Five Shoes You Need for Spring and Summer

Five Shoes You Need for Spring and Summer

Although I live by the “less is more” philosophy for curating my closet, there’s one area that can always get me in trouble… SHOES! Give mama all the cute shoes!

I used to be a total shoe hoarder and at one point had over 60 pairs! Those days are long gone and I’ve reined in my shoe habit to the point that I only add a couple of new pairs per season. Honestly all the shoes I need for spring and summer are what I already have and they fit into these five categories – Pop of Color, Sneakers, Neutral Sandals, Leopard and Metallic.

If you’ve ever done a GYPO Style Challenge you know this is true! Every spring and summer shopping list tends to have shoes on it in these categories. They’re the pairs you’ll be loving and slipping into year after year!

The cool thing is that every year we see some fun variations on the trends within each of these categories, for instance espadrilles and white sneakers. Today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to bring you my spring and summer 2019 fresh list of shoe trends.

1. Pop of Color

A bright shoe is all you need to perk up any outfit. Add any color of the rainbow to coordinating or complementary colors.

Sole Society Erianna Bow Slide Sandals – 3 Colors

Coconuts Cabana Slide Sandal – 6 Colors (Only $29!)

Caslon Mateo Slide Sandals – 6 Colors

Franco Sarto Clemens Espadrille Wedge – 6 Colors

2. Sneakers

All white sneakers and slip ons are definitely having a moment! There’s no comfier way to look totally on trend.

Dr. Scholl’s Madi Sneaker – 3 Colors

Tretorn Nylite Plus Sneaker – 4 Colors

Vans Authentic Knotted Lace Sneakers

3. Neutral Sandals

The most wearable of them all – neutral sandals are an absolute must have!


Tory Burch Miller Flip Flop – 12 Colors

Hush Puppies Lyricale Wedge Sandal – 3 Colors

Sbicca Venka Sandal – 3 Colors

4. Leopard Print

There’s perhaps no print nearer and dearer to my heart year-round than leopard. There’s no reason to pack away your favorite leopard shoes for spring and summer!

Cole Haan Piper Loafer Mule – 7 Colors

Sam Edelman Gladis Strappy Sandal – 4 Colors

Vince Camuto Sebatini Calf Hair Sandal

5. Metallic

Metallic shoes are a neutral. They add a bit of interest to any outfit – try gold shoes paired with navy and white or coral!

Caslon Shiloh Espadrille Sandal – 9 Colors

Sam Edelman Bay Cut Out Slide Sandal – 9 Colors

Steve Madden Aida Platform Sandal – 6 Colors

SHOP THE POST

 

Big thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post and making it easy for us to update our spring and summer shoes!

It’s Your Turn: What are your favorite trends in footwear for spring/summer 2019? Tell me in the comments!

My Skincare Routine + Essential Products

My Skincare Routine + Essential Products

If there’s one question I’ve gotten more often than any other this past year, it’s “what’s your skincare routine?” This post is a long time coming and honestly a lot has changed with my routine. Last spring, I noticed my skin was looking duller than usual. Coming out of the winter months is always hard on my skin but I think it was also due to the fact that my skincare routine had stayed pretty much the same for the past five or so years! So I started doing a TON of research and bought some products to start experimenting and find out what made the biggest difference in my skin. After a lot of trial and error, I ended up staying with some of my existing products but added in a few new powerhouses to tackle specific issues like dullness and fine lines. It’s taken me this long to make this video because it took months of trying out products to determine what worked and what wasn’t worth it.

Today I’m sharing my exact skincare routine along with a PDF of all of my skincare basics with links to the products I’m using and loving! You can access the video and PDF now by clicking HERE or on the image below. (Note: Entering your e-mail will give you access to the membership site where the video and PDF are located. Check your inbox to log in and watch it!)

 

Exciting news – I’m also launching my first ever makeup course today! My Skincare Essentials video is part of it but it’s called “Bust Out of the Makeup Rut” and the name says it all. Being totally honest, I hadn’t changed up a whole lot with my makeup since high school! So this past year I’ve spent many hours (and dollars!) trying new products, watching Youtube videos, experimenting with techniques and even booking private sessions with makeup artists all in an effort to “shake up my makeup”. There was a lot of overlap in the tips and tricks I picked up, so I boiled down every rut-busting tip into one course that covers everything from skincare essentials to ways to change up your everyday makeup and create an easy date night look.

My whole goal in doing this is to encourage us all to get out of our makeup comfort zones and empower you to do it at home with step-by-step tutorials. I’m also hoping to save you some time and money so just like Style Challenges by GYPO, you get printable shopping lists with product links so you can head to the store and know exactly what to shop for.

Honestly changing up my skincare and makeup has been one of the biggest confidence boosters of this past year. It’s amazing how just a few simple changes got me out of my rut and made such a huge difference!

INTRO OFFER – GET IT FOR JUST $29

It’s been so fun busting out of my makeup rut that I want all of you to be able to experience it too! The intro price for this course is just $29 through the end of the month. I’m willing to bet you’ll save that much by not wasting money on products you won’t use! I made every effort to pack it full of value and useful info with 6 video tutorials, skincare and makeup shopping lists and product and tool recommendations. You can learn more and sign up HERE.

P.S. The $29 intro offer for Bust Out of the Makeup Rut ends on 4/30/19. Sign up now to save $20!

Two Easter Outfits for Moms

Two Easter Outfits for Moms

Time to get the kids’ baskets out of storage, Easter is just around the corner! If you haven’t thought about what you’re wearing yet, you’re not alone. I’m usually out scrambling at the last minute to piece together outfits for the family so we don’t look like hobos. Our church is pretty casual year-round, even on holidays but I do like to get dressed up once in awhile. Our family goes to brunch every year so we need to have some special occasion outfits at the ready.

Today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to bring you two Easter appropriate looks that are also totally on trend for spring – one that works for church or brunch and another that’s perfect for an Easter egg hunt in the backyard. You know mama loves a good bargain but Nordstrom is my go-to place for quality basics like tees, jeans and dresses. These pieces are totally worth investing a little more.

In both outfits, there was a theme I couldn’t resist – bright green with pattern and a fun pop of yellow with these bow slide sandals.

Two Easter Outfits for Moms

For my dressier outfit, I decided to try out the boxy top and tie waist pants trend. Can I just tell you how comfy this outfit is? It feels like wearing really cute PJ’s, not the baggy sweats I wear to bed! Both of these pieces come in multiple colors and styles and are easy to pattern mix with too. For reference I’m wearing a size XS in both pieces. They fit true to size.

SHOP THE LOOK

It was love at first sight when I saw this darling polka dot cardigan in navy and white. I instantly knew I wanted to pair it with green. Nordstrom’s Halogen tees are one of my favorite brands. Good quality tees are hard to come by. This one comes in a rainbow of colors and holds up well wash after wash. The white jeans are Wit & Wisdom Ab Solution and they have a lot going for them – they’re not see through and do a good job of sucking things in. For the vertically challenged, they hit at just the right place on your ankle. Nothing like a great pair of white ankle jeans for spring! I’m wearing an XS in the cardigan and tee and a size 0 in the jeans.

 

SHOP THE LOOK

Big thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post and making it easy for us moms to look cute for Easter…because kids shouldn’t get to have all the fun!

Five Trends to Try this Spring

Five Trends to Try this Spring

What can I say? I love the changing seasons. As much as I was excited for the promise of cooler weather and LAYERS, I’m now equally excited for the fabulous fashions and colors of spring! Let’s face it, Texas summers are HOT which is why I enjoy the calm before the storm so to speak, even if it feels like that weather only lasts a few weeks here.

So did I mention color?!?!? This spring is full of bright colors and while this may cause some of you to step outside of your comfort zone, I promise it is worth the plunge! The best thing about the colors this spring is that they can be incorporated as much or as little as you want. From a royal blue top to kelly green denim or maybe a coral purse to bright pink nails, these vibrant colors are just screaming to be worn.

And did I also mention these beautiful colors come in stripes? Yes, as a lover of all shirts striped I’m excited to incorporate this along with some other new spring trends into my clothing rotation.

As I begin my seasonal closet change over, I lovingly put away my winter sweaters and jewel toned pieces, and break out my classic spring/summer wardrobe I’m like a kid who just discovered some lost toys. I’m giddy as I unpack some of my favorite pieces!

Here are a few more of my favorite trends to check out this spring and don’t miss how I plan to style some of these trends along with the classics in the Style Challenges Spring 2019 Capsule Wardrobe which opens this Friday!

1. Polka Dots

If you couldn’t already tell from the new arrivals at Alison + Aubrey I’ve got a bit of a love affair going on with polka dots this spring. Polka dots are not an uncommon pattern to see this time of year but what I’m really loving is the print variations I’m seeing. From large scale dots to super tiny dense prints one thing is for sure, you can’t go wrong with polka dots right now. Try this easy outfit formula:

Polka Dot Kimono + White Tee + White Denim + Taupe Booties

Have you tried these white tees from Amazon Essentials yet? They get great reviews and I’d love to know what you think of them.

2. Espadrilles

Espadrilles are where it’s at in 2019! While traditional espadrilles are flats, it’s safe to say that anything goes this spring and summer. From platforms and mules to a more traditional style wedge, this is a super wearable look that you’re going to see a lot of this spring. In particular, I’ve noticed lots of espadrilles with a white sole embellishment for a fresh, modern take.

Espadrille Platform Sandal

3. Tortoise Accessories

I love pushing you out of your style comfort zone but I’m also a big fan of trends that are low risk. A look that you can test the waters with, without making a big investment or statement (if you don’t want to that is), is A+ in my book. While tortoise is a classic and timeless print we usually see it styled on glasses (I’ve been wearing my tortoise readers from Loft for a few years), it is showing up on all kinds of accessories right now. Just like leopard, tortoise is a neutral and is the perfect finishing accessory to any outfit.

Celluloid Hoop Earrings

Tortoise Layering Necklace

Tortoise Hammered Cuff Bracelet

4. Paper-Bag Waist Pants

If tortoise is a trend that feels pretty safe, paper bag waist pants is one that may push your comfort zone a little more. I recently walked you through styling some of the new silhouettes and the paper-bag waist pant style is another one that may take some trial and error to find the perfect fit and look for you. You’ll want to fully tuck or half-tuck your top to show off your new waistline cut detail. I recently tried out a pair for myself and honestly, I kinda like it!

[Ribbed Tee / Paper-bag Pants / Sneakers]

5. Bright Stripes

Pastels tend to take center stage in spring but this year brights are having a moment in the spotlight! After a long, dreary winter you better believe I am the first in line to freshen things up with a little dash of color. I knew it was going to be a fun season when I noticed not just brights, but bright stripes! Now we are speaking my language. 😍 Here are some of my favorite bright striped tops to check out.

[Striped Cashmere Tee / High-Rise Denim / Leopard Mules]

 

[Knit Tee]

[Rounded V-Neck Tee]

It’s Your Turn: What pieces are you planning to add to your Spring wardrobe? How many of these do you already have? Join the conversation in our GYPO Pretties Facebook group!

Style Challenges Spring 2019 Capsule Wardrobe News

Have you heard the news? The Style Challenges Spring 2019 Capsule Wardrobe is almost here! Registration opens this Friday, March 8th!

What the heck is a Style Challenge you ask? It’s my online personal style program that basically gives you a personal stylist for practically nothing. But seriously, it’s personal style that fits your budget and size and over 25,000 women have joined since its start in 2014!

I started this program based on the premise that life’s too short to worry about what you’re wearing. I want getting dressed to be the easiest thing you do all day!

Trust me when I say this, it’s about SO MUCH more than clothes. It’s real women, real fashion and most importantly real FUN!

I’m not just tooting my own horn either, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and read through some of the 325 five star reviews.

OK, Alison, this all sounds awesome, but how does it work?

Glad you asked! It’s so easy. First off I give you a shopping list of classic basics and seasonal spring trends. You check off anything you already have in your closet and go shopping for the rest armed with your list. No more decision overwhelm, you’ll know EXACTLY what you need. Don’t worry, I also give you links to online options if you don’t want to leave the house.

The best part? Every piece on your shopping list gets paired up in at least 3-4 different ways helping you make the most of your shopping budget!

After your pieces are in place, you’ll get a daily outfit delivered right to your inbox made up of pieces on the list to style and wear that day.

It’s kind of like meal planning for your closet. I give you the ingredients list (shopping list), you check your pantry (closet) for any staples you already have and then I send you a daily recipe (outfit formula) to create your meals (outfits) for every day of the week!

How much does this cost?

I started the Style Challenge on the premise that EVERY woman deserves to have access to great style and the confidence that comes with it, no matter her size or budget. Access to everything in the program is just $39 per season (considering a personal stylist is $150/hour, I think it’s a pretty awesome deal!) We don’t charge you a recurring membership fee either, you pay for the program you want, that’s it. Plus since you do your own shopping, YOU get to set the budget and shop at your favorite stores.

You can’t put a price on confidence but if we had to, we’d say $39 makes it a pretty good deal! PRICELESS!

I’M TOTALLY IN! Now what?

The Style Challenges Spring 2019 Capsule Wardrobe will be open for registration on March 8th. The minute you sign up, you’ll get your shopping list and access to 30+ outfits plus all the goodies inside our members only area. Make sure that you’re on our newsletter list so you’ll be the first to know when it opens. In the meantime, you can learn more about the Style Challenge program HERE.

Spring Transition Outfits from EV1 at Walmart

Spring Transition Outfits from EV1 at Walmart

Raise your hand if you can never figure out what to wear in the transition time between winter and spring. Today I’ve got a few outfit ideas featuring pieces from the new EV1 Spring Collection from Walmart. If you’re not familiar with this line, it’s an exclusive collection created by Ellen DeGeneres and every piece in the line is inspired by love and inclusivity. They’re also budget friendly and feature fun spring colors and patterns including stripes, floral and camo. Honestly when I first checked out the pieces, they had me at stripes and white jeans! No surprises there, right?

And because I’ve made no secret of my obsession with striped tops and white denim naturally the pieces I picked up for my wardrobe from the EV1 spring collection included both! I love the colorful bands on the sleeves of this navy and white striped sweater. It pairs perfectly with distressed relaxed fit white jeans and gold espadrille sandals.

For those of us who struggle with the up and down temps of this transition time into spring, there’s nothing easier than throwing on a lightweight sweater and jeans plus some cute shoes!

[Sweater/Jeans/Espadrilles]

 

Here are a few other outfit pairings from the EV1 spring collection that I fell in love with. The slip on sneakers are so cute and on trend and the sweatshirts and sweaters make perfect spring transition pieces! (Click on pieces in the collage to shop these looks!)

Big thanks to Walmart for sponsoring this post and making it easy and affordable to be on trend this spring!