Style Me Bloggers: All glammed up and no place to go

I have a confession to make. You ready? It's pretty serious. Here it is:

I don't care about the Oscars, the Grammys, the Emmys, Golden Globe, CMAs, etc.

It's true. I also don't read People Magazine, or know who is married to whom, who is having whose baby, what so-and-so named their baby, who is sleeping with whom or any of that stuff. I have a hard enough time keeping up with my family members and my friends that I have relationships with, so keeping up with strangers is at the very bottom of my interest list.

And I don't watch much TV or go to a whole lot of movies so I'm usually in the dark when it comes to what people are winning prizes for. And the hype! I can't stand hype which is one reason, the main reason, that I don't watch the news.

So I'm probably the last person you'll want to go for information regarding any of these topics.

That being said, if I EVER were to go to a gala event, you can bet your last dollar on the fact that I would not wear anything revealing or scandalous. I believe in a classy look rather than a shock inducer. Here are a few examples of things I might consider if money were of no consequence.

I love the lightness of the fabric and the appliques!And black is always elegant, don't you think?

 This two-toned dress is simple but the shine and weight of the fabric adds a level of lux. Also I like the empire waist to create an illusion of height. We short girls need to think of things like that!

The simplicity of this dress is brought up a notch by two things. The high-low hemline is modern and the bright kelly green is a fun alternative to black.

I love this dress! The flowy fabric is reminiscent of a princess's ballgown, and the periwinkle color is so different! The off-the-shoulder neckline adds a level of sophistication without baring all.

So there you have it. I would be delighted with any of these dresses. Do you notice the similarities, a pattern? My body type looks best with a fit-and-flare dress style. I am not as comfortable in shift dresses or mermaid style (like the one in the background of the above picture.) It's not that I dislike them; I just don't look good in that dress style because I am so short waisted.

What is your favorite fancy-schmancy dress-up dress? Do you watch the various awards? What do you like about them? I really am curious and would love to hear!

Check out the other Style Me Bloggers to see what their take on the subject is!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | Family Love Inspiration Education  

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | The Blondissima | Positively Learning | Quilty Joy Joy

 Daily Style Finds | Sheila's Potpourri | Puppies and Pretties | She thought She Could 
 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After | Sprinkled Just Right

An InLinkz Link-up

First week of Create 28!

I realized I never published the first week summary! Oops! Here it is!

The stylish Carrie of A Lovely Little Wardrobe has been giving some great guidance on how to style certain pieces, shopping from our own closets. She has great tips and I've been having a lot of fun trying out her recommendations. Here are the looks I styled this past week:

 1. Your favorite look - Sunday
           I chose to style a favorite outfit combo for a church day. I took my usual formula of skirt+tshirt+cardigan+scarf for color and changed it up by adding a knit blazer and heels.

2. A monochromatic look - Monday
          I went with grey for my monochromatic look, styling grey skinny jeans, a grey polka dot top with a grey bf cardigan and a light grey scarf. I added red quilted flats for interest.

3. A neutral look - Tuesday
          My neutral look was also monochromatic. I wanted to do a lighter color, like white or cream but it was cold this day so I went with what I have in my closet: navy. I paired dark skinny jeans with a navy sweater layered over a light blue tank and a blue ombre scarf. I wore leopard print flats since they are a neutral.

4. A colored bottoms look - Wednesday
          I bought these red jeans last year and I've gotten so much mileage out of them! I paired them with a black/white flannel shirt and did a little pattern mixing with the leopard flats.

5. A dots look - Thursday
          I just love polkadots and I love how this top has a contrasting wrist on the inside. I paired it with black jeans and a red puffer vest for a pop of color and my trusty leopard flats for more pattern mixing (can you tell I was out of town and limited in my shoe choices?)

6. Show your denim - Friday
         It was cold again this day so I paired bf jeans with lots of layers! A tank under a grey turtleneck sweater under a denim jacket and black boots kept me warm.

7. Your favorite cardigan or cozy sweater look - Saturday
          I realized I forgot to get a picture of this look. I paired jeans with a brown sweater under a waterfall cardigan for this busy errand-filled day.

8. Style a skirt - Sunday
          Since Carrie styled a pencil skirt, I decided to do the same. I've had this skirt for years but it's so simple and classic that it's timelss. I paired it with a light blue shirt and a tweedy blazer. Instead of wearing heels, I wore black tights and tall black boots. Off to church!

Next week will be tricky. I'm traveling for work and I'll be wearing a uniform on two days. So on those days I won't participate in the challenge. But I'll do as many as I can!

Create28: A few looks

The lovely Carrie of A Lovely Little Wardrobe has been challenging us to create outfits from our closets and she helps us by giving us prompts as part of Create 28. Today's prompt is Leopard Print & Patterns. I was going to go with my usual (I say 'usual' but it's new to me as of the Fall Challenge) stripes and leopard like this one:

But then I read her blog post and her outfit inspired me to try something different. I mixed a black and white gingham shirt with leopard print scarf. I was going to pair it with my leopard flats, but today is cold in Florida so I opted for riding boots instead to go over dark wash skinny jeans.

Surprise, surprise - I like it! I used to NEVER mix patterns but lately I've branched out and tried a few combinations. I like the way this looks. I also used to never mix warm and cool colors, like this black and brown, but I've gotten to where I like that too! Do you mix patterns or warm and cool colors?

Here are a few more looks from this past week.

Day 10: Bright Colors Look

Day 11: A Stripes Look

Day 16: A Thrifted Look (tank, shirt and jeans all thrifted)

Day 17: Vest or Jacket Look

Days 12- 14 this was my look. I was working.

I missed several days this past week. I was either traveling or wearing the above uniform. I sure am having fun playing along with this challenge! You can still join in! It's free. Just follow Carrie's blog to see what the OOTD is. You can share your look on Instagram with the hashtag #Create28BLovely.

Create28

Carrie of A Lovely Little Wardrobe is a lovely little lady. I've gotten to "know" her through the Style Me Challenges. Here is what I know about her: she is stylish, strikingly beautiful, yet friendly, humble and helpful.

Carrie is hosting Create28 on her blog, which is a challenge to create 28 different outfits by shopping from your closet. She gives you several options on how to do this. I'm choosing the second one: create 28 different outfits using as many pieces as you like from your closet. I don't think I could manage all of her prompts with only 28 different pieces! My wardrobe is not THAT flexible!

Although I will not have a daily post, my goal is to post daily on Instagram with the #Create28BLovely hashtag. Then I hope to have a weekly recap to link up with the link-up she is hosting on Mondays.

For Day One, she styled a "Favorite Go-to Outfit." I changed it up just a bit. Hers was for a casual outfit. Since day one is Sunday, I went with a go-to church outfit.

My typical go-to church outfit

I will often pair a skirt with a simple layering tee and a cardigan (because even in Florida, I'm always cold in church!) and then add a scarf for some color.

Easy to put together.

This is a prime example of my go-to church outfit.

But today, I wanted to wear a new-to-me black and white polka dotted knit blazer from Talbots rather than my usual cardigan.

The knit blazer is just a comfy as a cardigan

I kept the red scarf for color but I dressed up the outfit even more by wearing black heels rather than my standard flats.

The heels fit the blazer better

So here you have it: the before and after of my go-to church outfit!

Happy Sunday everyone! I'm enjoying the fine weather we are having before the mayhem of "the game!"

Style Me Bloggers: From my closet...

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something in a shade of blue...

Lest you think that one of my children is getting married, let me be quick to assure you that is NOT what this post is about!

It's the topic for this week's Style Me Bloggers' post!

I put together an outfit that incorporated these elements. First up, *something old*. That was going to be easy since I have plenty of *old* things in my closet. Since Florida is seeing low temps, I decided on a pair of green J. Crew cords I have. I picked these up years ago at our church's garage sale. They were in a smallish size but Hey, J. Crew, and I *am* on a diet... Thankfully, since THM, I have been able to fit into these pants.

Again, since it's cold, I knew I would want to throw on a layering cami for warmth. This was a hand-me-down so another old thing.

Now for the *borrowed* and the *something in a shade of blue* (knock two birds out with one stone)... I wanted to pair the pants with a navy sweater but I had worn my cable knit blue sweater the day before and my cropped Gap one looked funny with so much cami sticking out. I asked my son if he had a navy sweater I could borrow and he had a comfy cotton J. Crew one! It just so  happens that he wears a small in men's and it fit me perfectly. Then I asked my daughter if she had a scarf I could borrow and she gave me two to pick from. I selected the floral one to lighten my overall look (navy and green can be pretty dark.)

And finally for the *something new*... I paired this outfit with my brand-new-never-been-worn Gap white puffer vest. I had been looking for a white puffer since the GYPO Fall Challenge but couldn't find one I liked that was in my price range. After Christmas, I had some returns to make at the St. Augustine Outlet Mall and went into the Gap. Found one there for $18!! I had seen it there before for $35 but didn't want to spend that much. (It was originally $60!) Score!

Also new (this season) are my Old Navy booties. I used to not be a bit boot fan. At. all. Now I own 4 pair: two tall and two short. I bought these for the Style Me Pretty Fall Challenge.

So there you have it! My outfit from my closet incorporating new, old, borrowed and blue items.

Check out the links below to see how the other Style Me Bloggers interpreted this post!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | Family Love Inspiration Education  

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | The Blondissima | Positively Learning | Quilty Joy Joy

 Daily Style Finds | Sheila's Potpourri | Puppies and Pretties | She thought She Could 
 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After | Sprinkled Just Right

An InLinkz Link-up

GYPO Winter and Holiday Challenge Week 2

This week was rough because I either didn't have some of the items or the OOTD didn't go with what I had on plan for doing that day. So here's how the week went down:

Day 4:
Plaid Shirt + Puffer Vest + Black Jeans or Leggings + Wedge Boots

On this day I did alright. I wore my black and white plaid flannel shirt with my black puffer vest but rather than pairing it with black jeans or leggings I added a pop of color by wearing red jeans. Since I don't have wedge boots, I went with my heeled booties from the fall challenge. I liked this outfit and was comfortable yet put together all day.

Comfy in this one!

Day 5:
Long Cardigan + Neutral Tee + Fur Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots
On this day, I had to do some subbing. I don't have a long printed cardigan so I went with my waterfall cardi paired with a mustard layering tee and since I don't have a fur scarf I went with a blue knit scarf that is furry and fun. I did wear skinny jeans and riding boots. Another winning combo.

Comfy in this one too!

Then that night we hosted a wine and cheese gathering for a few friends and I changed into a Build Your Basics Challenge outfit: sheath dress, white button down shirt, black heeled boots, skinny leopard belt and a blingy grey pearl necklace. Loved it!

Felt stylish in this simple outfit.

Day 6:
Dressy Sweater + Gray Jeans + Black Heels
Here's where the outfits start to fall apart. We had planned Kib's Bay for the whole day so a dressy sweater and heels were completely out of the picture. I went with comfy in mind so I wore my striped shirt from the fall challenge under a white corduroy shirt, boyfriend jeans and comfy closed shoes. Aw man! The only picture where you can see me is riding the Segway in St. Augustine.

This was a fun day!

Day 7:
Plaid Shirt + Cable Knit Sweater + Statement Necklace + Black Pants + Black Heels + Dressy Clutch
On this church day I wanted to wear a dress so rather than wear this outfit, I went with one that I learned about from a past challenger: this striped sweater dress from Target. I paired the stripes with a floral and polka dotted scarf, cream tights and red flats.

Pattern mixing is still new to me

Day 8:
Long Sleeved Tee + Puffer Vest + Skinny Jeans + Fur Scarf + Ugg Boots + Boot Socks
It started warming up today so I skipped the puffer vest and went with a rust layering tank under the dressy sweatshirt from the fall challenge. I went with boyfriend jeans because they are so comfy and leopard flats since it's too warm for boots and socks. One of our challengers is battling ovarian cancer. Many of us incorporated something teal in our Monday outfits. I added a teal scarf for Terri in place of the fur scarf,

Teal for Terri!

Day 9:
Dressy Sweater + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots
I shopped my closet and wore a sweater that I think of as dressy but it's not blingy, so I added my grey pearl necklace to it to spice it up. (When I bought this necklace last year I hardly wore it. Now I'm wearing it a LOT!) And since it was quite warm yesterday, I skipped the boots and subbed my trusty leopard flats. This was a perfect outfit for shopping at the Towne Center.

F21 necklace with Talbots sweater

F21 jeans with Merona flats

I'm really in need of a haircut. When it gets longer it gets flat on top. Adding that to my to do list for next week!

GYPO Winter and Holiday Challenge Week 1

It's time for a new Challenge! This is my third one! (Can you tell I really enjoy these?)

I didn't have much money or time to shop for missing pieces. It's just a busy $ time of year where I cannot afford to spend so much on myself. For this challenge I will be mostly shopping from my closet. I did buy an asymmetrical tunic sweater at Ross for $25. I think that's all I bought for this one!

On Day 1 I was traveling with my son for the Regionals Rock Climbing Competition and as such I didn't have the right pieces with me.

Day 1: Neutral Cable Knit Sweater + Fur Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots

I do have a cable knit sweater but it's navy blue and not cream. I do not have a fur scarf. I could have styled this outfit with what I have had I not been traveling. But since I was, I have no picture to share.

Day 2: Tunic Sweater + Puffer Vest + Leggings + Boot Socks + Riding Boots

Here's where I got to wear my new sweater! I added a cream scarf for added warmth around my neck and for some lightness as the colors were all pretty dark. No leggings or boot socks for this gal yet.

Nice and warm!

Day 3: Poncho + Long Sleeved Tee + Printed Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Wedge Boots

I don't have a poncho but I have a poncho-ish sweater. It has the poncho vibe. So I went with that and seemed to work. I added a warm knit scarf that picks up on the colors in the sweater and tee shirt. I don't have wedge boots so I went with the booties from the Fall Challenge.

Penny is mesmerized!

Check out what my styling sisters wore these first few days by clicking on the links below. (Can you believe that picture is an actual photograph of one of the gals' front yard?! She lives in Canada ;)

Shoes to Shiraz | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared  

Two Teens and Their Mama | Foxy's Domestic Side |  | Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life 

Sheila's Potpourri | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After |  Sprinkled Just Right 
Quilty Joy Joy | From Plaid to Pearls | Daily Style Finds | Fast Life Slow Life

Week 3 Build Your Basics Challenge

Can't believe week three is already here with only a few days of outfits left!

This week I didn't get to wear near as many outfits of the day (OOTD) since we were traveling for Thanksgiving and I didn't have all the right pieces. Then it warmed up and it was too hot to wear long sleeves and boots! But here's what I managed:

Day 10: Cardigan + Blouse + Black Pants + Leopard Belt + Black Boots

Since I still don't have a jewel colored blouse (and it was cold) I subbed a sweater. No leopard belt since these pants have no belt loops. I felt like I needed a little more color near my face so I added a light floral scarf, tied as an infinity scarf.

Added a mustard layering tee for warmth.

Day 11:Chambray + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Leopard Belt + Riding Boots

This was Thanksgiving day and initially I was going to wear something a little dressier but then I realized we were spending Thanksgiving on a horse farm, albeit a really NICE farm, but still a farm. So I went with the OOTD and was very comfy. (Barefoot in the picture since I was indoors, but I did wear my riding boots). Added a cable knit flowy cardigan for warmth.

Such a comfy outfit!

Day 12: Cardigan+ Striped Top + Bootcut Jeans + Black Boots

This was one of the days that we were traveling so I didn't have all the pieces for the outfit so I did my own thing. And forgot to get a picture.

Day 13: Black Jacket + Blouse + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Leopard Flats

Another travel day with doing my own thing. No picture.

Day 14: Neutral Sweater + White Shirt + Black Pants + Black Boots

Church day. I did wear the OOTD but I didn't actually put on my neutral sweater. I just draped it around my shoulders.

Day 15: Cardigan + Striped Top + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Riding Boots

On this day, the temps were in the high 70s so I subbed a short sleeved top and flip flops and nixed the cardigan. Since it was barely in line with the OOTD, I didn't get a picture.

Day 16: Blouse+ Long Necklace + Boot Cut Jeans + Heeled Boots

Too warm on this day too to wear boots and long sleeves so I subbed a ruby short sleeved blouse and my trusty leopard flats. Forgot to get a picture.

Day 17: Black Blazer + White Shirt + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Leopard Belt + Nude Heels

Today I am determined to wear the outfit, even if it means turning on the a/c in the car. I don't have nude heels yet so I subbed the ever trusty leopard again.

Casual yet feel pulled together. 

Only 4 days left in this challenge! We already received the shopping list for the Winter Challenge. Care to join me? Go here to sign up for this new challenge! It's not too late!

Linking up to Alison's I Feel Pretty Link Party!

Week 2 Build Your Basics Challenge

Day 4: Thursday

Neutral Sweater + Long Necklace + Skinny or Straight Jeans + Riding Boots

Green is a neutral, right?

Hoops were also on the photograph

I was cooking in my brown neutral sweater and splattered some oil on it (wasn't wearing an apron...drat!) So since it was at the dry cleaners, I subbed a green sweater and a warm scarf for the long necklace (the temps had dropped!). I paired that with skinny jeans, tall socks and riding boots. I have never worn socks peaking out the top of tall boots and I liked the surprise of color these added.  

Day 5: Friday

Blouse + Long Necklace + Bootcut  Jeans + Leopard Flats

Warm and comfy!

Magic trick knot on the scarf

I still haven't found a jewel toned blouse I like so I used this sweater from my closet. Added a scarf instead of the long necklace (still cold) and rather than bootcut jeans, I wore my other pair of skinny jeans and my trusty leopard flats.

Day 6: Saturday

Chambray + Khaki Pants + Leopard Flats 

I love the chambray with white

Added a little sparkle with my necklace and earrings

This was such a comfy outfit! The khaki pants I have are a little on the tight side so I subbed these white skinny jeans. Such a simple outfit but I still felt so put together.

Day 7: Sunday

Cardigan + White Button Down + Sheath Dress + Leopard Belt + Nude Heels

With belt

Without!

The weather warmed up quite a bit so I couldn't wear a cardigan. I haven't purchased a sheath dress but I have this jersey knit swing dress that worked for this outfit. I used a little trick to keep the button down shirt from feeling bulky: I wore a camisole on TOP of it and that smoothed everything down. I tried the outfit with a belt and without and my hubby preferred it without so that's what I wore. I still haven't purchased nude heels so I wore the leopard flats again. I am getting some mileage out of those shoes!

Day 8: Monday

Neutral Sweater + Bootcut Jeans + Leopard Flats

Grey pearls with grey top

Leopard and polkadots

Today the high was going to be in the 80s so I knew I wouldn't be able to wear a sweater and long jeans. I subbed this very light cotton shirt and capri jeans. I added a blingy grey pearl necklace which really finished the outfit off!

Day 9: Tuesday

Denim Jacket + Striped Top + Khaki Pants + Leopard or Neutral Flats

Day 9

More pattern mixing!

This was such a great outfit! Rain brought some cooler temps so I was able to wear the denim jacket. I wore a short sleeved striped top though and the white skinny jeans in place of the khaki pants again with those ubiquitous leopard flats. I really need to get some cognac ones.

*****

Are you interested in joining me for the next challenge? It's the winter/holiday challenge and sign ups are open! Just go here to sign up! The list hasn't come out yet but we've been given some teasers. We'll be styling leggings and tunics, ponchos and sparkling sweaters, boot socks and boots, fur scarves and rhinestones. We recently learned that there will be 7 items that are repeated from the Fall Challenge which means more shopping in my closet for me! Won't you join me?

Today I'm linking up to the I Feel Pretty link party!