April Style Challenge - Week 4

This was the final week of the April Style Confessions challenge hosted by Sequins & Style and That's So Crystal.  Initially, I was not sure if I could be creative enough to style an outfit for each days theme and was going to take it one day at a time.  I was surprised that this challenge actually made it easier to get dressed. Knowing what the theme was ahead of time allowed me to plan out my outfits in advance.  Never once was I staring at my clothes wondering what to wear or thinking I had nothing to wear.   

She's My Uptown Girly Girl
It was nice enough this week to take photo's outside and since the Hubs was home, I designated him my new photographer.  I have to say, these look way better than when I take pictures with the timer on my camera!

Top: Anthropologie

Jeans: Rich and Skinny/Nieman Marcus

Necklace: Charming Charlies

Booties: Vaneli

Girls Night - Dinner and a Movie Review

My friend Liz recently hosted a girls night to have dinner and watch a vintage movie. I absolutely love old movies, especially Alfred Hitchcock, so I was excited that her pic was "To Catch a Thief" with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant.  

To Catch a Thief is set in the French Riviera and is about a notorious but retired cat burglar, John Robie (Cary Grant) who has to save his reputation by catching a new cat burglar who is stealing jewels from wealthy tourists. When the police think John is the burglar, he meets up with his old gang to come up with a plan to catch the cat burglar in the act and clear his name.  He acquires a list of tourists on the Riviera who have the most expensive jewels and makes acquaintance with Jesse Stevens and her daughter Francie Stevens (Grace Kelly) who stars as his romantic interest. 

April Style Challenge - Week 3

Wrapping up week 3 of the April Style Confessions Challenge that is being hosted by Sequins & Style and That's So Crystal. So far I have honored my commitment of not purchasing anything new. I have not had the desire to shop and have been having fun creating outfits by shopping my own closet. I continue to be surprised at the different ways I can style an outfit using the daily theme from the challenge. 

Monogram Monday
It went from 70 degrees on Sunday to about 35 degrees and snow on Monday.  I wanted to be warm and comfortable so I wore my initial sweater with leggings.  It's April, so I am banning winter boots until at least November but it gave me another chance to wear my Hunter wellies.

Sweater:  Old Navy

Top: Nordstrom/Similar

Leggings:Hue - Nordstrom

Boots:Hunter - Piperlime

April Style Challenge Week 2

I made it through week 2 of the April Style Confessions Challenge that is being hosted by Sequins & Style and That's So Crystal.  My personal challenge is to do this without buying anything new.  My clothing budget is minimal so my goal is to style all of the outfits with items already in my closet.  

Dupe of a Deal

I'll let you in on a secret.  Years ago I was making a purchase at Banana Republic and applied for their credit card. The card is actually a Visa and you earn $1 reward for every $1 spent.  Sometimes there are double and triple point promotions.  We charge our groceries, gas, etc. and pay the bill every month.  Almost every month I earn a $10 - $30 reward that can be used at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Piperlime.  The outfit below cost me less than $15 by using rewards and promotion codes (yes, including the Hunter boots!).

Shirt:  Old Navy

Tank: Old Navy

Pants: Similar

Bracelets: Stella & Dot Tiffany

Boots:Piperlime

April Style Challenge

I frequently see style challenges on Instagram and thought it would be fun to see if I could be creative enough to put together outfits to fit a daily theme.  I joined the April Style Confessions Challenge that is being hosted by Sequins and Style and Thats so Crystal.

Day 1 Pretty in Pastels

Off to a good start.  Wearing this bicycle tee reminds me of spring even though it's still cold out.

Sweater:  Target/Similar

Shirt:  Gap Target/Similar

Tank:  Old Navy

Jeans:  AG Stevie - Anthropologie

Necklace:  Red Envelope/Similar

Shoes:  Tom's - Nordstrom

Smoothies

I am a smoothie junkie and usually have one every day after I workout.  They are packed with nutrients and keep me feeling full until lunchtime.  I have always loved fruits more than veggies and adding kale or spinach to my smoothie is a great way for me to get my greens.  I always add greek yogurt and sometimes whey protein. I thought I would share some of my favorite smoothie recipes with you.  These are not great pictures - just quick snaps with my phone.

Pom-Berry

In your blender combine:

4 ounces pomegranate juice

1 scoop whey protein

1/2 cup greek yogurt

1 cup blueberries

1 cup spinach

1/2 banana

4 - 6 ice cubes

April Pin-spired

It's the beginning of the month and I'm joining The Larson Lingo, Pinterest Told Me To and Mix and Match Mama for their monthly Pin-spired challenge.  I love Pinterest!  I find the best inspiration for outfits on this site and it helps me create new outfits with my existing wardrobe.  

Last month I recreated four looks I loved on Pinterest with things I already had in my closet.  I was hoping to wear more spring outfits this month but the crazy Chicago weather did not cooperate and there were only a few springy days.