Thursday, March 31, 2011

Challenge Finale!

If you haven't noticed, I quit posting my outfits for the challenge.  I took a one-day hiatus for the Paper Doll Project and I realized how nice it was to wear other clothing in my closet. Even though I know I had at least six more outfits I could have worn, I lost my motiviation.  I'll admit it.  In fact, I was kind of feeling bad about the fact I didn't go for my goal of 34 days, and then I read Kyle's post from Barley & Birch.  So I dropped the ball and I only feel semi-bad about it.  I lasted 22 days with 15 items of clothing.


What I Learned:
I need accessories.  I hate spending $30-40 on a single necklace, a single pair of earrings, or just a belt.  But I also don't like cheap accessories, so I don't really buy $3 earrings either (unless they are on the clearance rack).  So I'm in a bit of a pickle, right?  I'm realizing I need some more necklaces in a variety of lengths.  I had two long necklaces and I wore them constantly throughout the 22 days.  It would have been nice to mix it up a little.

I also learned that I can love any piece of clothing I own.  Before this, I wore the button-down polka dot shirt twice; it was while I was trying to hide my pregnancy from my co-workers.  Now, I look at that piece like a staple in my wardrobe. The 15 pieces I chose are now my comfort pieces - I tried to wear them any way possible and its now easier to pick from that cluster of clothes than have to venture into the rest of my closet, because I have some great outfits already picked out.   

What I Would Do Differently:
I would not include jackets.  I think I needed every piece to last more than 2 weeks, and even thought I went over 3 weeks, it would have been nice to have at least one more option for a top.  I loved that I added color - at least I didn't feel like I was wearing black and white all the time.  But I did feel like I was wearing the same accessories over and over.

Instead of the jacket, I would have added another layering piece that would have done well under and over things - particularly, a vest.  I've had my eye on a great suiting vest since Emma Stone in Easy A (before she goes all Scarlet Letter).  So when I was in Chicago, I picked up a great fabric and am in the process of making it.

How This Effects My Shopping:
I picked clothing for this challenge that I knew I could mix and match, while still staying true to my personal style.  I think this challenge mostly effected my shopping by showing me I really do have a lot of clothes and I really can wear them in so many ways.  So I can lay off the clothes shopping for now, and probably the shoe shopping (although that just makes me sad), and look for great accessory pieces to spend my money on instead.
__________________________________

Below are pictures of the main pieces and how I tried to style them differently.  I think it worked pretty well for everything but the coral sweater.






What's your vote?  How did I do?  Should I have hung in longer?


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Review of Just Fab

I recently discovered JustFab from the creators of Who What Wear.  JustFab is an online store dedicated to finding you the shoe or bag perfect for you.  Before you sign up you take a short quiz to give the website an idea of your style and your fashion.  Based on your answers, twelve shoes and twelve bags are picked for your boutique.  Each item is $39.95 with free shipping and handling.  Each month new items are picked for you.

The catch?  After your first purchase, if you don't choose "Skip this Month" by the 5th of the month, your credit card is automatically charged $39.95 which turns into a credit for you to buy any item from your boutique.  Is it worth the chance of your credit card being charged?  Here's my experience:

If you've been following my challenge you've probably noticed I have a thing for expensive shoes, particularly Antonio Melani and Gianni Bini.  Most of my heels are made up of those brands.  Why?  Because I have a narrow foot.  Not just narrow, but NARROW and Antonio and Gianni fit me.  See the gap between the foot and shoe in the first picture?  I've never been able to wear Steve Madden shoes (too wide), along with a variety of other brands, and nothing from Target or Payless.  If you look closely in the picture below, you can see the nail polish (Red Carpet Red from ULTA) on my pinky toe underneath the strap of the shoe.  Like I said, NARROW.

So I found JustFab and since they offer 50% off your first purchase when you sign up, I couldn't resist trying these gorgeous Giselle shoes, fully knowing they most likely will not fit.  While it took the normal 7-10 business days to get here and I was impatient waiting for them, I was impressed with everything.  The package was like opening a present.  The shoes were in excellent condition and good quality.  And when they didn't fit, it was a quick phone call to their customer service for the return label for the package.  The only question I had to answer was if I wanted a credit or if I wanted my money back (minus a $5.95 restocking fee). 

Quite impressed.  I haven't decided whether or not to keep my account open, knowing there is a possibility of me missing "Skip this Month" and having my credit card charged.  They probably will never carry a narrow line of shoes, but I did like some of their bags and might just have to check out next month's selections! 

Are you interested in someone picking out your shoes for you or would you rather spend the time browsing yourself?


Saturday, March 26, 2011

Introduction to Zyrra

I am so excited to announce the launch of my new business as an independent Fit Specialist with Zyrra!

Zyrra is a break-through company that allows women to have a custom made bra!  Its patent pending technology allows me to take 10 measurements in 10 minutes and build you your perfect bra.  Imagine - underwire that doesn't dig in, straps that don't fall off, cups that don't collapse - the perfect fit.

I do Fitting Occasions (aka a bra party) where ladies can chat with each other while bra "shopping." The hostess even gets a discount off her order!  I also do private fittings and will be training women to be other Fit Specialists.

Here's how it works:  after the measurements have been taken and the order has been placed, your measurements are sent to Zyrra headquarters where a bra pattern specific just to you is made and your bra is created.  In 4-6 weeks its shipped to your home.  There are a variety of colors to choose from and new styles coming soon!
Curious to learn more?  Feel free to contact me or to come to my opening Fitting Occasion on:

Friday, April 8th from 7-9 pm
At my home, Toledo, Ohio
RSVP for my address

I hope to see you then. In the meantime, check out the website!


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Spanx for Cheap

Want to try Spanx but don't really want to spend the money?  Today's your lucky day, they're on Rue La La!  Rue La La is a sample site that offers merchandise at amazing steals - up to 75% off!  You must be a member to look at the Spanx boutique.  I'm going for the Hide & Sleek Lace Trim Half Slip. 

Not a member?  Use my invitation to become one!  Spanx is selling out fast (not surprising), so get it while you can!  Happy Shopping!



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Challenge Day 22


Earrings from Tillys, belt from Express, Shoes from Antonio Melani

I can't believe its already Day 22!  See previous outfits or find out the details of the challenge.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Dress Up with Paper Doll Project!

I took a one day hiatus from my challenge so I could participate in Miss Vinyl Ahoy's Paper Doll Project!  Bloggers across the country teamed up and dressed each other just like paper dolls.  I had the marvelous EvaNadine from Stumble Into Style.  Check out how she dressed me:

This shirt (Xhiliration, Target) has always been versatile - I even wore it when I was 6 months pregnant!  But I love how she paired it with the blazer (Gap) and added some color with the necklace (gift).  The outfit is rounded out by my jeans (limited edition Gap), heels (Apt 9, Kohls) and earrings (from Dillards, maybe Ann Taylor?).

And I LOVE it!  Thanks EvaNadine!  Head over to her blog and check out her outfit I styled or see the other participants below:

dolls


Paper Doll Project partners!

Windy City Fashion and Doc Starr Chic

A Fashion Fixation and Snappy and Savvy

A Monkey Fatshionista and Matters of Merry Making

After My Fancyy and Style Within Reach

Closet Confections and Diary of a Chic Mommy

Made by Maison and Queen of Oz

Unusual Form and Curvy with Confidence

Fashion Momma and Employed Panache

Better in Sepia and Silver Pool of Light Girl

The Brunette One and The Stylish Housewife

From the Mixed-up Files and Hope and the Dress Code

Second Star Style and Effervescent Evelina

Pieces of My Earth and The Average Girls Guide

Consumerism Killed My Soul and Fashion Frugality

Kate Olmstead and Lemon Drop Love

Oranges and Apples and Watch Me Dress

Skrush and Tart Lemon Drop

Lindsay Living and Elle Enchanted

Snappy Casual and Chasing Davies

Leaving the House in This and Sweet Laundry

Coffee and a Cardigan and Inner Cupcake

Stumble into Style and Image Envy

Miss Vinyl Ahoy and Ordinarily Urbane and Lori's Wardrobe



Different Kinds of Foundation

Lately I've been trying to decide if I should switch from my mineral foundation back to a liquid.  I've done the switch between the two probably four times now and I wish I could just stick with one.  I felt the mineral foundation was great for my youthful skin (and I love my brush) but now that I need more coverage I'm considering the liquid.  But there are other options. 

While reading the latest issue of Parents, I discovered spray-on foundation!  The magazine says its light, provides good coverage, and goes on like a mist.  They recommend Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Airbrush Spray Makeup for $14.  And we know how I feel about Carmindy.

And then today I discovered TEMPTU.  An airbrush system for your personal use: foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter.  Its definitely an investment - starting at $225 for just the basic system.  Sold online and at your local Sephora.

What's your favorite foundation?  What should I try?!?




Monday, March 21, 2011

Speaking of Eyebrows...

Remember how we were just talking about eyebrows?  I could not help myself from posting this DON'T when I saw the e-mail from McCalls.  

Click photo to enlarge

I'm really hoping this is someone's bad editing job and she is not walking around like that!  If you don't think they are that bad, please click on the photo to enlarge it!


Challenge Day 18, 19, 20, & 21

Did I really miss that many days of blogging?!

Here's the challenge:  wear fifteen pieces as many ways as possible for at least thirty days.  Here's Day 18:
NO Accessories for this day!  Can you believe it??  Shoes are Jessica Simpson

Day 19:  I actually thought about saying "I forgot to take a picture" just so I wouldn't have to post this.  But all outfits must be posted, including the ugly ones!
  Shoes are Enzo Angiolini.

Day 20:  I was just not feeling accessories these last few days....
Shoes are Antonio Melani.  White legs are all mine.

Day 21:
Belt is from ??, shoes from Target

Whew! That was a lot of catching up to do.  I'm a third of the way done, and I'm wondering if I could last 34 days???  See my previous outfits or find out about the clothing I'm wearing!


Thursday, March 17, 2011

Challenge Day 17

When I planned this little challenge, I did not throw in any green items for St. Patty's Day!!  I searched everything I owned for something green - accessories, nail polish, ANYTHING!  Clearly from the picture below, I had nothing!  But Happy St. Patrick's Day/Day 17 to you anyway!

Earrings from Express, sash is part of the dress, shoes are Antonio Melani.  See the rest of the outfits.


Shape Up Your Eyes!

Photo from People.com
Four years ago when I was dating my husband, I was in the awkward phase of growing out my eyebrows.  I actually met my mother-in-law with icky thick eyebrows.  How embarrassing.  I was told the optimal eyebrow was a "Grecian" shape - the curve starting at the inner corner of your eye and continuing past the pupil (2/3rds of the way), and then slanting downwards, in either a curve or angle.  I disagreed COMPLETELY.  I have one particular eyebrow that is quite stubborn and I felt I needed to pluck it to the shape it wanted to be, not what it needed to be. (It wanted to have the arch about 1/3rd of the way in).

Photo from People.com
So I started to do my research and naturally I started with Hollywood.  I found out just how wrong I was.  There is not one Hollywood actress who does not have the Grecian shaped eyebrow!  And according to my old roommate, Becca, if you don't have good eyebrows, you never make it to the Top 10 at Miss America!
Photo from People.com

How to get the perfect shape:
  1. Grow your eyebrows out.  Not the stragglers that are WAY out there, but to fill in your arch.  It will drive you crazy, but will be worth it in the end!
  2. Go to a professional.  What could be worse than ruining the eyebrows you just worked so hard to grow out?  Check out the salon's credentials before you go anywhere; ask around or check internet reviews.  And always make sure your stylist knows what you are looking for.
  3. Define them.  Make it a part of your routine! Be sure you fill in the spots that aren't so dense with pencil or eyeshadow.  If you're using eyeshadow make sure you're applying it with the right brush.  I like Bare Escentuals Angled Eye Brush. Make them behave with eyebrow gel, my favorite is from Mac, although Ulta has a good product as well
  4. Maintain! Maintain! Maintain!  Get a good pair of tweezers, like Tweezerman.  If you hate to pluck, there are alternatives!  I love the wax from European Wax - I swear its like rubber!  There's also threading.  I haven't tried it, but am incredibly intrigued.


Are your eyebrows just the way you want them to be?  Whose do you envy?





Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Challenge Day 16

Day 16!  I started planning the rest of my outfits for this challenge and I'm surprised I still have so many left!  I can definitely tell I'm getting more creative.  Today's outfit, for example, I never added the belt with this shirt.  And now I think it looks plain without it!  Plus, I think the belt help redefines my waist that disappeared after my baby!
Flower is Calvin Klein (detail below), necklace is from Dillards, belt from Ann Taylor Loft, shoes are Antonio Melani.



Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Challenge Day 15

The challenge is half-way done!! Today is Day 15; my previous looks can be seen here.


Necklace was a gift, and shoes are Enzo Angiolini. 



March Madness, Color Style!

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED

The first round of March Madness starts today!  Ya, I'm not really into basketball either, BUT I am hosting a GIVEAWAY based on who can correctly guess the final four and the winner of the NCAA tournament based on team COLORS!
(Click photo to enlarge)

1.  You must be a follower of my blog to enter.
2.  Make four choices of who will be in the Final Four.
3.  Make it official and leave it in the comments below.
4.  Entries must be submitted by the Second Round (March 19, this Saturday).

Since there are no team names or numbers on this bracket, you'll have to either tell me the colors or number them in your head and give me those (I prefer the numbers).  East is #1-16 (1 is red/gray, 2 is orange/blue/white or black/yellow, 3 is green/yellow, etc.),  West is #17-32, Southwest is #33-48, and Southeast is #49-64.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED
The Prizes:
If your team makes it to the Final Four, you will receive Band Aid's Friction Block Stick.  If you guess the National Champion, you also get a Mary Kay Foundation Brush and a Limited Edition Glee Nail Polish!

Updates will be posted throughout the tournament.  Final Four winners will be announced April 2 and National Championship winners will be posted April 5.  You must respond by April 12 to receive prizes. Contest open only to continental U.S. residents, one entry per person.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED