Monday, April 8, 2013

Versatility

GET THE LOOK HERE:
Top: c/o Wallis (exact) // Blazer: Kohl's (option) // Pants: Forever 21 (option) // Shoes: Forever 21 (exact) // Clutch: Forever 21 (exact) // Necklace: Forever 21 (option)

I typically do weekend recaps on Mondays, but since my oldest woke up with strep throat on Saturday morning, we didn't do anything too exciting; just lots of rest, chicken noodle soup, meds and watching our church service online.

However, we did sneak in a little photo shoot. If you haven't heard, I am in the running to become Wallis' 1st U.S. Blogger Ambassador. I styled this top on Friday and wanted to show you how versatile it is. Did I mention is doesn't wrinkle? Not even in the slightest. I call that a super bonus.

I am not gonna lie, deep down I want to show Wallis that I can create two completely different looks by using one amazing top. I have a few other looks that I conjured up using this top as a focus. Hoping to show my ideas with you guys soon.

Before the Wallis contest began, we were asked to pick an item of our choosing to style from their website. I think I spent at least an hour deciding on what piece I wanted to get. It wasn't easy making my final selection and I second guessed myself a hundred times. 

But then, it arrived at my door step and I knew immediately I had made the right choice.

You know why? This top is multifunctional.

And that, my friends, brings us to today's topic, choosing versatile pieces when it comes to style, shopping and taking control of your closet.

Not too long ago I would buy things solely on the fact that I thought something was "cute". I am here to say that being "cute" doesn't always cut it.

With all the trends, store offerings, sales, advertising, blogs, Pinterest and Instagram #ootds we can all get head spinning overwhelmed. There is SO much out there. So many things we ALL want to add to our closets. Styles we want to try. Patterns we want to mix. Shoes we hope we don't break an ankle in. 

I want to give you some personal advice. Since starting my blog, I have learned to shop smarter. I have become more aware of what I already own. Before I buy anything, I close my eyes and visualize my closet. I know, that might sound a little obsessive, but I do. If I can't think of at least three ways to wear a particular item, I let it stay on the store rack. 

That is why I knew this top was a perfect pick. I know that it will be something I will wear over and over again. It wasn't something that I chose to just win a contest. It is a piece that will sit on my shoulders time and again.

So, tell me, do you still shop on the basis of  "cuteness" or do you close your eyes and visualize how you can wear your investments more than just a few times a year?

Here is a comparison of how functional one top can be. Next time you are out shopping, ask yourself, "How many ways can I really wear this?" You're welcome for saving you a buck or two.


Thank you a MILLION times over for all the support over the last week. Whether you believe me or not, it has taught me so many life lessons. Lessons I am planning to share with you soon. It has strengthened friendships, my confidence, learning to let go of insecurities and most importantly my walk with The Lord. So regardless of the outcome, I have come out a winner. I am NOT saying I am NOT praying I win, but if they choose another ambassador, I will hold my head high. I am sharing this experience with so many amazing style bloggers. Honestly, I believe we all deserve to win.

So, thank you Wallis, family, friends, strangers, Michael Yo and God for this wild ride. I am on pins and needles to hear the outcome this week. Tomorrow is the LAST day to vote and I sincerely hope you cast yours for me. This would be a dream come true.

If you see fit, please comment below letting the Wallis team know why I should be their 1st U.S. Blogger Ambassador. They want to hear from you!


P.S. Please don't forget to vote for me to be Wallis' 1st U.S. Fashion blogger.

Go here and click to vote. It's a SUPER close race. Every vote matters! It would mean the world to me if I won. You can do this once per day until April 9th. Don't worry if you forget, I will be reminding all of you on a daily basis!


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82 comments:

Anonymous said...

GORGEOUS! Love the heels so much.

Michelle (michabella) said...

Love that top so much!!! I just voted for you too! :)

Unknown said...

looking lovely as always. ps, your new camera is taking AWESOME photos!

Unknown said...

You seriously rocked this top!!

Unknown said...

Those shoes...I love them!

But yeah it's definitely a good idea to buy something that you know you'll wear more than a couple times! I'm so much better at shopping now because I used to shop based on "cuteness," but now I make sure it's a piece that I'll wear again and again!

http://findingmyinspiration.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

I am pretty sure I am learning how to smart shopper since I have started blogging too. However, those impulse buys still kicks in. I can't believe those heels are from F21 - gorgeous!

Love both looks and how they are so different!

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Kathrin@shopschoolsleep said...

I love the way you styled the shirt here. You really picked a great shirt :) I do the same thing though when shopping...mainly for work/fun items...if I can't picture a way to wear it to work or out of work with things I already own, then I don't buy it....see you really are my "big" sis hahaha good luck!! and I'm voting daily...sometimes I forget I already voted and vote twice!!

Kim S said...

This outfit is too fabulous for words! You probably have some of the best fashion taste I have ever seen, so you know you've had my vote all along!

FitTravelerAJ said...

I love this look as much as I loved the first one! You picked an amazing piece, it looks way better on you than it does on the website, actually! I love how many colors are in it to pair with so much. And great tip on visualizing your closet when shopping.

It looks like you are in first place, so congrats to you!! You have worked hard and this is an amazing opportunity for you. :-) Good luck!!

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

Heather said...

I just love that second picture of you - you seriously look gorgeous... love the hair and LOVE those heels... and of course the top is fabulous :)

XO
Pearls & Paws

Ashley said...

This top really is super versatile. Love how you're rocking the edgy look today!

And that is EXACTLY why they need to choose you...YOU are versatile...you can wear edgy, cute, girly, etc. and look amazing in it!

Hope your little one is better :-)

Danavee said...

DANG! You are good. I love BOTH ways!

I'm rooting for you!!!!!!!!!

Life etc... said...

I love both ways you've worn this shirt! Good luck with the comp! And your photos are looking GORGEOUS these days. You have to do a post about your new camera - how you're taking your photos etc :)

life-etcblog.blogspot.com.au

Martha said...

I love both looks, but this one is super fabulous. You look AMAZING!
I've been voting daily!

BOO strep throat!

Unknown said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEE the shoes and the clutch! It takes so much self control to not go on the store websites and buy items that you wear all the time lol. Such a cute outfit, and best of luck with the contest! I cant wait to see how it all turns out :)

Allie
Bellasandra

Katie said...

I LOVE both looks! you are amazing at putting together outfits! especially doing it with things you already own! I sure hope you win!!!

Rachel said...

Those shoes are FIERCE! Love how you styled both outfits with the top!

Helene said...

love how you styled both the looks, I just voted again and yay you are holding it at first place. But I won't jinx it- I will continue to vote!!!

Unknown said...

LOVE the edginess of this look!! You look like such a sexy bad@$$! lol And those heels... amazing F21 find!

Alissa
FeelingGoodStyle.com

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

I LOVE the two ways you styled this top! You took it from being sweet to edgy!

Fizz and Frosting

Amy Shaughnessy said...

I'm totally with you on the shopping smarter but every now and then I will buy something knowing I have nothing to wear with it. I only buy it if I really love it. Then I know eventually I will find something to go with it. Not the smartest tactic but oh well. I love these two looks side by side. They have a different feel. One is girly and sweet and the other is a little tough and edgy (my favorite!!!).

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Melanie Montgomery said...

I love this look, and I'm rooting for you!

Always Maylee said...

I've said it before and I'll say it again... you are an absolute rock star! Love that you styled this top for 2 completely different outfits, both of which are gorgeous. You are a hotty totty in this one! LOVE! And I am definitely a smarter shopper now than I was when I was a youngin'! :)

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Neely said...

Feel free to come properly dress me every morning thanks :)

Gwen said...

OK, while I very much liked the first styling, I'm in LOVE (maybe even lust) with the second look because I could see myself in that outfit. I don't know that I would have thought to pair that sweet top with studded heels. You rock, as always!

Makaila said...

Girlfriend, me and my closet are a hot mess with nothing that goes together because I just haven't been able to break the habit of buying "cute". Ugh! You are so right.

Looooove this look! The collar necklace is a really interesting choice! I never would have thought to add it to that fab shirt!

The times I wish I had a FB are very far and few between, but this is one of those times, I'd be voting every darn day if I could, you would be the PERFECT choice for them! Good luck mama!!

Sarah Tucker said...

Whoaaa hot momma!! Oww owww!!! Praying for you to sweet, love!!!

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

Your hair looks fabulous like that.

This post made me think a lot...I often buy things without thinking of how they'll integrate into my wardrobe. I have not been a smart shopper. I'm trying to change my ways going forward and concentrating more on versatility versus feeding the OH MY GOD I LOVE IT SO CUTE I NEED IT MAYBE I'LL WEAR IT TWICE.

larissa said...

I shop for cuteness :\ and my closet looks like it exploded and I always feel like I have nothing to wear!

jackie jade said...

love the two ways you styled this - so smart. and going to vote for you now - good luck!!!
-- jackiejade.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I absolutely love that top and I love how you styled it both ways!!

Kayla
www.lovelucygirl.com

Lindsay Erin said...

Love the whole look and the advice. I do the same thing- I try to picture at least 3 different ways I can wear it before buying something. Some of my favorite pieces are my most versatile ones. Good luck!

Beth said...

You look so fantastic! :) And, great advice on shopping smarter!!

Becky said...

I love this look and I love the fact that you used one piece and made two completely different outfits! I can't decide which one I love more!!!

I'm always inspired by you Shanna, whether it's from your great fashion tips or your wonderful outlook on life :) I can't help but smile when I read your posts. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.....

Whitney Ellen said...

SHANNA... That second photo?! TO DIE FOR.
Like, I want to hang it on my wall, or something.

Anonymous said...

The Ambassador spot is yours! I just know it. I LOVE this tailored edge look something fierce! It's sexy, fun, casual but clearly you mean business! And your hair looks adorable! You're right though, cute doesn't always cut it. I'm big on multiple uses for my clothes but sometimes I forget about my own rules.

TheTinyHeart said...

Looking HOT, Shanna! Those heels are to die for!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Ashleigh said...

This is exactly WHY
I follow fashion blogs! I don't have an endless closet! I have to style, re-style, and style the same thing again and again. Versatility is the mainstay of most women's wardrobes. We don't have endless options. Our clothes have to be work horses, go from work to drinks to play dates, be well made and lasting ANd hopefully cute! You really should be the Wallis brand ambassador, you know how to dress for the every woman!
-Ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

Andrea said...

Looking gorgeous as usual! I love both of these looks and am really wanting to pull the trigger on this blouse!!! I am "trying" to shop smarter too. I can get a little crazy with shopping at times! :) So excited for the tallying of the votes and just know that you will be #1!!

Unknown said...

Voted!!! Love your outfit. Stunning. I'm doing a link up this Thursday April 11. Show me your favorite spring trend. Woudl love it if you joined. I'm also giving away a $300 gift card to Gap. Check it out.

Agi:)

vodkainfusedlemonade.com

Jess said...

Ack, strep throat? I hope you are feeling better very soon!

Some Snapshots Blog
Jess

Jennifer Hoodenpyle said...

Shanna,

You seriously look completely different with your hair all pulled up. I love it!! Great post. You just keep growing, girl.

Unknown said...

Love the outfit, you look amazing! Loving the blouse and clutch bag

Lauren
Fashionswirls.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I completely agree... this was the perfect top to choose! I love both looks!

Unknown said...

YOU LOOK SO PERFECT! I love every aspect of this outfit! Tailored perfection. And those shoes are F21?! MUST HAVE!

Carly said...

Love this outfit, and the pics of you are STUNNING! I totally agree, I do mental closet inventories before buying things now!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Style-Delights said...

Love every piece in this look! This top is seriously cool! and Forever 21 have really amped up their game! an;t believe these shoes are from there! This outfit reminds me of Heidi Klum! You look gorgeous! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style Delights Blog

Heidi said...

And I thought I loved Friday's look! This one is more my style, I love it!!

Unknown said...

I'm in LOVE with both of the looks you came up with Shanna. Please come style my closet the next time you're in Kansas :)

Danielle at Framed Frosting

renae said...

Man you are doing great on the voting Shanna! I only know one other person, that I follow that is in the running. So keep up the great work. Your post are so 'dramatic' lately. I love your hair up, too. Those pants are smokin' hot on you.

See we gals can say those things and we like to hear it, right? If a guy follower said that stuff you would wonder, huh? hahahahaha.

Did you see I finally got FB to function correctly. Urgh. They are the only social site that drive me crazy. All of the others are so 'user friendly'. FB is huge tho, so that is probably the reason. Take care! Keep those fingers crosseddddddddd.

Just Another Shopaholic said...

I really love that top so much!! It looks so fab on you.

Kayla @ Home Coming said...

That shirt is amazing!! I'd love if you'd link up to My Style Monday! http://fashionsgreatesthits.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-style-monday_8.html

RachieCakes said...

I hope you win! Love both these looks!

xo Rach
Rach.E.Cakes – A Life and Style Blog

nancy @ adore to adorn said...

so cute!
Good luck in the competition!! =)
xo,
nancy

http://adoretoadorn.blogspot.com

Kiki said...

I am obsessed with your style!! i love those heels and blouse so much!!
XO

Melissa said...

The outfit AND you look great!!! I love how you did your hair too!!! :)

Darcy said...

Great post, I really hope you win the contest! And I have to agree - blogging has definitely made me shop smarter. It's one of the main reasons why I started!

www.corporategirlstyle.blogspot.com

Tiffany said...

You are just incredible. KILLING IT.

Unknown said...

I LOVE it! Great styling.

Jamie Sefcik || Hello Little Scout said...

Those heels! This outfit is amazing!

Alyssa @ Sweet Shangrila said...

I love everything about this look and that top is AMAZING. I'm going to have to get my hands on one. Honestly I didn't even notice it was the same top as last week's post at first because the looks are just SO different- just goes to show how versatile it is! Your hair is adorable like that. Hope your daughter is feeling better!

Louise Mc said...

I shop quite impulsively, but you are absolutely right, particularly in these tough economic times we should definitely be seeking to maximise the use of new items. I will try to be more like that when shopping in future.

Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

Love that top! All those colors...so versatile just like you said. Since I've started blogging I'm trying so hard not to duplicate what I have, step out side the box and really consider every piece I buy. Love those F21 pants too with those edgy black shoes. And you already know I got the darn pink skirt! LOL. You would make an amazing ambassador for Wallis. You have style and you are versatile yourself as well. Best of luck!!!!!

TaraMixandMatch said...

You are looking stunning in these pictures...and you are right the top is so versatile!

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

I am wearing that blazer in black today. I feel so stylish!

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

Shanna your photos just keep getting better and better! You are unbelievably gorgeous and I am so so proud of you! Fingers crossed!

PS I hope your sweet girl feels better!

Unknown said...

I have been on the hunt for a white blazer and will be making my way to Kohls tomorrow to see if this one fits me :) You look amazing!

www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
www.daisyraeboutique.com

Allie Emme said...

I follow those same "rules" when it comes to shopping. If it doesn't go with at least three things I already have in my closet I don't buy it. Really liking the print and colors of that blouse too.
xx Allie | A Song to Pass the Time

Girls Love Fried Pickles said...

Okay so, no joke. I was actually talking about this top the other day and said that if I had it I would have rock and rolled it up with a pair of black leather skinnies.. I don't know if these pants are leather, but this is exactly what this top needs. I love it. And I like this fashion side of you. Out of the box. Hip! Fun and Sexy!

Sandy a la Mode said...

you look SOOO amazing girl!!

xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode

Unknown said...

Both looks are fabulous, I love how you took something that was sweet and refine and made it more defined and sexy! Great choices!
XO
SJ
www.fashinny.blogspot.com

Carylee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carylee said...

Great point about visualizing a piece 3 different ways before purchasing it. Love that concept!
I really like the way you styled that top, and those studded heels - I die!
morepom.blogspot.com

Kati Nickl said...

Love this concept! I blogged about a similar topic here. I have loved getting to know you through the Wallis contest. It has been a blast and I am too anxious for the results!!

XO!

Kati
Glitz & Gold

Simply Evani said...

You look like a legit fashion model here Shanna (not that you don't always but seriously, this outfit is so chic and deserves to be in a magazine). I love your down to earth qualities and really do-able shopping style, you're such an inspiration!

Nicole said...

These pictures are awesome!! The new camera is working well! ;)

Sylvia said...

You look so amazing in these photos! Love the look, the hair and those shoes are fabulous!

Sylvia
www.sylvialovespink.com

Unknown said...

I love this edgy look on you-you're giving us high fashion!!! I voted for you; good luck lady!

http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com

Lindsay said...

Um you totally know that you look like a model in every single one of these photos. You are just gorgeous. That second one is just beautiful.

Unknown said...

You look stunning. Love the top, shoes, and clutch. Simply Fabulous!

Don't forget to enter my Giveaway - Downy Unstoppable Scent Booster
www.madforfashionforless.com

Janna Renee said...

Michael Yo? I recognize him from the radio station in Florida! So cool. PS. That outfit is SO feisty!

Rachel Sayumi Porter said...

you look like a movie star!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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