Six Ways to Style--Green Pants!

The past few seasons colored bottoms have been all. the. rage. Not only are they tons of fun, they also make your wardrobe extremely versatile. I have been living this trend up and having been collecting different styles of bottoms in several bold hues. The one I am having the MOST fun with right now are my green boyfriend capris from Old Navy. Holly threw in some adorable green skinnies and we even have a guest model this week! My sista Janel is sporting some crisp, ankle length greenies. Thanks for joining us girlie!

1. Pop and Polka Dots

This flowy, blousy top is the perfect balance piece to these crisp pants. Green and navy blue are natural fashion friends and this outfit is a spot on demonstration. The statement necklace adds a splash of attention getting color and the whole thing is a homerun. 

Shirt: The Limited

Pants: Banana Republic

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Francesca's Collection

Bracelet: Bass

2. Graphic Cover 

A graphic T is an easy way to dress an outfit down. I paired it with a striped cardigan with an inverted cut for a little added detail. By using neutral colors on top, it tones down the brightness on the bottom. (If your not up for the challenge, although my favorite look this time is Orange Dreamer!)

Graphic T: Target

Cardigan: Kohl's

Pants: Wal-Mart clearance $7.00!

Bracelet: hand made by yours truly (See making statement bracelets post)

Shoes: Lucky Brand

3. Orange Dreamer

Green and orange are complimentary colors and naturally looked pulled together when paired. They are both strong hues and the eye jumps from one to another beautifully. A light, beaded necklace with both colors acts as a centering item.

Cardi: Target

Cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Necklace: Bass

Shoes: Old Navy

4. Watercolor Ruffles

This is one of those outfits where "matching" the shirt with the pants is a win-win. The subtle watercolor pattern is brought out by the spot on green pants. The black cardigan tones the whole outfit down to just the right level. Silver jewelry acts an accent but allows the green to shine. 

Cardi: NY & Co.

Top: Limited

Necklace: Kohl's

Pants: Old Navy

Wedges: Target

5. Blazer Basics

Navy goes great with a lot of colors, including green. This is such a easy combo to pull together. The white shirt has white on white polka dots for added texture.  My favorite accessory is the LEOPARD shoes! You would be surprised at how many different outfits I wear these with. (Oh, maybe a future blog post...stayed tuned!)

Shirt: Rue 21

Blazer: Marshalls

Pants: Wal-Mart clearance $7.00!

Necklace: Cookie Lee

Bracelet: hand made by me

Shoes: Macy's-Style and Co

6. Green Means Go

Sometimes you just gotta kill it with color. This monochromatic outfit takes the green and runs with it. Wearing two shades of the same color on the top and bottom has an awesome slimming effect that can benefit anyone. The yellow bubble necklace gives the eye something else to settle on while the white blazer acts as a neutral base for the whole she-bang! Love it! 

Blazer: Cotton On

Top: Banana Republic

Pants: Banana Republic

Shoes: Sperry

Necklace: Groopdealz

OOTD-Travel Casual

On a recent trip to Iowa the only thing I could think of when getting dressed for the car ride was Comfy with a capital C! However, I also knew that we had events when we arrived and yoga pants would not cut it. I decided to go with some bright colors and a comfy T. I threw on some gold and colorful accessories which always bring an outfit up a notch. Comfy yet chic!

Shirt: Old Navy

Shorts: Old Navy

Necklace: Groupdealz

Watch: NY&Co

Bracelets: Target and Old Navy

Flips: NY&Co

Time Saving Tricks: Picking out a great outfit in a pinch

The times we are tempted to throw on sweat pants and a baggy shirt are usually when we are pinched for time. I have created a quick list of a few tips for just those moments. This will take a quick minute to organize what you want and collect your thoughts. It's worth being organized for those times when you need it most. Read on fashionistas...

1. Pick out your outfit the night before or at least have an idea. Sometimes I am lying in bed, and settling in for the night and I will look over our blog posts or my Pinterest pins that I have found for fashion inspiration. This way I have an idea of what I want to wear before I look into my closet. It is a HUGE mistake to walk into your closet without an idea! I can stand in front of all my clothes and not have a thing to wear! Who's with me?? I know you know what I'm talking about. Have an idea or plan before you go into tread into a sea of clothes. You'll be happy you did.

2. Have a few go-to outfits for when you're really running late. This way you know exactly what pieces to grab for a great look in 5 seconds. Like I said earlier, when you are rushed is the time when most of us women are reaching for sweatpants/yoga pants, so get a few ideas and keep them ready. Our excuse is that it's easy. Let me tell you if you have an entire outfit ready, that's easier (and waaaay cuter) than sweatpants.

3. Invest in nude colored shoes. Sometimes I can spend what seems like hours figuring out the perfect shoe to complete my outfit. Sometimes, I find the shoe but need to change my shirt because now it doesn't quite go with the shoe. This is could go round and round! Ahh! Having a pair of comfy, cute nude colored shoes will save you those precious minutes. Nude usually goes with anything, so it's  great to have on hand.

4. Sometimes color coordinating can take a little time and brain power. A quick tip is to match your necklace or scarf to your shoes or a color on your bottom half.  This is an easy way to pull your look together from top to bottom. I have been watching my colors and trying to pick up pieces when I find a great deal.

5. Lastly, spend a second on hair and makeup too. Find a cute pony tail style and a quick "face" (make-up). I usually just do my eyes and a low pony with a strand of hair wrapped around the binder with a little poof if I'm running behind. This gives you a boost of confidence when it seems to be a bad start to the day.

Ladies let's be honest, we like to hit the Snooze button. If this is you, follow the tips above and getting ready in the morning will be easier than throwing on a set of cleaner pajamas for the day....and regretting it later.

--Holly

OOTD: Simply Neutrals

My Outfit Of The Day today!

Gray T: Target

Cardigan: American Eagle

Shorts: Gap Outlet
Belt: Rue 21
Necklaces: Groopdealz, gift, Lia Sophia

Sandals: Marshalls

I didn't feel like color today, so I chose gray and khaki. Even though they are both neutrals, they go great together. The strips and the layered necklaces give the outfit a more updated look. I threw on some sandals, and out the door I went (well, after a quick picture.)
Casual and chic, perfect!


--Holly

Six Ways to Style....a black maxi skirt!

We have loved the black maxi skirt/dress trend for going on three seasons now. My mom made (I know--awesome right?) each of us one two summers ago and we have been styling them up ever since. This is an extremely versatile wardrobe piece that looks good on just about any shape. Throw in that wearing this skirt is more comfortable than just about anything else means you cannot say no to this steady trend. Belts are awesome with a black maxi and the bigger the better. Experiment with us!

Our black maxis were handmade but you can find some great ones here!
Charlotte Russe   JC Penney   Target

1. The Stripes Have It
Add some color to the top of your black maxi and it creates some varied interest. I pulled the orange from the stripes and accented with my stellar orange statement necklace (LOVE!) My skirt can be a little long but these wedges give me just enough height to bring the skirt off the floor. The leather jacket gives an edgy vibe to the otherwise feminine skirt.

Top: TJ Maxx
Jacket: Marshall's
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Francesca's Collection

2. Chevron Obsession
This time I layered a black tank with a very flowy, lightweight chevron button-up. The belt makes sure my waist doesn't get lost in all the flowiness... This is the perfect outfit for a warm day that still needs a bit of a cover up.

Tank: Old Navy
Belt: Boutique
Top: Rue21
Flats: Buckle
Necklace: F21

3. Belt It Out
A belt is a great way to pull it in at the waist. (Stay tune for future posts on belts, and how to wear them.) I found this great thick, elastic belt and it gives a sophisticated touch to this look. Not to mention, it's ELASTIC and super comfy! Red is the perfect accent for a crisp color contrast with the black and white. The polka-dot cardigan gives just the right amount of texture and the necklace finishes it off. What more can I say? Done and Done.

Tank: Target
Cardigan: Target
Belt: Good Will $2.99!
Flats: Target
Necklace: Target
I guess Target was the place this time...

4. Tank You Very Much
This is my simplest and most favorite maxi outfit. I wear it out shopping, to parties, wherever and it simply works. I adore the brown belt with the black maxi so I threw in some brown shoes as well. It would be perfect with a cardigan or blazer for cool days too.

Tank: Old Navy
Belt: The Limited
Shoes: Born at Von Maur
Necklace: F21


5. Ruffle Me Up
I saw this leather jacket and fell in love instantly. I am constantly trying to find outfits to pair it with. This army green color goes great with black. I chose a more causal gray T to go under to "dress it down". (a more casual look as apposed to dressing it up for a more dressy look) The layered necklace gives just the right amount of detail without getting too fancy.

T shirt: Target
Jacket: Marshalls
Sandals: NY & Co.
Necklaces: Cookie Lee & Lia Sophia

6. You A-Maize Me
Love stripes! I bought this great black and cream striped tank, and found that I can use it as a neutral (Remember our Fashion Foundation TOPS post?!). It goes with so many different looks. It has a great lace detail on the back, super cute! Keep your eyes open for it in our new Outfit Of The Day (OOTD) posts, it will make regular appearances I'm sure. This leather khaki jacket and the leather braided belt tie it all together.

Tank: Nordstrom Rack
Jacket: Gap
Belt: Old Navy
Flats: Target
Necklace: Target

Check out Putting Me Together's One Piece Different Ways! 

Outfit of the Day or as the kids say, OOTD!

A couple of times a week Holly and I hope to share our own outfit from that day. The outfit may represent some of our Six Ways post or it could be completely random! We hope these serve as a tiny bit of fashion inspiration to get you out of an outfit rut! Here is what I wore today! Thanks for peeking!

It is June where I live and I have yet to wear shorts! It has rained here for 32 of the last 39 days. Ick and Ugh! We finally got a day where the golden orb showed its face and I had to sport my new turquoise shorts! Throw in a little of my favorite neon trend and I was out the door. A few simple accessories take the outfit up and notch as well. 

Hello Color!

A great way to spruce up an outfit is to add a pop of color. If you're just starting to venture out into the color wheel, a great place to start is accessories. These are inexpensive and make the biggest impact for your dollar spent. As you've probably already noticed we usually have 1 or 2 outfits in our weekly Six Ways posts that have a great pop of color. If you have time go back and look through the Six Ways posts, just look at the different colors and see how we put them together. Remember colors just have to go together, don't worry about matching. We also posted a statement bracelet blog that is great tutorial of making your own bracelets as pops of color. This was SUPER easy and SUPER cheap. This made it possible for us to pick the colors we were looking for at a craft store with umpteen million choices instead of a few bracelets at each store. Take a peak if you're feeling crafty (or not, it really was easy...I promise!) Emily and I are HUGE time management people. We are busy people! We have kids, husbands, households, jobs/school and try to have a social life. (Most of which is spent together creating this blog for you!) So any way we can save time and money, we are the first one's there. Oooh...good idea for a blog post. Stay tuned...

For now, check out below. I have a picture showing you one way to make a difference in an entire outfit by the addition of one piece of color.

Necklace: Burlington Coat Factory

Sweater: Gap

Jeans: Herberger's (Union Bay)

I chose to show you just a fairly plain sweater and added a great colored statement necklace. See the difference just a necklace makes? It just pulls together the entire look! This sweater is kind of a cream color, and in the winter months when my skin is pale and also cream colored, the necklace really helps so the bland color doesn't wash me out. It is such an easy way to add a little finishing touch.

I am loving adding a necklace or scarf for my POP of color lately. It's easy to throw one on and head out the door. Right now, I have a 13 month old baby girl, so big chunky earnings are out for me. Necklaces are working good, but something else might work better for you. Other accessories ideas are bracelets, earrings, belts, shoes, and list goes on. (I found a great image on Pinterest on different ways to wear a belt. I'll get that and post it soon.)  Try them all and let us know what is your favorite.


A few places I like to shop for trendy accessories on a budget:

Groopdealz.com (This site has deal of the day sales. I check pretty often because the items rotate every couple of days. You can also sign up for emails to see what they are offering. Usually the accessories run around $10.00 or less.)

Veryjane.com (Same as above. If you find something you love, make sure to grab it before the sale is over. That's speaking from experience, too many times I think "Well....I love it, but don't need it", but then I decide to back and get it and it's gone. Arrgh! I hate that! Now I can't stop thinking about it. Ugh.)

Charlotte Russe This store usually runs sales on accessories. A lot of times it is 2 for $8. That's 2 items for $8.00! Now that's a good sale!

Forever 21 (Usually has a no return policy on accessories, so make sure you're completely sold on an item before you buy it.) They have amazing prices, their more delicate necklaces start at $1.80! I check online once in awhile just to see what they have, before I make the trip to the mall.

Burlington Coat Factory- You never know what you're going to find, but that adds excitement for me. Emily bought a great statement necklace for over $20 at a boutique store and I found a very similar one here for $7.99! I was so excited I bought it in two colors, and she bought another color as well! You can't beat a good deal.

Let us know of any great deals you have found!

What other places have you found for great accessories?

--Holly