Ok, ladies, I need to confront you about something serious.  Because I have been seeing you in the grocery store and the mall playplace and even for goodness' sake at CHURCH, and some of you are wearing very. ugly. shoes. And from this moment on, you cannot claim ignorance, because I am telling you that one of the Sacred Commandments of Frump-Fighting is Thou Shalt Not Wear Ugly Shoes. And in case you were going to try this one next, another Commandment is Thous Shalt Not Wear Thy Slippers Out of the House.

I KNOW your vintage 1994 Birkenstocks are comfortable, girlfriends, but they are UGLY.  And they are not doing much for your appearance!

I have really flat feet, and most "regular" shoes hurt my feet.  But I have found some VERY fashionable, affordable options that are also very cute!  Mainly, Crocs and TOMS.  I always get comments when I wear these babies out:

My cashier at Kroger LOVED them the other day.  And frankly, they added a lot to my jeans-and-sweatshirt.  They let all the people at Kroger know I was a Frump Fighter!

I also get a lot of compliments on these Crocs:

They are the epitome of comfort and style!  A plain black tee, a pair of dark jeans and these shoes make a very chic outfit to run around in all day!

So ladies, now you know.  Throw out your ugly old sandals, your orthopedic-looking Grandma shoes, your Sketchers from 1997, and your comfortable old sneakers.

Get yourself something CUTE that won't hurt your feet, and rock 'em in the kindergarten pick-up line, at the drug store, and on playdates.  You're worth it!

Now it's your turn!  Tell us how YOU fight the frump!  Link up your fashion and beauty posts from this week, and link back to this post.  Mr. Linky (and the world) is waiting – link up!

________________________

Birkenstocks Photo by Kables on Flickr

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Jackie had already purchased that scrumptious cardigan for herself, the floral dress and both pairs of Old Navy shoes for her daughters, and a similar brown sweater for her husband. We recommended she pick up the sweater coat, skirt and tights from BabyGap and the vintage style top also from Anthropologie.

How adorable will this family be posing in these woods and on this bridge. Jackie, I hope you have a wonderful photo shoot and I can't wait to see your pictures!

Scott Criswell Photography

I hope you enjoyed this post. Do you need some stylist advice of your own? Or would you like to gift someone a virtual wardrobe this Christmas? Great, I'd love to help you out and who can turn down FREE gifts? Just email me and I'll shoot you a copy of a personalized questionnaire to get started on your very own new look. Psst, don't forget to tell your friends about these fun, FREE services

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Mary Kay sent me some of their limited-edition holiday goodies to review.  I liked them so much I decided to vlog about them!  You can order them online here.  Enjoy!

____________________________

Mary Kay sent me these products to review. I was not compensated in any other way.

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Ladies, I am here to put an end to the question men and women have been asking for years: does size matter?  NO!  Size doesn't matter!  At least when it comes to your clothes, that is.  In that case, it's FIT that matters. Not the number on the tag in your pants.

Recently I was shopping with someone who didn't want to try on a size larger than she normally wears just because she identifies her self-image with the size of her clothes.  But different clothing lines adhere to different sizing charts.  It's just the way it is.  Some designers make you happy because you wear a size 10 in them, some you hate because you wear a size 12 in their line.  Don't let that number get to you!  Try on a couple of sizes, and get the one that fits.  Trust me, nothing looks frumpier than a woman in too-small or too-large clothes – no matter what the quality! You could buy a dress at Ann Taylor that's too big and it'll look like it came from Dollar General.  This is the only kind of person who can get away with baggy, ill-fitting clothing:

And no one, I repeat, NO ONE can get away with clothing that is too small. It is the SUPER-FRUMP!

So, if you're going to the store, try on clothes until you get the right size.  If you're ordering online or from a catalog, measure yourself against that specific retailers sizing chart.

And remember, it's not the number that matters!  It's the way the clothes fit YOUR body!

Now it's your turn!  Tell us how YOU fight the frump!  Link up your fashion and beauty posts from this week, and link back to this post.  Mr. Linky (and the world) is waiting – link up!

_________________

Photo: konsvi on flickr

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I think your manicure is part of your overall fashion "look" - however for the past, um, FOREVER, I've been a total "nail fail".  TOTAL.  I just can't seem to find the time to maintain my nails.

A couple of weeks ago, Nic's Sticks from Nicole by OPI sent my co-blogger Emily and I some to try – for free, y'all!  I will admit, I was very skeptical. I didn't think they would inspire me to be any more pro-active about my nail color than I already am.

But I LOVED the Nic's Sticks.  They were easy to use, dried really fast, and stay on really well. Having the nail polish in a "pen" form makes touch-ups really fast and easy too.  It doesn't go on very thick, which I like – the thicker the polish, the faster it gets messed up in my experience.

I also love all the color options available!  My nails are currently "In the Nic of Time" pictured above, but earlier this week, they were a lovely dark turquoise called "Close the Deal Teal".  (That's right! I've done my nails TWICE this week!)

So, I can recommend Nic's Sticks to you!  Very fun, fast, and easy to use – and now my nails can look as good as the rest of my outfit!

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Consequently, my jewelry box isn't very full.

Several weeks ago I was introduced* to jewelry designer, Rebekah Green, whose website says "Because even feeling pretty can help save the world!"

Not only is their jewelry beautiful, comfortable, and incredibly well made; but it is also affordable ($50 for the aquamarine drops pictured top right) and made by a company dedicated to responsible and ethical practices:

• They use 100% recycled 14k & 18k gold in all their designs.
• They only use fair trade gemstones.
• Each piece is made in the United States and is hand-cast, hand-set, and hand-polished. Each pair of earrings is truly one-of-a-kind.
• Even their product labels are instantly biodegradable
• AND they donate 5% of their net profits to Global Green USA charity: Water, and Heifer International

Some of the other designs I love are:

A pretty and sparkly pair of earrings really can make you feel beautiful… and Blissful!

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One fashion mistake I have made year after year is not having a cute fall jacket. Most years I've just tried to make it to winter without one, and have suffered both cold and many missed opportunities for cuteness!  Last year my husband gave me a cute leather jacket for Christmas that will be perfect for fall, so this year I'm all good.  As I've grown in my knowledge of and experience with good, functional fashion, I've learned that a good fall jacket is an essential wardrobe staple. Here are a few of my favorites this season!

The Terry Peacoat pictured above by Shade Clothing is adorable.  I love the stand-up collar – very elegant!  I also love the fact that you can unbutton the collar and wear it folded down for a different look.  In that case you can pair it with a scarf to add a pop of color or flair.

This next one is a belted wool jacket from Old Navy.  The shawl collar will make any outfit look pretty and the belt will cut down on the bulky look that some jackets can give.  Plus – the wool will keep you nice and warm!  (Lest I forget that the primary function of jackets is warmth!)

Side note: All the jackets I'm featuring are pretty neutral.  Although I think a brightly colored jacket can be gorgeous, I tend to go for neutrals and add color with my accessories – hat, scarf, handbag – for maximum versatility.

Finally, I do LOVE me a good sweater coat.  In some ways, I think the sweater coat could be the new jacket. For one thing, sweater coats are just comfortable and cozy.  They often aren't nearly as bulky as jackets and can be very, very stylish.  Again, get one like this (from Banana Republic) in neutral colors, throw it on over a nice pair of jeans and put a red or fuschia scarf around your neck, and you are warm, comfy, and ad-OR-able.

So there you have it.  My pick for some great fall jackets!  What kind of outerwear do YOU like?

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Because I am your friend, I will be honest with you.  If you are a chick, and you have birthed a child, you most likely need to get yourself some shapewear. Whether you are a size 8 or 18, you've probably got some jiggle that you don't want putting on jell-o show for everyone when you are wearing your pretty new dress to your cousin's wedding,  your best friend's Christmas party, or that blog conference you've been excited about for months.

You can get it away with "letting it all hang out" if you are pregnant, or if you are this guy:

(Ahh, forgive me! Fat cats are funny!)

I've tried a few different types of shapewear over the past year, and ladies, these things are not your grandma's girdle.  Modern shapewear keeps everything tucked in and smooth and makes it as comfortable as possible. I SWA-AIR!  Last year, prior to BlissDom, when people asked me what I was wearing I always mentioned that I'd be wearing "so much under-armor I'll KLINK when you hug me!"  I need shapwear!  I'm not ashamed!  Shapewear will make you feel much more confident about yourself, and will make your clothes look and feel better. GETCHA SOME.  I'll even lay out some options for you!

I like this bottom by n-finishape, it's really comfy and freezes my jiggle as long as I have it on:

And I LOVE all the options for up-top that Slimpressions offers.  I tried three of them last year and loved them all.  And I know several reputable and very fashionable people who are big fans of Yummie Tummie.  (And may I say, that I *adore* the fact that Yummie Tummie has a nursing tank available! Shapewear for the nursing mama? Yes, please!)  OF course, there's also the original that inspired this decade's shapewear craze, Spanx.  Maidenform Shapeez is also a good one that I've tried, and I hear that Dr. Rey's, sold at Sears, is great also but I've never tried it.

So, what I am saying is, you have lots of options!  Invest in some shapewear!  It will become a beloved wardrobe staple and will go a looooong way in helping Fight the Frump!

Now it's your turn!  Tell us how YOU fight the frump!  Link up your fashion and beauty posts from this week, and link back to this post.  Mr. Linky (and the world) is waiting – link up!

________________________

Photos: threefatcats on flickr, n-finishape

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It's about that time. It's getting colder. Your belly bump is getting bigger. And you need a coat. I remember I tried my hardest to fit into my "pre-pregnancy" winter coat when I was pregnant with Benjamin… but it just wouldn't button. There are some fabulous looking winter maternity coats out there right now, and this is the best time to shop for them – when every size and color is fully stocked. I (reluctantly) bought a white winter coat when I was pregnant with Benjamin. It was the only color available… and I just knew, I just knew it was going to be dirty – and fast. So I'm a big proponent of buying when styles/colors/sizes are in stock and ready to go!

So where to shop for maternity coats? Easy. Destination Maternity.

After devouring the many gorgeous styles, these are my (5) favorite maternity picks for winter coats (if I were pregnant, which I'm not – I don't want any rumors starting…):

Zip Front Nylon Blend Maternity Coat

Button Front Wool Maternity Coat

Toggle Closure Wool Maternity Coat

Zipper Pocket Boucle Maternity Jacket

Fleece Long Sleeve Maternity Jacket

So, my prego friends, go get yourself a nice maternity coat!  Winter's on it's way and you gotta keep that bump warm!

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A few weeks ago I bought myself a birthday present – a pair of  Audrey Leg cords from Lands' End.  (You can see them here, I couldn't grab a pic from Lands' Ends' website, sorry!)  They are pretty much the most amazingly cute and comfortable casual pants EVER! I loved them so much I decide to follow up that purchase with a pair of Lands' End bootcut cords. More amazing comfort and cuteness!  I love these pants so much I've decided that cords are the new jeans. As a SAHM, I pretty much wear  jeans EVERY DAY – it's nice to have something else in my wardrobe that's comfy, functional, and fashionable!

Since my new love of cords has now become borderline obsessive, and since I sadly, can't afford to order a new pair every week, I hit the local Goodwill last week to see what I could drum up.   And I SCORED!  I got a lovely pair  of chocolate-brown Gap bootcut cords like those pictured above for $3.99. And they are indeed, also super comfortable and cute. I see more thrifting – and more cords – in my future.

So, in my world, cords are the new jeans! What do you think?

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