New Post Coming!

Hi Friends,

There is new post coming tomorrow (hopefully) about flattering and stylish ways to wear active wear. I wrote the whole thing tonight and sadly, it didn't save. So, tomorrow I will rewrite it and hopefully it will not disappear on me again!

Thanks,

Ellie

Style Overhaul

I'm not sure if anyone has hung around while I took a much longer hiatus than I had originally planned, but if you did, hi! Most of the reason for my longer-than-planned hiatus was due to the fact that adjusting to life with a child, 2 jobs, a house to take care of, and a husband to hang out with was a little bit more all consuming than I had thought. The other reason is that with pregnancy came way more weight gain than I ever thought would happen. I honestly didn't know what to say about clothes any more because I felt like all of my ability to dress myself well went out the window with my post baby body. I had no idea what to do with myself. Eighteen months and 35 (almost 40) lbs later I feel like I'm getting my groove back style wise and I've been missing this blog more than I ever thought I would.

Dressing a body that doesn't feel like yours is very difficult. The weight isn't really the issue at all. If you don't feel like you at the size you are than finding your style is incredibly difficult. The stuff you used to love doesn't quite look right anymore, and buying clothes when you are working on losing baby weight (or any weight) is not something you generally feel like doing. However, through it all I've learned some lessons about great style.

The main thing I learned is that your size has nothing to do with great style. If you feel great, you will dress yourself well, and if you dress yourself well you will feel great. It doesn't matter what size you are, it matters how you feel in your clothes. The confidence you get from feeling unstoppable because of a great outfit is priceless (even though the great outfit probably wasn't).

The other thing I learned is that I need to purge my wardrobe. The first step is to just get rid of everything I don't feel great in, anything that doesn't fit, anything with holes or tears (even the most comfy shirt or sweats you've ever owned), anything I have too many duplicates of, and anything I haven't worn in the past 30 days (this specific rule doesn't apply to dresses that are meant for more special occasions... however I would keep those to a minimum. Only 1 or 2 special occasion dresses, just go for the classics!). This step has taken awhile and I am still working through it. I have already filled about 5 or 6 trash bags with clothes to donate and I'm pretty sure I am not done.

This purging of my closet will be leading to my own version of a project that my sister started a few years ago called 20 Pieces. My sister and her friend Julie pared their closets down to 20 pieces of clothing... Total. Yikes! My version will be 50 pieces of clothing... 50 felt more doable for me. Over the next 6 months I will continue to purge my closet and work on collecting classic pieces that are higher quality and are more versatile. When I get my closet worked out I will live for a year only shopping to replace if necessary. That part is going to be incredibly hard for me. I LOVE shopping.

Anyone feel like joining me on this journey to simplify your style and your life? During this I will talk about ideas to change up outfits that could otherwise get mundane with accessories and different styling options. Did I mention that i'm not counting my accessories in the 50? There is no way I could do that. I need my accessories... I need them. However, they do count in the no new purchases unless they need to be replaced rule.

Hope you guys join me again over here at Southern Creative! Once again, I apologize for the extra long disappearance... I will try very hard not to do that to you again. I promise.

New Posts Coming!!

Hey Y'all! 

Just wanted to let you know that things will be a little slow around here for the next few days. Working on some new posts now, but they are going slowly. I haven't disappeared again though! So far no one has played along with my last post... come on! 

Not abandoning you again,

Ellie

It's Your Turn

Awhile back I did a post where I had you pick what accessories you would pair with a certain outfit. For that post I only gave you the options of picking the shoes or the jewelry. Well, we're doing a new version of that today! This time it's your turn to put together the outfit. There are no wrong answers because everything on there somewhat works together so it's really based on your preferences. I want to see your own unique style shine through.

I picked a pair of red skinny jeans and now your job is to pick one item from each of the three columns to put together an outfit. Basically, pick your shirt, a pair of shoes, and what bag you would pair with the outfit. Don't think about anyone else's style. Just yours. What are you drawn to? If you're not the type of person who would wear red jeans then still have fun with it! I love colored jeans right now and can't wait to get a few pairs when the weather cools off and I can wear pants again.

So, have at it! You're the stylist for this post!


 

Tell me what you chose in the comments, I really want to know!

Trending Part 2

It may be two days after my first post on trending in some parts of the country, but in California it is still only a day later so I still kept my promise to get part 2 up!

1). Leopard Print Scarves: I saw this on the top 10 trending list and I thought "well, yeah!" I love leopard print in general, but leopard print scarves are just plain fun. The best part about them is that you can wear a super simple outfit and then put on a leopard print scarf and ta-dah! you're all glam'd up!
Behold:

This outfit on it's own is fine, but not super exciting. The scarf just adds a touch of glamour and print that spices up an otherwise ordinary outfit. That's the glory of leopard print. Just remember to use it sparingly. One piece of leopard print in an outfit is really all you need.  Wear to much of it and you'll look like Janice from Friends... Nobody wants that. 

2). Floppy Hats: This trend will make my sister very happy. To this trend I say, if you can pull it off, then rock it. Seriously. Not everyone can pull this look off, but if you're lucky enough to be able to do it than embrace that ability. 

Photo Credit: Nordstrom.com

Most of the time floppy, wide brimmed hats like this tend to be more of a spring/summer staple but you can do a fall/winter version of this as well. Look for felt and darker colors (or white). Generally stay away from straw if it's after summer. Also, watch the brim size or you'll look like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84eB2mHUBdU

3). Floral Dresses:  This is another trend that I feel neither love nor hate towards. Floral has its place for sure and it's great if the clothing fits you well and it's appropriate for the occasion. Here is a great way to wear floral:

Photo Credit: http://ragstostitchesblog.com

I LOVE this dress. The stripes at the bottom are my favorite. Floral can overwhelm but the stripes add texture and fun. Love the belt too. 

Here's how NOT to do floral:

Photo Credit: www.sheknows.com 

This is just bad. Way to much of a pattern and especially such a strong pattern. Also, one part is black underneath and the other is not... weird. 

So, as long as the floral pattern is not to intense and and you use it sparingly it's a good thing overall.

4). Army Jackets: This is another absolute love. I love army green and I love the casual aspect of these jackets. There are a ton of different styles that are still considered under the army jacket category so you can find the right one for you. The true army jacket style is really the best on guys, but you can wear more feminine styles of an otherwise masculine look. I have my eye on an anorak style army green jacket that I can't wait to get. Here is a great army jacket style for women.

Photo Credit: www.nordstrom.com

This look is casual but stylish. I love the dark jeans and the stripes with the simple jewelry. It's effortless but looks put together. It's also a great jacket when the weather is cool but not freezing. This is easy enough right?

5). Hidden Platforms: Just when you were thinking "this post is so mellow and calm and she seems to like everything..." we get to hidden platforms. I think I may dislike this trend more than any other. These shoes are hideous. Hideous I tell you! The platforms aren't hidden, they just look weird. Observe:

Photo Credit: www.hautelook.com

Can anyone else see the platform? Why do you need to wear sneakers that look like this first of all? I don't know about all of you but I'm looking forward to a swift end for this trend. 

There are some hidden platforms that are just fine because they aren't in sneaker form. A lot of pumps have a hidden platform in the toe which is a great thing because it brings the ball of your foot up a little higher so there isn't just a harsh angle on your foot. Embrace those hidden platforms (since they aren't really that hidden) and shun the sneaker form.

So, go forth and enjoy these trends (except for the last one!)! Most of them are just fine as long as they are done properly and they fit your unique body type well. Also, if you don't like a trend... don't wear it! If you don't like it, you won't wear it with confidence and it's not worth it. Trends are all well and good, but if you don't feel comfortable with it then it isn't for you.

Trending Part 1 *Warning: this is long!*

Today we're talking trends. The good, the bad, and the "what the what?!". I pulled these top ten trends off of Polyvore and from what I'm seeing in magazines and online they seem to be pretty accurate. We'll tackle five today and the other five tomorrow. Trends can be dangerous. You need to approach super trendy items the same way you should approach anything you wear. You have got to seriously ask yourself if it actually looks good on you, and if it doesn't, then put it down and walk away. Just because something is trendy doesn't mean it's universally flattering.

1). Marled Sweaters: I wasn't totally sure what the word "Marled" meant. I was pretty sure I knew just from looking at the sweaters themselves, but I wanted to make sure I was correct so I looked it up.

"The word marled means mixed colors or, often, slightly different shades of the same color. Specifically, marled fibers are fibers of different colors that are twisted together to produce an unusual look."

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/info_10019858_marled-cotton.html#ixzz2cYNIRvHj

This is a trend that I love. For the most part. Here's the rule though. The sweater itself still needs to be flattering. Just because it is trendy doesn't mean it's flattering. Recite that to yourself over and over as you go into the stores. Here's one of my favorite looks for this trend.

I love this sweater. I love the asymmetric hem and the different texture in the sleeves. This sweater gives that comfy oversize feel without actually adding bulk because it's got narrow sleeves and a thinner fiber. Just ignore her face because you would be much happier than she is in that sweater. 

Another great thing about this trend is that it has to do more with the fibers and the knit not the style so you can find a sweater in the right fit for you and still be on trend here. The thing to avoid with this trend is too big of a fiber. It can leave you looking like you stole your grandpa's sweaters... especially if your grandpa is Bill Cosby. Oversized is comfortable and can look cute, but don't over do it. 

2). Black Leather Skirts: This trend has been around FOREVER, and it can go quickly from classy like nobody's business to trashy as all get out. I'm not going to lie, I've always wanted a black leather pencil skirt. Those are gorgeous when done right! The key to black leather is length and quality. If it's short, tight, and looks like pleather than you look like... well.. you know.

Top Left: A-line skater skirt. I love this style in leather. Its cute factor makes it less edgy but still a little hardcore. I love it with the neon and softer hair and accessories too. It would also look adorable with tights and boots. If you don't have legs like hers, black tights will do wonders! It's amazing how thin and shapely your legs can look when you wear the right pair of black tights. 

Top Right: This is one great way to do the leather pencil skirt. Especially because it isn't skin tight. It makes it classier without being too oversized. Also, you really can't go wrong with a black well-fitting pencil skirt (leather or not) and a perfectly fitted black sweater. It's pure class. Her accessories give her a little edge, but not too much. This would also look great with tall black boots or pumps. You could even go crazy and pick a colored pump if you felt like it. Live a little! Have fun! 

Bottom: This is a good way to do a leather mini skirt. Notice how it's not stuck to her like spandex and doesn't look like plastic? It's got give and movement to it even though it's shorter. Once again, if you don't think you have the legs to pull it off, grab a pair of black tights and go forth and rock the leather skirt. The shoes she's wearing are VERY tricky to pull of. Especially with a short skirt like that. It could totally truncate your legs if you don't have the perfect ankles and thighs for this. Once again... black tights will save the day. Or pair it with (non slutty looking) black boots. You could also choose a pump that doesn't have an ankle strap, this will help to elongate your legs. 

Number one rule with leather: keep it classy y'all.

3). Tie-dye Denim: There are so many facets to this tie-dye denim trend, and to be honest I don't really care about it. It's not necessarily good or bad, it just is. Basically what I would say is the same with any other trend... make sure it fits you well! Nothing will look good on you if it doesn't fit and flatter well. For example:

These pants aren't necessarily bad, they're just not very flattering... Can you tell how little I care about this trend? Seriously, if you like it go for it... just make sure the pants fit well and you wear it with something that works better than what this girl chose. For example:

These pants are a much more flattering fit and her accessories work better with them. I also am much more interested in the color than in the first photo. I will tell you that I don't like the shirt she's wearing... it's also tie-dye denim and it's just over kill. It would have been much better with a plain denim shirt or a white chiffon flowy tank. 

So where do I land on this trend? Do it if you want, just do it well!

4). Asymmetrical Jackets: This is a trend I LOVE! Always have, always will. It just brings an interesting element to your clothes and a little bit of a rockstar edge. It's a really hard trend to do wrong and it's a really fun addition to a simple and classic outfit. The collar could be asymmetric or the hem could be or both!

See how simple this outfit is? When you have a few really fun pieces like this top and classic pieces like good black skinny (or straight legged) jeans it really requires no accessories. This top makes a statement so you don't need much of anything else. You could wear a simple bracelet if you wanted to, but I would keep it very simple. 

I'm in love with asymmetric leather jackets. I think everyone should own one. They are so fun and pretty and just make life better. This is a jacket that can be part of your actual outfit for that day not just something to keep you warm while you get where you need to go. It's gorgeous and simple with some edge thanks to that zipper (and the fact that it's leather). Pair this with some great dark jeans (or black!), any top that won't be too bulky under the jacket, and some boots and you're set. Once again, very little accessories needed. A big chunky scarf would look awesome with this jacket too if it's cold enough. Fun right?

Bored of your normal trench coat? Well say hello to this one. It's incredibly simple but the asymmetric hem adds a touch of interesting to an otherwise potentially boring jacket. Also, I love the hood. Hoods are my friends. 

5). Aviator Sunglasses: If you've read this blog at all you know my answer to this one. I LOVE AVIATORS!!! WEAR THEM!!! Seriously, aviators are good. I like them.  This is another trend that is very difficult to mess up. Just pay attention to your facial structure and pick your aviators accordingly. Like any pair of sunglasses, aviators come in slightly different shapes and sizes so you do have options.  There are literally a million different types of aviators you could look at, so pick what you like and what fits your face well.

My Little Secret

I really love makeup but I really hate spending $15+ dollars on it. That is mostly because I would rather buy a pair of boots or a new top and just buy the cheaper makeup. However, cheaper can be risky.

I saw E.L.F. makeup at Target and thought to myself "There is NO way that stuff isn't crap"... well it turns out I was wrong. I know a lot of people who like to buy super high quality make up and don't mind spending the money on it will probably have lots of reasons why I shouldn't use this brand or why it's so lame that I would buy that brand, but I don't really care because I like it and it's dirt cheap y'all.

So, if you are anything like me and have a hard time shelling out big bucks for make up then listen up because you will love me forever for this. I will say that I do spend a little bit more money on foundation or tinted moisturizers because I can have sensitive skin and cheap foundation can wreak havoc with my skin sometimes. I buy my foundation and tinted moisturizers at Sephora and just stick with the Sephora brand because it's cheaper but still works really well.

I haven't tried everything they have, and I probably won't try everything they have, but here's what I have tried and loved. The best part about this cosmetic line is that you can buy some new makeup just for fun and not feel bad if you don't end up using it very often.



1). This is my newest find and I love it. It's a lip exfoliator that smells like vanilla and really works. I use it at least once a day and my lips have shown huge improvement. My lips get really dry and this helps get rid of the dead skin so that my chap stick actually gets through. Also, it is $3. Yay!

2). I bought this one awhile ago and I don't use it all the time, but it's really nice to have with you when your make up needs a little pick me up towards the end of the day. It's got some shimmer to it so be careful how much you use it and where you use it. I put it on my cheeks and it makes them all nice and glow-y looking. This is only $1. Yep.

3). This is the first product I bought from E.L.F and I really liked it. This is an eyebrow pallet that doesn't make your eyebrows look heavy and too dark after it's put on. This is also $3.

So, there you go. My little secret. Now, go! Enjoy!

Is It Fall Yet?

I don't think it's any surprise to those of you who have been reading my blog since the beginning that I love Fall. I love pumpkin, I love boots, I love not being hot when wearing clothes, I love sweaters, I love scarves, and I love dresses with tights... just to name a few things about Fall that I love. Sadly, I live in Southern California which is basically code for "no fall for you!" It's sad, and something I whine about every single year about this time. My husband is from western North Carolina and so now not only do I have to live with the fact that I don't really get Fall, but I have to put up with hearing about how gorgeous it is and how the leaves are turning gorgeous shades of red and yellow and the weather is changing and it's crisp and cool and blah blah blah... Also it means that my poor husband has to put up with Southern California's lack of a Fall after spending his whole life in North Carolina and Virginia before moving out here. At least I don't really know what I'm missing!

I have hope this year once again that we will have Fall. I am NOT giving up. I will never give up. Here's my reasoning: For starters, usually around this time of year it is over 100 degrees outside consistently. This year, it is not. It was early on in June and July, but that was about it. I have decided that this means that Southern California has decided to not torture us all with a 6 month summer, but let us gradually slip into that most glorious of seasons in September like most of the country does. I know, I know you all think I'm crazy but I will not give up hope! I am hopeful that by the time my daughter comes in September that we will no longer have 80 degree days and we will start to see the leaves and the air changing. Is this starting to sound like an "I Have a Dream" speech? I'm telling you, I really love Fall!

So, now that you know how deeply passionate I am about Fall, you can also understand how deeply passionate I am about Fall clothing. It really is just the best. Most the time it doesn't require big heavy coats that are annoying when you are going in and out of stores running errands, and usually it means apple pie... oh wait, that doesn't have to do with clothing... but still, I feel it's important. I've put together a little teaser to make you all want Fall weather as badly as I do.




How gorgeous and easy is this? Anyone can put this look together as long as you have classic pieces. I know those tights might be a little too funky for some people's taste, so if you prefer just simple black tights then go for it! I just thought they were fun and added a little unique detail to the outfit. If you are still under the belief that black and brown don't go together, then you are just wrong and should move past that belief and embrace the fact that black and brown (especially black and paler tones of brown) are glorious together and super classy.

When working with simple and classic pieces you can throw in little bits of personality if you want. I put in the leopard belt because I love leopard print and I love how the belt is still muted and not overwhelming, but adds a bit of fun detail. You could totally use a brown belt or not wear a belt at all depending on the style of black dress you have.

Note on dress length: If you are 50 and over it's probably best to keep the dress knee length. If you are wearing heeled boots with it you could even go just below your knee (not with flat boots though!). It also depends on the height of your boot. You don't want the top of the boot shaft and the hem of your dress to meet in this situation.

If you are under 50 and comfortable with it you could go mid thigh to knee length on your dress. Just use your best judgement on what is too short and too tight (that goes for all of you!!). This outfit could go from classy to trampy pretty quickly if you wear a dress that is too tight or too short (or worse, both!).

So, in closing... Keep it classy Southern Creative readers, keep it classy.

Be honest, how many of you wish it was cool enough to wear this outfit now?

Would Somebody Please Just Hug Miley Cyrus...

Well, I'm pretty sure I already failed on my promise to you to try and write 3 times a week... yes. I definitely failed on that.

Today I am making a public service announcement. PANTS ARE NECESSARY PEOPLE! Please please please do not attempt to follow in the footsteps of a certain starlet on the verge of a breakdown (*cough**cough* Miley Cyrus).

The pantsless-ness must stop. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAKE IT STOP! Maybe she suffered some sort of brain injury that makes her think that she's Pink now, not Miley Cyrus... yes, maybe that's it. I don't know when diaper-like fuzzy "shorts" became an acceptable alternative to pants but she doesn't stop there. It just keeps getting worse. WARNING: these pictures are frightening.

The first time I saw her in her new ever pantsless state was on the Today Show or Good Morning America or something like that. She was wearing the white fuzzy diaper dealy with thigh high black stiletto boots... Thigh high boots are also NOT PANTS. This other version of her pantsless performance wear has dropped the pretense of wearing shorts that are really not shorts and has gone full on underwear with thigh high boots and a weird jacket. I don't understand. Can someone help me?

There are endless pictures of her pantslessness which allowed me to discover that this problem began before she shaved her hair all off and decided she was no longer going to be "wholesome" because that's just not her anymore. I thought it came after the hair... I guess you ditch your pants first and then do your hair to match your now "edgier" look.

I've never been a Miley fan because I've never seen any real talent come out of her, but what is really bothering me now is that this girl is on the edge of a break down and nobody seems to care. They all praise her for her "transformation" and "being true to herself" but nobody has sat down and said "Sweetheart, do you need a hug?" Have you listened to her latest song? If you haven't, don't. It's incredibly sad to see her new self and watch her try desperately to convince herself and the world that she's ok. Sadly, these are some of her less scandalous and borderline porn star looks she's worn over the past year.

Miley, if you can't bring yourself to put pants on in the morning it's ok... we've all been there. However, it would probably be best to muster the strength to do so before you perform on national television. Just sayin'.

I bring all this to your attention to remind everyone that pants are not optional (unless of course your nether regions are covered by a dress or skirt... and I mean actually covered!). Do you hear me? NOT OPTIONAL!

You're Still Here?

I can't believe any of you are still here! Thanks for stopping by even when I fail to write for 4 months. Seriously. Thank you!

I've made it one of my goals to write 4 days a week until the baby comes, and then we'll see what I can muster. So, with that said, what do you want to know? We haven't done a Q&A in awhile, so I thought that help to give me some ideas since right now clothes are my arch nemesis. Let's just say being just about 8 months pregnant in the California heat of July is not making me a happy camper. It's only going to get worse around these parts so I'm just trying to find some clothes that fit me and don't make me feel claustrophobic. I have an idea! To all of my readers who have been pregnant during the summer, what did you wear? I would be especially interested to hear what you wore if you carried your baby really low like I am. I'd love to hear what you wore and what you did to survive summer!

I have never been an every day dress wearer, so it's hard for me that the things that seem to work the best are dresses. I miss pants. I really do. We will have a sweet sweet reunion after the heat subsides a bit and this super active little munchkin is finally here.

So, ask lots of questions and if you've been pregnant in the summer tell me how you survived! We'll get this train rolling again, I promise!