Trend Watch: Tribal Print!

Tribal print is a very up and coming trend right now. At first I didn't know how much I liked it, but then I found a couple of cute pieces! Now I'm in love with it! I started with a pair of shorts at Old Navy, then found a great flowy shirt at Marshalls. If your not sold on the print, but would like to try it in small doses. I would suggest a scarf or a tank to layer over.  I found that this was a perfect way to add some pattern to my wardrobe. Here are some other pieces I found to give you an idea of what I'm thinking of. Check it out!

$23 newlook.com

Parisian Black and Brown

$16 rarelondon.com

Rare London Tribal Print Tunic

$34 rarelondon.com

Rare London Tribal Print Top

 

$20 newlook.com

Purple and Red Aztec Print

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Don't be afraid to try something new! You never know what your going to love. Go out on a limb.. At least find something with a great tribal pattern and try it on in the fitting room. Let us know what you find.

Hopefully this gives you the extra push you needed to try something new.

~Holly

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



 

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--A Maxi Dress! + a Give Away!!

Be sure to read through to the end to enter our giveaway!

Just like our six ways post a few weeks ago about how to rock a maxi skirt....maxi dresses are still very on trend and so so comfortable to wear. I actually just got a brand new one from an adorable, small boutique in my town that is navy and white chevron!! Whoo hoo! It even has pockets!! Anywhoo--
We wanted to offer up a few ideas on how to style a few different maxis. You can see in our pics that a couple of the maxis are strapless which can be a bit tricky to style. In addition, some maxis can be a bit on the low cut side and styling them requires some choices in the cami department. Hopefully you can get some ideas for your own maxis to start sporting them around town!

1. You Are My Sunshine

...When skies are gray. This colorful, flower pattern cardigan is exactly what this gray maxi needs to brighten its day! The yellow pulled from the cardigan and accented with the bubble necklace adds so much life and color to the overall look. Some mistakenly think that maxis are only to be worn in warm weather...What?! They are actually perfect for cooler weather because of their length. All you need is a layering piece and you are good to go! 

Maxi: TJ Maxx

Cardi: Old Navy

Cami: Old Navy

Necklace: Groopdealz

Shoes: NY& Co

2. Cream of the Crop

I love this maxi dress! It is strapless, empire waisted with a stretchy fit on the top. It is SUPER comfy! The little pattern at the bottom gives it enough detail by itself, so accessorizing is a cinch. I just put a cream cardigan and a cream necklace with it, and it turned out so cute...and did I say comfy, SUPER comfy!

Maxi: Marshalls

Cardi: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Groopdealz.com

Shoes: Target

3. Better with a Blazer

This is another example of how a maxi can be worn in any weather. I layered this up with a cami and a blazer. The blazer gives the maxi a bit more of a professional spin and some added warmth if needed. I  normally choose flats or flips to wear with my maxis because I like my maxis to brush the ground. Wedges and heels are pretty darn cute too thought. 

Maxi: TJ Maxx

Cami: Gap

Blazer: The Limited

Necklace: Maurices

Shoes: Target

4. All Tied Up

This is the same dress as Picture 2. I wanted to show different ways to style the same maxi dress. If you have a derss that is pretty basic, you can experiment and put together a bazillion different ways to wear it. Now that's using your closet wisely. This time I just used a chambray shirt...easy peasy lemon squeezy! (Yes, I have young kids.)

Maxi: Marshalls

Chambray: Charlotte Russe

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

Shoes: NY&Co

5. Need Me Some Neon

Navy is one of those colors that can be used as a neutral.  The maxi and the necklace are both navy, so really I could have chosen any color cardigan to go with this. Of course I chose NEON! Love it this season! But really, any color would go. Try a coral, mint or turquoise. Just to name a few. Let us know if you found one that you love.

Maxi: TJ MAxx

Cardi: The Limited

Necklace: Groopdealz

Shoes: Target

6. Chambray Cover Up

I am almost embarrassed by how much I reach for the chambray top this summer. Its so hard to dress for indoor and outdoor temperatures! It can be 85-90 degrees outside but then you step into a store with the air conditioning on full blast and you nearly freeze to death. Be prepared with a quick on/off layering piece such as a chambray button up will mean that you will be both cute and comfortable. 

Maxi: TJ Maxx

Cami: Gap

Shirt: Kohl's

Bracelet: Burlington Coat Factory

Shoes: Old Navy

GIVE AWAY!

The winner of our give away will receive this outlaw bracelet and matching earrings in silver from our fave deal site--groopdealz! 

We are celebrating 2,000 (2, 507 to be exact!) views since our launch in early May! Thanks so much for your support! In order to enter to win you need to complete the following:

1. Comment below with your favorite outfit or tip from the blog! (Here's how!)

2. Follow our blog using Google Friend Connect (Here's how)

3. To be entered TWICE, share our blog on your Facebook or Pinterest page and leave another comment here with the link to your page. 

4. The deadline to enter is Sunday, July 21st. 

Good luck! We will choose a winner using random.org on the 21st. The winner will be contacted via email! 

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

Trend Watch: Statement Accessories!

One of my favorite trends of late has got to be statement accessories and jewelry. If you are not familiar with the trend, statement accessories are bold, large, and colorful pieces of jewelry. Check out a few examples:

http://www.page-thirteen.com/2012/04/loving-statement-necklaces.html

These types of accessories really add a jolt of awesomeness to any outfit! I have purchased my share of statement pieces over the past few months. (Groopdealz is going to be the financial end of me!)
However, I have struggled a bit finding statement bracelets that fit my wrist. I tend to have to wear elastic bracelets in order for the bracelet to not dangle like a handcuff. Sometimes a statement necklace is not what an outfit needs, but a bracelet would do just the trick. While putting outfits together with my style partner in crime, Holly, she kept coming up with these stellar statement bracelets that added a simple finishing touch to her outfits. I begged her to tell me where she got them. Well lo and behold the little crafty gal MADE them. We immediately set up a necklace making playdate so I could have my own set of ready to wear statement bracelets. We even took pictures of our little escapade! Now you can make your own statement bracelets too and join the statement jewelry bandwagon!

Materials:

scissors--various statement beads in various colors--accent beads--stretch jewelry cord**--

**Do not make the same mistake we did. At first we went with elastic jewelry thread but it was nearly impossible to get it to stay tied in a knot. We finally found what we needed (and what Holly had used before) at JoAnn's. It is in the picture below.

1. Measure about 10 inches of the cord. We doubled ours for strength and durability. Elastic bracelet sizing is really up to the individual wrist size. 10 inches allows you plenty of cord to work with. You will then adjust, tighten, and tie it off to fit your wrist. It may take a few tries to get it just right, but you will! 

2. Lay your beads out in the pattern and number you would like in front of you. Thread the first bead to the end and tie a knot around it too hold it in place and to keep all the beads from slipping off the end and going EVERYWHERE. (Yes, this happened once. Or twice)

3. String the beads onto the cords in your pattern order.

4.  When you have strung all your beads, untie the bead at the end and carefully hold both ends. Gingerly slip your wrist through to determine the size you need your bracelet to be to slide on easily and stay put on your wrist. Once you have the size you want, tie the two ends (this is tricky because your cord is doubled so there are several strings in play here!) and cinch the bracelet down until it is completely rounded and the size you want. Secure this tie with a double knot. 

This mint is my fave. Swoon!

5. Once your are completely satisfied with the sizing, you can trim any excess cord. Rearrange the beads a bit so the knot is hidden inside a bead or two. Now put that bracelet on and work it!

See how many you can make in one sitting! Holly and I cranked out 12! We spent about $50.00 in supplies for our 12 bracelets. We still have plenty of cord left to make many more. Less than 4 bucks a piece and the exact colors and designs that we wanted!

We were so excited about our new bangles that we were wearing some when we took this pic! Ha!