Outfit Formulas® and the 8 Pieces I Bought for Spring!

Outfit Formulas® and the 8 Pieces I Bought for Spring!

Hi Pretties! I have to be honest, I kind of struggled with this Coffee Chat. It’s all about spring style which totally makes sense, yet with everything that is going on, it sort of felt frivolous to me. Then I went on the Facebook Pretties page and started seeing that so many of you were posting that this is exactly the distraction and the diversion that you need right now in your lives. Everything is crazy, you’re working from home, you have your kids home unexpectedly, everything on the news and in your feeds feels depressing yet GYPO and the other Pretties are a welcome distraction. So for the sake of more distraction, I wanted to tell you a little about why I decided to change Style Challenges to Outfit Formulas® and also share with you the eight items I bought for spring. For more details, check out my Coffee Chat video below.

Style Challenges to Outfit Formulas®

First I want to start off by saying that nothing has changed, just the name. Our capsule wardrobe builder program is exactly the same program that it’s always been. I felt like it was time for a rebrand for a few different reasons. Number one, the term style challenges was always so confusing. I would have people say to me, “what’s the challenge? Who wins the prize?” It was hard to explain the program, the challenge was getting out of your comfort zone but that ended up not translating well with the Style Challenges name.

The second and bigger reason that I wanted to do this rebranding was that I felt like the Outfit Formulas® name truly captured the spirit of inclusivity that the program offered. Outfit Formulas® is just that, it’s a formula that you can adapt to your lifestyle, to your body, to your budget and to make work for you. I wanted to create something that really democratized personal style and that made it affordable for everyone. I wanted something where women could have access to a framework, a program, a system that makes it easy not only to shop for the pieces that she needs to complete her wardrobe but also to show you how to pair up the pieces and what to put together. I want you to have a closet you love because you were able to buy the pieces you love and that work with your budget and fit your body shape. There is no “one size fits all” and I want every woman to feel confident and beautiful no matter what. I just feel like Outfit Formulas® captures so much more of that spirit of inclusivity than Style Challenges did. So going forward, you’ll be seeing the name Outfit Formulas® instead of Style Challenge. 

What I Bought for Spring

Now on to the eight pieces I bought for spring. I limited myself to eight items this season. They were all on sale and I really tried to stick to a budget for buying new clothes because I feel like I have a really good base of closet staples already. If you don’t feel that you have a good base of closet staples, you can click here and download the Closet Staples Wardrobe Builder Shopping List to help you out. But if you do have all of these closets staples in place, then it’s easy just to add in a few new, fun trends which is exactly what I did. Check them out below!

1. J.Crew Factory Pink Pleated Skirt

This pink pleated skirt from J.Crew Factory totally took me out of my comfort zone but I thought it was just too pretty to pass up so I ordered it anyway. I’m really happy I did! I’m pairing it up with a striped top, denim jacket and did I mention it looks great with white sneakers? Trust me, it really does.

2. J.Crew Factory Nautical Striped Top

I’m obsessed with striped tops, but you guys know that already. I think at one point I had 15 in my closet. I find that every few years I need to upgrade or change out or get a different style. This striped top from J.Crew Factory appealed to me because I love these little gold buttons on the shoulder. They are very on-trend with the nautical themes you’re going to be seeing this spring. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of sizes left so here is a link to a similar shirt with the gold button detail.

3. J.Crew Factory Kelly Green Cardigan

So far this kelly green sweater from J.Crew Factory is one of my most worn pieces. It pairs up perfectly with a striped top and it’s just a nice light layering piece. This color is also selling out in select sizes but don’t worry, there are many other colors to choose from. However, if you have your heart set on a kelly green cardigan, I found a similar one.

4. Old Navy Pink Floral Top

After looking through my closet I realized one of the gaps I really needed to fill was floral tops. The only floral top I had was in a blue and yellow color palette and I really wanted something with some pink. I found this awesome floral top at Old Navy and it had just the color palette I was looking for.

5. Old Navy Olive Floral Top

Image result for Sleeveless V-Neck Keyhole Top for Women olive

In addition to the floral top above, I decided to bring this one home with me too. I haven’t worn this floral top yet but it’s a sleeveless kind of shell with an olive background. It has that pretty blush pink in it, too, which I can pair up with my next purchase. Since buying this floral top, I can’t find it on the Old Navy web site anymore but there’s still a chance you may find it in stores when they open back up again. If not I found a similar one that might work for you. 

6. Old Navy Blue/White Striped Top

Next, I added this cute little blue and white striped top from Old Navy. It’s got a little flutter sleeve which I think it’s going to be adorable with some white jeans or white shorts. I’m also going to pair it up with some colored denim. I don’t know what color I’m going to do yet but I’m thinking maybe a bright pink would look cute on the bottom with these. What do you think?

7. Old Navy Soft Pink Cardigan

This was another gap in my closet. I needed a new pink cardigan, so I got this open-front cardigan from Old Navy in a dusty pink color. I’ve also gotten a ton of use out of this piece. My favorite combination is when I pair it up with a gray graphic tee and my white jeans with my snake print flats.

8. J.Crew Factory Graphic Sweatshirt

Last but not least, I got this graphic sweatshirt from J.Crew Factory. Because this is such an in-between time of the year I was torn between choosing a graphic tee or a graphic sweatshirt. I have a lot of graphic t-shirts already, so I decided to go with the graphic sweatshirt. I like throwing this on with my boyfriend jeans and my white Adidas sneakers. It’s just a quick, easy and fun outfit.

*Originally in the Coffee Chat video, I mentioned they had this in a t-shirt as well, but it turns out it’s a girls’ size shirt and not a women’s. Whoops! Sorry about that. I’m going to post the link anyway just in case we have some pretties who can work with those sizes or maybe you want some mother/daughter wear. Either way here’s the link

Let me know what you’re buying for spring. I would love to hear what pieces you’re adding to your collection and what gaps you’re trying to fill! 

 

The Outfit Formulas® Spring 2020 Capsule Wardrobe is now available! Get 31 days of casual outfit ideas PLUS “dress it up” and “dress it down” options to adjust each outfit for every spring event on your calendar! Outfit Formulas® works for any age, any size and any budget! Click here for more information.

Spring 2020 Trend Scouting Report

Spring 2020 Trend Scouting Report

Hi Pretties! I’m so excited because I get to finally talk about spring trends. Over the past month, I’ve been dropping little cues and clues here and there about spring and what’s going to be on the shopping list for spring if you guys participate in the style challenges. I’ve been talking a little bit about trends with that, but I haven’t really gotten too in-depth yet and there are a few reasons for that. First, I feel like I didn’t really get a full handle on what the spring trends were going to be until the past few weeks. I’ve been seeing more stuff in stores and online and I’m finally starting to get a good vibe on what the color trends are going to be, what the pattern trends are going to be and what the silhouettes are going to be. For even more details about spring trends, check out my Coffee Chat below. 

Spring 2020 is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, I feel like the trends I’m seeing are actually more of recycled classics. We’re seeing a lot of classic pieces that we’ve seen in past spring seasons. There’s a lot of stripes and florals, also some nautical vibes and some boho vibes too. Those things are coming back but we’re also seeing some carryover trends from last year. You’re going to see some things from last spring and last fall but overall, I’m not really seeing anything that just jumping out at me and saying “this is a new tread for spring 2020.”  With that said, let’s jump into the trends that I am seeing for spring!

1. Color Trends

We’re seeing everything as far as color trends this spring which should make everyone happy. The past few years it feels like the color trends have been a little bit polarizing. Previously we’ve been seeing specific colors like Rust and Tobacco that were big in the fall and that was something that not a lot of people got on board with. We also saw a lot of bright yellow, which was another one that people were kind of on the fence about. But this spring, I’m seeing everything from the Pantone color of the year which is a pretty blue as well as poppy red and lots of pastels. Really pretty sun-washed pastels are everywhere! I feel like whether you’re a warm or a cool or whatever your color preference is, there’s going to be something out there for you this season that you’re going to love!

2. Floral Trends

Florals are everywhere, way more than normal. We’re lots of little ditsy florals. When I say ditsy floral, it’s a smaller pattern. I’m seeing not as much of the big, all-over floral pattern. This year it’s more subdued. You’re going to be seeing tons of floral options this year and if you don’t have a floral top, you’ll want to get one and if you don’t like floral that’s okay too. There’s plenty of other printed top options out there that you can substitute for it. 

3. Nautical Trends

Nautical is something that we see pretty much every spring in some form or fashion. I’m seeing lots of striped tops, and you all know how I feel about striped tops, but I’m also seeing lots of Kelly green and also all kinds of little sailor elements like little gold buttons across the shoulders or other little nautical touches. I’ve also been seeing different kinds of sailor pants coming back in style. Like I said previously, this is one of those trends that I’ve seen recycled for this spring.

4. Snake Print

Yes, it’s back for another go-round and snake print is really good for spring because it’s a lighter colored neutral. You know leopard has my heart, but snake print is, dare I say, more of a neutral because it’s lighter. It would pair up great with your white jeans or your blush colors or even other lighter color items. I think snake print really lends well to transitioning into spring weather. 

5. Olive

I have seen a ton of olive and khaki green in stores from tops to pants to dresses, you name it. I love all olive because it is a neutral. You can wear it with almost every pattern and color and it gives you a great alternative to denim. I dress casually almost every single day of my life and I get bored with my regular denim so olive is a really nice alternative to that. If you don’t have some olive pants then that’s something you might want to add to your wardrobe. I think they are a really good closet staple, too. If you have a classic pair, and by classic pair, I mean ones that are simple in design without a lot of pockets or embellishments, then you’re going to keep them for years and they’re not going to go out of style. 

6. White Sneakers

All right, so white sneakers are really big for spring. I’ve had them in the style challenges over the past few years and they are always popular this time of year. However, this year they seem to be even bigger and they are getting paired with everything! I’ve seen them with everything from dresses and skirts to you name it. So get yourself pair white sneakers, not only are they on-trend, they’re really comfortable too!

7. Denim

I’m seeing all kinds of denim trends out there. Everything from acid wash to high rise, wide leg, to straight leg, distressed jeans and boyfriend jeans. You name it, it’s popular right now. You really can’t go wrong with whatever denim style you choose. With so many options now is a great time if you need to update some jeans in your closet or maybe you’re still searching for that perfect pair of jeans or you just want to try a new silhouette. And don’t forget about colorful jeans too. I’ve seen bright pinks, light pinks, bright yellow, every color of the rainbow. They are great to work into your rotation every once and while to have something different. 

8. Polka Dots/Ditsy Patterns

I talked earlier about the ditsy patterns and I know a lot of people maybe aren’t familiar with that particular term. Just Google Ditsy Pattern and you’ll see tons of examples. In addition to the ditsy prints are polka dots. You’ll be seeing a lot of those smaller patterns in everything and they are just perfect for spring.

9. Denim Jackets/Utility Jackets

Denim jackets are a great layering piece and you can usually wear them indoors which makes them the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. You’re going to see blue denim but I’ve also seen white and light pink denim jackets as well. A classic blue denim jacket is also a closet staple that you’ll get use out of year after year. Not only are denim jackets huge for spring but utility jackets as well. I’ve seen utility jackets in so many different styles which is why I’m using the term utility loosely. They are that olive and green khaki lighter material but their styles vary so there’s truly something out there for everybody. If you don’t have a lightweight utility jacket yet, now is definitely a good time to get one.

10. Boho

We’ve seen lots of boho blouses and skirts and all kinds of stuff for the spring season. Adding a little something to your closet from this trend is an easy way you can refresh an outfit. Maybe add a flowing top or add some fun earrings. Especially if you have great closet staples, adding a simple boho piece can just enhance what you already have.

Bonus: Spoiler

I wanted to share with you a sneak peek from the Spring 2020 Outfit Formula’s Capsule Wardrobe and something that really tested my comfort zone. I saw this beautiful pink pleated skirt and while I loved it I didn’t think I would wear it. I decided to take the plunge and ordered it and I absolutely love it! I decided to pair it up with a striped shirt and of course top it off with my denim jacket. I even tried this look on with white sneakers and I love it!

Denim Jacket / Striped Top / Pink Pleated Skirt / White Sneakers

Your turn! What spring trends are you excited about? Which of these classic trends do you already have in your closet?

Outfit Formulas Spring 2020 Capsule Wardrobe

Coming soon! This capsule wardrobe features 31 days of outfits so you’ll know exactly what to wear every day this spring! Make getting dressed the easiest thing you’ll do all day! Spring 2020 opens up Friday, March 13th but you can get on the waiting list here. Check out how Outfit Formulas Capsule Wardrobes are changing lives here.

Five Accessory Trends You’ll Want to Try This Spring

Five Accessory Trends You’ll Want to Try This Spring

If I wasn’t already excited for spring, all the fun spring trends I’m seeing are making me even more ready to pack away my boots and say “see ya later” to my winter scarves. Some of my favorite spring trends can be found in the accessories department. One of the things I love about accessories is that they are an easy, cost-effective way to change up the look of any outfit. Plus once you have a great foundation of closet staples, changing out your accessories to add a few trendy pieces is pretty easy. Below are my top five wearable accessory trends for the coming spring.

1. Pearls

Pearls sometimes have a stigma attached to them that they are stuffy and outdated and something we only remember our grandmother’s wearing on special occasions. Pearls are taking on a whole new life this season and I’m seeing them everywhere! While you can’t go wrong with the traditional, classic stud, I’m also loving the pearl lined hoops, and the pearls mixed with beads and crystals. They are light and airy and perfect for spring. And did I mention the hair accessories? Dainty pearl headbands or small hair clips with pearls will be the ideal way to add a little something to your hair. So whether you opt for small and dainty or layer them on like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you can’t go wrong adding pearls to your spring accessory list.

 

 

2. Oversized Chain Necklaces

Think of the oversized/chunky chain necklace as the statement necklace of the spring. It comes in a variety of metals like gold and silver but also in super lightweight resin that can be pink or tortoiseshell which is why I’m liking this accessory. There are so many variations that you’re sure to find one that fits your style and your comfort level. If you’re thinking the necklace maybe a touch too “heavy,” try layering it with a daintier necklace to balance it out.

 

 

 3. Colorful Jewelry

Spring is all about the explosion of color and what better way to show it off than with your accessories. Everything from purses to necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Colorful accessories are an awesome way for this simple jeans and tee-shirt gal to take her look up a notch. The key to this trend is just having fun with it. Mixing textures and colors will keep it fresh and bright.

 

 

4. Oversized & Colorful Sunglasses

Sunglasses are getting a retro makeover this spring. While the classic aviators will always be on-trend, oversized, colorful, round and cat-eye sunglasses will be seen a lot this year. I believe that these are timeless styles that just reinvent their popularity every few years. While oversized sunglasses are meant to be just that, oversized, you still want to make sure they don’t swallow up your face. Try to find pairs that aren’t “frame heavy” to ensure that they still have a light fit on your face. Oversized sunglasses are both sophisticated and trendy, just channel your inner Jackie Kennedy and rock those fun spring sunglasses!

 

5. Bucket Bags

Sometimes practicality wins and such is the case with the popularity of the bucket bag. This handbag is roomy with enough space for all your things but because of the rounded bottoms, it’s typically easier to find what you’re looking for. Then it all closes up neatly at the top either with a zipper closure or a drawstring closure. They can be found in a variety of colors, textures and styles which is why this is such a versatile trend, you’re sure to find one you like and that works with your wardrobe.

 

 

Your turn! What spring accessory trend is your favorite?

Pretty Fix – The February List

Pretty Fix – The February List

Hi Pretties! It’s Pretty Fix time again and this month I’m featuring what I call a trendy classic. I know, it sounds like an oxymoron. However, a trendy classic is something that you can wea year after year and season after season, but then, there are those times where it makes a big splash and that item can be seen everywhere. In this case, the trendy classic I’m referring to the houndstooth print! Although timeless, I’m currently seeing this print on overload in everything from jackets and blazers to sweaters, blouses, pants and even shoes and in varying sizes and colors. I still prefer the clean, classic black and white print because it pairs well with any color.

I have to admit though, I knew after seeing all the fabulous houndstooth printed items that this had to be February’s Pretty Fix, however picking what item to actually feature the print was harder than I thought, I love it all! After much deliberation, I decided to opt for the print on top. Even then there are many variations whether you choose a light blouse, cardigan or sweater. But that’s the beauty of it, no matter what your climate or whether you’re looking to dress it up or dress it down, the perfect houndstooth printed top is out there.

And if you happen to be wondering what the Pretty Fix even is, it’s my recommendation of six pieces you can buy to stay on trend each month. You get to shop where you want (possibly even your closet) and spend what you want! It’s that easy!

 

 

1. Black Trench Coat

A black trench is a classic closet staple that is perfect heading into spring and pairs beautifully with the houndstooth. If it’s still pretty cold where you live easily swap out the trench with either a black peacoat or moto jacket. For more options, this look would also pair perfectly with a black cardigan.

 

 

2. Pearl Earrings

This is another example of a classic that’s making a huge comeback going into the spring. Pearls are popping up everywhere again and I love seeing the different ways that designers are incorporating them.

 

 

3. Houndstooth Blouse

The star of this look is the houndstooth blouse. This particular blouse has a variated houndstooth pattern giving it a little more of an updated look and looks great with either a full tuck or a half tuck.

 

 

4. Bright Handbag

A bright pop of color is a great way to enhance not only this look but your mood as well. Winter can be a little colorless and sunless depending on where you live and adding color to your outfit can actually make you happier. I picked this beautiful red handbag because it made me smile. However, this outfit has a neutral base which makes the color pairings endless so choose the color that makes you smile the most!

 

 

5. Distressed Skinny Jeans

Distressed jeans are big for the coming season but the key is finding just the right amount of distress that you feel comfortable wearing. This particular pair has just a few distressed spots and none of them to down to the skin. If distressed jeans are not your thing, a simple pair of medium to dark wash skinny jeans will work perfectly!

 

 

6. Bright Flats

Just like with the handbag, this outfit is perfectly paired with pops of color! I love these red flats but you can also pair this outfit with a set of black or metallic flats or even black ankle boots if it’s not warm enough for flats yet.

 

 

Bonus: Additional Houndstooth Finds

What I love about the houndstooth pattern is that it comes in varying sizes, varying colors and it looks great on so many different clothing items. Below are some other fun items I found that carry this classic and trendy print!

 

 

Your turn! What’s your favorite part of this look? Will houndstooth be finding its way into your closet this season?

 

Need Permission to Feel Pretty? Here It Is!

Need Permission to Feel Pretty? Here It Is!

I’m just going to say it, you are worth it! You are allowed to feel pretty! And when I say pretty, I don’t mean this as a vain pursuit. I don’t mean what one might traditionally tie this word to. But a prettier life to me means so much more. It’s all encompassing. It means better relationships. It means going out for wine with your girlfriends once a month. It means more quality time with your family. Or maybe it means changing up your makeup or reinventing your wardrobe or buying a top that brings out your eyes or getting a new lip gloss. It’s little things that make you feel better and allow you to open yourself up to confidence and happiness! For more details click on my Coffee Chat below.

So why do we not always allow ourselves to feel pretty? Why do we need to give ourselves permission to feel this way? Why do we feel guilt when we do something for ourselves?

It’s My Party, I’ll Wear Leggings If I Want To

Recently I was inspired by an email I received from a 77 year old woman who celebrated her birthday last Sunday. She told me that she is wearing her faux leather leggings to her birthday party and I was so stinking proud of her. I just had to share part of her email.

This coming Sunday is my seventy-seventh birthday. Because of you, I bought a pair of faux leather leggings and I plan on wearing them for my birthday dinner out in public. I’m wearing them with a longer fuller top but what I am stating is, “I’m not dead yet, so why not?” Thank you for the push. In the past year, I passed on a lot of things because I thought they were too young for me or my body was too matronly. I have been going for elegant and chic, but for my birthday I’m going for fun.

I hope you guys are as inspired by her as I am. She is my new hero! That’s what it’s all about though. It’s about doing things that make you feel pretty. That makes your life better in some way or fuller. You absolutely have permission to do that and without guilt! You don’t have to worry about what other people are going to think of you. It is OK to make yourself a priority.

Feeling Pretty Regardless of Your Season of Life

We are all in different seasons of life but that doesn’t mean we don’t all deserve to feel pretty. It’s doesn’t matter if you’re the young mom that’s in the trenches, raising babies. You want to spend all your money and time on your kids making them look cute but putting yourself last. Or maybe you’re the woman over 40 like me. Maybe you’re working in corporate America and you look cute and put together for the office. But when evenings and weekends roll around, you’re just not quite sure what to wear anymore, what is age-appropriate or where to even shop. Maybe you’re an empty nester and you’re looking to kind of reinvent yourself or you’re heading into this next phase of life and you’re not quite sure what that looks like. It’s about the woman who feels like she’s been focused on other people but hasn’t really been focused on herself in a while.

You Deserve to Be Seen

You’ve heard me talk about this before, but I truly feel like I am here to help unlock your potential, to remove your limiting beliefs and to inspire you to take action. I want you to feel seen! I want you to have something just for you. I want you to live your prettiest life and feel worthy of it. Because when you do and you take that first step, whatever it may be, it makes all of the difference and a funny thing starts to happen. We start to believe it. So what is your small action that you can take today? Is it getting a new lip gloss? I don’t know. Run to target and get one, whatever it may be. You have permission to do this. You have permission to put yourself first. You have permission to make yourself a priority!

What is the one thing you’re going to do today to feel prettier?

Rediscover Me 28 Day Challenge

Feeling pretty is about so much more, it’s about finding out what makes YOU feel great! That is why I’m so excited to be kicking off the Rediscover Me 28 Day Challenge on February 1, 2020! This program is absolutely free! Whether you’re just taking that first step or you’re many steps into your journey, this program can help you keep moving forward. Click HERE to learn more details about the Rediscover Me 28 Day Challenge or if you already know this is something you want to be a part of, click HERE to sign up and I’ll see you in the Facebook group!