The other day, I was invited by the International Delight team to attend a “Style your closet” event with Ali On The Go (Allison Dayette)
You may have seen Ali on morning shows like the Today, The View and CBS Morning show.
At the event we talked about how to revamp your lifestyle on the cheap! … which was music to my ears because and as much as I hate to admit it, these days money is tight… and the holidays are hoovering over head.
We started out the day revamping our Coffee habbits by taste testing the sponsor, International Delight’s new Coffee House Inspirations, making our daily coffee reminiscent to Starbucks our favorite coffee houses.
Prior to this event, every time I saw the commercial I sincerely wanted to try them because Caramel Mochiatto is my favorite, but kind of doubted the likeness (Those are some big shoes to fill!)… Luckily, they had the creamers on hand for us to try out… and I was pleasantly surprised how very close this creamer’s taste was to the $6 Vente beverages I love to treat myself to. So here is a coupon for you to try it out too (you can save about $500 a year by brewing your own!)
Once we were perked up with our daily dose of coffee, Ali gave us some fashion tips on how to refresh your wardrobe… So I thought I would share with you the ones that I’ve started to adopt to my wardrobe already.
- When in doubt BELT IT.
This is something I had to experiment with because I am not a size 2. Ali had some really cute stretchy belts she was showing, but when I slap one of those on- it just doesnt work for me. I suddenly have rolls, I never had before (and ROLLS are not our friends)…. but Skinny belts and medium size non-elastic belts can really dress up an outfit… get a basic Silver belt and try it OVER a black blazer… sounds funky, but looks so cute!
- Accessorize Accessorize Accessorize.
Go with a statement accessory a nice big cocktail ring and… either a chunky necklace or big earrings. (NEVER BOTH… thats not Ali’s rule… that’s mine. Big earrings and big necklaces just look tacky… and Im a blogging mom of 2 so who knows better right?? ;) )
- Dont succumb to sneakers every day
As mom’s its so easy to fall into this rut. There are some cute wedge shoes that go with jeans that are just as easy to slip on when you go pick up the kids from school. I started to do this, and honestly– I feel like a posh mama…. Shoes can do so much for the self esteem. (Thats why we have so many, right?)
-Renew old jackets and coats with buttons
I never thought of this before Ali said it but its such a simple thing to do, and costs next to nothing. Take a coat that you’re bored of, and replace the buttons with some funky, (maybe sparkly) ones for a new look. I have a black coat I plan on doing this to. When I do I will take a picture and share it.
-Girlfriend swaps & discount stores
Don’t be like me and underestimate the potential of TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. They have some great stuff for less (A LOT LESS). I also always eye the stuff in Charlotte Russe and Alloy. Yes, they are geared towards a “college” crowd, and sometimes I find myself thinking “when am I too old for this store?”… but they have some stuff that we grown ups can pull off and SUPER reasonable.
Also, it seems a growing trend is “Girlfriend swaps”. Invite a group of girls over for some wine or coffee. Everyone brings 2-3 items from their closets.. could be a handbag or shoes, doesn’t have to be clothes… and everyone leaves with some great “New to you” pieces for their wardrobe.
I really want to have a girlfriend swap, I’m considering doing one right before Thanksgiving, so we can resist shopping for ourselves on Black Friday.
**For more tips From Ali, you can visit her site www.alionthego.com or tune into the Today show Nov.2, where she will be on with Kathylee and Hoda talking about “Double Duty” wardrobe pieces.
**FTC full disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to an event and given the option to share it as I felt fit. As a parting gift, Ali gave everyone a Forever 21 costume necklace. **
