Sparkling July Style! My Personal July Style Challenge

Running a bit late this month, but better late than never. Let’s work on our personal style in July too! For those of you who are unfamiliar, I host a monthly personal style challenge. Instead of giving you daily or weekly prompts, you choose your personal style challenge for the month. What do you need to improve? Maybe you go to casual with your summer wardrobe and want to spruce it up a bit. Maybe you are a female journalist who can no longer wear shoulder-baring styles in the hot DC summer for the speaker’s lobby and you need to find some new looks. Maybe you only wear black? Maybe you never wear a skirt? Perhaps you want to try the cold shoulder trend? Whatever your issue or challenge, you choose it and Work It for the rest of the month. Post here, in the comments each day you work it or to Instagram with the tag #WorkingMyPersonalStylechallenge.

Image is Fireworks by Tom Childers on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Each post enters you to win one of our fabulous July prizes!

Our grand prize is a fabulous and sparkly fibi & clo of New York footwear!

You could win this! The Cabana Jelly in beige with gold trim. Photo by Kathy Roush

The white Kitten Ear, which you could win! Photo by Kathy Roush

You can choose either of the pool shoes ($35.00) or 50% off the footwear of your choice if you win! Kathy Roush is sponsoring this prize. Do check out her fibi & clo boutique site, Instagram account, or Facebook page! There are two styles in the Pool Collection line you may choose between if you win. My favorite is the chic and fun Kitten Ear sandals, which come in white, black, or navy. There is also the Jackie Kennedy-inspired Cabana Jelly, which comes in black with gold trim or beige with gold trim. Both styles of pool shoes come with a waterproof bag that you can use to keep your phone and other valuables safe at the pool or beach! I only recently was introduced to fibi & clo by Kathy. They have those lovely and often very sparkly quality sandals. I own the very versatile Florecita Gold, which have become one of my go-to sandals this summer. For an upcoming beach trip, I just bought a pair of the two pool shoe types and I can’t wait to see them and wear them (expect to see more soon!)

Our pink prize is a Seven Day Trial Pack of the New Plexus Slim or your choice of two of the 3 Day Slim Plus (Slim and another product) trial packs.

Slim and more! Win a sample!

Slim, a.k.a the pink drink, is designed to improve gut health and help you lose weight. It does so by balancing blood sugar and by promoting the growth of good gut microflora*. I’ve found my mood is improved (no hangry here) and more balanced, I have less food cravings and less appetite, and I have so much more energy. I don’t even need coffee anymore! I’ll talk more about the Pink Drink below, should you be interested, with even some links to research. The Seven Day Slim Trail Packs cost $24.95 and the Three Day trial packs range from $11.95 to $12.95 (plus shipping for either prize). If you are not increased in weight loss and good gut health, I am happy to turn this into a $25 gift certificate to any of the other Plexus product, which range from a Breast check kit, pain relief, vitamins, probiotics, and more. All these products are backed by science and are made from quality ingredients.

So, choose your personal challenge(s), work them throughout the month, post here or on Instagram with the #WorkingMyPersonalStylechallenge, and be entered to win fibi & clo of New York footwear or Plexus Slim!

My challenges:

For June I have two Personal Style Challenges:

• Casual dresses and skirts:  I’m taking my June challenge and running with it again for July. I wear skirts a lot to work and dresses not much. I’d like to work on wearing both more and doing so casually—not just for the office.
• Giving the clothes some love: I (shockingly, right?) have a large wardrobe and some things get forgotten. My challenge this month is to find those things and wear them—new or old.

Follow me on Instagram to see how I do!

My plan:

I plan to reach for skirts when possible and look through the clothes I am not reaching for and either wear them or get rid of them.

Our Partner:

The stylish Kathy Roush, a.k.a Shoe Girl of Kansas, is an independent agent for fibi & clo. We met through cabi and she loves eSBe, so if you love either, you can bet fibi & clo are right in your style! Check out her fibi & Clo boutique. She styles the fibi & clo on her Facebook page and Instagram (@shoegirlofkansas), so join/follow either to see the amazing sandals, get pointers and ideas for wearing them, and enjoy the flowers and Kansas life of Kathy. If the in text links do not work for you, here are her URLs:

• fibi & clo boutique site: https://fibiandclo.com/eboutique/kathyroush
• Instagram account @shoegirlofkansas: https://www.instagram.com/shoegirlofkansas/
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shoegirlofkansas/

More about Plexus Slim:

I was introduced to what we call the “pink drink” by my cousin, Diana, and after trying it out, I was sold. So sold, in fact, that shortly afterwards I became a Plexus Ambassador. Diana, calls Slim “Balance,” which I agree is a much better name for it, because it does more than help people lose weight.  I am a better mother, worker, wife, friend, family member, and person because of this drink, and I am more balanced. My experience has been great, but don’t just take my word for it. Plexus Slim has clinically demonstrated it can help you lose weight (find out about the science behind it and the research!). Plus, the new prebiotic (xylooligosaccharide) has been scientifically shown to drastically increase good gut microbes, leading to better health for you. The prebiotics (not probiotics--prebiotics) are a new trend in health research with some great research behind them. For example, one article I found says “Prebiotics exert a plethora of health-promoting effects…. Prebiotics are being implicated in starter culture formulation, gut health maintenance, colitis prevention, cancer inhibition, immunopotentiaton, cholesterol removal, reduction of cardiovascular disease, prevention of obesity and constipation...” and another says ‘prebiotics… can also have an impact, improving sleep and buffering the physiological impacts of stress.” Buffering stress impacts? Better sleep? Cancer inhibition? Cholesterol removal? Reduced cardiovasualr disease? And more? These little buggers work miracles! Do note: None of these statements have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s my experience, the Plexus literature, and some research I did (and linked to).

* None of these statements have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration

The chic and fun Kitten Ear sandals, which come in white, black, or navy. Which color would you choose?

New Instagram and new me?

Did you miss me? Sorry for the silence of late, both here and Instagram. I’ve had a rough few months. As much as I love this blog, and the associated Instagram, I was unable to do much with it. However, I am back and ready to try new things and focus this June on style, the blog, and all of you, once again.

Looking ahead

As my long time readers may realize, I’ve been trying to find a new focus for this blog. I love the POW posts, but they take a lot of effort, and the associated days make posting them in a timely manner more difficult. So, I’ve been using this break from the blog to think about what I want to do about this. I’ve got some ideas, and I’m going to make June a month for experimentation. So, hold on to your sun bonnets and let’s see where this takes us!

Please give me feedback on what you like and don’t like. Also, let me know if there are types of things you would like to see that I don’t do. I’ve even been throwing around the idea of a podcast. Would you listen?

As part of this new effort, I’m changing my Instagram to @Working_It_Style. Please follow me there, if you have not already. The @DrJennB will become my personal Instagram. Feel free to follow if you want more insight into the rest of my life.

Coming up and Working it

Wondering what is coming up and next for Working It? Wondering why the last POW took so long? Here are my great plans, some background, and a sneak peek or five.

First, what happened this summer?

Stitch Fix: Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C, Visperas Crochet Back Top by Skies are Blue, SeaVees sneakers.

Due to a combination of a busy summer and health issues, Working It took a back seat in my life. This blog is a labor of love for style, dressing well, building confidence, and helping people out—along with for my love of cabi and great clothes and outfits. I don’t get paid for it and take time away from other things to do it. In many ways, this is my “me time.” Sometimes we don’t have time or energy for “me time,” and I didn’t this summer. My focused moved to my family and my health. This may happen sometimes. Unless/until I get paid to do this full time, I may need to take breaks and focus elsewhere. Know I’m still here and probably thinking about things to do with the blog and my next post!

Second, what is next for Working It?

SeaVees sneakers via Stitch Fix, Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Land's End,
Kate McKinnon Simple Portrait Sleeveless Tank Top by Kazarr from Amazon, Holtzmann's ScrewU Necklace by inspiredbyfandom on Etsy, and the ZAD
Silvertone Periodic Table Cuff from Zulily.

I took the summer to also think about what I wanted to do with Working It. I enjoy the POW posts, but they take a lot of time. I’ve found less time to do the other sorts of posts I want to do, such as tips for various things like travel, thighs, and hot flashes; more style posts; and a bunch go Geek Chic posts. So, I will be working to post a variety of those stuff and fewer POW posts. I will continue to do POW. I think it is important to see how versatile pieces can be and how to work with your own wardrobe to expand your style possibilities. I will just be posting them less frequently than my planned two weeks per POW. I am thinking of moving it to three weeks. I’ll keep you posted when I figure out the plan. The next POW will be posted more in line with the two weeks per POW.

Here are some of the other things I am working on posting:

• Tips for dressing with menopause or other situations where there could be other quick changes of temperature
• Focused posts on some designers or products I love (or group of products)
• More Stitch Fix reviews, along with review of other things, including cabi (but not just)
• Wardrobe Essentials
• Mini POW-type posts where I style a garment multiple ways (but not seven)
• Suggestions and reviews for style problems (such as thighs rubbing together in skirts—I have solutions!)
• Maybe a mini-series on political style—since we have a woman of a major party running for president, we all might be thinking of political style or what we want to wear to run for a local or state office (perhaps with interviews of female politicians)
• Reflective pieces on “mom style,”  feminist style, and more
• Posts on what I am wearing
• A series on Geek Chic dressing and style
• Personal style challenge posts and challenges
• Maybe even some tips for making costumes from your closet for Halloween
• And more!

See, I have lots of plans and ideas. I just need more time to do them

Finally, what is coming up?

Fall 2016 cabi: Penny Blazer, Stevie Top, Dark Destructed Skinny Curvy (or regular), Cameo Earrings, Pyramid Necklace,  and the Bird Cage shoes by Aerosoles.

We have an awesome summer to fall POW next up, with some shots shot on location. I also have a Stitch Fix review waiting in the wings (and another one soon after), and a Geek Chic post (or two) in the works. Plus, I got my hands on the Fall 2016 cabi collection, and I have some suggestions on piece sot get now, while it is still hot (at least in Atlanta), but you want some fall style.

So, stay tuned. Watch the blog and Instagram for more. And keep on Working It!

Beyond Tee and Sleek Leggings (in grey) from cabi. The Athena Necklace by Kelly Annie and earrings by Shine Chaser Jewlery, Chelsea Charm Necklace. SeaVees sneakers from Stitch Fix.

Stitch Fix: Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C, Visperas Crochet Back Top by Skies are Blue, SeaVees sneakers.

Short POW break

I’ve been sick and am taking a break from POW posts this week. I will resume them on the normal schedule next week. I plan to get a few more Fall into Spring posts up this week, for your style pleasure.

Thanks for checking in!

POW 8: What should the Eighth POW be?

I’m looking everywhere trying to decide what I want to do for my eighth POW. Then I realized, I could ask you, my fabulous sisters-in-style! I’d love to know what you would like me to do!

What garment should I do my eighth POW on?

Here are some things to consider:

• It should be either cabi Spring 2016 or something I have access to (or own)
•  I’ve done two black bottoms lately (the Go-To Trouser and the Run Around Skirt) and want to give it a break before I do more
•  It’s hard to get good photographs of black and/or white items
•   I’ve done two sleeveless/short sleeved blouses (the Love and the Plume) and I would like to hold off a bit before I do more

Let me know what you want to see in the comments below! Perhaps you have a piece you cannot figure out how to style. Or cannot figure out if you should buy it or not. Or you love this garment and want more ideas on how to style it. For whatever reason, let me know! Let me know if there are any styling areas you want me to focus on too. Just tell me in the comments! If I use your suggestion, I’ll be happy to give you credit and link to your site (should you have one).

(Note: posting comments can be a little weird on Square Space. Type in the comment, hit “Post”, and then make sure it is on the bust/head shoulder icon. Type in the info (it doesn’t have to be real), and hit “Post Comment.”)

Thanks! I appreciate your thoughts on what I should do for POW Eight!

Don't worry, I'm not gone: Quick Status

cabi Spring 2016 clothes: Traveler Pants,  Adventure Anorak,  Plume Top, Dolce Charm Earrings,  and the Locket Necklace. Shoes are the Unisa Eavvi Sandal (at DSW).

My POW posts, after Tuesday, just did not happen this past week. There are several reasons for that. One of the main reasons was is that I had surgery the previous week, a busy work week this past week, and just did not have the time and/or energy. In addition, I had my first cabi party last Thursday (2/11) and had the clothes over the weekend. I ended up spending a lot of time playing with the clothes and preparing for a bunch of posts:

cabi Spring 2016 clothes: Michelle Cardigan, Martini Top, Citron Curvy Skinny (also available in regular fit), Dolce Charm Earrings,  and the Lagoon Necklace (on backwards). Shoes are the Unisa Eavvi Sandal (at DSW).

• Best Transitional Winter to Spring cabi Spring Collection Pieces: This will probably be a series of posts on the best items from the cabi Spring 2016 collection to wear now, as winter transitions to spring.
• Mixing Seasons: cabi is wonderful for mixing previous seasons with new! I took some of my favorite cabi Fall 2015 pieces and mixed them with Spring 2016 pieces to create great outfits that work well now.
• The next POW, which will feature a cabi Spring 2016 garment! This garment was even a request by and Instagram follower!

So, we have a lot coming up. Until then, expect POW to continue tomorrow. 

Want some cabi?  I have not closed my cabi show, so if you want to order any of the spring collection, contact my stylist directly at: Joni Allen joniallen.cabionline.com; joni.allen@comcast.net; and/or 770 502-5243 (call or text). Let her know I sent you and you want to order as part of my show. Or, you can contact me. If you do order as part of my show, it will count towards my hostess rewards (for every $250 I get a half priced item) and I would be extremely grateful. I know the collection pretty well, and am always happy to answer any questions or make recommendations. If I cannot help you, Joni surely can. cabi also has a great return and exchange policy, so if you don’t love it or it doesn’t fit, we can make it right!

The pictures are some sneak peeks of what is upcoming!