Mar 31, 2014
The Style Me Spring Challenge is off to an incredible start! I’m SO excited to be your personal shopper and virtual stylist for spring. There are still four days left to sign up, the shopping list will be released this Friday. After that, registration will be closed until next season’s challenge.
Sign up HERE for just $10!
If you signed up for the challenge but did not get redirected to the registration page via Paypal, please e-mail me at info@getyourprettyon.com and I will add you to the list. You will also receive information about joining our private Facebook group. I’m already answering questions about the challenge there, so be sure to join!
DAILY STYLE DIARY
Now on to last week’s Daily Style Diary outfits posted on Instagram. There is only one word to describe this past week…BLESSED! I had the opportunity to speak about spring fashion to 150 moms on Wednesday and Thursday at my home church, Chase Oaks. It was so much fun meeting them and sharing ways to stay out of the mom rut and get our pretty on. We also had an impromptu spring trends fashion show.
On Friday, Redbook featured my floral trends for spring on their web site and shared it on social media. This was my first feature with them as a Team Red contributor and I couldn’t have been more excited. Be sure to check it out HERE.
Here’s what I wore last week.
MONDAY
I spent the day catching up on errands and housework.
[Shirt: c/o Golden Tote/Jeans: Forever 21/Shoes: Dollhouse]
TUESDAY
[Denim Jacket: Kohl’s/Jeans: Similar/Top: Express (Sold Out)]
WEDNESDAY
For the first day of my speaking engagement, I combined a lot of my favorite things to create this outfit. I have a whole new level of respect for those who speak for a living because it’s not easy!
[Tunic: Merona (Sold Out Online)/Jeans: Paige/Shoes: Similar/Scarf: Sold Out (Similar)/Necklace: c/o Kendra Scott]
THURSDAY
On the second day I went a little more casual with my denim jacket, striped coral top and mint jeans. The shoes were quite a hit on Instagram, unfortunately they are sold out but I also love this pair of floral wedges.
[Denim Jacket: Kohl’s/Jeans: Similar/Top: Boden/Shoes: Similar/Earrings: Kohl’s]
FRIDAY
We spent the entire day cleaning out our attic and garage to get ready for our community yard sale over the weekend.
[Top: Loft/Jeans: Paige/Shoes: Mossimo]
I’m in love with these new cute kicks from Target. They’re ON SALE now for just $12. I’m ordering a pair in white today. They’re so comfortable and go with everything!
[Mossimo ‘Layla’ Sneakers]
LIFE LATELY
Snippets from our day to day.
- I wish I was cool enough to pretend like it’s no big deal to be mentioned in the same tweet as Alison Sweeney and Tracy Reese. But I’m not! Actually I might have squealed in the middle of dinner at Chili’s when I saw this.
- Devon’s graduation announcements arrived this week. It’s getting really real now! He’s still not decided on his college but is getting closer. We’re hoping he gives us an answer by the end of the week. (Fingers crossed!)
- We opened the patio and porches back up for business this weekend. I found these super cute outdoor pillows at Ross for only $5.99-$9.99 each! I’ll post pics of the finished product when we get our flowers planted.
- Both of our girls had artwork on display at our school district’s Celebrate the Arts festival. We went to the art show with my parents last weekend.
It’s Your Turn: Is it getting any more spring-like in your neck of the woods? Tell me in the comments!
Getting my pretty on with The Pleated Poppy.
Mar 17, 2014
Hey pretties, it feels like an eternity but I’m finally back! Spring break week was amazing. It was low key but just perfect. We had a lot more of what this family desperately needs – unscheduled time to just “be”. Here’s a photo recap from our week.
The week started with bad weather, so we stayed in and played many rounds of Uno – a.k.a. the game that never ends. 🙂
On Monday, we had gorgeous weather. We went to the lake with my parents. Fished all day but never got a bite. Oh well, at least we enjoyed the great weather and an outdoor picnic.
Tuesday we took a college visit road trip with Devon. We made a stop at the university’s equine center. Ava was smitten with the foals. They loved her right back.
The weekend brought a quick getaway with my parents, sister and brother-in-law to a family friend’s ranch deep in the heart of Texas. (Go ahead, sing the song. You know you want to.)
We went four wheeling, hunted hogs and did a lot of fishing.
[Back Row: Craig and my dad, Middle Row: Aubrey, me, my mom, my brother-in-law Victor, Front Row: Ava and my sister Andrea]
It was so peaceful to sit on the porch swing and watch the wildlife visit this pond.
The best part of the weekend? The girls put away their iPads in favor of fishing! Miracles do happen.
Their persistence paid off. Aubrey caught this nice bass.
And Ava caught her first fish too. She was a little scared of it. 🙂
There were 800+ acres to explore with plenty of cattle, deer and other wildlife.
We drove into the small town nearby for dinner each evening.
Craig had a little too much fun playing “cowboy”.
The owners caught this wild baby hog and brought it to show to the girls. It was adorable! Too bad they grow up to be so destructive.
Of course Ava found a horse’s neck to hug on. :)All in all the week couldn’t have been any better. Back to reality this week but we’re all refreshed, recharged and ready to go.
DAILY STYLE DIARY
Even though it seems like a lifetime ago, here are the week before last’s Daily Style Diary outfits that were posted on Instagram.
Monday
We had an ice storm so the kids got a day off school. This comfy outfit was perfect for a day at home.
[Sweater: Similar/Tank: Mossimo/Jeans: Wit & Wisdom/Boots: UGG/Scarf: Similar]
Tuesday
One of my favorite things about spring is wearing my coral trench coat. I wore this for lunch with a friend.
[Trench: Similar/Scarf: Sold Out/Jeans: Paige/Boots: Frye]
Wednesday
Barn day! Aubrey made fun of this outfit. She said the yoga jacket didn’t go with the rest of it. Oh well, I was comfortable and kept me warm during Ava’s riding lesson.
[Jacket: Similar/Top: Loft/Jeans: J. Brand/Boots: Hunter]
Thursday
Gray and yellow is one of my favorite outfit combos. This was a good base for my new yellow trench coat.
[Sweater: Nordstrom Rack/Jeans: Wit & Wisdom/Scarf: Sold Out]
Friday
Yay! My pink popover arrived from Target. Of course, I couldn’t wait to wear it. Boden sent me this adorable floral scarf on the same day – a mailbox match made in heaven.
[Popover Tunic: Merona/Jeans: Paige/Boots: Frye/Scarf: c/o Boden]
SPRING STYLE COLLAB
Be sure to stop by on Thursday when I’ll be styling one of my favorite spring trends along with these four other awesome fashion bloggers – beginning at the top: Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife, Kilee from One Little Momma, Cyndi from Walking in Grace and Beauty and Allison from Two Thirty-Five Designs.
Feb 17, 2014
Did you have a good Valentine’s weekend? Mine was nice. We spent most of it relaxing and then my sisters and I had a birthday party for my mom yesterday. We went for mani/pedi’s together afterward. It was a much needed break! I have to honestly say that last week was one of the busiest I’ve had in a long time. Too busy. The kind of busy that sucks the joy out of everyday life. The kind of busy that prompted me to buy this book. I just have to find the time to read it. Here’s to a calmer, less hectic week ahead!
I turned to Pinterest for a lot of inspiration for last week’s outfits. When life gets really busy, it’s nice to have some formulas on the style board to turn to for quick dressing. If you’re following along on Instagram, you already get these looks live. Mondays are a recap post with links to what I’m wearing.
P.S. If you missed it yesterday, I finally twisted Craig’s arm enough to let me style him for the blog! Check it out HERE. 🙂
Monday
I took my dad for his carpal tunnel surgery on this day. Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. Everything went great and he’s on the mend now. If you saw Friday’s post, then you know that this look was a recreation of an inspiration outfit I found on Pinterest.
[Sweater/Denim Shirt/Jeans/Scarf/Boots]
Tuesday
Casual sweatshirt day. This was comfortable and felt totally put together at the same time. My kind of outfit.
[Sweatshirt: Loft – Sold Out (Similar)/Jeans: Loft/Tank: Mossimo/Boots: Similar]
I’ve gotten lots of questions on the layering tanks that I wear. I’ve been wearing these for years, just the right length.
[Mossimo Long and Lean Tank]
Wednesday
This was my laundry and cleaning day so I *almost* didn’t get changed out of my yoga pants. But I had to run errands in the late afternoon and evening so I decided to make a little effort. Plus Craig got back from a business trip that evening, so I wanted to look decent. 🙂
[Sweater: Old Navy/Jeans: Similar/Tee: Old Navy/Scarf: Similar/Boots: Frye]
Mint jeans make me think that spring isn’t too far away. Here’s an amazing deal on this pair of Vigoss.
[Vigoss Skinny Jagger in Mint]
Thursday
College visit day! We took a road trip to take Devon for a recruiting visit (more on that at the end of this post). It was a long but fun day with lots of meetings and walking, so I dressed for comfort in my leopard flats.
[Sweater/Striped Shirt: Similar/Jeans/Scarf: Similar/Flats/Watch]
I live in my leopard flats when the weather is nice enough to wear them. My pair is no longer available but here are some other great options and both are ON SALE!
[Corso Como Famenka]
[Corso Como Elke]
You’ve probably already noticed that I wear one of my striped shirts at least weekly. They just work so well with everything – leopard, polka dots, floral…
[Scoop Back Ballet Tee]
Friday
It’s not easy being green, especially on Valentine’s Day! Craig came home early from work to take me to lunch, then we both went to Ava’s classroom party.
[Shirt: Merona/Jeans: Forever 21/Flats: Sole Society (Similar)/Necklace: Kendra Scott/Watch: Michael Kors]
Aren’t these popovers so cute for spring? They come in eight different colors and at this price, I want them ALL!
[Merona Popover in Mahal Green]
I got mine in my regular size (small) but definitely could have sized up to a medium. They run a little on the small side.
The bright colored popovers are the perfect backdrop for the Kendra Scott “Rayne” necklace. I wear mine with everything.
[Kendra Scott ‘Rayne’ Necklace]
LIFE LATELY
Devon’s recruiting visit went great. We really liked the school and coaches. It’s a very small private university about three hours from home. He has a big decision to make now, whether he wants the commitment of playing football in college or not. We have two more visits planned (at large schools, not for football), then he will make his decision.- New favorite road trip snack! These dill pickle sunflower seeds are completely addicting. Craig said I looked like Ava’s hamster stuffing them in my mouth. 🙂
- We witnessed Ava falling off her horse for the first time while jumping. His hoof brushed her face but otherwise, she was fine. She’s taken plenty of “dirt baths” (as her trainer calls them), but Craig and I had never actually seen one. We were both a little shaken up. It’s an inherently dangerous sport so we try not to think about it.
- Craig made chocolate fondue for the girls and me for a Valentine’s Day treat. YUM!
Happy Monday! Hope your week is off to a great start.
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday, The Pleated Poppy and Monday Mingle.
Feb 10, 2014
Can you believe it’s already been four weeks of daily style? I’m really loving this new feature because it’s challenging me to make the most of what’s in my closet. I’m pulling out pieces that I haven’t worn in a while and finding new ways to pair them up. So although this was your idea, it’s really benefiting me. 🙂
The great thing about posting these pics on Instagram first is that you guys get to ask questions throughout the week that I can answer in my Monday recap post. This past week you asked a lot about the tunics I’m wearing. With the exception of one day, tunics seemed to be the theme for the week!
MONDAY
Gray and cream stripes with leopard.
[Top: c/o Golden Tote/Scarf: Similar/Jeans: Forever 21/Boots: Frye]
This top got lots of questions, no surprise, it’s one of my favorites! It was one of the pieces in my Golden Tote so I can’t link to it, but here’s a similar option.
[ShopRuche: Striped Sweater]
TUESDAY
Ava had a doctor’s appointment on this chilly day. I layered a striped top under my tunic for some extra warmth.
[Tunic: c/o J. Jill/Scarf: c/o Leslia NYC/Jeans: Similar/Boots: Similar (On Sale!)/Striped Top: Similar]
The striped top I layered is from Target but I bought it last year. I LOVE the hem on this new one and may need to get it too!
[Long Sleeved Striped Tee]
WEDNESDAY
Strayed from the tunics and made a little extra effort to meet a friend for lunch.
[Henley Blouse: Loft/Scarf: c/o J. Jill (Similar)/Jeans: Paige/Boots: Frye]
THURSDAY
Snow day! A good excuse to get cozy and wear my Wellies.
[Tunic: c/o Subtle Luxury/Jeans: Similar/Scarf: Similar/Boots: Hunter]
This tunic also got a lot of questions. The one I’m wearing was gifted to me by Subtle Luxury. It’s gorgeous but it’s cashmere and has a high price tag.
Here are some more affordable options for a similar look
[Silk Cashmere V-neck Tunic – 50% Off]
[Sheer and Solid Tunic]
[Cowl Neck Soft Tunic]
FRIDAY
I love this striped tunic from LOFT. It’s one of my favorites and makes an instant outfit with skinny jeans and boots. It’s also on clearance! The necklace caused a commotion on Facebook, but mainly because of the high cost of shipping! This necklace is a great alternative that’s on sale and ends up being about the same price with flat rate shipping.
[Tunic: LOFT/Jeans: Kut from the Kloth/Boots: Similar/Necklace: Similar (On Sale!)]
LOFT is sold out of the color I have but there are three other options – hugely discounted!
[Striped Tunic]
P.S. It runs a little small. I normally wear a size small but went up to a medium so it would be longer.
LIFE LATELY
Snippets from our day to day.
- Bailey had WAY too much fun in the snow. She must’ve gone out to play in it at least 20 times in one day. She probably wishes she had owners in a snowy climate instead of Texas.
- Ava and I made a pit stop for some Whataburger on the way to her doctor appointment. She was extra hungry so ordered the big burger and was excited that it was as big as her head!
- Shay made my day with this super sweet gift for being the guest at her Pajama Party last week. Everyone leaves her parties with a favor. How can you not love her? The Velvet Sugar smells just like Valentine’s Day!
- It was cold and rainy on Friday night so we headed out for a big bowl of curry at our local pho restaurant.
- I’m taking my dad for carpal tunnel surgery on both of his hands today. Prayers for a successful procedure and quick recovery would be really appreciated!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday, The Pleated Poppy, Monday Mingle, Totally Posted Tuesday and Style Sessions.
Jan 22, 2014
Last week, I sent out my very first reader survey. When the responses started to roll in, I got that same feeling that I used to get right before a performance review at my corporate job. The butterflies, the sweaty palms, the fear of finding out what you all really think of me.
The great news is, it wasn’t that scary after all. You guys are truly the sweetest, nicest, most helpful and BEST READERS EVER! Even when you did offer criticism or suggestions for improvement (which I asked for), you did it in the most constructive and helpful way possible. And the positive feedback? Well it completely overwhelmed me. I am so humbled and honored to be able to share this blog with you.
On to the results!
The top five pieces of feedback I got were the following:
#1 – You want more personal posts.
This was hands-down the biggest request. You have NO idea how happy this makes me! This was something that I had no clue you wanted more of. There are so many things that I wanted to share here but just skipped out on it because I didn’t know if you’d be interested. But I’ve been dying to tell you! Life is exciting right now – our son just got his first acceptance letters for college and we’re scheduling visits. We’ve had our challenges too – our daughter made the decision to quit gymnastics after ten years. Lots of changes and transitions going on. There are so many more things I want to share with you guys and I’m beyond excited that you actually want to hear about them!
#2 – You want less sponsored content.
A million times THANK YOU for being honest about this. The last thing I want to do is be inauthentic or sales-y. Yuck. I would totally suck as a salesperson, that’s why I’ve never been one. 🙂 Please forgive me if I turned you off with sponsored posts and most of all, thank you for sticking around if I did. I totally get it now and my goal is to strike a better balance.
I wish I could blog for free, I really do. For the most part I did up, until I got laid off last year. While I am first and foremost a personal blogger, I am also a digital publisher. I’ve had the privilege of being accepted into some pretty awesome publishing networks like BlogHer. They provide me with an opportunity to supplement our family’s income through blogging. The primary way my blog makes money is through sponsored content and ads. Affiliate sales are just a small percentage. Most readers are here for inspiration, not to buy anything, and that’s perfectly fine. But it does put me in a position where I have to post sponsored content sometimes. Otherwise, blogging can be an expensive hobby and I’m not in a position to have one of those right now. Especially with a kid going off to college in a few months!
Having said that, monetization is important but what good is it if nobody wants to read your blog? This has slapped me upside the head. Unfortunately some sponsored content is a necessary evil but I will try my hardest to only accept opportunities that tie in well with what you want more of. Much like flipping through the ads in a magazine or DVR’ing your favorite show and skipping the commercials, feel free to only read what you like here too. I won’t mind at all! Just don’t let it be something that keeps you away for good.
#3 -You like that I interact with you.
If not for this community, there wouldn’t be a blog! You truly are what makes this worthwhile. If you’re a reader who doesn’t comment because you don’t see me responding in the comments section, I want you to know that I respond to every single comment that I get through e-mail (or by visiting your blog, if you’re a blogger). My reason for doing it through e-mail is because I can get more personal and I know that you’ll read them. Not everyone goes back to a blog post to see if they got a response on their comment. I love connecting through the e-mails we send back and forth and have made many new friends through my comments section, some that have become real-life friends.
#4 -You’re here for the outfits.
By a landslide, outfit posts were the winner with 80% of respondents preferring them most of all. The runners-up were beauty, trend watches, home decor and health. I hear you loud and clear and will be giving you more of what you want and less of what you don’t!
#5 – You want casual, affordable, easy to put together, age-appropriate outfits, that fit your body well.
Amen sisters! My goal is to create effortless outfits that are affordable and on trend, yet completely age-appropriate. A lot of you also mentioned fit and dressing for your body type as challenges. I’ll be more aware of that and try to offer options and advice for fit when I can.
Many of you also mentioned wanting to see more casual outfits. So, on Monday I started a Daily Style Diary post of my photos on Instagram to show you my outfits I’m wearing for everyday. I can’t promise you there will be one every single day but I’ll try to post as many as I can. You can find the outfits I’ve posted so far by searching hash tag #dailymomstyle.
Again, thank you for your honesty and candor. Your kind responses were just simply overwhelming. The fashion and beauty challenges that you shared have given me so many ideas for future posts and I couldn’t be more excited to dig into them. I want this to be a place you enjoy coming to every day where we can be friends talking about style, beauty and all of the things that girlfriends love to share.
[Trench: c/o eShakti (similar)/Sweater: Loft/Jeans: Paige/Scarf: American Eagle (similar)/Boots: c/o Wallis/Watch: c/o Fossil/Earrings: c/o Zocorra/Sunglasses: Ray-Ban]
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. (Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin‘)
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to my blog (using the button above or your own link).
4. Visit other pretty peeps.
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Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday, Fashion Informant, What I’m Loving Friday, Friday’s Fab Favorites, What I Wore to Work, Tres Chic Thursday, The Pleated Poppy and Shanna.
Snippets from our day to day.
