The Summer Challenge Week 2 + Linkup + Giveaway!

Happy Hump Day, pretties! Today I'm recapping the first full week of Summer Challenge outfits! Hope you're ready for some serious summer outfit inspiration....check out all of my blogger bestie's outfits linked below, too! Feel free to link up your favorite outfits, too--the more the merrier!! Also, you only have 2 more days to enter to win the $200 gift card to Gap Brands...enter if you haven't already!!

OK-now for this week's outfits~

Outfit Formula 4: Kimono + Tank + Denim Shorts
I'm not giving up finding a kimono!! Still looking because I think the trend is darling--i just can't find one that looks right on me. In the meantime, I pulled this long cardigan/shrug thing out of my closet. I usually only wear it in the fall/spring, but now I know I can wear it with shorts!! Yay!

Cardigan/Shrug: Target (similar)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Coral Tee: Nordstrom/Stem (exact, in Red Fiesta)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 5: Lace Top + Bright Shorts + Colorful Necklace
I LOVE this outfit. It's light, bright and super easy!

White Eyelet Top: Loft Outlet (similar, similar)
Bright Shorts: J. Crew (similar, similar)
Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 6: Chambray Shirt + White Shorts + Sneakers
I chose to wear my white sandals instead of sneakers because I decided I really need to invest in a bright pair of Converse! I'm thinking pink, red or teal...any other suggestions??

Part of this Challenge is also trying new things with your hair. Soooo....I watched like 3,000 bun/top knot/messy bun tutorials! It looked sooo easy but once I had to do it on myself it was a mess!! This was my first attempt--I'll keep trying!!!

Chambray/Blue Shirt: HM (these are hard to find!! option, option)
White Shorts: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 7: Maxi/Summer Dress + Denim Vest + Sandals
I feel like I have been wearing my long printed maxi dress to death, so I opted for this short little jersey dress I found on the Target clearance rack for $8! It think it works!

Dress: Target (similar, similar)
Denim Vest: DIY'ed (similar, similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 8: Palazzo/Track/Printed/Soft Pants + Flowy Tank
Whatever they are called--I hopped on the Palazzo/Track/Soft pants trend a few months ago and I've never looked back. I LOVE them--totally feels like PJs, yet looks pulled together and not super frumpy. Nothing is more comfy than this outfit!!! You have to shop and be patient for the ones you like, but once you find them, you'll love them!

Track Pants: Coscto (similar, similar)
Tank: Loft (similar)
Sparkly Sandals: Target (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom/Kendra Scott (exact)

Outfit Formula 9: Graphic Tee + Denim Shorts + Sneakers
This is one of the outfits I could just live in all summer!!! Like I said, though, I need to invest in some super fun colored Chucks!

Graphic Tee: Forever 21 (exact one is sold out i think--option, option)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Sneakers: Nordstrom/Converse (exact)

As a girl of comfort, I can attest that every one of these outfits was super comfy and functional for my everyday, running around mom-life! Next week I'll have 6-7 more outfits for ya!

And don't forget, next WEDNESDAY, July 1st Create28 ~ Lovely Summer Looks starts!! Read all about it HERE and join us!!!

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

I'm on Instagram now! Yippeee! Follow me HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE 

Puppies & Pretties // Daily Style Finds

Shoes to Shiraz // A Lovely Little Wardrobe // Making the Most of Every Day

Two Teens and Their Mama // Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

A Little Bit of Cheer // Nick + Nik // Foxy's Domestic Side // The Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life // Quilty JoyJoy

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy // Get Your Pretty On

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shoes to Shiraz | R Squared | Two Teens and Their Mama | 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 

Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | Puppies and Pretties | Daily Style Finds | 

Making the Most of Everyday | She Thought She Could | Foxy's Domestic Side | 

Quilty Joy Joy |  Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |

A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

An InLinkz Link-up

Chino Love & Link Up!

Hey pretty girls! So big news--I'm in LOVE!!! I'm in love with something I kicked to the curb long, long ago ~ CHINOS!!!! I betrayed chinos years ago, but they've forgiven me and we're back together again!!! XOXOXOXO

There were just a few things about chinos that rubbed me the wrong way...first, reminders of 10th grade when I used to wear chinos, baggy sweaters and penny loafers...like, everyDAY. I was the uncool prepster for sure.

Then, in my first advertising job many moons ago, my first client was Dockers...you know, "Nice Pants?" Does anyone remember these ads besides me??? Let me refresh your memory:

Um, yeah, so let's just say after that job I was pretty over "chinos."

I don't know what possessed me to give them a try again--possibly just fate. I was walking through J. Crew Factory last week and I was looking for cargo green or coral JEANS. Well, low and behold they had a table full of cargo green and coral...CHINOS. So I gave them a try and it was love as soon as I put them on! Typically J. Crew pants don't fit me well...they're more for the less hipp-y, less booty-y-type gal. But I'm telling you, these were heaven.

I threw together some quick ways to style them, but I'm telling you, the possibilities are endless! They are the perfect, perfect alternative to jeans or shorts...lightweight, but give you a some coverage.

Here are three ways I would wear the cargo green ones ~

1. Pink Lace Top & Heels ~ Most people think chinos are casual but they can be dressed up too!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Lace Top: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar)
Nude Heels: Payless (exact)

2. White Shirt and Bright Flats ~ Love the pop of color! I kept my shirt untucked to keep it casual.

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
White Button Down: Michael Kors (similar, similar)
Coral Flats: Payless (exact)

3. Striped Tank & Sandals: This is my ultimate casual spring/summer outfit. Sooooo comfy!!!!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Striped Tank: Loft (similar, similar)
Sandals: Similar, Similar

The coral colored chinos are beautiful in person. A happy medium between muted and bright ~

 1. Grey Tee ~ I love coral/red and gray!!! Always a classic pairing.

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
Gray Tee: Express (exact)
Leopard Flats: Similar, Similar

2. Navy Top ~ If I had a printed navy top, it would be even better but I just love coral and navy!!

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
Navy Blouse: Loft (similar)
Nude Flats: Payless (similar)

 3. White Tee, Denim Jacket, Aqua/Mint Necklace ~ This one would be perfect with or without the jacket! Perfect, relaxing spring/summer colors!

Coral Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Burnished Coral)
White Tee: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Denim Jacket: Kut from the Kloth (similar)
Aqua/Mint Necklace: Similar, Similar

And if that's not enough, look at all the ways these gals are ROCKING OUT the chinos!! Who KNEW??!!!

I just love the casual vibe of these pants!!! You know me, I am always striving for casual and comfortable, yet pulled together. For size reference, I found these fit true to size. I'm wearing a size 2.  I'm also 5'4" and if I unroll these (which I will probably never do), they are a little long. If you have never shopped at J. Crew Factory, their stuff goes on sale all the time. Wait until these are at least 40-50% off. I paid $31 total with my teacher discount :)

Happy Chino Hunting!!!


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

I'm on Instagram now! Yippeee! Follow me HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE 

***********************************************************************************
Today I am co-hosting the Turning Heads Tuesday link up with the beautiful Jess, of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Not only is Jess gorgeous inside and out, her style embraces practical, comfortable, yet stylish outfits. Jess is my kinda girl,  right??

Link up is open at 1am, Eastern Time, so get linking!!! XO

Link up your fashion or beauty post below and meet some new friends! Please follow both Jess and I on Instagram and Bloglovin ~

Jess ~ Instagram
Jess ~ Bloglovin'

Casey ~ Instagram
Casey ~ Bloglovin'

An InLinkz Link-up