Introducing Style Swap with The Brandied Pair

I’m excited to me starting a new weekly link-up with Jenn from The Brandied Pair called “Style Swap.” 

Our goal is to help you share your great style, as well as a blogger whose style you love.  Each Friday you can link up in one of two ways:

1. Pick a blogger buddy and choose to do a “Style Swap” with each other, just like Jenn and I did today.  Pick one of each other’s looks you love and create your own spin on it, therefore “swapping styles,” then link to each other and to us.  This will build your audience in two ways: one, with the blogger collaboration, and two by linking up with us.  Awesome, right?
2. The second way is to simply choose a blogger you love and take one of their looks and swap your style for theirs.  Then, link to the blogger out of courtesy and link up with us as well.

At the end of each link-up Jenn and I will take one of the looks we love best, and we'll “Style Swap” your look and create our own spin on it.  Then, we'll showcase your look and link to you on the next link-up.

We politely ask that you follow Jenn and I on at least one social media outlet before linking up.  Here's all the links you need to easily follow:

Jenn: Bloglovin / Pinterest / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
Ginny: Bloglovin / Pinterest /Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / GFC (use button)

Here’s our button to grab, and the link-up will go live each Friday at 7:00 Central time.

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Tres-Chic, Bows, and Stripes

I'm excited to be co-hosting with Agi for her Tres-Chic link-up! Today, I'm also kind of in love with outfit. This bow sweater is definitely one of my favorite purchases from this winter, so I was excited to get to wear it again.  Originally I was thinking of wearing booties but changed to my boots last minute and I'm so glad I did. It's perfect for the cold temps. we've been having. The mix of sparkle from the bows on the cardigan, lace from the top, and texture of the skirt make this a winning combination for me.

I'd love to have you link-up down below and show off your tres-chic look too!

Have you entered my sponsor's giveaway here yet?

Leopard and Stripes

Ok, so I'm pretty crazy about today's outfit.  I got the inspiration from this pin after receiving this scarf from Born Pretty.  I already have an infinity version, but really wanted a tradition one.  You guys.  I love it.  I'm not sure the pictures does it justice, it's really luxurious and not chintzy on the length at all.  I also got the chance to layer a necklace and a scarf and love how it came out too.  Yep, I'll definitely be wearing this outfit again.

Have you entered my sponsor's giveaway here yet?

How To: Style and Tie Scarves

Today I'll be sharing some tips with you about how to style and tie scarves.  Now, I must say, I am NOT an expert my any means.  I have a few tips to share, but I'm including Wendy's Lookbook's Video with 25 Ways to Tie Scarves below, as well as a few ideas from Pinterest too.  

• My first tip is to learn a few basic ways to tie a scarf that can be your go-to ways to tie.  Other than infinity scarves this is my favorite way to tie a scarf, in the first two pictures below I've tied it this way, I just shifted it to the side with the floral scarf for a different look.
• My second tip is to use your scarf as a simple way to pattern mix.  If you'd love to try this trend, but are nervous, a scarf is a great place to start.  Try leopard with stripes, or a a print.  This look can really make your outfit stand out and it keep it looking forgettable. 
• Basic bold colored scarves are great and super versatile.  In the winter these tend to take the place of necklaces frequently.  Work to color coordinate your scarf with your outfit, or add a cool pop of color in a complimentary color.  
•  I am a huge fan of infinity scarves as I feel like they are a not hassle way to wear scarves, but not every great scarf is an infinity scarf.  To make any scarf an infinity one, simply tie the ends together like this and voila, an instant infinity scarf.  I use this trick all the time!

Have you entered my sponsor's giveaway here yet?

Mix It Mondays: Herringbone Vest

Today I'm excited to be co-hosting Mix It Monday's with Lauren at Fizz and Frosting. It's no secret I love my herringbone vest, so it was an easy choice to show today.  This vest really does go with everything!  I picked up this vest on super clearance at J.Crew Factory after Christmas and love the yellow paired wit the black here. This outfit already made an appearance on Instagram, but great outfit need to be worn again! The next time I wear it, I'm planning on pairing it with this in colbalt (it's 40% off today, by the way).  Down below today's pictures is a ginormous remix collage on how to style this vest, make sure to check it out below, as well as link-up with Lauren.

On another note, last summer I did a post on knowing and dressing for your body type and it was a great success. I'd like to expand on it and I need your help. I really only gave outfit ideas for a rectangle, because that's what I am. Here's my pitch: Are you hourglass, pear, apple, or triangle shaped? Send me a picture of you in all black (with or without your face) if I get more than one of each body type I'll choose at random. Then I'll create Polyvore sets for you and others with your body type as outfit inspiration, as well as tips to best utilize your best qualities. I plan to do this as part of my Tuesday how-to series. If interested email me here. 

Have you entered my sponsor's giveaway here yet?

Sponsored Spotlight: Charming Lucy and a Giveaway

I'm excited to have Susan from Charming Lucy guest posting today in the cutest outfit.  She also has a great giveaway for you too, make sure to look for details below!

Happy Friday and welcome to Charming Lucy! Today I am sharing accessories from one of my favorite on line boutiques! The ladies at Pink Slate Boutique were kind enough to send me this gorgeous scarf and earrings to style. I am continuing to participate in my closet remix challenge, which is a more pleasant way of saying "a shopping ban". So, what a treat to receive this new Light as a Feather scarf and Divine Elegance earrings from the Pink Slate Boutique!

 I must say that I had difficulty narrowing down which outfit to post because this scarf literally coordinates with everything! I choose to style the scarf with a striped tee (because everything goes with a striped tee) and an olive utility jacket. The burgundy cords added a bit of color. I topped it off with my go-to booties from Target. I have worn these almost every day this winter! This outfit just suits my style and kept me warm and chic during a brutally cold day! I actually wore this to work and kept in on for a night out with my family. I find myself wearing stud earrings on a daily basis and saving my dangles for more fancy occasions. However, this pair of studs can be worn with a tee and jeans or paired with a sequin dress for a night on the town. My nights on the town consist of dance competitions or driving seventh grade girls around, but I would wear these to do that too(:
 

Snow Boots and Vests

 I have to be honest with you guys, I feel kind of guilty showing you outfits that are with vests on every-other post.  But, at the same point I pretty much love them this winter, and this blog is about showing my daily outfits....so here you go, another outfit with a vest.  I've recently discovered that the perfect addition to an outfit with a vest are snow boots. The ones I have are actually like four years old. I bought them at of all places, Walmart. I was pregnant and needed boots so I wouldn't slip and fall walking in and out of school. I wore them a little bit that winter, and since then they were pretty much forgotten in my closet until just recently.  You guys. They are so comfortable, and I actually really like them. I actually wish I'd worn them yesterday.  Cool me, took a corner too quickly on our newly waxed floor, and although I didn't fall, I was wearing these booties and I twisted my ankle pretty badly. : (  I'm elevating it and icing it as I write this.  Fingers crossed I'm good today and don't have to limp around having to explain to every 7th grader I pass what happened....

Double Stripes

Sometimes there are outfits that I just wear time and time again, and this is one of them.  It was originally one of those outfits that came together unexpectedly, but there's just something about it I love. Before getting my booties I wore this with simple heels, but I love it with the booties. If you want more tips on how to style booties, check out this post. Honestly, I think I just like this outfit because it's a little edgier than my norm and it makes me feel cooler than I really am. :)

How To: Style A Necklace

This week for my how-to series I got the idea from  Laura at I do doClaire share some tips on how to chose a necklace, which can be the biggest statement your outfit will make.  I've pulled some pictures from my archives as well as some inspiration from Pinterest that I'll share with you today.

• I think it's important to have one piece of classic bling in your wardrobe.  The "bling" part of the Stella and Dot Sutton is my favorite go to piece.  It's perfect to wear with layers like a button-down and sweater, or great to finish off an outfit like I did here.
• You want your necklace to add to your outfit, not take away from it.  If you are wearing a top with a print, keep it simple with your necklace.  I wore the Sutton here too.  If you wear a necklace that is too complicated and busy it definitely takes away from your look instead of adding to it.
• Don't be afraid to make a statement with your jewelry.  I think this is best done when you're wearing a solid top like I am below.  The Phoenix is my favorite statement necklace right now.  It always can make a boring outfit become anything but that!
• It can be fun to color coordinate too.  Add a necklace that has complimentary colors to your shirt or dress, this can add such a fun final look to your outfit.  
• Add a pop of color to your outfit with your necklace.  Wearing mostly neutral colors or black and white, adding a pop of color with a necklace like the Juniper to make your look anything but boring.

Here's a visual of these tips and keep reading for more tips on how to style a necklace:

A Utility Vest Three Ways

I'm excited to be collaborating with Heather at Style Journey and Inge at This Ever Evolving Life to show
you three ways to style a utility vest.  I've ogled over Heather and Inge's vests for quite sometime, but it just got my recently on super clearance at JC Penney and have been wearing it like crazy! The first time I wore it on the blog I wore it like this, and if you follow me on Instagram you've seen it a few times on there too.  Today I decided to pair it with my new navy striped dress I got from Gap for $6. New for $6. I actually laughed when she told me the total.  I wish a big thanks to whoever returned this gem, so I could get it for a steal. I'm crazy about this combo and love the gingham touch the button down adds too. Make sure to stop by Heather and Inge's blogs to get the details to their great looks too.

Plaid, Vests, and a Batman Sighting....

I wore this outfit the during Christmas break and Grant always like to "help" me take pictures.  I couldn't bring myself to crop him out of he pictures. It was actually a pretty nice day, perfect for a vest for me and Grant's new Batman hoodie for him.  He's pretty much living in it, and along with wearing his new Super-man light up shoes he's definitely the most stylish three year old. :). On this particular day Grant and I went to a paint your own pottery place and Grant painted a plane figurine. Then we went to eat lunch at a pizza place that is really popular here.  We had a really nice little date together. It's so nice that he's getting big enough for fun activities like this. 

Teal and Polka Dots

I recently this to work and I actually picked up this blazer for $.99 at Goodwill and found this Lauren Conrad blouse for $3 that day too. I actually went in to try to find an ugly sweater for a Christmas party, but no luck. I was pretty excited to find these pieces though, especially since the blazer is Tahari by Authur S. Levine and retails for around $140! Say, what? The blouse is also studded with polka dots, similar to this one. I'll have to wear it on it's own soon! I decided to pair the blazer and shirt with my polka dot skirt and Phoenix Pendant. I mentioned recently I wouldn't go without tights until spring, but I just couldn't do it with this outfit . Luckily my bare legs made it through the short walk into school.

Love and Gingham

I picked this sweater up about a year ago from Target for a steal. I love it, but it's been totally under utilized in my closet.  Anyone else have pieces like that? On the other hand, this skirt and shirt seem to be in constant rotation. I don't think it was a bad idea to buy this sweater, it was only like $6, but I think if I'm going to have something in my closet I better find a way to wear it.

Speaking of wearing what I own, the heels I'm wearing today have officially bit the dust. I've worn a hole in the soles, yep, I definitely buy my shoes to be work horses. Luckily, I was able to replace them with these for half the price. Now, I just hope they'll be comfy.

Also, make sure to stop my Whatcha Makin' Now, my sister is starting the coolest idea today. She's going to be sending sweet treats to one lucky person each month...for free. Go check it out!

How To: Style Booties

This week for my how-to series, I'll be covering how to style booties.  I love my booties and have been living in them this fall and winter!  They are such a great trend this year, but I'll be honest, styling them can be a little daunting at first.  Today I'll be sharing six ways I like to wear them.

• Booties can be a little more casual in nature, so when styling them you'll probably find they look best styled with more casual pieces.
• First, I'll be styling it with a dress and tights.  I love this combo and it seems to work best with cotton or jersey dresses.  Wearing black tights with black booties, or brown tights with brown booties will also elongate your legs, which is always a plus!
• The second way I'll be styling it is with long leggings.  I love this for a casual weekend look or a night with friends.  Tip, if you're leggings aren't quite long enough, wear black socks and tuck them into your leggings, no one will know the difference. : )  
• The third way is with boot-cut jeans. Just add either one big cuff or cuff it twice and just let the bottom of the booties show.  This is a great way to transition into booties if you're just starting to get comfortable with them.
• The forth way is with a pencil skirt or mini-skirt and bare legs.  I think bare legs and brown booties are are better combination than bare legs and black booties.  Black booties and bare legs can have a tendency to cut you off at the ankle and make you look shorter and wider than you are.
• The fifth way, and my favorite way to wear it is with skinny jeans.  You can either do one bigger cuff or cuff it twice.  The little bit of ankle that shows is super flattering.
• The last way is with tights and a mini-skirt.  This works great for both brown and black booties and if perfect for when you want to wear a skirt in the winter.

Also, a few days after I got this post ready the lovely Sarah at Sarah's Real Life created a post on how to style booties too, check out her post for some more great tips. : )

Scarves and Dresses

This dress is definitely one of my favorite pieces. I've worn it a number of times, but was kind of stuck on how to style it a different way until Lauren of Fizz and Frosting wore her leopard dress like this. I feel like the bright scarf was the perfect touch to her look, so I decided to give it a try myself. I really love how it came together. I don't think I have considered scarves with dresses much, but after this outfit I definitely think I need to consider it more. Finding out my closet is even more mixable definitely brightens my day!  I think sometimes I take for granted the little things like this, so I thought today I'd share some of the simple loves in my life:

1. Clean. Sheets.  Seriously, sleeping on clean sheets is the best! If I had the time I probably put on fresh daily instead of weekly.

2. Bubble baths with a book.  I don't think I need to elaborate on the awesomeness that this is.

3. Pedicures- I used to go monthly before Grant was born and now I'm lucky to go twice a year.  Over Christmas break Grant went to daycare a few times and on one of the days I went and pampered myself with a pedi and my feet have never been happier, seriously, that girl was amazing.

4. Compliments from fellow fashionistas; it always makes my day to have stylish ladies give me a compliment.  Have you guys read The Five Love Languages? If not, you really should, mine is words of affirmation, AKA compliments.  My husband is good at a lot of things, but compliments isn't high on his list, so you ladies really help me out it that department. : )

5. Gift cards for Christmas, I'm excited to shop Loft's new spring clothes and am loving this skirt.

6.  The Grantster.  He's a pretty sweet kid....I might just be slightly biased. 

What about you?  What makes your day?  I'd love to hear about it.

Blazers and Boots

I found this Loft blazer last year at Goodwill and wore it a ton, but for whatever reason it's been totally under utilized this winter.  I decided to pair it with my polka dot sweater, also totally under utilized this winter and my red scarf.  I feel totally cozy and warm, and when it's ridiculously cold outside that's a winning combination.  

Insta-Love

Instagram is so much fun. I love scrolling through my friends' pictures and I get great outfit inspiration too. When Stephanie of White Coat Wardrobe put together this outfit I knew I needed to try it for myself. I absolutely love how it came together. I think I'll also try this with my red vest like this one and my Gap red plaid shirt. I love being able to mix the pieces in my closet. Are you on Instagram? You can follow me along here, and I'd love to follow you too :)

Stripes and Vests

I recently found this utility vest at JC Penney and I absolutely love how it goes with this J.Crew Factory shirt I found shopping the after Christmas sales.  I wore this last weekend and it was perfect for going to the library with Grant and they having a playdate after nap time.  I also got this top in orange and know I'll try that combo next.  I feel like having easy weekend pieces like this is essential.  I have a bunch of great basics for summer time, but was really lacking in the winter department, these new pieces will definitely get their wear!

How To: Style a Boyfriend Cardigan

I'm excited to be starting a how-to series, which I'll be sharing with you all weekly.  This week I'll be sharing tips on how to style a boyfriend cardigan.  Now, these cardigans can be great, but the length and tendency for them to be over-sized can make them difficult to style.  I have some great tips on how to style them for you all today.

• First, when trying a boyfriend cardigan on in the store, try on your "normal" size and then one size smaller.  You might find that the small works better than the medium, etc.  Also, check the length.  For me, having a boyfriend cardigan hit right below the hips is most flattering.  Due to my short petite figure, cardigans that are longer than this are not flattering on me and look more like a weird dress with buttons on the front.  Not cool.
• One great way to style a boyfriend cardigan once you've gotten a well fitting one is with a jersey dress like this one I'm wearing in the first picture below.  Boyfriend cardigans are more casual in nature, so wearing it with a jersey dress works great.  I'll done this quite a few time and and always feel put together and cozy all day long.  A belt also helps to accentuate your waist with this combo too.
• The second ways to wear a boyfriend cardigan is with skinny jeans.  This is a great combo for casual Friday or for a weekend look.  I think skinny jeans are best because you don't want to create more volume with the outfit by adding a wider leg jean; this outfit can have a tendency to look overwhelming and make you look bigger than you are.  I styled mine below with booties, but you could also easily wear ballet flats or tall boots too. I also feel that tucking in your shirt or wearing a more form fitting shirt is the most flattering with a boyfriend cardigan too, just like with the jeans, an over-sized shirt can make you look bigger than you are.
• The third way to style a boyfriend cardigan is with a mini-skirt.  Now pencil skirts can be ok with boyfriend cardigans too, just keep in mind the casual nature of this piece, so a cotton skirt is probably best.  Once again tucking your shirt in will be the most flattering for this look and I think booties are boots look best.  I don't recommend wearing an a-line skirt with a boyfriend cardigan, just like I stated above with over-sized shirts or wider leg jeans, adding more volume is not very flattering.
• The last way I'm going to show is to wear a boyfriend cardigan with leggings.  I love this with a longer tunic and boots or booties.  I don't recommend wearing leggings to work, I'd stick to wearing this combo for a night with friends or on the weekends.  You also want to make sure your rear is covered by the tunic and cardigan and that the legging are nice and thick.  To wear this look at work, simply swap out the leggings for black jeans or the gigi pant and you're ready to go.

Red and Leopard

I'm loving this combo today. I think I pinned something red and leopard awhile ago and have been waiting to wear them together. I feel like some outfits just don't work with tights. Tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this???? However, I totally think they work here, which is good because I'm pretty sure today is supposed to be pretty cold today, so my fleece lined tights are a definitely a necessity.

*I found out we get a cold weather-no school day today, so this outfit will have to wait for tomorrow. To those of you dealing with these freezing temps, stay inside, keep warm, pin some stuff, and follow me on Instagram while I try to keep the Grantster entertained and inside.

Keep It Simple

Whelp, back to school today. Whomp, whomp.  Break has been great, I've had some time to myself and some great time with family too. Today is a workday and I have grades to finalize and lesson plans to write.  

As for my outfit, I'm going to come out and say it, sometimes layering a shirt under a sweater is just too much work. Seriously. Getting the arms and collar just right is the last thing I want to do when I'm already tired in the morning, and having to get up early for the first time in weeks. So, today I am keeping it simple with this red vest and my Stella and Dot necklace, and that's ok. I love the overall ease of this, and it's perfect for looking put together and cozy at the same time.

Fair Isle Love

When I saw this sweater in red on Jessica at Bows and Sequins I was in love.  I ended up being able to get it in blue the day of after Christmas for half price and seriously want to wear it every day.  I decided to pair it with my new white vest which I was able to get for a steal at Sears. I'm also really excited about my new watch I got for Christmas. If you follow me on Instagram, you already got a sneak peak.  I totally love it!

I wore this on Tuesday. Grant, Bran and I went to the Children's Museum. We'd bought a family pack of gift certificates at a silent auction recently and decided to use a few of them over Christmas break. The holidays have been so busy we haven't been able to just do something as a family, so it was really nice.

Year in Review: Fall and Winter Favorites

Today I'm continuing my year in review by showing a few of my favorite fall and winter outfit!

This outfit was part of my "Blogger Love" Series featuring Lisa from Respect the Shoes, such fun pattern mixing here and definitely a look I'll wear again.

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