food. Make it your own. This isn’t just my recipe; if you make it, it’s yours too, so make it fun!
Meaghan Dawson – BeautyFromBurntToast
CROSTINI WITH WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE AND QUICK BLACKBERRY JAM
1/2 loafcrusty French bread (alternatively, if you can find pre-sliced crostini, AWESOME)
8ouncesblackberriesEasily sub in store bought jam for blackberries. It will taste just as good!
2teaspoonmaple syrup
10ouncesgoat cheeseIf you have an ALDI try their cranberry-coated goat cheese – it is life-changing!
1tablespoon honey
Method
Preheat broiler
Slice bread in thin (1/2 inch) slices on the diagonal (skip if you have pre-sliced).
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Broil for 3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Meanwhile, in a small heavy bottom saucepan, combine blackberries and syrup. Cook on low heat, mashing and stirring until a jam-like consistency is formed. If using store bough jam, heat up slightly.
Set aside.
In a small bowl, whip (or mash) the goat cheese and salt together.
To assemble:
Top each crostini with a spoonful of goat cheese and then jam.
Right before serving, drizzly with honey and top with mint.
Enjoy!
About Meaghan
Meaghan is a wife, mom of three, dog lover, coffee freak, and book nerd. When she’s not wrangling her family and driving them around town in her Mom Taxi, she is a writer, blogger, and recipe creator over at BeautyfromBurntToast. Her biggest passion is helping people feel confident in the kitchen by making cooking accessible with quick and easy recipes that the whole family will love. In a roundabout way, this makes her a wanna be GYPO for the kitchen and explains why she loves the outfit formulas so much. They’re easy and accessible and make life better for everyone.
Cookies are synonymous with the holiday season. Whether you stick to your favorites or try something different every year, it’s never a bad idea to add a new cookie recipe to your arsenal. Sometimes, though, it can feel overwhelming looking for new recipes with all the choices available. That’s why I always love asking my friends for their favorites. I know if they like them, so will I. That’s why I decided to ask our fabulous GYPO team for their favorites and they did not disappoint! I can’t wait to try these this holiday season.
My favorite Christmas cookies are these Rasberry Almond Thumbprint Shortbread Cookies because they remind me of my childhood. It’s impossible for me to smell almond extract without thinking of my Grandma Bussard’s house. Her neighbor Mrs. Miller made the most amazing Christmas cookies in every variety imaginable! Some of my favorites were her pinwheels and of course, her raspberry almond thumbprints. These cookies are so buttery, they melt in your mouth. I love the tart raspberry spread with the sweet shortbread cookie.
Anne – Sugar Cookies
I brought sugar cookies to my in-laws two years ago to decorate, and the evening got away from us, so we never did decorate them. Last year, same plan but this time I left the cookies at home – again, no cookie-decorating. It’s now become a family joke about “Right… Anne’s bringing cookies to decorate; wink-wink”. Since we moved, my plan is to ship plain sugar cookies with a note letting them know, “remembered the sugar cookies, forgot the icing,” wink-wink. Enjoy!
These are the BEST sugar cookies I’ve ever had: 1/2 lb salted butter (not margarine) 1.5 C granulated sugar 2 lg eggs 1/2 Tbsp vanilla (Mexican vanilla preferred) 2 drops flavored oil (lemon, almond, amaretto, etc) optional 3 1/5 C all-purpose flour (King Arthur preferred)
Cream butter and sugar (until mixture turns white, 10-15 minutes or more – this is essential to the batter). Add eggs one at a time, and flavorings, mixing well. Stir in flour one cup at a time, until well incorporated. Chill before using. Roll the dough about 1″ thick, then cut the shapes and place them on a baking sheet. I prefer to return the baking sheet to the freezer for 5 minutes before placing it in the oven. This keeps the cookies from spreading as they bake, and retain their shape. Bake cookies on parchment or silicone pad at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes
I’d share with you the royal icing recipe but see above.
COTY – CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
When I was a kid, my dad and I would bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends (I blame him for my sweets addiction!). It was a classic recipe from the Joy of Cooking Cookbook, but it was easy to memorize. I still know the recipe by heart and now it’s my daughter’s favorite thing to do on the weekends! We sometimes like to add other ingredients, like: walnuts, coconut, toffee chips, and milk or white chocolate chunks. Yum!
Chocolate Chip Cookies – Joy of Cooking – Makes about 36 cookies
Preheat the oven to 375. Grease or line 2 cookie sheets.
Whisk together: 1 cup plus 2 Tbs all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking soda
Beat in a large bowl until well-blended: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
Add and beat until well combined: 1 large egg 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Stir in the flour mixture until well-blended and smooth. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips (I added an extra 1/2 cup).
Drop the dough by heaping teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, until the cookies are just slightly colored on top and the edges are brown, about 8 – 10 minutes. Let stand briefly, then remove to a rack to cool.
Courtney – Raisin Vanilla Cookies
My great-grandma used to bake these all the time well before I was even born. But she didn’t reserve these for just the holidays so we got to enjoy them all year long. They were my grandpa’s favorite cookies and a family favorite too. The raisins are cooked first so they are soft which makes the cookies absolutely delicious! I’ll continue the tradition and make these cookies for my family. Let’s hope they taste just as good as when my grandma made them!
1 1/2 cup raisins 1 1/2 cup water 1 cup margarine 3 eggs 1 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 3 1/2 cup flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Simmer rosins in water until water is absorbed, about 30 minutes
Cream margarine, sugar, and eggs together
Blend in raisins
Add vanilla, flour soda salt and baking powder, mix until well combined
Drop dough from teaspoon into sugar dish and roll balls until coated in sugar
Place on greased cookie sheet and bake 8-11 minutes until golden brown
Kaitlyn – Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
My mom has made these cookies every Christmas for as long as I can remember. I can typically resist sweets, but for these I always cave. You just can’t beat a good peanut butter and chocolate duo. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do!
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 8 oz. stick butter 1 cup creamy peanut butter 2 eggs 2 pkgs. 20 oz. Hershey kisses ¼ cup milk 2 tsp. vanilla 3 ½ cups flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream both sugars, room temperature butter, and peanut butter together. Add eggs one at a time, then add milk and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into egg mixture. Make balls about the size of a quarter and cook 10-12 minutes. Don’t overcook. Take them out before they turn brown. Unwrap and then press down Hershey kisses on top of the cookie immediately when removed from the oven. Let cool and enjoy!
Lauren – Ginger Molasses Cookies & Caramel Corn
I’ve shared this ginger molasses cookie before and it still holds the #1 cookie spot for me. It’s just as good as the Starbucks version (maybe even better) and they freeze well so you can always have one handy for an afternoon pick me up with your coffee. If you’re looking for an allergen-friendly cookie alternative I also highly recommend this Caramel Corn recipe from Chris Loves Julia. I made it last year around the holidays and it was a huge hit with my entire family. Once you start munching it’s hard to stop!
Maggie – Grandma Skidmore’s Banana Jumbos
My favorite cookie recipe is my Grandma Skidmore’s Banana Jumbos! My Grandma always made sure that whenever her grandkids were coming over for the holidays she had a big jar of Banana Jumbos sitting on the counter when we walked in the door. Most of our meals always had a side of jumbos even at the BBQ in the summer. Sadly we lost my Grandma last year to COVID but we still make sure to have a batch of cookies on hand whenever we get together. No one knows why she calls them Banana Jumbos, maybe it’s from the jumbo chocolate chips she puts in or maybe it’s because of how big the cookies get after they cook. Either way, they are delicious and a treasured family recipe!
1 c. shortening 2 eggs 1 c. sugar 1 c. ripe mashed bananas 1/2 c. buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla 3 c. flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 cup of chocolate chips
Mix shortening, eggs, and sugar in a mixer. Stir in mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix in flour, salt, baking soda, and chocolate chips. Chill in the mixing bowl for 1 hour. Drop by tablespoon onto parchment paper, making sure they are 2in. apart. Bake for 10 min at 375 degrees.
Michelle – Cornflake Christmas Wreaths
I have great memories of making these yummy (and sometimes messy) cookies with my cousins. When I was very young, I didn’t like Red Hots so I always took mine off and gave them to my brother. He doesn’t eat cookies so it was a win-win. Over time, I decided I liked Red Hots. Now I see that you can make this recipe with mini M&Ms. Yum!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted (or unsalted) butter 1 (10-ounce) package marshmallows 1 1/4 teaspoons green food coloring 5 cups cornflake cereal Red Hots or mini red M&Ms
Instructions:
Melt butter in a large pot. Add marshmallows and stir until melted
Stir in food coloring
Stir in cereal
Working quickly, use a greased 1/4 cup measuring cup to dump the cornflake mixture in mounds on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your fingers (grease them well) to form the mounds into wreath shapes
Decorate with Red Hots or red M&Ms before they set
Let cool completely and store in an airtight container
Wanda – Apricot Jam thumbprints
My grandmother and I would bake every Christmas. We would make a variety of cookies but the apricot jam thumbprints were my favorite. I even had a special tin in the kitchen where my cookies would be stored. It was up to me to exercise restraint (not always easy for a kid) and not eat them all at once as that would be it. I carried on the tradition with my kids and we make jam thumbprints every Christmas for Santa – my kids know the recipe by heart. Since my kids are older now we will make them throughout the year. Every time I make them and take a bite it reminds me so much of my grandmother, her kitchen, and my childhood memories growing up with her.
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened 2/3 cup sugar, plus more for rolling 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Apricot jam (if you don’t like apricot you can substitute your favorite)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl.
In another bowl, whip the butter and the sugar with a hand-held mixer until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until just combined. Slowly beat in the dry ingredients in 2 additions, mixing just until incorporated.
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls with a cookie or ice cream scoop and roll in sugar. Place about 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball, about 1/2-inch deep. Fill each indentation with about 3/4 teaspoon jam.
Bake cookies until the edges are golden, about 15 minutes. (For even color, rotate the pans from top to bottom about halfway through baking.) Cool cookies on the baking sheets. Serve.
Store cookies in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days.
Peanut Butter Blossoms are one of my favorite cookies, but in our house, they are more affectionately referred to as Kissing Cookies. A recipe of my mother-in-law’s, these cookies are a staple in our home every holiday season and the kids have been helping me make them since they were tots. My oldest daughter, Sophia, who will be 13 in March started calling them kissing cookies when she was three and now the kids don’t know them as anything else. This year, however, Sophia asked if she could make them all by herself for a school fundraiser and they turned out amazing! Kissing cookies are the perfect ratio of chocolate to peanut butter and the texture is amazing! They pair wonderfully with an ice-cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or tea, and even hot chocolate!
Peanut Butter Blossoms – (Kissing Cookies) – Makes about 30 yummy cookies! Preheat Oven to 375
Cream together
1/2 Cup Oleo (Margarine) 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter 1/2 Cup Sugar 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
Then mix in one at a time,
1 Egg 2 TBSP Milk 1 tsp Vanilla 1 tsp Baking Soda 1/2 tsp Salt 1 and 3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
Roll dough into balls about an inch in diameter then roll through a bowl of sugar until well coated and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes or until the edges start to slightly brown. Undercooked is better than overcooked. Pull out of the oven, add a Hershey kiss to the middle of the cookie and return to the oven for 10 seconds. Take out and allow to cool on a cooling rack. For a twist on this classic, you can you miniature Reese’s cups instead of the Hershey Kisses.
Team GYPO wishes everyone a very happy holiday season and happy cookie baking!
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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