Jan 16, 2013
Hi Pretties! Welcome to the first week of my brand spankin’ new I Feel Pretty link party.
In Monday’s outfit post I introduced you to my new fur vest. Today I’m showing you another look I recently created with it.
This pic is my attempt at looking sultry, ha! Not really, it just turned out that way.
Pay close attention to the weird thing I did with my hands in all of these pics. Hubby should’ve told me to stop that!
[Fur Vest: Forever 21 (similar)/Sweater: Forever 21 (similar)/Necklace: Forever 21/Earrings: Rue 21/Corduroys: Nordstrom/Leather Bracelet: Target /Boots: Target (old)]
It’s your turn to show me what makes you feel pretty. But one quick request beforehand…
Could you do me a super quick favor?
Would you mind voting for me in the Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Moms? I’m not a big blog but thanks to all of you, I’m trending in the top 25! Every vote counts BIG TIME! If you think I belong on this list, please take a moment and vote for me by clicking the badge below. You can come back and vote every day too. THANK YOU!
I FEEL PRETTY LINK PARTY!
Link up your outfits or anything that helps you Get Your Pretty On!
There are just a few simple rules for this pretty party:
1. Link up your pretty post.
2. Follow Get Your Pretty On.
3. Link back to me in your post.
4. Visit other blogs and meet new pretty peeps!
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Are you ready to grow your blog or business?
With over 30,000 monthly page views and 16,000 visitors, now is a GREAT time to advertise with Get Your Pretty On! Through the end of January, get one month FREE when you buy two. Click HERE for details!
Linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesday, Wardrobe Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday , Style Sessions, Look What I Got, Aloha Friday, Friday’s Fancies, Six Sisters Stuff
Jan 15, 2013
Every Tuesday this month, I’m introducing you to a mom that’s got it goin’ on! And today’s mama is no exception.
I could spend hours on her blog looking at her gorgeous photography, reading about her adventures in parenting and perusing her creative
custom invitations and announcements. But don’t take my word for it, hop over there and check it out for yourself.
But first, read on to see how Mel got out of her rut and into her groove!
(Oh, and she’s giving away a $100 Visa gift card, make sure you check that out too.)
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Hi Everyone!
My name is Mel and I am so excited to be guest posting at Get Your Pretty On! Alison has so many great fashion ideas on her blog & I am excited to share some of my ideas!
A little bit about me…I live in California, born & raised!
I love Jesus, wine, coffee, photography & throwing parties.
Target is my Happy Place.
I have been married for 10 years to Kevin and we have 3 sweet kids.
Kate will be 6 next week, Claire is 4 and our baby boy Luke is 5 months old.
I am a part time 7th grade math teacher and have been teaching for 9 years.
I
was excited when Ali asked me to guest post because since having a 3rd baby 5 months ago, I have definitely had to work harder to get my Pretty On and stay out of the Frumpy Mom Zone.You know what I mean, right?
You see, having kids can make you put yourself on the back burner.
I remember after I had my first daughter almost 6 years ago, I kind of let my beauty routine slip and I got lazy with my wardrobe. I was just so sleep deprived, teaching and worrying about her needs and not mine. Then, I got pregnant again (with Claire) less than a year after Kate was born. They are a year and a half apart. That first year of Claire’s life was CRAZY… having 2 kids under 2 and I was still teaching part time, doing photography on the side and opened my Etsy shop (selling party invitations).
Then, things mellowed out for a few years, my body was back to normal, my girls weren’t toddlers anymore & I was feeling good about myself. And, then….what do you know! I got pregnant with Luke and he was born in August. When I was on my maternity leave, those first couple months of his life, I was the QUEEN of FRUMP. Life was crazy. Luke was a newborn. Claire was starting preschool & Kate started Kindergarten. I did not take care of myself those couple months. I would shower & throw my hair in a pony tail. I didnt wear makeup. My clothes were a mix of maternity (that were too big) and my normal clothes (which were too small). I was a hot mess, but I was just trying to survive life with 3 kids and truly did not have time to care about what I looked like. After 2 months, that needed to change. I was feeling Frumpy and not good about myself. My maternity leave was ending and I was *kind of* looking forward to going back to school for a few hours each day because I knew that it would force me to snap out of my Frumpy stage.
I knew the mornings would be crazy trying to3 kids ready, get myself ready all while trying to get my Pretty On! But, it is possible & I have some tips to share that I have learned to make it easier for you to Get Your Pretty On!
1. Organize Your Closet
This one is HUGE for me. Last year, I did something called 40 Bags in 40 Days. I basically divided areas of my house into 40 areas and my goal was to clean out & organize those areas. This included my closet. I got rid of all the clothes that I hadn’t worn in a year and I organized my closet by color.
My clothes are organized & I’m not scrambling to pick out what to wear.
Along with this, each night before I go to bed, I get organized for the next day.
I don’t know about you, but I am NOT a morning person.
Each night, I pick out my outfit, shoes & accessories for the next day.
I also pick out what my kids are going to wear & lay out their clothes in their rooms.
2. Time Management
This goes along with #1 (picking clothes out the night before) but another thing I do is shower right before I go to bed. Like I said before, I am NOT a morning person, so if I shower the night before then that saves me so much time in the morning and it can be spent doing my hair & taking time to do my make up (as well as nurse the baby and get my girls breakfast) Luckily, my husband is a HUGE help in the morning and get the kids dropped off at school, etc. Another thing I do is I make time every Sunday night to paint my nails & give them a fresh coat. There is just something about starting the work week feeling put together. Painting my nails fun colors each week definitely helps me Get my Pretty On!
3, Wear clothes that compliment your body.
This is a big one for me right now! Since I am 5 months post partum with Baby #3, my body is just soooo different than it used to be. I haven’t lost all the baby weight and because I am nursing, the “ladies” are much bigger than they usually are. (Instead of barely a B, I am now a full B. HA!) So, each day I make sure I wear clothes that compliment my postpartum body. My #1 go to is a skinny jeans, tall boots and cardigan. Skinny jeans & tall boots compliment my body (I am tall, 5’9″ so this look works for me even in my post partum body) Because I am nursing, my tops don’t just right, so cardigans are my lifesaver. Cardigans are also like a security blanket for me right now because one of my biggest fears is that I will “leak” while I am teaching. Now, THAT would freak out my 7th graders. Cardigan to the rescue in case of any malfunctions. Ha! Finally, since I am a teacher, I need to be comfortable since I am standing most of the day and let me tell you, skinny jeans & tall boots are SO comfortable…and I feel & look good wearing them!
4. Add a pop of color to your wardrobe! Be bold!
Because of my unofficial uniform of Skinny jeans, tall boots & cardigans, I have been more brave lately and I have been adding a pop of color to my wardrobe, usually with a statement necklace or scarf. In years past, my outfits were on the boring side and I would wear a lot of black & neutral. Totally boring and no color. Over the past 2 years, I have learned that color is FUN! So, I have been adding in pops of color with scarves, statement necklaces or a colorful cardigan.
5. Mix it up & try something new!
This is where Pinterest comes in handy! Pinterest is FULL of fun fashion ideas. My outfits choices over the past 6 months have definatly been impacted by Pinterest.
I would have never worn Black pants & Brown Boots together, but it totally works!
I normally wouldn’t wear polka dots, but I saw polka dot sweaters all over Pinterest and knew I had to have one! I got SO many compliments the day I wore it, I am so glad I mixed it up & tried something new. I am all about wearing solids or stripes, and never thought about wearing polka dots.
For my kids, yes. For me? Never considered it. So glad I did!
Thank you Alison for having me here at Get Your Pretty On!I hope you enjoyed some of my tips.
They are just simple little things this Working Mama of 3 is trying to do get her pretty on & stay out of Frumpville!
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For even more back to school tips for busy moms, be sure to pick up my book
Get Pretty, Kick Butt!
The Moms’ Guide to Looking Your Best and Getting More Done
In 30 Days or less you’ll:
- Establish your own Kick Butt Routine using the Power Hour planning session
- Manage your home in easy 15 minute increments
- Have a simple self-care routine that you can manage EVERY day
- Spend MORE quality time with your spouse and children
- Learn how to use Sundays for a successful start to the week
- Have a clean, organized closet full of only what you love wearing
- Find your own sense of style
- Build go-to outfits that work for all of your daily activities
- Maintain your wardrobe on a weekly allowance
- Get fit at home with 20 minute work outs
- Discover what you’re passionate about and pursue it
- Stay out of the mom rut with easy maintenance tips
Get Pretty, Kick Butt! is available for purchase through Kindle NOW.
Jan 14, 2013
One item I really wanted to add to my winter collection this year is a fur vest. But I waited so long that I almost didn’t end up with one.
I’m not sure about the rest of the world, but down here in the great state of Texas, it’s kind of hard to find winter clothing after Christmas. When I started looking for a fur vest right before the new year, they were sold out everywhere. I couldn’t even find one on clearance.
I went to the ends of the earth searching. But store after store already had their spring lines out. (BTW, when we get that freak winter storm in February, like we always do, forget about finding something warm to wear. By then all you’ll get is a bikini and sundress).
Well the other day I was walking past Forever 21 when I spotted this white fur vest on a mannequin. The very last one in the store…and it was MY SIZE! It was meant to be. I ripped it off the mannequin, leaving her disheveled and half dressed, and ran to the register. Mine, all mine.
[Fur Vest: Forever 21/Striped Shirt: Forever 21/Necklace: Rue 21/Jeans: Forever 21/Boots: Loft/Earrings & Bracelet: Rue 21/Boot Socks: Target/Watch: New York & Co.]
SIMILAR LOOKS
Check back on Wednesday to see a second way that I styled my new fur vest!
And speaking of Forever 21, I’ve got a little story for you.
One of my resolutions was to start eating healthier and working out more. My first week went pretty well, I finished four workouts and did pretty good with my eating. On Saturday, I pulled out a pair of dark wash skinnies from F21 that I hadn’t worn in awhile. Much to my dismay, I could barely get them up over my hips! I managed to somehow button them but couldn’t breathe. After waiting a few minutes for them to “loosen up”, it dawned on me that these might be my daughter’s jeans. I peeled them off and looked at the tag. Sure enough, they were two sizes too small. And while I was relieved, I’m wondering if maybe, just maybe I shouldn’t be buying the same clothes my thirteen year-old daughter does. 🙂
TOP 25 FASHION AND BEAUTY MOMS
I’m in the running as one of the Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Moms on Circle of Moms and would REALLY appreciate your vote. I’m trending in the top 25, so every vote counts BIG TIME! If you think I belong on this list, please take a moment and vote for me by clicking the badge below. You can come back and vote every day.
Linking up today with Visible Monday, YOLO Monday, Monday Mingle
Jan 11, 2013
Payday Pretty is my regular Friday feature where I challenge women to squeeze a little out of the weekly budget and do something pretty for themselves. I also provide affordable style inspiration for you to get your shop on.
Hello pretties and TGIF! I was sad to see the BYOB series come to an end, but never fear, I have more fun in store for 2013.
Recently I was introduced to a new online shoe retailer called Sole Society. Sole Society is a members’ only web site (membership is free) offering on-trend styles at amazing prices.
So this is how it works. 1. You sign up for free. 2. You get great shoes at incredible prices.
Basically they are able to cut out the two times price markup traditional retailers typically apply to shoes by skipping the middle man (retail stores) and selling direct to their members.
Oh and better yet, they are partners with two of my faves – Vince Camuto and Nordstrom. Together they design an exclusive line of shoes and accessories and deliver them to Sole Society members with free shipping both ways – all without the high price tag.
As a recipient of an Influenster Vox Box, I received a special offer of $25 off my first purchase. So, I thought why not try them out?
There were so many great choices, I had a hard time picking just one pair. So I got two. 🙂
This ankle strap color block heel.
[Francesca – $49.95]
And these fun leopard flats.
[Vida – $49.95]
With my $25 off coupon and free shipping, I got two pairs of shoes for what I’d normally spend on one!
And I have a few more pairs on my wish list already…
Like these snakeskin platform pumps.
[Lana – $49.95]
These adorable wedges.
[Sharon – $49.95]
And these suede chunky heels.
[Cleo – $59.95]
Do you want a pair too? You know you do!
Well I have a special treat just for you. Sole Society is extending a $25 off coupon to all of my readers! All you have to do is enter coupon code INFLUENSTER25 at check out. But hurry, this code expires on January 31st, 2013.
This coupon makes most of their shoes just $25! Totally Payday Pretty approved.
Happy shopping and be sure to show me what you get!
Stay pretty,
Alison
TOP 25 FASHION AND BEAUTY MOMS
I’m in the running as one of the Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Moms on Circle of Moms and would REALLY appreciate your vote. I’m trending at #25, so every vote counts BIG TIME! If you think I belong on this list, please take a moment and vote for me by clicking the badge below. You can come back and vote every day.
Linking up today with Six Sisters Stuff.
Jan 9, 2013
In continuing with the resolution week theme, I’d like to share some unconventional thoughts about goal setting today.
I’ve always been a VERY goal oriented person. Constantly setting and achieving bigger goals, then moving onto the next. My December goal setting ritual is something that I relish every year. But when I sat down to write out my 2013 goals last month, something didn’t feel right.
It all started about six months ago when I felt myself losing momentum but couldn’t figure out why. The realization that all of this striving and pushing wasn’t really leading me to further contentment hit me like a ton of bricks.
All I really wanted to do was be here for my family, enjoying each moment of this season of life and being the best mom and wife I can be.
That realization changed everything.
I’ve stopped focusing so much on everything being perfect and have celebrated progress instead.
I’ve decided to detox my brain from the constant stimuli around me and get comfortable with periods of quiet time.
I’m working to accept this moment as enough and stop imagining some future where things will be radically different or better.
I’m focusing on one thing at a time instead of multi-tasking.
I’m letting go and letting God. Ultimately I’m not at all in control of my destiny. And all of the pushing, striving and goal setting in the world is not going to change what is already planned.
And most importantly, I’m putting everything in perspective that gets in the way of my primary goal of loving and serving my family.
“Life is a river with a purpose, taking you where you need to go. Forget trying to rush anything, or worse, swimming against the current. Resistance is futile, stay afloat and enjoy the ride.” – Steve Mitten
[Trench Coat: eShakti/Gloves: Target (similar)/Sunglasses: Michael Kors/Corduroys: Nordstrom/Boots: Target (old)/Earrings: Rue 21 (similar)]
This gorgeous, beyond perfect trench coat comes courtesy of women’s custom clothier eShakti. I had been searching for the right taupe, ladylike trench coat for a long time. When I saw this one on their web site, I instantly fell in love with the button and collar details.
And it’s even more beautiful in person. It’s just the right weight and has the perfect amount of subtle sheen. This coat will be a go-to basic of mine for many years to come. It fits like a glove thanks to eShakti’s customization. All of their clothing is cut to fit your measurements provided at the time of ordering. The best part? Everything on their site is totally affordable. I’m not aware of any other custom clothing company that’s able to sell at prices that every woman can afford.
Keep an eye out for this up and coming label. eShakti has been featured in Vogue, Glamour and Woman’s World magazines.
I was provided with a free product for this review, however all opinions are my own.
TOP 25 FASHION AND BEAUTY MOMS
I’m in the running as one of the Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Moms on Circle of Moms and would REALLY appreciate your vote. I’m currently trending at #25 so every vote helps BIG TIME! If you’d like to, please take a moment and vote for me by clicking the badge below. You can come back and vote every day.
LINK PARTY NEWS
Next Wednesday, I will be debuting my new weekly link party “I Feel Pretty”. Stop by and link up anything that makes you feel pretty.
If you want to continue linking up with Diaries of a Bargainista, stop by and visit Alisa or Sarah!
Getting my pretty on with The Pleated Poppy, Random Wednesday, Wardrobe Wednesday and Whatever, Whenever Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday, Look What I Got, Keep Calm and Carry On, Aloha Friday, Casual Friday, Friday’s Fancies, Six Sisters Stuff
