I'm alive! And bright! by Kari

I'm alive!  I made it across the country in one piece!  I still cannot believe we're living in NYC.  It's been almost 2 months since quitting our jobs, selling most of our possessions, and driving across the country in pursuit of a dream.  That's why most people come to New York City, isn't it?  We're such cliches.  But, I am here and happy to report that we are finally getting settled into our new lives.  Fall in NYC is such a beautiful time of year.  Our neighborhood in Brooklyn has the prettiest tree lined streets filled with leaves of every color.  It's such a big change from L.A.  Seasons!  Who knew?  The weather has been pretty mild so I haven't had to layer up as much as I thought I would.  I wore this little outfit last week to church.  Elaine asked me if she thought my style would change when I moved to New York.  I definitely feel like I have picked up a couple pieces that are more utilitarian and completely essential but for the most part I still feel like me and that wearing more than one bright color in an outfit is completely acceptable despite the sea of all black outfits that are prevalent here.

I think it was the bright yellow leaves everywhere that inspired me to bust out this skirt this week.  I love this color and it looks so good when paired with neutrals, but, of course, I couldn't resist and added blue tights.  I do apologize for all the wrinkles but you gotta cut me some slack.  Who's going to iron all their things after they've just moved across the country?  Come on!  Pops of gold accessories to match the studs in my shoes bring the outfit together for me.

I'm wearing an H&M black and white blazer, black Gap button up shirt, yellow J.Crew skirt, blue tights (can't remember from where!), Delman studded flats (via Gilt warehouse sale), Timex leopard watch, gold House of Harlow necklace (Gilt), and Missoni for Target clutch.

P.S. We were walking Chloe when we snapped these pics so never mind the bright red leash in the first picture!

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How to Style Your Hair in a French Twist by Kristina

Yep...that's me sporting my hair in it's most natural state of fuzziness. I never, ever, ever try this hairstyle on freshly washed hair...my hair is just too bouncy, so this hair style is reserved for a couple days after a shampoo when the ends are at their frizziest and there's just nothing else to do with it except pull it back (or wash it again), but who doesn't want to get one more day out of their product, huh?

1. To keep the front of my hair from splitting down the middle, I pull back the front section of hair and use a bobby pin or clip to hold it in place while I do the rest of these steps. This also prevents the weight of my hair from pulling the front back too tight.

2. Pull your hair into a ponytail where you want the center of the twist to be.

3. With your hand on the bottom of the ponytail, twist your hair up and around toward the ceiling to create the roll.

4. Hide the ends of your hair by taking the ends and twisting them down and tucking them under the twist formed in the previous step. The longer your hair, the further under you'll need to tuck.

5. Anchor the style with bobby pins in these three places first, tucking in any stray ends. Continue pinning until your hair feels secure.

6. As you pin, make sure to check this angle in the mirror for shape. You don't want it to look great from the back only to be bulging out in weird ways from the side. I think the fullest part of my twist here should have been a little higher, but that would just be me being picky. HA.

7. Check the front for shape and pin accordingly. Recently, I've wanted my hair to be a bit higher and more dramatic in the front, so I haven't been pinning it back too much.

8. That's it! A french twist made easy. Much love, mah dears.

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Extra Long Ties Giveaway (CLOSED)

So I know you probably read the title and thought, "This does not pertain to me. IGNORE." And you're right. It doesn't -- unless you're a very tall man who reads a women's fashion blog...or you are a woman who has a tall man in her life. And then it totally pertains to you. I have a tall and skinny man. We have a doubly hard time finding clothes that fit him without making it look like I starve him. (I feed him! I swear!) Lucky for us (and maybe you?), there is an online store that sells extra long ties! Instead of you having to search all over the Internet for longer ties, they did all of that for you. They have a bajillion ties (don't quote me on that) all for under $20 each WITH free shipping. The free shipping should be enough to entice you!! With Christmas just around the corner (I haven't even started on my shopping yet!!!), this would make a great gift for that tall man in your life. Don't know one? I'll let you enter for my husband. (Just don't tell him. He doesn't read this anyway so I think we're good.)

Feel free to use the coupon code CLOTHEDMUCH5 for $5 off. That's $15 ties, ladies!!

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Sequins in the RIGHT!

thrifted sequin sweater ($5), secondhand choker necklace ($5), maxi skirt made from a thrifted IKEA curtain ($3)

Okay, despite last week's sequin outfit mishap, THIS I loved wearing. It looks simple because it is. The colors are all in the same family:  cream, gold, dark green. There is pattern-mixing along with some sequin and bling. I think I was trying too hard last time. I feel more myself when it's simple. So I think this means I should resort to t-shirt and jeans for the rest of my life.

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Rule Breaking Monday!

Last week we did shorts with boots and I know I mentioned we'd do shorts with tights this time but it seems like most of you already did it with the exception of simplystylishmom. So I think I'll keep last week's link party open for all those who did shorts with tights this week.

For this Rule Breaking Monday, why don't we do knee-high socks! I tried it before and I loved it. I need more ideas though so let's see your best knee-highs!! And then for next week since it's winter now (L.A. didn't get the memo.), let's do snow boots!

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What To Wear This Thanksgiving

I don't know about you but when I am creating an outfit, besides factoring in weather, the setting, and the people I'd encounter/interact with that day, I also factor in FOOD. Does that make me a pig? ..because I am. SO, for tomorrow you bet I'm busting out my Thanksgiving pants a la Joey. But, that wouldn't be very fashion-blogger of me. To keep me in check, I've compiled a few choice outfits and tips to help me get dressed tomorrow, and just maybe it will help you too if you're a pig like me.

No jeans. It's too restricting in the waistband area if you're going to eat five turkeys. But if that's not your goal, go for the skinny jeans -- the skinniest you can find, really.

Think leggings with an over-sized t-shirt or tunic and boots like Diana here.

Or consider loose pants with a loose shirt on top.

If you're going to wear a skirt, wear an A-line or full skirt. Belt it to show a defined waist!! Exaggerate it!

If your Thanksgiving dinner is more fancy, consider a sheath dress with no defined waist. Embrace the shapelessness! ..and then pile on the jewels.

After all that, I'll probably wear the leggings + oversized tee + boots combo. What will you guys be wearing tomorrow??

Oh.... and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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When sequins feel wrong..

thrifted sequin sweater ($5), vintage skirt ($5), JCPenney broach (free), Ros Hommerson oxfords ($26), vintage bag ($15)

This outfit looked good in my mind when I picked it out in the morning but as the day went on, I didn't like it! I don't know what my problem's been lately but on the days I get my pictures taken, I end up not liking my outfits and the days I let Chase sleep for 5 extra minutes, I like the outfit! I think this is why I took my pictures every day -- to hate all my outfits equally. I promise I have some good ones coming up. (I think. I actually don't remember.) No more of this Debbie Downer! My name's not even Debbie!

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To Splurge or Not To Splurge by B

Burberry scarf (graduation gift), J.Crew Outlet sweater

Hello! I'm B from the style blog With Love From Michigan. Being a new, part-time teacher, I can definitely relate to the need to look good but keep the price point manageable. One of the ways I do that is to only buy classic pieces from the nice stores that I know will last me more than one season (e.g., pencil skirts, dress pants, LBDs, shoes, etc.) and buy the trendier items that won't be in style for as long at cheaper stores such as Forever 21, Target, or thrift them if possible.

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How about now?

thrifted Talbots blazer ($3), scarf (gift from T), Target tunic ($16), thrifted and skinnied Target jeans ($8), JCPenney flats (free), vintage bag ($15)

This is one of those outfits where I got it "right" on the first try and I loved it all day. But now that I look back on it a week or two later I realize it's "eh." Not the best, not the worst but at least I felt good in it while I wore it! What I'd do differently next time is switch the jeans and scarf and maybe do my hair. Longer legs would be nice too while we're on that subject!!

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Rule Breaking Monday!

Loved seeing all your midi skirt outfits last week. (Joanna, I'm still jealous of the skirts you found at the thrift store!!) It was even more awesome finding Krista's post on three ways to wear it!

K, now let's do shorts with boots! Since this is a modest fashion bog, please only submit outfits with the shorts at least mid-thigh! No short-shorts, thanks!

For next week I'd like to continue with the shorts and do shorts with tights per Stacey's suggestion. I've never done it with knee-length shorts so if anybody is able to pull that off, I'd love to see it! Again, let's keep the shorts at least mid-thigh!!

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Pretty Ways to Mix Patterns by Kristine

Hi there! My name is Kristine and I blog over at Kristine or Polly. I'm thrilled to be a contributor on Clothed Much! If you read my blog, you'll know that I am obsessed with mixing patterns. I love how funky and eclectic it can look! Here are a few guidelines I've come up with to mix patterns... but remember, just have fun with it!

1. Try incorporating subtle pops with accessories

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Shop My Closet!

Like I mentioned in my birthday giveaway post, I did a closet clean-out and listed everything on Smashion. Everything is under $11! And that is only one item! I know money is tight for a lot of people so I tried to make it as cheap as possible. Most of the items are XS-M with a few accessories as well. Shop away! Let me know if you have any questions! I am also open to trades or swaps! But only if they're cool. If they're lame, move along.

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How to Style Your Maxi for Cooler Weather by Kristina

Maxi skirts are the iconic sort of pieces generally associated with warm, sunny days and breezy walks along the beach. I love pencil skirts as much as the next girl, but it seems a certain sort of luxury to have that extra fabric swishing around your ankles. I'm such a fan of long skirts, so of course, I'm always looking for ways to take my billowy chiffon skirts into cooler weather. This season's version of the maxi are hardly to be restricted to the bohemian looks with which we associate them. This year they are smart, chic, and utterly feminine. Here are just a few ways I'll be working my maxis this autumn over at my blog, Kristina J.

Downtown Edge

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Shoes on the (Birthday) Brain...

I try not to post too many wishlist items because it just reminds me that I can't afford them. But it's my birthday today and my oyster is the world!!!! Ever since my trusty $8 thrifted brown boots died, there's been a void in my life (and closet). I've kept my eye out while thrifting to find another pair by miracle but no luck yet. Stupid warm L.A. weather! (JK. I love the weather here.)

With brown boots on the mind and it being my birthday and all, I've been doing some "window" shopping and found two comfortable, durable pairs that should last me a while. Both are +$200 so, unfortunately, only one can be an option... Even then it shouldn't be an option but we're just going to ignore that part. :)

First option is the Ugg Channing. I'm so glad Ugg has more options than their typical boots because although they are an eye-sore, they are pretty comf. I'm still wary about these boots because besides the fact that they are almost $300 (cringe), I'm not sure how their shoe widths are. I have pretty wide feet and some brands accommodate in their regular widths and others don't so it's always a guessing game.

The other option is the Tsubo Galvani. I LOVE Tsubo shoes. I have two pairs:  Kiho boots and Deba heels. They're super comf. They have a bit of an alien-foreign look to them that can be a bit off-putting sometimes so I was very surprised and happy when I saw these brown ankle boots. I can definitely get on board these. And they are $100 less than the Channing boots! $200!

Which boots are more your style?

Update:  I probably won't get them. :( Chase just checked our bank accounts. Eat to survive or shoes? Food or shoes.... I hate decisions!!!!!

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Birthday Giveaway (CLOSED)

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Florals and Stripes FTW

MNG by Mango trenchcoat (free), Mink Pink blouse (c/o KODI Boutique), thrifted belt ($1), refashioned Forever 21 skirt ($7), Old Navy wedges ($15)

When I received this floral top, I knew I had to pair it with my striped skirt. Florals and stripes FTW!!! I still can't get enough of this combo. If you consider how little there is of floral-anything in my closet, it is kind of sad.. But stripes? OBSESSED!!! Do you lean more towards florals or stripes?

P.S. Does my skin look ashy to anybody else? I look like a zombie...

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Spots and Dots by Joanna

Hi! I'm Joanna:  an actor, TV host, mom, and lover of all things fashion. Over at ModaMama, I share my daily forays into the world of clothes along with my misadventures in Mommyhood, acting, and the hilarity that is my life!

I love polka dots -- pretty much always have. But they're especially hot right now for fall. And though they can add whimsy and play to an outfit, they can also be daunting. The challenge is to keep them elegant enough and to not wind up looking like the next aspiring Minnie Mouse.

Small polka dots I find are the easiest to play with. Because it's a subtle pattern, you can do almost anything with it – mix it with other patterns, add it in accessories, dress it up or down. They're very elegant head-to-toe on a dress and really easy to to mix and match because of their simple geometric nature.

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My Inner Unicorn

thrifted Gap button-up ($6), cream 5" flower (c/o Hot Magnets), secondhand Calvin Klein belt ($3), thrifted and skinnied Target jeans ($8), Fitzwell flats ($75), vintage bag ($15)

Remember my Nerd-wannabe post? How some outfits remind me of certain bloggers? This outfit reminded me of Ashley. I must have borrowed her cute preppy style the day I wore this. Gingham, huge flower, and skinny jeans? Definitely channeling some unicorn here. Have you been channeling any fashion bloggers lately?

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Rule Breaking Monday!

Did you see all last week's double florals entries? Joanna won last week's link party!! Super, cute, fall look.

Now it's time to bust out the midi skirts! I've done it a couple of times but I don't know if I can break that rule more than that. I have big calves and short legs... Methinks there's a reason midi skirts on shorties is a rule... Someone prove me wrong!

Next week let's do shorts with boots like I tried here. I say "tried" because I'm still unsure about it.. Let's keep the shorts-length at least mid-thigh, please!

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Gap Friends & Family

You guys! Get 30% off your entire purchase at Gap now until Sunday with the code GAPFRIENDS! I've found two things that I wouldn't mind having in my possession. I mean, my birthday is coming up if any of you were stumped on what to get me.........

cross-ankle flats ($13.99 $9.79), contrast-knit cable sweater ($44.99 $31.50)

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Freepiling by Meredith

Hey! I'm back to talk a little bit more about the freepiles. They're where the majority of my clothes come from, especially this year since I've given up shopping (thrifting included) as a New Year's resolution. It's going well, thanks for asking. Anyway, here's the lowdown on the 'piles:

We live in an apartment complex that puts donation buckets in each of the laundry rooms within the complex. We're all encouraged to give and take and I am very PRO-freepiles. In fact, I've been supplementing my wardrobe with them for years since the laundry rooms in my college apartments also had them.

After all this time as a bin digger, here are my tips on incorporating random used clothes into your wardrobe:

Know how to sew (or hot glue!) a tiny bit.

Freepiled skirt I just hemmed up a few inches.

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Yes, I always look this tired.

Target tunic ($16), JCPenney necklace (free), Old Navy belt ($10), Forever 21 maxi dress-turned-skirt ($5), Forever 21 boots ($16), vintage bag ($15)

MAN. I look tired in these pictures. Besides that, I loved this outfit! Ping-pong-friendly AND stylin' (after I took my necklace off, of course). I got this down. This outfit is actually quite similar to this one...at least, the colors are very similar. Does that mean I get double brownie points? How about just brownies instead?

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My JCPenney loot a year later and what I think

Last summer I won $1,500 to JCPenney from College Fashion + $50 from Kansas Couture recently and I finally spent it all. I thought I'd show you all the things I spent it on and then list the rest of it to see how far I stretched it or didn't.

The clothes you've seen on the blog...

similar trenchcoat

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Mom Jeans?

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Modest Clothing Stores, you're getting warmer..

Warning:  This post is all MY opinion....and advanced apologies if my sarcasm is too great.

I have a prejudice when it comes to Utah's take on modest fashion:  over-the-top frills and ruffles, fabric flowers, tacky fabrics, gem-encrusted flared denim, beehive blonde hair, spider mascara, and the over-use of undertees. I'm determined that amidst this fashion faux pas epidemic there IS some fashion sense somewhere in Utah!!! With the upsurge of Mormon modest fashion bloggers, I'm going to assume you guys know at least some of us have a style unmediated by the Mormon capital and its residents. (Me.)

Despite what I consider a faux pas, Utah modest clothing stores (and their fashion) are on the rise. Some better than others. Since this is a modest fashion blog, I'm going to review and showcase some of the best modest clothes from these stores. Please note:  I'm not getting paid for this. I wish. My opinions are free and you can't set a price on that. (Yes, you can. Contact me for more info.)

The first store I want to review is modbod. Not a fan of the store name, not a fan of the site, not a fan of the pictures, not a fan of the models. Everything about it screams "catalog" and "Utah." ....except this Mandarin top. Maybe the little ounce of fashion in me has been dulled by the rest of the mediocre items so this top stuck out to me like a diamond in the rough. Perhaps it is the styling? (Love everything except the stilettos.) Either way, I applaud modbod for providing ONE good item. What do you think (about this product and my new mission)? Let's discuss.

Mandarin top, $32

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Can I get a do-over?

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Deal or Steal?

Miu Miu Glitter & Suede Bow Peep Toe Ankle Boots, $890!!!!!

Charlotte Russe Pleated Velvet Glitter Bootie, $42.50

These Miu Miu booties have been seen all over fashion-blogging land. And by that I mean exclusively by the rich and famous. I wasn't a fan but the more I'm seeing them, the more I like 'em. Charlotte Russe got all over that and produced a total copy cat! Besides the platform and the slight inward curve of the heel, it's a pretty good cheaper version...much cheaper. Save over $800!!!

What do you think? Would you splurge on the real deal (cringe) or save?

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Chokers are back!

Gap button-up ($12), secondhand choker ($5), secondhand BDG jeans ($17), Ros Hommerson oxfords ($26), vintage bag ($15)

I'm loving this recent choker trend. What do you think of it? Have you tried it? I personally didn't like choker necklaces before...which is why I've only worn this necklace a few times. But when paired with a button-up, I love it!! Thanks to Shannon for the inspiration! Check out Who What Wear's Accessory Report for more ideas on what you can pair with choker necklaces.

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Rule Breaking Monday!

Like I promised last week, it's double florals! I don't think I've ever done double florals on this blog... Yeah, I just checked. Never!!! So I'm excited to see how you guys will incorporate double the flowers into your outfits this week.

Next week it is midi skirts (mid-calf skirts). They're horrible for petites like me and for those with bigger calves like me but I still did it!!! In your face, rules. But that will probably be my last time... so I guess the rules won...

On a side note, my link party tool subscription is going to end at the end of this year and I'm not sure if I should renew it. The level of participation every week hasn't been where I had wanted it to be (in the single digits) so I'm not sure if it's worth it. Do you guys like it? If I renew it, I might do away with Rule Breaking Mondays and just leave it as a link party with a different theme each week. What do you guys think? It's all up to you since you guys are the ones participating so let me know your thoughts, good or bad!

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$50 gift card giveaway! (CLOSED)

It's been so long since we last had a giveaway here so I'm super excited to share this one with you by Go Chic or Go Home! They are giving away a $50 gift card to one of their retail partners to one lucky winner!! If you recognize the name but can't remember from where, I did a sponsored post and review post a while back. For a quick recap, GCOGH is a fashion community where you can upload photos of your individual closet pieces, discover new ways to remix, and find outfit inspiration.

To enter all you need to do is 1) become a member AND 2) leave a comment about GCOGH below. If you're already a member, you can still enter!

Pssst...I'm using a new application for giveaways. If you don't see a huge, obnoxious form below, please let me know! It's my first time using it so I'm not sure if it's accessible for everyone. If you're not sure how to use it, let me know in the comments.

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Maxi Curtain

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Investment Piece by Shannon

Hey! It's Shannon from Style with Shannon. One of the things I truly believe in is investing in a few quality items of clothing that will last you for years. Why do I believe this? Before I was married, I had more money to spend on myself. I bought some "expensive" pieces of clothing that are still going strong 8, 9, 10 years later. You see, if you spend $200 on something that could last you 10 years, it only ends up being $20 a year. One of the things I like to do on my blog is to show how to style an item of clothing many different ways. Here is one I did with a J.Crew silk blouse.

Look 1

J.Crew jeans, Nordstrom Rack shoes, borrowed Forever 21 necklace

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What tuck?

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