Culottes 3 Ways

Culottes...I kind of half to laugh about this, seeing as how I just thew mine out from the last go around. I rarely throw things out, and I was pretty certain I wouldn't see another cycle of these for a long while. Shame on me...I knew better. Guess I'll have to go shopping. Darn. ;)

Culottes are back in full force!

These babies can be super tricky, I'm not going to lie. I have faith though, that with these guidelines you can rock them!

• It's all about proportion
• Think of them like a slightly altered A line skirt 
• Slim and crop tops are going to be the best bet 
• If wearing flats the pants need to be a longer length 
• Heels are a guarantee winner, especially with shorter lengths 
• Monochromatic palettes keep the outfit streamline making the cuts the focus

The fit: hit mid-calf allowing widest part of the flair to accentuate the skinniest part of your leg. This will make or break them. It can be tricky and why you'll probably have to try on several pair in order to find the perfect ones for your body type. It'll be worth it though, I promise! 

There are so many ways to style these pants. Don't be afraid to try different things. I think you'll be surprised with what works. I personally will play with some looser fit tops, with a front tuck of course. Also, a white dress shirt and some statement jewelry will help bring it home for me. 

Here are a few ideas:

Culottes by b-lovely featuring Free People

Oh, I'm also learning gauchos are all over and a little easier to find. Gauchos aren't quite as big and can be a little more tailored. Culottes are generally more flowing and skirt feeling. Gauchos feel like a baggy pant... Hope that helps. ;)

5 Things That Have Changed My Life

Sorry if you thought I was going to get all deep and insightful or something, but I've got to believe one of these will change yours too! ;) Over the past little bit I've come across some things that have truly made an impact in my life. I keep thinking about them so I wanted to share.

1. Brazilian Blowout Split End Treatment:

This treatment is amazing. As someone who has out of control hair, this treatment smoothes without weight it down. I love that it doesn't have the chemical like the brazilian blowout keratin treatment does. It takes maybe an extra 15 min added on to your service. It lasts about 4 weeks. Seriously, everyone needs this done!!

2. CND Vinylux Nail Polish:

It's as easy as applying normal nail polish with the benefits as shellac. I love shellac. Full believer in it. However, I don't like having to cure it in the light and some of my lighter colors no matter what "extra" steps I take chip off within a week. It dries quickly, looks just as pretty, and removes with regular nail polish remover. I mean I think I'm thawing everything else away.

3. You're Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins:

I'm not as much of Country Music lover as I used to be, but ever since I heard this song (as twangy as it is) it's never left my mind. I'm nostalgic to a fault and life it just flying by. Even more the older I get. These lyrics replay in mind daily. Especially on the more difficult one. I really try to take a step back and enjoy it. I finally framed it and have it in my living room. You can download my lyric art below.*personal use only* It's an 8x10, but found I needed to print it with borders to fit well in a frame. Enjoy!

click the image to download. p.s. the background is white- no idea why it's coming up grey...

4. Rodan Fields Macro Exfoliator:

I love microderms! I notice such a big difference after I get one. My cousin introduced me to Rodan Fields and they are so awesome! This machine is incredible I was told it goes 2 layers deep. A prof one goes 4... don't quote me on that though. Either way it leaves your skin feeling clean and soft and rejuvenated. Best Christmas present ever! 

*click to read more*

5. Aquaphor and Clinique Dramatically Different Moist Lotion:
Technically these should be separate, but they serve the same purpose. I have THE.DRIEST.SKIN. ever. Really. This is why it's so nice to get together with friends, especially Salon friends. They share secrets! Thanks Alisha for the amazing Aquaphor tip! I have been using it as my overnight moisturizer and it's been incredible! I have really struggled lately with moisturizer. I told my Dr. at my last visit and she said Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion from Clinique is her favorite because it is perfume free. It's one I used to use in high school and went away from it probably for something fancier... anyways my face feels like it's had a tall glass of water. Loving it.

Let me know if you end up trying any of these and love them too!

*split end source*

Overalls… I'm Not Kidding

I am fairly certain I noticed a comeback of these babies a bit ago. Oh yes, here. Ha! But, seriously I am a little surprised that they are back. I guess it was only a matter of time though. We are expecting baby (BOY) #2 in April and so I'm a lovely 4 months pregnant. Pregnancy and overalls, I have firmly believed, do not even belong in the same sentence. Guess what came to my door on Friday? Yep, maternity overalls! Oh man, I'm still trying to decide how brave I am. Especially, since I'm sure it'll be a good year before they catch on a ton here in Utah. I really kind of love them though! Like, really kind of love them!! My safety nets will be heels and a statement necklace. Also, loving cardis/blazers etc. Tyler is ready to sign me up for farmersonly.com, but I think I'm ready to rock them!

From my research the basic rules are to keep them modern. NO PLAID and no tanks tops. Heels will elongate the leg (as always), and make sure you find a pair that fit your legs well. I purchased these, and love the wash and the way they fit my legs. 

I really love the dark washes a lot too, but I guess I'll wait until next go around (or next year when I am belly-less), for some. I think you might be surprised how much you like them.  

overalls 3 ways by b-lovely featuring Free People


*UPDATE* after writing this post and getting so excited about these, about a week later I tried them on and my belly just didn't work with them. I carry super low and pretty sure every single person laughed. So, not for my prego self, but I WILL be buying them when my baby weight is gone.

TjMaxx Online

I was just informed that TJ's now has online shopping! I think for now it's just women's, but this could be life changing! Nothing I love more than great TJ find! I did notice some of my favorites especially Steve Madden, but maybe after a while they will add some more brands. I've had a second to go through everything and these are my fav online finds!

Dolce Vita is quickly rising to the top of my shoe brand list.
$39 I love all of the DV's they have on the site right now.

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned how much I love wellies. Love these booties for $19!!!


Navy Peplum Top $16.99



Brocade Skinny Jeans $60


Peplum Skirt $25


Tote $40

Friday's Fab Finds

Sorry that it's been FOREVER since I've posted my fab finds! But, I am so excited to tell you all about these amazing booties by Report that I just scored at TJ Maxx for $40!! I am dying and so in love with them. I only saw them at 1 of the 2 TJ's I went to today, so maybe try a couple of them! RUN!

Mine have a black sole though and are only cut out on one side.

DIY Embellished Collar

Anyone else obsessed with the embellished collars right now? They are going to be amazing under those fall sweaters.

In skimming through my In-Style special beauty issue I came 

across a genius DIY for one. It's even NO SEW.

I know it's not really legible, so here's the jist. 

All you need are: beads-3 colors. One smaller than the other two. Two sizes of safety pins, and a shirt you want to embellish. 

Thread the beads onto the safety pin and arrange in a design you'd like. I'm already imagining the possibilities. Also, using safety pins allows you the ability to take them off and make a new design on the same shirt. Loving this! 

*jcrew.com, dressmeblog.blogspot.me, instyle beauty issue*

Harem Pants 101

I failed to mention in my trend post about the constant sighting of Harem pants right now!  At least here in Utah, they are making a grand entrance. As funny as you might think they are at first, I bet most of you come around. :) They are actually quite comfy. The trick is finding the right pair. I bought a pair back in springtime, after trying on 6, I found one I felt comfortable in. They are black, which helped, but they all fit so different. Let's go over some tips and tricks to pulling off these blast from the pasts.

• Decide how "haremy" you want them to be. There are loose fitting and then there are true "Hammer-Time" ones (but please don't ;) )                                                                                                                 

 Gross  >>>>
I opted for some that were a little looser (more of a tapered trouser).

• Try on MULTIPLE pairs, maybe from multiple stores. Just because one doesn't look good on you, doesn't mean they all won't. 
• Make sure the fabric hangs in a flattering way. Double check all folds.
• Prints will really make them stand out- but I kind of love them. Mainly for a comfy Saturday.
  
   these with a navy T and gladiator sandals

• Front shirt tuck is key. Since the pants are so loose you want to make sure you still have a shape. I tuck mine in and almost treat them like high waisted pants.
• Heels will make you feel a million times better. They immediately elongate everything. Plus, who doesn't feel hotter in heels? Pointies are ideal.
• Tailored blazers look great with them. Make sure it has straight lines and fits you well.
• So, for Fall, boots or no boots? I can't quite decide how I feel about it. MUST be booties- with heels. For sure! I'm giggling about baggy pants and knee high boots. Don't. Personally, I think I would need dressy boots and probably all black- pants and boots. I also think it's something that's super easy to get wrong. The key will probably be to make sure the pants don't lose their shape and no skin shows. 

 

hm.com  the leg is tight, which I think is why it works. 

Pink Peonies posted these and I love them! I am on my way to buy them ;) They are perfect! 

note the front tuck.  ;) 

thepinkpeonies.com

My look:

Harem by b-lovely featuring Forever 21