Feb 14, 2014
It’s week three of my casual chic outfit basics series and this week is all about the boyfriend cardigan. If you missed the first two weeks of basics, you can check out dark wash skinny jeans HERE and riding boots HERE.
Speaking of riding boots, let’s stop the presses for a second because my favorite ever riding boots that I wear like every day are on sale for 35% off! That’s right girls, the Frye Melissa Button Boot in cognac, my exact pair is ON SALE. I promise you, you will not regret buying these and you’ll also thank me later. 🙂 Get them now while your size is in stock!
[Frye Melissa Button Boot]
Now back to today’s business.
Boyfriend cardigans are constantly in my outfit rotation. They’re just so versatile and really pull a whole outfit together. I wear one at least one day of every week, year-round. I may or may not even stuff one in my purse in the summer and pull it out in chilly restaurants and grocery stores. My kids call me a little old grandma for doing that. That’s ok because I’m warm!
Here are some ways that I’ve paired them up recently.
In each of the outfits above, I’m wearing my favorite Mossimo boyfriend cardigans from Target. The pickings are slim online but they have a few left in some fun colors. I usually try to pick up a few new ones each season when all of the colors are in stock.
[Mossimo Boyfriend Cardigan]
This week I decided to have a little fun with my boyfriend cardigans and pair them up in some new ways.
Inspiration Outfit #1
[Image Via]
My Version
[Sweater/Denim Shirt/Jeans/Scarf/Boots]
Inspiration Outfit #2
[Image Via]
My Version
[Sweater/Striped Shirt/Jeans/Scarf/Flats/Watch]
More Boyfriend Cardigan Outfits
[1/2/3/4]
Here are a few more boyfriend cardigans that I’ve got my eye on for spring.
Love the open stitching on this one.
[Open Stitch Cardigan]
This color is just perfect!
[Lightweight Boyfriend Cardi]
I’m sort of obsessed with green for spring.
[Long Cardigan]
You can’t go wrong with stripes.
[Eversoft Striped Cardigan]
Tried and true basic – oatmeal is one of my favorite neutrals.
[Slouchy Cardigan]
Have a super weekend and be sure to come back on Monday for another week’s worth of outfit inspiration from my Daily Style Diary.
Getting my pretty on with The Pleated Poppy, Fashion Informant, What I’m Loving Friday and Fashion Friday.
Feb 12, 2014
Have you ever heard of Blue Monday? I just found out about it myself, it’s supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. Apparently it already came and went at the beginning of January this year. I have no clue if this has any scientific validity but I do know that, keeping it really real today, I struggle with the winter blues every year at this time. I don’t know if it’s the lack of sunlight, the slacking on workouts, the fact that spring seems so far away or a combo of all of the above. But it’s very real, at least to me.
Even though there’s no magic bullet, here are a few things that help me plow through these long winter days.
1. Exercise – Even though I want to be a total slacker, I know that working out is the best way to boost my mood. I pop in one of my Jillian Michaels DVD’s and get my sweat on. Love her or hate her, one thing’s for sure, she will kick yo’ booty! This one is my favorite.
2. Upbeat Music – This song has been on my playlist lately because it makes me feel, well, “Happy”. When it comes on in the car, I crank it up and dance every time. This video will definitely make you smile!
3. Summer Scents – I switch out from my winter candles to summer scents. Ahh, aromatherapy. If I close my eyes, I can pretend like I’m at the beach. My favorite lately is Tiki Beach from Bath and Body Works.
4. Plan Summer Vacation – We have our family meeting in February to decide upon and start planning our summer vacation. This year’s trip is still TBD but as soon as it’s decided, we’ll set a countdown on our phones and start looking forward to it!
5. Wait it Out – My winter blues usually lift in early March. That’s when the sun starts to make a regular appearance and I’m back to taking daily walks outdoors.
Until then, my favorite light blue coat and a bright scarf help brighten up these dreary winter days a little too. Hurry up and get here March!
[Coat: Similar/Sweater: c/o Scissortail Clothing/Scarf: c/o Chic Tweak/Boots: Similar/Jeans: Paige/Watch: c/o Fossil]
I bought my light blue coat years ago but it’s still one of my favorites. It’s not available anymore but here are some options in similar styles and colors.
[Mint Longline Wool Coat]
[Light Blue Wool Blend Coat]
[Double Breasted Wool Coat]
It’s Your Turn: Do you struggle with the winter blahs too? If so, what tips do you have for getting through this time of the year?
SCISSORTAIL CLOTHING COMPANY
I just love retailers that make it a no-brainer for us to stay on trend. My latest sponsor Scissortail Clothing Company is one of them. Scissortail carries fun date night dresses, trendy casual pieces, accessories and footwear all at affordable prices. The sweater I’m wearing today is just one of their many pieces available for under $40.
[Yarn and Oatmeal Knit Sweater]
These Aztec sweater are perfect for leggings now but will also look cute paired up with shorts as the weather gets warmer.
[Black and White Aztec Sweater]
They have a great selection of dresses that would be perfect for a Valentine’s date night.
[Lace Mini Dress – On Sale!]
[Romance and Lace Skirt – On Sale!]
And check out these unique, earthy accessories. I want all of them!
[Slice of Geode Necklace]
[Druzy Earrings in Black]
SCISSORTAIL CLOTHING GIVEAWAY
Scissortail has been kind enough to sponsor a giveaway for GYPO readers. One lucky girl is going to win her choice of any dress. Just pick any of the easy ways below to enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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 pretty peeps.
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday.
Feb 11, 2014
This is a post that I never imagined writing and a comparison I never dreamed of doing. But necessity sometimes calls for drastic measures and that’s exactly what led to this discovery.
Last week, I ran out of my beloved Smashbox primer, the same primer that all of you have heard me sing praises about since this blog’s beginnings. Since I order the jumbo sized tubes directly from Smashbox, I have to wait several days for it to arrive when I run out. Which is why I try to order it in advance. This time, I kept forgetting to place my order and got to the end of my tube without having a replacement.
Panicked, I took to the internet to see what, if any, drugstore brands of primer are comparable to get me through until my Smashbox arrives. Over and over again, the same results came back…and they weren’t for a primer at all.
Instead what I found is a chafing cream, yes, a product to prevent irritation in intimate and delicate areas, is actually an awesome facial primer!
Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel vs. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
1. It’s inexpensive. At around $6 for a 1.5 oz. sized tube of Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel, it sure as heck beats $36 for a similar sized tube of Smashbox primer. That’s a $30 savings!
2. It feels great. It glides onto skin the same as the Smashbox primer and quickly creates a powdery smooth base for foundation. A little bit goes a long way!
3. It has the same ingredients. The main ingredient in both products is dimethicone which creates a barrier between skin and your cosmetics. Foundation and other cosmetics float on top of your skin which creates a smooth canvas and hides imperfections. It makes your skin look smoother and foundation last longer.
4. It’s non-irritating and doesn’t clog pores. I was afraid my face would break out since I have very sensitive skin and this isn’t technically formulated as a cosmetic product. I’ve had no irritation, break outs or other adverse effects from it.
5. Bottom line: It works the same. It really does. I decided not to re-order my Smashbox primer and plan to use the rest of the Monistat Soothing Care Powder Gel instead.
If you can get past the fact that this is a chafing cream, your cosmetics budget will thank you. I’m all for a budget friendly solution that I can easily pick up on my weekly shopping trips.
It’s Your Turn: Would you be willing to try it out? Tell me in the comments.
BEAUTY BUZZ LINK UP
It’s time to link up your beauty posts for this week’s Beauty Buzz link up. Join me along with Lulu of Simply Lulu Style, Nicole of MomTrends and Janise of Mama in Heels to connect, share and sparkle!
Lulu is hosting this week, link up HERE. We also have a great giveaway going on, so be sure to pop over and enter!
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.
Feb 7, 2014
Welcome back for the second post of my new series Casual Chic Outfit Basics. Last week, I featured the first outfit basic, dark wash skinny jeans and this week we’re talking riding boots.
If you’ve been following my Daily Style Diary posts, you’ve probably already noticed that, other than dark wash skinny jeans, my other daily outfit essential this time of year is riding boots. I wear a pair almost every day.
I’m normally not one to advocate for spending a lot of money on something. But I have an exception when it comes to a few investment items and riding boots are one of them. “Good” to me means quality, not necessarily name brand. Don’t get me wrong though, a lot of times designer brands do equal good quality. A brand name just shouldn’t be the main criteria.
Good also means real leather. There are a lot of faux leather riding boots out there. If you have a pair, it’s time to upgrade!
If you’ve been around here for long, you know I wear my Frye riding boots, like ALL the time. From the time the weather cools down in early October until it warms back up in late April, they are in constant rotation. Here are some ways I’ve paired them this fall and winter.
I can honestly say there has never been a piece of footwear I’ve loved more than these boots. I’d marry them if I could (sorry Craig!). They’re just that good – such high quality, a classic design that will never go out of style and the cognac color is drop dead gorgeous. Plus they go with almost everything I own.
BUT they’re expensive.
As a matter of fact, they’re the priciest pair of shoes I’ve owned. But also worth every penny. Let’s do a little cost per wear breakdown, shall we? On average, I wear them 2-3 times per week in the cooler months. Take that times five months per year and divide by the purchase price and they are about $3 per wear (for the two years I’ve had them). I’ll definitely be wearing them for a few more years so that number is just going to keep coming down. Compare that to a pair of $50 heels I’ve only worn five times in two years and they are almost $10 per wear. On a cost per wear basis, my Frye’s have been way more economical than a lot of the shoes I own.
My boots are the Frye Melissa Button Boot. If you search Zappos.com for highest rated boots, they are right there on top for a reason – 583 reviews and 5 stars! They come in nine different leather colors. The cognac just happens to be my favorite.
[Frye Melissa Button Boot]
I understand that you might not be ready to buy the budget buster, though. It took me a long time to pull the trigger. That’s why I was so excited to find these similar looking boots, for a fraction of the price and they’re real leather. They don’t have a lot of reviews, but the ones they have are really good. They earned high marks for comfort.
[Rieker Riding Boots]
And now for some outfit inspiration…
COGNAC RIDING BOOTS
[1/2/3/4]
I realize that Frye doesn’t make the only cognac riding boot around. There are plenty of other gorgeous options out there at every price point. Here are a few higher rated pairs.
HIGHER END ($200 AND UP)
Another beautiful Frye boot with a small heel. These are on sale right now for 40% off!
[Frye Jane Strappy Boot]
MID-RANGE ($100-$200)
These boots are just the perfect color of cognac and have a nice distressing on the front. They’re also a great alternative to the Frye at about half the price.
[Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boots]
It’s rare to find a boot this gorgeous at this price point. These boots are normally $200 but on sale for 25% off. Hurry if you want them, all sizes are in stock now! I’m really going to have to exercise some self control because I want these pretties in my closet.
[Corso Como ‘Stirrup’ Boot]
UNDER $100
Yes! There is a great leather option at this price point.
[Lucky Brand ‘Andria’]
THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S DAY OUTFIT
While I was looking up cognac riding boots outfits, I stumbled across this little gem. Let’s just call it the perfect casual Valentine’s outfit!
[Via]
The red and white gingham, lightweight v-neck sweater, white skinny jeans, statement necklace and cognac boots scream casual, chic Valentine’s Day. Don’t you think so?
GET THE LOOK
[Necklace/Sweater/Gingham Shirt/Jeans/Boots/Watch]
TWO TONE RIDING BOOTS
[1/2/3]
Two tone boots are HUGE this winter. I’m usually not one to recommend investing in a trend but this one is here to stay for awhile.
HIGH END ($250+)
This pair is the budget buster, but oh my! Are they ever pretty.
[Frye Melissa Logo]
The original riding boot – Ariat.
[Ariat ‘York’ Boots]
MID-RANGE ($150)
[Donald J. Pliner ‘Prize’]
[Tommy Hilfiger ‘Delvin’]
BLACK RIDING BOOTS
[1/2]
You just can’t go wrong with a classic black riding boot and I found some bargains in this category.
UNDER $150
The lines on this boot are just perfect and it’s 50% off!
[Louise et Cie ‘Verrah’ Boots]
This boot is also on sale and comes in four different color combos in all leather or leather and suede (as shown).
[Anne Klein ‘Ciji’ Boots]
TAUPE RIDING BOOTS
My second most favorite pair of footwear is my taupe suede riding boots. They’re such a pretty neutral and go with so many things. I swap them in when it’s time to give my Frye’s a break.
UNDER $150
The color and style of this boot is very similar to mine. They’re also 30% off!
[Seychelles ‘Nothing to Hide’]
Be sure to stop by on Monday for a recap of last week’s Daily Style Diary!
Getting my pretty on with The Pleated Poppy, Fashion Friday.
In each of the outfits above, I’m wearing my favorite Mossimo boyfriend cardigans from Target. The pickings are slim online but they have a few left in some fun colors. I usually try to pick up a few new ones each season when all of the colors are in stock.
[Image Via]
[Sweater/Denim Shirt/Jeans/Scarf/Boots]
[Sweater/Striped Shirt/Jeans/Scarf/Flats/Watch]
