Four Must Have Pairs of Shorts for Summer

Four Must Have Pairs of Shorts for Summer

Could your shorts wardrobe use a do-over this summer?  Have no fear, today I have the only four pairs you’ll need for endless outfit pairings.  Just be sure to stock up on plenty of tees, tanks and blouses in solids and prints to complete out your summer wardrobe.  Add on some cute sandals and fun accessories and voila! Instant summer outfits.  And if shorts aren’t your thing, then you can definitely sub in some ankle pants or capris.

Here are my four must have shorts to add to your summer wardrobe plus some outfit inspiration for pairing them up.

1. White

[Top/Shorts/Purse/Sandals (Similar)/Earrings/Bracelet]

White shorts are perhaps what I wear more than any other in the summer months. Every time I post about them I get push back about how quickly they get dirty.  While this can be true, I’ve never really had an issue with it.  Throw them in the wash with a little bleach and they emerge bright, shiny and new every time.

I’ve been living in and loving this frayed hem pair (they’re thick enough for no see-through and they fit true to size) but have also heard good things about this pair or you can shop the pairs linked below.

2. Bright

[Top/Shorts/Bracelet/Sandals]

Bright shorts are my second favorite next to white.  They add that pop of color and interest to so many outfits. At first I was afraid to buy them thinking I would never get to wear them.  Then I surprised myself at how versatile they are by pairing them up with all the neutrals in my closet. Try bright pink with navy or my fave – stripes!

Last year I got the pair pictured above but they are now sold out.  Here’s this year’s version with different colored buttons.

3. Denim

[Top/Necklace/Shorts/Bracelet/Sandals]

Of course, no summer shorts post could be complete without mentioning denim, or jean shorts (jorts, as my husband calls them).  These are my go-to casual look for everything from tank tops and flip flops to cute summer blouses and wedges.  This pair from my Age Appropriate Shorts Guide is my favorite.

4. Olive

[Top (Similar)/Pants (Similar)/Earrings/Sandals (Similar)]

Last fall, I developed a crush on olive pants and have been hooked ever since.  I’m cheating because this picture features a pair of olive ankle pants but shorts could easily be swapped in to make it cooler.  Remember, if shorts aren’t your thang, then ankle pants and capris are a great alternative!

Summer Challenge Closes Friday

You guessed it!  We’re styling these four pairs of shorts in the Summer 2017 GYPO Style Challenge.  As a matter of fact, they comprise the bottoms on the shopping list!  We’ll be pairing them up in our 23 days of mix and match outfits, along with some super cute summer tops (like those pictured above) and accessories.  If you’d like getting dressed to be the easiest thing you do all summer, then I’d love to have you join me!  It’s an affordable way to have your own personal stylist.  Learn more HERE.

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 ElixirSheaffer Told Me To, The Pleated PoppyJo Lynne Shane and A Little Bit of Everything.

There are just a few simple rules:

1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, FacebookInstagram 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.

 



Three Trendy Tops to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe

Three Trendy Tops to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe

Hey there, I have a question for you…have you taken an inventory of your summer wardrobe yet?  If so, how’s it shaping up? With Memorial Day just around the corner, the time has come for us to not only take inventory but start thinking about what gaps we need to fill in our summer wardrobes. My shopping philosophy has always been to add a few new trends each season to refresh my basics. It’s the easiest way to stay in style without breaking the bank!

I’ve got three fun tops for you today to round out your summer wardrobe.  Just add in these fun trends to wear with the basics you already have in your closet.

1.  Blue and White Striped Top

[Bow Back Poplin Top]

What Makes it a Must Have:  It’s the summer of the blue and white striped top!  This one has an adorable bow back but you can also go a bit more daring with this off the shoulder version.

Pair it With:  Bright shorts, white denim shorts.

2.  Gray Cold Shoulder

[Tie Sleeve Cold Shoulder Tee]

What Makes it a Must Have:  Cold shoulder tops are a great alternative to off the shoulder.  You can still try the trend but wear a regular bra with them (just say no to strapless!).  Why gray?  It goes with virtually everything!  This tie sleeve cold shoulder tee is casual enough for every day but also dresses up easily.

Pair it With:  Denim shorts, white shorts, bright shorts, olive shorts.

3.  Embroidered Tank

[Embroidered Chambray Top]

What Makes it a Must Have:  Embroidered and printed tops are instant summer outfit makers!  If you saw my SAHMonday post, you know the magic that they have to add interest to an outfit. This sleeveless embroidered top is one of my new favorites!  Just add shorts for an instant outfit.

Pair it With:  White shorts, bright shorts.

It’s Your Turn:  What fun new tops will you be adding to your wardrobe this summer?  Share them in the comments!

Summer 2017 GYPO Style Challenge

If you like these tops, then you’ll love the Summer 2017 GYPO Style Challenge!  We’ll be styling these three tops in our 23 days of mix and match outfit ideas.  You’ll get your summer trends shopping list and a new outfit delivered to your inbox daily.  It makes getting dressed the easiest thing you’ll do all day!  Registration is open now through June 2nd.  Sign up HERE to get your shopping list and first week of outfits immediately.

Style Challenge Referral Program

If you already love the style challenge (or even if you’re a blogger looking to add some affiliate income), I’d love to invite you to join the GYPO referral program.  You earn 40% commission from each sign up!  It takes just a minute to sign up and get your affiliate link to share with your friends and followers.  Sign up HERE.

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 ElixirThe Pleated PoppyA Good Hue and Jo Lynne Shane.

There are just a few simple rules:

1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, FacebookInstagram 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.



Summer Sandals:  Comfort is the New Cool!

Summer Sandals: Comfort is the New Cool!

My husband thinks they’re hideous and my teen daughter thinks they’re cool. What am I talking about? This summer’s “it sandals”, of course.  Turns out these “hideous” looking yet comfortable sandals are the new cool!

A few months ago my 18 year old daughter Aubrey asked for a pair of Chaco’s. I had no idea what she was talking about so she pulled them up online and I thought it was some kind of joke!  Nope, it’s not. Turns out these super ugly shoes are a thing among her age group.

Actually they’re kind of cute when she pairs them up with jeans and even with her Nike athletic shorts. I have to admit, they’re growing on me!

Today I’m sharing five pairs of “comfort is the new cool” sandals for summer – including the pair that I broke down and got myself.

Five Pairs of Comfortable Summer Sandals

 

[1/2/3/4/5]

 1. Blowfish Granola Gladiator Sandal

This is the pair that I bought and have been LOVING.  They came in really handy for our recent trip to Disney World. Prepare to be overwhelmed – they come in 23 different colors! I got them in whiskey because I didn’t have a pair that color yet but plan to order them in more colors.

 2. Teva Cabrillo Crossover Sandal

Teva sandals have long been associated with comfort.  But this pair get some style points too! This taupe color goes with everything.

3. Clark’s Caslynn Shae Wedge Sandal

If you’re looking for a wedge that’s high on comfort, this one from Clark’s has you covered. It also comes in eight different colors including coral, fuchsia and metallics.

4. Chaco ZX2 Classic Athletic Sandal (aka Aubrey’s ugly sandals)

Ok, I should really stop calling these sandals ugly.  They aren’t so bad and Aubrey claims they are the comfiest shoes ever.

5. Birkenstock Yara Ankle Strap Sandal

And if you’re wondering what else her age group is wearing, it’s these sandals.  Birkenstock’s are back BIG TIME and not just for the granola crowd like they used to be. This ankle strap version with a toe loop is actually pretty cute.

It’s Your Turn:  What are your favorite comfortable, yet stylish sandal brands and styles?  Share them in the comments!

Summer Challenge News and Giveaway

 

Email-Header-Gypo-Summer-2017 (1)

I’ve recently gotten a lot of new subscribers so figured it’s about time that I give out a detailed overview of exactly what the GYPO Style Challenge is all about.  The Summer 2017 GYPO Style Challenges opens this Friday, May 19th.

I started the first challenge in Spring of 2014 based upon feedback from a reader survey. You asked me to give you a shopping list of classic basics and seasonal trends that you could shop for on your own.  After putting together that first list, I took it one step further to create mix and match outfit ideas from the pieces on that list.  And the first capsule wardrobe was born!

Since then, nearly 10,000 women in 20 different countries have participated in a Style Challenge.

What it Is:

You’ve probably seen a lot of capsule wardrobe programs popping up lately but the GYPO Style Challenge is the first and original style challenge. You may be asking why pay for something you can find online for free. Well, I have the answer to that, none of those free programs provide you with as much support, detailed instructions and bonuses as the Style Challenge.

It’s called a challenge only because it “challenges” you to get out of your comfort zone to try new styles – there’s no competition!

Step 1: You get a shopping list of classic basics and seasonal trends with everything you need to create a mix and match capsule wardrobe. You have 10 days to get all of the pieces on the list. You’re free to spend as much or as little as you want but most women shop their closets first! I also provide you with a robust directory of online shopping links from stores you love.

Step 2: After those pieces are in place, you’ll get a daily outfit e-mail each day for three weeks showing you how to pair your pieces up into on-trend spring looks that work for your daily life. Imagine waking up every day and knowing EXACTLY what to wear! It makes getting dressed a no-brainer.

Step 3: Show off your new style in our private Facebook group. This is honestly the best part of the challenge! Thousands of women have made new real life friends and explored style in this safe, supportive community of like minded women. We share shopping tips, fit advice and our own unique takes on the daily outfits. You will get SO much inspiration just from being in this group.

More Benefits:

Style Challenge Members Only Site – The original Style Challenge is the only one that includes access to the Style Challenges membership site. It’s a handy directory of resources and every Style Challenge you’ve ever purchased all in one place!

Screen Shot 2017-03-20 at 9.53.32 AM

Recommended Items Directory – Inside the membership site is an online evergreen catalog of updated shopping links at a variety of price points to the stores you love most. This challenge’s Recommended Items Directory has more trend options than ever before. You’ll be able to shop more classic “basics” or substitute the trendier item for each piece on the list. These links are updated throughout the season so you always have resources for items to buy.

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Daily Style Tips – Included with each outfit is a daily style tip to give you easy to implement tips on your style journey.

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New for this Challenge!

If you’ve done the GYPO Style Challenge in the past, here are some new features you can expect this time around.

Lower Price Point – I’ve decided to offer the summer challenge at a lower price point in order to provide accessible style to all, the seasonal challenges are now available for just $39! The private Facebook group alone is worth the price of admission. (Don’t Worry – if you enrolled during the annual membership period, you still got the best deal around!)

An Extra Week to Shop – You asked for it so I’ve built in an extra week to get all of your shopping list in items in place.

The GYPO Quarterly Closet Clean Up – A handy printable to make sorting your closet a breeze. Follow these instructions each season and you’ll always have a curated closet of pieces you LOVE and wear.

New Shopping List – Redesigned shopping list to make it easier than ever to shop your closet and fill in the blanks at the store. You’ll have the option of shopping more classic basic pieces OR more daring trend items. It’s totally up to where you are in the style journey!

Bonus – Access thirteen outfits immediately! You’ll be able to see the first 7 days of outfit plus six bonus outfits as soon as you sign up.

Dress it Up/Dress it Down Options – Each outfit includes tweaks to make it office appropriate or super casual for every day so you can get double the use.

Double the Outfits – You’ll also get access to Summer 2016’s outfits doubling your total to 45 summer outfits!

Bonuses for Summer 2017:

  • Weekly Gift Card Giveaways in our Facebook Group
  • 6 Bonus Outfits – Bringing your total to 13 outfits you get immediately
  • Access to the Summer 2016 GYPO Style Challenge– Bringing your outfit total to 45 spring outfits!
  • Dress it Up/Dress it Down Options
  • Hanger Tag Printable – Print out each day’s outfit and place it over your hanger so you can plan your outfits in advance

Everything You Get:

  • The shopping list of basics and on trend items. Start where you are. You don’t have to be a fashionista or have a closet full of clothes.
  • A daily outfit idea sent in your email every day for twenty-four days.
  • Daily style tips to go along with your outfits.
  • The supportive Facebook group of women just like you on the style journey. Some are ahead and some are just starting out. The beauty is in the advice and friendships shared!
  • Weekly clothing gift card giveaways to some of your favorite stores.
  • A complete mix and match capsule wardrobe that you can build upon each season!

Who It’s For:

  • Anyone stuck in a style rut who’s ready to rediscover confidence through easy style
  • Women looking for “ease” in their days and done for them outfit ideas.
  • Anyone willing to try new things and get out of the style comfort zone.

How Much is It:

If you’ve ever looked into a personal style service, you know they start at upwards of $150 for just one hour of advice! Because I believe in my heart that every women deserves access to great style and to feel pretty, I founded the GYPO Style Challenge on the concept that it should be affordable to all. All of the tools and resources in the program are just $39.

What are the important dates?:

Registration opens this Friday, May 19th. We start to style our first outfit on June 5th. You’ll have ten days to get everything on the shopping list so I highly recommend signing up as soon as registration opens!

You’ll have between May 19th and June 4th to get everything in place from your shopping list. If you don’t have all of your items by then, don’t sweat it! You can always sit back and watch and curate the pieces as you find items you love.

The live portion of the challenge is from June 5th – June 28th. We’ll be styling our daily outfits each day during this time.

It’s Risk Free!

The best part?  You get to try it risk free!  If you sign up and decide it’s just not for you, you’ll have until June 10th to request a refund.  As a gift, you can keep the first 10 days of outfit ideas just for trying it.

FAQ’s:

How Much Will I Need to Spend on the Shopping List Items?

That’s totally up to you.  Most women shop their closets first and find that they have quite a few items on the list already.  Some are starting from scratch.  I recommend that you set a budget to work within and find the pieces you absolutely love.  I also recommend that you take your time to curate the items on the list.  It’s better to wait for a piece that you’ll continue to wear and love than to rush to get all of them at once.

Will this Work for My Weather?

Yes!  Women from all over the U.S., Canada and even Europe participate in the challenge and make it work for their climate. You’ll get so much inspiration just from joining the Facebook group.

What Style are the Outfits?

There’s a good mix of casual every day and dressy casual looks.  Every outfit includes a dress it up/dress it down option so that you can make your own tweaks to make it work for everything from a day at home to office appropriate.

Do I Have to Style them Every Day?

Nope!  You’re welcome to skip when you want to.  These outfits are just styling suggestions.  Some women choose to participate every day in the Facebook group while others prefer to sit back, watch and learn.  You’re also welcome to substitute some of your favorite pieces from your closet to avoid repetition.  The point of the challenge is to show you how to pair up your pieces in multiple ways.

If you have any other questions about the GYPO Style Challenge, feel free to e-mail me and ask away!

Summer Challenge Membership Giveaway

Square-Image-Gypo-Summer-2017 (1)

Three lucky ladies will win a complimentary membership to the Summer 2017 GYPO Style Challenge.  Winners will be drawn and notified on Friday, May 19th.  Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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‘, FacebookInstagram 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.

 



Pretty Fix:  The May List

Pretty Fix: The May List

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

1. Colorful Earrings

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

2. Striped Off the Shoulder Top

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

3. Bright Saddle Bag

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

4. White Denim Shorts

White denim is a summer must have. Choose from shorts, capris or ankle jeans. Here are some options:  1/2/3

5. Pom Pom Sandals

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

MD-Gypo-Collection-Web-Graphic

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.

shop-now-button

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‘, FacebookInstagram 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.



Five Spring to Summer Transition Pieces

Five Spring to Summer Transition Pieces

I know that it’s barely feeling like spring to some of you but one of the hot topics in the Spring 2017 GYPO Style Challenge private Facebook group this past week has been summer style.  With Memorial Day a little over a month away, summer’s going to be here before we know it.  Now’s a great time to start getting a few pieces that can transition easily from spring to summer.

This past week, I went into Old Navy to see what’s trending for summer.  They had so many great pieces that can easily span the seasons in this in-between time.  Since many of you are also Old Navy shoppers and it’s Super Cash time, I’m sharing some fun ways to spend yours on pieces that will do double duty – now and later.

1. Printed Dress

Screen Shot 2017-04-23 at 6.43.11 PM

[Flutter Sleeve Shift Dress]

Wear it Now

Pair it up with a denim jacket and block heel sandals.

Shop the Look

Wear it Later

Lose the jacket and add a pair of colorful sandals.

Shop the Look

2. Flare Ankle Jeans

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[Flare Distressed Ankle Jeans]

Wear it Now

Pair these up with a striped top and canvas sneakers.

Shop the Look

Wear it Later

Go low key with leopard flip flops and a lace trim tank top.

Shop the Look

3. Cut Out Swing Top

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[Cut Out Swing Top]

Wear it Now

Pair with white jeans and striped espadrilles.

Shop the Look

Wear it Later

Swap out the jeans for crisp white shorts and a pair of striped sandals.

Shop the Look

4. Off the Shoulder Top

Screen Shot 2017-04-23 at 6.49.43 PM

[Off the Shoulder Smocked Top]

Wear it Now

Pair it up with pretty blue ankle pants and bright heels.

Shop the Look

Wear it Later

Go casual with denim boyfriend shorts and gladiator sandals.

Shop the Look

5.  Jumpsuit

Screen Shot 2017-04-23 at 6.50.03 PM

[Linen Blend Jumpsuit]

Wear it Now

Pair it up with a white denim jacket and heeled gladiator sandals.

Shop the Look

Wear it Later

Lose the jacket and add a pair of colorful sandals.

Shop the Look

 

It’s Your Turn:  What transitional pieces will you be spending your Old Navy Super Cash on?  Share them with us in the comments!

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 ElixirSheaffer Told Me To,  The Pleated PoppyJo Lynne Shane, and A Little Bit of Everything.

There are just a few simple rules:

1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, FacebookInstagram 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.