Lots of Layers

Stay warm and cozy this winter! Going from negative temps outside to 70's inside, it's a bit tricky to dress. An easy way to stay snuggled in is to use lots of layers. A great rule of thumb is to find a combination of three + a scarf. This way you can remove layers if you need to, but stay warm when it's important. I know sometimes "more mature"women need to shed an article or two in a hurry. Following this guidelines, the scarf and outside layer can be removed and you can always push up the sleeves on the middle layer. Check out a few examples below...

Look 1

layer 1: chambray shirt

layer 2: cute sweater

layer 3: leather jacket

+ Scarf

Look 2

layer 1: white shirt

layer 2: printed cardigan

layer 3: vest w/detail

+ Scarf

Look 3

layer 1: longer tank top

layer 2: printed shirt

layer 3: solid cardigan

+ Scarf

Let us know which look is your favorite!

~Holly



Lot of Layers by hollymuilenburg featuring white sheer tops

Six Ways to Style~{Cream Skinnies!}

You know that old rule about not wearing white after Labor Day? Well, I have heard rumblings that this rule is no longer valid. Still, I tend not to wear white where I live because we have so much snow that I would blend right in with the scenery. Not something I love to do. However, I have discovered a white option that I actually adore...winter white or cream. I picked up some cream skinnies at Old Navy for 5 bucks (yep) on clearance and was determined to make them work in the winter months. I have been very deliberate about styling them and wearing them once a week. Thought I would share a few outfits with you here! (I'm not in love with the dark pics but the sun is already setting by the time I get home and there is no good light to be found! A tad depressing, yes.)

Get your hands on some cream skinnies!

One / Two / Three

1. Boots Baby!

Skinny jeans, boots, and a scarf are pretty much my go-to staples for the winter season. I like being warm--especially my neck and feet. The cream skinnies offer a nice light middle tone to the whole neutral outfit. The studs on the boots give it a little extra kick! 

Sweater: American Eagle (old)

Scarf: Old Navy (similar)

Boots: Bare Trap (Herberger's) similar

2. Graphic Goodness

I luuurve this graphic sweater. Yes, I get TONS of "What does the fox say?" comments, but I don't care. Aren't his pink glasses so hipster? I love sporting my sparkly pink flats with this sweater too. I kind of let the sweater do the talking and don't accessorize this look very much. I will add a chambray shirt underneath the sweater for an extra layer if needed. 

Sweater: Old Navy (out of stock :)

Shoes: Target (similar)

3. Layers and Lace

The great thing about this ultra-neutral pants is that you can go pretty crazy with colors on the top as a perfect balance. I am all about layers in the winter so I adore the cardigan/blazer combination. The lace bottom layer gives the whole look a very feminine feel. Just to be safe I would wear my Bogs to school and then put on my uber cute cognac heels to finish the look off. 

Blazer: The Limited (similar)

Cardigan: The Limited

T-shirt: The Limited (similar)

Shoes: DSW

4. Print-y Fancy

When your bottom half is very neutral, it is the perfect time to rock a bold animal print. This print is much bolder than the pic shows--the main color is an electric blue and it POPS! Add on the sequined cardigan and the whole outfit screams fancy pants!

Cardigan: NY&Co (similar)

Top: Banana Republic

Shoes: Herberger's (old)

5. Please Embellish

The running theme here is that because the bottoms are very neutral and basic, you can pretty much spice it up on the top and your outfit will be perfectly balanced. I love this beaded/sequined tank but often feel like it is pretty busy for some looks. It pairs perfectly with the cream skinnies though and the leather jacket adds the perfect outer layer. I pulled the color of the jacket in with some cute buckle flats. 

Jacket: TJ Maxx

Shirt: Eddie Bauer (similar)

Shoes: Von Maur

6. Puffy Perfection 

My main fashion purpose during the winter season is to stay warm and cozy. I hate being chilled and will wear several layers so I have lots of temperature options. One of my favorite outer layers is a puffy vest. It is a very casual look that packs tons of comfort and warmth. I paired it with my favorite new plaid button up--very trendy right now-- and some hiking-esque boots. Perfect outfit for running around buying Christmas gifts! 

Vest: Gap

Shirt: American Eagle (similar)

Shoes: Kohl's 

A Few of My Favorite Things: {Beauty} +our giveaway WINNERS!

Welcome to part two in our Favorite Things series! Up this week: BEAUTY faves! Be sure to check out a few of our previous posts with some of our other beauty faves...we have a long list! Here are SIX of my GO TO beauty basics. These are things that I have repurchased, hit pan, ran out, or have in multiple colors. They are tried and true!

1. Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation
This foundation really shocked me because I typically stay away from matte finish foundations because I am not oily AT ALL. I purchased this after a youtube review and have never looked back. I love that it comes in a squeeze tube so I can get every last drop out too. The finish is flawless and lasts the entire day (I have not tested the 25 hour claim however!) My color is 200 Soft Beige. I find it at Target for $6.49! I apply it with my Sigma F80 brush and my beauty blender.

2. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
This little package packs a punch for under eye concealing. I've been cursed with wicked under eye circles and struggled finding a concealer that could cover them without looking cakey and magnifying fine lines around my eyes. Another youtube guru swears by this stuff so I choked down the $22.00 price tag and bought it. It is "amaze-balls" as my youtube guru says. This stuff can cover anything and it takes the tiniest bit to make it happen.

3. Beauty Blender
I actually use a knock off version of this sponge to apply my concealer and blend my highlight and contour. You get the sponge completely saturated with water and then use it to dab product onto your face. It leaves a beautiful finish to your skin.

4. Hoola Bronzer by Benefit
This is my go to contouring product. It is a cool tone that works with many skin tones. It has no shimmer or sparkle like most bronzers so it is the perfect option for contouring the cheekbones, forehead, and nose.

5. Clinique Chubby Lipsticks
This lip product is the perfect combo between lip balm and lipstick. They are somewhat sheer and glide on so easily. The color payoff is great and they feel wonderful on the lips. They have a sheen finish and don't last forever but are super easy to reapply even without a mirror. I have the colors Graped Up, Heaping Hazelnut, and Chunkiest Chili. Neutragena has a less expensive version too that I hear is stellar as well.

6. Sexy Hair Play Dirty Texture Wax or Clay
I have gone from very long hair (the middle of my back) to a pixie cut in the last 18 months. (Maybe a post on that later!) The major thing I have LOVED about my shorter hair is its ability to have texture and funkiness. THE BEST product I have found for creating texture and lift is this Play Dirty Texture Wax. It really does make your hair feel dirty and gritty (some people hate that) but this gives it great lift and stylability. Fantastic product!

Check back next week for our last post in our Favorites series: {HOME}

The winners of our giveaway are.....

Katlyn (Naked 2 palette)

jmkarlen@yahoo.com (scarf)

Zip us an email at embellishedangel@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Beauty from Within

 

You can have an amazing body, great hair, and picture perfect life, but if your insecurities over shadow everything, my friend, it shows. Being beautiful comes from being a secure and loving person from within.  Fashion and make-up are indeed only on the outside. Don't get me wrong, I love putting together a cute ensemble. It gives me an extra pep in my step. It's easy to cover up our baggage when sometimes we need to sort through it to find what we're looking for. Start digging and you'll be amazed at what's waiting for you at the bottom of your bag....true love from the Lord on High. There you'll find truth. It doesn't matter how others see you, He made you beautiful in His eyes.

Know this and claim your true beauty.

 

 Get comfortable in your own skin, you're going to be there for a while...You might as well enjoy it.

 

 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

 

Ps 139:14


~Holly

Six Ways to Style~ {A Chambray Shirt}

Someone I work with who is totally lovely AND follows our little blog, asked me why I wear my chambray shirt  A LOT but have never done a six ways post on it? I was a little stunned for a minute. Wait. What?! We haven't done a six ways post on how to style a chambray shirt? I actually went back and checked.....Nope. Really?? Wow. A chambray shirt is such a staple in my closet (It was mentioned in our Fashion Foundation series) that it actually makes its presence known in every six ways post but has never been featured all by itself! We decided to go back through our outfits and pull some of our favorite looks featuring a chambray shirt and serve it up here--finally! Soon we are also going to do a BRAND new post with SIX NEW looks with a chambray shirt. Yippee!

Best chambray shirts

One / Two / Three

1. Leggings: 

Chambray is the perfect layering piece when you are trying to create a comfy, legging look. The long t-shirt needs a little something to balance out the top and the open chambray shirt does the trick. Throw in some perfect boot socks and slouchy boots and you have nailed comfort and cute on the head. See the original post for outfit details!

2. Leather

I love pairing any of my leather jackets with my chambray shirt. The leather has a dressy/edgy vibe and the chambray helps tone the whole look down a bit. Throwing in a pop of color with the shoes is a great accent to the subtle chambray. See the original post for outfit details!

3. Ombre

Ombre really was a HUGE trend in 2013. Hair, clothes, jewelry, what have you...somebody tried doing it ombre. I love this ombre color scheme that without the chambray could seem too monochromatic. The chambray shirt breaks up the color movement perfectly! See the original post for outfit details!

4. Trousers

The awesome thing about a chambray shirt is that it can be both casual or dressy depending on what you put on the bottom half. The trousers in this pic are definitely more dressy and the chambray shirt comes along for the ride.  The light weight scarf is the perfect accessory. See the original post for outfit details!

5. Colored Denim

I love, love colored denim. It's not only cute but a confidence boost too. Sometimes people have told me that colored denim freaks them out a bit. My first recommendation is to pair ANY colored denim with a chambray shirt to help tone down the color. See the original post for outfit details!

6. Dressy

Chambray even works when you really want to doll it up. It works lovely with this outfit from the cognac heels to the mint statement necklace. See the original post for outfit details!

A Few of My Favorite Things: {Fashion}

Just in time for the holidays AND on the debut day of a modern version of The Sound of Music...(Carrie Underwood anyone?)--We at TMS are sharing a list of a few of our favorite things. Each Thursday up until Christmas we will share 6 of our favorite, must-have, can't live without items in three different categories: FASHION, BEAUTY, AND HOME. Hopefully we can help you add to your own Christmas list this year! Up first? A few of my favorite...FASHION items (If you follow us, I am SURE you can guess a few already!! Hee hee!)

{1} Maxi Skirts
I have fallen in love with maxi skirts as a fall and winter wardrobe staple! I have purposely been experimenting with styling them with layers, boots, and belts. They are definitely something I wear year round and adore for their comfort and effortless style.

{2}Sperry Top-Sider Shoes
I snagged my first pair of these on major clearance at Von Maur a few years ago. They replaced a pair of Coach tennies that I had worn out. I now have three pair and wear them with all my casual looks. They work great with pants, leggings, or yoga pants. They are super comfy and casual, yet they still finish off a look perfectly. They are a bit spendy but will hold up beautifully and be a fashion staple for years.

{3} Chunky Knit Scarves
I love scarves period. Add in a little need for winter warmth and I am all over the big, chunky knit ones. Old Navy has amazing ones this season and I have two already. They are uber comfy and cozy and will ward off the cold and look cool at the same time.

{4} Michael Kors Watch
If you recall my birthday post from a few weeks back--this beauty was on my list. Well my hubby came through. Big Time. I have a gorgeous rose gold version with a diamond studded outer ring. I wear it every single day and adore it. I read a great blog post once about whether a purchase is justified or not. She mentioned her Michael Kors watch and I totally agree with her.

{5} Faux Leather Leggings
If you missed our Six Ways post about these bad boys...go check it out. I wear my leather leggings too much probably. They are so comfy and make a slouchy t-shirt look good. I get questions and compliments about them so so often. I even threw them on under a dress the other day and was so surprised at how cute it was. Get some!

{6} Animal Print Everything
Animal print just works. Throw on an animal print scarf and your outfit just went from Blah to Bam! Throw on your animal print flats and you suddenly have a spring in your step. Go bold with an animal print skirt and things just got serious! Pick up a few pieces that you can rotate through several outfits and you will not be disappointed.

Check back next Thursday for our next favorite things post--BEAUTY!

OOTD: {More print on print}

Here is another example of Print on Print. (Check out a previous Trend Watch blog post  HERE for more on putting together prints.)This has become my new challenge in my closet. I am loving all of the great looks I've created with different prints together. Here I chose dots on dots. I have a small polka-dot chambray shirt layered under a larger polka-dot printed sweater. I chose a great statement necklace for the finishing touch. Too cute! (...And the prego belly is pretty great too.)

Chambray: Old Navy

Sweater: Marshalls

Jacket: Marshalls

Necklace: Groopdealz.com

Shoes: Target

Get creating!

~Holly

Giveaway winner announced soon!