Pinned It, Did It + LINK UP

Welcome to another edition Pinned It and Did It! You know, the time when we dig deep into those 4,506 pins we have and start recreating them!

If you haven't been following my friend Carrie for her Shop and be Free for 3 group, you really should be! Read all about it HERE.

In this group, Carrie talks a lot about defining your personal style--figuring out what is really YOU vs. what looks good on someone else or in a picture. I think this Pinned It post illustrates this point perfectly. I swooned over this look because it has every single element I love--camo, chambray, sparkle! And I love how the "edgy" (camo) is pair with the more conservative button down.

Frankly, in "real life" I hated this outfit. Well, hate is a strong word but number one, I didn't feel comfortable in it. I have pretty much decided sweater and button down is NOT me.

While I love all of these pieces separately (camo, sweater, chambray, ankle boots) I just don't like them all together.

These camo pants still continue to get TONS of wear, mostly because they are so darn comfy! But then paired with the "stuffy" button down and sweater, it defeats the purpose of throwing on my most comfy pair of pants, ya know??

I think it's really important to come to grips with the fact that every "flat lay" and awesome looking outfit on Pinterest and on Instagram might not look or FEEL good on you! And that is A-OK! I mean, sometimes I seriously wonder if other super high end fashion bloggers actually WEAR the stuff they blog about! Since I am all about practicality, I don't get much joy out of perusing outfits I'll never wear!

Has this ever happened to you before? Have you ever lusted over an outfit online, then it fell flat for you? I think this a GREAT thing, actually because each time you "fail" at an outfit, you come closer and closer to defining your own personal style :) I like to call it "failing forward."

Have a great day, friends!!!

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! My favorite look this week was Rebecca from Red Tag Chic! This look is SOOO cozy and totally something I would wear...like, everyday!!!! Read her entire post HERE.

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Mom Style Files ~ Volume 5

 It's another volume of Mom Style Files! Wow-it's been awhile since I've done one of these but I really need to get back at it! I keep it real here on the blog, so I think just sharing quick snapshots of my real life everyday outfits is an easy way for you not only to get outfit ideas, but to see that you don't have to be decked to the 9's every time you go out. I am all about simple, practical and attainable! ...and oftentimes, that means imperfect :)

So here are some of my recent outfits, many of which were in line with the simple outfit "formulas" from the Winter Style Challenge ~

Outfit 1: Jeans + Long Sleeved Tee + Fur Vest + Boots
If you have read this blog for any length of time, you have heard me say, "I'm a jeans and a tee type of gal" probably a dozen times! How to you "winterize" jeans and a tee? Add boots and a faux fur vest! #boom!

Jeans: Express, my current fave to wear with boots (exact)
Tee: J Crew Factory (option)
Fur Vest: Thrifted from a kid's consignment store!!! (option, option)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact)

Outfit 2: Black Jeans + Black Bouse + Long Cardi + Printed Heels
I wore this outfit to work, because HELLO--i don't wear heels around the house! I am not in love with black on black but to be honest, I did like this outfit better in person than I did in the pictures.

Black Jeans: Express (exact)
Top: Express (exact)
Cardi: Express (exact)
Leopard Heels (similar, similar)

Outfit 3: Printed Sweater + "Flare" Jeans + Ankle Boots
Simple, easy, so comfy. I'm in love with polka dots!!

Jeans: Express (exact)
Sweater: Target (option, option)
Boots: Sears (exact, sooo comfy!)

Outfit 4: Sweater + Plaid + Jeans + Boots
There is something about plaid and pearls that I just adore! Makes the outfit just a teeny tiny bit more special :)

Jeans: Express, my current fave to wear with boots (exact)
Sweater: Loft (exact)
Plaid: Kohls (similar, similar)
Boots: Nordstrom (exact)

Outfit 5: Burgundy Cords + Black Blouse + Fur Vest + Printed Heels
This is my "work version" of Outfit 1 since I can't wear jeans to work. If you don't have a pair of burgundy jeans/cords, I highly recommended finding a great pair! They are so versatile!

Burgundy Cords: Loft (similar)
Top: Express (exact)
Fur Vest: Thrifted from a kid's consignment store!!! (option, option)
Leopard Heels (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)

Outfit 6: Jeans + Plaid + Cardi + Boots
I showed this outfit last week, but I have been wearing it so much, I am showing it again! This combo can be repeated so many different ways but just swapping out the plaid and the cardi.

Sweater: Express (exact)
Plaid: Express (exact)
Jeans: Express (exact)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)

That's a wrap for this edition of Mom Style Files! If you want to check out the "archives" of Mom Style Files/Everyday Outfits, here you go!

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! My favorite look this week was Amy from Amy's Creative Pursuits. I just LOVE her cozy winter whites! Read her entire post HERE: 

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Pinned It, Did It + LINK UP

It's time for the monthly Pinned It, Did It! You know, the post that FORCES me to go back through my 4,000 "Fall/Winter" Pins and start recreating them! You can check out my Fall/Winter Pinterest board HERE.

It's been COLD here, people! California cold!!! We are talking like 40's in the morning! It's funny I used to live in Chicago and literally used to PRAY for 40 degree days!! Now, if it's under 60 my BONES are literally frozen. #suchawimp At any rate, this weather has just made me want leggings, leggings and more leggings--cozy and comfy! So this is the outfit I chose to recreate:

Super simple, right? Here's my version:

Tunic: Eddie Bauer (see options below)
Leggings: Nordstrom/Hue (exact)
Scarf: Gift (similar, similar)
Boots: Similar
Purse: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

If you don't have a plaid tunic, I HIGHLY recco one for the days you just want to throw on some leggings and be super comfy--it's almost like wearing PJs! But paired with boots, you are perfectly presentable in public--all lady parts COVERED :) I picked this tunic up last fall at Eddie Bauer, but here are some great options ~ (click images for more info)

Another one of my absolute fave tunic/shirts is this plaid shirt from Express:

It's sooo  soft and just the perfect amount of "oversized" to not look sloppy. Depending on how tall you are, you may be able to wear it with leggings since it's pretty long! There are lots of different color options, too! Click HERE for the shirt.

****Before we get to the link up, I just wanted to let you know that I will be taking a little bloggy break now until the New Year. I will still have the link up live next Monday, though so definitely stop by and link up! Thank you guys so much for being a supporter of my blog this year. I feel so blessed to have "met" so  many of you through the blogging world! Wishing you a very blessed holiday season. XOXOXOXO

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! My favorite look this week was Taylor from Pink Heels, Pink Truck.

 Vest, chambray, bling...really doesn't get much better, Taylor! I LOVE IT and will be copying this outfit soon!! Like, tomorrow :) Read her entire post HERE.

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Celebrity Style ~ Joanna Gaines + LINK UP

Do you guys watch the show Fixer Upper on HGTV?? I might be a little bit #obsessed with it--enough to **maybe ** make me fly to Waco and stalk Chip and Jo Jo until they redo my house!!! HA! Joanna's decorating style is always spot-on and I would give her free reign in my house any day!

Not only does her interior design style match mine, so does her personal style! I am always so drawn to her simple, casual, slightly "rustic" outfits...can you describe an outfit as "rustic?" Hmmm. Anyhoo, check out some of my faves from Joanna ~

Reece Witherspoon is another one of my celeb style icons (read the post HERE)--I am drawn to the casual, no fuss, yet put-together "mom" looks of both Reece and Joanna. I have recreated several of Joanna's outfits at one time or another this fall, but here is the one I am recreating today :

Black Jeans/Leggings, Chambray Top + Military Jacket + Cognac Boots

Here is my recreation ~

 This outfit formula is super simple to recreate and you probably have most of these items already!!

Black Jean/Leggings: Express (exact, similar)
Chambray Tunic: Target (exact, similar)
Jacket: J. Crew Factory (similar, similar)
Boots: Nordstrom/Corso Como (similar, similar)
Bag: Nordstrom/BP (similar, similar)

What do you think of Joanna's style???

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! My favorite look this week was Lanae of modest budget belle! She rounded up how to glam up a sweatshirt! She pretty much had me at "sweatshirt." So much inspiration, Lanae!!! I love this one:

This is TOTALLY my idea of the perfect holiday party outfit! HELLLLOOOOO it's a SWEATSHIRT! Read her entire post HERE.

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Monday Link Up ~ Leopard and Polka Dots!!!

It's been QUITE the week, my friends. Lots of sickness, lots of chicken soup, lots of soccer games and WAAAAY too many dirt cups and Snickers bars. So pardon my lack of energy and enthusiasm for this Monday!!!! This is how I FEEL ~

But this is how I'm going to face it!!

It's link up day and I get to link up with my blogging besties Carrie and Whitney...so how can it NOT be a good day?? I don't think I talk about these girls enough, but I am truly blessed to have met them through blogging. They are such AWESOME women!!

Ok, so today we are talking leopard and polka dots! Now I don't technically have a blog photo for leopard and polka dots (if you want to know why, read the beginning of this post-HA!), but it is one of my all time favorite combinations! Here is a quick selfie from last fall of how I wore leopard and polka dots ~

Sweater: Target (similar, similar)
Scarf: similar
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Booties: similar, cute option
Herringbone Vest: Splurge, The Look for Less

Here are a few other great ways to put leopard and polka dots together! I love and want to copy every one of these outfits!!!

Time to link up! Don't forget to use the hashtag #lovelylittlealamode on social media!

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode ~ Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer ~ Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Each week we choose a favorite...check out Carrie and Whitney's blogs to see if it's you! My favorite look this week was Katie from Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life! Although she claims #bloggerfail because she didn't FULLY participate in Create28 Fall, I call THIS dress a #totalwin, so who cares??!! Love this look, Katie! See her entire post HERE.

Now let's get linking! We like to keep things simple around here. Just link up your favorite posts--fashion, beauty, food, DIY, anything goes! Follow your hosts on social media, have fun and be inspired! Thanks for linking up!

<a href="http://www.alittlebitofcheer.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/button%20small_zpsujefyz2q.png~original" alt="A Lovely Little À La Mode Link Up" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

An InLinkz Link-up

Create28 Fall ~ Skirts in the Fall

I didn't used to be a huge skirt girl..and especially not a skirt-in-the-fall girl!! I'm not exactly sure what changed my mind, but I now find myself gravitating to the skirt and tights and skirt and boots look!

For the first look, I took an outfit I wore for the Work  Wear Challenge HERE. The basic formula was patterned skirt + chambray. I swapped in a long sleeve chambray, added tights, a cozy scarf and boots and voila! Instant fall outfit!!

And let me just point out that these boots from SEARS of ALLLLL places are soooo comfy and definitely the Tom's boots "Look for Less!" I HIGHLY recco these boots--they come in taupe too!

Skirt: Loft via ThredUp (see printed skirt options below!)
Long Sleeve Chambray:(similar, similar)
Black Ankle Boots: Sears (exact in black or tan, Toms)
Fringe Scarf: similar

For the next outfit, I was inspired by fall colors--brown and orange. Doesn't that just scream falling leaves to you???! Since it's still warm here, instead of tights I just did tall boots and bare legs. Later in the fall dark brown tights will be added :)

Skirt: Loft via ThredUp (see printed skirt options below!)
Coral Tee: Nordstrom/Stem (exact, in orange fiesta)
Cardigan: Express (exact)
Boots: Frye (exact)

I tend to buy "fall skirts" that I know will coordinate with either black boots or tall brown/cognac boots. Another option is a solid, fall-colored skirt with a patterned top or scarf. How adorable is this look...
 

Here are some of my favorite skirts for fall ~ (click on any of them for more info!)

Do you wear skirts in the fall?? Do you have a favorite fall skirt in your closet?  Join me tomorrow to see Carrie's "bad girl" moto look!!! :)

Join us all this month for Create28 Fall Looks! Link up your looks on Monday or use the hasgtag #Create28FallLooks! 

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE