Splurge or Save: Fringed Boots

When I saw these amazing Minnetonka boots on Tieka of Selective Potential, I knew I needed them in my life. But I wasn't thrilled with the nearly $100 price tag. However, I found this look-a-like from the Lauren Conrad line at Kohl's for half the price. And dare I say that I think the LC version is a little cuter?

Save with the Kohl's boots
Splurge with the Minnetonka boots

Check back tomorrow to see how I styled them!!

Linking up with Sharon and Tara for their awesome "Look What I Got" link-up! Check out other great deals from around the blogosphere!


 

Make Me (Up) Pretty

I had been working on a post about my make-up routine for a couple of weeks now, but after I went and chopped all my hair off, I knew people would spend more time actually seeing my face, so I figured now's the time! (FYI: Longest sentence ever?) 

I follow the exact same routine every day; I could probably do it in my sleep, and on some early mornings, I probably do! 

Building the Base

Step One: I prime my face with Rehab Priming Elixir ($30) from Kat von D. Primer is so important- it really is the foundation your entire look is built upon. This primer has mattifying properties which cuts down on my mid-afternoon oil slick. It also contains Rose extract for hydration. While it's drying, I move on to step two.

Step Two: I've used Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin ($20) for three years now, and I will be heart-broken if they every discontinue it. Not only does it provide a perfect shimmery base for eyeshadow it also keeps that eye shadow locked on all day. If I'm being really lazy, I will just apply the primer and call it done.

Step Three: Next I apply my Lock-It Tattoo Foundation from Kat von D ($34), and when I tell you that you one need a little I am serious. The foundation comes in a pump bottle and one pump covers my entire face and neck. It is a full coverage foundation with lots of pigmentation for amazing coverage. I honestly have terrible skin- lots of acne, fading acne marks, blotchiness, you name it, I got it, but this stuff is magic. See that photo at the top of this post? No Photoshopping. Just mak-up. You do have to be REALLY careful when picking your shade, and it's a little expensive, but I think it's worth the investment- especially if you are self-conscious about your skin.

Color Me Pretty

Step One: I think this Kat von D Shade Shifter eye shadow ($16) is probably the best $16 I've ever spent in my life. This eye shadow is "multidimensional" meaning it seems to change color depending on the lighting. You apply it with a damp applicator and it creates the perfect smokey eye with zero effort. The color "On the Road" is this gorgeous green- bronze shade and it's very wearable. It comes in four different shades and I am definitely getting the purple one soon!

Step Two: Another item I've been using for years is Nars Orgasm Blush ($28). Again this is a pricey option but I'm telling you the quality is so much better than drugstore stuff. Plus I use it every day and it last over a year each time I buy it. Orgasm is this super flattering pinky-peach blush that goes on sheer but can be layered to build up the color. It's just so soft and natural. Plus it has a super naughty name!

Step Three: I've blogged about the Revlon Lip Butter already this year, but here we go again. This stuff is great- the color are sheer, but buildable (just like the blush) and I love every shade I've bought. It's very glossy and shiny, but not sticky and it's better than any Chap Stick at keeping my lips soft and hydrated. What are you waiting on? 

The Finishing Touches

Step One: I apply two coats of Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara. I can't speak much on mascara because I am constantly changing it up. Mascara drives my eyes crazy. The flaking, the clumping- ugh. So far this one seems pretty good. I have short, stubby eye lashes, so I am always trying to find something to lengthen them. I am seriously considering eye lash extensions, so I will keep you posted on that.

Step Two: I have pretty good eyebrows but they are a little short on the ends and sparse in places from years of overplucking. I fill in these spots with the super thin and precise Tarte EmphasEYES Eyebrow Pencil ($19.50). It is perfect for making total natural-looking eye brows.

Step Three: I keep this Cover Girl Fresh Complexion Powder Foundation in my purse in case I need a little touch up during the day. Because it is a foundation, it also provides great light coverage on "good skin" days.

So there you have it- my make-up routine. If you have any questions at all, post in the comments or drop me an email at katiefrost@ymail.com.

Short Hair, Long Story

Dress- Eloquii c/o Gwynnie Bee
Wedges- Cato's

Even though it's been five days since I cut my hair, I'm still getting used to it. In the mornings I wake and still reach for the ponytail that is no longer there. In the shower I keep forgetting that I no longer need a handful of shampoo or conditioner to get the job done. By the time this is published and starts being read by all of you wonderful ladies, many of my students will have already seen the cut, so I will have to update you later this week on their reactions.

Sean was not a fan of the new 'do. The first thing he said when I walked in the door was, "You look so......... weird." That followed soon after by this gem, "You look like a boy with big boobies!" Ah, kids, they truly do say the darnedest things. I keep reminding myself that children thrive on schedules and consistency, and the hope that eventually he will get used to it.

I didn't tell my mom I was getting it cut, but I wasn't worried about her reaction. I mean she was the one who took me to get my boyfriend's bowl cut in fifth grade. In fact, when I called and told her I got it cut, she asked, "How short? Is it Bronson-short?" I may never live down fifth grade! I'll admit I miss my long hair. Well, actually, I miss the idea of my long hair. I miss the rare days when it was "perfect"- when everything laid right and curled beautifully. But truthfully, those days were few and far between. I don't blog every day, and there were many days that I wouldn't take pictures because I hated the way my hair looked.It sounds dumb and vain, and may even sound untruthful because I know there is some GREAT hair featured in this blog ;), but I swear it's true.

Nearly every morning as I brushed the tangled dreads out of my hair, and sealed the split ends and sprayed heat protective spray over my coarse, fried hair, I would tell Curtis, "I wish I could just shave my head!" or "I hate my hair today!" Like I said last week, we have this crazy relationship with our hair as women. I had so many comments and emails, but one thing I heard over and over was "I like my long hair." I liked my long hair, too, and I am definitely not trying to tell all of you to go out and cut off your hair. I don't think there's anything wrong with liking long hair. When I was having a good hair day, you better believe I basked in that beautiful head of hair.

But I was ready for a change and a break from the constant styling. My hair, while fairly healthy, has been abused and mistreated for years. One of my short-haired reader friends said she consider her short cut to be a "reboot" of sorts, and I agree with that! With Friday's post, I wanted women to think about the reasons they have the hair they choose to have. It's tough and I don't think there is any right or wrong answer.

Will there be days when I hate my hair?

Will there be days when I wish I had long hair?

Of course. That's the very nature of human beings.

Will there be days I love my hair?

Will there be days when I swear to never grow it out again?

Yes.

If you are really digging this dress, I'll give you one guess where it came from. Yep, my pals at Gwynnie Bee. I already had the dressed before I cut my hair, but then when I decided to cut I knew it would be the perfect first outfit! It's got a studded faux leather top and a chiffon drop waist, so it's the perfect mix of tough and pretty, just like me and my new haircut! You only have until Friday to take advantage of Gwynnie Bee's 30 Day Free Trial.

If you sign up for Gwynnie Bee and mention Hems for Her you get a free, 30-day trial subscription (up to 3 items at a time)! No risk, no commitment at all. You just have to sign up for the trial prior to November 30th. Cancel on or before your 30 days are up and you won’t be charged (You will have to send the clothes back!). New Gwynnie Bee Guests,request an invite (the site is invite-only at this time), tell them that Hems for Her referred you, activate your account, browse around and give it a try. You will receive an email with the invite and the trial instruction. Existing Gwynnie Bee guests: you are also eligible to receive the 30 day free trial. You can use your current guest account to browse, then go to the “subscribe” part of the site to activate your trial. Remember to tell them Hems for Her referred you so you can get the trial! As a reminder, this works with plans up to three pieces at a time.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

* Look, I know we all like to look at pretty pictures, but I would be oh so grateful if you'd take some time and read this post today. I'd love to hear your feedback and opinions.*

“Hair brings one’s self-image into focus; it is vanity’s proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices”- Shana Alexander

Nothing is more polarizing than hair for a woman. It is a lifelong battle between the mirror, the hair dryer, the straightener (or curling iron) and the hair.

As little girls we are conditioned to believe that long hair is the beauty ideal. Our first “role models”, Barbie and Disney princesses, wear their cascading hair as badges of female sexuality and beauty.  On the playground, androgynous hair styles, boys with long hair or girls with short hair, are met with confused stares, or from the braver children, questions like, “Are you a boy or a girl?”

As we age, the issues with our hair increase. Girls with curly hair iron their tresses into fried submission. Girls with straight hair will undergo stinky, burning perms to encourage their stick-straight locks to curl. The grass is always greener on the other side of the hairbrush it seems. And still the beauty standards remain the same. Long hair is desirable- indicative of its owner’s femininity and fertility. Step into a high school classroom or walk down a crowded hall- the overwhelming majority of girls have adopted the same hair style, long and straight. Twitter is inundated with #LongHairProbz and #LongHairDon’tCare hash tags.

Conformity is key. Don’t rock the boat. Boys will only like you if you have long hair, but girls feel the most pressure from other girls. While individuality is supposed to be ideal, in front of the mirror, sameness rules supreme. Don’t stand out. Remember when teen queen Miley Cyrus cut her hair? When she started twitting pictures of the hair she said made her feel “more me” than anything else in her young life, the public opinion was widely negative and insanely hateful- no man would ever find her attractive again, no woman would ever envy her hair. You would have thought the girl started World War III with this haircut or something.

Dare to break societal conventions and prepare for the backlash. When lovely Emma Watson chopped off her hair after completing filming of the Harry Potter movies she said journalists constantly asked if she was coming out of the closet- so short hair clearly equals lesbian, and the shorter the cut the more “butch” you are- it’s a proven fact, you guys! Anne Hathaway, lost like 15 pounds for her role in the upcoming Les Miserables, but what was worse than losing her feminine curves? Cutting her hair, of course! In an interview she stated that after cutting her hair, she was, “ a mental patient level of crying... inconsolable."

But don’t worry your husband and friends wouldn’t lie to you, right? Wrong. Some crazy, bullshit propaganda website (I refuse to link because I seriously think the guy is legit crazy, but if you really want to know you can email me) teaches women what men “really want” from their marriage. This includes long hair apparently, and he’s pretty passionate about it:

“Long hair is a marker for physical good health, is a feminine appearance marker and the overwhelming majority of men are attracted to long hair. Most husbands react to their wives lopping all their hair into some sort of short pixie cut quite badly. Kinda the same way you would react if he suddenly announced he’d shortened his cock to two inches long. You’re not going to really say anything, just make that strangling sound in your throat and hope that it can eventually grow back.”

Oh, you need to hear more of his marriage advice? OK, that’s cool. Talking about his wife, who had super damaged, bleached blonde hair when they met, he says, “In the middle of last year she actually reverted back to her natural hair color by dying it back that way. She liked it, all her friends and coworkers just loved it, loved it, loved it. Me… “meh whatever”.  Jennifer with blonde hair is a solid 9 to me. Jennifer with whatever that crap her natural hair color was is a 7 or maybe 8 to me. I can’t help myself feeling that change in emotion. I’m not going to divorce her for being brunette, I’m just going to be less into her.”

What the actual hell? Is he for real?! He also claims that women encourage other women to cut their hair as a form of sabotage: “Of course all her friends and coworkers just love her new hair style! Of course they would, she just botched her appearance and if she falls off the top of the sexy ladder, everyone else gets to move up a place.”

Other people believe that cutting your hair short is the worldwide indicator that you are no longer interested in sex, and I guess it doesn’t matter if you are or not because no man will ever find you attractive again with your ugly butch haircut anyway:

•  Edgy isn't sexy. It's attitudinal and combative, not features I want in a wife.
• Ugh, short lesbotron hairstyles. The horror.
•  Men who like that are probably on the gay side of the sexual affinity pendulum.

I’ve never even considered myself a radical feminist, but this crap is enough to make me want to shave my head. In an Elle magazine article, a man interviewed admitted he found woman with short hair less attractive because it showed that they don’t feel like they have to do whatever everyone else is doing. Since when is thinking for yourself a bad thing? While I constantly encourage women to be confident, it doesn’t mean that I don’t struggle or have my own hang-ups. I’m no stranger to short hair. I mean I am the girl whose fifth grade boyfriend dumped her because she got HIS haircut at the salon. In college I rocked super short locks. Before Sean was born, I chopped my hair off. I love short hair.

But am I brave enough to have short hair? Every time I start to seriously consider it, fear gets in my way. I always blame Curtis, claiming that he hates short hair, but in all honesty, he doesn’t . The reason I am afraid to chop it all off is rooted in vanity and all of the ridiculous things I have shared above. I am afraid people –men and women- won’t find me attractive. I am afraid my students will be horrified and consider me uncool and matronly. I’m afraid that I will lose the one thing that makes me pretty despite my bad skin, despite my double chin and muffin top. Like Samson, I will lose my power.

I’ve seen enough makeover episodes of America’s Next Top Model to know that many women have an unnatural attachment to their hair. Hair has become the most important physical feature a woman has. Long hair shows that a woman is feminine and sexy. Short hair? Not so much. Tyra starts demanding short cuts, and the tears flow like rivers. Girls have quit over haircuts. I used to laugh at them and call them dumb, but now I fear I am turning into one of them. Am I defined by my hair? Does a shorter haircut really change who I am?

Guess I will find out----

More photos on Monday! Have a great weekend!

Feeling Thankful

I think if I really had to decide a favorite holiday, Thanksgiving would be at the top of the list. I love to eat. I really love to eat. I like to be lazy. I really like to be lazy. I like to nap. I really like to nap. It's not often that a national holiday combines all of those elements into one amazingly awesome event. I try to look nice when pigging out, but I also know I am going to need to be comfortable, so this Kiyonna Desert Rain Maxi Dress, borrowed from Gwynnie Bee, fit the bill perfectly.

Kiyonna Dress- c/o Gwynnie Bee
Owl Necklace- Cato's        Wooden Bangles- Charming Charlies

The dress is fitted in all the right places, flowing in all the right places, the perfect fall color, and insanely dressy. Perfect for family Thanksgiving dinner.  Every year we eat lunch with Curtis's family- it's the best meal of the year, for real. Then we spend the rest of the day recovering. I won't even have to change clothes to nap! It just keeps getting better :) Enjoy yourself and Happy Thanksgiving!

Gwynnie Bee 30 Day Free Trial
Through November 30, 2012 if you sign up for Gwynnie Bee and mention Hems for Her you get a free, 30-day trial subscription (up to 3 items at a time)! No risk, no commitment at all. You just have to sign up for the trial prior to November 30th. Cancel on or before your 30 days are up and you won’t be charged (You will have to send the clothes back!). New Gwynnie Bee Guests,request an invite (the site is invite-only at this time), tell them that Hems for Her referred you, activate your account, browse around and give it a try. You will receive an email with the invite and the trial instruction. Existing Gwynnie Bee guests: you are also eligible to receive the 30 day free trial. You can use your current guest account to browse, then go to the “subscribe” part of the site to activate your trial. Remember to tell them Hems for Her referred you so you can get the trial! As a reminder, this works with plans up to three pieces at a time.

Get to the Ponte

I've had this striped blazer for a while now, and I realized I had never featured it on the blog. Blazers are tricky for a busty, plus-sized woman. I always feel like Chris Farley in the movie Tommy Boy ("Fat Guy in a Little Coat", anybody?!). Constrained, strapped in, straight jacket- none of those things are good for anyone, but for a teacher would spends a lot of time writing on the board, they are insurmountable obstacles.

And then Chris introduced me to the magic of ponte blazers. If you don't own any ponte pieces- most popular include dresses, skirts, and blazers- do yourself a favor and buy some. Ponte is amazing. It's a tightly woven polyester knit, so it keeps a great shape and NEVER wrinkles. Really, I can't think of anything more perfect. I really friggin' hate wrinkles and I refuse to iron anything. Pitiful, I know!

Blazer- Cato's     Top- Target
Skinny Jeans- Old Navy      Shoes- Express
Cameo Necklace- Gift

And it's stretchy! Stretchy, y'all! How cool is that?

Plaid Redux

Even though I've only every been to a pumpkin patch once, I feel like this is a perfect outfit for pumpkin picking or apple picking or something equally fall-ish. I wore it grocery shopping, which isn't exactly what I had in mind at all, but sometimes life's not about the photo opportunity. You know?

Shirt, Jeans, and Boots- Old Navy

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am just an ordinary girl. Every day is not a photo spread. Every day doesn't have to be perfect. Some days the hair gets pulled back in a messy bun. The lipstick gets forgotten. The blogging is an afterthought in a never-ending list of 'to- dos'.

I've been so distracted lately. I hate to be one of those cryptic bloggers alluding vaguely to awful or exciting things in my posts, but I assure you that by the end of the week, all will be revealed!

Like an Elephant

They say an elephant never forgets. I'm a lot like an elephant. I don't forget easily (and I'm even worse about forgiving, but that's another post altogether!). Yesterday in the car, Curtis and I were trying to figure out what to eat for dinner. I got a little exasperated- I blame low blood sugar from hunger, but he may just blame general meanness! I was immediately reminded of the first real "fight" we had as a dating couple. It was the same situation- riding in the car on a Friday night; every place crowded and covered up, and me grumping because I was hungry.

Leggings and V- Neck Sweater- Eloquii
Boots- Old Navy
ASOS Elephant Print Button-Up- c/o Gwynnie Bee

So apparently, I never forget- or change! Those are great traits to have, right?! I have other traits in common with the majestic elephant as well (hey, no fat jokes allowed!)- I have a strong sense of loyalty and family, for example.  I show a great range of emotion, as does the elephant- "They display envy, jealousy, throw tantrums and are fiercely competitive, and they can develop hang-ups which are reflected in behaviour" (Sheldrick Wildlife Trust). So apparently elephants also never forgive!

Elephants are also incredibly thick-skinned- like literally. I'm working on the figurative side of that. Sometimes I do really well, but it's always a work in progress. I am actually much more sensitive than many people believe. My feelings get hurt incredibly easy, but I rarely let people know it. Instead I bottle it up or become incredibly defensive. Maybe I still have a ways to go...

Gwynnie Bee 30 Day Free Trial
Through November 30, 2012 if you sign up for Gwynnie Bee and mention Hems for Her you get a free, 30-day trial subscription (up to 3 items at a time)! No risk, no commitment at all. You just have to sign up for the trial prior to November 30th. Cancel on or before your 30 days are up and you won’t be charged (You will have to send the clothes back!). New Gwynnie Bee Guests,request an invite (the site is invite-only at this time), tell them that Hems for Her referred you, activate your account, browse around and give it a try. You will receive an email with the invite and the trial instruction. Existing Gwynnie Bee guests: you are also eligible to receive the 30 day free trial. You can use your current guest account to browse, then go to the “subscribe” part of the site to activate your trial. Remember to tell them Hems for Her referred you so you can get the trial! As a reminder, this works with plans up to three pieces at a time.


Note: I do receive a commission on all who sign up for Gwynnie Bee and stay with them past the 30-day trial.  However, I write about them so much because I truly believe in this company and what they offer to plus size and cusp-sized women.  Anything I write I write from my heart with full honesty.

Show and Tell

I can't believe there was a time when I seriously considered never again wearing skinny jeans! Was I temporarily insane? I received an email yesterday asking about my skinny jeans in a recent post, so I thought I might just wax poetic about how much I love mine in today's post.

All of my skinny jeans are from Old Navy. I love their Rockstar Super Skinny denim. I hear mixed reviews all the time, but I've never had any trouble with sizing (I mean they are "super skinny". Set aside vanity and size up if you need to!). Earlier in the fall Old Navy had the Rockstars on sale from $20-29 and I stocked up!

Old Navy- Rockstar Super Skinny 

I think most women have gotten over the fear of wearing skinny jeans, especially curvier gals like myself. This cut, in my "expert" opinion, can universally flattering, if sized correctly. I also think that any well-rounded closets would benefit from a black pair, a denim pair in whatever wash you prefer, and a colored pair (although I dare you to stop at one!)

Dolman Sweater- Eloquii last year (similar style)

I've also had a few comments about my wedge booties,so I wanted to show you a close up and give you some links (including a pair from Target for less than $13!).

Wedges- Cato's (similar, similar, similar)

Splurge or Save: Fox Sweaters

My obsession with foxes continues, so you can imagine my excitement when three reader friends both emailed me last week to tell me about Old Navy's new fox-print sweater.  I immediately (!!!) purchased it, so thanks Selah and Virginia and Shurree- you gals are the best! If you are wanting a foxy sweater for fall, I suggest you grab one now! Modcloth has sold out of their sweater once already this season, and Old Navy is notorious for selling out and never restocking!

Modcloth Just the Fox, Ma'am Sweater
Old Navy Softest Printed Crew Sweater

The Fox and the Hunter (Green)

New fall arrivals are in at Gwynnie Bee and I wad super excited to receive my package from them last week. I "borrowed" three dresses, and I love them all! I was especially excited to try this Kiyonna beauty sinnce I am familiar with the company and I love everything I've every gotten from them.  The Winona Hi-Lo Wrap Dress (retail $108) did not disappoint. I loved the color and the unique "winterized"  version of the hi-lo trend.

Dress- Kiyonna c/o Gwynnie Bee
Heels- Forever 21
Fox Necklace- Charming Charlie's

I knew I was going to wear this new and totally precious necklace that my sweet sister-in-law bought me with the dress, and I think it was perfect with it! Another fox for my collection :)

Also, through the end of the month, I've got a great offer for you!

Gwynnie Bee is offering my readers one MONTH free subscription through the end of November. This is a deal any fashionista can be thankful for! There is a price plan for every budget starting at just $30 a month, and with one month free, you literally have NOTHING to lose right now!  This promotion is valid until November 30, but go ahead and get started now, so you can have a beautiful new dress or outfit just in time for Thanksgiving!. Click this link (and be sure to let them know you heard about it from me)  to learn more and get started!



Don't forget to get the free month, you must let them know that Hems for Her referred you!

eShakti- Bow Tied Dress and Review

Since I started blogging over a year ago, I have seen beautiful dresses and glowing reviews from the online customization clothing company eShakti, and now my time has come! When the company contacting me about reviewing an item of my choice, I was super excited, and I knew exactly what I wanted to get- a mid- to heavy-weight black dress for fall and winter.

I was not disappointed.

Click here to read more about  my experience with eShakti....

Cabin Fever

Usually weekends are pretty low-key over here. We mostly chill at home in our pajamas, watching TV and playing with Sean. Sometimes we venture out to McDonald's for breakfast. Sometimes we get super wild and crazy and go grocery shopping. This past Sunday we had major cabin fever, so we bundled up and headed to the local zoo.

It was an absolutely perfect trip- no crowds, beautiful weather, active animals- except I brought our camera without the memory card AND with a dead battery. What kind of blogger let's that happen? Oh, I was so dang mad, and I had to take pictures with my iPhone. I didn't let that dampen our spirits and I still managed to get a few good photos!

Elephants- real, fake, and pretend!

Sean trying on masks 

Sea Lion. Spider Monkey. Kangaroo.

Sean as a lion. Sean digging for fossils. Sean plotting out our next stop on the zoo tour.

I'm a Cowboy, Baby

I was feeling a little stalker-ish and uninspired the other night so I started rooting through the archives of the lovely Megan of Feathers and Freckles. Besides being reminded of how friggin' funny she is, I also found a bunch of cute fall outfit ideas. I really loved her bird-watching outfit from last fall, so I decided to recreate it. I mean I didn't totally rip her off, though literally I could have ( I have a similar skirt and similar boots), and when I got to work I was feeling pretty darn snazzy.

Top and Skirt and Boots- Old Navy
Apple Necklace- Maurice's
Owl Belt- Cato's

ALL DAY I got commits like "Oh, it must be redneck day" and "Is this your cowgirl outfit?" and "You are mighty country today". So what is cute and scholarly in Megan-world is countrified and hick in Katie-world. Go figure. Let me clarify- I have no problem with country or cowgirl. I'm still looking for the prefect pair of cowboy boots, no hating here. I just find it interesting how style conception differs from region to region.

My dear friend, and talented photographer, Brandy of Bombard Studios met me after school for a mini-photo session. If you are a local reader and looking for someone full of energy and talent for fall or winter or any occasion photography, you should definitely check out Brandy's Bombard Studios Facebook page or her website. She is offering 25% off weekday photo sessions during the months of November and December as a part of Bombard Studios "Home for the Holidays" sale.

IN the  meantime I will continue practicing my "Yee-Haw"!

Friday Night Light(Weight)

I am really boring. This is not self-deprecation, just honest truth. I mean I had a few wild nights WAY back in college, but for the most part I am a real homebody. Curtis and I are super blessed to have grandparents who love spending time with Sean, so we get a pretty fair amount of free time on the weekends. And we fill that time with exciting activities like cleaning the house, washing the clothes, buying the groceries. Real party animals. So when I got these ASOS's sequin peplum top from Gwynnie Bee mid-week, I knew I needed a big night out.

These two wild and crazy kids went to a steakhouse AND a book store on Friday night. Out of control, right? I loved pairing this top with a casual pair of skinny jeans for a fun date night, but it would be even more beautiful dressed up with a pencil skirt and stilettos for a holiday party or New Year's Eve. I will definitely be borrowing this top again! So what did you do on your last date night?

Through midnight tonight, Gwynnie Bee is offering one free garment for the first two months you subscribe. That means if you pay for 3 items at a time, you'll get a fourth one free! Click this link (and be sure to let them know you heard about it from me)  to learn more and get started!

Don't forget to get the free item, you must let them know that Hems for Her referred you!

Prim and Proper

I felt super lady-like in this lovely silk J. Jill dress I got from Gwynnie Bee. I don't usually do the matchy-matchy ting with the shoes and purse and belt, but I remembered I had these ivory pieces and I thought it looked very prim and proper with the shirt dress. Plus the belt added some much needed shape to the shirt dress.

One of the things I really love about Gwynnie Bee is the simplicity of returns. I see all these bloggers in super awesome tweed jackets, and I want one so badly, but I am not quite ready to invest that much money. I have been "borrowing" some from Gwynnie Bee's collection of jackets (Hey, they also have LEATHER COATS in stock for winter- how awesome is that?), but I haven't thought any were my style yet, so I've been sending back super fast.

Returns are so easy- Each package comes with pre-paid, pre-labeled shipping bags. I just throw the item in the bag- no need to wash, they do that for you- seal it up and drop it off at the nearest UPS pick-up location. Then I go home, log-in to Gwynnie Bee and I let them know I've shipped it back. They immediately start working on my next order; In fact they usually process and ship the next order before they even get the return back! I love it!

Through Monday Gwynnie Bee is offering one free garment for the first two months. That means if you pay for 3 items at a time, you'll get a fourth one free! This promotion is valid until midnight on November 5. Click this link (and be sure to let them know you heard about it from me)  to learn more and get started!

Don't forget to get the free item, you must let them know that Hems for Her referred you!