An Easy Way to Shop for a Holiday Outfit

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shimmer sweater, sweater, christmas party sweater

 

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One thing is certain, you will not be able to look back on this Christmas season and say that I didn’t help you with what to wear to a party.

I’ve helped you here, here and now today…

I picked up this metallic sweater at JCPenney. And it was truly the easiest outfit shopping I’ve done all year long. Here’s how I did it.

The easiest piece to get that will help you look fresh and glam without spending a lot of money is a top. Especially one like this with a lot of shine. Because you’re not going to have to do too much accessorizing with something like this.

I didn’t want to spend a lot of money and wanted exactly that – something I could throw on that would be easily accessorized. So late one night I hopped online and started pre-shopping.

Which is something else you need to think about. Instead of aimlessly wandering around stores trying to “shop cold” (as I’m now officially calling it), if you’ll do a little pre-shopping online you’ll be able to instantly rule out any store you don’t want to try.

I went straight to JCP for a couple of reasons…

1. They’ve got a lot of great coupons going on right now so I knew I could get something cheap

2. I was planning to shop on a day where I was working from home and didn’t want to have to get all dolled up to go all over the mall. I just wanted to hit one store, and I knew JCP would deliver.

Sure enough, they did. Found this sweater online, went in the next day tried it on, presented my coupon, badda-bing, badda-boom I’m out the door with a great party outfit and I spent less than $20 and barely an hour on the whole thing.

That, is what I’m talking about.

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Here’s How You Put Together an Important Outfit

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When a close friend asks you to help with something you already love to do, it’s a win/win…win/win/win.

Which is why I was super excited to help my good friend (and former bridesmaid) Carly, put together a very important outfit for a presentation she was giving at UT.

I wanted to share with you how we put together what she wore, because I know (first hand) that when you’ve got an important event to get dressed for, it can sometimes send you into a brain-blocked stupor.

Here are steps you can take to put together an important look…

1. Know your perimeters.

It is so much easier when you have perimeters when putting together an outfit. In Carly’s case, her outfit had to be something business casual and couldn’t include jeans. If yours aren’t as clear cut (Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t usually have a dress code) then start with the weather or what it is you’ll be doing and let those factors narrow down the field.

2. Pick one thing you really want to wear.

Having a starting point is really truly going to help you form an outfit. Carly knew she wanted to wear boots because they’re dressy but comfortable for standing (which is smart), so we started with her favorite boots and built out from there. When you’re stuck dazed and confused in your closet, make a point to pick just one piece that you really want to show off.

It could be shoes, or a necklace, or even a certain comfortable tank. Regardless, it’s going to help your indecision by starting with one piece you’re absolutely sure about.

3. Shop at a store you know.

There is no more hopeful feeling than that of pulling open the doors of a TJMaxx. Because in that moment you don’t know what they have (even if you were there yesterday), but that feeling that they may have exactly what you’re looking for is inescapable. Which is so great, but when you’re in a time crunch you need to go somewhere else.

We started at JCPenney because it’s a place I know has a consistent selection of basics. And sure enough, they came through.

We first picked up a cable knit sweater. It was a color consistent with what Carly typically wears and it was on sale so – win! While there, she found a great deal on some skinny pants that would go perfectly with her boots – win/win!

4. Stop and style.

After we found the basics of what she was going to wear, it was time to stop and look at everything so we could figure out how to style it. The sweater alone was pretty, but over a button down it would pop even more. And I knew we could add a little sparkle with a great necklace at her collar.

Take a moment to stop and figure out what else the outfit could use as it really helps direct the rest of your shopping trip. Without that, you’re just wandering aimlessly not sure of what you’re looking for. This way you have a plan.

If you look at what you have and are still not sure, maybe do a search on Pinterest to get a feel for how to style it.

5. Go to a few more stores.

After roaming the mall for a great button down, we ended up finding the perfect one back at JCP. But I’m really glad we did look in other stores, because it confirmed that this was the perfect outfit. Sometimes I’ll do this just for the peace of mind that there’s nothing “better” out there.

Finally, be sure to consciously ease off the pressure in your mind. I typed that sentence for myself, because I’m so guilty of letting the pressure build. The problem with letting that happen is after a while nothing is good enough.

Focus on what you’re going to feel good in and remember that it’s never as big of a deal as you think.

In the end, Carly looked so beautiful, so her and so perfect for what she was doing. AND she did such an amazing job. I am so proud to call her my friend!

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Fall Indulge

Last Thursday night West Town Mall held an event for the girls called “Fall Indulge.” There was a fashion show, a really awesome swag bag, food and fabulous vendors.

The fashion show was another great way to get inspired for fall, and featured stores from all around the mall. My favorite thing about these fall shows is that you get to see great ways to layer. Even if you can’t run out and buy every piece from the show, you can always mimic how they’ve been layered up.

I’ll be sprinkling blog posts with pics from the show, but first let’s talk about these three looks from JCPenney (which is perfect since it was right outside their doors).

jcpenney

The three looks JCP chose to showcase are perfect because they hit an outfit for the office, going out, and Saturday shopping.

The first look (far left) is perfect for the office. See how they belted the layers together?! That is such a genius way to pull the look together visually and cut down on bulk (making you look skinnier overall). It also breaks up the long lines of both the sweater and the skirt, which means her shape isn’t getting lost.

The middle outfit is so much fun because that leather jacket is just so cool. It also shows off a great way to wear booties and how far a printed skirt will go. Really, that bold black and white print will go with just about any other color. So stretch your closet for miles with one of those!

And finally the last look is the perfect thing to shop in. Especially as it gets cooler outside, it’s important to be able to layer up on a Saturday and this look does it so well. Plus I love wearing tights when I shop because they’re so comfortable, but still give me the visual I need when just trying on tops.

Stay tuned for more posts from the show, and while you’ve got your tuner out…tune in tomorrow to FOX43 for tips on how to switch your skin and makeup routine from summer to fall!!!

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Clothes You Can Run Errands In

It turns out I’m not the only one who likes to run errands in workout clothes.

Apparently it’s becoming quite the phenomenon. So much so that it’s been given a name – “athleisure.” You could refer it as “lesisletic” if you’d like. I won’t stop you.

There are talks of several designers coming out with lines dedicated fully to this balance of comfort and function, but until that happens (and while we all build up our bank accounts) let’s talk about how you can accomplish the look with what’s in a store (or closet) nearest you.

athleisure

The key to pulling off this look is to walk the line between “couch potato” and “Crossfit.” If you sway too far in either direction (i.e.: tennis skirt, pajama pants) you’re doing it wrong.
First off, you have to make sure you’ve got nice tennis shoes. Do not do flip flops, do not do Converse or Toms. Only clean tennis shoes will do.

Next up: pants. Old Navy has a great selection of workout pants that are both comfortable and flattering. Look on the tag to make sure the kind you’re getting are “compression pants.” Compression pants are great in that they smooth out your legs and keep you from jiggling (that’s the best way I can think of to explain it). Even if you’re not comfortable with wearing form fitting work out pants, buy them to wear in lieu of tights and just make sure whenever you wear them, you’ve got on a top that covers your butt. This orange tunic, for example, would look great with runner pants and tennis shoes. It’s from athleta.com.

Another combination that would work, are these relaxed fit terry pants from Old Navy. Pair them with an active bubble tank (like the purple one pictured also from Old Navy) and a hoodie (I found this gray one on Stein Mart.com).

I really feel that this is a look anyone can pull off.
If you’ve got questions about this, or anything else fashion/beauty related, feel free to contact me through any of my social media sites! Links to all of them are there in the top right corner.

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More Maxi for Your Money

Well Hello, Friday.

In an effort to give you more maxi dress inspiration, and maybe an idea or two of what to wear this weekend, I wanted to show you how simply adding a jacket to a maxi dress can make a difference.

Also, take a couple minutes to watch my segment from Tuesday to see how to get more maxi for your money!

Here’s what the dress looks like alone…

maxi dress

This is the look I wore on Tuesday…

chambray shirt 2 edited jpg

Maxi dress

 

Take off the chambray shirt, add a jean jacket and a belt to define the waste a little more. There’s my “high fashion” pose…once this is out on the internet I’ll probably be asked to move to Paris.

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maxi dress

 

Or go a little more edgy and add a white leather jacket. You can’t add a leather jacket without giving your mean face, it’s just a rule – I don’t make the rules, I just follow them.leather jacket tough edited jpg

Maxi dress

And here’s my segment from Tuesday.

Enjoy your weekend!

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