Thursday, October 20, 2011

Day 20: Black and Brown Together!

For some of you this may be a no-brainer, but I know for some it is not.  It is OK to wear black and brown together (gray and brown too)!  I have even had clients ask me if I would please post this on my blog, so they would feel more confident wearing the combo.

Here are a few examples of me wearing black with brown and gray with brown.

Now try to imagine these same outfits with black shoes, and you can see that the brown creates a much more interesting look and less "matchy match."  When doing black with brown, choose a brown that is lighter, closer to a cognac or a camel, so there is more contrast.  Think of that brown as just another color, not as a neutral.
If you embrace this idea, you can see why flat brown boots, are a wardrobe essential.

Need more convincing?  I created a black and brown Pinterest board.  I think once you see these amazing looks, you will feel fully confident wearing black and brown together.

What about you?  Have you tried this, or seen others trying this?

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Day 19: Discount Shopping

image from google


Many people that I hear from are intimidated of discount shopping.  When referring to “discount shopping”  I am mainly talking about discount stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Stein Mart, etc…

Here are some of the benefits:
  1. Less Expensive, so you can buy more
  2. Typically, no pushy sales people putting pressure on you to buy things you don’t need
  3. Liberal return policies
  4. Many types of items in the same place (womens, mens, shoes, housewares, toys)

Here are some of my tips for shopping at discount stores:
  1. Take your time:  You may not be able to run in and out to get something like you would at a smaller boutique.  But just a little extra time can be extremely worthwhile.
  2. Shop often:  These types of stores get new inventory all the time.
  3. Know the layout of the store:  These stores are actually fairly organized and well-labeled.  Inside of each department (Mens, Ladies, Juniors, Womens/Plus Size) there are sections of sweaters, blouses, dresses, pants, capris, etc).  Take a moment to learn your way around and you will do much better.
  4. Know what is good at each store: 
Here are my favorites:  Ross- dresses and shoes
                                                        Marshalls- shoes, sweaters and tops, kids toys
                                                        TJ Maxx- Juniors tops, purses, beauty products
                                                        Stein Mart- Work-type separates and accessories

  1. Just have fun and consider it an adventure:  don’t get stressed out and overwhelmed, and practice makes perfect.  Once you get the hang of it you will not want to go back to high priced boutiques.
  2. A note about quality:  Some are concerned about the quality of the items at these stores.  For the most part, if you are buying in the ladies section, you can be confident that the quality is VERY good, especially at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  Just look at the brands, they are very often the same you are seeing at Macys, Dillards, and even higher end stores. 

What questions you still have about discount shopping? 


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Day 18: Which Jeans?

My embarrassingly large pile of jeans


Skinny, Flared, Bootcut, Straight, Cropped, Long, Colored. Sometimes it can be difficult to know which jeans to wear when. Here are my personal opinions...


With flats, I really think a skinny jean looks best.  A bootcut jean makes the legs look bigger and more planted into the ground. 


Flared jeans are great to wear with tops that are tucked in and slim.  
Let the jeans be the focal point of the outfit.


Wear a skinny jean with a flowy top, and shoes that you want to show off.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Day 17: Fall Sweaters

As the weather finally begins to cool a bit here, I get excited about sweaters.  There is NOTHING easier in the fall and winter than throwing a great sweater on with jeans and boots. 
Here are some fun fall sweaters to get excited about...

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Day 15: Shopping on Ebay


The past few years I have become a HUGE fan of shopping on Ebay!  Ebay is a great place to shop for…
  • Jewelry
  • Designer Items
  • Trendy Items
  • Cosmetics
Have an item on your shopping list that you can’t seem to find?  Try Ebay.  I have purchased handbags, shoes, jackets, jeans, boots, watches, necklaces, bracelets, makeup and many other items.  



A few tricks and guidelines
  • Check the sellers feedback
  • Buy things you are comfortable with because you likely will not be able to return them.  Know your size in various brands before you shop for them.
  • When searching, click the “include item description” box to expand your searches.
  • There are many international sellers.  You may want to check the “US sellers” only box if you want to get your item quickly.
  • Many, many items have a “Buy it Now” option on them if the auctions intimidate you. 

Good Luck!  Let me know if you find any great stuff!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Day 14: Purses

Some women love shoes, and while I do love shoes, purses are my thing.  I love a good purse.  Since I have become a mom, I have become a big fan of purses with outside pockets.  Easy access to keys, cell phone, and lots of places for kiddos to stash snacks and sippy cups.  If you can find a good purse, there is no need for a diaper bag.  Here are some fun options for the fall...


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Day 13: Hair Tutorials


I am a hair girl!  I love big hair and I love playing with my hair.  I have received a few questions recently about my hair, so I thought that I would share with you all 3 of my favorite hair tutorials from around the web...

1.  Great curling iron tutorial
When I use this method, these curls can last several days.

2.  Great bang styling tutorial
I have a love/hate relationship with my bangs, but this has helped it be more love than hate.

3.  Great no-heat curling method
This is amazing!  Gives a real natural look.

4.  This is not a tutorial, but a product I love when you want straight hair
Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight Semi-Permanent Styling Spray
John Frieda 3- day straight.  This stuff works GREAT, save your money on a brazilian blowout and get this.

Seen any great hair tutorials anywhere?  Let me know if you try any of these.