What I Learned from Style Challenges + Exciting News!

So you guys know I have been doing Style Challenges with Alison from Get Your Pretty On for over a year now. Although it CAN be slightly "time consuming" and MIGHT drain your wallet, I wanted to share with you a few tips I learned along the way and how I made the Style Challenges work for me:

Tip 1 ~ You don't have to buy everything on the list!
When I first started, I felt the need to buy every single item on the list so I could be "in uniform" and follow along perfectly (the OCD in me, I guess). What I do now is make an effort to TRY everything, but be OK if the items don't work for me. I will wear things around the house for a day or so with the tags and if I don't feel it, back it goes! At this point, I need to LOVE the clothes I have and I am honest with myself--if I don't love it, I don't keep it!

For example, duck boots were on the list for the Winter Challenge. I LIKE them, but I don't live in a climate that really necessitates the need to super "wintery" boots like that! So here I just swapped out my rain boots for duck boots (perfect since El Nino is upon us here in California!)

Outfit Formula: Black Jeans + Chambray + Vest + Duck Boots

Chambray: H&M (similar)
Vest: via Jane.com (similar)
Scarf: Target (similar)
Black Jeans: Express (exact)
Boots: Target(exact--the pink and red ones are super cute too!)

Tip 2 ~ You don't have to stick with the EXACT same color or pattern combos as the preview pictures.
Sometimes the outfit formula will say "printed sweater," and the preview picture will show a fair isle sweater. This DOES NOT mean you have to buy a fair isle sweater if that's not your game! It means a PRINTED sweater. I used a polka dot sweater for my printed sweater in the last challenge and loved it!! Same goes with colors. If the preview shoes a beige shirt and you know that color washes you out, choose another neutral color that works!

This outfit called for a grey sweater....well, I didn't have a grey sweater, but I did have this beige one that  loved and wanted to wear!

Outfit Formula: Plaid Top + Skinny Jeans + Grey Sweater + Boots

Sweater: Express (exact)
Plaid: Express (exact)
Jeans: Express (exact--LOVE THESE SO MUCH!)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)

Tip 3 ~ Learn to love what you have.
Once you get a good "base" of clothing you love, it's easy to just keep wanting more...when logic would tell you stop and be happy with what you have! Try hard to push through the urge to buy more before you consider what you already have. The challenges have been great at using past classic pieces such as dark wash jeans, black jeans, boots, etc. Try to add in a piece or two to keep your wardrobe updated, but there is no reason to buy a whole new wardrobe every season. Scour Pinterest to find more ways to wear the same pieces, but it different ways.

 For the Fall and Winter Challenges, I shopped my closet for 90% of the items--if I didn't have something, I found and sub and it worked perfectly! The Challenges have definitely helped me wear my "old" pieces in new ways.

Example--The Challenge called for a "sparkly tank" for layering. I knew that would be great for holiday parties, but not much beyond that. Instead, I swapped out my oldie but goodie lace tank and then followed the outfit formula of flare jeans/neutral cardi and ankle boots. I LOVE shopping my closet!!

Outfit Formula: Sparkly Tank + Black Cardigan + Boot Cut Jeans + Booties

Lace Tee: Loft, old (cute option)
Cardigan: Target (similar)
Jeans: Express (exact-LOVE!)
Boots: Sears (exact, sooo comfy!)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)


Tip 4 ~ You don't have to  be "in uniform" every day!
The Challenges last for 21 days and each day there is a new outfit formula. But a certain formula might not work for you on a certain day and that is perfectly FINE! For instance, I can't wear jeans to work. So if an outfit calls for jeans on a workday, I either find a sub or file the outfit away for another day! No biggie. I print all of the outfits and pin them up in my closet for easy reference. :)

I couldn't wear this outfit formula to work so I saved it for a weekend outing. I could have also subbed black jeans for work!

Outfit Formula: Plaid Top + Cardigan + Jeans + Boots

Jeans: Express (exact--LOVE THESE SO MUCH!)
Plaid: J Crew, old (cute option)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (exact, TONS of colors and on sale!)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)

From the Challenges, I have met so many AMAZING women and for that, I am SO grateful!!! In fact, it might be the best part! I met my blogging link up buddy Carrie from the Challenge! It might possibly be one of the most fun, positive places on the internet.

I just feel that you can go overboard and overbuy if you aren't mindful of the things I listed above. It CAN turn into a buying obsession. The bottom line is, you are trying to LOOK and FEEL pretty....and that doesn't necessarily take hundreds of dollars! Having a certain necklace/bag/sweater that you see won't bring you happiness. What will bring you happiness wardrobe-wise, is being secure with yourself and your body AND having a closet (big or small) of clothes you LOVE.

That being said, I love my Style Sisters from the Challenges and I LOVE the wardrobe the Challenges have helped me build! I'm so excited to announce the new way to join Challenges!! Registration for Annual Membership is now open! Basically you get 4 Challenges for the price of 3! 

As always, at the beginning of each season you'll get a shopping list and over 21 outfit combos for that season! It's been an awesome way to get classic pieces in my wardrobe, as well up have little "updates" every season! It's like having a personal stylist every season!

Click HERE and you can read all about it! The special rate ends January 31st and there won't be any other discounts for the individual challenges this year :( Definitely check out the Annual Membership, girls...you know I love a bargain!!!

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 Karen from She Thought She Could. She's always pretty, but I really loved her honest thoughts about blogging and how she's been feeling. Her post totally spoke to me! Read her sweet words 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

The Winter Challenge!! It's HERE!!!

Let's get this party started, girls! The GYPO Winter Challenge is HERE!! Registration opens today and closes 11/27. The first outfit release will be 12/13.

I am already loving some of the sneak peeks that include fur, plaid and lots of sparkle--perfect for the holiday season!! You can read my intro post to the Challenge HERE, but here are some new features this time around:

1. There will be "Dress it Up and Dress it Down" options for every outfit on this challenge.

2. One of the bonuses will be three outfits perfect for holiday parties (last year I wore one of the holiday party outfits and got so many compliments)!

3. There will be two surprise outfits!

4. The outfit total is 26 for this challenge. 

5. Several pieces from past challenges will be reused. 

If you haven't done one of these challenges, you are missing out!! If you have ever struggled with having a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear, THIS IS FOR YOU!! It really takes the guesswork out of what to wear each day and you learn to purchase "the right" pieces that coordinate instead of having a bunch of random things in your closet. 

However, I will tell you, the very best part of it is the women who are in the group. It is honestly one of the most caring, supportive groups of women you will ever meet! It's simply amazing!! I can't tell you how many friends I have made from this group. It has been such a blessing. 

Enough of that. What are you waiting for??!! Click HERE and sign up ASAP!


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

The Winter Challenge...It's COMING!!!

You guys!! How EXCITED am I that the Winter Challenge with Get Your Pretty On is right around the corner!!! Last years Winter Challenge was one of my faves and I know this one will be no different! Judging from the preview outfits....YES, PLEASE!! Plaid, fur, boots, oh my!!!

Here is what's new and exciting this year ~

1. There will be "Dress it Up and Dress it Down" options for every outfit on this challenge.

2. One of the bonuses will be three outfits perfect for holiday parties (last year I wore one of the holiday party outfits and got so many compliments)!

3. There will be two surprise outfits!

4. The outfit total is 26 for this challenge. 

5. Several pieces from past challenges will be reused. 

If you have never done a style challenge with Get Your Pretty On, it's life changing!!! You get a shopping list, plus 21+ outfit combos! No more guesswork about what to wear. But the best part is the online Facebook groups where we share, support and laugh...we are like a big style family! Here is an example of this years Summer Challenge.

Registration opens NEXT Friday, November 20th. Who's getting excited? I am!!!!!

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

The Fall Challenge & Interview with Alison!

Are you guys ready??! The Fall Style Challenge with Alison from Get Your Pretty On is HERE!! Registration opens TODAY! I am SO excited because Fall is my absolute favorite season to dress for. I participated in the Fall Challenge last year and loved it--I am even more excited this year because I get to blog about it!

Today, Alison let me ask her any questions I wanted to about the Challenge, Fall Fashion or anything else I wanted to ask! How fun is that??!! I centered my questions around fall fashion and her style challenges. I hope you enjoy! My questions/comments are in bold :)

1. What do you think will be the biggest WEARABLE fall trends?

Ankle booties are going to be big again this fall. A great pair in a cognac color will be a closet staple. Plaid is also back for another round. If you don't want to risk looking like a lumberjack, try a plaid accessory like a scarf or belt or even a cute pair of plaid shoes. 

Here some of my fun picks based on her recommendations ~

COGNAC ANKLE BOOTS (click on any image for more info)

(the top right ones come in Cognac as well, but they are showing up as black!)

MAD FOR PLAID (click on any image for more info)

2. What are your personal Top 5 favorite fall items (clothing, shoes, accessories)?

Riding boots, scarves, cardigans, anything plaid and quilted vests. 

I could not agree more, Alison! Here are some of my current faves ~ (click on any image for more info)

3. What are the fall color trends that you're loving?

I'm loving marsala, the Pantone color of the year and have seen it on everything from shoes to home decor this fall. I'm always partial to jewel tones in the fall and winter too.

You had me at Marsala! LOVE these outfits with "marsala" and jewel tones ~

4. What is your Fall go-to outfit?

A printed scarf, t-shirt, cardigan, skinny jeans and riding boots. It works for just about anything and I ALWAYS feel put together. 

SO easy, right?? These are my two of my fave "Alison Outfits" ~
 

5. What is the best advice you could give someone looking to get out of their yoga pants or "I have nothing to wear" rut?

Start in your closet. Use resources like Pinterest to find new ways to wear some of your basic pieces. Then add in inexpensive items like printed scarves and accessories to dress them up and make them feel special. Have some go-to outfit formulas that help you get dressed on a daily basis. Once you have the right pieces in place, it's just as easy to put together a cute outfit as it is to throw on your yoga pants.

5. Can you show us 1 or 2 of your favorite or most worn items of clothing and tell us why you love them?

In the fall and winter, I wear riding boots with skinny jeans as much as humanly possible! Here's one of my favorite ways to pair up this combo.

http://getyourprettyon.com/olive-black-leopard-and-stripes/

This is also one of my all time fave "Alison" outfits and I have copied it to a T! 

6. Who should participate in the Fall Style Challenge?

Everyone! No, just kidding. Honestly the challenge works best for women who feel that they're stuck in a clothing rut and are ready to try something new to get out of it. You have to be willing to allow someone (me!) to help take the guesswork out of style for you. You need a strong desire to have some go-to outfits in your closet, not just pieces that don't work together. You need to be open to modifying the outfits to suit your tastes and comfort level. You must be willing to get out of your comfort zone.

I hope this gets you girls excited about the Fall Challenge!!! When you are ready, sign up HERE and join me in all the fun! And this is BIG and new this year -- you will get the shopping list immediately after sign up! No more waiting! You can start shopping and looking for these pieces in your closet right away!! So whatcha waitin' for, girls??! :)

And speaking of Fall......this is coming.....more details soon! SO EXCITED! :)

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

 

 ***Note ~ this post contains affiliate links, but all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Coming Soon...the Fall Challenge!!!

 Are you guys ready for Fall?? I'm not, but I'm sure I will be in the mood once I sign up for the Fall Style Challenge with Alison at Get Your Pretty On! Registration opens THIS FRIDAY!!!

This Friday on the blog, I will also be featuring a personal interview with Alison! I got to ask her all of our pressing questions about trends for fall and her style challenges--so stay tuned for that and get ready to sign up on Friday with me!

If you have never done a Style Challenge with Alison, read all about it HERE. You can also read my  Spring Challenge recap HERE and my Summer Recap HERE.

And here is a peek at one of my favorite fall outfit combos from last years challenge :)

 Hope you come back this Friday and join in the fun!!!


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

The Next Challenge ~ WORK WEAR!!!!

You guys know I have been doing Alison's Style Challenges for about a year now and I absolutely LOVE them!! These challenges take the guesswork out of what to wear each day by giving you a simple "outfit formula" to put together and wear each day. It completely takes the guesswork out of getting dressed! Plus, you'll be inspired by all the women on the Challenge Facebook group. I have met so many lovely women from this group!

Here are the recaps of past challenges I have done ~

Summer 2015 Recap 

My faves from the Summer Challenge ~

 Spring 2015 Recap

The outfits that I put together for these challenges I still wear all the time and I feel like my closet is much more scaled down and organized. I always have a cute outfit to wear!

I have never participated in the Work Wear Challenge but  I am going to sign up this year! Even though I only work 2 days a week as a part time Learning Center/Special Ed teacher, I feel like I often run out of "work" outfits since I can't wear jeans to school. I am looking for some inspiration and I know I'll get it with the Work Wear Challenge!

Early registration for the Work Wear Challenge starts TODAY! Here are the dates:

Registration Opens: Friday, August 14
Registration Closes: Friday, August 21
Shopping List Release: Friday, August 21
Outfits Start: Sunday, September 6 (for 21 days)

Click HERE to sign up!! It's worth every penny and a lot cheaper and less time consuming than hiring a personal stylist :)

Feel free to ask me any questions! You can also head to the Style Challenge homepage or the Work Wear page for more details. I hope you join!!

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

The Summer Challenge Recap ~ My Faves

Another GYPO Style Challenge has come and gone. I really, really enjoyed this one! I didn't have to buy a whole lot this time around...I think that is just a testament to having a well-stocked wardrobe of great basics you love. I have collected a good foundation of clothing over the past year and now it's just a matter of little updates here and there and adding a few "trendy" items and accessories.

Here are my weekly outfit recaps from the Summer Challenge, in case you missed them ~

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3

Although I liked nearly every outfit this time around, here are my Top 3~

Outfit Formula: Graphic Tee + Bright Shorts + Sparkly Sandals ~ This one was basic and I LOVE basic! I also like how just a little bling (necklace and sandals) are a simple ways to make an outfit a little special without adding any "bulk" or being overcomplicated.

Graphic Tee: Get Your Pretty On (exact, lots of options!)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (similar, similar)
Necklace: similar, similar
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula: Summer Dress + Hair Wrap/Headband + Wedges ~ The challenge called for a white dress but I felt I'd get some much more use out of this simple chambray one. I was RIGHT! I have worn this dress with wedges, sandals and even my Converse. I wear it with or without the belt. It's soooo comfy and effortless. I also like how I at least **tried** something new with my hair! LOL!

Dress: Target (exact, similar)
Belt: Option, Option
Wedges: Nordstrom/Toms (very similar, similar)

Outfit Formula: White Top + Patterned Shorts + Sandals ~ You know by now I LOVE stripes and these striped shorts are no exception! Pair with a sleeveless Portofino top and a little color--perfect in my book!!

Ok, I had to add a forth because I really like how this kimono took me outside my comfort zone! I was also patient in finding one that I really loved instead of just purchasing impulsively just because I wanted to try the trend.

Kimono: Ross (option, option, option)
Jeans: Old Navy (exact)
White Tee: Target (exact)
Sandals: Similar

That's a wrap on the Summer Style Challenge! On to Fall!!! :)

I am double-posting today because we are in the midst of Create28! Carrie is featured on the blog today with her all-white look. Carrie never disappoints, my friends!! Join in our fun whenever you can via your blog or #Create28SummerLooks on Instagram!

 

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 

Summer Challenge ~ Week 1 + Giveaway + Linkup!!

The Summer Style Challenge is here and my good style blogging friends, (read about us HERE) are launching it with a bang! Enter to win $200 gift card from Gap Brands below!! I, for one, know that I could spend this in a hot second!

If you are new to this blog (yay! welcome!!), I have been participating in Style Challenges with Alison from Get Your Pretty On for nearly a year. I just started recapping my outfits on the blog during the Spring Challenge, click HERE to see my spring recap. The Challenges run 21 days and each Wednesday, I will give you a recap of the outfit formulas plus my interpretation of it. On Wednesdays, you can also check out all the other bloggers outfits as well (all linked below)! Talk about some outfit inspiration, girls!!! Feel free to link up your outfits, too!! Are you ready?!!

The first outfits of the Summer Style Challenge were released this past Sunday, so today you will get 3 outfits/outfit formulas. Next week will be a full week (7 days!) of outfits ~

Outfit Formula 1: Patterned Shorts + Bright Tee + Chambray/Denim Vest + Sandals

 I really like how this outfit turned out. I played around with different color combos and I finally decided pink, chambray and pearls were a winning combo! I could have also worn my new DIY'ed denim vest (details tomorrow on the blog!!) but I thought the chambray looked more relaxed :)

Floral Shorts: Old Navy (option, option)
Chambray Shirt: H&M (similar, similar)
Pink Tee: Target (exact)
Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar)
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 2: Graphic Tee + Bright Shorts + Sparkly Sandals

I ordered this awesome graphic tee from Alison's blog, Get Your Pretty On. All profits help support the Pretty Strong Foundation to help women undergoing cancer treatment. Score! There are a million different styles and color combos. I love a simple tee paired with colored shorts...and of course, you need a little BLING and sparkle when you Get Your Pretty On!!

Graphic Tee: Get Your Pretty On (exact, lots of options!)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory (similar, similar)
Necklace: similar, similar
Sandals: Target (exact)

Outfit Formula 3: Summer Dress + Hair Wrap/Headband + Wedges

The "real"outfit formula called for a white dress and a denim vest--a look I ADORE! But I just couldn't find a cute, casual white dress that I love. I did find this cute chambray dress at Target, though and I do LOVE it. I also bought it because it kind of had that "romper" feel without the difficulty of being a romper and undressing every time you use the bathroom :) It can be dressed up or down and it's perfectly casual for me and my lifestyle! I tried a headband too, also suggested by the challenge...not sure it works, but at least I tried something new with my hair!!!

Dress: Target (exact, similar)
Belt: Option, Option
Wedges: Nordstrom/Toms (very similar, similar)

Since I don't have a white dress, I'll leave you with some white dress looks that I love. It's such a great summer look!

That's a wrap, girls! Don't forget to enter the $200 Gap Brands raffle below AND link up!!!

 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

The Summer Challenge!!

Girls! It's time!!!! Early bird registration for the Summer Style Challenge with Get Your Pretty On, opens TODAY (Friday)!!
If you are new to this blog, I have been participating in these style challenges for nearly a year and it's been such an awesome experience! I recapped all of my outfits from the Spring Challenge here:

Spring Challenge Recap ~ Week 1
Spring Challenge Recap ~ Week 2
Spring Challenge Recap ~ Week 3
Spring Challenge Recap ~ Wrap Up

In a nutshell, the Challenge provides you with a shopping list, plus 21 days of outfit "formulas"...totally takes the guesswork out of what to wear everyday! Read all about the Challenges HERE.

Then click HERE and sign up on Friday because prices go up on May 28th!

Here are my favorite outfits from the Spring Challenge ~

I'll remind you again before registration closes, but grab some friends and sign up HERE!! I promise, it's so much fun!

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