Real Women with Real Style

Real Women with Real Style

I was very inspired by all of my beautiful girlfriends who each have their own unique style.  They each inspire me with their confidence and grace.  None of them come from the fashion world or work as a runway model…although they really could!  They are real women with real figures who outfit themselves in the most gorgeous, stylish ways with real budgets.  They are…Real Women with Real Style! 

Howell You Shop?

Erica Howell

Levia

“My style motto is that it doesn’t have to match, it just has to go!”

32/Okinawa, Japan

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: Mossimo (Target), Old Navy, Ramayana (Asian market in Okinawa)...love finding big/unique earrings in boutiques.

·         Perfect date night/go-to outfit: Pair of jeans or cute dress

·         Favorites for Fall: Dresses paired with a light jacket or leggings & flats

·         My Style: Natural, classic & unique.  I find that I’m most creative with my hair & accessories.  I change my hairstyle often & am comfortable rockin’ my fro!  My favorite accessories are earrings-the bigger the better!  My style motto is that it doesn’t have to match, it just has to go! 

April

“A little bohemian…a little vintage”

30/Northwest, Georgia

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: Modcloth.com, Asos.com, Anthropologies & shopruche.com, Target, thrift stores, H&M, my sisters’ hand-me-downs

·         Perfect date night/go-to outfit: Tight/fitted, rolled-up red jeans with flats & a comfy but semi-sexy sweater that hangs off the shoulder a bit

·         Favorites for Fall: Comfy new sweaters & Minnetonka moccasins/boots

·         My Style: A little bohemian, a little vintage…with plenty of boring jeans-and-tank-top days sprinkled throughout

Leigh Anne

“Dreaming of Chanel…"

32/Atlanta, Georgia

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: Dreaming of Chanel but my wallet calls for H&M, J. Crew (sale rack!), Gap & Banana Republic

·         Perfect date night/go-to outfit: I live in jeans & t-shirts.  I have 3 dresses that I go to if I have any important dinner or something…but otherwise you’ll find me in jeans.

·         Favorites for Fall: Boyfriend cuffed jeans with chunky heels, thin grandpa sweater in plum and a striped t-shirt.  Stripes are here to stay which is awesome…I wear so many stripes that I might as well be a prisoner. 

·         My Style: Definitely classic.  I don’t buy trendy clothes…frankly because I can’t afford it.  This means I can (and still do!) wear clothes from 5-6 years ago. 

Heather

“Trendy with comfort” 

 28/Woodstock, Georgia

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: Express, Francesca’s, TJ Maxx/Marshalls.  Joes Jeans are a must!

·         Perfect date night/go-to outfit: Pair of skinny jeans (love my Paige Premimum from TJ Maxx) and an off-the-shoulder blousy top that is fitted at the waist paired with wedge heels or boots

·         My Style: Trendy with comfort…you won’t find me in stillettos or a shirt I can’t move around in comfortably!

Carissa

“Beach bunny/surf bum…a little tomboy and a bit rock & roll” 

 32/Brookyln, New York

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: All things Target! I frequent surf shops & surf brands like Volcom, RCVA & Hurley.  I don’t stick to certain designers of stores…I can shop anywhere!  I love to shop at Loehmans and also like Lucky Brand jeans, H&M, Madewell, Urban Outfitters, & American Eagle Outfitters.  As far as higher-end clothes, I love Diesel, Rachel Roy & Cynthia Rowley.  I feel it doesn’t matter where your clothes come from.  As long as they fit well,  you like them & you feel great in them…you will look great. 

·         Perfect date night/go-to outfit: Depending on the season, my favorite sundress or jeans/jean shorts make an appearance with a cute top & one of my many pairs of flip flops/sandals/boots. 

·         Favorites for Fall: A good pair of jeans with either a fitted or boyfriend sweater and a pair of knee high boots.  This combo can have so many variations.

·         My Style: Casual & pretty relaxed with a bit of an edge.  It’s really dependent on the season.  In warm weather, I am a beach bunny/surf bum all the way with fluorescent colors & bold prints.  In cooler weather, I am a little tomboy and a bit rock & roll.  I’m kind of all over the place.  My style is dependent on my mood. 

Michelle

“Feminine but every now & then…a pair of sweat pants”

33/Brooklyn, New York

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: Michael Kors, Fashion to Figure, JcPenney, Macy’s, Bloomies, Vince Camuto, NineWest, Ann Taylor, Loft, Gap, Banana Republuc and H&M

·         Perfect date night/go-to outfit: Pencil skirt, cami, bright blazer & 5-inch heels

·         Favorites for Fall: Sweaters, suede knee-high boots and trench coats

·         My Style: Feminine but every now & then I don’t mind a pair of sweat pants, sneakers & baseball cap. 

Emily

“Classic…timeless”

32/Atlanta, Georgia

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: Poleci, BCBG, Karen Millen (love KM for dresses),  Banana Republic & JCrew for casual wear, Diane von Furstenberg for dresses.  Believe it or not but I LOVE Talbots for cute work clothes.  They’ve started gearing their clothes more toward 30 to 40-year-old professionals and everything is super cute!  Ann Taylor for just about everything.  Raw Denim (hands down the best place in Atlanta for jeans).  You can also find great designer pieces at RD that you won’t see at Lenox or Phipps. 

·         Favorite date night/go-to outfit: Always a cute dress…I just feel more put-together with a cute dress & knock-out heels on.  It’s also easier because I just throw it on & go. 

·         Favorites for Fall: I’m really excited about cute blazers for Fall.  I love to pair jeans and heels with a casual top and a great jacket in a fun color.

·         My Style: I’d say my style is classic.  I usually don’t go for trendy when it comes to shopping.  I like to buy clothes that are timeless; that way I can spend a little bit more on a few great pieces that will be in my closet forever as opposed to buying a bunch of stuff that’ll go out of style next season. 

Cheryl

“Simple but sexy and classy”

32/Alpharetta, Georgia

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: Nordstrom Rack, Target, Forever 21, Express, H&M, American Eagle, Cathy Jean, DSW

·         Favorite date night/go-to outfit:  Dress, blazer & heels

·         Favorites for Fall: Skinny jeans, scarf, boots, blazer/jacket/cardigan/sweater

·         My Style: Simple but sexy and classy.  I love jeans and a t-shirt but I throw on a cute scarf or heels with the jeans to make it sexy.  I love getting dressed up for a night on the town. 

Rachel

“Nothing like a little black dress to win over a man’s heart”  

31/Charlotte, North Carolina

·         Who & Where I Love to Shop: Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, Cynthia Rowley, Chanel, Nordstrom, J.Crew, Anthropologie, TJ Maxx. 

·         Favorite date night/go-to outfit:  There is nothing like a “little black dress” to win over a man’s heart.  Pair it with a killer pair of heels, a simple clutch and you are good to go!

·         Favorites for Fall: Colorful/whimsical tights, tailored jackets, knee-high boots with my favorite pair of jeans and stylish hats.  I just bought a FANTASTIC wool fedora from Nordstrom that I cannot wait to wear once the temperature gets chilly outside!

·         My Style: Classic with a trendy twist.  I love the classic staples of the little black dress, pencil skirt, and a shift dress with a flourish of what is on the runway at present.  My fashion icons include Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy, Christy Turlington, Princess Diana of Wales, Kate Middleton, Katie Holmes and Elisabeth Hassleback.

 

Great Deal Alert! Express Jeans

Great Deal Alert!!!  Express (http://www.express.com/home.jsp) has all women’s jeans on sale for $49.90 and all men’s jeans on sale for buy 1, get 1 $29.90!!  I have been wearing Rerock Jeans from Express for a couple of years now.  They fit great and I get tons of compliments.  This is a great offer to take advantage of!  If you sign up for their e-mail alerts (which notify you of great sales like this one), you’ll get an additional 15% off your order. 

Howell You Shop?

Erica Howell

Better than a Stinkin' Apple: Back to School Edition

The start of the school year means back to school shopping.  But why should the kids have all the fun?  Our hard-working teachers deserve a little back-to-school indulgence as well!  I’m dedicating this Howell You Shop? post to all of my awesome teacher friends & family.   

Howell You Shop?
Erica Howell


      (1)    The Limited-15% discount (in-store only)—show school ID or valid paystub

(2)    The Container Store—15% discount--Organized Teacher Discount Program (register online)-- http://www.containerstore.com/teachers/index.htm

(3)    Office Depot—10% back in rewards points & 15% off copy & print orders (online & in store) http://www.mystarteacher.com/home.do

(4)    Staples—10% back in rewards points—Teacher Rewards Program-- https://www.staplesrewardscenter.com/SORC/UserManagement/Login/Login.aspx

(5)    JoAnn Fabric—15% discount (20% off bonus for signing up)—Teacher Rewards Discount Card http://www.joann.com/teacherrewardsform/?_requestid=4219427

(6)    Barnes & Noble—20% off (25% during Educator Appreciation Days)—B&N Educator Program-- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bn-at-school/educator.asp

(7)    Ann Taylor Loft—15% off (in-store only) Loft Loves Teachers Program

(8)    Aerosoles—15%--members of National Education Association (show proof of membership)

(9)    New York & Co—15% off (in-store)—show valid school ID

(10)J Crew—15% off (in-store)—show valid school ID

(11)Banana Republic—10% off (in-store)—show valid school ID

(12)Eddie Bauer—15% off (in-store)—show valid school ID

(13)Apple Store—5% off (in-store) with proof of employment

(14)Pizza Hut—10-20% off with valid school ID

(15)Starbucks—known to give discounts on request

Adoption is Love: Great apparel, jewelry & gifts

In honor of my son’s adoption finalization last week, I’m dedicating this post to some amazing adoption-related products.  I could have drafted a list a mile long so I only picked out some of my favorites.  Etsy is an absolutely amazing spot to find an endless amount of adoption apparel, jewelry, gifts, etc.  I encourage everyone to do a little exploring.  I apologize for all the long links but I wanted to make sure to get you right to the product. 

On a personal note, I can’t help but get a bit teary-eyed writing this post.  When we stop making plans and let life guide us, it can lead us to the most beautiful destination.  My destination is being the mother to the most beautiful baby boy who filled my heart from the moment we met.  “I didn’t give you the gift of life, life gave me the gift of you”. 

Howell You Shop?

Erica Howell

Clothing

(1)    Child’s Personalized T-Shirt ($16.50)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83197151/childrens-personalized-shirt-i-was-so?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_includes%5B%5D=tags&ga_search_query=adoption+clothing&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

(2)    Mommy’s Eyes Infant Onesie ($12.00)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/97578774/adoption-mommys-eyes-infant-onesie-can?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_includes%5B%5D=tags&ga_search_query=adoption+clothing&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

(3)    Toddler/Kid’s t-shirt: I Grew in Mommy’s Heart ($14.50)—CafePress

http://www.cafepress.com/mf/28654570/_tshirt

(4)    Great adoption website: Adoption Bug (Tees & Ornaments—various prices)

http://www.adoptionbug.com/

(5)    Adoption Tee & Thermal Tiny Revolutionary—adoption tee & thermal as well as other cool tees

http://www.tinyrevolutionary.com/

(6)    Adoption is Beautiful T-Shirt ($20)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/100527398/adoption-is-beautiful?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=adoption&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all

Books

I personally own & have read each of these to my son.  I can’t get through any of them without crying.  I absolutely love the memory book.  It’s the perfect adoption baby book!

(1)    I Wished for You by Marianne Richmond

(2)    Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis

(3)    God Found Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren

(4)    My Family, My Journey: A Memory Book

Art & Gifts

(1)    Adoption Creed Sign ($25)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93701585/adoption-creed-custom-made-nursery-wall?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=sr_62e56c1aa6b6a0afd68f1bb7a15fa5d86b598b36934009b1b71a5e5dbe6434ac_1344951137_14197219_adoption&ga_search_query=adoption&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

(2)    Custom Family Adoption Subway Art ($15)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/103946584/custom-family-adoption-subway-art?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=adoption&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

(3)    Personalized Adoption Creed Sign ($30)-Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86264056/new-design-on-our-adoption-creed-plaques?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=adoption&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

(4)    Nursery Art ($17)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61762455/art-for-nursery-love-makes-a-family?ref=sr_gallery_43&ga_search_query=adoption&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

(5)    Adoption Art ($18)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96904468/adoption-art-you-may-not-have-my-eyes-or?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_query=adoption&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all

(6)    Our Adoption Day Personalized Picture Frame ($65)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/105038402/personalized-adoption-picture-frame-our?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=adoption&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

Jewelry

(1)    Grew In My Heart Necklace ($36)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/100686101/adoption-necklace-grew-in-my-heart

(2)    Adoption Finalization Necklace ($48)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91325477/adoption-necklace-large-washer-sterling

(3)    Because God Gave Us You Necklace ($74)—Birth Designs

http://www.birthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=42&products_id=368&zenid=d95fd638bb824a6222e6f08df3cb887e

(4)    Born in my Heart Personalized Necklace ($66)—Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67157917/born-in-my-heart-necklace-adoption?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=adoption&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all

10 Fashion Trends (for Men & Women) I Just Don't Get

It would be quite easy to title this blog “Horrible Fashion Trends” but that’s just one girl’s opinion in the wide world of fashion.  And that’s what I love about fashion…the diversity.  It’s what I love about my own style…I can go from one day of kicking it in a classic fitted tee & jeans to the next rocking it 50s style in a pencil skirt and heels...and it’s all me.  It’s my style and it doesn’t have to fit into one neat category or even have to make sense to anyone else.  It’s my own.  So perhaps some of these fashions are your own.  If so, I encourage you to share why you “get” these styles.  I’d also really love to hear of any other fashion trends that you just don’t get!  It’s all in good fun and meant for some good laughs!

Howell You Shop?

Erica

Ø  Skinny Jeans on Guys: Rock & roll has brought us many amazing fashions (leather jackets, distressed jeans, etc.) but skinny jeans on dudes is not one of them.  Please guys…leave the showing off of the curves to us ladies!

Ø  Boxy, Shapeless Shirts on Girls: This is one the super skinny girls of the world especially have to explain to me.  Why oh why if you have an amazing figure would you want to hide it under a tent?  Are all women that don these shirts shoplifters and stowing their nabbed goods underneath? Do they receive so much attention from the opposite sex that they’ve been forced to resort to repelling them with shapeless attire? Someone please explain this one!

Ø  Ponchos…on anyone…at any time: These are never ok under any circumstance on any figure.   I’m not sure any further elaboration is even necessary.  J

Ø  High-waisted anything: Ok so perhaps using the infamous picture of Jessica Simpson is leaning toward the hideous extreme of this trend.  But c’mon…since when did hiking your pants up under your girls become attractive?  I don’t even want to get into the harm that front wedgie could be causing.

Ø  Harem pants: Somewhere someone had a serious problem with adult incontinence and thought “I wish there was a pair of pants that would leave room for my gigantic load”. And the harem pants were born.  We all loved MC Hammer in the 90s but those pants needed to stay with his career…in the 90s.   

Ø  Rompers:  These are adorable…on small children.  But we’re adults now and we’ve all been taught how to put on a separate shirt and shorts.  I find the strapless version of this fashion trend particular perplexing. 

Ø  Crocs on Adults: Another fashion trend that is cute…on children.  Aren’t children supposed to take fashion cues from adults and not the other way around?  Unless you’re fresh from tending to your garden, please step out of the crocs.  This is one I feel very strongly men should avoid…even if you are a gardener. 

Ø  Leggings as Pants: As my friend, Leigh Anne, so eloquently put it: Leggings.Are.Not.Pants.  The world has been blinded with enough indentation of the female buttocks and thighs.  Isn’t the point of pants to cover up?  Leggings are basically the equivalent of dipping your naked body in paint.  They cover nothing. 

Ø  Grandpa Sweaters: We all love Grandpa.  So why wouldn’t we want to be wrapped in a giant sweater that reminds us of him?  Because it’s oversized, pilled & shapeless.  If you want to convey to the world “Hey…I’ve given up in life and it was all I could do to dress myself this morning” then by all means sport this sloppy trend. 

Ø  Uggs with Shorts: So let me get this straight.  It’s so hot outside you need to wear a light tee and short shorts but there’s also a good chance a horrendous blizzard could come through and so you must protect your feet with thick, furry boots?  Gotcha.  ;)