Six Ways to Style---Printed Shorts!

This six ways post is kind of our last hurrah to summer where we live. Squeeze every lost drop out of this short wearing weather is what we say! If you live somewhere where you get to wear shorts more than just three months out of the year, I must say, I am jealous. If you took even a tiny look around stores this summer you had to have noticed a HUGE trend in shorts....printed and patterned shorts. You could find everything from bold florals and aztec prints to subtle dots and stripes. Holly and I both enjoyed this trend and thought we could give you our take on styling these fun bottoms. I stuck with the same denim polka dot pair from the Limited while Holly played around with plaids and prints.

1. Cut it Out!
I picked up these chambray-ish polka dot shorts at the Limited and have found that they go with just about anything. I first paired them with this cool cut out shirt, also from the Limited. The shirt has the cut out layer and then a colored layer underneath. The colored layer is the ever trendy hot orange and I love it with these printed shorts. Watch out though--necklaces tend to get stuck in the little cut-outs!

Top: Limited (no longer available)
Shorts: Limited (similar)
Sandals: Marshalls
Necklace: Forever 21(similar)

2. Say it with Layers
These shorts have a small multi-colored plaid pattern. I just picked out a couple of colors and layered my tanks accordingly. The lime green accents are the perfect added detail to make this look pop.

Tanks: Gray- Old Navy (similar)
            Lime- Target (similar)
Shorts: Target (similar)
Necklace: American Eagle (similar)

Sandals: Herberger's


3. Dot your I's
I ended up purchasing this Lauren Conrad shirt from Kohl's after I saw the gray version on J's Everyday Fashion blog. It was super inexpensive but has high end details. The turquoise color looks fantastic against these printed shorts. I pulled it together with a navy light weight cardigan and a cream statement necklace. I went with nude flats to let the color on top have the limelight.

Sweater: Limited (similar)
Top: Kohl's (same) They have it in coral too!
Shorts: Limited (similar)
Shoes: Kohl's (similar)
Necklace: Groopdealz

4. Scarf--meet shorts
Love the color combos possible with these shorts. They have dk brown, lt brown, beige, mustard, and blush tones. These colors ease into the fall season, so I chose to grab a scarf. This outfit would be super cute with a mustard shirt and a cardigan if it gets cool out but you're still committed to wearing shorts. Heels to kick it up a notch! Pun intended...haha!

Shirt: Target (similar)
Shorts: Kohls (similar)
Heels: Target (similar)
Scarf: Home made by yours truly (Pinterest)

5. Belt it Out
One of my favorite color combos is mustard yellow and blue. In this outfit I use the mustard as my color pop and then accented with several shades of blue in the shorts, shirt, and necklace. The cognac belt and shoes are the perfect accent to this color palette. 

Top: The Limited (similar)
Shirt: Kohl's (similar)
Shorts: Limited (similar)
Shoes: Target (similar)
Belt: Von Maur (similar)
Necklace: Groopdealz

6. Tee it up
Turquoise Tribal print!! Love tribal print! All these shorts need is a white T and some color poppin' accessories. The shorts carry the entire look. It took me like two seconds to get ready... EASY!

Shirt: Target (same)
Shorts: Old Navy (similar)
Belt: Old Navy(similar)
Necklace: American Eagle (see link above)
Sandals: Herberger's

Fashion Foundation: {Outer Layers}

Part three in our Fashion Foundation series! Check out our FF Tops and FF Bottoms posts too!

Layering is one of my favorite go-to fashion strategies. There is just something about an outer layer (or two!) that simply finishes off an outfit. The awesome thing about outer layers too is their versatility. A really good set of outer layer pieces can be mixed and matched to create dozens of outfits. We have linked examples of each piece this time--everything from Target and under 50 bucks! Whoo hoo! I cannot wait to show you at the end of our FF posts some outfits we have put together using only our FF pieces! Coming soon!

1. Blazers (Example)
Gone are the heavy shoulder padded blazers of the 80's folks. Today's blazers come in several cuts, lengths, and hues. I personally like my blazer to have a few darts in just the right places to give off slimming benefits. I cannot live without my boyfriend cut black blazer and often throw it over an outfit to give it that little extra BAM! I suggest owning a black blazer, a colored one that mixes well with your tops, and a blazer with a stripe. These three can be rotated beautifully--and add major options to your overall wardrobe.

2. Leather Jackets (Example)
These are not intended to act as weather related accessories but the beauty of them is that they DO! How great is it that they can provide warmth and style at the same time?! Look for leather jackets in neutral hues with feminine accents like ruffles or quilting. These accents keep the piece from looking too masculine. Leather jackets are perfect for layering over flowy tops or fitted shirts. Nail it big time by pairing a leather jacket over something super feminine like a lacey top.

3. and 4. Cardigans (Example) (Example)
I feel like such a crazy person when it comes to cardigans. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them for layering and have WAY too many. Granted I am a super sale shopper but my cardigan count is a bit out of control. I can't even type it here for fear that my husband with will read this and have an aneurysm. Anyway--cardigans are essential for layering purposes. We recommend a set of neutral cardigans, several pops of color, and for sure an animal print or two. Try and find cardigans with small details and embellishments such as sequins or lace. You will not regret having this foundation piece ever!

5. Jean Jacket (Example)
I wish I could say you could recycle your old denim jacket from days gone by but the answer is no. The denim jackets you can find now have so many things going for them. Find one that has a slightly  distressed tone and fitted shape. You can seriously throw this over dresses, flowy tops, fitted tops, anything. Work it in as a foundation piece to your outfits! (Side note--I use my chambray button up from the FF tops post just like a jean jacket but for warmer environments)

Are there other pieces that you HAVE TO have when it comes to outer layers? Share in the comments!

Next Fashion Foundation Post: Shoes!! 

Outfit Menu

I don't know about you but I am all about making my life easier. Balancing kids, jobs, hubbs, hobbies, and a social life is plain exhausting. I am constantly in search of ways to become more efficient in the everyday things I do. One thing that has been a HUGE help in my life is meal planning. I am willing to cook just about anything as long as I don't have to come up with WHAT to cook. I despise coming up with a menu especially while I am standing in the doorway of my pantry. Ugh. I hate it. However, when I began meal planning and actually writing down AHEAD OF TIME what we were going to eat each night for the week, the whole chore become less of, well, a chore. Since this post is not actually about meal planning head HERE to read more about ways to make meals easier on everybody.

Where is all this going? Oh yeah...meal planning got me thinking. How many times do I stand in the doorway of my closet feeling that same meal-planning-sense-of-dread when trying to come up with an outfit on the spot? Most likely I got up late, am in a rush, and my brain is either unable or unwilling to put something cute together. What do I do? Throw on the first thing that matches and call it good. Then end up with a bad case of outfit remorse the rest of the day. Hmmm, if I can plan my meals ahead of time maybe, just maybe I can plan my outfits ahead of time. Genius! I made myself a handy dandy chart (very similar to my meal planning one actually) and began planning a week's worth of outfits.

My Process:

-I do my laundry (or try to) on the weekend so I am all set up with clean clothes when I sit down to  plan my outfit menu.
-I usually plan my menu on Sunday
-I browse some fashion sites to get the creative juices flowin
-I take a gander at the weather forecast to plan for layering and shoes
-I challenge myself to come up with one really unique or different outfit--usually trying out a new color  combo or trend I have been secretly fearing!

Here is a sample of one of my menus. It was back to school this week for me and my building does not have any air conditioning. The temp the first day was 97 degrees! I definitely kept this in mind when planning my outfits!

Things I figured out in the process (I've been doing this for over a year): 

1. I have waaay more clothes then my hurried brain gives me credit for. When I actually took the time to plan my outfits it felt like my closet tripled. I had time to hunt for certain things and found "new" items in the process. I utilize my closet much better because of the menu.
2. I love looking online at my fave fashion blogs for inspiration and making my outfit menu allowed me the excuse to make time to do this.
3. I kept hold of past outfit menus and I could see when the last time I had worn a shirt, pants, or entire outfit.
4. This outfit plan makes my mornings so so so much better because I am not wasting time searching for something to wear.
5. I didn't always stick to exactly what I had planned but because it WAS planned, it was easier to be spontaneous and make a quick switch.
6. I need to do a closet inventory. I wish I had a list of all my stuff. I've done a little research and found some apps that could make this happen. Will keep you posted.

Are you up for the challenge? Click on the link below and download a copy of my weekly outfit menu. Please let me know how it works for you.

Tutor My Style's Weekly Outfit Menu 

Let us know in the comments what you think of planning your outfits "menu" style! 

Six Ways to Style--Blue skinnies!

I have owned this blue pair of skinnies for nearly two years and am still madly in love with them. I worried a bit when I bought them that they would be a flash-in-the-pan trend...not so! September's issue of InStyle magazine has this cobalt hue as a huge fall trend to watch and wear. I snagged mine at Marshall's for a song and they are still paying dividends! We hope you can see how many different ways you can style this bold hue.

Where to find some blue skinnies/bottoms of your own:
Old Navy: Boyfriend cropped
Old Navy: Skinny
Gap: Straight Cords

1. Black and Blue
This look is perfect for Sunday morning church service or a night out on the town. The cardigan brings the texture, while the sleeveless brings the bling. It goes great with the bright blue to take it up a notch! Love it!!

Cardigan: Target (similar)
Sleeveless: Good Will $3.99! (similar)
Shoes: Payless (similar)

2. Right Stripes
This outfit takes advantage of the monochromatic look--wearing the same color from head to toe. The shirt is broken up by a gray stripe which works perfectly with the large, comfy cardigan. Silver accessories finish up the look.

Top: Von Maur (similar)
Cardigan: Von Maur (similar)
Pants: Marshalls
Shoes: Target (similar)

3. Right as Rainbow
Color Blocking! YAY! One of my favorite trends right now. There is a little blue detail in the tank to pull it together, but the pink says POW! I love it! This is a great summer look to brighten anyone's day. I chose a nude flat...to not get too crazy...and I didn't want to take away from the outfit itself.

Cardigan: Gap (similar)
Tank: Wal-Mart $3.00! (similar)
Shoes: Von Maur (Born) (similar)


4. Leather and Lace
I love mixing masculine and feminine pieces together in an outfit. The leather jacket's edgy vibe is softened by the lace, neutral top. This neutral pairing on the top begs for a pop of color on the bottom and these blue pants are just the ticket. Cognac wedges and gold accessories add some essential shine.

Jacket: Target (same-on clearance for 19.99!)
Top: Limited  (similar)
Pants: Marshalls
Shoes: Target (similar)
Necklace: Charlotte Russe (similar)

5. Are you blushing?
I found this color combo on Pinterest. I was looking for some ideas of  colors that I wouldn't usually put together, but as soon as I saw them I wondered, "Why didn't I think of that?" This blush shirt with the white jacket plays as a base to tone down the poppin' pants. I added a little cognac color for accessories for the finishing touch.

Blazer: Cotton On (similar)
Shirt: Target (similar)
Shoes: Target (similar)

6. Chevron Comfort
We get it. Sometimes you just wanna be (have to be) comfy. However, we do not get why comfy should be frumpy? Comfy can be cute and it does not take anymore effort than frumpy comfy does. Take this outfit for example: Perfect tee, casual cardi, and an adorable print scarf= super comfy AND cute. Plus you could walk around all day in these essential nude flats. Lets unite and demand comfy and cute!

Scarf: Homemade
Tee: Target (same)
Cardigan: Gap Outlet (similar)
Shoes: Kohl's (see link above for nude flats #3)
Bracelets: Stacked



 

Color Blocking

Color blocking is just simply putting together two or three solid color items to create your look. This can be done very easily by choosing colors that go together. Not matching, just go together. A great place to start getting ideas is the good ole color wheel we all learned about in elementary school. The colors on opposite sides of the wheel are complementary colors, this means...they compliment each other. Blues & oranges, purples & yellows, and reds & greens (just be careful not to look to Christmas-y) You don't have to only go by those colors. Open up your wardrobe pallet of colors and see what you come up with.



Here are a few of my favorites-

 

Now get creating! Let us know of some great color combos you come up with! Hopefully this helped spark some inspiration for you.

~Holly

Trend Watch: Origami Owl

I have to admit. I was upstaged by my husband by something that had to do with fashion and accessories. Yes, I'm admitting it. He gave me the most thoughtful gift this past Mother's Day and I could not believe that I had never heard of it before then. It's an adorable home party based business--Origami Owl--that sells jewelry with a twist. Their main line of jewelry is a set of Living Lockets. You get to build a locket by adding charms and dangles that is super personalized and gorgeous.  Here is a pic of the one my hubby designed for me~

 

There are seven charms in mine (two are hiding in this pic).

Apple~ My teaching job

Camera~ My photography business

Treble Clef Sign~ My love of music

Mom heart~ My four ladies 

"I love you' sign~ Our special sign from his basketball days

Wings~ My business logo and fave symbol in general

Fish~ My faith

I eventually hosted a party soley in the hopes of getting some free Origami Owl loot from my ever growing wishlist. Several of the ladies at my party designed necklaces of their own and fell in love with this trend too--including Holly! I ended up with a stunning gold locket as well as a chocolate one and a rose gold one. I love that I can mix and match and change and add to my lockets whenever I would like.

If you are looking for THE PERFECT and UNIQUE gift to give someone in your life--this is it. I get asked about mine all of the time and love sharing my story of how my husband knew about a trend before I did! (I honestly get nothing for talking about this. I simply talk about trends I love and this is one of those...big time.)

Check out the Origami Owl story! It was started by a 14 year old girl hoping to save for her dream car. 

Want to order one? My O2 designer would love to help you out! kelleystiele@gmail.com

Six Ways to Style--Three Colors!

We are back after a mini vacay! These girls are trying to hold on to every last bit of summer time!

Holly and I were chatting about one of my favorite trends--Origami Owl (post coming next week on this!) living lockets. We were flipping through the catalog for the necklaces and kept noticing how much we loved the color palette of the catalog. Ding!! Idea!! How about a Six Ways post that shows how you can style SIX DIFFERENT OUTFITS using only THREE COLORS + a unifer?? It was actually waaaay easier than we thought and we cannot wait to try a fall version. The colors we chose were: pink (hot and neon), neon yellow, and turquoise. We chose white as a base or unifying color in several of the outfits as well. Each color is represented in each outfit at least once. No matter how BIG or small! We hope you love it as much as we do!! Give us some suggestions for future three color posts in the comments.

1. Shorts Savvy
I have been sportin these hot pink shorts from Old Navy all summer long. They are soft and comfy and pop my outfit and my mood all in one fell swoop. Paired with my favorite white tee from Target and life is good. I added our two other colors using turquoise flats and necklace and a neon belt. 

Shorts: Old Navy (similar)
Tee: Target (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy(similar)
Belt: Forever 21(similar)
Necklace: Bass Outlet

2. Right on Ruffles
This dress was another great clearance purchase from Old Navy. It has incredible color versatility and I find myself wearing it to run errands or to an afternoon wedding. The hot pink, ruffled cardi demands to be noticed and almost gets outshone by the neon belt, shoes, and bracelet. 

Cardigan: New York and Co (similar)
Dress: Old Navy (similar)
Belt: Forever 21(similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (see link above)
Bracelet: Burlington Coat Factory

3. Maxi Style
Love maxi skirts this season! This one is turquoise and sometimes I question what to put with it...Until I started color blocking. I paired it with a white shirt with mini neon stripes. The hot pink statement necklace and sandals finishes it off for another pop of color.

Skirt: homemade by Emily's Mom
Shirt: Old Navy (similar)
Necklace: Jo-Ann Fabrics! $5.99 (same)
Sandals: Marshalls (similar)

4. Pump It Up
Any excuse to wear these turquoise pumps and this girl is going to take it. These shoes make my feet happy. People often say they could not pull of a brightly hued shoe and I say--do it anyway. I love the color blocked feel to this entire outfit and will totally admit that it has lead me to at least three other color blocked outfits--more from Holly on this later! 

Blazer: JC Penney (similar)
Top: The Limited
Belt: Target (similar)
Pants: Gap
Shoes: JC Penney (similar)

5. Rock This Trio
White is such a good summer neutral! It tones down the colors if your not feeling too adventurous.The pink and neon brighten up the top and the turquiose accessories pulls it all together. ADORABLE!!

Cardigan: Limited
Shirt: Gap
Pants: Ann Taylor Loft
Necklace: Jo-Ann Fabrics! $3.99 (same)
Shoes: Old Navy (See link above)

6. Accessory Ace
I love this 3/4 turquoise sleeve shirt. I wear it all year round. Throw it with white shorts and it's a summer look. Easy Peasy! (Sorry, I have kids) I added a pink belt, then a neon necklace and sandals. It all just goes together, we were having trouble picking our favorite 6 for you from all of our creations.

Shirt: Old Navy (similar)
Shorts: Old Navy
Belt: Target (See link above)
Necklace: American Eagle
Sandals: Herbergers

Six Ways to Style--Denim Shorts!

Who doesn't love to throw on some denim cutoffs during the summer? I have several pair ranging from a bit dressy to seriously distressed. In this post we are going to show you how to mix your desire for comfort with your desire to be darn cute. Both can happen with your denim shorts taking the lead!

 Our FAVE denim shorts: American Eagle, Old Navy, The Limited
Holly's are cut-offs from an old pair of jeans! Upcycle peopel!  

1. Coordinated Comfort
This is how most of us wear our denim shorts--with a tee. If this is where you want to stay with your denim simply knock it up a notch and choose a tee in a trendy color like this hot orange. A simply silver necklace and coordinating sandals make you look like you took a little extra time and it goes a long way. 

Tee: Target (similar)
Necklace: Cookie Lee Boutique
Sandals: Marshalls

2. Cardi Party
It may seem strange to pair denim shorts with a long sleeve cardigan--a contrast in seasons perhaps? Not so fast. Cardigans are the perfect layering element for cooler summer days and over zealous air conditioning.

Caridgan: Ann Taylor Loft  (similar)
Tank: Gap (similar)
Shoes: Maurices (basic flip flop)

3. Neon is Nice
I promise not to waste your time here with how much I love neon. Click on any post to the right and read all about it! This flowy top from Old Navy gives a punch of color in a very feminine way. Its loose bottom is perfect fit over some distressed denim shorts. I went with a nude flat to accent the nude print on the shirt. Dressing up denim is as easy as that. 

Tank: Old Navy (basic tank)
Top: Old Navy (similar)
Flats: Kohls (similar)
Necklace: American Eagle (similar)

4. Print Statement
Don't get stuck in the denim rut where they only work as a casual option. This outfit sports a sweater and an adorable statement necklace that bring these denim cut-offs an air of sophistication and style. The printed flats keep it all playful. 

Sweater: Marshalls
Necklace: GroopDealz
Flats: Target (similar)

5. Blazer knows best
On the same note as outfit #4, adding a blazer to denim shorts simply and immediately raises the style number of denim. Jeans/shorts are not just for casual days. You can easily dress them up and make them work for dressy occasions too. The simple tee and bright bubble necklace make the whole outfit shine.

Blazer: Marshalls
Tee: Target
Necklace: Groopdealz
Shoes: Target

6. Denim and Lace
This picture is less than stellar but the overall idea is there---a simple white tank with an adorable lace vest over the top makes for a super cute, casual denim outfit. You can still be uber comfy yet pull of girly style at the same time. I wore this outfit to a photo session and was cool and comfy and cute with hardly having to try.

Tank: Old Navy (similar)
Lace Vest: TJ Maxx (similar)
Flats: Old Navy (similar)
Necklace: old 

Mint and Red

Mint and Red by hollymuilenburg featuring high waisted pants

Rich Royal rich royal
$50 - zalando.co.uk

Pieces high waisted pants
$43 - nelly.com

Ked
keds.com

Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian gold necklace
shopthetrendboutique.com

Color Blocking/ Blue & Orange

Color Blocking/ Blue & Orange by hollymuilenburg featuring stephan & co

Joie colorful tank top
$205 - harveynichols.com

Long sleeve sweater
amazon.com

Levi’s Made & Crafted levi s made & crafted jeans
theoutnet.com

Coach ballet flat
coach.com

Stephan Co stephan co
nordstrom.com

OOTD--a little more red!

Carrying over our red blazer love from this weekend's Six Ways to Style post! 

Sweater: Limited

Tank: Old Navy

Shorts: Limited

Necklace: Groopdealz

Shoes: Target

The goal of this outfit was to be stylish yet also to stay cool. I always layer--even in the summer--because although it is hot outside, the air conditioning in most places is frigid. The shorts add a playful vibe to the whole outfit while the wedges do their best to make my short legs appear long! Plus--you gotta love the RED! 

Six Ways To Style--a RED blazer!

Boy was I thrilled to add this fiery piece to my wardrobe--It will be featured in an upcoming Fashion Foundation on outer layers too! I personally love blazers as outer layers because they cleanly and simply bring an outfit a level of sophistication not many other layers can do. This red one is such an awesome pop of color and can carry pretty much amp up any outfit singlehandedly. We tried to pair the blazer with other fashion foundation items to help double your outfit options. We also tried to keep the color palette of the outfits securely in the neutral zone to let the blazer do all the talking and all the workin.


 Red Blazer from the Limited (similar, similar, similar)

 1. Chambray and Cuffs
You all know about our love affair with chambray...and chambray and red are perfect together. Cuffing the chambray over the red blazer gives this a laid back vibe. The white pants act as brightener for the whole outfit.  Top it off (or bottom it off..) with a pair of neutral flats and you are out the door.

Top: Charlotte Russe (similar)
Pants: Old Navy (similar)

Shoes: garage sale $1 (similar)


2. Red Hot Polka Dot
I am a big sucker for polka dots. We mentioned how a good polka dot tee/tank/blouse should be part of your fashion foundation because of its versatility. It acts as a pattern but doesn't steal the show or fight with other patterns you may want to pair it with. It is the perfect accent to the blazer here. We styled it with jeans to give the whole outfit a casual/day vibe.

Shirt: Forever 21 (same)
Pants: Union Bay, Herbergers (similar)
Shoes: Sperry (similar)

3. Black Means Business
Here is an outfit with a lesson in contrast. The black and red are both bold colors that demand attention. However, when placed together they act like best friends. The white bottom is the perfect balancer. Throw in a feminine vibe with some girly T sandals. 

Top: gift (similar)
Shorts: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Marshalls (similar)


4. Target Khaki
Am I the only one who avoids pairing red with khaki for fear of being see as someone who works at Target? Don't get me wrong, I luurve Target but I do not want to be asked which aisle the baby oil is in because the poor soul saw my red and khaki and made an assumption. However, there is a reason Target went with this color combo--it looks GOOD together. Get over your (or maybe it is just my) fear and throw a little subtle khaki on with your red blazer. Maybe just don't go to Target while you have it on.

Top: Limited (similar)
Necklace: Groopdealz (similar)
Shorts: New York & Co. (similar)
Gold Flats: Target (similar)

5. Graphic Know How
A blazer paired with a graphic T is super trendy right now so get going on it! Some people care too much about what is on their graphic T when you really just need something with visual interest that grabs the eye. This graphic T is not where you profess your love for your favorite 80's band but a piece that pops underneath your blazer. We threw in some color blocked leggings to continue the visual interest on the bottom half. The wedge booties elongate the legs and are the perfect finish to the look. 

Tee: H&M (similar)

Bottoms: Target (similar)

Shoes:  Target (similar)

6. Anchor's Away
Anchor graphics are BIG BIG right now. People enjoy them for all sorts of different reasons. I personally love the spiritual significance of the anchor and its relation to hope. I had placed an anchor T on my shopping wish list and always had my eye out. The Limited is carrying a line right now with anchors as the graphic focus. I snagged this top during their 40% sale and have been in love ever since. I love the nautical feel it gives off when paired with this red blazer. The distressed shorts make this outfit wearable while the wedges lead the eye downward and tie the whole thing together.

Top: Limited (same)
Shorts: American Eagle (similar)
Shoes: Target (same)

OOTD: Neon & Stripes

Sleeveless: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: Target

Neon skinnies: Good Will $7.99! (Target brand)

Belt: Old Navy

Flats: garage sale for $1! 

This look is perfect for cooler days we've been having lately. This neon green is my new favorite "color pop" essential. Love it!

~Holly