Hanger Rant and Rave

RANT:
Part of having a sizable and seasonal wardrobe means having to deal with hangers. No, this is not a first world problem, I get it. However, something as simple as hangers does impact my style choices on a daily basis. Why? I have never really been satisfied with how my clothes hang on your typical white, plastic hanger. There is the problem of slippage. And the problem of hanger bumps (We call them something altogether different that I won't share here. Don't ask). And the problem of closet space with all those clunky hangers. I know for a fact that I am not the only one with such issues. Even clothes manufacturers have tried to solve some of these issues. How about those utterly annoying plastic/ribbon thing-ys they put in the shoulder seams for you to "use" to keep your item on the hanger. I honestly have a love/hate relationship with these things (WHAT are they called anyway?!) I love them when they keep my cardigan on the hanger, but I HATE them when I am wearing the cardigan and trying to keep them from being visible. Ugh. Not really a solution to me. Where am I going with all of this? Well, I decided to make an investment in the hanger department. I have been spending some of my "fashion budget" on a solution to my hanger issues. By buying new hangers. Yep. Velvet/felt hangers. The benefits of this type of hanger?

RAVE!
1. They are coated in a velvety/felty finish and clothes absolutely DO NOT slide, slip, or fall off. Even if you hold the hanger and shake vigorously. Believe me, I've tried. Even tanks and skinny straps....there is a little notch on the ends for even more non-slip for these dainty items.

2. The hangers are able to curve down at the end (because slippage is not an issue) so you do not get those unsightly hanger bumps on the shoulders of your clothes.

3. The hangers are considerably thinner than the cheap plastic ones and cumulatively take up so much less space.

The only "downside?"

These hangers cost a pretty chunk more than conventional plastic hangers. At Target you can get 80 white plastic hangers for $24.99. Target sells a version of the velvet hangers--sold as Huggable hangers--48 hangers for $39.00. I have approached this by buying a set of hangers each month and slowly turning my closet over to these types a bit at a time. I have also found a set of 30 for $9.99 at Walmart and a set of 25 for $12.99 at TJ Maxx. Slowly but surely I am reaping the benefits listed above and am a hanger convert! Just wanted to spread a little hanger love with you all!

Walmart

Target

Overstock

Beauty Bite {Brush Cleaning}

Not so long ago I recommended a Sigma brush for applying liquid foundation. Check the post out here if you haven't read it yet. I have even since purchased another Sigma brush for my concealer that I love as well. I still adore both the brushes but have been experiencing a strained relationship with them since I discovered how often they needed to be cleaned. I used to be a sponge applicator user for my foundation and rarely...if ever... cleaned my sponges. Once mine got gucky I would simply toss it and get a new one. One can afford to do this because sponges are cheap-o. However, I much prefer the application and finish of the F80 flat brush...and I cannot simply toss it when it gets gucky....So....I had to find a way to clean it and maintain its ability to create a flawless finish. Let me walk you through my discovery process and reward you at the end with the ultimate process I now use and adore. You're welcome for saving you tons of time trying to find the right method. Go ahead and skip to the end if you would like.

First off, my brushes BEFORE cleaning. This is what they would look like after one week of daily use. 

At this point they are pretty much useless for foundation application. The bristles are full with product and will just leave streaks at this point. In the end it IS better to wash your brushes each week. This will prevent bacteria from festering and growing...and then be given a free ride all over your face. 

1. The first thing I tried was olive oil and Dawn dish soap. This had so-so results. However, to get the so-so results I had to work so, so hard swirling and scrubbing to get the makeup to break down and leave the bristles. It was exhausting. I kept thinking I'd rather have acne. (Not really, but you know what I mean). 

2. The next thing I tried was based on a tutorial I found on line. This gal had you soak your brush in a small amount of rubbing alcohol which would help break the makeup down. Then she had you use the palm of your hand with some Dawn dish soap and keep swirling until the suds ran out and the water ran clear. This process actually worked SO WELL. My brushes looked and felt amazing. However, I felt like after each wash the bristles were becoming dryer and dryer and starting to fray out. I was not too happy. So I asked the lady at Sigma and she said....

3. To use baby shampoo and the brush cleaning mitt they sell at Sigma (for $35.00!). I said no to the mitt but was willing to try the baby shampoo. This method really did not work at all. Liquid foundation is very stubborn and I was back to scrubbing and swirling with little result...a la number one. Nope. 

So...I spent some quality time with my good friend Google and came up with the method I have stuck with and love the results. 

4. Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap--I know...I had never heard of it either. Target carries it in their Burt's Bees, Say Yes to Carrots section in the beauty aisles. This is an all natural soap that can be used for pretty much anything. Laundry, face, hair...etc. I soaked my brushes in the soap for about 10 minutes. I then did the swirling/scrubbing in the palm of my hand method for about 5 minutes. It all took minimal work and time and the result was similar to the drying alcohol. Bonus--the soap smells like peppermint! I have used this method many times now and really think I have found the one I will stick with. Side note--always dry your brushes bristles down so water does not leak back into the fennel and mess with the glue. Also--there is a difference between synthetic brushes (which my Sigma ones ARE) and natural goat hair brushes. Make sure to check your brushes before you wash them. 

AFTER:

Let me know if you have another method I should try! Or try this method and let me know what you think! 

Clearance find [OOTD}

There's nothing like rushing through Target trying to snag a last minute supply for homemade valentine's when a cute little dress catches your eye. Even better when you go check it out and it is on clearance for $11.48! I have always wanted to get my hands on a striped dress after seeing a post on Putting Me Together on how she styles hers....and then to snag one on Target clearance?! Get out! It has the cutest details too--cuffed sleeves, a zipper on the right shoulder, and a scalloped hem. It came in burgundy and navy as well. I've worn this beauty three times since then and have styled it several different ways and it is pretty much a no fail. I love mixing the black and brown together as well. Now I must be on a search for a lightweight version for spring and summer!

{Shop the Style}

Sweater: Target

Dress: Target

Tights: Target

Boots: Steve Madden

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Six Ways to Style! {A Plaid Shirt}

Whew! Better late than never on this post! We are in the midst of a very busy basketball season for both my daughter and my hubby and blogging and watching an intense game just don't mix! I've been blessed with a long weekend so here is a new Six Ways. I picked up this plaid shirt at Forever 21 a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed styling it. I am even on the lookout now for one with even more red. Keep your eye out for one for me! I love the bright hues in this shirt and how it goes together with so many different closet pieces. I didn't even get pics of one of my favorite ways to wear this shirt--as a an underlayer--because I had so many other looks I wanted to fit in. Let us know how you style this trendy piece.

Need a plaid shirt?

One    /   Two   /   Three 

1. Maxi

I love this comfy look. This is a great way to wear your maxi in colder weather. Tying off the shirt keeps the look loose and casual. The finishing touches of a red scarf and red flats are spot on. 

Skirt: homemade

Flats: Gordman's

Scarf: Boutique

2. Army Vest

We did a post earlier on how to style this army vest and it has continued to be a fashion star for me. It adds an extra layer of warmth while being effortlessly stylish at the same time. As for the shoes--I have been totally swept up into the bootie trend and struggled at first to style them with skinny jeans. I wasn't in love with the scrunched up look. I solved the issue by cuffing or rolling my skinnies up to work with the height of the booties. Love! 

Vest: Old Navy

Skinnies: American Eagle

Boots: Kohl's

3. Cardigan

Pairing a neutral cardigan over this bold hued shirt is a perfect styling option. The neutral cardigan balances out the pattern of the shirt as well. 

Cardigan: American Eagle

Skinnies: American Eagle

Boots: Not Rated

4. Puffer Vests

Here in the frozen tundra (and I mean that LITERALLY) I need as many warm layers as I can find while still looking stylish. I have reached for my puffer vests over and over this winter. They had tons of warmth and keep you looking cute despite the frigid temps raging outside. I balanced my top half with my mustard skinnies which pull out the slight yellow in the plaid shirt. 

Vest: Eddie Bauer

Skinnies: Herberger's 

Booties: Old Navy

5. Blazer

This look was an OOTD of mine a few weeks back. I have worn it at least twice since then. It is dressy enough for my job yet cozy enough to feel dressed down. The bottoms are my FAVE coated navy skinnies. I would probably even throw on a cream scarf with this too!

Blazer: The Limited

Skinnies: Old Navy

Flats: Target

6. Color Match

This is my running around on errands casual look with this plaid shirt. A flowy top keeps me comfortable and loose. The red skinnies are a color match for the red in the shirt and gives the whole look continuity. I accessorized with a turquoise necklace and red flats. 

Top: The Limited

Skinnies: Gap

Flats: Target 

From blah...to BAM!

Starting a new post series on how to take an outfit from blah---to BAM! A basic to beautiful kind of thing. I really believe that most women want to look stylish for their own reasons. However, some women simply don't feel like they know how to "put something together." It may be that you are not sure of what colors "go" or if this shirt goes with those pants..?  It happens so often and we get frustrated so often that we just throw on the basics and walk out the door. I want this post series to show that it really doesn't take much (effort or items) to make an outfit pop. On to exhibit A....

Don't get me wrong..there isn't a single thing WRONG with this outfit. It's centered on an adorable graphic sweatshirt from Old Navy and dark skinnies will never lead you astray. However, it's simply a little BLAH. It has a very muted color scheme and the cream of the sweater can wash even a tan person out. The point here is to ratchet it up a notch by adding or changing a few small things to make it say BAM! Exhibit B....

Well, now I'm not sure about you but this is definitely on the road to better...if not BAM! The changes and additions took me all of about 4-5 minutes to do but I think the overall effect and therefore the overall outfit is much improved. I added color to the neutral tone of the sweatshirt by adding a coral button up as an under layer. I just love the pops of color peeking out from the collar, sleeves, and bottom. I accessorized with a spikey statement necklace and a chunky silver bracelet. These two small additions help finish the look and are evidence that you took just a tiny bit of extra time. I also made a change to my shoes. The flats are adorbs but I just felt that the look would be complete with some slouchy black boots instead. I made four quick additions/changes and the whole look is greater than the sum of its parts! Blah....to BAM! 

Shop My Style (really just go to Old Navy and you'll be golden:) 

Button Up: Old Navy

Sweatshirt: Old Navy

Tuxedo Skinnies: Old NAvy 

Necklace: Old Navy

Boots: Steve Madden

Bracelet: Southern Comfort (gift from my sista!)

OOTD: Rust Inspiration

Emily's Rust Sweater Six Ways post got me thinking about my rust cardigan.  This is one of my favorite outfits this season. I love it with leopard print! I chose a cream tiny polka-dot print T to go under and some blinged out flats to finish it off. Comfy and casual. Perfect for this growing Mama!

Cardigan: Target

Polka-dot T: Target

Scarf: Burlington Coat Factory

Shoes: Target

~Holly

Beauty Beat~ {Lipstick Routine}

I feel like I have been fielding lots of questions regarding my lipstick routine and offering up some recommendations as of late. It seems a bit odd because I was not a real big lip product user until just a few years ago. In the past I would slather on a bit of lip color for a big event or night out and that was about it. It all changed when I noticed a pattern in photographs of myself--it "appeared" in the pictures that I had barely visible lips. Eyes, nose, cheek, and teeth. Wait. What? Where'd my lips go? Well, they went the same shade as my skin and practically became nonexistent when photographed. I decided the way to solve it was to invest in some lip products. However, I have some long standing issues with lip products. I don't like products that dry my lips out and I want lip color to last. Turns out I could totally get the first but have come to grips with the second taking, well- second place. Here is my lipstick routine with a few tips sprinkled in.

1. EOS lip balm (or any lip balm): (Get some!)
This is not step number one because its the first thing I do in my routine. It is number one because I believe it is THE most important step in ANY lipstick routine. Bottom line folks--your lipstick is only going to look as good as the lips underneath (this same applies to skin ladies--more on that in a later post!) Keep your lips hydrated at all times and you will have to do less exfoliating and your lips will age better and age you less. I also throw a bit of lip balm on every time before I apply lipstick--makes the whole process slicker.

2. Exfoliation: (Get some!)
Our lips shed skin just like every other part of our bodies. The WORST thing you can do is let your lips get caked with dry skin. Any lipstick, no matter how great or expensive is not going to look good on dry, cakey lips. I do two things about three times a week to keep my lips exfoliated and free of flakey skin.-- After I am finished brushing my teeth, I brush my lips (yup) with my tooth brush. This gets a nice layer of dead skin good and gone. Then, I use my ELF lip exfoliator at night before I go to bed to get rid of another layer. Once I got into the habit of both of these my lips have been uber soft and flake free. Believe me, this makes putting on lipstick a much better experience.

3. Lip liner: (Get some!)
Once my lips are prepped and ready to go I apply a lip liner. This is definitely an extra step that I believe is worth doing. Lip liner keeps your lipstick from bleeding out into the tiny fine lines around your mouth. It also acts as a primer to help your lipstick last. I use a shade very close to my natural color so I don't have any dark line issues or discoloration. My favorite brand of lip liner is the Exaggerate line by Rimmel. My two favorite shades are Innocent and Addiction. They have a matte, long-lasting finish that I love.

4. Lipstick: (Get some!)
Some days I go for the full lipstick look. When I do, I reach for my all time fave color and finish--MAC Lustre in Hug Me. This is not the first time I have mentioned this on the blog and I fear it will not be the last. It has a wonderfully smooth finish and the color is just two notches above my natural color. Annnnd it shows up in pictures without making me look like a clown.

5 & 6: Lip Gloss: Revlon Lip Butters  Clinique Chubby Sticks
 I think my biggest issue with lip products is their lack of staying power. The ones that claim to be 12-hour are often drying and feel horrible on my lips. One day I simply decided to get over it. So I have to reapply? Big whoop. However, if I was going to reapply I wanted a product that I could do so in a pinch and without a mirror. My two faves in this category are my Revlon Lip Butters and Clinique Chubby Sticks. Both of these products go well over my liner, have great color payoff, are moisturizing and have decent staying power. They both also reapply easily. I have gotten in the habit of having one out on my desk and I add a new swipe about every two hours. I truly feel like it finishes off my overall look no matter how much or how little other makeup I am wearing.

Share your lip tips below! 

OOTD: {same tones}

Putting together an outfit of same tones can be tricky, but have a great result. Here I chose more dull tones that are similar, but just enough of a difference to create detail. Grey tank, olive cardigan and soft brown scarf. I added my leopard flats for a little pop of sass. As you have heard us mention, a leopard flat goes just about everything!

Cardigan: Target

Tank: Old Navy

Scarf: Small town boutique

Leopard Flats: Target

~Holly



Six Ways to Style~ {A Mustard Cardigan}!

I have been in love with the color mustard (some people call it butterscotch? totally sounds better but I'm not quite sold) for several years now. It all started with the purchase of a mustard cardigan (#6 below) about three years ago from the Limited. I find myself reaching for it often as it really goes so well with so many other colors. My cardigan is light weight and has a bit of a stitching design in it. This sweater inspired me to get mustard skinnies and shoes! Grab yourself a fashion piece in this versatile hue!

Mustard Cardigans!    1  /   2   /   3

1. Belt it Off

I tried this outfit two ways--the belt around the shirt AND the cardigan and the belt just around the shirt (pictured) and  I had a hard time deciding which one I preferred. I finally went with the belt around just the shirt as I felt it would "stay" in place more than outside the cardigan. The shirt has a very drapey feel and worked perfectly with this set-up. The cream skinnies and bold statement necklace help the dots on the shirt pop. I threw on red flats for a little party for my feet! 

Cardigan: Limited

Top: Ann Taylor

Pants: Old Navy

Necklace: Groopdealz

Flats: Target

Belt: Target

2. Animal Print

This tank is a cool olive tone on the top layer with a sparkly, sequined bronze layer underneath. It really catches the light and shines! I went monochromatic with the pants and let the cardigan carry most of the color payoff. This mustard cardigan looks fabulous with neutral colors. 

Tank: Limited

Pants: Old Navy

Necklace: Premier

Shoes: Target

3. Contrast Color

I think this is quite possibly my favorite mustard color combo. Man it just WORKS with turquoise. It helps that this top is one of my all time faves in my closest. It's by Lauren Conrad for Kohls and simply has the nicest neckline, shape, and drape to it. Plus it's turquoise which is my favorite color. (How many times can I say favorite people?) Paired with some skinny kick jeans from AE and cognac pumps I think the outfit speaks for itself! 

Top: Kohl's

Jeans: American Eagle

Shoes: Andrew Gellar DSW

Necklace: Origami Owl

Watch: Michael Kors

4. Graphic Casual

Navy is another great neutral that looks great against this mustard sweater. I chose my anchor T and some coated navy skinnies to pair with the cardi. I can't leave the house without a scarf and I happen to have a new, homemade navy one! Throw in a little bling with some gold sequined flats and you can look comfy, cute, and sassy all at the same time. 

Scarf: Homemade

Tee: Limited

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

5. Chambray

A chambray button up is a perfect layering piece underneath a cardigan. Roll the cuffs up and over the cardigan sleeves and you look effortlessly chic. Adding another bold hue on the bottom with some wine skinnies (really hard to see here--sorry) lets you be bold and basic at once. I matched my top and bottom by adding mustard flats. 

Chambray: Old Navy

Skinnies: Limited

Flats: Target

6. Dress It Up

This outfit is the whole reason the mustard obsession started. This exact outfit was at the Limited on a mannequin. I went backed to the store like 5 times waiting for regular prices to go 40% off....and they did. The shirt is beautiful and iridescent and can be worn with some many neutral bottoms. I chose some dressy gray slacks and high heeled booties. This is a perfect outfit for me at work and I sport it often! Thank you mustard cardi for being so reliable! 

Top: Limited

Pants: NY & Co. 

Necklace: Herberger's 

Shoes: Old