Leaving on a Jet Plane! March's Reader Challenge Winner!!

Traveling via airport can be such a drag nowadays, what with the travel restrictions on what liquids you can bring on a plane, or extra baggage fees which have been popping up at most airlines.  I had an airline charge me for bringing a carryon onto the Plane! (Yup, you did not read that wrong.. I will never be flying them again!)

Our February Reader posed the question to TAL... How to pack for a spring break vacation while still fitting all of my fashionista requirements (shoes, clothes, accessories and makeup) into a small bag since airlines charge so much for baggage these days.

Well, we are here to help!

First off, buy a great weekender bag/piece of luggage that you will be comfortable traipsing through an airport with and will easily fit in the overhead compartment of a plane.  I recently bought a great rollaway luggage from Marshall’s. I found that they were cheaper than Kohl’s and I don’t see the need in spending an exorbitant amount of money on luggage. I like to save my money for all the accessories/clothes I want to buy!  Also having the right size luggage means that you never have to say no to an impromptu vacation!  

My trusty wheeled luggage.  This baby has gone to Aruba and California!

This fits a lot of stuff and it expands!

Most airlines will let you bring one personal item (usually your purse) and one carry-on item (your luggage).  I like to bring one of my large purses which I stuff my Kindle, Iphone and liquid items into.  I always pack a clutch to use while on my weekend getaway. 

Next, I like to write lists!  Now you may be wondering what that has to do with packing, but I find that a list helps me figure out what I want to bring with me, depending on where I am going and what I’ll be doing while I am away.  I should note that after writing this list, I will go back and edit it, plus when i finally start pulling things out to pack, I will again edit what I bring. I will admit that I am an overpacker indeed... I’m working on it. I promise! Which is why editing and lists are an important part of the packing process for me! 

Ok.  Here comes the fun stuff, putting together outfits.  Don’t just pack a top, make sure you know what pant you will wear it with, all the way down to the accessories.  Make outfits for each day, this will help with those who tend to overpack... ahem... me. 

Shoes can be a difficult item to pack, make sure that the shoes you bring work for more than one outfit. You have a limited amount of space, so you need to be wise, I know that Budget won't be happy, but be selective on the shoes you bring.  Also wear your heaviest bulkiest shoes on the plane, it will free up space for other items.  

As for accessories, I always like options, but we can’t bring everything with us, so years ago I purchased a jewelry carry case, that I put my all my baubles in which I plan on wearing while away.  Remember to think of the outfits you are wearing and bring an extra option to go with that outfit. Also if you are planning on wearing that outfit during the day and night, a switch in earrings could transition the outfit perfectly!  

This jewelry case carries a lot of accessories, which is great because I own a lot!

It folds up nicely, so it doesn't take up a lot of space in your luggage!

As for makeup, I have a lot of makeup, so I'm not going to pack everything for a weekend getaway.  I have certain items that I use everyday, under eye concealer, mascara, lipgloss.  So they always travel with me.  But just like in jewelry cases and luggage, having a great travel makeup bag is essential!  I bring eyeshadows that can work for most outfits and try to limit what I bring.  Oh and don't forget your makeup brushes, I did that once and it was very difficult getting my makeup on.  Also your makeup does not constitute a liquid as per the lovely agents and the TSA, so you don't need to limit it to a sandwich size bag. (that doesn't mean you need to bring everything!!)

I hope these tips help you for your next weekend away!  We're always here to answer questions!!  So don't forget to write at theccessorizedlife@gmail.com.

Enjoy your next trip. 

~P

xoxo

The Little Things

It’s another installment of our series, the Little Things.  Here are a few things that make me smile.

Stackable Rings:

The Trio

I picked up this trio of Rings at an Art/Craft Show in Florida last month. Since that time, I haven’t taken them off! They go with pretty much anything, casual and sophisticated all rolled into one.  So. In. Love.

Co Lab Bag. 

Great Carry-all Bag. 

On a recent trip to Marshalls to help my parents shop for some new luggage, I found this great Purse for under $40.00.  I’ve been using it non stop since then.  It’s has great pockets that keep my stuff organized despite the fact that it’s a pretty big bag.  Plus I can wear it as a cross-body bag, or carry it by the handles.  I’ve gotten a bunch of compliments on this purse.  Love.

Michael Kors Watch. 

In. Love.

Ok, so I know this blog is all about being fashionable on a Budget, but for close to two years I have been drooling over a particular Michael Kors Watch.  So when my amazing Brother asked me what I wanted for Hanukkah this year, I told him, honestly, this watch.  Thinking he never ever would get it for me and that was fine.  Well he got it for me.  Yup, I have the best brother in the world.... which leads me to my last thing.

My Family.  

The Birthday Girl surrounded by her Grandchildren

I get that Family isn’t a thing, but for the past few months I’ve been on a Family overload in a really good way.  I’ve been able to spend time with both sides of my family, going on family vacations with them and spending long weekends culminating in a recent extravaganza.  My entire family on my Dad’s side flew to Florida to surprise my 90 year old grandmother for a weekend together which ended in a surprise birthday dinner.  Don’t worry, the surprises didn’t kill her, rather, she had a permanent smile on all weekend long.  It was the perfect way to celebrate my grandmother.  After all the time we spent together I realized how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family, so yeah, My family makes me smile.  

Well that's what is making me smile these days. What about you?  Let us know!  

Have a Great Thursday!

Love xoxo. 

Book of the Month

This month, I'm focusing on a book that I came across by accident. The book, Darkest Child by Delores Phillips, was a book I came across on Amazon when they featured a kindle book sale--a large number of kindle books for $3.99 or less. I only considered books with 4 stars or above, and then I still read the reviews before I chose a book.

Of the books I purchased that day, quite a few (in all honesty) sucked. But, I found an amazing find with Darkest Child.

This book is about a poor black family in Georgia in the 1950s. There are 10 children, one two-room house (without running water), one crazy mother, several different fathers (none of whom are in the children's lives anymore) and not enough love, money or luck to go around. The undercurrent of the book is the blossoming Civil Rights movement, and how that plays into the lives of the individuals in this family. But, that is by no means the focus of the book. This book focuses on how this family survives--any way they can.

The story is told from the perspective of one of the middle children--Tangy Mae. You watch her grow from innocent, yet damaged, child into a teen who is wise far beyond her years. The mother is a character you love to hate--she is cruel, unfeeling and unkind to her children (she characterizes them by their skin color from "white" to "dark"--favoring the "white" ones), but as the book progresses, you come to realize that the mother has serious mental issues and, even though you hate her, there are several times in the book where you want to help her or you sympathize with her.

You grow to love each of the children in their own way--especially as you learn about the damage that has been done to each of these children at the hands of their mother. You want to scream at the children to stop being so loyal to their mother and to get the heck out of that house, but you understand why they stay--it's the only home they've ever known.

I would love to divulge more, as I loved every single second of this book (truly and completely--there was not one section where I felt the book was lacking, slow or just plain ridiculous), but I don't want to give away too much of the plot line, the twists and turns (and believe me, there are plenty shocking moments in this book), the apexes or the lows of this book. I will tell you this, however, I read Darkest Child from cover to cover in one day--less than 24 hours. It is not an easy read, it is not brain candy and it is not written in simplistic language. It is just that good.

This book ranks incredibly high on my list of books I love and list of books I love to recommend. Check out Darkest Child...I promise you won't be sorry.

(If you click on anywhere it says Darkest Child, it will take you directly to the book on amazon.com.)

Have any great book recommendations to share? Did you read Darkest Child and want to share your thoughts with us? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com!

Reader Challenge--March Winner & April Challenge

Our reader challenges just keep getting better. March was our best response yet! Our March winner was...

Kelli S!!!

Kelli's suggestion was: "How to pack for a spring break vacation while still fitting all of my fashionista requirements (shoes, clothes, accessories and makeup) into a small bag since airlines charge so much for baggage these days."




Thanks Kelli for your fabulous suggestion! Keep your eyes peeled for a great prize! 


The rest of you...keep your eyes peeled for this post!

And, with the announcement of our March winner, the April Reader Challenge has begun! In order to enter the contest, simply email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com with ideas for blog posts you'd like to see on The Accessorized Life. Make sure to include a brief description of your idea so that we're sure to caption your vision!


If you would like to enter, please send us an email in the following format:

Name:
E-mail address:
Mailing Address:
Idea:

All submissions received before April 30th will be considered for our April contest. The winner of the April contest will be announced in the first week of May. The winning post will also appear early in May.

Remember...there is a fabulous prize for each month's winner! February's prize was:

Amanda M., we hope you love it! We'd love to see a picture of you wearing it.

We look forward to receiving your April submissions. Good luck!

theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

Go Bright With This Spring's Bold Trend

This spring, everywhere you look, the stores are packed to the gills with brightly colored clothing, shoes and accessories. Here at The Accessorized Life, we are super excited for this trend. At least for me, spring makes me feel happy--the cold weather is over, the trees are budding, the flowers are blooming, and despite my suffering allergies, spring is my favorite season of the year. I am so glad that the spring lines in the stores match my spring mood--bright, bold and with just the right amount of kick!

The best way to wear this spring trend? Use the bright color sparingly...don't dress in head to toe bright pink or neon yellow unless you are aiming to look like a highlighter! It's ok to pair bright, bold pieces, but make sure that it's with a pop in an accessory to compliment a wardrobe staple (such as shirt and shoes, necklace and jeans...you get the idea!) Like anything great in this world, moderation is the key.

In order to help you navigate this bold trend, we have chosen some of our favorite bold spring items (on a budget, of course!) and we wish to share them with you! If you click on the name of the item in the list below the image, it is a link that will bring you right to the website so you can snag our fabulous finds.

Happy shopping!

Jewelry:

Clockwise from top:
BaubleBar Necklace ($38), Kate Spade Earrings ($38), Kenneth Cole Bracelet ($45), BaubleBar Bracelet ($26), Old Navy Necklace ($15.94), BaubleBar Earrings ($34), Nine West Bracelet ($38)



Shoes:

Clockwise from top:
Old Navy Sandals ($24.94), Michael Antonio Pump ($39.95), Tahari Espadrille Flat ($69), Enzo Angiolini Pump ($89.95), Nine West Sandal ($44.95), BCBGeneration Pump ($88.95), Old Navy Flats ($19.94), Aldo Pump ($70), DV by Dolce Vita Sandal ($68.95)


Bags:

Clockwise from top:
Poppie Jones Satchel ($59.95), Francesca's Collection Bag ($54), ASOS Tote ($28.65), Target Hobo Bag ($29.99), Francesca's Collection Clutch ($38), SM Tote ($59.95), H&M Bag ($39.95)


Apparel:

Clockwise from top:
Gap Skinny Jeans ($69.95), New York & Company Blazer ($69.95), Gap Cowl Tee ($24.95), Limited Cardigan ($29.94), Victoria's Secret T-Shirt Dress ($49.50), Gap Neon Belt ($29.95), Boden Jean Skirt ($58),

Hopefully we've inspired you to go bold this spring! Let us know if you rock the bold look this spring and if you find any fabulous finds. We'd love to hear from you: theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com!

Finding Great Affordable Jeans, without Looking Like Mom Jeans (February Reader Challenge winning Post!)

Jeans, every girl wears them, but finding the Right pair can be hard for some.  Nowadays the market is inandated with designer high end jeans that are supposed to magically make even the flattest of bottoms look amazing, but for us girls on a budget, paying a lot for jeans is just not an option.  

I tend to pick up jeans at Old Navy, the Gap, Ann Taylor Loft and when a good sale hits, Black House White Market.  

What do I look for in a great pair, well first, I prefer mid-rise jeans.  High waisted may gravitate towards the mommy jeans look, which we are trying to avoid and a low rise jean, well I do not want any one seeing my underwear when I sit!  So mid-rise it is. Also if the Jean has a percentage of spandex in them, I like that, it lets you breathe in the jeans while wearing them, but they don't stretch out too much, and don't lose their form.  

I used to only go for a boot cut pair of denim, but recently have been loving the look of a straight leg or dare i say, Skinny Leg for my jeans.  Also, the relaxed look of boyfriend jeans are prefect for Saturday errands.  

Here are some examples:

Old Navy Skinny Jeans

Old Navy Boyfriend Jeans

Thanks Amanda M. for the great question!!!  I hope this helps everyone on their next shopping trip for Jeans!!  

Love,

~P

P.S. don't forget to email your submissions for the next reader challenge!  Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

Cute Candy Dishes

With Easter just around the corner, the stores are teeming with candy...robins eggs, jelly beans, pastel m&ms, cream eggs, peeps...

I'm a bit of a candy-holic, and I tend to buy bags of candy, open them, eat them, and, since I don't finish a bag in one sitting, I leave the open bags around the house.

Well, I found a few adorable candy dishes (some of which can also serve dual purposes) to help accessorize (and organize!) my home. Here are my favorite ones that I've found:

Glass Bag:

This candy dish from Uncommon Goods is super adorable. It looks like a sandwich bag that someone left open, but is made of glass and looks chic instead of slobby and cheap! I saw this and just fell in love with it. I can just picture it in my living room!

If you're not a candy lover, fill it with colored glass marbles and it will look just as adorable as it does filled with jelly beans!

Fruit Basket:

When I was a kid, fresh fruit used to come in cardboard baskets like these. I can remember shopping in the supermarket and getting strawberries, blueberries and raspberries in little baskets like this--with plastic and a rubberband on top to keep the fruit in! So, when I saw this little dish from Anthropologie I totally fell in love. It comes in four different colors: green, blue, yellow and white--but, I am particularly partial to the green because that was the color of the fruit baskets of my youth!

This little dish would be perfect filled with candy on a coffee table, but it would be equally as fabulous if you buy a set of these to use as serving dishes and fill them with fruit for the breakfast table. Just place one at each person's place setting and put fresh berries, melons, bananas (or whatever is in season) into the dish!

Vintage Style Dish:

This vintage style dish from Fish's Eddy piqued my interest when I saw it. It reminds me of visits to my grandparents' house as a child, where I would sneak into the family room and take some candy out of the candy dish when no one was looking! (The candy was usually black licorice and since only my grandfather and I liked black licorice, I don't think anyone missed the candy!) This dish comes in red, yellowy-green, blue and the pink (shown above), but I am partial to the pink.

This would look fabulous filled with with some pastel m&ms on your coffee table, or you can buy a set of them and use them as ice cream dishes year round!

Do you have any adorable home accessories you want to share with us?

Did you buy any of these dishes and want to share your photos with us?

We'd love to hear from you at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com!

Our Top Ten Picks for Spring

The weather is getting warmer outside, which gets our shopping juices flowing! But, as you know, we're ladies on a budget, so if we want to update our wardrobes for spring, we need to do so with the health of our wallets in mind.

Therefore, we have each come up with a list of our top ten picks for spring--all of the items are under $25, $50 or $75! That way, we can seriously spruce up our closets without breaking the bank!

If you click on the polaroids below, you will be brought right to the link for the item. Hopefully these items will inspire you to spruce up your spring wardrobe! Besides...with great items like these at such low prices, you can afford to splurge!

We hope you enjoy our picks...we know we do!

UNDER $25:

1) For those spring days where there's a chill in the air, nothing is better than a great blazer...especially one at this price! This sateen off-white blazer from H&M would look great with a pair of jeans and flats (like the amazing ones found below!) or with a pair of dress pants for work. Inexpensive and versatile? What could be better? At $19.95 you'd better snag it before everyone else does!

2) Fortunately for us (and especially Princess whose love of scarves is widely known!), the scarf trend hasn't gone away yet...which is great because I am madly in love with this scarf! Its mod pattern is totally chic and retro all at once. It comes in black and white (pictured here), which would look fabulous with a brightly colored shift dress or light sweater, or it comes in red and white, which would make a bold statement with black, navy, grey or tan. Either way, at $19.95, you can't go wrong! You can find this fabulous accessory at New York & Company.

3) Wedges are the"it" shoe this season--you'll see them in cork, espadrille and stacked heels. Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong. However, what I particularly love about this one is its color...it's so unique! I love the pearlescent pink patent leather--it's totally fresh for spring and will look great with a skirt, slacks, jeans or even white pants! Now all you need is a pedicure and $24.99. Head to Target, snag these shoes and show off your perfectly pedicured toes!

4) You know me...I love my bold jewelry! I am especially fond of big, chunky necklaces. This one, however, is totally my new object of obsession. I love the color--this shade of green is flattering on everyone, matches every color (seriously...try it!) and looks great with a casual outfit or work attire. This necklace is stylish, adorable and, most of all, affordable! This beaded necklace can be found at Piperlime for $24.00.







UNDER $50:

5) Nothing screams spring like a fabulous pair of ballet flats. These fabulous flats from Nordstrom's certainly fit the bill! They are on trend (metallics are totally in!), they are affordable, they are adorable and they are ideal for work or play. I can totally picture myself in these with a great pair of skinny jeans, a lightweight long sweater and some fabulous jewelry (of course). Fortunately, at $44.95, I don't have to just picture it in my head!

6) This skirt is screaming my name...seriously. I love the ruffle--it's fun and flirty, but is still sophisticated and chic. The skirt is flattering to all body shapes--it will be a beautiful addition to your work wardrobe, and will be great for any spring dates coming your way--where there's warmth in the air, there is always love! This skirt is available in black, grey or brown (but I'm partial to the grey) at New York and Company for $46.95.

7) One of my favorite things about spring? All of the bright colors that are showing up in the stores. This bangle is no exception. I'm crazy about this fabulous orange bauble! It is such a fun accessory for a night out on the town, a day shopping with your friends or a long day at the office. If you're not feeling the orange, it also comes in a gorgeous fuschia with gold accents! Snag yours at Banana Republic for $39.50. I can assure you that you won't regret it!






UNDER $75:

8) As I said in the fall, colorblock is in this year. These colorblock shoes are one of the best ways to show off this new trend. I know that as soon as it gets warm, I want to break out my open toed shoes--these open toed shoes are a perfect way to do so. They come in a variety of colors--but I particularly love this raspberry, orange and gold combo. They are a fabulous buy at $59.95. You can find them at DSW.

9) Big bags are a staple in my wardrobe, as I carry around anything and everything...my umbrella, my kindle, my sunglasses, my camera...anything I can fit in there. So, I was seriously excited to find this gorgeous white hobo bag! White is perfect for spring, and this hobo bag is perfect for me! You can find it at Nine West for $69.00. If white isn't your thing, or you're afraid it will get too dirty, it also comes in tan--also a fabulous choice.

10) I love wearing dresses in the spring--especially lightweight jersey dresses that fit and flatter like this adorable colorblock dress! This dress from New York & Company comes in varying shades of blue and hugs in all the right places. If you're not into blue, it also comes in black and grey. This dress would be perfect with a lightweight sweater for the chilly spring days, or gorgeous by itself for the warm spring days. This is ideal for work or any of those bridal or baby showers that spring is sure to bring! At only $59.95 this dress is surely a steal!

UNDER $25:

1) This spring, I'm going to try to break out of my normal black/white/blue/grey routine and go bright! This cable knit front sweater will be perfect for day and night. It will add a pop of much needed color, but will be lightweight enough to go under a blazer or suit jacket for added layers. It can also be worn alone as the temperature starts to heat up. It comes in pink, green, beige or navy. You can find it at H&M for $19.95--at this price, you can get all four and not feel like you just spent a fortune!

2) When the weather starts turning warm, I start thinking about all of the things I love to do in the sunshine--like head to the beach with family and friends! This necklace is an excellent reminder of what I love about the warm weather. This long chain with delicate seashell charm at the end is incredibly versatile. It can be worn alone or layered with other necklaces. Plus, at only $5.95 (yup, you read that right!) it will make a great addition to my increasing collection of long necklaces. It's fancy enough to be work to work or out at night, but is perfect for a casual weekend. Go get yours today at H&M!

3) One of my favorite accessories is my rose gold watch. Since I have been wearing it every day, lately, I've been pairing it with silver and gold accessories. This trio of colors offset each other perfectly and I can assure you that this combination of metals will be seen in all of the hottest jewelry trends this spring. I was so excited when I found this ring, which perfectly combines all three metal tones! This ring from Chloe and Isabel is only $24.00 and is a perfect addition to any outfit for spring!






UNDER $50:

4) As usual, Budget and I are on the same page. As she said, this spring you will find wedges all over the runways! They are the go-to look for spring and summer shoes. I particularly love this pair--it comes in a variety of colors and can be paired with skinny cropped pants, boyfriend jeans or, basically, anything depending on your look of the day! Plus, with the peep toe, you can show off your pedicure. You can find these at DSW for $39.95.

5) When I saw this little clutch, I fell in love (not surprising, considering my love of clutches!). The straw look is perfect for spring and summer, plus it has a chain so that you can wear it on your shoulder, but the chain easily fits in the bag, so you can tuck it under your arm as well. I saw this clutch at DSW and immediately loved the look of it! It comes in four different colors and would be perfect for a spring outing--such as a visit to a winery or picnic with your friends! At only $29.95, all of your friends will want one!

6) I saw a shirt like this with stars on it in the fall and have been regretting not snagging it ever since. Well, lucky for me, these light, gauzy blouses are everywhere this season! I particularly love the color of this top and the glitz that is added by the gold polka dots. You'll see bright colors everywhere this spring--especially this orangey/coral color! You can pick up this excellent find at Francesca's Collections for $34.00. Since you can wear this shirt for any occasion, anytime, it will be sure to become a go-to piece!

7) I think I've said it before, but if I haven't, I love blazers. Thankfully, they are not going out of style any time soon! This pink blazer is ideal for spring--its bright color is on trend and its structured look is flattering for eveyrone. The gold buttons give it that little something that makes this blazer stand out from the crowd. This piece is the ideal pop of color that my wardrobe is lacking! I can totally see it paired with dark jeans for a fun night out with friends or with a great pair of trousers for a day at work. You can find this blazer at H&M for $49.95.





UNDER $75:

8) I'm sort of obsessed with eyelet (Seriously! You should check out my closet!)...which is a good thing, because it's all over the runways this spring! Even though my closet is chock full of eyelet, this skirt is just far too cute to pass up. Plus, it's black. Why is that important? Most eyelet is white...as is all of the eyelet apparel that I own! The black makes this eyelet skirt stand out from the crowd, and at $69.50, this is a must have for my spring wardrobe. I can picture it with a great blazer (like the pink one above!) with a simple white shirt and cute shoes! Go get yours at Ann Taylor Loft.

9) In my humble opinion, I believe that a wrap dress is flattering for any body type. That being said, as spring warms up and we all start to break out our dresses, I start my search for a great wrap dress! This one, from Gap, does not disappoint--especially in this fabulous poppy color! This dress is the perfect transition piece from office to evening and even for the weekend. All it requires is a change of makeup and accessories! If poppy isn't your thing, then you can also find it in navy, and at $59.95, you can get it in both colors and not feel guilty.

10) Wide legged linen pants? Yes, please! As we said in the winter and fall, wide leg pants are back in, and nothing screams spring more than lightweight linen! These pants are comfortable yet sophisticated--perfect for any activity: work or play, day or night. I'm not a firm follower of that antiquated "only wear white from Memorial Day to Labor Day" rule. I think that when it gets warm, wear whatever the heck you want! (Which, for me, is these pants...which I'm drooling over!) Find this beautiful pair of pants at Ann Taylor Loft for $69.50.

We hope you enjoyed our picks! If you have a great spring find that you want to share with us, shoot us an email at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

Book of the Month

This month's TAL book choice is one that both Princess and I have currently read. I was thinking of featuring it this month when Princess came to me and said she was reading a fabulous book...turns out it was the same book I was thinking of. (Surprise, surprise...Princess and I actually have the same tastes! How odd. Just kidding, of course!)

The book is called MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend by Rachel Bertsche. It was another recommendation from goodreads. This book is a memoir, not fiction. I typically prefer to read fiction books, but this one had me hooked from the first page. The premise is that the author moves from New York to Chicago to be with her long distance boyfriend. They get married soon after she moves there, and she realizes that while she doesn't regret moving halfway across the country to be with him, she feels a void in her life that he can't fill. She misses her BFFs. Her two closest friends are both friends from childhood and both live in New York. Bertsche longs to find a friend in Chicago like her two best friends in New York--someone she can call at a moment's notice to go get a pedicure, meet for a Sunday brunch, go to a movie, or just to chat about anything and everything with. She challenges herself to go on 52 friend dates in one year--in the hopes that by the end of the year she will have found her new BFF.

She meets tons of interesting (and some not so interesting) people, clicks with some, doesn't click with others, and learns about herself, her friendships and her life along the way.

MWF Seeking BFF really spoke to me for a number of reasons. First, the author's writing is easy to read--it reminds me of the way that I think and I speak.

Secondly, Bertsche is just plain funny.

Lastly, and most importantly, she deals with something most adults deal with--when there's no longer a built in social network (think school, college, grad school), how do you make friends when you move? This is especially true for those of us who aren't parents yet, so don't have the built in "play date/mommy and me" network. Also, how do you turn those work friends into real friends? Every one of us has those friends who we gossip with at work, and usually even share details about our personal lives with, but what happens when you take that friendship into the real world? As adults, when we move somewhere new, we often find ourselves isolated--even if we have loved ones in the area--but no one talks about it. It seems like wanting a friend is almost a sign of weakness--therefore we don't go out of our way to make strangers into friends. This is something that Bertsche learns along the way, and something that shapes her friend making escapades.

MWF Seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche is my book pick of the month! Hopefully it's inspired you to read it as well.

(If you click on anywhere it says MWF Seeking BFF, it will take you directly to the book on amazon.com. If you click where it says goodreads, it will take you right to the site!)

Have any great book recommendations to share? Did you read MWF Seeking BFF and want to share your thoughts with us? Did you join goodreads and want to become our friend? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com!

Reader Challenge -- February Winner & March Challenge

Our February Reader Challenge was just as much fun as our first one! Our February reader was...

Amanda M!!!

Amanda's suggestion was: "Finding Great Fitting Jeans (That Don't Look Like Mom Jeans) on a Budget"


Thanks Amanda for your fabulous suggestion! Keep your eyes peeled for a great prize! 


The rest of you...keep your eyes peeled for this post!

Thanks to everyone who suggested posts this month! Keep those suggestions coming...the March Reader Challenge has begun! In order to enter the contest, simply email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com with ideas for blog posts you'd like to see on The Accessorized Life. Make sure to include a brief description of your idea so that we're sure to caption your vision!


If you would like to enter, please send us an email in the following format:

Name:
E-mail address:
Mailing Address:
Idea:

All submissions received before March 31st will be considered for our March contest. The winner of the March contest will be announced in the first week of April. The winning post will also appear early in April.

Remember...there is a fabulous prize for each month's winner! January's prize was:

Kelly Z., we hope you love them! We'd love to see a picture of you in them.

We look forward to receiving your submissions. Good luck!

theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

How to Dress for Winter Without Looking Like the Michelin Man (January Reader Challenge Winner Post!)

Thanks to Kelly Z., who challenged us this month to teach all of you how to dress for winter without looking like the Michelin Man!

Since most of us don't feel our slimmest self in the winter anyway, it's really easy to feel huge under all of those bulky winter clothes. With this topic in mind, Princess and I thought about how we dress for winter to look cute but keep warm.

What we found most of all is that it's all about the layering...and how you layer. Thin layers under something thicker will make you warm, cozy and svelte!

As you all know, Princess LOVES a warm, cozy sweater in the winter. But, with anything warm and cozy, you run the risk of looking too bulky. So, Princess' solution? Wear slim fitting pants with a cozy sweater. Wear tights under your pants--they don't add any bulk to the outfit, but they do keep the warmth in! Under your sweater, you can wear a tank, camisole or t-shirt--again, doesn't add bulk, but does add warmth. In order to keep your skin safe from the damaging winter weather, tuck your pants into tall boots--with a pair of nice warm socks!

Here is Princess' outfit:

In case you guys forgot, I'm a HUGE fan of tights. I love how they can add a pop of color to an outfit (super important in the dreary winter months) and how they keep your legs warm! For me, a great "keep-warm-look-sleek" outfit is a fitted sweater dress, tights and tall boots. Under the dress, you can wear a long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt, tank top or camisole to help keep you warm. The tights will keep your legs warm, and the boots will keep your legs even warmer. I prefer to wear boots that come almost up to the knee or over the knee--that way most of your legs are covered by the dress and by the boots--keeping you as warm as can be! You can also wear a pair of socks under your boots, which will keep your toes nice and toasty (or toes-ty...ok, that was lame!).

Here's my outfit:

On top of the outfit, to keep warm while outside...and still retain your girlish figure, we both suggested a warm winter coat--but one that is shaped, like a belted coat or a nice peacoat, a soft knit scarf, a pair of great gloves or mittens, and a hat. (Princess has a super cool pair of mittens--the top flips down leaving your fingers free for texting, then flips back up to keep your hands warm!) This combo will be sure to keep you warm!

Us in our outerwear:

Since everything we are wearing is from our actual closets, we put together some great options to help you recreate these outfits. If you click on the words next to the photo, they will take you to the actual item so you can add it to your wardrobe!

1) Sweater - Mod Cloth










2) Sweater - Gap









3) Pants - Gap










4) Pants - New York & Company










5) Coat - Jane Norman









6) Coat - Kenneth Cole










7) Boots - DSW









8) Boots - DSW

1) Sweater dress - Victoria's Secret (actually the same one I'm wearing in the photo!)












2) Sweater dress - The Limited












3) Boots - DSW













4) Boots - Target












5) Coat - Victoria's Secret













6) Coat - Kohl's 

What do you wear in the winter to keep warm? Do you have suggestions for how to look sleek while staying cozy? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com--we look forward to hearing from you!