Style Swap Link up: Week Four

Welcome to the forth week of Jenn and my link up, Style Swap.  Last week I was flattered to have Laura of  I do deClaire and Lydia of Chic on the Cheap Style Swap looks of mine for their posts.  This week I've Style Swapped with Valerie from The Style Files.  She'd gotten her swap inspiration from Tara.  I loved Tara's look when I originally saw it and Valerie take was great too.  I don't have a cute pink blazer, but I decided to use their looks for inspiration to create my own spin.  I have to admit it feels good to be able to wear dress clothes like this again after freezing all winter long.  I love my vests, but I'm ready to say goodbye to them until next fall.


Link up details down below, I can't wait to see your posts!

Head to Toe Chic: Date Night Essentials

Welcome to Niki at Glossy Blonde and my first link-up, "Head to Toe Chic!" This months topic is "Date Night Essentials." We can't wait to see your posts! 

Pink, Stripes, and Styling

I really like today's combo.  I recently picked up this skirt at JC Penney after seeing it on  Valerie.  I really loved her combo of pink, black, and white, so I decided to try that here too.  The same weekend I found this skirt I found this blazer at Kohl's on super sale, and decide to pair them both with my Joe Fresh blouse.  I haven't really been shopping since the first of the year (unintentionally) but am really happy to add these two new pieces to my wardrobe. 

I've really enjoyed creating my "tips for dressing for your shape" posts and I've started to have some interest in styling services as well.  That being said, I've created a Styling Services page.  I love getting to help others feel more confident about themselves and their style. If you're interested, email me! 

Also, there are two link-ups on the blog this week!  The first is on Thursday with Niki at Glossy Blonde.  Create a post sharing you five date night essentials and link-up with us! The second is with Jenn at The Brandied Pair.  Pick a blogger to swap styles with and link up with us on Friday! Both buttons are on my sidebar for you to grab. : )

Tips for Styling an Inverted Triangle Shape

Today I'm excited to be back with another edition of my series, dressing for your body type. In case you've missed it first I talked about how to dress for an hourglass shape, next I talked about dressing for a pear shape, and today I'll be cover the inverted triangle.  The lovely Brett from Silver Girl has been kind enough to share a picture with us today. When creating this post I found some great tips on The Chic Fashionista, let credit be given when it is due : )

Not sure if this shape applies to you, here are some characteristics:

• Your bust and shoulders are proportionally wider than your hips
• Your hips are narrower than your bust and shoulders
• You may have slim and defined legs
• You may have a small rear
• You may look sporty or athletic
• You may have little to no waist definition

Cobalt, Black, and Sailboats

 I mentioned on Instagram last week that I went to Target only intending to buy a coffee mug, and I ended up walking out with a number of things, including this top, and a coffee mug.  I had my eye on this cute blouse when it was full price, but sail boats in January didn't work for me, but then it went on sale for $7 and it's almost March.  I was sold. : )  I really like it styled with my black jeans and leopard heels but really can't wait to wear it with white skinnys.  Alas, I live in the Midwest and everyone would look at me like I was crazy if I pulled those out before May.

This weekend I created an Instagram shop to sell some of my like-new clothing and jewelry.  Come check it out here.

Also, there are two link-ups on the blog this week!  The first is on Thursday with Niki at Glossy Blonde.  Create a post sharing you five date night essentials and link-up with us! The second is with Jenn at The Brandied Pair.  Pick a blogger to swap styles with and link up with us on Friday! Both buttons are on my sidebar for you to grab. : )

Campus Book Rentals and Operation Smile

Today Campus Book Rentals has asked me to share some with you some great information about how to save money on textbooks as well as a great way to help others with Operation Smile.

When I was in college the price of buying textbooks each semester drove me crazy, especially when professors would add like six books to their list, then only have us read two of them.  As you all know, I'm teaching myself now and have a master's as well, but many of my co-workers are working on their masters degrees and I hear them complain about the cost of textbooks.  That's where Campus Book Rentals comes in.  They offer:

-prices that are 40-90% off of the bookstore price
-free shipping both ways
-you can highlight in the textbooks
-you can chose how long you need the book

The also just started a program called Rent Back. Here's how it works:

One of the great things about Campus Book Rentals is that that with each book you rent they donate money to Operation Smile, very cool, right?  Here's what Operation Smile is all about:

A simple smile, in an instant it can change someone's day.  It's something most of us take for granted, and something that doesn't come easily to all: that's where Operation Smile comes in.  Operation Smile is an organization whose medical mission is to deliver safe surgeries to those with cleft palates in places where access to surgery may not be available, frequently in the developing world. They combine the talent of medical volunteers from different countries with the best practices in surgical care to meet two goals: immediately transform the children they treat while creating self-sufficient, long-term solutions. 

 Operation Smile transforms the smiles, and not to mention the lives, of children with cleft palates in as little as 45 minutes with the cost of $240.  Pretty amazing, right?  Their website states: "Our international medical missions consist of a team of credentialed medical professionals from around the world who travel to an Operation Smile partner country to treat children throughout a two-week period."

When going on a medical mission, 300-500 children receive full medical evaluations and 100-150 children are surgically treated. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, like Campus Book Rentals, they are able go on international medical missions each year in and give medical care to individuals who wouldn't normally be able to receive it.

You can help too!  Consider donating to Operation Smile, and change a child's life forever.

This post was sponsored by Campus Book Rentals, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Style Swap Link Up, Week Three

I'm excited to be back today for week three of Jenn and my link up, "Style Swap." This week I swapped styles with the lovely Lauren at  Exploring My Style.  She had swapped styles with Danielle and I love how the look came together.  I made it my own by adding a leopard scarf and this was the perfect look for a casual night with friends last Sunday night. I can't wait to see your Style Swaps this week, link up down below!

Fun Finds and Introducing Head to Toe Chic

Last week I went thrifting for the first time in months and I found a bunch of things I loved. I showed my finds on Instagram.  One of my buys was this cardigan today covered in a cat pattern.  It was new with tags and only cost me $3!  My sister wasn't so sure about it's cuteness, and honestly, it wasn't easy to style.  I'm really happy with how this look came together though.  I think it would also look cute with my navy dress, but I'm at a loss for other outfit ideas, how would you girls style it?

I'm also co-hosting an exciting new link-up next week, look down below for details!

Many Ways, Many Days Link-up

Today I'm excited to be co-hosting a fun link-up with Danielle at Goodwillista and Nicole at Writes Like a Girl.  I decided to show you a remix with my utility vest. Since finding it I've worn it like crazy!  Today I paired it with my polka dot chambray,  my Fair Isle sweater, jeans, and booties for a casual look. I love how it came together.  Look down below for more outfit ideas for this vest and to link-up too!

Tips for Styling a Pear Shape

I'm excited to be back again this week to share tips for styling a pear shape. Last week I covered dressing for an hourglass shape here, in case you missed it, and that happens to be your shape. When creating this post I found some great tips on The Chic Fashionista, let credit be given when it is due : ) Not sure if the pear shape applies to you, here are some of the characteristics:

• You have a well-defined waist
• You're bust and shoulders are narrower than your hem-line
• Your thighs and rear might be full and rounded
• You might have short, full, or muscular legs

I actually had two readers share pictures, and both have different styles, so I'll be creating looks for two different ladies today.  First fellow blogger at Bookworm 1858, the lovely Stephanie.  It seems she already knows a number of the tips I'm going to share today, she looks great in this a-line dress! I asked her some questions and am excited to create some looks for her today too.

Preppy

Today I'm feeling pretty preppy in this look.  I love cut of this dress and I've been wanting to layer a chambray with it for quite a while.  I decided to add my fun J.Crew Factory bow cardigan on top and I'm loving the result.  The weather is actually supposed to be making a turn for the better here, 50 degrees people! That means I can actually wear a dress without tights and not freeze to death.  I've really missed wearing a lot of my dresses and skirts, but it's been so stinking cold and I'm just not crazy about tights. 

You guys know I love a deal, so when  Coohpons asked me to share their fabulous discounts and promotional offers with you all, I was on board.  They offer coupons to stores like Gap, so you can find yourself a dress similar to the one I'm wearing today, Target, so you can "Buy All the Things," along with hundreds of other retailers. Happy saving!

Also, there are two link-ups on the blog this week!  First is on Wednesday called "Many Days, Many Ways." Link up a new post where you've taken a piece and restyled it many ways.  The link-up button is on my side bar. :)  The second link-up is on Friday called Style Swap.  Pick a blogger buddy to swap styles with and link up your looks this Friday!

Style Swap Link Up, Week Two

I'm excited to be back again this week for our Style Swap Link-up.  Last week I loved Inge's take on Danielle's outfit.  I loved the idea of a boyfriend cardigan with boots and layering a scarf and necklace. I recently got this cardigan for $16 at Loft and have shown it once on Instagram, but not on here yet.  I love the result. Also, it started snowing in the middle of me taking pictures, but I just kept on clicking. : )  I can't wait to see your style swaps this week, link up down below!

Cobalt and Stripes Two Ways

Today I'm going to show you a dressy and casual take on a similar look.  I've really been enjoying dressing up jeans lately, but I really only get to them one day a week at work, that leaves four other work days where I need to dress up. This winter has really make me dress more casually, but I really do love a good skirt, so  I love how easily this outfit can transition from casual to dressy by simply switching the the jeans out for the pencil skirt. I'm not going to lie, after taking these pictures I added tights, it was too cold. The jeans look I wore when it was pretty nice a few weeks ago....maybe I should have worn the skirt then. ;) Speaking of jeans, I'm on the hunt for some new ones, I'm wondering if I should give these a try, being I love everything else from there. What jeans do you love and recommend?  

Tips for Styling an Hourglass Shape

I'm excited to be starting a series, which I'll post each Tuesday on dressing for your body type.  Today I'll be sharing tips for dressing an hourglass figure, and the beautiful Michelle who blogs about life at from the bleachers... has volunteered to help me out.  We're actually from the same small town, but went to different schools, so we didn't know each other.  She found my blog though another and has been such a great supporter blogging friend since then.  She's pretty stylish on her own, but I'm excited to create some outfits for her today. When creating this post I found some great tips on The Chic Fashionista, let credit be given when it is due : )

If you're not sure if you fit this body type, here are some characteristics:

• Your bust and shoulders are at the same width as your hips
• You have a defined waist
• When gaining weight, you gain it equally throughout your body
• Your waist is 8" to 12" smaller than your hip or bust measurement
• Your figure resembles a coke bottle. 

Plaid, Polka Dots and Elbow Patches

I actually wore this outfit last Friday, you might have seen it on Instagram. I hadn't planned on posting it, but I loved it so much I came home and took pictures.  The combo of plaid and polka dots with my button down is one I love. Plus, this sweater has elbow patches. Love. Speaking of elbow patches this sweater has polka to elbow patches.  Yes, that is amazing. Today's outfit the perfect casual Friday outfit and one I'll definitely be wearing again. Oh, I also found a really close dup for my glitter booties here. 

I loved seeing everyone's Style Swaps last Friday! I'd love to have you all join me this Friday, details on how to link up here. 

Style Swap Link Up!

Welcome to the first addition of my weekly link-up with Jenn from The Brandied Pair called “Style Swap.” I can't wait to see all our your looks today!  This week I swapped with Jenn, and starting next week Jenn and I will pick a favorite from the link-up to "Style Swap" with and share on the next link up. I love Jenn's look I swapped for my own today!  I got this blazer earlier this fall but it's been totally under-utilized.  Jenn does such a great job of making a jeans outfit look dressy and I love this one for casual Friday or a date night with Brian (hint, hint). The details on link-up are down below, let the fun begin. : )

Teal, Stripes, an a $200 Giveaway

Today's outfit is one that I am so loving. It was inspired by Tara and I absolutely love it.  I had it mixed in with my fall and winter pins, (I think she wore it last fall) but after putting it on, I can totally wear this again this spring and summer.  I love outfit that can cross seasons. Speaking of spring, I'm ready, especially to get to wear spring dresses like this,  but every year time I'm anticipating a season change I feel a weird closet scramble of "Oh, I need to wear this again before it get's too cold/hot."  I have have the same scramble on my Pinterest boards.  I look at all these outfits I want to wear and have to figure out a way to fit them all in.  Tell me I'm not the only one who experiences this???

Also, I'm super excited for Jenn and my Style Swap link-up that starts this Friday.  Check on the details on how to link up here.  I can't wait to see your posts!

Chelsea and Ginny Take On: Valentine's Day

Today I'm excited to be back for another addition of Chelsea from Whatcha Makin' Now and my series, where we "Take On" something.  This week, we're taking on Valentine's Day.  Brian and I get so few date nights, the chance to get dressed up and go out is one I'm always excited about. 

I've been on the hunt for the perfect LBD for quite some time.  I tried on this on and I had high hops, but I was between sizes.  I really wanted to find one by Valentine's Day, but then I remembered this eyelet version from Loft.  It's not a LBD, but I do love how it fits and I think it'll be perfect for a date night with Brian. Then, as it always happens, the day after I took these pictures I found  this dress at Target for $8.  I'm still set to wear this cute outfit with Brian, but my LBD is going to make an appearance soon. 

Also, I'm super excited for Jenn and my Style Swap link-up that starts this Friday.  Check on the details on how to link up here.  I can't wait to see your posts!

Sponsor Spotlight: Charming Lucy

Hello and Happy Monday! I am Susan of the Charming Lucy blog and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share my love for all things Julep with you today! Thank you Ginny for allowing me to share your blog space today! It has been a terribly cold and snowy winter in the Midwest, and we spend almost every morning shoveling our driveway. Shovels and thick gloves do not do wonders for a girl's manicures. So I have spent the last several weeks with bare fingernails! Gaw! As if! I took a bit of time to heal my chapped hands and I gave myself a mani a couple of days ago. I loved the colors so much that I had to share them with you. They are perfect for Valentine's Day too!