It's Official!!!
My first printed article in a real local newspaper, The Doings!!
It's a newspaper that covers some of the Chicago Suburbs.
Click on the link below and read the article.
Please excuse my headshot....I look old and weathered!!!!
http://lagrange.suntimes.com/opinions/8261960-598/learning-to-make-a-decision-and-stick-with-it.html
Enjoy your day!!!
Lynn
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Recent Purchases
It seems like I have been shopping a lot lately, but it really has been on accident. I go to a store looking for something for my kids, and I end up falling into these huge sales. So, I thought I would share with you some of my recent purchases (with photos).
First of all, I know that I had already shared with you my Gap purchases from their huge sale, but thought I would show you some photos. I also bought a maxi dress at the Gap. I was looking for black pants for my son at Gap Kids and found myself at the regular Gap, saw this dress and had to have it. I always wanted to try a maxi dress but didn't want to spend the money on one. Why? What if I wouldn't like it the next season? Would I be able to pull that look off? I am vertically challenged!!! Well, I ended up getting it for free by using my Gap rewards certificate. YEA!!!!! I have also included some of the other items I purchased there.
Yesterday, I went to Old Navy looking for a Halloween t-shirt for my daughter and found that they were having a huge sale, too. Additional 30% off their clearance. I didn't find the t-shirt for my daughter (I know, I'm a little late for looking for Halloween items) but found a few good deals for me. Yes, I bought two tie-neck sleeveless blouses, ivory and black, for only $8 each. They are perfect for wearing with a cardigan or a jacket. Check them out below. The other top is from the Gap.
First of all, I know that I had already shared with you my Gap purchases from their huge sale, but thought I would show you some photos. I also bought a maxi dress at the Gap. I was looking for black pants for my son at Gap Kids and found myself at the regular Gap, saw this dress and had to have it. I always wanted to try a maxi dress but didn't want to spend the money on one. Why? What if I wouldn't like it the next season? Would I be able to pull that look off? I am vertically challenged!!! Well, I ended up getting it for free by using my Gap rewards certificate. YEA!!!!! I have also included some of the other items I purchased there.
Yesterday, I went to Old Navy looking for a Halloween t-shirt for my daughter and found that they were having a huge sale, too. Additional 30% off their clearance. I didn't find the t-shirt for my daughter (I know, I'm a little late for looking for Halloween items) but found a few good deals for me. Yes, I bought two tie-neck sleeveless blouses, ivory and black, for only $8 each. They are perfect for wearing with a cardigan or a jacket. Check them out below. The other top is from the Gap.
Do I feel guilty spending all this money? NO!! I got everything for so cheap!!! I didn't even spend over $100. Personally, I feel that when you go out shopping really wanting to buy something and spend money, you never find anything. It's the times I don't go out looking is when I always have luck shopping. When you least expect it...when it's by chance...that's when you find the hidden gems...the deals...the steals!!!
Enjoy you day!!!
Lynn
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Just Like Christmas Morning!!!
Now that the weather has turned, I decided to go through my closet and check out my winter clothes. I started with my sweaters and a few of them had tags still on them. I forgot at the end of last winter I hit some big end of the season sales and bought some clothes. Of course since it was the end of the season, I never got to wear them. So, when I was checking out my "new" clothes, it felt like Christmas Morning!!!
It was so much fun wearing these sweaters like I had just bought them. One was a Vince sweater that was originally $265 that I got for $34. The other one was a Kenneth Cole cardigan that was $95 that I got for $4.99. What a bargain!!! I think that store lost money on that item!!!
Fast forward to the present...I went to the Gap today purposely look for jeans. They have short lengths there and that's what I need. I tried on 15 pairs and only bought one with my 30% coupon. BUT what I really want to tell all of you is that the Gap had a huge sale that started today. All their sale items were an additional 40% off. And their sale items were totally clearanced...final sale. I bought 8 items...plus tax...$67. Not bad!! One top was orginially $56 and I got it for $5. I bought a dress, belt, 2 sweaters, a turtleneck, 2 tops and a blouse. It felt great!!! And they were all cute items. I can wear the black casual jersey dress to work tomorrow!!
I do love getting a deal and I do love bargains, especially when you don't expect it. Then I don't feel guilty or get buyer's remorse. And I did try on everything at the store and at home. You should always do that with whatever you buy. Try it on twice, just to make sure!! Better safe than sorry!!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
It was so much fun wearing these sweaters like I had just bought them. One was a Vince sweater that was originally $265 that I got for $34. The other one was a Kenneth Cole cardigan that was $95 that I got for $4.99. What a bargain!!! I think that store lost money on that item!!!
Fast forward to the present...I went to the Gap today purposely look for jeans. They have short lengths there and that's what I need. I tried on 15 pairs and only bought one with my 30% coupon. BUT what I really want to tell all of you is that the Gap had a huge sale that started today. All their sale items were an additional 40% off. And their sale items were totally clearanced...final sale. I bought 8 items...plus tax...$67. Not bad!! One top was orginially $56 and I got it for $5. I bought a dress, belt, 2 sweaters, a turtleneck, 2 tops and a blouse. It felt great!!! And they were all cute items. I can wear the black casual jersey dress to work tomorrow!!
I do love getting a deal and I do love bargains, especially when you don't expect it. Then I don't feel guilty or get buyer's remorse. And I did try on everything at the store and at home. You should always do that with whatever you buy. Try it on twice, just to make sure!! Better safe than sorry!!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Monday, October 17, 2011
Size Doesn't Matter!
This past Saturday, I did a Plus Size Fashion Show for Macy's at one of their suburban Chicago stores. I worked on it all last week pulling the looks, fitting the models, etc. And as I was fitting these plus size models (which means size 14 and up), I couldn't help but noticed how beautiful these women were and how wonderful they looked in the clothes. It made me start to think that size really doesn't matter.
One of the models, Ginny, was a size 14 and she was as fit as a fiddle. I couldn't believe what rock solid abs she had. She's tall and she's athletic. She looked amazing in all of the looks I pulled for her. And I really want abs like her!
The other women were sizes 16-20. I wanted to showcase all different kinds of trends to prove that no matter what your size, you can look stylish, too. Here are some of the clothes that I pulled for the show: jersey wrap dresses, leggings, skinny jeans, pencil skirts, cardigan sweaters, blazers, capes, animal print silk blouses and double breasted coats with belts. And let me tell you, the ladies that attended the show were shopping like crazy afterwards. It was unbelievable!
So, I guess I proved my point that day...no matter what's your size, no matter what's your shape, no matter what's your height...you too, can look absolutely fabulous!!!!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
One of the models, Ginny, was a size 14 and she was as fit as a fiddle. I couldn't believe what rock solid abs she had. She's tall and she's athletic. She looked amazing in all of the looks I pulled for her. And I really want abs like her!
The other women were sizes 16-20. I wanted to showcase all different kinds of trends to prove that no matter what your size, you can look stylish, too. Here are some of the clothes that I pulled for the show: jersey wrap dresses, leggings, skinny jeans, pencil skirts, cardigan sweaters, blazers, capes, animal print silk blouses and double breasted coats with belts. And let me tell you, the ladies that attended the show were shopping like crazy afterwards. It was unbelievable!
So, I guess I proved my point that day...no matter what's your size, no matter what's your shape, no matter what's your height...you too, can look absolutely fabulous!!!!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tie-Neck Blouses!
Everywhere I look, all I see are tie-neck blouses. In magazines, in stores, on celebrities...they are all over!
Do I have one? Actually, I have two! One is a black v-neck style from the Gap, which I bought last year, and the other one is a black/mustard/purple print crew neck style from Diane von Furstenburg, which I got two years ago for 75% off, by the way. I guess I was ahead of the trend!!!
I love both of them!! I feel that the tie-neck blouse is one of the most versatile trends this season. You can wear it casually with jeans, wear it to work or dress it up with a pencil skirt or some wide legged pants. Tuck it in and wear it with a great wide belt or a sleek skinny belt or you can leave it untucked and wear with your skinny jeans or pants.
There are also different ways to tie the blouse. Tie it in a bow (low or high), tie it in a knot (low or high), or you can wrap it around the neck and style it like a scarf. If it's a crew neck style, change it up a bit and tie the bow to the side of your neck instead of the middle because everyone wears it that way. Your bow can be big or small, just make sure it's comfortable on you and you aren't choking yourself.
Where and who has these blouses? The list goes on and on, so here are just a few: H&M light pink blouse for $39.95 (they had one for $9.95 but I think it sold out already), Vince Camuto slate grey blouse for $99, and Banana Republic has one from their Mad Men Collection that's $80.
So go ahead, tie one on and see how you feel!! Sorry, couldn't resist that!!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Do I have one? Actually, I have two! One is a black v-neck style from the Gap, which I bought last year, and the other one is a black/mustard/purple print crew neck style from Diane von Furstenburg, which I got two years ago for 75% off, by the way. I guess I was ahead of the trend!!!
I love both of them!! I feel that the tie-neck blouse is one of the most versatile trends this season. You can wear it casually with jeans, wear it to work or dress it up with a pencil skirt or some wide legged pants. Tuck it in and wear it with a great wide belt or a sleek skinny belt or you can leave it untucked and wear with your skinny jeans or pants.
There are also different ways to tie the blouse. Tie it in a bow (low or high), tie it in a knot (low or high), or you can wrap it around the neck and style it like a scarf. If it's a crew neck style, change it up a bit and tie the bow to the side of your neck instead of the middle because everyone wears it that way. Your bow can be big or small, just make sure it's comfortable on you and you aren't choking yourself.
Where and who has these blouses? The list goes on and on, so here are just a few: H&M light pink blouse for $39.95 (they had one for $9.95 but I think it sold out already), Vince Camuto slate grey blouse for $99, and Banana Republic has one from their Mad Men Collection that's $80.
So go ahead, tie one on and see how you feel!! Sorry, couldn't resist that!!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Cape!!!
The Cape!!! The hottest fall fashion trend!!! The question is...will you buy one?
The cape is basically an alternative to the coat or jacket, which ever you prefer. You can dress it up or wear it casually. It can be sophisticated and classy or funky and fun. And it doesn't matter what size you are, everyone can wear it. I like the idea of it because it can hide your mid-section (aka...muffin top, spare tire, love handles, etc).
Now, if you do buy a cape, you need to know how to wear it. Because its shape is more over sized and flowy, you don't want to look like you are being swallowed up by it. Make sure that you pair it with something slim and fitting on the bottom. No long maxi skirts or baggy pants. You need to wear the cape with leggings, skinny pants or jeans, or a slim short pencil skirt. And if you are petite, do not buy a long cape that goes down to your knees. You need a shorter length so it doesn't overwhelm you.
The capes this season are coming in all shapes and colors. They have toggle, button, zipper, and buckle closures. The most common colors are midnight blue, charcoal grey, black and camel. And they do come in all price points.
I guess I should let you know my answer to that question? Will I or won't I be buying a cape this season? I haven't so far, but I did buy something similar to that...it's a sweater cape/poncho. I didn't want to invest in a real cape coat because I wasn't sure. So I thought I would try a sweater version to see if I liked it. I found it on sale at Nordstrom Rack for $24.97. That was enough money for me to spend on it since I was on the fence. I truly believe that you shouldn't spend a lot of money on a trend that you are questioning. Because if you do and then by next season you don't like it any more, you won't have buyer's remorse or shopper's guilt or whatever you want to call it.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
The cape is basically an alternative to the coat or jacket, which ever you prefer. You can dress it up or wear it casually. It can be sophisticated and classy or funky and fun. And it doesn't matter what size you are, everyone can wear it. I like the idea of it because it can hide your mid-section (aka...muffin top, spare tire, love handles, etc).
Now, if you do buy a cape, you need to know how to wear it. Because its shape is more over sized and flowy, you don't want to look like you are being swallowed up by it. Make sure that you pair it with something slim and fitting on the bottom. No long maxi skirts or baggy pants. You need to wear the cape with leggings, skinny pants or jeans, or a slim short pencil skirt. And if you are petite, do not buy a long cape that goes down to your knees. You need a shorter length so it doesn't overwhelm you.
The capes this season are coming in all shapes and colors. They have toggle, button, zipper, and buckle closures. The most common colors are midnight blue, charcoal grey, black and camel. And they do come in all price points.
I guess I should let you know my answer to that question? Will I or won't I be buying a cape this season? I haven't so far, but I did buy something similar to that...it's a sweater cape/poncho. I didn't want to invest in a real cape coat because I wasn't sure. So I thought I would try a sweater version to see if I liked it. I found it on sale at Nordstrom Rack for $24.97. That was enough money for me to spend on it since I was on the fence. I truly believe that you shouldn't spend a lot of money on a trend that you are questioning. Because if you do and then by next season you don't like it any more, you won't have buyer's remorse or shopper's guilt or whatever you want to call it.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Monday, October 3, 2011
Black and Camel...Great Color Combo!!
One of my favorite color combinations is black and camel. Camel is such a rich color and paired with black, it becomes powerful, elegant, and fashionable.
And this season I really see this color combo in coats. There are so many trench coats out there now with the black and camel color combination. Rebecca Minkoff, Bebe, Dover and Burberry have all come out with camel coats showcasing black sleeves. Some of the black sleeves are actually leather!
BCBGeneration has a great camel and black wide horizontal striped pleated skirt that is so chic. And I know that all of you probably have at least one black top in your closet to go with that great skirt. And Max Mara has my favorite dress. It's a beautifully color blocked shift dress that is basically all camel except at the bottom where there's a thin stripe of black and charcoal. It is so stunning, chic and gorgeous!!!
H&M has a great camel wrap with black strips, which is perfect to throw on this fall to keep you warm. And the Loft has a great camel and black cape on the market. So, you can take care of two huge fall trends in one...the cape and the camel/black color block combo.
As for shoes, camel and black is the most common color combo. Michael Michael Kors has a great ballet flat with this color combo, and Ann Taylor has a great high heeled loafer style pump that's black and camel. I could go on forever listing all the shoes, but all you have to do is check out any shoe department or shoe store and take a look for yourself. They are everywhere!!
What's so easy about this color block combination is that it's very simple to do. Just take a black sweater and pair it with camel pants or a camel skirt...wear all black and add camel shoes and a camel belt..wear all camel and add black accessories, etc. And the best thing is.....this trend will last season after season after season because it's so elegant yet chic!!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
I know that color blocking is such a big trend this fall, but the black and camel combo have been a classic look for such a long time. It's kind of funny that it's a "trend" this fall season because every year, no matter what, you always see this color combo out in full force.
And this season I really see this color combo in coats. There are so many trench coats out there now with the black and camel color combination. Rebecca Minkoff, Bebe, Dover and Burberry have all come out with camel coats showcasing black sleeves. Some of the black sleeves are actually leather!
BCBGeneration has a great camel and black wide horizontal striped pleated skirt that is so chic. And I know that all of you probably have at least one black top in your closet to go with that great skirt. And Max Mara has my favorite dress. It's a beautifully color blocked shift dress that is basically all camel except at the bottom where there's a thin stripe of black and charcoal. It is so stunning, chic and gorgeous!!!
H&M has a great camel wrap with black strips, which is perfect to throw on this fall to keep you warm. And the Loft has a great camel and black cape on the market. So, you can take care of two huge fall trends in one...the cape and the camel/black color block combo.
As for shoes, camel and black is the most common color combo. Michael Michael Kors has a great ballet flat with this color combo, and Ann Taylor has a great high heeled loafer style pump that's black and camel. I could go on forever listing all the shoes, but all you have to do is check out any shoe department or shoe store and take a look for yourself. They are everywhere!!
What's so easy about this color block combination is that it's very simple to do. Just take a black sweater and pair it with camel pants or a camel skirt...wear all black and add camel shoes and a camel belt..wear all camel and add black accessories, etc. And the best thing is.....this trend will last season after season after season because it's so elegant yet chic!!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
I know that color blocking is such a big trend this fall, but the black and camel combo have been a classic look for such a long time. It's kind of funny that it's a "trend" this fall season because every year, no matter what, you always see this color combo out in full force.
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