Fashion Archives - Embracing Beauty

Fashion Project – Great Deals, Great Cause

October 11, 2014 by Ashley 16 Comments

This is a sponsored post written in partnership with Fashion Project and a campaign with Sverve. Regardless, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

I love to shop, don’t you? It’s okay if you do, most people do. Whether you enjoy shopping online, searching through clearance racks, hurdling small children on black friday {kidding!}, or just browsing a flea market most people like to shop.

I think shopping is a great activity by itself but finding a good deal makes the experience even better. Would you like to shop where the prices are 80-90% off of retail prices….all the time? I used to love shopping the clearance racks on the sale days with a coupon in hand. Now that I have kids in tow I just want to find something that fits and get out of there. Even though I’m not near as skillful at finding clothing bargains now as I once was I still don’t want to pay a fortune!

FashionProject.com is a unique shopping experience. Their mission is to raise as much money as possible for a charity while creating a community for shoppers so that they can shop for causes that they care about. People can donate designer clothes, shoes, and accessories and get a tax deduction. Fashion Project then cleans and features them for sale on their website. 55% of the net proceeds from every sale is donated to a charity.

J.Crew Flats
$39.00 ($200.00 81% off)
Your purchase of this item will donate $17.05 to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater LA.

Banana Republic Scarf
$19.00 ($78.00 76% off)
Your purchase of this item will donate $1.00 to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.

If you love shopping half as much as I do you’ll want to check out FashionProject.com. Great deals, great cause.

Filed Under: Deals, Fashion Tagged With: Charity, Deals, Fashion, Sverve

Fall Fashionista $150 J.Jill Giveaway #FashionistaEvents

October 9, 2014 by Ashley 229 Comments

The Fall Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years and Katy from ModlyChic. All Fashion! Only FASHION event! Largest Fashion Giveaway event on the internet with $26,000+ in prizes, 100+ participating blogs and 3/4 million entries. Each individual blog has a minimum of $125 prize!

The FALL Fashionista Events Grand Prize is $500 PayPal (worldwide where allowed by law). For every giveaway in the Fall Fashionista Event that you enter, you gain one entry toward the Fall Fashionista Grand Prize. 1 Grand Prize winner will receive $500 PayPal cash. 1 first prize winner will receive $300 gift certificate to Midnight Velvet Clothing. Fabulous, right?

My prize is a $150 J.Jill gift card and is sponsored by me! Non-USA winners can choose either $150 Amazon.ca Gift Code or $150 Paypal.

Update: After 377,589 entries, we have a winner! Diane E. Congrats, Diane!

Still Blonde after all these YEARS , ModlyChic, Fall Fashionista Events Giveaway and the Fall Fashionista Events Giveaway bloggers are not responsible for sponsors/bloggers that do not fulfill their prizes or for any product failure or harm caused thereby.

Filed Under: Fashion, Giveaways Tagged With: Fall, Fall Fashionista, Fashion, Giveaways, J.Jill

Between Seasons – J.Jill Dress

September 15, 2014 by Ashley 9 Comments

Dress: J.Jill currently on sale for only $44.99 from $79 | Cardigan: Worthington from JCPenney currrently on sale for $24.99 from $36 | Necklace: Liz Claiborne from JCPenney currently on sale for $21 from $30 |Nails: Crabtree & Evelyn in Almond $6

Happy Monday! Today, I am wearing one of my favorite dresses that J.Jill sent me (currently on sale for just $49.99 from $79.00). The bold geometric pattern is perfect for summer and will still be great as we head into fall. I thought about adding a pop of color to my outfit but decided to play it more low-key with some matching black sandals, black jewelry, and cardigan.

What are you wearing right now in between seasons?

Filed Under: Fashion, Nails Tagged With: Dresses, Fashion, J.Jill, Jewelry

Look Good Feel Better #Simple Giving

September 3, 2014 by Ashley 3 Comments

This post is on behalf of the Motherhood and Look Good Feel Better.

Women love to feel beautiful, don’t they? I know I do. When I feel put together I have a bounce in my step. The sun seems to shine brighter and the birds sing louder.

On not so great days, when I’ve feel as rough as I look, I don’t have that bounce and I’m doing all it takes to drag myself around. What do you do to renew that energized, “I’m a woman and I look great!” feeling? Sometimes a work out will do it for me. Other times I need a hair cut or a new out fit.

Life is all about balance and rolling with the punches that come our way but what if we get hit by a blow so hard that it knocks us down? Out cold. A blow that is so devastating that we need the help of our family and friends to make it back to our feet. What I’m talking about is the blow of cancer.

Women fighting cancer need all the love and support that they can get just so they can function. Think back to the last time you didn’t feel great about yourself and needed a change. Maybe it was after a stressful week at work, after a time of making unhealthy choices, or maybe it was shortly after having a baby. We’ve all been there. We’ve all had to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and do something to make us feel good about ourselves. Getting back up and feeling good about yourself while battling cancer is a much harder task. That’s where Look Good Feel Better is there to help.

Look Good Feel Better is a 25 year strong public service dedicated to helping women battling cancer to manage the appearance side effects of cancer treatment and help improve their self-esteem. The program is developed by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) Foundation, and delivered through a collaboration among the PCPC Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Professional Beauty Association. They offer free workshops and resources to teach beauty and styling techniques to cancer patients.

During its 25th anniversary, Look Good Feel Better is encouraging women to Reimagine Beauty and the importance of beauty in a woman’s life who is undergoing cancer treatment. They’re encouraging women to take a fresh look at the impact of beauty and a positive self-image can have on a woman. They don’t have to tell me twice, I think beauty is a powerful thing!

While how you look might not seem like a big of a deal in the grand scheme of things it is. Not merely for appearances sake but for how you feel when you look good. How you look effects how you feel, which effects your self-esteem, your courage, and your confidence. Every woman who gets a new outfit for a job interview understands this. There are countless studies that can relate how you look (because of how it makes you feel!) to your success.

Look Good Feel Better is partnering with women’s fashion retailer C. Wonder and Fashion Project {the leading online clothing donation and resale destination!} to raise awareness and funds for Look Good Feel Better.

The promotion runs through Thursday, September 18, 2014 at eleven C. Wonder stores nationwide and online at FashionProject.com/CWonder.

How YOU can get involved:
• During the month-long clothing drive, consumers are encouraged to donate their gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories in a donation bin at participating C. Wonder locations or online at www.fashionproject.com/cwonder.
o Customers who participate by donating items in-store or online will receive 20% off a C. Wonder purchase of $100 or more.
• The donated items will then be sold online by Fashion Project and 55% of the proceeds from each online sale will be donated to Look Good Feel Better.

In the United States alone, more than 900,000 women have participated in the program, which now offers 15,800 group workshops nationwide in 2,400 locations! Go search your closet for clothes, shoes, and accessories you don’t wear anymore and donate them online to help encourage other women. It will give you a good feeling!

Visit lookgoodfeelbetter.org, follow @LGFB on Twitter, and like Look Good Feel Better on Facebook to learn more and help spread the word.

Filed Under: Fashion, Skincare Tagged With: The Motherhood, True Beauty

6 New Fashion Must-Haves This Summer

July 16, 2014 by Ashley 60 Comments

Summer is in full swing and I am loving every minute of it!! Besides a great book and some sunscreen here are five new items that I recommend to help you enjoy summer to it’s fullest…without sacrificing style of course.

1. Tarte’s Limited Edition LipSurgence ($19)

This lip gloss (pictured in Envy) will keep your lips looking colorful and shiny all day. I’m a huge fan of Tarte products and this new lip gloss is no exception.

2. Crabtree & Evelyn’s Nail Lacquer. ($6)

I’m in love with this soft and simple shade named Almond. Something about is so calming and feminine.

3. XG Sunglasses ($125-$145)

Protect your peepers with fashionable shades. I’ve just ordered a pair of the Zurich sunglasses with “Extreme Glare” technology. I’m excited to give them a try!

4. Vionic Sandals ($45+)

If you know me personally I’ve complained for years about how there needs to be a company who will invent a lightweight sandal that has arch support – well, a company did that!!! A company called Vionic. Clarks’ flip flops have support but they are on the heavy side. Chacos are fabulous sandals but they’re not meant to be dressy in the least. Vionic sandals are the solution! They are as light as can be and they have fabulous support to help protect the most important curve of your body – the arch of your foot. I just discovered these this summer and I’ve already bought two pair. They are a little costly but oh so worth it!! Trust me! (and they’re having a 30% off sale right now! Yay!)

5. White Shorts ($24.50)

Okay, so white shorts aren’t new but I think everyone who walks should own at least one pair of white shorts during the summer. White shorts can be a little intimidating for ladies during certain times of the month but have no fear, I know a new product from U by Kotex that will make white shorts wearable all summer long! U by Kotex pads w/ new 3D Capture Core has got your back…or should I say bottom? Ha! (Plus, while supplies last you can snag a free sample of U by Kotex by clicking here.)

By the way, the white shorts pictured above are from J. Crew Factory and are on sale for $24.50, from $39.50.

6. Jamberry Nail Wraps ($15)

Jamberry nail wraps might not be new but they’re relatively new to me. This summer is the first I’ve really heard about them. They are nail wraps, think stickers with super holding power, that stay on your fingers for two weeks and your toes for four weeks. These are just perfect for keeping a great mani while battling the surf or relaxing in the sun. The color above is Icy Rose Polka.

What’s on your must-have fashion list this summer?

Thanks to U by Kotex® Pads for sponsoring today’s discussion.

Filed Under: Fashion

Disney’s Planes: Fire and Rescue Collection at Kohl’s #MagicAtPlay

June 24, 2014 by Ashley 1 Comment

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kohl’s. I received a promotional item to facilitate my review. #MagicAtPlay

Can I see a raise of hands for all the moms and dads out there who are excited to see Disney’s new Planes movie? Does anyone have kids who are excited? While the movie isn’t released until next month, July 18th to be exact, you can get exclusive Disney apparel from Jumping Beans now available at Kohl’s. You can shop in-store and online for some great little outfits for summer! For those who like to plan ahead, you could even grab some great deals on Planes long sleeve tees, pants, and hoodies for back-to-school.

Isn’t this shirt just adorable?

Especially with these cute shorts!

Check out the rest of the Kohl’s Planes: Fire and Rescue Collection today.

See more of the collection on my Little Boy Style Pinterest board (or see my Little Girl Style Pinterest board for Minnie Mouse clothing exclusively at Kohl’s).

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Clothing, kids, Kohls, Mom Central

Jockey Skimmies® Slipshort Giveaway Ends 6/20/14

June 9, 2014 by Ashley 21 Comments

Disclosure: I participated in this program on behalf of Jockey and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.

As a busy stay-at-home mom, I’m constantly trying to revamp my wardrobe into a fashionable and comfortable style. Pajama pants are comfy around the house but I want to wear something all day that would be acceptable running errands in. My dressier shirts and capris are more appropriate for wearing in public but they aren’t near as comfortable. Lately I’ve found a good alternative in maxi skirts and dresses. They’re crazy comfortable, cool, and they give me a “put together” look without much effort.

The downside to wearing these lovely skirts is that my legs tend to rub together a bit and that gets uncomfortable real quick. I have the perfect solution!! Jockey Skimmies® slipshorts, are the new “must-have” fashion secret for women. Slipshorts are a fabulous combination of a soft and stretchy slip in the shape of shorts. It’s very comfortable, yoga-pants comfortable. Not only do they make skirts comfortable to wear in summer but they also help smooth down unwanted bumps and bulges.

Skimmies® are NOT shapewear but they are something that is much better! They’re not constricting, bulky, or hard to put on/take off. They’re lightweight, breathable, come in a variety of fun colors, they smooth your shape, and you can even wear them in place of panties if you’d like. Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist, is the spokesperson for Jockey Skimmies® slipshorts and was quoted as saying, “Comfort should always be glamorous, and glamour should always be comfortable.” I agree with her!

Jockey Skimmies® come in three great styles:

– Regular length
– Short length for shorter dresses
– Moisture-wicking for more active days

Just a few other great things about Jockey Skimmies

– They make sliding out of a restaurant’s booth a breeze. Your legs won’t stick this summer!
– Immodesty woes are gone! You can wear a shorter dress without fear of the wind and no matter the length you chose you won’t have to worry about irritating panty lines.
– Eliminates irritation from thighs rubbing together. Women of all shapes and sizes get this and it can be down right bothersome. Now you can wear your summer dresses all day with confidence and comfort!
– Perfect for wearing (in the color nude) under white shorts, capris, or shirts! I love white shorts in the summer but it’s difficult to find a pair that are thick enough to not reveal every detail of what’s underneath them. Skimmies® provide an extra barrier of protection!
– A smoother silhouette!
– They stay put all day without rolling down or up. You won’t even remember you’re wearing them!

My Jockey Skimmies® slipshorts are my new wardrobe secret. Well, they’re not a secret to many because I’ve told just about every woman I know about them. I truly love them and think that every woman should own a pair, or two, or ten!

Would you like to win a pair of Skimmies®? How about $5,000? I thought so. Here’s how:

Jockey and Rachel Zoe want you to Seize the Day in Skimmies® with 25 fun and glamorous daily challenges, May 27-June 20. Expand your comfort zone: Enter Here. Good luck!

This contest ends 6/20/14 at 11:59 PM EST.

Today’s challenge is to complete this phrase and write it in a piece of paper – “With Skimmies® I’m free to…” Here’s my entry:

You can also check out Skimmies® in the “Workflow” section of the upcoming August/September issue of Working Mother Magazine.

Here’s another chance for one Embracing Beauty reader to win an assortment pack of Skimmies® ($50 value):

This giveaway ends 6/17/14 at 1pm EST. If you have any questions about it please feel free to contact me. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Clothing, Fashion, Jockey, Reviews

Fabulous Florals: This Summer’s Most Beautiful Dresses

June 5, 2014 by Ashley 2 Comments

This post was written by Katie who is a self-confessed foodaholic and fashion-obsessed blogger from the UK who writes about her favorite clothes, countries and cupcakes.

It’s no wonder so many fashion designers are inspired by the beauty of nature. You only have to go for a walk in the woods and see the bluebells peeking up from the forest floor or see golden poppies on the trails of the Golden State to feel truly uplifted.

And, this summer, more than any other, many of the big-name designers have given a fresh twist to flowery fashion, creating stunning prints and shapes. No more so does the floral trend come into its own than on a summer dress. The two just go together like peanut butter and jelly. The floral dress is also incredibly versatile. There’s one for just about any occasion, whether just taking the kids to the park or attending a friend’s wedding. Here are just a few of my favorites:

For summer weddings

What could be more romantic for a summer wedding than a floral dress? The all-American brand Anthropologie, has this beautiful, embroidered gown with a structured shape formal enough for a wedding. On a fine black lace-mesh background with pink and red flowers, I’ll be buying this one and waiting for the wedding invites to start flooding in! It’s not just for summer though. It’s an all-seasons dress that would look equally gorgeous worn at a garden party when the sun is shining or a dinner party in winter. Definitely an heirloom piece to keep in the wardrobe for the next generation…

For musical festivals

There are plenty of music festivals that you probably wouldn’t want to go to, but lots more that pride themselves on their family-friendly atmosphere. The Creation festivals in the US have a joyous feel while the GoldCoast OceanFest or the Wychwood Festival in the UK have lots of events as well as the music that the whole family can join in. Finders Keepers’ tee-shirt dresses can be worn on their own or teamed with leggings and flat biker boots.

For the office

Florals may be more associated with off-duty style or with more formal outdoor occasions, but I’ve found the perfect dress to brighten up my day when I have to go into the office. Sitting just on the knee and with a black background, this dress from Erdem has a more business-like feel than other florals, but still manages to retain a playful edge with its yellow, white and blue blooms. I’ll be wearing with my black ballet pumps or investing in a new pair of block heels. It would look equally beautiful on a night out though, with black heels and a clutch.

For vacation time

Florals were given a truly tropical vibe by the likes of Raf Simon for Dior and Christophe Lemaire who used swirling, twirling over-sized ferns and flowers. On the high street, La Redoute has a designer-esque version which is simply stunning. With a sweetheart neckline and flared skirt, it’s very flattering. It would be perfect for a summer vacation – I’ll be wearing with tan sandals and a slouchy bag for sightseeing and swapping these for metallic heels and a matching clutch for a rare date night with my other half.

For family lunches

Long lunches with family are one of the joys of the weekend, whether at home, at our favourite Italian restaurant or taking a picnic to the park. While, all too often, I opt for my much-worn skinny jeans and Breton-striped top, I’m going to make an effort to turn these lunches into occasions even more special by putting a bit of effort into my outfit. Vintage stores are a lovely way to find day dresses, each probably with a story of family lunches gone by to tell. I love the simplicity of this rose design from Vintage Vixen. I’m going to cinch it in at the waist with a skinny, plaited belt and wear with sandals on sunny days.

They’re all beautiful pieces that just go to show why fashion’s love affair with florals is so enduring.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Dresses, Summer

Jockey Skimmies® Review #SkimmiesPromo

May 27, 2014 by Ashley 135 Comments

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Jockey Skimmies® through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Jockey Skimmies®, all opinions are my own.

It was the Saturday before Easter and my kids were in bed and my husband was downstairs watching TV. I quietly sneak out a package that I bought myself. A package that I hoped would leave me looking like a million bucks for Easter morning. Out of this box I pull what’s known as shape wear but is more accurately called as a torture device. I spent a great deal of time pulling and tugging, pausing to catch my breath and reread the packaging to make sure I bought the correct size and then pulling and yanking some more. I finally got it on and I liked how it made my post-baby belly look but I hated the unflattering bulges it created. That night I vowed to never wear shape wear again and I found a new appreciation for my curves! My Easter morning attire left me feeling a little self-conscious but I was thankful to be able to breathe deeply and sit comfortably so I made my peace with it.

A few weeks later PopSugar and Jockey contacted me about reviewing their Jockey® Skimmies® slipshorts. Slipshorts are a fabulous combination of soft and stretchy slip in the shape of shorts. It’s very comfortable. Think yoga-pants-on-a-Saturday comfy. These comfy undergarments help smooth down unwanted bumps and bulges but they are not constricting like shapewear. I repeat, these are NOT shapewear – they are something much better!

Let’s review, they are comfortable and they smooth your shape to give you a lovelier silhouette.

As if that isn’t enough, here’s a list of other things these tiny woven wonders can do:

– Make sliding out of a restaurant’s booth a breeze. Your legs won’t stick this summer!
– Immodesty woes are gone! Bend over, cross your legs, let the wind blow where it may because you, my friend, are covered. Wear a skirt to the playground and go down the slide if you want. Embrace the freedom!
– Eliminates irritation from thighs rubbing together. Women of all shapes and sizes get this and it can be down right bothersome. Now you can wear your summer dresses all day with confidence and comfort!
– Smoothes down panty lines for a more modest appearance OR you could wear them in place of your panties should you choose.
– Perfect for wearing (in the color nude) under white shorts! I love white shorts in the summer but it’s difficult to find a pair that are thick enough to not reveal every detail of what’s beneath them. These will provide an extra barrier of protection and a smoother silhouette to boot!
– They stay put all day without rolling down or up. You won’t even remember you’re wearing them!

Before trying these I was happy with my lace waisted short skirt but now I don’t think I’ll ever wear it again. I want a pair of Skimmies® in every color! Why not have a smoother silhouette every time I wear a skirt or dress? I’m not sacrificing comfort and I’m gaining an extra bit of modesty.

I’m a fan and I hope you’ll give them a try and love them as much as I do!

You can view Jockey’s #SkimmiesPromo video here.

Would you like to win a pair of Skimmies®? How about $5,000? I thought so. Here’s how:

Jockey and Rachel Zoe want you to Seize the Day in Skimmies® with 25 fun and glamorous daily challenges, May 27-June 20. Expand your comfort zone: Enter Here. Good luck!

This contest begins 5/27/14 at 08:00 AM EST and ends 6/20/14 at 11:59 PM EST.

Filed Under: Fashion, Giveaways Tagged With: Clothing, Fashion, Jockey, POPSUGAR, Reviews

J.Jill’s Chino Shirtdress

March 28, 2014 by Ashley 77 Comments

One basic that my wardrobe has been lacking for years is a great-fitting, comfortable, shirtdress. I’ve tried so many styles that didn’t fit quite right. They were either too baggy, too short, too long, or just looked frumpy. J.Jill sent me this Chino Shirtdress and I’m pretty much in love with it. It is unbelievably comfortable when paired with leggings. Looking at it online I worried that it would be a stiff material (like an old jean jacket) but it is much softer than I could have imagined. While it is a thicker fabric it is very soft and comfortable. This shirtdress is fitted without being too tight, it has just the right amount of stretch and is the perfect length for wearing with flats, boots, or a low heel.

J.Jill Shirtdress