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We Wear Chesley Mae

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Chesley Mae

 

When you find something you like… You can’t let it go! And when it comes to Chesley Mae, I can’t stop collecting it either. This jewelry line is perfect for everyday wear and looks fabulous when you dress it up too!

Based on a South Texas ranching past and love for natural beauty, designer Chesley Clark launched her line of gems in 2014. Each piece is made of hand selected stones and is uniquely crafted for fun and practical wear. Chesley incorporates stones, mixed metals, bead-work, and vintage chains to create her one-of-a-kind looks.

Paired with a plain and simple top and loose legged pants or an army green vest over a tie-dye tee, Chesley Mae pieces are great for wearing as a weekend wear accessory. For a girl who feels that even dressed down should be a little dressed up, necklaces like these are the perfect choice!

 

TOP / PANTS

VEST / SHIRT {like style} / SNAKE BRACELET / LEATHER WRAP / WHITE BRACELET

Chesley Mae doesn’t just go with your relaxed look. Wear them with your casual Friday work outfits, like the one below. This gingham off the shoulder and dark denim allows the purple necklace to pop. And who can get over the details of this stone necklace??

 

SHIRT / JEANS / BELT / SHOES

SHIRT / POLISH

And last but NEVER least, is wearing Chesley into the night. Every girl needs an LBD (little black dress) and every girl should add a pretty Chesley Mae as well. The layered look is easily accomplished with these beaded strands that stand out in a crowd. I added a simple Chanel given to me by my grandmother, and headed out for a night on the town!

DRESS / SHOES / PURSE

From day to night, Chesley Mae is a lovely addition to your “stylish-yet less is more” wardrobe!

To shop these pieces and more, visit: www.chesleymae.com. Join Chesley’s Insider’s Group on Facebook as well.

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Workout In Style

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Outdoor Voices

 

Hello fellow fashionistas, and maybe gym slackers like myself… Here is the deal, when life gets busy we must find ways to survive. Somethings gotta give, and the easiest one for me to set aside is working out. I mean, cutting shopping is not an option after all!

But something I’ve learned the hard way is that forgoing gym time really only hurts me in the end. As a hardworking mom of two with an entrepreneur’s spirit, skimping out on health is the furthest from smart I can be.

So what does a girl do when she is down in the dumps and unmotivated? She finds a new brand that makes working out feel like a new pair of pumps!

Welcome to the floor… Outdoor Voices.

Workout Outside

This sweet little shop is a new addition to Austin’s style scene, and a gem I can’t get enough of. With a neutral color scheme, comfortable pieces, and the perfect pocket placement, Outdoor Voices has hit the mark for workout clothes/athleisure wear.

If you aren’t sure what to purchase, or are new to the workout scene, Outdoor Voices has a great starter package to help with your shopping decisions. Get a bundled outfit and a free tote to go with! Like OV says, their clothes are “Essentials for Recreation. Nothing more, nothing less.”

I also love that this is a brand I can feel comfortable wearing outside of the gym. With just an added jacket, being ready for errands and meetings after the gym isn’t near as stressful. And most of all, I love how it makes me want to work out again!

Workout Options

Workout Store

Putting on a pair of OV pants with one of their comfy tops is the perfect motivator to get my booty out the door. When busy gets you down and frustrations are at an all-time high, remember just what a healthy life can do to for you.

Find more from Outdoor Voices on their site: www.outdoorvoices.com or head over to their beautiful store for an in-person look!

 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

A Touch Of Leopard

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From shoes to shirts, and all that is in between… When it comes to leopard, I simply can’t get enough! As a stylist we all tend to lean towards a signature trend, mine just happens to be the newest form of neutral. Leopard is the perfect addition to a simple outfit, and a great way to add a little something extra to your wardrobe.

 

Leopard Shoes

 

Let’s kick off our animal print look from the bottom up. Heels are the perfect touch of tan and black spots. Kitten heels are great when paired with distressed jeans and a tee. You can also switch it up with a great leopard wedge. I love Toms tie up option, and they are comfortable for days full of walking or shopping!

 

Leopard Purse

 

Are you a little nervous to jump right in to a bold print? Starting with an accessory is the perfect way to dip your toe in the fashion pool! A smaller clutch looks amazing paired with a black color scheme, and keeps your outfit on point transitioning from season to season. You can also replicate this look in a bracelet or small scarf. Tie it tight around your neck and you’ve got this Springs latest accessory trend taken care of.

 

Leopard Dress

 

And for those of you looking to take my favorite color (dare I say it is a color) to the next level, dress it up! A literal dress, or top, is a fabulous way to add leopard into your wardrobe. This off-colored dress is a great way to neutralize a bold print, but keep the effect of its fun feeling. Paired with a leather jacket or cardigan during the spring months, also helps lower the impact. Then, for the moments when you feel like being bold, pull off your outer layer and let your leopard shine!!

 

 

Fashionably Yours,

 

Jen Young

Nude Heel How To

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Nude Heel

 

Hello ladies…and Hello it’s almost Spring.

 

Let me make your mid-week blues a little more nude… From date night to wedding date, nude heels are a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. But finding a pair that isn’t sky high or too intense to stand on is always tricky.

 

Here are my tips on how to do it right, for day or for night.

 

Nude Pump

A casual heel is a first thought when it comes to this season’s bell bottom trend but I always seem to come up short when looking for one that is a good height and not killer on my toes. For this I always suggest looking for a great platform. The thicker the base the easier a shoe is for support. For us shorter girls, having those extra inches only means our bell bottoms can be bigger, making our legs look long like the models!

 

Nude Classic

What better way to do a professional nude heel than to look at JCrew? This entire outfit is made up of their classic, and statement pieces, and if you ask me it’s perfection! Pair a colorful pencil skirt with a rolled-sleeve shirt, add a statement necklace, and the perfect suede heel for a polished look. This shoe is a great heel height, and though simple, makes an impact when you walk in the room.

 

Nude Evening

And when it comes to stepping your style up a notch, I like to think of adding a little something to your simple heel. Try a shine finish or a buckle detail! Do something out of the ordinary with your nude heel. It makes a little black dress look as if it came right off the runway, and brings your outfit to a whole new level of chic.

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Style Tip Of The Month: Athleisure Wear

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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

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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

 

Fabulous Family Heirlooms

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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

5 Ways to Style a Scarf

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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

 

What’s in my Pool Bag?!

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BAG // SUNSCREEN // TOWEL // FLIP FLOPS // FLAMINGO // WATER BOTTLE // EVIAN // HAIR SPRAY // LIP BALM // FACE SUNSCREEN // SUNGLASSES // BANGLES // HAT // TUMBLER // COVERUP

Hey Y’all!

Summer has officially arrived and given the Texas heat I have been lounging by the pool just about everyday to cool off. There is nothing better than bagging some rays {Did I just say that–I am totally dating myself?} with a good read to relax and unwind.

My “fun in the sun” tote always includes a colorful towel, stylish shades, and my favorite sunscreen. My go-to spots for the best swimwear can be found at Nordstroms and Everything But Water. Don’t forget your woven hat that provides a stylish way to protect you from harmful sun rays but also to perfectly disguise a bad hair day from sweat and being wet!

For all the stylish moms out there, I know going to the pool or beach can be such a hassle especially if you have kids so hopefully my list of pool bag essentials will inspire you to plan ahead and feel more equipped for your next outing.

What is in your pool bag? We would love to hear from you.

Check out even more great poolside grabs down below!

 

Styled and Smiling,

jen young

 

How Best to Dress a Carrot Shaped Body

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Screen Shot 2016-06-02 at 3.50.44 PM

Get excited! The last body type we will be discussing in our body type series is the Carrot Shape. Check out the previous tips for styling a Pear, Apple, String Bean, and Peanut.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A CARROT BODY TYPE: A carrot body type is also referred to as an inverted triangle. You have a proportionally larger upper body including broad shoulders, an ample bust, and a wide back. Your hips are slim and your bottom may have a tendency towards the flat side. Your waist is subtle and you have a tendency to gain weight in your belly and upper body. Your beautiful, shapely legs are your best asset.

Thinking this frame isn’t yours? Explore each of the other body types here: Pear, Apple, String Bean, and Peanut.

Carrot Body Type-4

 

 

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWLEVE // THIRTEEN

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS AND PANTS: You are one of the lucky ones because you have a really wide choice of pants and jeans that look absolutely great on you! Go for any style that will accentuate your hips and bottom such as pockets and embellishments. The best styles for you are baggy pants, combat, wide leg and palazzo! Colorful and bright pants and jeans will look great, as will patterns and bold prints. Choose pants that will enhance your lower body and help balance your upper body. Boot cut or slightly flared trousers cut jeans are most attractive. Whiskering at the hips and flap packets will add curves to your lower half. AVOID: Skinny jeans and fitted pants that will accentuate the disproportion of the bottom part with the upper body. If you really like to wear tight pants, prefer instead straight legs or cigarette styles.
  2. SKIRTS AND DRESSES: A-line, tulip style and full circle skirts and dresses fill out your slight hips while balancing your upper body. Look for details around the hips {such as panels, ruffles, & pleats} or bright bold colors and prints to further enhance the effect. Pencil skirts are best if they drop straight from the waist instead of coming in towards the knee. You have great legs so feel free to play with length.
  3. TOPS: Flowey, drapey and light fabrics. Go for halter necks that will look absolutely great also to show off your gorgeous cleavage. If on the other hand your chest is quite small and you have a longer neck, choose higher necklines such as turtle, polo and mandarin necks.  The trick is to not button it up to the top but leave a couple of buttons open. Look for tops that accentuate your waist and help balance your bust with your hips. Narrow V-necks that nip in the waist and slightly flare at the hip are flattering for you. Wrap style tops with a deep V-neck and that are also flared slightly will add curves to your hips. Wear deep shawl collared or lightly coweled tops, especially in dark colors with a light shell underneath. Look for shirts with vertical details on the upper body. AVOID: Stay away from stiff materials that will hide your silhouette unless they are super tailored and have a bit of a stretch. Avoid necklines that will make your shoulders look broader such as boat necks. Steer away from small spaghetti strapped tops that will tend to make your shoulders look wider and other details such as puffy sleeves, shoulder pads and anything oversized and shapeless.
  4. JACKETS/ OUTERWEAR: Jackets with deep V-necklines that cinch the waist and flare at the bottom {peplum.} Go for those that are quite constructed and shaped with angular lines as well and look for details such as pockets and embellishments in the lower part.
  5. FOOTWEAR: Opt for curvier and rounded options like ballerina flats and pumps. Your choices are varied for your shape, but if you are really thin, stay away from really high heels as you will look like a “bean” pole and a bit awkward. You can wear ankle straps and also over the knee boots as well and ankle booties especially if they are larger that your ankle adding movement to your figure.
  6. ACCESSORIES: Opt instead for long pendant necklaces that will create a focus in the center of the body. Go for colorful, big, bulky and detailed handbags and avoid clutches. AVOID: Colorful scarves, statement necklaces and chokers that will attract the attention on your upper part and the shoulders’ area. Or choose daintier statement necklaces as an alternative.
  7. SWIMWEAR: Simple, solid color, halter style tops are a good choice for you. Dark, triangle tops can be good as well as long as you choose one with adequate coverage and support. Look for styles with wider straps. Bottoms that cut straight across your hips with side ties with look great with simple tops. Look for one piece suits with cut-out sides, hip details and deep V-necks. AVOID: Patterned tops with solid bottoms.

Hope you enjoyed learning all the body types; have a fun and stylish Monday!

jen young