Spring Outfits With Ashley Stewart (Plus Size Style)

This post has been sponsored by PRIMP Network. All opinions are my own.

Hey y'all! Happy Friday! Do you have any awesome plans this weekend? Maybe, if the weather is good where you are, you'll get out and out? I just might do the same--after a few months of being sick, I'm ready for some fun and the sunshine. I think it will do my mind and soul some good.

So! I thought I'd do something a little different today--an outfit post! I admit I'm a little nervous about doing this, since usually I share beauty on here. But I'm stepping out of my comfort zone. I think challenging myself is a healthy thing, so while sharing outfits may be no big deal to you, I'm very nervous to do so. But I'm doing it!

Okay, so onto the outfits! Today I'm bringing some spring style from Ashley Stewart (please click the link to see). Ashley Stewart serves the latest in fashion for plus-size women (size 12-32). They have 89 stores and an online store (click here to shop). New styles are added every day! I love this site because of their cute clothes. I've been so disappointed in other stores for us plus-size girls--the styles weren't cute. It's hard to feel confident if your outfit isn't cute. No more of that, thanks to Ashley Stewart. Seriously, go check them out!

So here's what I chose! First up is this floral off-shoulder top with white pants.

And for my next look, I chose this gorgeous aqua green floral dress:

-->I loved how affordable everything was! And to get you to click on over, Ashley Stewart is offering 40% off select styles with the code PRIMP40. Click here to check it out!
And I made a Spring Look Book video that I've LOVE for you to check out!

https://youtu.be/DI1hC0LZvfQ

Have you heard of Ashley Stewart before?

Which outfit did you like best?

PS: happy birthday to my lil sis!

OOTD: Black & White Stripes & Tomato

black and white striped shirt c/o, black skinnies, bag

 Give me stripes somewhere in my outfit, and I'm a happy girl. Black and white stripes? Even better.

How about some cute elbow patches?

Maybe some pops of color? 

Or my favorite addition to any outfit: Charlie!

The 6 year old I nanny for and I were going over the parts of speech yesterday 

while she was being nosey and going through pics on my phone. 

I had her describe this outfit using adjectives. 

She said, "Black, white, stripes, red." 

I told her to think of creative adjectives and she said, "Black and white stripes and TOMATO." 

More striped faves from SheIn: red & white stripes, white black long loose tee, black white elbow patch--currently on sale!

Are you a fan of stripes?

Winging It

Red Khaki Batwing Sleeve Plaid Cardigan c/o SheIn, Jeans: Old Navy, Wedges: Target

I feel like I've been winging it lately. Do you ever feel like that? Life has been throwing me some curves, some uncharted territory, so there's nothing to do but just wing it. Put a smile on your face and keep going.

But forget about the heavy stuff--let's talk about these pics. I swear I am cursed whenever I go to take outfit pics or film a video. It always rains! And now it gets dark so early, so taking pictures has to be done early in the morning. So instead of not taking pics, I headed to the walkway, set up everything, grabbed the remote, and started snapping away. Winging it.

And I think I made it work, for winging it when playing style blogger. This is the first batwing cardigan I've owned, so it's been a fun piece to pull out when it's cool outside. Or to hide coffee spills...so I've heard.

Fess up--what have you been winging lately?

Extra Elle;

• I bought a heavy-duty shower liner. This thing is so thick and I'm convinced, bullet-proof. I'm giving it a full week's try before taking it down.
• My Story Behind the Pic link up is NOVEMBER 17, so mark your calendars! Just share a pic or more and give us the story behind them. That's it.

Casual, Comfortable Fall Outfit Ideas

I am way too excited that fall is around the corner. It's my FAVE! And not just because my birthday is in fall (October). But because I love everything about it: sights, scents, sounds...and pumpkin anything. It gives me a chance to slow down after a hectic summer.

Summer was kinda crazy for me: I felt like every weekend I was at an event like a wedding, shower, or graduation. Now that fall (autumn if you're feeling fancy) is almost here, I feel like I can relax a little and get back into my regular routine. It's like a huge sigh before the craziness of the holidays. One of my favorite things about fall is the weather.

And when the weather changes, it's time to go shopping! Give me all the sweaters! So I recently went shopping at JCPenney to get started on my fall wardrobe. I was able to find everything I was looking for, from head to toe. They even have a Look Book at jcplookbook.com if you need more inspiration.

I was specifically looking for clothes that were casual, comfortable, that make getting ready effortless. I also wanted clothes to fit the occasion, whether it's work or play, and I like it when my style reflects me. When I look good, I feel better. Finally, I had to stick to my budget, and JCPenney had plenty of options to do so. So let's see what I chose!

Plaid and fall just go together, right? This red and black plaid shirt paired with black skinny jeans and black booties  I love because I can wear it while I'm taking care of the kids at work--we already have plans about the massive leaf pile we are going to make this year, or pumpkin picking.

I know a lot of you associate toasting marshmallows with summer, but for me, it's always been in the fall. Maybe because it's too hot for a bonfire? Anyway, I kept the same plaid shirt, added a cable-knit cardigan, boyfriend jeans, and leopard flats. I can't wait to wear this to a hayride--I'd switch out my flats for booties. I love to mix textures and colors.

When I am comfortable in what I'm wearing I feel empowered and full of confidence. And one of my favorite things to do when life slows down is volunteer. This is a typical Elle Sees Uniform--a cozy cardi,  layered under a tank top, with deep ruby skinny jeans, a scarf and leopard flats. 

That's my casual and comfortable fall style.

Leave a comment below letting me your know style for a chance to win a $100 JCPenney gift card!

Entry Instructions:

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 9/16/2015 – 10/16/2015

Be sure to visit JCPenney’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

How To Match Your Lipstick to Your Outfit

I have a guest post today! You are going to love Amanda--she has amazing style and I love her tips. I'm on her blog today, so stop by!

Hey guys, Amanda Miller here, founder and writer of The Miller Affect. I have been following Elle for quite some time and am so excited to be guest blogging on her site today! She has the greatest beauty tips and I would be lost without her advice. I don't write about beauty (I will leave that to the experts), but I do know a little about fashion and how having the right lip shade can really make or break your outfit!

Light Pink: I love light shades of pink. I always felt like I couldn't pull it off when I had dark hair, but now that I have lightened my hair a little, I have really enjoyed playing around with the different shades. When to wear it: Great for any kind of shower. Usually bridal showers and baby showers are so feminine and delicate, so light pink shades fit right in to the theme. In the outfit below, I am heading to a brunch with some girlfriends. I loved how my lips matched my top and received so many compliments!
   

Lip Shade: Lingerie Pink (how scandalous!), by YSL

Outfit Details HERE

Red:

In a recent survey I was really surprised to hear how many women are too timid to wear red lipstick. If you are one of these who voted with hesitancy on red lipstick, I dare you to give it a try. Red lipstick just makes me feel like I can do anything. I have so much confidence when I wear it and I know it is confidence people can see. It makes me feel sexy! When to wear it: I wouldn't recommend red lipstick at work. We have come a long ways, but women are still treated differently in the workplace. We have to try extra hard to be taken seriously. I also wouldn't wear red to a wedding. You shouldn't be there to steal the show. Save your red lipstick for events you want to wow at. Put it on when you are about to head out with friends and think you may run into your ex. He won't know what hit him! I also recommend red lipstick for black tie events or a networking event.
 

Lipstick Shade: Old Hollywood, by Bobbi Brown

Outfit Details HERE

Coral:

Coral lipstick got much bigger this year, so I expect it to be huge in 2016. It is so fun and bright!

Where to wear it: I love popping it on every day while traveling. It doesn't even matter the destination, but I especially love wearing it on my beach trips!

Lipstick Shade: Coral Queen, by Rimmel London

Outfit Details HERE

Nude:

Nude lipstick is so pretty and classy. We may not be able to perfect the JLo look, but we can get pretty close! Where to wear it: Anywhere and everywhere!
   

Lipstick Shade: Beige Gold Shimmer, by Bobbi Brown

Outfit Details HERE

Burgundy:

Burgundy/Ruby is huge in the Winter & Fall. The darker the better Where to where it: I like to wear it when I have dark tones on. A ruby color is fine for work, but a deep purple (almost black) probably isn't. Just be the judge or ask a fellow co-worker or friend. I like to wear when I am trying to make a statement with an outfit.
 

Lipstick Color: Revlon, Meet Me Backstage

Outfit Details HERE

Hot Pink:

Last but not least we have hot pink. This has been my go-to this summer after finding a NARS lipgloss I couldn't live without. Where to wear it: Literally anywhere you plan on having some fun. Hot pink is flirty, feminine, and fun. I wear it year-round!
 

Lipstick Shade: Priscilla, by NARS

Outfit Details HERE

Thanks so much to my friend Elle for letting me take over her blog today! You can find my blog at www.themilleraffect.com and you can shop all my outfits directly from Instagram at @themilleraffect. I would love if you left a comment below telling me what YOUR favorite lip shade is!

Thanks so much to Amanda for guest posting today! I'm over at her blog sharing my everyday makeup routine, so stop by and say hi!

• Don't forget my giveaway to Win a Trip to New York for Fashion Week. Sept 11-13th. Win a $400 flight voucher, a stay in the Hudson Hotel for two nights, and a $400 shopping spree!
• $100 Visa Giftcard giveaway from Arm & Hammer
• Neutrogena sunscreen giveaway--ends 8-13
• $100 JCPenney Gift Card giveaway--ends 8-13

My Dressy Summer Style

Once summer hits, it seems like life gets really busy--it flies by so fast. Not a weekend goes by that we don't have some fun event to attend, like parties, showers, and weddings. It's the season, right? And the biggest decision is what to wear. We want our summer style to be comfortable, affordable, and adorable for summer. Get ready to make a splash this summer with outfits by JCPenney!

4th of July Classy Cookout--

• I threw a 4th of July classy cookout complete with grilled goodies, homemade lemonade and s'mores (a must). Then we headed up to the roof and watch the fireworks. I live in Midtown, so I can see all of the fireworks around the city--it's an awesome view.
• I wore this JCPenney Liz Claiborne Keyhole Bar-Neck Striped Fit-and-Flare Dress. It's super comfortable and is stretch knit. It's 4th of July without being costume-y. I love the fit of it too.

A fave feature is the detail of the gold-tone metal bar on the front keyhole.  I can skip a necklace and instead rely on that patriotic punch of color with a red bracelet. 

Outdoor Summer Wedding--

• I have worn this dress so much this summer! I recently wore this to an outdoor wedding and got so many compliments on the color. I wanted to be comfortable yet stylish and this JCPenney Alyx® Sleeveless Crochet Belted Dress worked perfectly.

In addition to the textured detail on the dress, I decided to dress it up with fun accessories like the necklace and bracelets. There are so many options! 

Two outfits perfect for summer! Be sure to head to JCPenney for all things summer.

Sweepstakes time! To enter for a chance to win a $100 JCPenney gift card, let me know in the comments:

What’s your favorite thing about summer?

Entry Instructions:
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2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/13/2015 – 8/13/2015
Be sure to visit JCPenney’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

A Shakedown With Friction Affliction

Story time, y'all! I thought I would share a couple of embarrassing moments...with my clothing!

Oh yes, I'm sure after reading these you'll be able to relate.

First up, the Shakedown!

Picture it: I'm running to a blogging event and my dress starts riding up, thanks to static cling. I immediately start to wiggle and tug at my dress. 

This ladies, is called the Shakedown, a classic move experienced by many. And then I notice the hottest guy looking at me and laughing. As is my fashion, I turned bright red and then nearly walked into a wall. 

This next story is a more recent one: Easter Sunday is a long day for us. Church services, Easter egg hunts, long lunches, and dinners, and all of it in a dress.

So by the time I got home that night, I was deep in the throws of Friction Affliction. This is that good old bow-legged stride I do to avoid my thighs touching because it feels like fire when they do. Thigh fire is hot, and not in a good way.

Finally, finally, y'all, I found solutions. Allow me to introduce Jockey® Skimmies® Slipshort. I have been officially #SavedBySkimmies!




What in the world are Skimmies? They are a super lightweight slipshort that keep panty lines to a minimum and offer anti-static defense. They smooth like a slip but cover like shorts. And they are a must-have in my wardrobe. You need them and you will love them.

They come in 3 styles:

Original Skimmies®

Smooths like a slip, covers like shorts. Offers a smooth, polished look under fitted-to-flowing skirts and dresses. The original design is available in short and regular lengths.
 Silky-smooth microfiber stretch fabric for smoothing coverage without restriction. 8 colors, from S-2XL. $20

Anti-static Skimmies®

Resists static and allows clothes to glide. Wear under pants or other cotton fashions and say good-bye to cling. Wide, flat leg hem for a stay-put fit. Targeted stretch zones flatter your natural curves. $20

Wicking Skimmies®

Breathable mesh panels keep you comfortable and dry all day. Perfect for working out. Moisture-wicking, quick dry fabric helps prevent chafing. Six colors, $22




And here's my Skimmies saving me this summer! Now I feel comfortable wearing this cute flowy, dress!

Learn more here: jockey.com/savedbyskimmies

How would you like to be #SavedBySkimmies? 

Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Jockey.com gift card.
Entry Instructions: 
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 6/10/2015 – 7/31/2015
Be sure to visit Jockey’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Sunshine And New Shoes!

Hey you! How's the weather where you are? Have you been able to get out and enjoy the sun much? I have been enjoying the weather like crazy lately. Finally some sunshine in Atlanta after a grey winter. Any chance I get to be outdoors, I am taking it, especially if I have my pup Charlie with me. He is very social and loves being around people. Take for example when these pics were taken--we had just gotten back from a fancy brunch with friends. Sometimes it's just what the doctor ordered, am I right? It was just the perfect outing after the rough past couple of months I've had. It was time for some joy and fun!

And that brings me to my shoes! Now to get to the brunch was quite a hike through the local park. I wanted something cute, comfortable, and fun to wear. I went with a coral midi skirt, a classic white button up, a chunky but elegant necklace, and my Leigh Graphic Wedges from Crocs. Not only are they super fun, but they are so comfortable, y'all.

Yes! Let me repeat that: wedges can be comfortable. You need these! These are the multi-color ones but they also have a mushroom shade as well. These shoes are just one of the many offerings of new Crocs Spring-Summer 2015 Collection. 

Charlie is making me laugh because he just sneezed. It was cute, as is everything he does. Almost. ;) Love this cutie! He was so good at the brunch and kept trying to give everyone "puppy eyes" to try to charm everyone out of their food!

I love the print and the cute colors on these. While I wore mine to brunch, these shoes can be worn in a variety of ways. They go perfectly with any style. Think jeans, shirt, and blazer to dress them up. I've also worn these with white jeans and a cute coral tee. For spring and summer, try shorts and a tank or a fun summer dress.

Charlie and I think you need a pair or two! Find the Leigh Graphic Wedges HERE or visit Crocs.com to see the entire Spring-Summer 2015 line.

How will you find your fun in your Crocs?

PS: I've got 2 fun giveaways, so click here AND here.

J.Jill at Avalon (Plus Giveaway!)

Last week I had the privilege to check out the J.Jill store and view their November collection at the new Avalon shopping center just outside of Atlanta. And y'all let me you--this place is gorgeous. But let me back up a bit--have you heard of J.Jill? They're a clothing store for all women that's not exclusive to Atlanta: J.Jill is for all women. They have clothing, accessories, and footwear, and view fashion with a relaxed approach to style.

The design concept of this new J.Jill store is simple: to uncomplicate the lives of women by delighting their sense of personal style, inspiring confidence, and thoughtfully guiding their shopping experience.

I absolutely love that. 

I'm crazy busy and leave shopping for clothes at the bottom of my to-do list, because it's something I don't enjoy doing, believe it or not. I know a lot of you feel that way too. But my experience at shopping at J.Jill has changed that.  It was so easy, with a welcoming, engaging staff. I wasn't stressed, I didn't feel pressured...and it felt so personalized.

I love how to store is easily laid out--the mannequins have the styles on and the table with those items is right in front of you--no searching around. Again, the staff is super helpful, and the dressing room features those basic items that you need to style on with the pieces you choose (think basics, like button up white shirt, black skirt, tights, etc).

I also love how each store works with a different charity. To celebrate the opening, J.Jill will be making donations to their Alpharetta-based Compassion Fund Partner: Atlanta Center for Self-Sufficiency. When I visited the store, I got to learn more about this and think it's a wonderful, helpful idea, just like the J.Jill philosophy. Programs like these focus on skills, education, and transitional means to help disadvantaged and homeless women to become self-sufficient.

But let's go back to the clothes--J.Jill features styles that are comfortable and that are made for real life. like this cozy and stylish sweater and tights. It's not often that I can find clothes that work for my day job as a nanny--where I run after two little girls (ages 5 and 8 months) for around 12 hours a day. And J.Jill has clothes that can carry me through blogging events I might have at night, or for meeting up with friends. There is truly something for all women, including petites, tall, and women's sizes (available online).

Check out J.Jill on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

What items would you like to try from J.Jill? Cozy sweaters? Stylish tights? Let me know in the comments section below for a chance to win a $100 J.Jill gift card!

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. 
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/21/2014 – 11/30/2014.

4th of July Outfit & Makeup: The New Americans Collection

It's almost the 4th of July, so I thought I'd share what I'll be wearing, as well as my makeup! I had the opportunity to try out COVERGIRL's The New Americans collection--these are classic products to inspire new takes on American styles. So no matter your style, create your own take on iconic American beauty with classic American products. Let's check 'em out:

First up we have the COVERGIRL PerfectPoint Plus liner--it comes in 5 different shades and is water resistant. These are self-sharpening and worked fine. There are also 4 mascaras in the collection, with a type for every kind of lash look. If you are looking for a drier mascara and a classic natural look, you'll love these!

Next, we have the COVERGIRL Outlast All Day Lip Color--I got to try three different shades. Guess which one I picked? There are also some XL Nail Gel polishes I've been LOVING--great shiny colors. And finally, the COVERGIRL shadow quads. I was surprised at how amazingly pigmented and easy-to-work with these are. So what makeup did I use?

I started off with a new COVERGIRL foundation (I'll share a review tomorrow). For my eyes, I chose the Daring Nudes quad. I patted the light brown shade all over my lid. In my crease, I swept the dark brown shade back and forth to blend it. In my outer corner, I added the black shade and blended that. In my inner corners, I added the lightest shade for some brightening and sparkle. It's the 4th after all! Then, I smudged the brown liner along my lash lines. I finished my eyes with the COVERGIRL 3-in-1 mascara. These are ophthalmologist-tested. I chose the red shade of course for my lips--just be sure to keep it on the lips (don't try to go outside of the lines). Finally, my nails rocked the XL GelNails polish in Ample Apple.

For my outfit, I wore jeans and this BDG button up. It is so light and comfortable and completely perfect for the holiday. My sunnies are from Quay Australia and my arrow bracelet is from Stella & Dot. Add some cute sandals and I'm all set! Thanks COVERGIRL for all of the goodies!

I want to see what YOU are going to wear for the 4th! Post your #easybreezystyle on your Instagram or Twitter, tag me, and I'll repost!  What COVERGIRL products do you like?

PS: Thanks for your kind words yesterday. Charlie's dental surgery (he had 4 baby teeth removed) was a success! He's snoring as I type this!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SIS, JESS!