Sep 18, 2013
Today’s blog post is a testament to my self control. Or lack thereof. I’m really not sure.
On one hand, I told myself I wasn’t going to shop the 3.1 Philip Lim for Target collection. But then I did. On the other hand, I only bought two pieces from it.
Self control? Yes and no.
There were WAY more pieces that I wanted but I managed to limit it to just two – the blouse and the tote.
[Blouse: Philip Lim for Target/Moto Zip Ankle Pants: Loft/Tote: Philip Lim for Target/Watch: Michael Kors/Sunnies: Ray Ban/Necklace: c/o Bijoux Box/Bracelet: c/o Bijoux Box/Color Block Heels: Zigi Soho]
This outfit is also what I wore for a lunch “blate” with Sheaffer on Monday. What could possibly be more appropriate to wear on a blogger date than a Target designer collab? 🙂
Avery Lane Boutique Giveaway
Although it’s not quite cool enough yet, later in the season I’ll be taking the chill off this outfit by adding this houndstooth hooded jacket from Avery Lane Boutique. It’s just the right weight and I love how the bold pattern mixes with florals. It will also look cute with colored denim and ankle boots.
[Houndstooth Jacket: Avery Lane Boutique]
Avery Lane Boutique is giving away a $40 shop credit to one lucky GYPO reader. Just choose any of the easy ways to enter below. A winner will be selected next Wednesday.
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 me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
Link up your outfits or anything else that makes you feel pretty. 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. That’s it! Let the fun begin. ‘);
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Getting my pretty on with Tres Chic Thursday, Fashion Informant, Monday Bloom, The Pleated Poppy, Shanna, Style Sessions, Monday Mingle, Real Girl Style, Tucker Up.
Sep 13, 2013
Today I’m going to get a little bit pushy with you. Sorry, it’s a character flaw. When I get passionate, I get pushy. And this is something I’m really passionate about.
If you’re looking for just ONE investment piece for fall/winter, I have it for you. Last year I made the investment in a classic pair of Frye riding boots and it was the best fashion decision I’ve ever made.
They are the most beautiful, well-made boots I’ve ever owned and let’s just talk about their versatility for a minute. They go with virtually everything. I seriously had to work hard to find other boots to wear with my outfits because I wanted to wear these every single day.
Here are a few of my favorite looks featuring my Frye’s.
Yes, I know they’re pricey. Far more than I normally spend on an item. But they’ve been worth every single penny, especially on a cost per wear basis.
Go ahead and order them today, Zappos will even ship them for free (that’s where I got mine). The color of mine is cognac but they come in 12 gorgeous colors. The hardest part is deciding which one.
Frye Melissa Button Riding Boot
OK, stepping off the soapbox now for today’s regularly scheduled post. 🙂
As I said earlier I had to work hard to wear other boots last fall/winter. What I really wanted was a new pair of ankle boots but never did find the perfect pair. My mission this fall is to find “the one”.
I won’t be making as much of an investment to find the perfect bootie because they’re a trendier item. Don’t get me wrong – ankle boots are here to stay – the styles just change a lot from season to season.
This week I rounded up some of my favorite ankle boots for under $100.
THE PERFECT BOOTIE
1. Addison Bootie – Gorgeous oxblood color with a wedge heel.
2. Honor Bootie – Fun snake print heel in a very wearable neutral.
3. Karin Platform Bootie – Statement making color at a steal, under $50!
4. Jody Bootie – Casual perfection. This bootie goes with everything.
5. Most Wanted Bootie – Perforation and button details add a little sass to basic black.
6. Helena Bootie – Beautiful shape, perfect with dresses.
It’s Your Turn: Have you found the perfect bootie yet? If so, share it in the comments!
Getting my pretty on with Friday’s Fab Favorites and What I’m Loving Fridays.
Sep 11, 2013
Over the weekend, I quietly celebrated a milestone – my 40th birthday. If I’m being honest, it all still seems pretty surreal to me. I don’t feel 40 but then again, I’m not sure what 40 is supposed to feel like. I’ve never been one to get caught up in age but for the first time this past year, I’ve faced the harsh reality that youth is appreciated in our society and I’m getting older.
And of course, it brings up some fear and insecurity. Even though I am more content with who I am than ever before, I’m also aware that being over 40 has a certain stigma attached to it. Even in the blogging world, I’m almost afraid to put it out there. Will my younger followers still want to read? Does my style reflect my age? Are brands interested in working with women over 40?
What if I ever have to go back to corporate America to find a job? My resume shows my college graduation date, surely someone will do the math.
It just seems backwards that society judges age by how much time you have left to contribute instead of by what you’ve already accomplished.
I prefer to measure my 40 years differently.
I’ve accomplished a lot, by my own standards. From leaving my small town of 200 to become the first person in my family to graduate from college, to being a single mom my senior year of college and learning to put someone else first, my son. Seventeen years ago, I made the very scary move from small town Pennsylvania to big city Dallas to find a job – with my new college degree, $50 to my name and a six month old baby.
It all worked out but none of it came easy.
I endured years of passionless soul sucking jobs in beige cubicles while chasing what I thought was my dream – being an actress. I had brushes with making it into the “big time” that never panned out. Being second choice one too many times took it’s toll and I walked away from a career right when I started to book the jobs I always dreamed of. The only problem was the dream was much better than the reality of it all.
My real dream come true was right in front of me all along.
Stepping away from acting and getting laid off from my corporate job has allowed me to focus more on what matters most – my family. They are the greatest accomplishment of my 40 years and have given me plenty to celebrate along the way. Especially my marriage to my soul mate, the man that God perfectly created for me. He stepped in and took over the responsibility of raising my son and has loved him as his own ever since. He treats me and our two little girls like princesses. Those two beautiful girls bring light and joy to our lives every single day. Our home is filled with unconditional love and lots of laughter. I’m also grateful to live near both of my sisters who are absolutely my best friends and have always been there for me.
I’m blessed beyond measure.
So, this is 40 and 40 is pretty darn good. I don’t know what the future holds for me but I’m definitely enjoying every single moment of the now.
Today I feel pretty content and that’s a great place to be.
Looking for a snake print heel for fall? This pair is gorgeous and comfy and ON SALE for $40! It comes in three different colors.
[Blazer: The Limited/T-shirt: Forever 21/Jeans: Mossimo/Heels: Sole Society (ON SALE!)/Bracelets: c/o In Pink/Necklace: Heather Belle Co./Watch: Michael Kors]
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 me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
Link up your outfits or anything else that makes you feel pretty. 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.
That’s it! Let the fun begin.
‘);
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Getting my pretty on with Fashion Informant, Fashion Friday, Friday’s Five, Tres Chic, What I Wore to Work, The Pleated Poppy, Shanna, Sarah, Style Sessions and Monday Mingle.
Sep 6, 2013
I can pretty much guarantee that you don’t have enough tortoise shell in your life. What better time to fix that than right now?
Tortoise shell is HUGE for fall. You’ll find it on everything from earrings to belt buckles. I, for one, couldn’t be happier. It’s just so classic and chic. Pick up a piece or two to add to your collection. I already have the watch and bracelet and just ordered the flats. How fabulously perfect are those Anne Klein flats?
[1. Earrings: Fossil/2. Watch: Michael Kors/3. Sunglasses: Tory Burch/4. Flats: Anne Klein/5. Bangle: Fossil/6. Monogram Belt Buckle: C. Wonder]
It’s Your Turn: Will you be adding tortoise shell to your fall faves?
Getting my pretty on with Lulu, Friday’s Fab Faves, Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fancies.
Sep 4, 2013
Even though it’s been a lot of fun looking forward to fall fashion, I’m just not quite ready to let go of my favorite summer outfits yet. This chambray/maxi dress combo is one of them. I’ve worn it to church, sightseeing in New Orleans, to doctor’s appointments, even to run errands. It’s been my all-purpose summer look. I’ll be retiring it soon but here’s one last tribute to one of my summer favorites.
I’ve worn several variations of this outfit – with and without the fedora, with a head scarf, with statement jewelry – but this one with this gorgeous yellow and blue scarf from my friend Avril at School Gate Style is one of my favorites. Stop by and check out her beautiful scarves and accessories, like these.
[The Perfect Scarf]
[Grey Butterfly Scarf]
It’s Your Turn: Do you have a summer favorite that will be hard to retire? Tell me in the comments!
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 me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
Link up your outfits or anything else that makes you feel pretty. 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.
That’s it! Let the fun begin.
‘);
// ]]>
Getting my pretty on with Real Girl Style, Style Sessions, Trend Spin, Monday Mingle, Monday Bloom, Fashion Informant, Style Sessions, Summer Style, Shanna and The Pleated Poppy.
[Blouse: Philip Lim for Target/Moto Zip Ankle Pants: Loft/Tote: Philip Lim for Target/Watch: Michael Kors/Sunnies: Ray Ban/Necklace: c/o Bijoux Box/Bracelet: c/o Bijoux Box/Color Block Heels: Zigi Soho]
[Houndstooth Jacket: Avery Lane Boutique]
Link up your outfits or anything else that makes you feel pretty. There are just a few simple rules:
