Boutique Week - Dinosaur Stew

January 30, 2015

Happy Friday, friends! Hope you are able to relax and do something enjoyable in new couple of days!

Today as a conclusion to Boutique Week, I wanted to feature a graphic arts “boutique”. This boutique to speak of is Dinosaur Stew, a graphic and web design business. I had a great experience and wanted to share it with you. So here’s how it all went down…

As the New Year rolled around, I knew I wanted to revamp the theme of my blog as well as try some new things {like Create28} that I had been ruminating on for a while. I wanted something new for a theme but I wasn’t exactly sure what that would be or look like. As I would read other blogs I would follow links at the bottom of pages and discover graphic designers and explore possible theme options. I was definitely ready for a change but what? And I wanted it done yesterday of course but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted. My problem rests in that I don’t really know what I want or don’t want specifically until I see it. Yep, I’m a visual girl and it all becomes clear to me when I see it in pictures so to speak. I needed help in the venture.

Then while I was perusing around I stumbled upon Dinosaur Stew. I browsed the site and headed over their Etsy Store to explore a little more. As I scrolled through and previewed some themes, I came upon two that definitely liked a lot.

At that point, I decided to contact them and investigate my options. Ashley responded with great answers to my questions and was extremely helpful. She created some preliminary graphics and I decided on a premade theme. Guess what? Even though I was indecisive she still helped me through it and got the job done. Quickly!

Previously, I had installed my own themes but I didn’t want to do that again. Thankfully, Dinosaur Stew will install your theme as well. They will help you on so many levels for themes and graphics. Working with Ashley was a breeze – she’s great ya’ll. Pricing is incredibly reasonable too. Incredibly. Reasonable!

I decided to post about Dinosaur Stew and the great experience I had with them because I really love small businesses and want them to succeed. I want to be a voice for spreading the word when I’ve had a great experience. Also, I wanted to give others the opportunity to check them out for any graphic needs. Honestly, I was looking for some feedback about graphic and web designers when I was making my decision but I didn’t find any posts with that information. I thought I would just pay it forward and help the next blogger find some help with themes and graphics.

Click here to visit Dinosaur Stew’s website. Click here for the Etsy Shop.

Hope y’all check it out!

Remember tomorrow is the first post for Create28. I know tomorrow is January 31st but each post will include a prompt for an outfit idea so I’ll post a day early in case you are struggling to create something new. Hopefully, it will be helpful.

Boutique Week ~ Chaos NY

January 27, 2015

I was recently contacted by a lovely lady from Chaos NY. She reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in styling one of their pieces for a blog post. Once I headed to their site I realized I could most definitely find some items that I loved and would enjoy styling and posting for them. After all this is the year to add a few unique pieces to add interest to my wardrobe and their site is full of unique items. Today I’m styling one of their pieces.

Before the grand reveal I wanted to share a few things that makes Chaos NY stand out. This little boutique is located in Bronxville, NY. They carry a variety of clothing, jewelry and artisan pieces. Everything is very original, which I found truly exciting. There is a definite artsy feel when you peruse their site. My hubby and I live in a college town which is very artsy and eclectic. Chaos NY has a vibe that is similar to the place we call home.

As you know, I have recently taken a deep liking to boutiques. Chaos NY fits into one of the reasons I like smaller stores. They are personable and this shop definitely understands personal service. The ladies running the show seem very genuine too. Want to know how I know? Take a look at this package. IT was delivered wrapped in lovely tissue and a handwritten note. No matter how much I love technology, nothing resonates to me like personal attention.

Here’s the piece that I chose to style. It’s a great little tunic and as soon as I put it on, I loved it. Better yet, my hubby did too! I’m styling it a few different ways.

with leggings & tall boots

belted with leggings & tall boots

with leggings, leopard print & tall boots

with leggings, a windowpane blouse & tall boots

with a windowpane blouse, skinny jeans & leopard print wedges

with a windowpane blouse, skinny jeans & tall boots

This tunic is a great addition to my wardrobe {and it probably would be for yours too}. The moment I put it on, I knew it would become a favorite piece. Soft, comfy, flowing and easily styled as you can see. I love the detail on the sleeves and bottom which provides a visual interest of contrast to the main portion of the tunic. Ease and versatility…isn’t that something most of us are looking for when it comes to our clothing. I found this to be one of those pieces. Let me know if you have a favorite look - I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I’m also going to add this piece into the Create28 Lovely Looks series so you will see it styled again. Don’t forget that Create28 starts this Sunday {February 1st}. I’ll be posting each day during the entire month with a new look based on a prompt. Just in case you want to follow the prompts, I’ll post one day early for each look. The first post for Create28 Lovely Looks will be this Saturday, January 31st. Remember the hashtag for Instagram is #Create28BLovely. You can also post on my Facebook page A Lovely Little Wardrobe using the same hashtag. The first link up is Monday, February 9th with first week of looks. Can’t wait to get started ladies!

Linking up: The Pleated Poppy. Get Your Pretty On. Tucker Up. Shopping My Closet. The Mummy Chronicles. God Life Happy Wife. Mix and Match Fashion. Sincerely Jenna Marie. Living in Color. Happiness at Mid Life. Classy Yet Trendy. Penniless Socialite. Musings of a Housewife. Two Thirty Five Designs. Fashion Should Be Fun.
Rachel the Hat. Sweet Haute.

Boutique Week ~ West & Lou

January 26, 2015

Hello, friends and happy Monday. I hope you had a lovely weekend. Mine was spent in class Friday evening and all day Saturday. One more classroom session down and now it’s time to get to the assignments. It’s getting closer and I see graduation in the future {May}.

I knew this past weekend would be busy so the weekend before my hubby and I decided to take a little outing to a nearby city. It is one of those up and coming Texas cities which has a great little downtown area. I had a specific reason that I wanted to go to McKinney. Here’s why. Have you read the blog called Kendi Everyday? If not, you should start…like today! Not only does she have a great blog, but she has a little boutique sweetly named, West & Lou, in downtown McKinney. I totally wanted to check it out because I really love her style. Ironically, when I mentioned it to some friends that we were heading there on Saturday they were already familiar with the boutique and commented that it had some fantastic pieces.

After having some coffee and walking the square a little bit to check out the vibe of the area, we headed over to West & Lou. On the way there I mentioned to my hubby that I was hoping to find something unique to add to my wardrobe. I had some Christmas money and knew that this year I wanted to add a few pieces to my wardrobe which would be unique. This is really the area my wardrobe lacks - unique pieces.

I found four pieces to try on. Interestingly, the tank I had my heart set on didn’t look that great on me. Loved it but it didn’t meet the picture in my head {can you relate?}. I was a little disappointed but then…I tried on a little cropped black faux leather top which zipped down the back. I was in love. I then added a little black lace skirt for a hard and soft effect. Guess what? It was a match made perfectly for me and my hubby was like, “You have to get that outfit!”

Front of the Look

Back of the Look

Top

Skirt

There was one more piece that I still hadn’t tried on. It was a faux leather shift dress. The moment it went over my head and slid down my frame I knew I was in a quandary. I knew I was going to have to make a decision about what would go home with me and what would stay on the rack. I had Christmas money but not enough to cover all the pieces.

Then I walked out of the dressing room. Immediately, I received a rather enthusiastic affirmative from the hubby. Then I asked Kendi a little advice on ways to style this dress. {I already knew I wanted this for a Valentine’s Day date night}. She gave me some great input into multiples ways to put this little number to extended use.

Great little pockets on the front the dress.

My sweet hubby asked me what I was going to do. He knew I had a focus and mission and wasn’t willing to compromise. But then, he said I should get all the pieces and we would just pay for it. Keep your Christmas money, sweetheart is what he told me. Have I mentioned before that this is typical for my hubby? It is! He’s good to me in so many ways and this is just one example of how he shows his love for me.

Of course, I had to ask Kendi if I could take a picture with her. Of course, she said yes! Kendi and her husband were both friendly and gracious to us. My husband asked them about their POS system because he has a little side business and needs to track inventory. They spent some time giving him some input on their experiences. Love this! And really this is what I think makes a boutique special - spending time with customers. Relationships are high on my list of what is truly important in life. So, if you live close to McKinney, you should totally stop by but if not, I hope you check out West & Lou online. {You might even recognize another blogger when peruse the lovely pieces styled by Kendi - It’s Caitlin from Greater than Rubies}.

Honestly, friends, I hope you head over to West & Lou and check out her collections. Spring looks are posted and I’ve already fallen for a couple of pieces. Next time, I’ll try to spend my Christmas money because I’m hanging onto it until we make it back over to McKinney.

One more thing, friends. Remember Create28 starts February 1st here at ALLW. Hope you’ll be creating some lovely looks with me. These pieces will be styled in that series but today I just wanted to reveal the pieces by themselves.

Have a lovely day, friends!

Linking up with: Watch Out for the Woestmans. Not Dead Yet Style. Fashionably Employed. Still Being Molly. More Pieces of Me. On the Daily Express. Fizz and Frosting. Her Heartland Soul. Sweet Haute. Induffinitely Me. I do DeClaire. Bless Her Heart Y’all. Style Elixir. Rhea et Cetera. Mama and More. Musings of a Housewife. Fashion Should Be Fun. Two Thirty Five Designs. Rachel the Hat.

My Wish List

January 23, 2015

Happy Friday, friends! Today is a Style Me Bloggers Friday and the topic is my wish list. As I started to think about this my mind immediately went to the obvious - clothes. But I quickly remember the large array of options I have already and decided not to travel down that path. Honestly, I have been thinking about a few other things.

Although I really like style, I have learned that having style involves more that just pieces of clothing. It really is a complete look. Taking care of your physical and mental health weights into the overall appearance and attitude. There are a few little things that seem to matter as well. Those little things are on my wish list.

Although I’m not really a nail person I have come to the conclusion that it would be nice to wear some nail polish. It does polish off your look {no pun intended}. Since I’ve heard some great things about Sally Hansen Miracle Gel I’m going to jump in and try it.

When it comes to nails, I also think a great option is Jamberry. I have a couple of friends that sell them and I have tried them. I like them and will use them again. But at this moment, I just feel like painting my nails…I have no idea why but it just is what I’ve been feeling lately.

I haven’t found a skin care that I’m totally in love with these days. But I am interested in trying Philosophy. That is the next thing that is on my wish list. If any of you are using it or have in the past, I would love to hear your input!

The next product that is on my wish list is Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment. My hair continues to be drier than in my younger days {inset smiley face} and even more so in these winter months when the heat is on. I have used this in the past and love how my hair looks and feels as it restores moisture to my hair.

I am about at the end of my last bottle of hair spray so it is on my wish list {purchase list, actually}. My favorite is Sebastian Shaper Zero Gravity. I also like Sebastian Shaper too but Zero is just a little lighter.

That’s it! That’s the wish list but a few of those items will probably make it to the purchase list this weekend. Weekend!! Hope yours is relaxing and enjoyable. Have a great one, friends!

By the way, I am co-hosting with Linda at A Labour of Life. She’s got some great color to brighten up any dreary wintry day. Cobalt blue and yellow with some fantastic shoes and a fur baby to boot! Check her out and link up, friends!

[inlinkz_linkup id=488272 mode=1]

Create28 Lovely Looks

January 22, 2015

Hello, friends! The reveal is here. I’m so excited to host Create28 during the month of February. After spending the last year trying to learn my style and dress my body type I’m ready to spend some more time pushing myself to create new looks from my current closet. Create28 has been rolling around in my mind for a while. I knew I wanted to take some time and just play with the pieces in my closet and challenge myself to be my own little stylist.

Here’s the meat of the Create28 Lovely Looks:

First, you are the artist of your painting. You get to create your looks based on your clothing. I’m here to assist and guide you but I want you to create looks that fit you and your style. You are welcome to copy any of my looks {or not}. Total freedom here, friends.
Second, I’ll provide you with ideas and be available to answer any questions. I want you to be the driver and I’ll be your co-pilot or Driver Ed instructor. {smiley face}
Third, here’s the options and you can use any or all of them interchangeably.
- Choose 28 pieces and create 28 outfits (hopefully new ones)
- Create 28 outfits using as many pieces as you like from your closet
- Create a daily outfit from the spotlighted piece ~ I’ll post each day with the recommended piece for the next day’s outfit with a look already styled for you.
The link up for you to post your looks if you choose {please do} will be Mondays {February 9, 16, 23) with the final recap of all your looks or just your favorites on March 2.
You can also post selfies on my Facebook Page {A Lovely Little Wardrobe} or Instagram. Use the hashtag #Create28BLovely.
If you follow me on Pinterest or click on the widget in the sidebar you can more outfit ideas on boards I created for some of the prompts.

My hope is that we all create some great looks while learning about ourselves and our style. In the past I found it helpful to understand my fashion style and body type. Once I “got” those things, I began to understand why certain pieces didn’t look right on me or why I didn’t feel myself in certain outfits. If that sounds familiar then you might want to check out some links to help you in those areas.

For Fashion Style ~ click here or here
For Body Type ~ click here or here

Here’s a little sneak peek with one of the outfit prompts {monochromatic}. I chose navy instead of the traditional black on black. Yet this color can be a basis for many other looks by making a few little tweeks. Hopefully, this will be a jumping off point for you to create your own monochromatic look and several others from it.