Feb 22, 2016
By Sarah Jordan
It was just about a year ago when a knowledgeable friend filled me in on a “secret” in the fashion industry that would completely change the way I live my life. OK . . .so maybe that’s a bit overly dramatic. We’re talking about clothes here, not fostering world peace. However, this secret revolutionized the way I look and feel every day, and that certainly counts for something! This whispered bit of fashion intel – how anyone can look stylish and “pulled together” – is referred to by those in the know as the Three Piece Rule.
This style guideline dictates that you wear (you guessed it!) three visible articles of clothing/accessories in order to complete an outfit. Your pants/skirt and top count for two pieces. The critical third piece can be found in a matching or contrasting jacket or vest, an interesting belt, a “statement” necklace, hat, scarf, etc. I realize that the concept doesn’t sound exactly groundbreaking the first time considered, but let it sink in. Think about what you’ve worn for the past couple of days. Did you have a third piece? Did you feel like Ms. Frump? If your answer is along the lines of, “It’s Mrs. Frump to you!”, I’d bet you didn’t have a third piece. If so, you simply missed an easy opportunity to convey to those around you the sense of style you already know you possess. Get ready though; life is about to change!
Let’s talk about incorporating this new insight into your lifestyle. Start with jeans and a sweater, the building blocks of a decent outfit for a busy mom on the go, for casual Friday in the office, or for meeting the gals for Sunday brunch. By themselves, they don’t offend anyone and there’s nothing wrong with wearing them on their own. But by adding one simple piece, you absolutely shout . . . or maybe just slyly whisper, “Woot! Yes, I am someone with places to go and people to see.”
To quote legendary New York Times Fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, “Fashion is the armor people use to survive the reality of everyday life.” I love thinking of clothes this way, because regardless of what job we all have to do, we all start the day the same way, by picking out the ensemble that we want to be wearing during battle.
Don’t get me wrong! If you’re working in a lab developing a cure for cancer, I applaud you for being focused on something so important and amazing for mankind. But don’t think I don’t see you rocking your lab coat as a third piece.
I’ll send you on your way, with the brilliant words from Owner and Stylist of Apple & Pear Wardrobe Design, Jennifer Mackey-Mary, “Adding a third piece is the easiest way to go from dressed to well-dressed”.
ABOUT SARAH
Sarah Jordan is a Midwestern gal who now resides just outside the nation’s capital. A communications specialist and a mother of two, she stays up way too late reading books, blogs and ok, fine, watching bad TV. If you’re not too busy planning tomorrow’s outfit, read more of her stuff at www.bookbirdie.com.
Oct 28, 2015
I’ve got a fun fur vest collaboration for you today. But first, I want to share a BIG secret with you. When anyone asks what my favorite fashion blogs are, they are usually surprised to hear this answer.
I don’t follow fashion blogs.
Nope, not one.
It’s not that I don’t support my fellow bloggers. Honestly, they are some of the nicest people I know and I used to follow scuds of their blogs.
But about a year ago, I stopped reading fashion blogs cold turkey – and the main reasons why might surprise you.
I was falling victim to comparison-itis and The O.P.C. Effect.
Never heard of them? Read on.
1. Comparison-itis – Especially in my early blogging days, I would kill myself with comparisons. My inner dialogue went something like this “her writing is so much better than mine, she has more followers than me, her outfits look so much more interesting, WHY am I doing this?, I should just quit!” Comparison-itis is a crippling disease. At some point, I realized that the best thing for me to do was unsubscribe and focus only on what I was doing. Lesson? Comparison kills creativity. Avoid it at all costs.
2. The O.P.C. Effect – You down with O.P.C.? Yeah, you know me. That’s right, I’m easily influenced by Other People’s Content. Here’s how The O.P.C. Effect works – no matter how much I try to forget what I read, it still subconsciously influences and enters my writing and content. Solution? It’s better for me not to follow anyone in my genre so I can trust my instincts and march to my own beat.
My decision to not read other blogs has nothing to do with them and everything to do with me. It’s about protecting my creativity and staying in my own lane. And while other bloggers may not struggle with these issues, I do. I have to do what works best for me.
Having said that, there are two bloggers in particular that I LOVE. These women are the real deal and I highly respect both of them because they are who they say they are.
Those bloggers are Cyndi Spivey and Jo-Lynne Shane.
I’ve known Cyndi and Jo-Lynne since my early days of blogging. They both have a collaborative and generous nature. I love them as people and I adore their “over 40” style. I can’t think of two women I’d rather collaborate with.
Today we’re showing you our different takes on styling a fur vest. If the thought of wearing one conjures up images of a yeti, then check out the ways we styled it and think again. It’s a chic staple that you’re going to want to add to your winter wardrobe. I like to keep it simple with a denim shirt and black jeans with riding boots. Be sure to pop by to see how Cyndi and Jo-Lynne styled their fur vests too.
[Fur Vest: Similar/Shirt: Same/Jeans: Same/Boots: Same/Bracelet: Similar/Watch: Same]
Fur Vest Shopping Options
Under $100
Under $50
Under $30
It’s Your Turn: What’s your favorite way to pair up a fur vest? Share it in the comments.
Oct 14, 2015
Today’s post is a two-fer because I’m dishing on my five favorite fall trends and showing you ways that you can turn them into everyday real world outfits. But first, I have a quick little video for you.
One of the questions I get asked most often is “How do you decide which trends to include in the GYPO Style Challenge?”
The honest answer is, it’s somewhat of a process.
In this video, I’m giving some insight into the process that I use to translate runway trends into real everyday wearable outfits for moms (like you and me!) and how I pick which trends get included on the list.
Here are five of my favorite fall trends and ways that you can turn them into everyday real world outfits.
Five Fall Fashion Trends + How to Wear Them
1. Tone on Tone
Wearing tone on tone is a beautiful way to stay on trend and it’s easier than you think. Let the color wheel be your guide. Choose a top and bottom in lighter and darker shades of the same color. For instance, burgundy with blush pink, violet with lavender or peacock blue with baby blue.
Try the Trend: Tie your tone on tone look together with a pretty scarf.
[Blouse: Similar/Scarf: Same/Purse: Similar/Pants: Same/Flats: Similar]
2. Plaid
Plaid is a perennial fall favorite and a classic way to add some pattern to your outfit. If the thought of wearing plaid conjures up images of lumberjacks, just remember a dash is all it takes to spice up your look. Try the trend with a plaid scarf, shoes or a belt.
Try the Trend: Jazz up your chambray shirt and black jeans with a fun plaid scarf in an unexpected color like orange.
[Cardigan: Similar/Scarf: Same/Chambray: Similar/Jeans: Same/Boots: Similar/Watch: Similar/Purse: Same]
3. Moto Jackets
Add a little edge and warmth to your outfit with a trendy moto jacket for fall. If black is too harsh, chose one in cognac or a lighter color.
Try the Trend: Replace your blazer or cardigan with a moto jacket. Layer it over a printed blouse with jeans and ankle boots.
[Moto Jacket: Similar/Blouse: Similar/Jeans: Similar/Ankle Boots: Similar]
4. Texture Mixing
Pattern and print mixing has been all the rage the past few years. This fall it’s all about texture mixing. Combine different textures to add interest to your outfits.
Try the Trend: Pair up a gray cable knit sweater with skinny cords in off-white. Finish it off with a pair of burgundy ankle boots.
[Sweater: Same/Pants: Same/Ankle Boots: Same]
5. Floral
Typically a spring and summer trend, florals are now making their mark on fall.
Try the Trend: Look for a scarf with autumnal tones like rust, burgundy, mustard, vermillion, plum or ochre. Use it for inspiration to pair up unlikely color combinations.
[Cardigan: Similar/Blouse: Similar/Scarf: Same/Pants: Similar/Watch: Similar/Flats: Similar]
It’s Your Turn: What are some of your favorite fall trends that are totally wearable? Share them in the comments.
Finally feeling like fall in your neck of the woods? Then now’s the perfect time to join the Fall 2015 GYPO Style Challenge. You’ll get your seasonal trends shopping list plus 21 days of mix and match outfits including some of the outfits in today’s post. Get more info and sign up HERE.
Aug 19, 2015
The past two weeks, I’ve taken a little departure from my typical casual everyday style to help out our teachers heading back to school and all of the other GYPO readers that work in an office environment. Last week, I shared an easy work outfit combo you can create from pieces in your closet and this week, I’m sharing my five pieces to instantly update your work wardrobe. If you’re stuck in a work wear rut, try adding one (or all five!) of these easy updates to freshen up your basics.
Five Pieces to Perk Up Your Work Wear
Pencil skirts and ankle pants in fun prints and patterns are one of my favorite ways to perk up your work attire. If this trend scares you, stick with basic black and white graphic designs for an easy transition and work your way up to bolder prints.
[Graphic Boxes Pencil Skirt]
A structured tote that holds your laptop, work day essentials and a water bottle is a must have for any modern office environment. Look for one with interesting details, like tassels or metal, to add polish to your outfits.
[Tan Structured Tote]
Bright pants for the office? Yes! You can make them work for even the most conservative work environment. Just pair them up with neutrals for a more toned down look.
[Skinny Ankle Pants]
Add a kick of color to any outfit with a pair of bright blue flats or heels. These give punch to your favorite neutrals or if you feel a little more daring, pair them up with any complementary color – red and yellow both work great.
[Cobalt Blue Flats]
Snake print is a great way to add a little texture and interest to your outfits. It’s not as bold as some animal prints so it’s perfect for a professional office. Try a skinny snake print belt around a sheath dress or cardigan.
[Skinny Snake Print Belt]
Work Wear Challenge – Registration Closes Tomorrow
If your work wear could use a makeover, join me for the Work Wear 2015 GYPO Style Challenge. All of the pieces in today’s post are included on the shopping list. Early bird registration closes tomorrow night. You’ll get a shopping list of work wear essentials and trends plus three weeks of outfit combinations to make getting ready for work a breeze. This year’s challenge also includes free access to last year’s bringing your outfit total to six weeks worth. Hurry, this is the lowest price this challenge will be offered at! Sign up and get more info HERE.
May 27, 2015
My #1 blog rule has always been only to feature items that I wear, use and love in my own life.
Just call me a rule breaker today because I’m posting about something that I don’t wear.
One of the most hotly debated topics among GYPO readers has been palazzo pants. There has been no piece of clothing more polarizing – you either love them or hate them. There’s no middle ground in the great palazzo pants debate.
I’ve fallen into the camp of not giving them a chance but I also pride myself on getting out of my comfort zone.
So, for the purposes of today’s post, I challenged myself to dig up ways that I could actually see myself wearing them. Here are five of my favorite ways to style palazzo pants.
1. Palazzo pants with a slouchy top and flats.
These pants are a nice alternative to boyfriend jeans. You still get the slouchy factor but the pattern adds more interest to the outfit than denim would.
2. Palazzo pants with a t-shirt and statement necklace.
Add a statement necklace to make palazzo pants into a super comfy date night appropriate look.
3. Palazzo pants with a tank, blazer and heels.
Palazzo pants for the office? Why not when you can make them look this cute and professional. Just top with a tank, blazer and matching accessories. Add heels to make legs look a mile long.
4. Palazzo pants with a denim shirt.
In all fairness, these pants taper at the ankle so they aren’t a true palazzo pant, but they make a great alternative to skinny jeans. The black and white graphic pattern is perfectly paired with a chambray button down, neutral sandals and a bright tote.
5. Palazzo pants with a tank and sandals.
If I bring myself to wear them this summer, I can definitely see them paired up like this. A simple white tank, coordinating accessories and sandals – now that’s my style!
Fit Advice: For a longer silhouette, chose a pair with a vertical pattern as opposed to horizontal. Pair them with heels to make legs appear longer. If your pair is really flowy or wide, wear them with a more fitted top to balance out the proportions.
It’s Your Turn: Which side do you fall on in the great palazzo debate? What’s your favorite way to style them?
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSING
Early bird registration for the Summer 2015 GYPO Style Challenge closes tomorrow night. Sign up now if you want to get in on this challenge for just $29! You’ll get your summer 2015 trends shopping list plus 21 days of cute, casual summer outfits. This challenge also includes two free bonuses – access to the summer 2014 challenge and a 14 piece/10 day vacation packing list. Get more information and sign up here before midnight tomorrow night.
I FEEL PRETTY
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 us what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
There are just a few simple rules:1. Follow GYPO. (Bloglovin‘, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest)
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to my blog (using the button above or your own link).
4. Visit other pretties. That’s it, now go have some fun!
