My New Favorite Outfit: August 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

New for Fall

I had so much fun this week showing you all how to make the "Season Switch." Today I'm showing off some new clothes from Loft. I think this look screams Fall and my navy blazer is turning out to be one of the most versatile pieces in my closet. I went in to Loft to check out the new Fall styles and came across this top on sale that I've been wanting since July and this new skirt. I love the lace details of the top and pretty print of the skirt. Bonus the were both 40% off. I'm really looking forward to coming up with different outfits for this skirt for sure.

Also, wanting to grow your blog?  I'd love to help you!  Check out my sponsorship opportunities here. : )

Linking up with Thirties Two Cents







Nothing like a Granster photo bomb to make my photo shoot complete. : )

Blazer: Loft $30 c/o Chippmunk similar
Top: Loft: $17 c/o Chippmunk from Expert Shopper Contest I won : ) same
Skirt: Loft $40 c/o Chippmunk from Expert Shopper Contest I won : ) same
Necklace: Stella and Dot Sutton
Bracelets: Stella and Dot MoxieRenegadeJulep
Shoes: Fergalicious $30 similar

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Season Switch: Add a Blazer

Today I'm going to share with you my third tip for switching seasons. I have a lot of dresses that I tend to think are strictly for summer; this dress is one of them.  What a waste of a cute dress though! That's where the blazer comes in.  I recently found this great cobalt one at Loft on sale and it's the perfect addition to this dress.  Simply adding a blazer makes this outfit make the "Season Switch" and I don't have to solely enjoy this dress in the Summer.  Hint: I find this works best when the materials are similar, as they are here.  If you try add a poly-blend blazer to a jersey dress, this look probably won't work. But a cotton jersey blazer with a jersey dress will be perfect.

Also, wanting to grow your blog?  I'd love to help you!  Check out my sponsorship opportunities here. : )

Have you entered my giveaways for a $25 gift card to Target or Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic here yet?








Blazer: Loft $30 same
Dress: Plato's Closet $3 cute option
Belt: Kohl's $5 similar
Necklace: Stella and Dot Sutton
Bracelets: Stella and Dot RenegadePeacockUrbane
Heels: Bandalino $30 cute option

Linking up with:

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Season Switch: Keep the Color, Change the Style


Today I'm going to share with you my second tip for making the "Season Switch" with your wardrobe
The outfit below on the left was probably my favorite of the summer, but I won't be able to wear it much longer as it begins to cool off.  Many of you probably have the a similar issue.  That's where today's tip comes in.  Keep the color, but change the style.  I have a pair of red jeans I knew would look great with this top and I mentioned on Monday that adding a jean jacket is the perfect addition to most casual outfits.  I'd been playing around with this outfit in my head, then Rita wore something similar and I was sold!  My favorite summer look, now can become a fall look I'll love too!

Also, wanting to grow your blog?  I'd love to help you!  Check out my sponsorship opportunities here. : )

Have you entered my giveaways for a $25 gift card to Target or Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic here yet?









Grant though he should say "cheese" with me. Yep, he's still wearing his new costume like crazy...

Jean Jacket: The Limited (circa 2004)  similar
Top: Forever 21 $16 similar
Jeans: Forever 21 $5 (thrifted) similar
Necklace: Stella and Dot Mae
Braelets: Stella and Dot Chimera, Moxie, and Renegade
Heels: Fergalicious $15 similar

Linking up with:


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Sponsor Spotlight: Fairy Wings Make Good Soup and a Giveaway!

I'm excited to have my sponsor, Kim, stepping in today. We're originally from the same area, so that's cool, but now she's soaking up the rays on the West Coast. :) Kim hasn't been blogging long but definitely creates content worth reading AND makes some amazing recipes that I could actually make too, bonus! Take it away, Kim!

Hello all! I'm Kim, and I blog over at Fairy Wings Make Good Soup. I'm honored to be sponsoring Ginny and her blog, as her style (and thriftiness!) is such a huge inspiration for me.

Fairy Wings Make Good Soup

I am a stay-at-home military wife and mom to one (my beautiful but beleaguering 3-almost-4 year old daughter E). Fairy Wings Make Good Soup is a lifestyle blog where I chronicle our adventures in both the stay-at-home mom lifestyle and the military family lifestyle. I am trying to pursue and grow in the things that interest me, namely style and cooking. You'll find mostly recipe and outfit posts, but also the occasional whatever-strikes-my-fancy post.

1. Why did you decide to start blogging?
I'd been thinking about starting a blog for awhile, but didn't think I had the time. Then I realized how much time I wasted online already, and decided to use that time more wisely. I also needed a hobby to keep me from going crazy in my current life. Something that made me feel like Kim, and not "mommy" 100% of the time. I'm happy to report that it's working so far. 

2. What are a few of your daily reads?

3. What trends are you loving right now and what trends are you steering clear of?
Since what's trendy is typically at the very peripheral of my radar, I can't even say I know what the trends are at the moment. I have no interest in neon, peplum, arm parties (sorry Ginny, I love them on you, but I hate bracelets!), crop tops, or high-low hems. However, I have been pattern mixing since before I even knew that was a thing (though I probably didn't do it very well back then), so I do love me some pattern mixing! I'm also working on implementing some colored pants into my wardrobe (took me long enough, right?)
 
4. What's the best things that has come out of blogging for you?
Aside from no longer feeling like a lonely housewife, or someone without an identity, I love seeing progress in my style and in the kitchen. I've become more adventurous in both. And of course, being a part of this community has been immensely rewarding, and good for my mental health, not to mention a lot of fun! 

5. What a piece of advise you have for your fellow blogger or those thinking about starting a blog?
Forgive me for beating a horse that could not be more dead, but BE YOURSELF.  There is no one else like you. Write in your own voice, and people will notice, and relate. Use others for inspiration (that's what blogging is all about!), but don't copy. Trust your gut-- if something feels wrong, it probably is. It's okay to be nervous to hit "publish" every once in awhile, but you should always be proud of what you've created. And if you're new, read everything about blogging that you can get your hands on. I have a pin board on Pinterest full of how-tos and inspiration here if you need a place to start, but I suggest searching for things on your own depending on what you do and don't already know. Oh yeah, and BE YOURSELF. 

I've prepared a mini remix for you guys today, to give you a sense of my style. I chose a simple striped long-sleeved shirt (because my style is all about basic pieces), and styled it for the transition from summer to fall. 

Fairy Wings Make Good Soup
Late summer (shirt/ JC Penny | shorts/ Gap | necklace/ Caroline G. | sandals/ American Eagle)

Fairy Wings Make Good Soup
Early fall (jacket/ Old Navy | necklace/  | pants/ Post Exchange | flats/ Target)

Fairy Wings Make Good Soup
 Fall (scarf/ gift | vest/ JC Penny | jeans/ Old Navy | boots/ Kohl's)

And here are a few recipes I'm particularly proud of: 

Fairy Wings Make Good Soup

Clockwise from top left: Pancetta wrapped stuffed chicken, pink champagne cupcakes, pineapple pork chops, and peanut butter cookie dough chocolate layer cake

What a great remix and loving these desserts too!  Now don't forget to stop by  Fairy Wings Make Good Soup to say hi to Kim!  Kim has a great giveaway for you all today too!  One lucky reader will win a $25 gift card to either Target or Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic.  Enter using the Rafflecopter below.  Open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, August 26, 2013

Chelsea and Ginny Take on: Labor Day!



Today is a big day on the blog! I'm starting a new series with my sister, Chelsea at Whatcha Makin' Now, and I'm starting a new mini-series this week to help you all transition your clothes from Summer to Fall.

Chelsea and I have so much fun blogging and wanted to come up with a weekly way to collaborate. We came up with this "Take On" series.  Each week we will take on a topic, adventure, or holiday that you'll need to dress and prepare food for.  This week we're taking on Labor Day.  I call this the unofficial end of summer. Whomp, whomp. It's a great opportunity to get together with friends and grill, for sure.  The weather starts to change some too, so today I'm showing you how to make shorts last a little while longer, and dress comfortably and stylishly for your Labor Day celebrations.

I think the jean jacket is the perfect addition to many outfits, including this one.  This summer I wore these shorts a ton with a simple chambray or tank top; that won't cut it as it begins to cool down.  Adding a jean jacket keeps this outfit casual, but will make sure you don't get too cool grilling with friends and family.

Comeback Wednesday for my second tip to making the "Season Switch" with your wardrobe. And make sure to check out my sisters link below for a fabulous Labor Day drink!







































Jean Jacket: The Limited (circa 2004ish) similar
Top: Loft $20 similar
Shorts: Loft $20 similar
Necklace: Stella and Dot Rebel
Bracelets: Stella and Dot RenegadeTriple WrapMoxie
Shoes: Aero 2 $26 similar

Now to my fabulous sister Chelsea.  This week she is sharing the recipe for a delicious drink called "Strawberry Lemonade Beer." She's also come up with a non-alcoholic  version too, sweet!  Make sure to stop by Whatcha Makin' Now for the details on how to make this delicious drink, perfect for your Labor Day Celebrations!





Friday, August 23, 2013

Go Blog Social Shopping

Back at the beginning of August when I went to the Go Blog Social conference I had the chance to shop at H&M.  I first discovered H&M over a decade ago when I was in Europe.  I loved everything about it and spent like $200 there in one pop and brought everything back crammed in my suitcase.  I was so excited when the expanded to the U.S. but the closest one is in Kansas City, which is quite the ways a way.  I knew I wanted to go there while at the conference.  Now that they're up online, it'll be much nicer. : )

 I was excited to find this blazer and dress there, though.  I have another black blazer, but it's from like a decade ago and is good with jeans, but nothing else, really.  This one was a steal at $25 and I found this dress on the clearance rack for $10.  So loving this color!  I definitely think the dress-blazer combo is my favorite right now.
I'd love for you ladies to take a second to vote for me in the #AllNaturalStyleSecrets challenge here. Thanks so much!!!

Have you entered to win my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Target or Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic here yet?








Blazer: H&M $25 similar
Dress: H&M $10 similar
Belt: Kohls $6 similar
Necklace: Stella and Dot Sutton
Bracelets: Stella and Dot RenegadePeacockUrbane
Heels: Fergalicious $15 similar

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Mint and Polka Dots

Getting back in the groove of school has been a process. Every morning Grant cries for me to put my jammies back on when I'm dressed. I wish, buddy.  Every afternoon I'm having these "Oh no, what's for dinner moments."  Then, every evening I'm trying to catch up on blogs, relax, and hang out with my husband simultaneously.  Not easy.  Being at home is summer was such a treat!  I love teaching but those summers off are such a teaser!

I'd love for you ladies to take a second to vote for me in the #AllNaturalStyleSecrets challenge here. Thanks so much!!!

Have you entered to win my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Target or Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic here yet?





Blouse: Express same
Skirt: Loft similar
Belt: Kohl's similar
Necklace: Stella and Dot Juniper
Bracelets: Stella and Dot Chimera, RenegadeMoxie
Shoes: Nine West similar

Linking up with:

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Back to School...

I've been back to school for a week and it's been going great.  I wasn't sure it would be the best of starts, though.  I was awakened last Tuesday morning not by my alarm, but by the most interesting of dreams. The Zombie Apocolype had taken over my school, and I woke up at the very moment I was bitten. You can't make this stuff up, people.  

Also, this is my 10th year of teaching and the new math teacher was in 7th grade my first year teaching. Wow. I feel old. 

On a good note, I'm really liking my kids and loving getting my dress clothes back.  This combo might be one of my new favorites, for sure.

I'd love for you ladies to take a second to vote for me in the #AllNaturalStyleSecrets challenge here. Thanks so much!!!

Have you entered to win my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Target or Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic here yet?






Blazer: Kohl's similar
Dress: Loft $5 (thrifted) similar
Necklace: Stella and Dot Sutton
Bracelets: Stella and Dot  PeacockRenegadeUrbane
Belt: Kohl's $1.5 similar
Shoes: Fergalicious $30  similar

Linking up with: