Showing posts with label 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2016. Show all posts

1.13.2017

Favorites of 2016 & Welcome 2017!

While 2016 was rougher than some years, like any time period, it came with ups and downs.  Today, I'm looking back at 2016 and looking ahead at 2017.  Throughout this post, I'm sharing MY favorite looks or blog posts from 2016 in no order of preference! 
Wild Card Wednesday:  Who What Wear Slip Dress

One of my favorite aspects of 2016 was traveling.  I love traveling and actually had several opportunities to do so in 2016.  I went to NYC for an exciting blogging opportunity with my favorite fashion brand ELOQUII.  I was soooo honored to be the June Style & Substance feature, and the trip was a fantastic experience in which I met some amazing people, got to wear awesome clothes, and even learned some ideas for make-up and photography!  
Wild Card Wednesday:  The Floral Set

Wild Card Wednesday:  That Versatile Skirt

The second trip was to Panama City Beach for relaxation and fun with the family and some requisite Vitamin D.  I had a great time and it led to a swimsuit photo shoot that had me feeling all kinds of ways!  
Body Politics and the Not-So-Little Black Swimsuit

My last trip this past year was to Texas to see my grandmother who I would see alive for the last time.  It was a difficult trip, seeing how Alzheimer's had ravaged my grandmother's brain and how much she had deteriorated physically in the short time since she had moved from the St. Louis area to Texas to live near my uncle.  I was so grateful though that I had the chance to see her once more.  Even though she didn't remember me or my kids, the sweetness with which she interacted with the kids showed her true character and is a memory that I hope lasts my lifetime.
Manic Monday:  Nudes & Neutrals
Shop Your Closet:  The Blush Trench
Wild Card Wednesday:  ELOQUII Petites
I lost my grandmother in October.  And just over a month after that, my husband lost his father, and my kids lost yet another grandparent.
Indie Spotlight:  Honey's Child Boutique
Selfie Star

Donald Trump was elected president, and I continue to worry if 2017 will really be any better.  My fears aren't political, but because as an individual, I truly believe that Trump is grossly unfit to lead anyone, let alone the United States.  I believe that his general incompetence, apparent mental instability, and personal greed and interests could lead to some very scary outcomes for this country.  As a result, I'm feeling more of my activist spirit coming out, and I plan to fight against the destruction of my country through protest, phone calls, and my pocketbook in 2017.
Neon Lightning
Spring Double Feature:  Stripe Storm
Manic Monday:  Bohemian Florals

On the blogging front, things are looking up, and I'm soooo excited about launching my new blog next week.  Starting on Monday, head over to stylecassentials.com (no more blogspot) for a new look and feel.  I would love to hear your feedback on the new site.  I hope that the changes will make the blog easier to navigate and easier to catch up with your favorite types of posts.  To kick off the re-lauch, I also have some exciting giveaways planned, so stay tuned!  
Imitation Game:  Nicolette Mason
Indie Spotlight:  The Tiny Closet
Manic Monday:  Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice
2017 promises more fashion, more body positivity, a bigger, better blog!  I hope that you will join me on this journey, and truly, any and all constructive feedback is welcome!

12.31.2016

2016 Re-cap: Your Favorite Posts of the Year!

Happy New Year's Eve!  I hope you have some fun plans for tonight whether you're staying in or going out!  We plan on staying in this year, spending some time with the kids drinking sparkling grape juice and maybe a little moscato.

The end of the year brings with it a time for reflection, and I always find it interesting to reflect on my most popular posts from the year - the ones that YOU clicked on and read the most.  Sometimes I see patterns or trends in what you liked which allows me to better focus my blog content.  So, even if you are a quiet follower, please know that you're still giving me feedback and that your support is immeasurable!

Without further ado, here are your favorite posts from 2016 ranked in reverse order from tenth to most popular:

#10 Wild Card Wednesday:  All The Bells and Whistles 

This soft textured look was a popular post not just on the blog but also on my various social media. 


#9 Shop Your Closet:  Plaid Shorts
This look was one of my favorites this year, and it was the most popular part of a trio of looks featuring these awesome plaid circle shorts from fellow petite plus Myrda J Designer Apparel.

#8 Getting Comfortable in PinkBlush Boutique + A $50 GiveawayEveryone loves a giveaway, and this post giving away a gift card to PinkBlush Boutique was a fan favorite.  This cardigan was seriously the perfect lounge piece!!
#7 Shop Your Closet:  Ruffles
I have been enjoying the resurgence of ruffles over the last few years, especially when this feminine detail is done in a sophisticated way that isn't too girly.  I looooove how this Eloquii tunic worked as a dress on my petite frame!

#6 Spring Double Feature:  Citron Chartreuse
Bright colors are always a crowd favorite, so I wasn't very surprised that this colorful citron and cobalt look was popular.

#5 Shop Your Closet:  The Blush Trench
This blush trench was a favorite piece of mine this year, and it proved to be popular on the blog as well.  The skirt and dress looks are some of my very favorite outfits from this past year, and I just love the color combos!


#4 Body Politics and the Not-So-Little Black Swimsuit
I didn't get around to doing as many body image related posts as I had planned, but this post about being a plus size advocate was my favorite and yours.  It doesn't hurt that I'm rocking a fantastic GabiFresh swimsuit on a beautiful beach either!  Wish I were there now!!!!

#3 Manic Monday:  The Relaxed Trench
This work look was my third most popular post of the year, and it's also definitely one of my favorite looks.  This year, I really fell in love with the mix of black and olive/army green.  Gold accents keep the color combo from feeling too drab and heavy.

#2 Top Ten Posts of 2015 + What's Coming in 2016
Apparently, you like these re-cap posts, as my similar post from last year had the second most hits of the year.  This look from 2015 continues to be a favorite of mine!



#1 Imitation Game:  The Blogger Midi
This skirt won the hearts of many bloggers this year, and apparently, it won your hearts too as my most popular post of 2016!  I styled this skirt several ways on the blog over the year, but this styling was the fan favorite. I guess chic really does happen!  ;-)
Just as dusters/soft trenches were a favorite go-to piece of mine this year, they took center stage on three of your favorite posts this year. 

My "Shop Your Closet" feature was also popular, which encourages me to continue to offer this feature in 2017.  I think it's helpful to see how key wardrobe pieces can be worn in different ways.

Hope you enjoyed this re-cap!  Did your favorite posts from last year make the cut?

5.29.2016

Shop Your Closet: The Plaid Shorts

With spring here and Memorial Day being the unofficial kick-off for summer festivities, it's time to start thinking more about warm weather style.  To that end, I'm starting a new regular feature on the blog called Shop Your Closet

As I have been trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to reduce my clothing expenditures and stick to a budget, I have been playing in my closet a bit more, looking to wear pieces that I already have in a greater variety of ways to increase their use value.  So, periodically, I will be featuring an item from my closet worn at least three different ways to help give you all ideas on how to style pieces in your closet.  In addition, this feature will help me slow down with new purchases - does the article of clothing I'm considering meet a wardrobe need? Is it functional for my life?  Do I already have what I need to make at least three outfits with this new piece? 
Shorts:  Myrda J Designer Apparel (Available here)
I start the new Shop Your Closet feature today with shorts!

Enjoying shorts is somewhat new to me. I didn't have much problem with them as a kid, but by college, I was not a huge fan.  It seemed like every pair I ever tried would ride up between the legs and as my body confidence waned, I didn't feel comfortable showing off my thick thighs.

In the last few years, things have really started to change for me regarding shorts.  Don't get me wrong...I still prefer a cute skirt or culottes over shorts, but I have a newfound love of shorts.  Saint Louis has hot and humid summers.  They can be quite miserable - a pair of cool cotton shorts like this flirty pair from Myrda J Designer Apparel is a great solution.  Plus, I think printed shorts are less overwhelming than printed pants on my petite frame.

Blazer:  Eloquii (Available here)
I can easily pair these shorts with a blazer as I did here for a pulled-together but not too serious look for evening. 
Bodysuit:  BoohooUSA (Available here)
This is my favorite of the three looks featured today!  It's a little sexy, a little sophisticated, and it makes me at 4'9" look like I have legs for d...well, legs for a day at least.
Shoes:  Candie's (Available in other colors here)
Clutch:  Ann Taylor
Bracelets:  LOFT and gift
Tee:  Torrid
For an easy, breezy summer look for wrangling kids, running weekend errands, etc., I could pair the shorts with a tee and sandals for a more casual feel.
Wedges:  Sugar
Bracelet:  The Limited
Bikini top:  GabiFresh for SwimsuitsForAll
Lastly, I took a little summer inspiration from Chastity of Garner Style and paired my plaid shorts with a bikini top, perfect for laying out in the backyard with a good book or hanging poolside with the kids.
Sunglasses:  Tory Burch
Do you like wearing shorts? Have you tried Myrda J - this indie designer carries petite plus sizing to fit us shorties so well!!! :-D

How would you style this pair?

Want to try a pair for yourself?  Myrda is graciously offering all Style Cassentials readers a coupon worth 20% off your entire cart!  Head to MyrdaJ.com now through June 15, 2016 and use CASSENTIALS2016 at checkout to save!

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein
From Look #1
See the bodysuit in another look here.
See the blazer in other looks here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

From Look #2
See the tee in other looks here, here, and here.

From Look #3
See the bikini top in another look here.

5.05.2016

Wild Card Wednesday: That Versatile Skirt

This skirt is such a favorite that I excitedly keep styling it in different ways.  Today, I went for a flirty, feminine look that I would wear for an evening out, a date, or even a daytime event.
Skirt:  Lane Bryant (Available here)
Top:  Eloquii
I considered a shoe or clutch in another bright color, but I decided that I preferred the simplicity of black and white. 
Shoes:  New Look Wide Fit (Available here)
The white clutch creates a nice graphic contrast.
Clutch:  NY&CO
Glasses:  Coach
I finished the look with a simple gold bangle and dangly earrings.
Earrings:  Eloquii
Bangle:  Target
How would you style this skirt?

For the skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For the top in other looks, see here and here.

5.02.2016

Manic Monday: The Floral Dress

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope you all are feeling great and re-charged from the weekend! 
Dress:  Target (Available here)
Today, I'm wearing a dress from the Who What Wear line for Target and styling it simply for work. 
Shoes:  New Look
I really like the black floral pieces from this line that I previously styled here, so when I saw this tie-neck dress in white with a similar floral pattern, I decided to scoop it up.
Satchel:  The Limited
I like that the tie can be tied in a variety of ways or left loose.  Actually, I am quite surprised at the versatility of this piece, in general.  This fall/winter, I plan on styling this dress with a blazer and tights for work.  I will pair it with a moto jacket and booties for weekends, and I could throw on some pretty strappy sandals for a wedding or date.
Glasses:  Coach
Today, I went with closed-toe two-piece heels and added a quilted work satchel for a super simple work look.
Bracelets:  The Limited & Macy's
While I'll definitely be adding some pops of blush and green to this dress later down the road, the black and simple gold accessories really let the dress be the star.
Are you a fan of florals?  Have you checked out the Who What Wear line from Target?