Holiday Gift Guide

Merry {almost} Christmas and Happy Holidays to You and Yours!!!

Have you gotten all of your holiday shopping done? For all you last minute gift givers {ahem, like me}, this post is for you. Given my recent move, I haven’t had a moment to spare for purchasing anything– so you are NOT alone.

When I’m about to go out to the mall {heaven forbid} either to shop for myself or my clients,  there are so many things that are running in my head like: how can there can be so many people? these lines take forever; this store is just a wreck; the traffic makes me want to cry; will I find parking? I wonder if I can make this at home?

AHHH whatever will I do?!

Well if you’re like me… stop fretting and follow my “Top 10 Bucket List for the Holidays” to usher in peace and cheer.

1.} Make a shopping list and stick to it! Don’t be a slave to the word “sale” and focus on your priorities items. Then get the heck out of the mall and put your pajamas on next to the fire.

2.} Shop online and take advantage of free shipping especially through December 21st which is often the cut off date! It will save you the stress and worry of getting out in the hustle and bustle of the holiday shuffle.

3.} Take advantage of Valet parking when you shop at the mall. You will avoid driving around looking for the perfect space saving you time and energy.

4.} Shop with a friend or family member who is an efficient shopper. Make it a day and pause for a fun lunch and a mid-day cocktail–cause let’s face it–shopping is hard work!

5.} Challenge everyone to put away hand held devices at the dinner table when celebrating your meal times. Prompt meaningful conversation with questions at each place setting to get the dialogue rolling.

6.} Make a holiday playlist of your favorite tunes and gift that instead of a standard christmas card especially for co-workers and family members.

7.} Allow yourself to dance in your pajamas on Christmas morning. Eat pie and sleep late without guilt…for once. 

8.} Purchase a decadent holiday coffee creamer and fill your cup to the brim in the morning. For wine drinkers…spend a little more on that bottle of wine you have been saving for a little night cap. I plan to book-end my day with both. Smiling ear to ear. 

9.} Make eye contact with your store clerks at the checkout lines and tell them they are beautiful and a hard worker. Remind others that they matter.

10.} Pay for someone’s meal in the drive through line behind you. Random acts of kindness never fail to encourage others during the holiday season. 

NOW! For those still not sure what to give your girlfriend, fiancé, wife, or even best friend….I have curated my top ten holiday gift guide including various price points, current trends and staple items.

Melaya Over The Knee Boots {Bark Verona Suede} // NuFace Power Kit // Firebird Wine Cooler // PJ Salvage Jersey Pajamas // Naked Ultimat Basics Pallet // Swell Water Bottle {17 inch} // Skin Rejuvenating Pillow Case // Rest Less Hoodie // Velvet Tunic Dress // Marcie Medium Satchel {color: Nut}

Hope my wish list will give you some inspiration for these crazy shopping days upon us. But remember if you like to keep things simple or you’re really not good a finding that perfect gift- you can never go wrong with gift cards from J. Crew, Anthropologie, Sephora, Nordstrom, Lululemon, and Amazon.

OR.. you can give the gift of STYLE this holiday season. Contact me to purchase gift cards in amounts of $100 or more: jen@foreverstyled.com; 678-772-9975

{Check out Style Packages and Services for more information.}

Spend your shopping hours and dollars wisely and remember, the best gift is one that comes from the heart !

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Holiday Pajama Party!

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Blessings and Peace to You All!

I hope your holiday shopping has been stress-free and full of cheer so far! Of course, the malls are always crazy during this time and your favorite websites might be backed up on stock, but remember to be patient and kind to everyone. My goal is to keep positive energy flowing with love and kindness as you never know when it might be brought back to you! This gift-giving season shouldn’t be packed with greediness.

Speaking of gifts, one of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions is to buy the family new pajamas! There is nothing better then hopping into some fun, cozy, and festive pj’s to get yourself in the spirit. Couple that with a fire and some cocoa and you are on your way!

There are so many different styles, fabrics, colors/patterns, and even prices–certainly something for everyone.  As I was on the hunt for my personal pj stash, I noticed that several stores offer great deals like Nordstrom, Old Navy, J. Crew, Target.

And this doesn’t just have to be for the kids, it can be for moms, dads, significant others, and grandparents alike,

Here are some picks I found for women…

Here are some picks I found for men…

Here are some picks I found for kids…

Hope this helps you with some holiday shopping and let me know some of your favorite places to buy holiday pajamas!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Stress Free Moving

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Hi Friends!

I have been knee deep in moving boxes for the last two days and just remembered that I had a blog to write. EEK. Let’s do this.

Holy cow moving is SOOOO stressful. Can I get an, “Amen?” I had been in my previous home for 6 years and thought I did a good job of purging and sorting since that is like… MY JOB! But I will confess, I still have way too much stuff like any average person even is culling is my middle name.

So I empathize with any of you attempting to go through this insanity right before the holidays. Once the “crazy” calms down, I will eventually get a Christmas tree decorated {many thanks to my friends and clients, the incredible Russell Family, for buying my tree this year BTW}, but today I am focused on stress free moving and taking many deep breaths… and maybe a few Xanax. Wink.

Since “Closet Nip and Tucks” are my specialty, I will be offering a 10% discount from December 5-15th on those services. Check out those details HERE and connect with me directly to schedule a free phone consult HERE to discern if and how I can best assist you. Reference this discount in your in-take form, and I will happily honor this incentive.

I will also be blogging about my own experience during my move in the coming weeks so stay tuned for those details. Here is a teaser pic of my empty closet to let you in on the journey.

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A few things to consider during your move:

1.} Hire a moving company you trust if you aren’t packing/moving yourself! Interview several crews and get many bids ahead of time. I used Square Cow Movers and adore the crew who loaded and unpacked me. Reward your crew with a tip and lunch and they will bend over backwards for you…literally.

2.} Make sure to be present during the packing process as my boxes got very jumbled since I scheduled my house closing date right in the middle of the packing process and couldn’t direct the team to my expectations.

312f40ca-e7b2-45e2-a847-5100aeb6fab9d491ce2f-41a0-4b6e-92f7-658c376116533.} If you plan to have your TV’s connected right after your move in date, make sure to gather all the chords and old satellite boxes with you. Finding those in the middle of the wake of your move can be overwhelming.

4.} Purge your closet{s} before the packing process even begins. There is no reason to transport unnecessary items with you and pay for the extra weight. Unboxing only your lovelies will make the moving process more peaceful. Admittedly, I have already sent an additional 5 car loads to Goodwill even after my initial purge. Less is More….always. Read this blog on how to reduce the overwhelm in your closet with these simple tips to ultimate save you time and money.

5.} If people offer to assist you, say YES! I ate humble pie and accepted all the help I could get. Thank you to my incredible mother, Cindy, Melanie, Mikaela, Becki and Gregg for your tenacity through it all. The meals you provided and your extra set of hands were so amazing.

6.} Don’t expect to have everything perfect overnight. Be patient with yourself and know that it is better to take time to place things in your new home back in an orderly fashion. Don’t rush to get it all done. Organize with intension. If you need an amazing resource for Home Organization, I highly recommend Imagine Gurus for their amazing expertise.

Stay tuned for more tips as I archive moving from the old home to the new….

Feeling blessed and encouraged.

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

 

Cyber Monday Deals

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Happy Cyber Monday!!!

I hope everyone had a fun time with their family and friends this holiday and that your bellies were equally jazzed by the spread of food. I know mine was!

Can you say stretchy pants?

Of course, after the Thanksgiving splurge, we all anticipate the insanity of shopping on Black Friday as well. Did you partake? Here is my blog from Friday to access links to shop that are still relevant.

To be honest, I typically don’t have the time to stand outside a storefront at 6am to take advantage of all the crazy shopping incentives. BUT I do love a little online shopping that I can do in the comforts of home in my dream pants on CYBER MONDAY–which is the perfect time to secure amazing steals for holiday gifts for your loved ones or even yourself!

So if you have free time during your lunch break at work or if you’re just hanging out at the house, take some time to start browsing your favorite websites to see what deals they might have on the hottest gifts. The perfect way to maximize your shopping dollars and not waste your time is to think BIG. The bigger the store, the bigger the deal. So focus on establishments like Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and many many more.

Perhaps you are in need of a…

New winter coat? Try North Face

New TV or computer? Try Best Buy

New home decor? Try Nordstrom

New pair of shoes? Try Nike

New workout clothes? Try Under Armour

New Kitchen Aid? Try Target

New makeup? Try Ulta

Here are some other fun gadgets and gizmos I adore….

HAPPY HUNTING,

Jen Young

Black Friday Bargains

 

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ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWELVE // THIRTEEN // FOURTEEN // FIFTEEN // SIXTEEN // SEVENTEEN

Happy Monday Everyone!

I hope everyone is ready for some serious eating and family time this Thanksgiving holiday! BUT don’t forget about another important date of the year– November 25th, 2016–otherwise known as Black Friday!!! This is the perfect time to find outfit pieces that you would normally not buy for yourself or even gifts for someone special for Christmas at reasonable prices.

There are tons of sales going on from Nordstrom, J.Crew, Lululemon, Amazon, and many more. Spend this shopping day splurging on a nice pair of boots you’ve been eyeing or a new winter coat as well as a fabulous new makeup palette or accessories.

Even though you might dread the thought of going out and shopping on Black Friday there are many tools to shop online for exactly what you want.

Here are some of my other key vendors I love who will feature specials for Black Friday:

  1. Shopbop
  2. Neiman Marcus
  3. Loft
  4. ASOS
  5. Revolve
  6. GAP
  7. Net-A-Porter
  8. Ulta
  9. Birchbox
  10. Sephora
  11. Minted
  12. H&M
  13. Joe Fresh
  14. Nike
  15. Etsy

What deals did you locate? We would love to hear from you.

Happy bargain shopping,

Jen Young

5 Ways to Style a Scarf

Happy Monday Fashionistas!

Hope you’ve been enjoying these cooler nights. Lord knows I have in my mid-life hormonal craziness!

Let’s face it–we’re in that weird weather transition where our days begin in the low 50’s and end in the upper 80’s. So how can we effectively look cute without losing our style sanity?

Let’s focus on 5 ways to style a scarf that can simplify your dressing routine and ultimately make you feel pulled together on these seemingly schizo days.

Here are five different outfits that utilize several types of scarf material, the latest trends, and also links to learn how to tie a scarf itself.

Outfit #1)

One of my favorite looks includes a ‘faux infinity scarf.’ This is a great day to night outfit, especially topped with the leather jacket. It’s a smaller version of a blanket scarf but super elegant yet light enough to wear with a short sleeve shirt {check out this additional post to Style a Basic Tee for more inspiration}.

Outfit #2)

Styling a basic shift or t-shirt dress paired with some riding boots and then accessorize with a wool or knitted type scarf is a “go-to” outfit concept for me. Try the figure eight or loop-n-through concept or simply let the scarf hang around the neck. Keep in mind, this style of scarf often looks best in the fall/winter months because of the bulk of the material, but it is a great staple scarf to have on hand regardless!

Outfit #3)

Plaid shirts are still popular this season coupled with your favorite tall riding boots and jeans. Add a knitted infinity scarf to add more warmth as well as a simple pop of color/contrast. I will be showcasing this outfit myself over the holidays myself. Check out last weeks blog post for more Simple Holiday Outfits like this.

Outfit #4)

This is the perfect professional ensemble if you add a blazer to this concept! Traditional trousers and a plain t-shirt paired with a fun loafer is adorbs. Get crazy and add the latest trend –the neck tie scarf. This dainty add-on can be tied in many ways as showcased in Audrey A La Mode’s blog.

Outfit #5)

Last but not least, get inspiration with a fun skirt and over-the-knee riding boot. Maybe opt for a classic denim skirt or button front style, that is also trending, with a simple double wrap scarf to add some color and pattern. This is the most common type of scarf you might see in stores and something that can be worn all year around depending on the weight and pattern you choose.

So don’t delay–get your day on with the perfect accessory–The SCARF!

For all you visual learners–also check out this fabulous instructional video from Nordstrom called “How to Tie a Scarf.”

If you have any additional tips for styling your favorite scarves, please share in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Childree

 

3 Simple Holiday Outfits

 

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It’s getting close to Turkey Day?

How are you getting your gobble on?

I seriously cannot believe it’s almost Thanksgiving… and then Christmas…WHAT?! Of course, these upcoming holidays beg the question, “What in the heck do I wear since it really isn’t even sweater-weather? Can you say 80 degrees in November?”

So today I’ve picked out three simple and fuss free outfit concepts as we transition from Fall to Winter to boost your style and confidence.

Outfit #1

This is a timeless yet preppy concept! Add a pair of skinny or boyfriend cut jeans with your favorite ankle booties topped with a basic tee {like I mentioned in the  Four Ways to Style a Basic Tee post} and a classic blazer. To spice things up,  add a scarf for a pop of color as well as some sparkly studs.

Outfit #2

Partner a shirt dress of your choice and with a pair of your go-to riding boots. Then add a bold statement necklace and some delicate earrings and you’re good to go, girl!

Outfit #3

Now this look has become very popular for the busy mom or for individuals for travel focusing on a Tunic tee. I absolutely adore a this longer style of top if  styled appropriately. I love wearing my leather jeggings or skinny jeans with knee-high or over the knee boots. Avoid wearing anything too bulky on the bottom where your proportions will be out of whack. Finish off the look with a long pendent style necklace.

I hope these 3 simple holiday outfit concepts give your wardrobe a little boost! Remember–you don’t have to go out and buy all new stuff to look and feel great. By reinventing your key essentials, that is all it takes!

Fashionably Yours,

Jen Young

Halloween Inspired Nail Art

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Happy Halloween Stylish Goblins and Ghouls!

Some of us trick or treaters like to get all dolled up in bloody gauze and witch hats. Others like to be simple and just settle for putting out a little holiday decor.

How do I prefer to hit the Halloween streets when I am not in the mood to dress up?

Enter in….cool nail art !

Crime Scene prints, bats, gradient glitter, and fun spider webs, all are great patterns to showcase for your festive halloween celebration. Get inspired by these designs and over hundreds of different patterns for all personality types found on sites like Pinterest.

Go Google something you might want to try out on your paws. 

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Wishing you an awesome and safe Halloween–a night filled with good old-fashion fun!

Jen Young

 

 

 

 

 

 

DVF Wrap Dress

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Hello Ladies!

On November 15th, 2016 the Texas Conference for Women will be held in Austin, Texas. This one-day conference will feature inspirational keynote speakers including the iconic Belgian-born American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg who is best known for her iconic DVF wrap dress. This timeless wardrobe essential came to symbolize power and independence for an entire generation of women in 1974.

By 1976, she had sold over a million of the dresses and was featured on the cover of Newsweek. This super versatile dress looks perfect on all different body types and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Especially for the fall, this dress looks sophisticated paired with riding boots, pumps, or if you’re feeling stylish…sneakers! Furstenberg literally changed American fashion with her relevant and classic design.

Check out some of the wrap styles I selected from Nordstorm, and pick the one that fits your shape and style!

There will also be 100 other speakers like international human rights attorney Amal Clooney, World Cup champion and equal pay advocate Abby Wambach, educator Linda Cliatt-Wayman, and Nina Tassler, the highest ranking Latina in network television {CBS}. There are several breakout sessions ranging from personal finance, health and wellness to career advancement offering something for everyone.

Unfortunately tickets are sold out but the call for volunteers is now open! Receive free registration in exchange for your time. Click HERE!

To learn more about the #TXConfWomen conference click HERE!

Please also subscribe to these social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected!

Check out this upcoming free teleclass entitled “Make Your Next Move” on October 25th from 12-12:30pm central time.

 Hope to see you at the conference or dressed in your DVF inspired wrap dress very soon.
Fashionably Yours,

Jen Young

Cost Saving Tips For Shopping

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Hey Bargain Hunters!

Can you believe that Americans spend an average of $1,700 per year on clothing and accessories alone. Here are some of my cost saving tips as you pursue the mall and shop online!

Simple Ways to Save:

1.) Sell what you don’t wear: Your ROI {return on investment} increases when you put money back in your own pocket after you are finished with your garment.  Consider using online or in-store consignment options like Poshmark or The Real Real or host a swap party.

2.) Use coupons: Always search for coupon codes online {Coupon ClosetCoupon SherpaShooger, and Retail Me Not are my faves} and organize the ones you get in the mail for daily use when you are out and about. Subscribe to your favorite retailers online—especially for basics, to get regular sale information to your inbox. Some of my favorite discount sales sites include: GuiltHaute Look and Shop it to me.

3.} Read tags: Read the label before you buy. If you purchase a “dry-clean-only silk skirt,” you’ll keep paying for it every time you take it to the cleaners. Stick to machine-washables and save.

4.) Take care of your clothes: Invest in good hangers. Remember that “machine-washable” doesn’t equal “indestructible.” Wash your clothes on the gentle cycle in cool water and even line dry them; they’ll last longer this way. For delicate items or clothes that might shrink, hand wash. Take care of your clothes and you’ll get years of use out of them.

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5.) Don’t buy it because it’s on sale: Don’t buy clothes unless you really need them – even if they’re on sale. Thirty percent off isn’t a good deal if you don’t wear it 99 percent of the time.

6.) Buy basics from generic brands: Your basics don’t need a designer label. Buy T-shirts, tank tops, and lounge wear from cheaper stores. I buy all my layering tank tops at Old Navy. The track pants I wear for errands came from Target. Simple cuts and solid colors don’t require a high-end designer.

7.) Proceed with caution at Outlet Malls: Outlet malls do have deals. They also have scams. Some outlet store clothing isn’t store overstock. The pieces can be actually made for the outlet mall, meaning they’re lower quality. And those “75% off!” deals – they’re not actually 75% off. Read the fine print and you’ll see that is the discount on the suggested price, not the actual retail price. It’s more a marketing gimmick than a deal.

Girlfriends window shopping

8.) Stick to simple garments—spend less of trendy stuff: Trendy clothes cost more and have a shorter shelf life. You could spend hundreds trying to keep up with the fashion magazines, only to realize you no longer adore those flared capris {ugh– hate those}  six months later.

9.) Shop discount stores: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross are fabulous resources to find name brands if you are willing to dig for them. These stores have overstock items that are often first quality at lower prices.

10.) Borrow what you only need once: If you only need to wear something once, borrow it from a friend or family member. You’ll save 100 % and won’t have a useless dress or suit filling up space in your closet. OR… check out Rent the Runway for amazing options to rent and send back! However, don’t rent what you’ll wear more than once over time.Tuxedo rentals, for example, can cost $85 to $100 on average. Rent three tuxedos and you could spend $300. Buy from a discount store or resale site like Craigslist, and you could spend much less and own the tux outright.

11.) Don’t skim on a swimsuit: When it comes to swimsuit shopping, it doesn’t pay to buy cheap knock-offs. A well-designed swimsuit will cost more upfront, but can last years.

12.) Shop the men’s and kids’ section: Women’s clothing is often priced higher than men’s and kids’ clothing. If you’re a woman looking for something universal, like a T-shirt or hoodie, check the racks in the men’s and kids’ sections first.

13.) Treat clothes shopping like grocery shopping: Make a List! I won’t go to the grocery store without making a list first, but I’ll blindly charge into the mall credit card in hand. That is the wrong way to go about it. The next time you shop for clothes, make a list of what you actually need and stick to it. Buy what you need—not what you want.

14.) Buy clothes that fit now: Only buy something if you can wear it today. Buying something a few sizes too small because you think you’ll lose weight later is a gamble. Even if you do, you may realize you don’t like the way that shirt looks on you are perhaps it isn’t suitable for your body type. Either way, you’ve wasted money.

15.) Shop out of season: Look for more pricey “essentials” at the end of the season or pre-season. Often times the best deals are found in those windows of time.

Hope these shopping tips help you reduce your overwhelm and the amount that comes out of your pocket!! What are your cost saving strategies? Do tell…

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young