Style Tip Of The Month: Athleisure Wear

Athleisure Wear Flat

 

Hey again, it’s your friend Jen here!! This week I feel the need to discuss a little something I like to call Athleisure Wear… and dig a little deeper into how it can go so right, and oh so wrong.

We all have those days where putting on a dressy dress and your highest heels just isn’t an option. Your feet are going to ache and your slip might ride, and it is the last thing you can handle. So what do we do? Grab those yoga pants and a ratty old tee. WRONG! I want to challenge you to NOT make your first thought be the easiest thought.

The new phrase “Athleisure Wear” isn’t hard to pull off, and thankfully it doesn’t have to be unfashionable for it to qualify as comfort wear!

Bomber Jacket

Feel the need to cover up in a comfy sweater {dare I say from college?} What about a bomber jacket instead? They are perfect for everyday wear and look fabulous when paired with a simple tank or tee. A rose pink or cream color keeps the look feminine, and dressing it up with an embroidered design is right on point with this spring’s trend report.

 

Here is the way I styled my fun animal print outfit bomber I got from Marshall’s recently. I added strappy heels and a layered necklace and clutch to take my look for a night on the town, but you could easily switch it out with funky tennis shoes to dress the look down.

 

Athleisure Wear Bomber Up Close

Athleisure Wear Bomber Full

 

 

Track Pants

 

When it comes to work out wear, bottoms might be the trickiest part of all. You have all heard it before, leggings are not pants! Let me repeat myself in a different way, “tights are also not pants.” That statement just couldn’t be more true especially when I see exposed hail damage peeking through on the backside or a few whale tails in sight. Cover it up people!

As nice as it is to slip on those Lulu’s, we all know there are more flattering things. Try a pair of track pants. You can go the traditional route, or even a sweat pant material. Having an elastic ankle allows for a structured look with a relaxed feel. Pair with a kitten heel as I mentioned above and you are all set.

Sneakers

From top to bottom, we can’t forget about the shoes. I have been on a sneakers kick lately, and my feet have never been so happy! We all remember going shopping for shoes before the first day of school. Having a new pair of pearly white sneakers was a great way to start the new year. With the latest in old school Adidas and New Balance you can feel the nostalgia all over again, only this time with a little more style!

Hope these quick tips will help you feel fabulous even when you head to the store or relax after a hard day’s work.

Styled and Smiling,

Jen Young

Late But Lovely To The Valentine’s Game

Valentine’s Day is TOMORROW but I’ve decided this entire month should be dedicated to pampering myself a little bit at a time. Sound like something you might be interested in doing, too? Here are a few of my favorite things, picked to make you look and feel fabulous all day long:

 

1. STYLE MONEY: What better way to say I love you than with a little help from your friend? Nothing makes my heart happier than getting to help style clients and help improve their daily lives through their wardrobe. Gifting yourself some time with me, or even passing this gift idea along to your honey, is a sure fire way to feel great not just this month, but for the rest of your life!

 

2. METALLIC CLUTCH: No matter your age, a little bit of shine goes along way. Treat your fun and flirty side with a pop that doesn’t seem too over the top. Grabbing your little shiny hand bag on the way out makes for a fun night no matter what your plans are.

 

3. A PRETTY LITTLE BANGLE: My goal in life is to have a wardrobe that is versatile yet classic.This bracelet might just be the solution. Its adorable little details make for a look of the ages, and the statement it brings on your wrist will have all your girlfriends begging for the fashion deets.

 

4. PINK LIPS: It is the month of love after all… I only see that fit for a pouty pink lip. My collection of lip sticks go from drug store to designer, and they each represent a different mood. This February I encourage you all to try out a new brand or a new shade to see what it can do for you.

 

5. A SWEET SCARF: I don’t know about y’all, but the scarf scene as of late is making my heart pitter patter! I love to drape them over my tees, wrap them up with a leather jacket, or even tie a small handkerchief around my neck with a cute dress. Scarfs are in and I am crossing my fingers they stick around!

 

6. SOY DELICIOUS: Recently I found myself in contact with the owner of Soy Delicious’ sister, and boy did it change my life! These candles not only smell AMAZING, but once the wax melts it turns into lotion. Call it a two-for-one gift! How long have I been throwing away half burned candles with a ring of unmelted wax around the rim?? Well, never again now that I’ve found these amazing gems! If you purchase nothing else this month, I suggest you do yourself this one little favor!

So take on February 14th, and all the days that follow, with some great new additions to your wardrobe and beauty regime.

 

May your Valentine’s be full of chocolate and love,

Jen Young

 

Love Your Accessories This Valentines Day

Love Your Accessories

 

If you are anything like me it’s February 8th and you are just now realizing you haven’t taken a moment to even think about Valentine’s Day, let alone get any shopping done! Finding sweets for the kids won’t be too hard, and thanks to Target there are now pre-made boxes for their school desk. Sending a card to mom and dad is easy too, but where things get tough is thinking about your Valentine, and how to subtly drop hints at your special someone for what to buy you. Sometimes life gets crazy, and usually we are all short on time. So here is what I say to hacking Valentine’s Day… LOVE your accessories!

 

Who doesn’t like a new clutch or a fabulous necklace? And just like Beyoncé so rightfully stated “If you like it— then you should have put a ring on it.” When it comes to love ladies, look no further than the things that make an old outfit new, and a new outfit pure perfection, accessories.

 

For Your Gals

Over the years Valentines has become Hallmark’s biggest celebration. This mushy love holiday is also turning from men to friends, and I’m not one bit upset about it! Our girlfriends are there when times get tough and sometimes are the only ones we can count on to tell us a shirt is no longer in style. So snag a gift from below, zip up that cute mini dress, and head to your Valentines party or GNO.

 

For Your Guy

We all adore our men, but sometimes they need a little help. And sometimes a little help means you need a blog link that directs them to a mecca of good accessories they can purchase for your gift. It’s okay, we love them anyways! It is also why I hand-picked these pieces just for that purpose.

For Sweet Ol’ You 

And last but NEVER least, don’t forget to give yourself a little love this Valentines. Not that I ever need an excuse to buy myself a handbag, but this is the perfect time to give your collection a little update and not feel guilty about it! Accessorizing is a great way to show yourself just how much you care.

 

Hope Cupid’s Arrow Finds You!

Jen Young

Fabulous Family Heirlooms

Maybe it’s an embellished brooch, or a knitted shawl? We all have family heirlooms we just aren’t sure what to do with. I feel so honored to have piece of my families past, but that doesn’t mean it is a no brainer on where and when to wear them.

Upon her death, my grandmother gifted me her rare Chanel cross body bag which has become a weekly staple for my wardrobe. Fine accessories like this need no introduction; they speak in their timeless appeal. Estate sales are a great place to shop for these types of stately treasures as well if you don’t have a relative to bless you with this kind of thing.

Gram also gave me a stunning, lace scarf that is too dainty to be tied around my neck. I have opted to tie it to my handbag on occasion or style it wrapped around a stack of antique books in my bathroom.

So here are a few other tips to keep the tradition going.

Is it a ornamental pin you are struggling with? Yes, they are so beautiful, with rhinestones and pearls… sitting on your bathroom counter. You do not need to feel intimidated by the idea of a brooch. They don’t have to be pinned to a 1950’s wrap or a mink stole. Instead pin it to a link chain or a swede strap to turn it into a necklace.

Or have you been lucky enough to get your moms wedding dress? Just aren’t sure what to do with those big ol’ sleeves? A really great way to share that moment with your mom, but keep your day modern and on point with your own personal style, is to add the lace of her dress into the design of your own. Upcycling {or creative reuse} for this special garment is like having a part of your mom with you while being true to yourself in your own style. You can also accent a hair pin with portions of the lace as well. It makes for a lovely hair accessory when you are having a bad hair day.

No matter the item always remember, you don’t have to be weary to pair the old with the new. Vintage is making a comeback after all!

 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young