Create28 Fall ~ Favorite Fall Dresses

Apparently, I have a "thing" for black and white fall dresses! In the past, I haven't been a huge black and white fan....i just thought it was so BORING and plain. It also reminded me of the days when I couldn't really dress myself and my closet was filled with black and white and NO COLOR! (sad days!!!)

However, in recent months, I've come to really embrace black and white again! However, unlike before, I hardly ever just wear plain black and white...I always try to add some "spice."

Striped Dress:cute option, cute option
Cargo Vest: option
Leopard Scarf: similar
Boots:  similar

In the above outfit, I added a little pattern mixing with stripes and leopard...one of my FAVES! I also added two other neutral, but contrasting colors (green vest and brown boots).

Plaid Dress: Target (exact)
Boots: Corso Como/Nordstrom (similar)
Scarf: Nordstrom/BP: (option,option)

In this outfit (read original post HERE), I added just a little pop of color to spice up the black and white. Also, some people think black/white and brown is not a legit color combo but I LOVE these three colors together!! The cognac provides a great contrast to the black and white without "clashing."

So to recap, here are my tips for wearing black and white ~

* Pattern mix (leopard and even plaid are great to pair with black and white)
* Add other neutral colors such as olive green or cognac
* Add a pop of color (choose colors depending in the season such as marsala for fall or yellow for summer)

Hope you will join us for Create28 this month! Link up with us Mondays or use the #Create28FallLooks on social media! Carrie is up tomorrow with more fun with patterns and prints!

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 

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See where I link up HERE

Create28 ~ A Casual-Sporty Look

"Sporty" can definitely encompass many different looks. You can be "gym sporty" with cute workout attire, you can be "baseball sporty" like Whitney's look yesterday or you can be "casual sporty" which is one of my favorite, easy looks.

In this look I am just wearing a cotton, striped jersey dress --a wardrobe essential in my opinion! I added my Converse sneakers and a baseball hat which are also two wardrobe essentials!! My Chucks have seen better days because I wear them SO OFTEN! I am in the market for a couple more pairs--maybe one white pair and a colored pair. I can totally picture a nice red pair with this outfit!!

A cute baseball cap can cover a multitude of sins, let me tell you! From tired eyes to a bad hair day--a fun baseball-style hat can be both cute and functional.

Add caption

Striped Dress Options (click on any image for details) ~

Chambray Options ~

Sneaker Options ~

Cute Baseball Hat Option ~ 

A few of my "casual sporty"-look DOs and DON'Ts ~

1. DO wear casual, wash and wear fabrics for ultimate ease and comfort!

2. DO choose a cute pair of sneakers or slip ons.

3. DON'T wear tennis shoes--I leave my bulky gym shoes for just that--the gym! Or when I'm in the mood for the "gym sporty" look. "Casual sporty" is supposed to look like a put-together outfit, not workout attire :)

4. DON'T over complicate things and add lots of accessories. I know as people who enjoy fashion, we always like to add, add, add...accessories, pops of color, layers, etc. But the beauty of an outfit like this is it's simplicity.

Here is more "Sporty" inspiration for ya!

Follow A Little Bit of Cheer's board Sporty Looks on Pinterest.

Join us tomorrow as Carrie sings the Summer Blues!! Hint: There is nothing SAD about her outfit!!


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  

See where I link up HERE

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

Outfit Formulas & The Spring Style Challenge ~ Week 3

The Spring Style Challenge is still in full swing, but I can't believe it ends this Saturday! Arghhh!! Stayed tuned for news about the Summer Challenge coming soon! If you missed this one (Spring), you definitely need to get in on the action for Summer!

Here's my recap of Days 9-14. If you missed Weeks 1 and 2 you can find them here: Week 1 & Week 2. Each week, I have been giving the "outfit formula" for the day, along with my interpretation of it.

ALSO! I'm co-hosting a link up today with the beautiful Liz from Shopping My Closet. See all the details below and link up your post!

Week 3--here it is....

Day 11: Thursday ~ Striped Dress + Bright Flats

I wore this same dress in Week 1, but it's surprising that the jean jacket and the bright flats give it a totally different look and feel than my cardigan and sandals from Week 1. That's when you know you have a versatile piece of clothing.

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)
Denim Jacket: Kut from the Kloth (exact)
Coral Flats: Payless (exact)
Red/Navy Bag: Stella & Dot (exact)
Necklace: J. Crew (similar)

Day 12: Friday ~ Camo/Patterned Pants + Bright Tee + Wedges

I confessed my love for these Express tees last week, but let me reiterate: I.LOVE.THESE.TEES!! This cobalt color is so bold and vibrant and so are all the other colors. You guys definitely need a few in your life :) For size reference I am typically between a XS and S, and I'm wearing a Small for the more "slouchy" look. They shrink the TINIEST bit, but not much at all! I loved the wedges, but changed to flats because it was a heavy errands-running day :)

Cobalt Tee: Express (exact)
Camo Pants: Loft (similar)
Wedge Sandals: Target (similar)
Cognac Flats: Payless (exact)
Flower Necklace: Similar

Day 13: Saturday ~ White Jeans + Neutral Tee + Cardi/Vest  + Wedges

I just LOVE this neutral color combo of black, white, cognac and military green. If you've been following this blog for any amount of time, you know I am ALWAYS reaching for this cargo vest. It's definitely a closet staple. I purchased it in the fall at TJ Maxx/Marshall's but I recently saw them there again! The brand is Max Studio. :)

White Jeans: Loft (exact)
Tee: Express (exact)
Cargo Vest: Similar, Similar
Necklace: Similar, Similar
Wedge Sandals: Target (similar)

Day 14: Sunday ~ Striped Dress + Floral Scarf + Sandals

It's the striped dress...again! You might be tired of it, but repeating a piece of clothing in different ways just shows how versatile the piece is! This is actually the exact outfit I wore for Easter :)

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)
Floral Scarf: Target (exact)
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Hoop Earrings: Stella and Dot (exact)

Day 15: Monday ~ Printed Top + Colored Pants + Sandals

This outfit is ME in every way, shape and form. More about these pants in another blog post, but I have fallen in love with chinos...and I've fallen HARD!

Olive Chinos: J. Crew Factory (exact, in Vintage Surplus)
Striped Tank: Loft (similar, similar)
Cognac Belt: Similar
Sandals: Similar, Similar
Hoop Earrings: Stella and Dot (exact)

Day 16: Tuesday ~ Printed Skirt + Black Tank + Cardigan + Wedges

I followed this one pretty much to the T except I subbed in flats instead of wedges since it was a work day. :)

Striped Skirt: J. Crew Factory (exact)
Cardi: Old Navy (exact, in Mini Mint)
Black Tank: similar
Ladder Necklace: Jane.com (similar, similar)
Cognac Flats: Payless (exact)

Day 17: Wednesday ~ Striped Dress + Chambray Shirt + Bright Flats

I had my doubts about this one...I KNOW! It's the striped dress AGAIN! But now, with the chambray on top, it's more of a skirt! I'd say I got a whole lotta bang for my $15 bucks with this striped dress!!

Striped Dress: Old Navy (exact)

Chambray Shirt: Forever 21 (similar)

Necklace: J. Crew (similar)

Coral Flats: Payless (exact)

I definitely felt the most comfortable on Day 15, but Day 17 was also an unexpected favorite! Do you have a fave? Would you try any of these outfit formulas?

Next Wednesday, I'll be wrapping up the last 4 outfits from the Style Challenge. I can't believe it's nearly over! Again, if you missed any of the Style Challenge posts you can find them here: Week 1 & Week 2.

See what the other Style Me Bloggers came up with this week, too!

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 | Curls and Cardigans | Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After |
My Running Stitches | From Plaid to Pearls | Stashed Blog | X-tremely V |
 A Little Bit of Cheer | Nick and Nik

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As I said above, I'm excited to be co-hosting a link up with Liz from Shopping My Closet!!! A little about Liz:

Meet Liz, the blogger behind Shopping My Closet.  Her style approach mixes high and low, dresses up closet essentials, and pairs the timeless with the current. Follow her as she illustrates how you can have an on-trend and timeless look by incorporating the items already in your closet into a stylish everyday look (Liz is my kinda gal!!)

Ways to follow Liz ~

Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11718217

Instagram: http://instagram.com/shoppingmycloset

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shoppingmyclosetblog

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/shoppingmycloset

The LINK UP ~

Welcome to the weekly Style Me Wednesday fashion link-up! The Style Me Wednesday fashion blog link-up goes live every Wednesday and is meant to be a venue for you to showcase what you're wearing or a favorite look. It's the perfect opportunity to discover new bloggers (and friends!) and styles. Simply follow the steps below to join Style Me Wednesday fashion link up!

 STYLE ME WEDNESDAY LINK-UP GUIDELINES

1. Follow your host, Shopping My Closet, on Bloglovin', Instagram, and Facebook  & follow your co-host, A Little Bit of Cheer, on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest
2. Link up using the widget below to your specific blog post (i.e today’s post), not your blog’s homepage
3. Grab a button to share on your blog post about Shopping My Closet's blog link up

<!-- START SHOPPING MY CLOSET'S "Style Me Wednesday" LINK-UP BADGE -->

<p class="center">
<a href="http://www.shoppingmycloset.com">

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/8SDfJVS.jpg" alt="Shopping My Closet" title="Shopping My Closet" style="max-width:100%;" />

</a>

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An InLinkz Link-up

Ways to Wear ~ A Striped Dress

Happy Wednesday!!! As you probably know, I'm definitely a jeans type of girl, but every once in awhile I'm forced to wear something besides jeans (AKA: work!). And sometimes I just like to change it up and wear something different, as long as it's COMFY and functional.

I'd been looking for a casual-looking striped dress forEVER after seeing other people wear them and of course from Pinterest pictures like this:

 And this...

Casual, laid back, yet pulled together. I looked and looked but could never find the "right" striped dress. So one day I was picking up some candles, cereal, and tampons at Target (please say everyone shops as randomly as I do at Target...) and I happened to spot this navy and red striped dress.

I tried it on immediately without even looking at the price. It was AWESOME! Then I looked at the price....$7.88!! Whaaaat???? I felt like I was stealing it because I threw it in my cart so fast before anyone else scooped it up! Then I saw the same dress in black and white for...yes...$7.88, so I got that one too! With my Target Red Card, both dresses with tax came out to less than $20. Even if I only wore them once, I figure it was still a good deal :) #girlmath. Well, I never expected I'd be wearing these dresses in as many ways as I came up with! It's amazing how versatile they are.

Check it out...

 Here are the details:

Outfit 1: With a cargo vest, long necklace and tall boots. You could also add navy tights!

Outfit 2: Layered with a navy cable-knit sweater so it looks like a skirt! Again, navy tights would be great.

Outfit 3: Super simple--jean jacket, long necklace and ankle boots.

Outfit 4: Sweater, scarf and black tights. It's a skirt/dress in one!

Outfit 5: With colored tights and a scarf. I love layering long necklaces under my scarves.

Outfit 6: Chambray shirt and Converse. I'll be repeating this weekend look a lot this spring!!

Now, I'm super sad to say I purchased these dresses several months back, and I haven't seen them on the Target clearance rack in while, but the black and white striped one is still available online (sorry, it's not $8, though!).

Merona Knit Shift Dress: on clearance in limited sizes 

I also found a few other options below that are similar. I am actually surprised that I wear the red/navy one more than the black and white one! Both are equally as versatile and can either be super casual or dressy. Another great thing is that a dress like this can span multiple seasons--i love pieces like this! Throw on some tights and boots and it's a winter outfit. Pair it with a baseball hat and Converse/flip flops and it's perfect for spring!

This one is almost identical to my Target red/navy one. I love that it has little pockets!

Gap Stripe Ponte Dress (on sale!)

This one looks super comfy!! Perfect for spring.

Mossimo Striped T-Shirt Dress

This one is cute with a little bling. Be sure you wait until it goes on sale for at least 50% off!

Loft Sweatshirt Dress:

Cheers to finding the perfect striped dress! If you find the right one, I know you'll be happy to have it in your closet!

XO ~ Casey

If you want to check out my other Wardrobe Wednesday posts click here:

Getting Dressed, Mom Style
Easy Outfit Formulas 

Linking up with some of my favorite blogs: A Little Bit of Everything, Grace and Love, Momfessionals and Jo Lynn Shane.