Trend Tuesday // A Day with Lindsay & Sarah

So I don't think I've ever done a post related to bathing suits on my body on this blog. Usually I just show some nice bathing suits on other plus size bodies and call it done.  But today I really wanted to put myself out there.  I really like these suits and I really like these cover ups.

You all know my obsession with LuLaRoe right now so I wanted to share with you how to wear two styles that are sort of reserved for winter weather - the Sarah and the Lindsay.  Depending on the fabric, these guys can been great beach cover ups.

Solid one piece bathing suit + patterned Sarah

I love this bathing suit!! This has been my go to style of suit for a long, long time.  I love the silhouette and the ruching.  If you're a bit reserved on the beach a solid color may make you feel more comfortable rather than a pattern.  I know that companies want to sell plus size ladies black bathing suits in the summer to be figure flattering.  While I find that to be 100% a personal opinion (and the only opinion that matters is the one of the person actually wearing the bathing suit), I also recommend getting out of your comfort zone by choosing a brighter, solid color.  Which is why I love this coral color.  I've had two of this style suits both in the same color.

Pair the solid suit with a patterned Sarah cardigan for more coverage.  I personally like patterns and find that it adds something fun to a solid suit.  The Sarah adds much more coverage to the suit and is also warmer if the beach day turns into a beach night.

Solid one piece + patterned Lindsay

Again, a solid one piece in a fun color is very cute while still covering you where you want to be covered.  I also like the halter style of this suit - it is very retro looking.  The cut and ruching give a vintage silhouette.

Pairing the one piece with a shorter Lindsay gives a little less coverage but I love this look because I find that sometimes the Sarah may get in the way.  The Lindsay is still long in the back and will cover your booty but not as long as the Sara.  If the day is super windy......you may get all caught up in your Sarah!

Patterned Bikini + Solid Sarah
Now we're going to get into pattern mixing!!  I love this super structured push up bikini.  I am not sure where I got it from (maybe Wal-Mart?) but this is similar.  Wearing a bikini is something I haven't done since I was probably super young.  BUT - I find this super liberating and super cute.

Again the Sarah cardigan gives this swim suit a ton more coverage while still looking cute.  I think this helps with acclimating myself to actually wearing a bikini!  If you're wearing a solid bikini, try a patterned Sarah.  I like this solid color with the pattern to not be so overwhelming - especially with the length of the Sarah.

Floral Bikini + Geometric Patterned Lindsay

This is my favorite look because it really gets into pattern mixing.  The floral bikini top looks great with the geometric pattern of this Lindsay.  A great way to pair patters is in this floral + linear fashion.

As mentioned above, the Lindsay is long enough to cover your booty, but just short enough to be super cute!  I love that this look seems to fall of the shoulder and look effortless.  The Sarah is more structured - staying up on your shoulders - while the Lindsay is loose - the sleeves are flowy and more casual.

The whole point of this post is not only to show you two ways to wear the Lindsay & the Sarah during the summer but to also show you how to wear two bathing suit styles with confidence!  Please know that you can wear whatever you like as long as you are comfortable and having fun. 

While these two pieces weren't provided by Cinnamon of LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little VIP, I recommend joining her group to shop!  Find the VIP group here and follow along on Instagram.  You can read all of my LuLaRoe related posts here.

What will you be wearing beach or pool side this Summer?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // Weekend LuLaRoe Style

I shared my vision planner over on the YouTube channel recently and in that video I mentioned that a personal goal I had this year was to wear more LuLaRoe.  Now that is a weird goal, but I just love the style.  The clothes are very comfortable, airy, and fit my plus size body well.  This goal was set so that I would get back to a style that I love.  It is so easy to throw on something, anything just to get out of the house.  In college I had a pretty cool style (at least I think I did!) and LuLaRoe really gets me back to that.  I love patterns, layers, cardigans.....its just fun!

This is the outfit I wore up to Zach's parent's house in Michigan over Memorial Day.  One of the best part of LuLaRoe clothes is that they are super comfortable to drive in.  The trip is about 2 hours from our house, so while it's not an extended period in a car....its still long enough where jeans can become super uncomfortable.  

This Carly is a size XL.  It's not the size I started wearing in my Carly's.  I started out wearing a 2XL and thought that fit me the best but the XL I feel falls around my bust really well and creates more of a shape on me.  It's not just a sack!

We took Frank down to the pond and he was a big help with these photos.  He sniffed out a lot of things and made sure we were in the right spots.  He also advised us that it would probably rain - even though we could tell by the clouds - so we shouldn't set up the tent and camp.

I tied up the Carly in a low knot on the right side - since I wasn't wearing leggings - and paired it with a Joy.  This is a super versatile piece.  The Joy is great on it's own but I love it for layering.  I was a little hesitant to put the jean jacket on top of the whole thing but I think it's super cool.

Layers are a big thing when it comes to LuLaRoe style!  This jean jacket has been a go to for me during the spring and I can't wait to wear it into cooler Summer nights.  You can see how I style this jean jacket with other LuLa styles in this video here (learn how I roll the sleeves too!)  The Carly and the Joy were provided by Cinnamon Little of LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little VIP.  If you want to see more LuLaRoe style click here & here.  Also read about the LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little VIP group here & here.  Check out my review of the clothes here.

I had totally forgotten that I picked up the new Locket Watch from Origami Owl a while ago.  I've not be focusing on O2 too much recently but I had to share this cool look with you.  I love adding a bunch of Summery charms to this guy.  A great way to express your style!

Weekends this Summer are going to be comfy & casual but I still want to look cute.  That's why I love the patterns, textures, and layers of LuLaRoe.  The Joy is a sleeveless cardigan type thing so you can totally wear it in the summer with out getting too hot.  

What is your go to weekend style?  Any favorite looks?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday// 3 Pieces to Start your LuLaRoe Wardrobe

In case you missed it I've been working with an amazing LuLaRoe reatailer - Cinnamon and Nathan from LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little - to create some helpful blog posts and videos on the LuLaRoe brand.  In this post we introduced you to the brand, in this post we introduced you to the opportunity, in this post (the one you're reading now!) I want to introduce you to the 3 pieces you should buy to start your LuLaRoe wardrobe.

The pieces featured in this post were sent to me for review by LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little, I only promote and support products and businesses I love.  All opinions are my own.  Please read my full disclosure here.

After trying a lot of LuLaRoe styles, I've made a decision on the top three pieces that will work for a lot of people who are just getting started with the brand.  Its hard get started because for the most part retailers sell online, every style is in different prints and fabrics, and it might be over whelming.  These three styles are perfect to dip your toes in the water!

The Carly Dress

The Carly dress is one of my favorite dresses because of the versatility of the style.  On the surface the Carly dress is a t-shirt style dress with a high-low hem and a small pocket on the upper lefthand bust.  The sizing is very loose, making the dress really flowy and it is the perfect dress to embrace the LuLaRoe style.  Tie this dress up, style it as a tunic, as a wrap, as a cover up, wear it with a belt, knot it at the waist.....the whole point of LuLaRoe is to create clothes that flatter many body types.  I love this dress because it can be modified so much to get so many different looks.  My favorite looks are belted and knotted in a bow to make this dress a tunic!  If you need more styling tips for the Carly dress, I made a whole styling video here.  Multiples of this dress - in a few solids and a few patterns - would be perfect for travel.  So much versatility from one dress!

The Perfect T

The Perfect T is my version of the perfect t-shirt.  How clever it was named as such!  The body of the shirt is a bit flowy, featuring a slit on both the right and left side &3/4 length sleeves.  The size I purchase - XL - fits perfectly in the bust but flatters both my middle section and my arms.  Tying the two tails of fabric on each side of the shirt is one of my favorite styles.  I like the way this look sort of gives me an hour glass shape!  The neckline of the shirt is pretty deep for a LuLaRoe style and I love that I'm not feeling super covered up.  In a really light jersey knit, the Perfect T is my favorite shirt for summer!

Leggings (of course!)

Leggings (of course!)

Last but not least, you gotta try the leggings!  I know this can be a can of worms in itself!  There are so many prints, patterns, colors, styles.....it is overwhelming.  If you want to start simple there a ton of solid colors to choose from.  I suggest jumping in with the patterns.  Keep it simple though - find a wearable pattern for you.  Perhaps try a small two color geometric print, or a more consistent floral print (like the floral leggings above), if you're lucky you may even find animal print!  Leggings are a solid way to dip your feet in the water.  I love to wear them for everything but if you want to look a little more put together I'd try rolling up the hem so you get cute little capri pants!  Oh, and leggings are pants.

These three styles, of course, are only the tip of the ice burg.  The sizing on these is also the easiest to figure out.  Even if you buy the wrong size Carly (I wear both a 2XL and XL) you can still work with it.  I do make sure I absolutely can not live with out the pattern in a Carly dress because of the price tag!  The sizing of the Perfect T runs pretty true to the sizing chart - I have an XL (my preferred size) and a 2XL.  The leggings are even easier to decide on sizing - One Size and Tall & Curvy!

If you'd like to get your hands on some LuLaRoe for the first time or the fiftieth time, check out the LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little VIP group here for a sale every Thursday!  Check out their social media links below to stay in the know -

Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Business Page | Periscope

What were your first LuLaRoe pieces?  Have you tried anything new?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // Fat Girl, Crop Top

There are two things the below photos will show you - I desperately need to dye my hair and that I am wearing a crop top.  I've seen a lot of individuals I admire on Instagram and other social media outlets wear crop tops.  I mostly follow a lot of body positive and plus size fashion accounts because it is nice to be inspired by those that look like me.  After seeing quite a few of these individuals wear crop tops, I said 'you know what, I have a body...I'm going to wear a crop top'

this post contains affliate links, please read my full disclosure here

shirt - Meijer // duster cardigan - Amazon

Joy vest - LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little

maxi skirt - handmade (similar) // boots - Acredale Saddlery

choker - Moodology collection from Origami Owl

I've been obsessed with sewing for like a very long minute and made this flowy maxi skirt.  So far I've sewn a few t-shirt dresses, 2 shirts, and this maxi.  The steam is running out right now but I have so much fabric that I need to make more, more, more!  Adding a few more shirts and a few more maxi skirts is on my to sew list.  I love the fit of this maxi - I made the pattern from a maxin I already had from Meijer (I believe) but extended the hem a little more so I could wear it higher up on my waist.  I wasn't anticipating the crop top action, but this works perfectly!

This was the first semi nice (weekend) day that I wore this outfit.  I had a planner meet up to head to with Monique from Many Sides to Me, and then Zach and I went on a little date to one of our favorite restaurants.  I felt super empowered wearing something slightly out of my comfort zone.  I would wear this whole outfit - minus the crop top - on a regular day so the pattern, the layering, etc is really my style.  Adding the crop top made me feel fierce!

If you're unsure about wearing a new style try to pair it with something you fee more comfortable in.  Don't go all out the first time...that's what wearing a crop top has taught me!

I plan to rock this style - plus a bikini if I can find a top I like - this Spring and Summer.  Don't let anything hold you back!  I'm going to pull from one of my favorite drag queens, Latrice Royale - Wear the crop top.  Look sick'ning. Make them eat it!

What fashion trend are you stepping out to rock this summer?  

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // The Lowdown on Joining LuLaRoe

Last week during Trend Tuesday Cinnamon and I introduced you to LuLaRoe.  How to shop, how to find your size, and what to do if you're brand new.  Today's post is going to discuss taking the next step - turning your love for LuLaRoe into a business opportunity.  The main way this business works is through Facebook (join Cinnamon's VIP group!) & in home parties called Pop-Ups.  I'm going to let Cinnamon discribe her journey and answer a few more questions for you all.

I'm always excited to build up other women taking a chance on creating something awesome. How great is it that she get's to do this with her family as well?  A husband and wife team - Cinnamon & Nathan - ready to share fashion with the masses one legging at a time!  And guess what?  They do this on top of a floral business they also own!

Cinnamon says "I joined LLR because it was the first direct sales company that caught my interest. My husband and I already own and operate a wholesale floral business. We found ourselves looking for an additional business venture we could conduct online to help supplement our income since we had begun to support my sister who is going thru some health struggles. I discovered LLR after I was asked to join an online popup. After I received my first item of clothing I was so excited that something actually fit me! My excitement lead me to want to look into other LLR styles. I was still unaware that this was a direct sales company or that you had to become a retailer to sell LLR clothing. As I purchased more pieces I soon became hooked. I loved the comfort, I hate things too tight, and I loved the way I felt in the clothing which is not a normal experience for me. I now have so many women who feel the same way as they discover items that fit them better, fit their shape and make them feel good about themselves. The confidence and emotional wellbeing these women walk away with makes it so worth it! As women we are so hard on ourselves. We all have beauty inside and out. When you feel good and you feel confident in what you are wearing, that brings out the inner beauty even more."  Here are a few answers to some business questions :

What makes LuLaRoe different from other Direct Sales companies?
What makes LLR different than other direct sales companies is that you do not have to build a team to make money. People love the clothing and it really does sell itself. You can make a good income just selling the clothing. Team support and the training you receive from LLR on a regular basis is a huge help in making your business successful. They want to see you succeed, supporting you through the whole process; building you up and helping you grow with weekly trainings. If your sponsor is not immediately available team members are waiting in the wings almost any time of the day to answer questions you may have. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s a real family environment.

What does the sign up process entail to sell LuLaRoe? Can I get started with the company right away?
LuLaRoe is an investment. I believe it "weeds" out those who think it looks like fun and don’t necessarily want to work it as a true business. Currently in order to sell LLR you must choose and then sign up under someone who will become your sponsor. Your sponsor will give you the training and tools needed to get ready during your waiting time to become a retailer. It is very important that you choose your sponsor carefully. I would like to tell you all sponsors are created equal but it’s not true. You really want to find someone who is in it for the long haul and may have a business and organizational background to help you navigate the waters. For many just the thought of having to do taxes as a business owner at the end of the year is pretty frightening so it’s really important that you choose a sponsor who can help you through every twist and turn. It is currently about a six week waiting period in the queue before you will receive your call to be on boarded. You are required to purchase an on boarding package. There are several to choose from and they contain the current styles that are selling well for that particular time of year. It usually is about 300 pieces of inventory. Packages start out around $5000.00. There are larger packages and add- ons if you choose. You may also need other supplies such as hangers, racks, and bags and so on depending upon how you to choose to run your business.

Are there any hidden fees or minimums to reach?
In order to stay active as a LLR retailer you are required to order 30 pieces of inventory a month. There are no other fees involved. There are exceptions. For example, perhaps you had to have surgery. If you were not able to purchase 30 pieces that month you can purchase the next month, but it would have to be 60 pieces.

How can I learn more about selling LuLaRoe?
If there is anyone interested in learning more information, I would be more than happy to set up an opportunity call with you. You can also message me via my Facebook business page or by emailing me at lularoecinnamonlittle@gmail.com.

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It has been very helpful to learn all about the LuLaRoe experience - from shopping to launching a business, LuLaRoe is fun to be a part of any way you feel comfortable!  If you haven't watched my all encompassing review as a customer on posted to YouTube, check it out here.

Don't forget to join the Facebook group - LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little VIP - you'll be just in time for this week's album sale!  Also please follow her social media links so you'll stay up to date on all the LuLaRoe info :

Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Business Page | Periscope

Have you ever taken a chance on something you're interested in?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // The Lowdown on Shopping LuLaRoe

Hey there guys!  Today I have a really fun post for you.  If you haven't been following a long on my social media you may not know that I've fallen for LuLaRoe.  The patterns, dresses, and leggings just make my heart sing.  If you check back on some of my old style posts, you may have seen some fun & funky residing there!  

Discovering LuLaRoe has really gotten the me back into me.  Have you ever really loved a certain style and then you just grow out of it?  Maybe it's because you have a job where you're required to dress a certain way or you've just gotten in a fashion rut - LuLaRoe offers fun options to put some pep back into your wardrobe.

Today's post is an interview with Cinnamon and her husband Nathan - a LuLaRoe team out to bring colorful fashion to your mailbox.  If you're down to shop, join their VIP Group - LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little VIP Shopping!  If you're new to LuLaRoe, here's an intricate run down of what to expect from LuLaRoe and your Retailer :

About LuLaRoe & How To Shop

What is LuLaRoe? Is LuLaRoe an acroynymn?

LuLaRoe is a clothing company that was started primarily for women sizes XXS – 3XL. It is a clothing line whose emphasis is on comfortable affordable clothing, flattering to all body types. They have also expanded to children and men's styles as well.

The owner/founder of LuLaRoe, Deanne Stidham, named the company after her grandchildren, Lucy, Lola and Monroe. Each piece and style LuLaRoe manufactures is named after different family members.

How would you describe the LuLaRoe style? What makes LLR so special?

LuLaRoe's styles focus on timeless, fashion forward designs. Something that you can pull out of your closet 4 years from now and put it on because that style is still "in style"…..a classic look. What makes LLR so special is that currently there are no more than 5,000 pieces that are made with one particular print. So that print may be spread out between the Carly dress, leggings, or even a Cassie skirt. It makes each of us retailers have unique pieces in our inventory. Yes, we may carry some of the same styles as other retailers but our prints are different. These 5,000 styles are then dispersed among over 75,000 retailers throughout the United States. So if you find a particular print in the style and size that you like, you had better grab it or else you may never find that exact one again. There is no way to order a specific print in the style or size you want. We order what we need to replenish a specific style and size in our inventory. It’s just like Christmas each time we open our boxes. Different prints, patterns and materials make it fun and fresh every time.

The comfort of the clothing is unlike any other clothing I’ve tried. The fabrics are so soft and stretchy you feel like you can be in your "dress" clothing all day without being uncomfortable and anxious to get home to put on your "comfy" clothing. Each style may come in several different material mixes, and LLR is producing more and more of their own fabrics exclusive to them.

What also makes LLR unique is it is only sold via LLR consultants (retailers). There are no catalogs because the prints are changing daily and it is highly unlikely you would find a LLR pattern in a store front.

What are some quick, beginner styling tips? If someone is purchasing their first piece, what are your tips for incorporating LLR into a current wardrobe?

For someone totally new to LLR and looking for their first piece, I would ask what type of items they currently have in their closet. Do they work outside of the home where they are required to wear a certain dress code such as no jeans or leggings? This will help me determine what may be a good first piece for them to try. Also when I have an opportunity in person to be their fashion consultant, I can look at their body shape and give suggestions as to which piece they should try to flatter them the most. 

My first experience in shopping for LuLaRoe was online and I was afraid to order anything because shopping for clothing has always been a nightmare for me. I have a hard time finding anything to fit. I decided to try the Azure skirt first thinking it would be a safe bet for my body shape with its yoga waistband and A-line shape. I also thought if it didn't fit I would gift it to someone. Imagine my surprise when my package came and I ended up with a great looking skirt that fit me and fit me well! This hardly ever happens to me! I’ve had too many experiences of going to the mall taking 20 pieces into the changing room and come out with nothing!! LuLaRoe changed all of this and the amazing thing is so many styles look and fit great!

What is the size range of LuLaRoe? Will I have trouble finding something in my size? What about something for my height?

LuLaRoe carries clothing in sizes XXS - 3XL. Some of the pieces run slightly larger so we may suggest sizing down a size or two. A lot of women are surprised that they can take a smaller size or even multiple sizes in a style if they choose to style it differently. For example the Irma tunic top runs on average two sizes larger than your normal size however, if you would like to wear it longer, you can add a belt and wear it like a dress. If you have a longer torso the Irma is great for you! You may even be able to up size a couple and still wear it as a longer top to pair with leggings and have enough length to cover areas you want to be covered.

A lot of women who are taller love the LuLaRoe Maxi skirt which is specifically made with them in mind to fall around the ankles. Buying a maxi skirt in a traditional box store setting can result in disappointment because the length is not right. The yoga waistband allows you to adjust the length of the skirt, so even if you are on the shorter side you can double over the waistband to take length from the skirt so it’s not too long. I have had shorter women tell me they wouldn’t or couldn’t wear a Maxi skirt but when I insist they try one on anyway, guess what…..they end up walking out with a Maxi!

Many of the pieces can be worn several different ways. The Maxi skirt makes a great strapless dress for the summer, the Cassie skirt can double as an infinity scarf, and the Julia dress can be worn as a dress or a top. There are so many ways to style your items differently to give diversity to your wardrobe.

How do I shop? What if I don't know anyone who is hosting a pop up?

How do I shop is a common question. If you are local I always recommend coming to my house or to an in home popup. This is a great way to get your hands on the clothing, feel the different fabrics, try on all the styles and see where you fall on sizes. Like I said, some styles you can wear several different sizes. So this gives you plenty of options if you fall in love with a print and it is not available in your "normal" size. If you are not able to come to an in person popup or shop locally then there is the option to purchase online via my Facebook VIP sales group. All you need to do is ask to join my shopping group. After I approve your request, usually within minutes, you are ready to go. 

My husband and I try to make sure we have at least one booteek album sale a week and almost always on a Thursday night at 8 pm eastern. Once you have clicked on the booteek link then you can go through pictures of the actual inventory we have on hand. Our inventory changes weekly as new pieces come and we get them pictured for sale. After you claim the items you can’t live without, they are shipped to you usually with in the same day or following day once the invoice is paid. Occasionally we will also do live sales on different nights of the week. On those nights we go live on either Facebook, within my VIP group, or Periscope. I will hold up an item and give it a number. If you like it you can ask questions and then claim it by commenting sold with the corresponding number. After the live sale we simply invoice you and mail out your items after payment has been received.

What styles do you carry?  

CURRENTLY WE CARRY THESE LULAROE STYLES:

• Tops - Irma, Classic T, Perfect T and the Randy T. 
• Leggings in OS / One Size fitting 0-10 and TC / Tall & Curvy fitting 12-22. 
• Dresses - Carly, Nicole, Amelia, and the Julia. 
• Skirts - Maxi, Azure and Cassie. 
• The Lindsay Kimono
• The Joy - layering longer vest. 
• The Sarah Cardigan.

What if the item I purchase doesn't fit? Do retailers have a return or exchange policy?

If you purchase an item and it doesn’t fit simply send it back to me for an exchange. It does not have to be in the same style you originally chose. Shipping to and from is the customers responsibility.

Cinnamon goes on to explain a key question I forgot to ask - what is this you say about free clothes?

One of the fabulous things about LuLaRoe is if you would like to host a pop-up either online or in your home you can earn free clothes! This is a great way to acquire those items you love at no cost to you! I also have a loyalty club. For each purchase you make you get a card with one mark on it. Each piece you purchase receives a mark. Once you have 10 items you will receive either a free pair of leggings or $25.00 in credit towards any other item that you may like.

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Now that we have the shopping out of the way, you may be wondering about the business opportunity.  Not to worry, next week Cinnamon will share the low down on getting in on the good stuff!  If you have any questions in the mean time, feel free to email her here for more info.  

Don't forget to join the Facebook group - LuLaRoe Cinnamon Little VIP - you'll be just in time for this week's album sale!  Also please follow her social media links so you'll stay up to date on all the LuLaRoe info :

Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Business Page | Periscope

Have you fallen for LuLaRoe?  Tell me your favorite piece in the comments!

Trend Tuesday // All That Glitters is Gold

We only have 4 more weeks until Christmas! I couldn't be more stoked!  Last friday - Black Friday! - I donned my ugly Christmas sweater and headed out for some sales.  I don't think I scored too big except at Micheal's, but I did buy a pretty gold passport cover from Forever21.  Surprisingly the lines in F21 weren't that long and I was booping around when the shiny gold caught my eye.  I scooped it up and now will be traveling the world with some bling......not really.  But it did get me thinking about all the gold things I've been digging recently.  It is the holidays so gold is all over!

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here

find this set on Polyvore here

1. A Nice Gold Watch

While you don't have drop a lot for a nice gold watch, it doesn't hurt to!  I don't wear a watch too often so a watch from Charming Charlie or from Forever21 doesn't get beat up too much.  If you're a casual watch wearer, a $25 or less one will do just fine!

2. Gold Paper Clips

Scrapbook.com has a ton of gold paper clips.  I found these feather ones to be unique and would add a fun touch to your stationery supply.  They even have these little gold trees!  How sweet for the holidays!

3. Gold Washi

I love the foiled look every little thing has now.  Hobby Lobby has a ton of foiled gold washi added to their washi section and Michael's has some foiled washi for Christmas.  This skinny washi is great for divisions in your planner and can be used in the vertical Erin Condren Planner to divide up the weekends (ps use this link to create a new account and save $10!)

4. A Gold Planner

I was going to try to get my hands on a gold Webster's Pages Color Crush planner for this December but I was unable to find one for sale until a Blitsy sale on Black Friday (Blitsy is a great flash sale style site for crafting and planner supplies!).  So that one is on its way to me but if you're looking for something in stock right now, try for the Gold Filofax Saffiano.  My first Filofax was a Saffiano and that got me hooked on ring planners!  I currently am loving the Original Filofax - it's the button that really gets me!  But I'm currently using a the Gold Dot Lilac Kikki K I unboxed earlier this year.

5. Gold Luggage Tag + Passport Holder

For a very affordable price you can deck out your passport and your luggage in gilded gold.  The inside of this passport holder is a bright silver and has a few little things you can use as pockets for other travel documents.  I think this luggage tag will look super cute on my purple luggage.  When we went to Korea there was a purple bag that looked nearly exactly like mine.  So I need something else now to make it stand out!

6. Glitter Scrapbook Paper

This paper pack from the Heidi Swapp Marquee Love collection is the bomb.  I love it!  I used the gold glitter paper to decorate a pen for my December planner and these would be great dividers or even backgrounds for the popular shaker dashboards right now!

7. Gilded Makeup Brushes

This set are my favorite affordable brushes from Amazon.  I love the variety of brushes you get and the all are great quality for the price.  This is a repurchase for me - even though they last a long time, they are so affordable if I feel I may need another foundation brush I just pick up a set.  (Plus Amazon Prime is amazing!)

So there you have it - all that glitters is gold!  I'm loving the gilded look 365 days a year - not just around the holidays!

Are you digging the gold trend?  What would you love to have shining bright gold in your collections?

xoxo, Moe

ps.  Don't forget to use Ebates on your holiday shopping this year to get cash back!  Sign up here.

Trend Tuesday // Art School Chic

The other day I threw on something that was so me when I was in college.  I was getting ready for work and decided to try something different - which happened to be a throw back to my college days - I threw on a triangle silk scarf.  I was also wearing a patterned shirt.  Back in college I was all about pattern mixing and there was no shame in my game.  Pattern mixing is still one of my favorite ways to play with fashion. I thought it would be super fun to share two ways to wear this Art School Chic look for work and for play

Art School Chic by fivesixteenthsblog featuring round sunglasses

Pattern & Color Mixing
The easiest way to pattern mix is to keep it simple - black & white + a colored pattern is a great way to start.  In this set this is done two ways.  A more fitted black and white striped shirt paired with a classy floral scarf in a neutral makes a classy look.  Switch the jeans for a dark fitted trouser for work.  My office is pretty casual, so both of these outfits would work.  For a casual day out look try a baggier shirt tucked in with a light floral infinity scarf and flat booties.  I am also in love with mixing neutrals.  it might be frowned upon to mix brown, black, and navy but if you have a sprinkling of all colors your outfit looks pulled together.

The Essential Bag
Any bag of mine has to hold a lot.  I've currently been loving Steve Madden bags, but when making this little set the bag featured above started it all.  It is a classy upgrade from a well worn thrift store bag I would have carried in college but still big enough to hold everything.  It is big enough to hold a laptop and some notebooks.  Great to stuff my planner in and get to work at a Starbucks.  The dark brown color is a great neutral to pair with a brown or a black outfit.

Upgraded Accessories
Tattered old boots don't really cut it in real life any more so I've been sticking to a nice pair of booties for fall.  A pair in a low heel and a pair in a raised heel give you options for casual or more dressy looks.  I find that brown boots work better for my style and wardrobe than black boots so that is what I look out for the most.  TJ Maxx and Marshall's are great places to find affordable, on trend styles.  Stackable jewelry can also give a classy vibe with simple golds and blacks or a bohemian vibe with more natural tones and wooden bangles.

Hope this little outfit set was inspiring!  I know that I felt a little bit more me when I threw on something I used to wear all the time!

What is an old fashion staple of yours?  Anything you always feel yourself in?

xoxo, Moe

ps. If you want to see some throwback outfits - check out my Let's Talk Fall series from a few years ago!

Trend Tuesday // Black & White Love

For the longest time now I've been digging the simplicity of Black & White.  I'm loving it in my planner and the little pops of color added by neons and other colors just really make it awesome for me.  So here is a wonderful little collection of black & white for your Tuesday enjoyment:

view the set on Polyvore here

Isn't this little collection just the best?  I think the best thing about black & white is that the pattern stands out from the contrast.  I love that you can really be inspired by the forms and the patterns with out all the color in the way.  When I was in school I always thought it was weird when I'd hear a professor say something like start your design in black & white.  I always felt like I couldn't figure what I wanted if I started in black & white - but now I kinda like it.

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // What's In My Purse

While I was visiting Virginia over the holidays I finally picked up a good purse.  First let's talk about how many purses I actually have - next let's look at the fact that the ones not made well tend not to hold up.  Also, lets add another thing to the list of things to do - get rid of old purses.  Anyway, off topic now - back to the purse.  I picked up another sturdy purse from Target that I call my business purse.  It's super professional looking, I think.  It is has a faux leather body - nothing pleather but like a sturdy leather-type fabric that I think will hold up well.  It won't flake away if you know what I mean.  Here's what I keep in my purse:

 First off I love this purse! Like I said above it's from Target - it's the Merona brand Satchel Handbag in Cognac.  I love the matte finish look of the material it's made of & I don't think it will fall apart anytime soon!  I love the different pockets inside & the two side pockets and middle zip pocket on the outside.  It holds e v e r y t h i n g .

 I usually keep my iPhone in it's purple Morphie Case in one of the outside side pockets so it's with in reach.  These three lip balms - peppermint flavored ChapStick, a Sally Hansen Vita-C Lip Plumper, & a Dr. Rescue Baby Lips - live in the small zipper pocket in the back inside of the purse.  Next I have a fun little notebook pulled from my endless notebook collection inside to jot down notes for the blog, shop, life, etc.  It was from Target as well.

In the small, clear bag with a flower pattern (from H&M ages ago!) I keep extra lip colors I'm loving or using at the time.  These include chubby lip crayons that are really easy to apply through the day.  I always have deodorant in there too, just in case.  I run out the door quite a lot with out putting on some D-O, whoops!

Another little zipper bag from Target that came from the same line as the notebook is used for feminine items & other doo-dads I may need.  I love the chevron pattern on this!  Opening my bag & seeing so many colors & patterns makes me happy!  And finally, the thing I need the most - my wallet, which is also from Target last year.  Man, Target makes some cute stuff, right?  This wallet is huge and I recently just cleaned it out because it was holding everything under the sun.  I like that it has a few inside pockets as well as a middle, zipper change pocket.  I mean I can fit all my cards, change, checkbook, moolah, & receipts in there.

Not pictured above but sometimes floating around in there are various cord chargers, my keys, & my iPad.  I love that this purse fits everything.  It also has two small handles & the option for making it a cross body bag with an adjustable strap.  Great versatility.  Cross body bags are much easier to shop with.

What's in your bag?  What are your daily essentials?

xox, Moe

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Trend Tuesday // Top 6 Places for Jewelry & Accessories

I do this thing where in the Fall I get really into layering - I think everyone does this - but I love layering clothes & accessories!  I'm always on the hunt for affordable jewelry, accessories, & purses even though I don't need any more.  While I'm doing a No Buy November with make up & accessories (though I think it might turn into a Low Buy November!) I thought I'd share with you my favorite places to buy jewelry & accessories!  This list is great if you're shopping for yourself or shopping for a gift or looking for something to ask for from Santa:

Icing & Claire's

These are my fall back shops when I don't know what I want but know I want something.  Working for Claire's/Icing was a highlight in my job experience I think because I got to develop a real sense of style. I also saw a lot of little girls come in with their sense of style too!  Of course, Icing is geared towards older teenagers to early twenties.  But sometimes you can find great things in there being a little older.  They always have sales on earrings & hair accessories (both Icing & Claires) and don't forget to check out the clearance.  I think that lately a lot of my jewelry has come from the clearance section of these two stores.  Something else you might be able to keep a lookout for are the stores that tend to get all the sale stuff - these stores often have a huge clearance section all the time.  You might be able to snag some goodies up for cheap every time you go in.  Also these stores have 10 for $10 sales - buy ten items & each is a dollar - or 5 for $10 sales - buy five items & each is two dollars.  I love Icing for purses & scarves as well.  Oh, did you know their websites are now shopable!  So excited they launched that!

Shop Lately

I just discovered this shop & I'm in love!  I haven't bought anything yet but there are a few items on my Christmas list!  This site is set up like a marketplace with individual sellers but you can search through all the stores from the home page.  It's most comparable to Etsy with categories, individual sellers, storefronts, etc - but not everything is hand made.  This is a lame explaination but it's like a virtual mall with a bunch of different sellers all in one site.  My favorite part about Shop Lately are the Sale Events where you can see all the sale items from all shops.  I also like the Marketplaces or Market Bashes that feature a collection of similar items from different stores - so like all belts, or all skulls, or all crystal jewelry, or all animal print, or all scarves, etc.  Some of the sales you just can not beat & they often have free shipping!

Charming Charlie

This is another place I love to just pop in when I'm at the mall.  You never know what you might find.  I love that it's all arranged by color & I can go directly to what catches my eye.  Right now I love all the rose gold accessories they have at Charming Charlie.  My current favorite watch is from there & I just feel so elegant in it even though it's a chunky metal watch.  They too have awesome sale items - can you tell what I'm getting at with this blog post?  I've picked up three perfect for Fall necklaces there recently (mentioned in my October Favorites video!) for super cheap - they must have been under $8 each.  Usually a necklace will come with a set of matching earrings so you don't even have to try to match them.  But since it's all color coordinated you wouldn't have a hard time with that anyway.  Their regular prices aren't that bad either and they carry shoes, bags, and other accessories.  But I'm sure you know that already.

Big Lot's

I never really thought of Bit Lot's as a place to find accessories but I've found a set of cute scarves there for $6 each!  They were all animal print which is so in for Fall & have held up pretty good.  When I was poking around there back when I was looking for affordable Fall decor I saw some really great looking black & gold earrings that were really on trend.  For the most part Big Lot's is one of those places you have to dig to find the gold - but don't over look the sale items either!  While I had convinced myself that Big Lot's was only good for home decor & pretty candles I ended up surprising myself on a recent trip by finding these on trend things.

Target

Of course Target has to be on this list!  But we don't have a Target where we live - it's about 30 minutes away - so I don't get there often.  Their bags, purses, & accessories are super cute you just can't say no.  I love browsing the clearance here too!  Nothing much to say here since I know you're already out the door heading to Target.

Etsy & Storenvy

These marketplaces are great to find handmade goods - Etsy more so than Storenvy.  With Etsy you can find a lot of handmade jewelry that you know someone has taken the time to craft just for you.  Often you'll find one of a kind jewelry pieces that can hold a special place in someones heart.  You can also scour vintage finds to discover the perfect gift for someone special.  I love Etsy because it's a way to tell a story.  Etsy is more than a storefront it's a narrative.  You can get to know a seller better.  Storenvy isn't that much of a marketplace as Etsy is - it's more just a place of markets.  It's like a whole bunch of unrelated stores decided to get together in one place.  So there's less of a story there.  Sometimes you can find gems but sometimes it's mass produced stuff.  A lot of stores are carefully curated collections of items the seller loves.  So these stores can really give you a narrative.  I like hosting my store Five One Six on Storevny because the storefronts are a bit more professional than on Etsy.  But to each his own.

So now that I totally want to get my shop on I hope that you've discovered or rediscovered some fun places to shop for affordable jewelry & accessories.  What did you just add to your wish list?

xoxo, Moe

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Trend Tuesday // Peachy Keene, Coral Dream

Today I have a color crush post for you!  I'm in love with peachy-coral colors right now...even into the pink side of things.  I'm just digging it!

L'Oreal Nail Polish in Versailles Romance - This is the prettiest pinky peach color with a little bit of a gold shimmer.  It's a really natural looking color & not that noticeable if you're wary of bright nail polishes.  It's just natural, pretty, & warm.  Great for summer!

Peachy Keene Sunnies - I just got my eyes examined & am stoked to renew my contact prescription & also get new everyday glasses!  I think this orangey color would look great with a tan

Collection B Colorblock Shoulder Bag - Over Memorial Day, I did like most Americans do & shopped...online.  I like to save up giftcards that I get for holidays like birthdays & Christmas so when I'm feeling down & need some retail therapy I've got something to blow.  Saving them & hiding from myself gives me a little treat when I pick them up 6 months later!  So I picked up this fun & bright color blocked bag from Khols. It is super cool & bright for spring/summer! (bonus: It's still on sale!)

Perfectly Peach Blush - I'm on the hunt for a perfect peach blush.  So far no luck.  I feel like a peach color could be the perfect natural looking blush with out being to pinky & too flushed looking.  I want to look glowy & not hot!  I'm still keeping my eye out!

Pretty Pullover - Am I the only one that loves a great sweater in the Summer time?  I always look to one because you never know when that Summer night may turn cool.  Cuddling up on the porch, watching fire works, camping, drive ins, you never know!

Keene Kicks - Classic Summer wear is of course some converse.  Love these bright peach low tops...makes me want to take a stroll!

What's you're color crush for Spring/Summer?

xoxo, Moe

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I'm Sharing Cabin Fever

It's been around 20 degrees or lower outside this whole week & yesterday I woke up to snow on the ground.  I'm pretty sure I've seen more snow this year than in my entire lifetime.  I nearly froze to death bringing the trashcan around!  It's supposed to be below freezing the rest of the week & the little snow icons are showing up all over the forecast app on my phone.

I checked out the ModCloth Cabin Fever Sale (perfectly named for what I'm feeling! It's just too cold to go outside!) to see if any fun winter items like tights & jackets were included.  Guess what: they totally are!  The sale is 70% off too, what a score!

Look how awesome these Wildflower Mix Tights are!

And what about these Once & Floral tights? Love 'em!

This Tapes-tres Chic Blazer makes me melt.

Check out the way it was styled on the product page, 

I'd totally rock this with gray tights!

This Literary Strip Blazer makes me happy too!

Am I the only one that need color all through the year? When others go to blacks, browns, & grays I'm trying to transition my summer dresses into fall & winter looks!  It's a challenge to find happy colors durring winter time & I've noticed its even harder to find happy colors up north because you never want to go outside! I kid, I kid.  I'm going to continue to snuggle up under my heated blanket & peruse this 70% off sale.   I might get lost in the shoe section as well!

Keep warm friends!

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