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

Six Ways to Style...Black leggings!

How did leggings ever go OUT of style? Hmmm? It's a rare fashion find when something is casual, chic, and comfortable, right? I am painfully in love with my black leggings--my favorite pair happen to be fleece lined (yep, I said fleece)--and there is nothing like looking super stylish and sassy but feeling like you are wearing your p.j.'s. The main reason leggings are so versatile is their ability to easily be dressed up or dressed down--they are all occasion pants! Who doesn't adore that? I know, I  know--some people don't like the way their gams look in slick tight leggings. I get it. (Don't even get me started on how leggings are NOT pants...) Leggings however can be styled with longer shirts, tunics and dresses as a means to save us from a little leg shame. (Get over that by the way because you probably look adorbs and are just being too self-judge-y). Hopefully there is a style option below that will merge your desire to wear pajamas, er I mean leggings to work AND meet your personal style rules.
Side Note--I style my black skinny jeans identically to black leggings--totally interchangeable looks!)

Fleece lined leggings (1, 3, & 5): Von Maur
Black leggings (2, 4, & 6) Marshalls

1. Chevron Chambray: I'm willing to bet you could throw a chambray shirt over just about anything and look chic and cute in an instant. This shirt adds a lightness to an otherwise dark outfit. The chevron scarf throws in a much needed pop of color and it all comes together. Dress this up or down by choosing a heeled boot (shown here) or flat military style boot.

Chambray: Kohl's
Tank: Cotton On
Boots: Charlotte Russe
Scarf: Handmade

2. Neutral Pop: Comfy and cute! Two words a girl loves to hear about an outfit. This sweater is neutral, so you can chose any color to mix in for a pop. I chose a bright scarf, but a good necklace would work too. The black bando is great to pull down to give a little extra coverage, if you know what I mean. If you don't own one, BUY ONE! You won't regret it. To pull it together, brown boots! Black and brown go great together.

Sweater: Marshalls
Scarf: Target
Black Bando: Trendy Top at Target
Boots: Candies at Kohl's

3. Animal Print: You all know I love me some animal print. This outfit combo PROVES that black and brown look GOOD together. The yellow pop of color is a great balance piece. If  you don't have a pair of cream/oatmeal boot sox you need to get them asap. They add a great element of texture and break up the black of the leggings.

Cardigan: Kohl's
Tank: Target
Black Band: Trendy Top at Target
Boot Sox: JCP
Boots: Von Maur

4. Yellow Comfort: Not too bright, not to dark. This yellow sweater is perfect to compliment the print and stay cozy in those leggings. Leggings are meant to be comfortable, so dress comfortably...but stay classy! Remember, leggings are tight, so think of them as tights.

Print sleeveless: Macy's (Clearance rack!)
Sweater: Wal-Mart (You heard me...Wal-Mart for $3. You never know when you're going to come across a great find! Keep your eyes open.)
Necklace: Kohl's
Shoes: JellyPop (Gordman's)

5. Polka Dot Pop: Polka dots reign supreme as my favorite pattern for clothes, paper, just about anything. They are spicy yet subdued all at the same time. This neutral version looks great with a colorful cardigan thrown over. Change up your footwear by adding a short boot.

Cardigan: Vanity
Tank: TJ Maxx
Black Band: Trendy Top at Target
Boots: Charlotte Russe

6. Color Me Coral: Coral is very "in" right now, so it's perfect for this spring. This ivory sleeveless shirt has a subtle gold feather print to give the outfit texture.  Layering necklaces is an easy way to give some dimension to your look without needing a big statement necklace. This look is comfy and chic.

Ivory Sleeveless: Charlotte Russe
Sweater: Target
Necklaces: Lia Sophia (both)
Boots: Candies

Fashion Foundation: How to build a wardrobe of essentials! {TOPS}

Every woman's closet is distinctly different. Different favorites. Different essentials. Different style. We all have our own sense of personal style and our own definition of what style even means. However, I believe we can all build our own style on a similar foundation of wardrobe essentials. Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to share posts about certain pieces that belong in every closet. Pieces that can be built off of and styled many different ways by each one of us. We in no way think everyone should own each of these pieces but I do think they are great starting points for great outfits. They also will help alleviate the "closet death stare" when you absolutely cannot find ANYTHING to wear. Anybody feeling me here? We are going to start with the 6 TOP/SHIRTS foundation pieces. Comment and share what you think should be added to the list!

1. White and Chambray button up
These are my go-to-pieces for just about anything. I use them under sweaters, over tanks, and alone and it all WORKS. They have no season and can be used in warm and cold months. A light chambray shade goes with just about anything but I have a dark wash one as well. Start with a shade that you love and add others over time. Roll the sleeves and rock it!

2. Basic T's
Start with black and white T's....and then add more neutrals over time. Some people would say you need tanks, and T's, and long sleeves but I think it all depends on your climate and your layering preferences. I really don't care for long sleeves T's because I tend to layer with a blazer or a cardigan and long sleeves get bunchy and drive me crazy. I'm a T and tank kind of girl. Add a oatmeal one and a gray one over time and you will have the foundation for just about any outfit.

3. Basic Tanks
I hate when people repeat themselves so I won't. See my rambling reasons above regarding basic T's and you'll get the idea for tanks too. Make sure you find a neckline that you are comfortable with and buy several colors of the same brand. I also like to buy mine a bit on the long side for layering with leggings. (BTW-- I often repurchase white T's and tanks each year...they can look dingy after a year of use and a new one is a better option.)

4. Stripes and Polka dots
I am obsessed with these two patterns and I find they can really make an outfit POP! Mixing these patterns is totally okay as well. Find a basic stripe and dot with a neutral background and it will become your fashion best friend. Throw on a bold colored cardigan or blazer and your outfit is practically set!

5. Texture and Color
Every wardrobe needs a few loud and colorful pieces to throw on when life gets dreary. So many people say, "I just can't wear 'that' color" or "You can wear that color but I could never pull it off." My answer is....just do it. Find 2-3 colors that look great with your skin tone and rotate them through your outfits. And while your at it, buy tops with interesting fabric draping or lace accents. Even with just a pair of jeans, these bold, detailed tops can make you look fancy and pulled together. If the color scares you a bit, throw a neutral cardigan over it to tone it down a tiny, teeny bit.

6. Animal Print
I love me some animal print...zebra....cheetah....bring it! I truly believe an animal print T or blouse is a fashion foundation piece. You can stay neutral with your pants and outer layer, but if you've thrown in a cheetah print top you have a winner! Keep the animal print simple and classy and it will be a wardrobe workhorse for you.

Styling Your Shape

Most of us REAL women don't have the perfect beach body. We have post baby bods, sometimes without the baby. Whether it's been 6 weeks or 6 years from our last baby (or extra piece of cake), that extra love remains. So we try everything and nothing works. We eventually give up on the dream of rock hard abs and chiseled legs. However what we wear is the perfect master of disguise if you know how to use it. I've created a few tips to create instant illusions of the perfect body without having the perfect body! Read on....

1. Flowy with structure on top and shaped on the bottom.
Unless you have the opposite problem of what you're trying to minimize, then reverse the shapes (shaped on top, flowy on the bottom). Flowy with structure on the top is the best way to hide any unwanted curves around the stomach area and bum, and the fitted or structured shape on the legs gives the illusion of the slimmer shape continuing up under the flowy piece. It's all a trick of the eye...Try a great flowy shirt, structured jacket with some skinny jeans. If you want to add heels, that always makes the legs look leaner and longer. (But I get it if you have younger kids that you are chasing all day. If I wear a heel, I usually keep a flat close by in case I need to sprint off when my son climbs a tree. I speak from experience!) You'll be amazed at how good you look! Make sure to keep reading to help pick the perfect pieces for you.

2. Buy clothes that fit. 
If you buy a shirt that is too big with plans to hide under it.....Guess what? It looks like you're trying to hide...which you are, but you don't want everyone else to know that. If you buy clothes that fit you properly, it shows off your natural curves and doesn't look like you're bigger than you really are. The inverse of this idea applies too. Avoid buying clothing that is too tight or two small. Wearing something that is too tight actually can make you look bigger than you actually are. Wearing the size that allows a little movement to the garment is actually way better.

3. Invest in a good bra.
You know what I'm talking about. It costs money but it makes a difference. Trust me! The best way to know you're wearing the right size is to go in a get measured. I know it may sound awkward, but it's not that bad. Make a girl date with a friend and do it together (separate dressing rooms, but together). When I did, I found out I was wearing the wrong size around and I was off 2 sizes in the cup! I didn't think it would be hard to find a proper bra on my own, but man I was wrong. This is one investment you will not regret...ever! Nordstrom's does an excellent job at measuring and helping you find the perfect fit.

4. Structure.
Make sure to have a couple of pieces that have some structure built into them. If you have a jacket/blazer that has great lines in itself, you don't have to worry about your natural lines. The jacket has them for you. The jacket should be darted in at the waist line and go out slightly at the bottom. This gives the hour glass figure even though that's not what's underneath. Viola!

This blazer has excellent waist darts and a clean line.

5. The right length.
Find the right length for you. The worst thing is finding a great dress but it stops below the knee. Not many people can pull that off. (If you're one of those people, tell me your secret!) Usually it's instant frumpiness! We don't want that. Even this super skinny model in the picture below doesn't look that great. The best lengths tend to be 1-2 inches above the knee or down to the ground. Don't be afraid to tailor a piece if you find something you love, but it's the wrong length. This is usually very inexpensive.

Not the most flattering length...on anybody!

6. Most importantly -CONFIDENCE!
The way you carry yourself is the biggest eye catcher! Since the good Lord made you a woman..Embrace it! Find a way to be confident again. Do something for yourself! Get a great hair cut, buy a couple of great pieces to add to your wardrobe, take a nap- whatever floats your boat--but find it! Other people will notice and so will you!

Let us know any great ideas of how you keep your confidence-o-meter full or if you had good results trying some of these tips. We would love to hear from you!

--Holly