Saturday, December 31, 2016

Purple & Gold for NYE


Happy New Year's Eve my reader friends! How does everyone plan to ring in the new year??

My hubby and I took off for a spontaneous evening away this weekend...more on that in the next post. For now, I'll focus on what I wore and what I'll being wearing. ;)





Bring on the purple! I love the traditional black, silver or even gold, but I thought I'd grab for something that I haven't done before...purple, purple, purple!  I love the rich, deep color and the shoes were one of my warehouse clearance finds. With purple being a royal color, gold accessories just made sense to me. 

The dress is also comfortable and cut to work well with an outer layer.  In addition, there is a subtle  pattern on this dress featuring a champagne color. These shoes draw out the pattern slightly, though it's difficult to see in the pictures. 

Outfit Breakdown:
Dress: Lularoe by Shannon Schmitt
Shoes: WHBM
Clutch: My 31 (gift)
Necklace & Earrings: Premier Designs

Another fun option for NYE that I'm playing with on my Pureple App is pictured below. 


A purple skirt, plaid shirt, black pumps and a leather jacket for an edgy look!

Well, I'm making this one quick! I wish you a very happy New Year's Eve!!!


Me and my boys. ;)



SHARE:

Friday, December 30, 2016

Outfit Recap for 2016

This year was exciting in my blog world due to a few aspiring photographer friends who volunteered to spend a morning with me and take shots for the blog! We all know the blog is better with good pics. I still used my cell phone for many outfits and will continue to do so, but I don't turn down photography sessions. 

Here some of my favorite ensembles of 2016!

Chambray Blazer and Nude Heels


I just felt so classy in this one.
"Grace Like Rain" Tank & Black Skinnies


This is as close to "cool" as I may be able to get. ;) My sister screen printed the tank, which gives it a sweet sentimental value!
Kimono and LulaRoe Cassie Skirt


A great outfit and shot that reminds me that life does not revolve around my task list!
Print Leggings and Striped Tank


I loved how the funky print, swipes and lace came together. I felt great in this all day!

Coral Top & Linen Joggers


I felt dressy and comfortable in one outfit! That's a win for me.

Chacos & Green Skinnies


These sandals held up perfectly in my trek around Charleston on a girl's trip. I'm ready to break them out again now that spring is on it's way.

Costco Sweatshirt & Clarks Booties

Statement Necklace & Striped Top


Plaid Top & Tassel Necklace


I love this tank and necklace and how they paired with the plaid top!
Gap Sweatshirt & Joggers


Last but not least, these joggers. I've worn the mess out of these since they were given to me in November. In fact, I'm wearing them now!

I hope you had a great 2016. As always, thank you for sharing in on this blogging adventure with me.

Chrissy
SHARE:

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Tunic Top & New Handbag





This is the week. This is the week, my family and I hide away and pretend that time has slowed.  Coffee is savored. Books are more than just collectors of dust. A fire crackles and glows warm in the hearth, no matter the time of day. A closet is reorganized. A drawer is cleaned. Calendar "margin" is real and more than a term we repeatedly complain about needing more of.

Though Christmas has come and gone, it remains close to our hearts as we spend quality time together, play with our new toys, sip hot cocoa by said fireside, watch Christmas movies (ok, I'm the only one in this house that does that) and shop the after Christmas sales. It's easy to understand why this would be my favorite time of year.

There's no schedule in particular and I relish every moment. In fact, these pictures were taken at a nearby pond from one of our impromptu outings. I played with my new tripod, while the boys fished and did some exploring.  And this outfit happens to be versatile enough to go from running errands to getting out into nature. The tunic top and leggings are so comfortable, while the utility jacket was the perfect layer for the unseasonably warm day.

In addition to the tripod, the suede, crossbody pictured above is now a member of my purse family! I'm looking forward to more style options with it. What do you think about the saddle bag trend?

Well, there is more chilling with the family to do. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, my reader friends.

Outfit Breakdown

Jacket: Gap (EXACT)
Tunic Top & Leggings: Old
Shoes: Target Clearance
Purse: Vince Camuto (EXACT)
Jewelry: Premier Designs (Online Catalog)
Linking up with Fashion Should be FunLiving On Cloud NineTwenties Girl Style
SaveSave
SHARE:

Monday, December 19, 2016

Buffalo Plaid Vest, 4 Ways

Christmas is upon us! Are you all ready? I'm so close with just a few more items to mark off the list. Of course, there's wrapping to be done, but let's see if I can get that done before Christmas eve!

In the meantime, I've been wearing the crud out of this adorable Buffalo plaid vest*.  It's reversible but the plaid side is my favorite, as you will quickly see in the ways I've styled it so far.  Plus, I want to get as much wear as I can while plaid is all the rage AND it's the perfect color for the Christmas season.

One other thought, a simple layering piece can add numerous options or new life to shirts you've had hanging in your closet for awhile, as it did for me in looks 2 and 4.

*The Limited is completely sold out, as are most at competitors. here are links to what I found:

First Look: Cutest Lumberjack 


Grey Deer Sweater with black accessories...The hat leans towards a western style so you could always swap out for another one if you're not feeling cowgirl-esk. Maybe a black beanie.  This top combo was styled with blue denim skinnies.

Hat: Altar'd State
Vest: the Limited (Black Friday sales)
Sweater: the Limited (Black Friday sales)

Look 2: Snowflake Fun



The snowflake shirt is so fun to me and requires little extra accessorizing and I will wear this with my grey fitted slacks.

Top: LOFT
Scarf: the Mole Hole boutique

Look 3: Plaid on Plaid - what??


I know. This goes against pattern mixing rules, but I liked how it looked on. I styled this top combo with black, thick leggings; more like jeggings. Would you wear it? If not, you could always turn the vest to the red side.  

Hat: Altar'd State clearance find
Plaid Top: the Limited (Black Friday Sale)
Scarf: Old

Look 4: The Red Side


Speaking of the red side, I finally tried it! This would be fun with winter white pants!

Hat: Target (last year's Black Friday sales)
Grey and White Plaid: Talbots (very old)

Lastly, I've mentioned the Purepleapp I use to organize my wardrobe and outfits in previous posts. Well, every once in awhile when you share what you wear with their community, your outfit may be featured on their social media accounts. I was excited to see my share posted last week!


Well, I believe it's time to get some tasks complete. Happy, happy holidays my reader friends!

Chrissy

SHARE:

Monday, December 5, 2016

Athliesure Please


Yesterday, Georgia had some much needed rain. The temps were in the 40s with a little wind here and there. Over the last couple of weeks we had full schedules, events to prepare for and a business to try and run. There was no excuse needed to take advantage of the weather and be indoors. I intended to watch a chick flick while cozying up by the fire, but fell asleep instead. When I awoke I pushed myself to decorate the fireplace mantle and then resumed my fireside position. Glen was close by.  Christmas music played and the boys busied themselves about the house. What a wonderful day, appreciated all the more because of our busy schedules.

Though the clouds hold onto the rain for now, they continue hover above, leaving an overcast pallor for us down below. I changed out bedsheets and the washer and dryer run with last weeks' life. What better day to share my initiation into the world of athleisure. It may be difficult to believe but I own hardly a pair of sweat pants, few workout pants, etc. I'm ready for the comfortable and fashionable feel in a pair of joggers...they couldn't have come at a better time. 

So without further ado, I share what I brought home from Illinois. After all, it's what I wear a couple of days out of the week now. Maybe more. Of course I style this outfit with my athletic shoes, but wanted to try it with booties...





An up close look at my earrings and this cozy purple scarf...


Outfit Breakdown:
Top: GAP (EXACT)
Pants:  GAP - exact
Scarf: Mom Rowden's
Earrings: Seaspray by Premier Designs (Online Catalog - for viewing)
Booties: Target clearance find

Of course I keep a record (most days) of what I wear on my phone, using the Pureple style app and share outfits with the app community. You never know when the app stylists will feature your get up!



Now before I close , allow me to share my find for the cutie below and a quick snap of my fashionable photographer. ;) 


Outfit Breakdown
Sweatshirt: Similar
Pants: The Gap (EXACT)

The "Photographer"


Oh yeah!

Well, what do you think of the athleisure trend and how do you like to style it?

I hope you are staying warm and cozy my reader friends!

Chrissy
SaveSave
SHARE:

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Utility Jacket & Shopping Anxiety







Hello and good day. Georgia is getting much needed rain this week, though it seems to have stopped for now. Even still the grey pallor hangs in the air, leaving one with the desire to stay inside and snuggle up with a book, or in my case a laptop. 

While we're on the topic of rain, I feel I should mention that I sill don't own a pair of rain boots. How do I even call myself a blogger? And what kind of blogger waits 2 to 3 years to get an amazing, trendy utility jacket? Maybe that's why I consider myself more of a lifestyle blogger than a fashion blogger. Besides the fact that I'm far too ADD to stick to one thing, I have brain-fog issues when it comes to shopping if I don't stick to my list. 

We know there is no shortage of beautiful pieces of jewelry, fabulous shoes, purse styles and colors, and the list goes on!! In a nutshell: choices. There is no shortage of choices! And one decision made often leads to the making of another decision. Wouldn't it be nice to have another purple accessory to go with these purples shoes I'm trying on?? Unless of course were talking staples or basics.  My indecisive nature can't handle it, which is why I love being surprised when being presented with a gift. I don't want the stress of choosing. This happens in a matter of seconds...
  • What if there is another color that will suit my overall wardrobe better? 
  • How much bang for my buck will I get with this item? 
  • If I get it will I need to get other items to make it work?
  • Do I "need" it? Ick! Hate that question the most. 
  • Will this get marked down more if I wait or will another store have a better one with a better price??
  • Wait, what about that item? Which one? Which one? Which one?????

My pulse goes up as the swirl of questions clamor around my brain until I flee from the store, weighted down with stress from a "bad" purchase or frustrated that I wasted so much time and came out with nothing. Anyone share in the shopping anxiety with? Anyone?  Hopefully, this sheds some light on why I still don't have that "perfect" pair of rain boots and why I'm not even sure about this jacket!!!! Funny, this is not an issue when I'm helping a friend select something. I'm all..."yes to that" and "no way to this". I should go to counseling. Get them to explain this to me. ;)

Let me bring it down a notch and comfort us both by stating that I'm not like this all the time. I think it's the fab sales of the season that put me in a tizzy, while bringing out those anxiety flare ups. Now I will take a deep breath and say this out loud. 

From this time forth I shall research well, consult my list, remain powerfully focused and controlled. I shall forget about better deals that may or may not exist elsewhere, and be confident in my preparation. In addition, I shall focus on what truly matters and it sure isn't stuff.

There. That's better, right? Let's see how I do.  In meantime, how to you handle the sales of the season? OH! What do you think of how this jacket fits? Is it a keeper?

Outfit Breakdown:

Somewhat Squashed Hat: Altar'd state clearance
To Keep or Not Keep Utility Jacket: the GAP (scored a super deal, sold out online)
Polka Dot Top: LOFT
Jeans: Judy Blue Exact and More
Necklace, Watch & Bracelets: Premier Designs (Online Catalog - contact me for great deals this week and next!)

I think that's enough for today. ;) Thank you for reading and please tell me - jacket or no jacket??

Chrissy
SaveSave
SHARE:

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Inspirational People & Tradition

Hello my reader friends! I hope you had a memorable Thanksgiving full of quality time spent with loved ones. To close out this holiday week I thought it would be an appropriate time to write about someone I'm thankful for and inspired by. I'm inspired by my mom and her courageous, unrelenting spirit; my sister and her loyalty, quiet strength and many talents. I'm inspired by friends who sacrifice for their families, encourage others and work so very hard. Yes, I'm inspired by many, but since this week was spent in the company of my mother in law and she shares my interest in fashion, I'll start with her for today...

I remember one of the first articles of clothing I received from my MIL, Karen (Mom Rowden), over 16 years ago.  My hubby and I were just engaged and his parents were down visiting to help with wedding preparations. She handed me a box and to my surprise, I discovered some lingerie. Quickly, she referred to it as "attractive, but still comfortable" lingerie for our soon to be wedded bliss. Of course it was tasteful. That is my MIL. Classy, tasteful and stylish. And NO, I am not about to do a feature on lingerie so don't panic.  

I'd like to think that with research and practice my sense of style continues to improve, but this fashion journey I'm on began with her. Over the years she has blessed me with tokens of fashion and many shopping trips together.  Of course she has given so much more, but I will save that for another post. :) 


Let's take a moment here. This picture, from my early years of bloggerdom, is straight up hilarious, but Mom Rowden was a good sport to go along with it.  She had purchased a pair of these shoes for each of us at WHBM, so we (I) decided that we had to have a photo. I still have these shoes!

Now let's hit the fast forward button on time here --->>>>>>>> 



The parents come to town for a visit right around my birthday. The boys were in school and the guys were invited out to go do guy stuff. We took the opportunity to go do girl stuff and she spoiled me.  This doesn't happen each visit and I don't expect it so it is always a nice surprise. Being a mom of boys, I thoroughly enjoyed an enthusiastic shopping buddy!

"These shoes, or these shoes?" 
"How do these pants look on me? Doesn't make my butt look flat, right?"

Now we fast forward to Thanksgiving week---->>>>>>>>>>

Every Thanksgiving we load up our family of 6 and head to Thanksgiving. The kids begin their countdown as soon as November begins. They love time with their cousins, fishing with grandpa, playing at the park and our early Christmas. It's tradition. The heartwarming, sweet tradition that draws family together.

The girls have a special tradition. Mom Rowden takes us clothes shopping! This is one of the best times of the year to shop for clothes. Stores have 40%  This is our system...we play in knick-knack patty wack type stores (like the Mole Hole) and chuckle at all the written signs or hand towels.

This is totally me

Then we move onto stores like the GAP,  the Limited and then the LOFT, WHBM and even Soma, the lingerie store for maybe a new bra or two. Each year is a productive year, with finds for all, but it's also a special time. The daughters are treated and spoiled, but the fun banter; the chatter; the laughs at a preposterous style that none of us would wear; and the quality time together is medicine for the soul.

Here are a few pics from our adventure...

GAP for Athleisure...


The Limited for Sweaters and Vests...


Talbots was a win for Debbie, my SIL...


A couple of my finds from the day...


I'm very thankful for a mother in law who loves the Lord, loves me and teaches me about fashion, entertaining, servanthood, and dedication! She is an inspiration. )

What are your Thanksgiving traditions?

(Linking up with Not Dressed As LambShelbee On The Edge)

Chrissy
SHARE:

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Olive Green & Comfy Jeans





Hello my reader friends. Today's outfit had so much promise... Trending colors. Trendy style. Not to mention the beautiful olive green color and the soft, cozy textures found in the top and vest. This ensemble felt like a winner for sure. But one must remember that when you're in a hurry, there is risk involved. You may not notice how prominent your bra lines are!

"Gee Chrissy, what fabulous bra lines you have!"

The soft, enticing turtleneck mocked me and my choice of bra. But really, IS there a bra that would not show through this fabric?  Outfit fail. Well, this chico's turtleneck was a $6 purchase, recently acquired from an adventure I took with a friend of mine at Chico's Warehouse. Only those with employee connections may shop in the warehouse. It's who you know, right?

Anyway, there are quite a few racks, brimming with styles that make you question how long they've been hanging in storage. Ten years? Maybe twenty? But with a little digging you may find some great deals, especially on the shoes. I found and purchased 4 pairs of WHBM shoes for $6 a pair. They are not practical, but I couldn't pass up the price. I'll be sharing those in another post.

Now let's move on to the olive green vest, which has turned out to be a little controversial. I mean this vest gets a lot of response.   Some love it. They "ouu" and "ahh" over how soft and cute it is. But there are others...you know who you are. ;)

First humorous remark.

"Chrissy, did you steal part of Glen's ghillie suit?!" 

In case you're wondering, this is a ghillie suit...


Haha! You have to laugh. I can totally see where the guy was coming from. I live in hunting country for sure.

Next comment, said by more than one person.

"Chrissy, did you take John the Baptist's vest?" 

In case you need a visual of the camel hair vest of John the Baptist...


Wow. It's close, right?!

Just the same, this vest is getting a lot of wear this fall season and will continue to do so. But I'm curious. Are you on team "ghillie" or team "John the Baptist"?? Do you have any secrets to camouflaging bra lines to share??

As for the jeans, they are so comfortable. If you don't have a boutique nearby that carries Judy Blue maybe try ordering directly from their website. 

Outfit Breakdown:

Turtleneck: Chico's Warehouse (only those with connections. wink, wink)
John the Baptist/Ghillie Suit Vest: Marissa Jill's Boutique 
Jeans: Judy Blue, Marissa Jill's Boutique
Shoes: Target clearance - old, Fun Option!
Belt: GAP - old
Necklace: Phoenix by Premier Designs, Christmas Collection!
Linking up with High Latitude StyleClassy Yet TrendyTwenties Girl Style (yeah I know. I'm not 20.), Elegance and Mommyhood


Here are a couple more outfits that I threw together over the past week.

Camo Pants & 3 Quarter Length Sleeve...Off to Church



Outfit Breakdown:
Sweatshirt: LOFT (old)
Camo Pants: LOFT (last year's clearance)
Booties: Clark's ON SALE!
Bracelets: Leather Wrap by Curry and Curry Innovations, Pop of Posh by Premier Designs

And this cutie snapped my picture real quick during band practice. Meet Amelia, our sweet keyboard player.

Bright Red Leggings - off to run errands



Outfit Breakdown:

Shoes: Vans
Backpack Purse: Clarks

Have a wonderful week my friends!

Chrissy
SHARE:
© Granola and Grace
Blogger Templates made by pipdig