{OOTD} faux fur vest

 I like to be trendy when it comes to fashion. Not too-too trendy though. When I see a new trend I tend to sit back and watch for a bit. Who all is jumping on the trend? What age group claims it? How long is it going to last? One of the trends I waited THE LONGEST to join was the skinny jean trend. I was convinced it was going to be a flash in the pan! Hah! What do I know?!

Anyway- faux fur is a trend I've been watching for a while. I'm still not convinced I'm an any kind of fur gal. I kept seeing faux fur pieces like everywhere and they just wouldn't let be be. When I fear something is über trendy and I think its popularity will burn very quickly, I buy it in its cheapest form so as to not feel guilty when it hangs lonely and forgotten in the back of my closet. I saw this fur vest at Target nearly a month ago but didn't want to pay $27.99 for it and vowed to keep my eye on it. Well, during Black Friday Target had ALL of their clothing 40% off! I went for it. $16 is perfectly fine for a trendy items in my book. Turns out I absolutely LOVE IT! Hears hoping I can wear it for a good while!

{Shop the Style}

Vest: Target

Sweater: Target 

Leggings: American Eagle (cutest zipper at the ankle)

Socks: target

Boots: JC Penney

Necklace: Forever 21 

OOTD {Easter}

I love to plan my outfit for Easter. I'll admit, its partially because I have an excuse to buy a new dress. Not just for me either~ my ladies all get new dresses too. My youngest even asked if she could get a maxi dress this year! It was a pretty proud mama moment I must say!

Fashion aside, my hubs and I really try and make sure the true message of Easter gets to the hearts and minds of our girls. We were actually really shocked this year at how much Easter is starting to feel like Christmas with people's need to buy gifts. Gifts? Really? Maybe a few eggs hidden here and there and a new tub of sidewalk chalk but c'mon. Bottom line--Jesus died for our sins. That is THE gift. He is Risen!

I should have snapped a few outfit pics of the whole fam because we were really all decked out to head to church for Easter. AND....it was the most beautiful day so far this year. 75 and sunny with a slight breeze. Such a blessing! So, here's what I wore...

{Shop the Style}

Dress: Target (similar)

Cardigan: Marshall's

Shoes: Target (same)

Necklace: F21 (same)

Bracelets: Mix

Trend Watch: {Print on Print}

Trend Watch: Print on Print

 So many times I catch myself grabbing a plain "undershirt" to go with a printed "overshirt". I started experimenting with mixing prints and take a peek at what I came up with! Too Cute!! Adding another print can totally add to the style of your outfit. I was so afraid of being "to busy". Take a look for yourself-- it's not too busy-- it's too AMAZING! I chose more subtle colors to explain what I'm talking about, but don't limit yourself. Add in some dimension with color. Add colored bottoms if you chose the same tones on top. Or a great statement necklace for a pop of color.  Catch my drift?

First Look: Striped over plaid

Second Look: Dots over stripes

Third Look: Striped over animal print

I also LOVE big polka dots over small polka dots. Same pattern, but slightly different. You can put together almost anything! Let us know what you find or which look you're willing to try.  

Print on Print by hollymuilenburg featuring blue jeans

~Holly



Six Ways to Style~ {Faux Leather Leggings}

I'll admit I would never have pegged myself as a leather pants kind of girl. They seemed pretty edgy to me. Plus, every time I think of leather pants I think of the Friends episode where Ross has some major leather pant malfunctions and I end up laughing uncontrollably about Joey telling him to, "make a pair of paste pants." (I am so laughing right now!) Anyway, I tucked my Friends phobia about leather pants away and took the plunge. Forever 21 had faux leather leggings for just $13.50! The perfect price point for a fashion item that you are not 100% sure about. Well it turns out....I love them! They are ridiculously comfortable and very easy to style and wear. They still hold a bit of an edgy vibe for me and I am finding that I like it. You should totally rock this trend too!

Faux leather leggings: Forever 21 (similar)

1. Cognac Casual
Black on black with a touch of green. This look is casual chic. It's perfect for a date night or a ladies night.  The cognac leather jacket is a great color contrast to accent the entire outfit. Check out the Black & Brown post to get more ideas for mixing these colors.

Sleeveless: Good Will! $6.99 (similar)
Jacket: Target (same)
Necklace: Jo-Ann Fabrics (similar)
Flats: The Buckle (similar)

2. Bold Beauty
Any wardrobe needs a fun, bold print. It's an easy way to give your look some dimension. A great leather accented jacket is the perfect choice to add to the look but not be too edgy. And oh those boots are amazing!!

Sleeveless: The Limited
Jacket: (similar)
Boots: Target (similar)


3. Graphic Hue
Love me a graphic T!! This shirt makes the outfit. I chose to pair it with the Hot Pink blazer (any color would work) and a great chunky statement necklace. Of course I had to throw on my leopard print flats to finish off the look. LOVE IT!! Our Graphic T Time post has more tips on styling a graphic T.

Graphic T: Forever 21 (similar)
Blazer: Kohls (similar)
Necklace: Target
Flats: Target (similar)

4. Polka Dot Dare
This look could have easily had a pop of color for a blazer or a great statement necklace, but there is something so classy about black and white. It's a timeless classic. The polka dots and leather take the outfit to a more modern 50's feel. What's not to love?

Shirt: Forever 21 (same)
Blazer: Cotton On (similar)
Flats: The Buckle (similar)

5. Layered Animal
I have to confess, I was wasn't originally thinking of animal print under the chambray, but my shirt doesn't exactly button up these days. (Thus the double time baby bump-twins!) So I was flipping through my closet and thought I'd give the animal print a try. So cute! And the layers are perfect for the fall temps. You never know what you're going to come up with until you try it on together. Keep experimenting!

Sleeveless: Macy's clearance rack (similar)
Chambray: Good Will!
Cardigan: Target (similar)
Flats: Target (same)

6. Dress Up
If the leather seems to be a little much for you, use a dress to tone it down a little. This is an easy way to start your venture into a more conservative edgy realm... (If that even exists?) The heels and the necklace add the finishing touch needed to pull it all together. Too cute! 

Dress: (similar)
Necklace: (similar)
Heels: JC Penney

Go-To Looks for Fall Fashion

Go-To Looks for Fall Fashion

YAY fall is on it's way! I love dressing for fall temperatures. Even better I love using my Go-To Looks because my fall season is CRAZY busy! A while back I started to notice that I was reaching for the same outfits when I was in a pinch. So I made a mental list (you can make a physical list, if you're Type A and download our Outfit Menu) of my go-to outfits. If I'm running late or just am not ready to be creative in the morning, I usually turn to these basics. (See Picking out your Outfit in a Pinch post for more tips. This is tip #2) Between back to school for my kids and myself (I am currently taking a few classes, as well) running my kids to activities, planning birthday parties and trying to figure out what to eat for supper all the while making sure everybody is getting along (which may be the most time consuming task with kids at times.)...AH....breath....I still want to look like I got a full night's sleep and pull off a great look. You know it gives a girl an extra confidence boost and just makes ya kick off your day right. Take a peek below.

Top Group: One of these is what I usually grab for any color skinny jean. This alone can be 15-20 different outfits. The three basic top combos are easy and go with almost everything. This makes it so easy to grab whatever color pant is on top of the stack and run. The statement necklace in the middle is colorful so it can go with any color pant. Even if the actual color isn't in the necklace it still works. Trust me! The tops all act as neutrals to balance out the loud color on the bottom. It's that easy!!

Bottom Left: My all time favorite outfit! This entire look is chic and oh so comfy! You can mix and match the scarf to create an entirely new look. The black leggings with the brown boots is a great contrast (See Black & Brown post) and the chambray shirt is perfect. You have to try this one!

Bottom Right: This over-sized sweater with skinny distressed jeans is casual, but not frumpy. The leopard print flat is the perfect detail. (if you are new to our blog, this shoe can go with ANYTHING! It appears in almost every Six Ways post) Love this look! This screams "I didn't try to hard, but I'm still super cute and stylish."

I hope this helps...Let us know what you like best.

~Holly

 

Go-To Fall Fashion by hollymuilenburg featuring long chunky necklaces

Trend Watch: Graphic-T time!

Graphic-T time! I LOVE a great graphic-T! This is an easy way to add dimension to your look. I created a couple of looks (because it's easier than changing, and finding someone to take my picture in between chasing after a busy toddler and needing a leg cramp break because I'm expecting twins....ooo, sorry.)Where was I, o yes, I created a couple of looks below to show how a little detail can add a ton to an outfit. I chose neutral colors here, but FEEL FREE to add some shades! The first look I made a bit more chic, and the second is more casual. But look at the pop of detail instead of just a solid color T! It gives the entire look a different feel. There are many places to find graphic-Ts but one of my favorites is Forever 21. They are inexpensive and there is a ton to chose from. Follow the link to check it out online before you make a special trip.

Trend Watch:

 

Graphc-T by hollymuilenburg featuring a gold and silver necklace

Get creating and let us know what you come up with! Hopefully you have an idea of what you want to try.

~Holly