Mar 6, 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.
Spring Trends – Fringed and Frayed
One of my favorite ways to make everyday outfits feel special is to work seasonal trends into them. Even an ordinary t-shirt and jeans can be made trendy with just a few details like fringe and frayed hems!
A few weeks ago in my post about Why I Gave Stitch Fix a Second Chance I first showed you this fringe hem top. Since getting it in last month’s fix, I’ve gotten a lot of wear out of it. I can’t link to it directly since it came in my fix, but if you’re looking for a similar top here’s a sleeveless one and this one has long sleeves.
Add in some frayed hem jeans (another big spring trend) for double the fringe-y fun and finish it out with a pair of lace up ballet flats.
Fringe Hem Top + Frayed Hem Jeans + Lace Up Flats
[Fringe Top: Stitch Fix/Frayed Hem Jeans: Same/Lace Up Flats: Same]
Let’s talk about these lace up flats for a minute. They’re super comfy and go with almost everything in my closet. If you want an easy, trendy update for your ballet flats, try these!
[Tess Ghillie Lace Up Flat]
Substitutions and Shopping Options:
Fringe Hem Top: Any top or tee with hem detail (fringe, scallops, ruffles, peplum). Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Frayed Hem Jeans: Any frayed or released hem jeans. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Lace Up Flats: Any neutral flats or booties. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Show me YOUR SAHMonday outfit! Tag me on Instagram and use the hashtag #SAHMonday.
Mar 3, 2017
Welcome to a special spring break edition of Friday Favorites! Our family is gearing up to head to one of our favorite places on earth for spring break. We hadn’t planned on doing anything this year but it’s our daughter Aubrey’s senior year and I found a great hotel/flight package deal last minute. So we’re busy packing for five days in the Riviera Maya of Mexico!
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 five things that checked those boxes this week.
Favorite #1 – Grand Residences
Grand Residences is the all-inclusive resort we’ll be staying at in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. It’s in a sleepy little fishing village in the Mayan Riviera about 3o minutes south of Cancun. We stayed there for one heavenly week last summer and have been dreaming of going back ever since. All inclusive resorts work so well for our family. We get to truly relax and not worry about having to do a thing for ourselves. Grand Residences even includes room service so most mornings we have breakfast on the patio. Plus it’s a smaller resort so the beach doesn’t ever get crowded. I feel like it’s our little secret! Here are a few pictures from last summer’s stay.
Favorite #2 – One Piece Swimsuit
Since this trip was kind of last minute, I scrambled to find a new swimsuit and took a chance on ordering one online. This black mesh inset swimsuit came a few days ago and thankfully, it fits perfectly! I’ll be wearing it with the strap at the top.
For size reference, the small fits me perfectly (I’m 5’4″ and 128 lbs.).
[Black Mesh Inset Swimsuit]
Favorite #3 – Swim Coverup
And what’s a swimsuit without a coverup? Again, I ordered this one online and couldn’t be happier with it. Target is running a buy one, get one 50% off of all swimsuits and coverups (online only) so I got this one for half price. It fits really well and is tapered at the waist to give it a nice shape. It’s also a little longer on me than on the model (which I like!)
[Crochet Front Coverup]
Favorite #4 – Floppy Hat
My skin has barely seen the light of day all winter so I’ll definitely be taking extra precautions at the beach! My hat rarely leaves my head when we’re on vacation, unless it blows off. I bought this black and white floppy hat last summer and will be packing it for our trip this time too.
Hat packing tip: Stuff it full of socks and undies when you’re packing and then pack around it to keep it’s shape in your suitcase.
[Striped Floppy Hat]
Favorite #5 – SPF Foundation
Last but certainly NOT least, I’ll be wearing plenty of this every day. Honestly this stuff works better than applying sticky sunscreen to my face and feels a lot better too. Granted it’s not waterproof, but I do reapply it after swimming and sweating. It’s my daily foundation, even when I’m not at the beach.
[IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream – SPF 50]
It’s Your Turn: What are you loving this Friday?
Mar 1, 2017
Spring 2017 trends have been a hot topic around GYPO lately. On Monday, I covered the controversial “neck scarf” and today I’m tackling the next biggest topic – the bomber jacket.
This is another polarizing trend you either love or hate. Either way, I’ve gotten a lot of requests lately for how to wear a bomber jacket and what to pair it up with.
To that I answer, pair it up as simply as possible. A floral bomber jacket transforms your t-shirt and jeans into something special while also adding lightweight warmth to your spring outfit. As your friend, I need to advise you that the bomber jacket can be kind of tricky. It’s one where you really should try it on to find the right one. Many of them are too stiff, bulky, shiny or short for my liking. My favorites are made of thinner fabric that are neither cropped or long. This is a personal preference thing though so don’t give up if you don’t find one you love right away!
This month’s Pretty Fix is perfect for this time of the year. It features a floral bomber jacket, plain white tee, light wash skinny jeans and two other spring trends – lace up flats and a choker.
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!
Here’s your March 2017 Pretty Fix.
Pretty Fix – March 2017
Bomber jackets are a huge spring trend, especially in fun prints, patterns and textures. This floral one is lightweight enough for warmer days but is also great for layering. Try it with a basic white t-shirt under it. If this is a trend you’re planning to skip, try a blush moto jacket or a floral kimono instead. Here are some other options: 1/2/3
A good white v-neck tee is a closet staple. When you find one you love, stock up! For something new try this spring’s twist front tee trend. Shopping options: 1/2/3
Hello, 90’s (and 70’s), the choker is back for another go-round. Try one in a simple black wrap. If this trend is too far out of your comfort zone, swap it out for a long pendant necklace. Here are some shopping options: 1/2/3
Another throwback look that’s in for spring is light wash denim. Try it with frayed hems to be totally on trend. Here are some options: 1/2/3
These lace up flats end up on my feet at least twice a week. There’s a good reason for that, they’re super comfy and they go with just about everything! The lace up flat trend is one that will be around for awhile. Additional options: 1/2/3
It’s Your Turn: Do you love the bomber jacket trend? If not, try it with a floral kimono instead!
[Kimono: Same/Twist Front Tee: Similar/Jeans: Same/Necklace: Same/Shoes: Same]
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, The Pleated Poppy and A Good Hue.
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.
Feb 27, 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.
The Controversy of the Neck Scarf
Spring trends have been a hot topic in my private GYPO Style Challenge Facebook group and on social media in general. One trend that keeps popping up and causing a ruckus is the neck scarf (aka square scarf).
It’s true, neck scarves are a big trend for spring 2017 but many of you have been through this trend a time or two (90’s for me) and aren’t so sure you want to go there again.
But the biggest question/concern I get is “how do I wear it without feeling like a flight attendant?”
I understand, I really do.
It’s kind of a tricky thing to pull off. The key is making sure the rest of your outfit does NOT look like a flight attendant. Here’s how I’m wearing mine.
Blush Top + Neck Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Lace Up Flats
If that outfit doesn’t have you convinced to give the neck scarf a try, then here’s another option. These little scarves are SUPER CUTE tied to the handle of a purse or tote bag. It still adds interest and pattern to the outfit but it takes it off your neck. I’ve even seen them tied around wrists and worn as hair accessories.
Cute, right? And totally NOT flight attendant. 🙂
[Blush Top: Similar/Jeans: Same/Neck Scarf: Same/Cross Body Bag: Same/Lace Up Flats: Same]
Substitutions and Shopping Options:
Blush Top: Any top or tee that coordinates with the scarf. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Skinny Jeans: Any light or dark wash jeans or jeggings. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Neck Scarf: Any printed short scarf. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Lace Up Flats: Any neutral flats or booties. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Show me YOUR SAHMonday outfit! Tag me on Instagram and use the hashtag #SAHMonday.
Feb 24, 2017
Alison’s Friday Favorites is a weekly list of anything that makes my life a little easier, prettier or happier. Here are five things that checked those boxes this week.
Favorite #1 – GYPO GNO
I’m co-hosting a fun Spring Style Preview and Girls’ Night Out next Tuesday night with Chesley House of Chesley Mae Designs next Tuesday, February 28th. It’s going to be held at Eight | 11 Place in Frisco. I’ll be sharing some spring trends and Chesley will be hosting a trunk show and giving away a pair of her handmade tassel earrings. If you’re interested in attending, just click the invitation below to sign up!
Favorite #2 – Meal Delivery Service
I’m not sure why but I’ve been asked a lot lately if I subscribe to any of the online meal delivery services. The answer is yes, I’ve tried two of them and have liked both but only stuck with one. Here’s my unofficial review.
Blue Apron was the first service our family tried. The meals are delicious but I’m not gonna lie, they seemed like a lot of work. Anything that requires me to grate ginger and mince whole garlic cloves just isn’t going to happen. OK, so maybe I’m lazy. Yes, that’s it. I’m embarrassed to say our last delivery was a total fail and I ended up pitching out the (rotting) produce and cooking the meat in another meal. I told Craig I’ll be happy to go back to that one when we’re both retired, but for now…
We’re now subscribing to Freshly and it’s been way more up my alley. First off, it comes already prepared. Winner, winner, Freshly dinner. Pop it in the microwave for two minutes and dinner is on the table. OK, so maybe that sounds like a high priced TV dinner but hear me out. The meals are gourmet quality and really healthy too. I like keeping a few in the fridge for a quick protein packed lunch but they’re equally good on our busy nights full of kid activities. We let the girls pick their favorites (they love the meatloaf) and then order them accordingly. You can also skip as many weeks as you’d like and cancel at any time. We only order them on our really busy weeks.
If you want to try Freshly out, you can get two free meals by using my link to sign up HERE.
Favorite #3 – Work Wear Outfit
Work wear, I can’t quit you! I’ve been obsessing over this work wear look from this month’s Work Wear Wednesday post. So I finally broke down and ordered some of the pieces for it this week. It’s really easy to make it casual enough for everyday by subbing white jeans for the ankle pants. Navy and white gets me every time, add in florals and stripes and ah, I can’t handle all the cute!
[Ruffle Hem Top/Ankle Pants /Blush Layered Necklace/Bloom Infinity Scarf /Ballet Flats]
Favorite #4 – Block Heel Sandals
Where have you been all my life, dear block heels? Thank goodness these are one of the big spring trends because they feel amazing on my feet. I had all but sworn off wearing heels until one of my friends told me to try block heels. I wore these gladiator block heel sandals most of the day last Saturday and my feet didn’t hurt one bit. If you’ve been steering clear of heels, trust me, you’ll want to try this pair. P.S. The color is so on trend for spring!
[Maeve Gladiator Sandals]
Favorite #5 – SAHM Capsule
Wow! I’m completely blown away by the response to the SAHM Casual Wardrobe Basics Builder Capsule! Want to know a secret? I get super nervous every time I put a new capsule out and can’t sleep the night before! Thank you all for the amazing feedback on this capsule. I definitely took it personally since it’s made up of the pieces that I wear and love on a daily basis. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can download the shopping list for free here! If you’re ready to buy the whole capsule with all 20 days of outfits included, just click here or the image below to get it now.
It’s Your Turn: What are you loving this Friday?
