If Patience is a virtue...

I am NOT a virtuous woman!! Ok, so I brorrowed my brother's fancy schmancy camera and I honestly don't understand why I can't get the darn thing to take a full length photo!! HELP!! Seriously, I am done trying today, so without further whining, here is today's half of an outfit!!

this is such a cheesy pose! haha!

such a pretty top, no? I've had it at least 10 yrs!

THE OUTFIT:

top - The Limited

cami - f21

military jacket - Kohl's

pants - Express

booties - by Jessica Simpson

ugh, dumb  camera.... better luck tomorrow maybe...

Ta, ta!

P.S. my Facebook page, Be Fit | Live Well | Have Fun, is up!! It cannot be an official page until I have 25 "likes" Will you "like" it, please?? I will keep that page updated with more wellness tips!! The link is on my sidebar!

Stylin' and ABS!!

Honestly, I am not a huge Kardashian fan. Kim annoys me the heck out of me. But, I do read celebrity books, and the book Kardashian Konfidential, by Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian is full of great tips about style! I reference it sometimes. So although I am not super into them, I do need to give credit where credit is due. Today I am going to talk about styling your closet. Here is an excerpt from the book:

• Go through your closet and pull together outfits by figuring out which pieces you're going to put together

• Bring all the pieces out of the closet and hang them together somewhere so you can see them clearly.

• Add belts and jewelry and other accessories

• Put the shoes you'll wear with the outfit beneath it

• Now take a picture of the outfit and upload it into a folder on your computer marked either "Day" or "Night"

Viola! When you're totally in a rush, all you have to do is go to your computer, refer to your folders, choose an outfit, and you're out the door in a flash. After you've worn the outfit, you can delete the picture if you want and go make some new outfits from the pieces. 

Today I did something similar. I pulled some pieces that I want to wear this week and I put them in my "Work" folder. The way I did it, though, was a bit different. I didn't style my whole closet or anything. I just pulled about 8 looks together for the week. I really only need 5 for work, but I like to have some variety in case I'm being picky, which I usually am! I also have a couple that are easy to transition for any possible after work plans.

sorry for the blur!

Now, grab your balance ball and let's work OUT!! How about some abs?? I thought I would teach you a move I love. I have to be honest, I like my stomach. I have always worked really hard to have nice abs. Like, since middle school! So anyway, over the years I have collected some good moves! For this one you need a balance ball and a yoga mat. Both are optional, of course!

In this move you are basically passing the ball from your hands to your feet.

 This is a challenging move. If you don't do abs often, I would say do about three sets of 4 or 5. If you are intermediate, three sets of 8 or 10. Advanced, maybe two or three sets of 20. Try it out and let me know how it goes!!

How do you prepare for the week with regard to outfits??

How about fitness? Do you plan your workouts, or go a day at a time??

How did you like this post?? Since this segment is new to my blog, I would love any feedback on this!!

Come back tomorrow for an outfit post and more ab exercises!!

P.S. my Facebook page, Be Fit | Live Well | Have Fun, is up!! It cannot be an official page until I have 25 "likes" Will you "like" it, please?? I will keep that page updated with more wellness tips!!

Something > Nothing!! Let's get MOVIN'!!

In this post I mentioned the new segment on my blog, Get Fit | Be Well | Have Fun! This segment will highlight my other love - fitness. I will share helpful public/community health concerns, tips from good nutrition to workouts to workout apparel and much in between. Please join me as my blog continues to evolve! Don't worry, fashion isn't leaving- fitness is just coming along! Also, I would be thrilled to post on reader requests for this topic. Feel free to ask in comments or email me: krystlesstyle [at] gmail [dot] com. Here we go:

When a goal matters enough to a person, that person will find a way to accomplish what at first seemed impossible. 

~Nido Qubein

What do you feel gets in the way of adding exercise to your routine? I am guessing one is time. Something we all wish we had more of. Especially in The States, right? We are always in a hurry; always trying to figure out the most efficient way of getting things done for more time! Well, if you are anything like me, a factor of whether or not {or how long} you work out is how much time you have. Although I am physically unable to "work out" on a regular basis, in a conventional way, I do still make it a priority to move my body daily. This is something EVERYONE can do - no excuses!! On days where time {or let's face it- motivation} is too limited to go to the gym or go running/walking or whatever a typical workout may be for you, there are still things you can do:

• Stretch! this is something you can do while you are watching television, typing a blog post, talking on the phone, etc. I usually stretch every day. It feels good and increases your flexibility. 
• BTN Workout*- "Better Than Nothing" workouts are just modified versions of your typical workout. An example is, maybe you usually run 6-8 miles a day, or spend an hour and a half at the gym. Well, if you are pressed for time cut that in half. You may think it's not even worth it because it seems so short compared to your usual routine, but 20 minutes is wayyy better than nothing at all! Nothing at all won't get your metabolism burning, but 20 minutes will! :)
• Workout videos. Are you thinking Jane Fonda?? :) Well, one of my personal favorites is Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown. There are a couple of workouts on this DVD, so I can do the "Beginner" version {or half of it} when I have little time or energy. Also, If you have Comcast, there are so many workouts OnDemand. Check them out and find one that suits your schedule and lifestyle. 
• ...ALL OF THESE CAN BE DONE WITH A FRIEND/PARTNER! FUN!!

To the point: There is always time to move your body. And unless you are injured or not able, it's always worth it to do something. From stretching to modified full-blown workouts, there's always something to fit your schedule, your lifestyle and your physical shape. So, if you have 15 minutes or an hour and a half- MOVE!!

Something > Nothing

Get movin' this weekend!

P.S. my Facebook page, Be Fit | Live Well | Have Fun, is now up!! "Like" it, pretty please??! I will keep it updated for ya'll!

*I got the BTN term from Guiliana Rancic, but we have slightly different definitions.

FBFF~And Your nominees are...

Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday~Blog Awards 

Weekly, Katy from ModlyChic, emails us questions that we answer on our blogs on Fridays.

 This week, I am so excited for the launch of the Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday Blog Awards!! We name one blogger for each category and next week we will vote on the top five in each. 

{The blogs we vote do not have to be in FBFF}


Ok, first, I'm sorry I don't have nominations for all ten categories!! I really wanted to be honest and not just go with what I thought others would vote. So these are blogs that I read and I really favor. There were a couple categories that I just didn't feel strongly about for one specific blog, and didn't want to just pick one. OR I had the same person in mind that I chose for another category. Anyway, here it is:

1. Creative Juices - most creative

Linda from The Auspicious Life
I love her blog. First off, her layout!! I haven't seen a layout like this before, and I think it's really fun and unique. I also enjoy her sense of humor. I think she's so dang funny!! I think there is so much talent and creativity across the board on The Auspicious Life. Go take a look!! 

2. The Real Deal - authenticity

This was honestly a difficult one. I think Collette from Statements in Fashion is A-MAZING, and know she deserves one of these awards, I just wasn't sure which. I mean, she's a newbie, she's helpful, she's connected, she has fab style... Colette, you rock! But I have to say that although all the above are true, she's truly authentic. I especially think of her recent mentions of her weight loss success story! She shared it here and more here, and has now started a group of fashion/beauty bloggers who are fighting the same battle. She's a truly inspiring woman through sharing her true story!

3. Spark Notes - most helpful
I couldn't choose one for this...

4. Newbie - best blogger less than a year old

 

This is Jessica from Monster Cakes. Her blog is a "newbie" blog, and absolutely brilliant! First off, isn't she just darling!?? Honestly. She's got a cute, tomboy chic style. It's so original and unique and fashionable, of course!! She takes great photos and has fun writing skills as well. I also like the personal touches she adds with bits about her life. I enjoy posts about family and personal life... it makes you feel more connected. 

5. Can You Hear Me Now - most connected

For this one I also wanted to pick Collette from Statements in Fashion, or Katy from ModlyChic, but I thought #2 & #7 were better fits for them respectively. :)

   6. If I had a Hammer - best DIY

Have you read Homemade By Monica?? She's not in FBFF, but Monica and I actually met through church back in college. I remember always seeing her as a very stylish woman. Well she has a blog now and it's mostly DIY, baking/cooking, home decor and style. She has really fabulous holiday themed crafts like this and this. Some recipes one here. And gift ideas like this. Some "Look of the Day" posts like this. And she's having a baby any day now, so recent posts often have baby things she's working on. Go check her out 'cause she's amazing!!

                    

7. Tribe Leader - blogger who leads others and brings bloggers together

   I chose Katy, from ModlyChic as the Tribe Leader. Katy profiles a different blogger weekly, on Mondays. I really enjoy this and have found some of my favorite blogs through those posts! Now I honestly make sure to check her blog on Mondays to see who's profiled!

Katy is also the founder of Fashion/Beauty Friend Fridays!!! I was so blessed to find her blog and become a member of FBFF early on in my blogging. It really drew me into the community and connected me instantly with many other bloggers. I really enjoy the diversity, too. There are members from so many different regions, backgrounds, styles, and cultures. Thank you, Katy!!

8. Practically Perfect - most fashionable

 Kristina from PrettyShinySparkly is hands down, my most fashionable nomination! I love her looks!! She is always looking fierce from head to toe! I love how she always adds some kind of glam. You know, something sparkly, lacy, fur, etc. Kristina, you're my style hero!

9. Paint by Numbers - best beauty blogger Honestly, I don't read any beauty blogs regularly enough to feel comfortable voting on this one.

10. Renaissance Woman - best all around blogger- fashion, beauty,  lifestyle

I didn't have a good fit for this one either. sorry!

This post was SO MUCH FUN!! I just wish I could have picked 2 or 3 for each category... I had none for a couple and a handful for a couple. It's tough to choose between a pool of so many beautifully skilled and stylish bloggers! Way to go, EVERYONE!!! :)

Don't forget to come back soon for the very first 
Be Fit | Live Well | Have Fun post!!!

 I am so excited to share it!! 

P.S. my Facebook page, Be Fit | Live Well | Have Fun is now up!! I need at least 25 "likes" to make it official! "LIKE" IT!! :)

 All photos are from the blogger mention's websites.

Light Bulb ~ Be Fit | Live Well | Have Fun!!!

OhMyGosh!!! I can't believe I didn't start this SOONER!!

 So, here's the thing; I will always be real on my blog. When you come to Krystle's Style* you're going to get the real deal, ok? Since that is my promise, I have to share with you that I've been struggling a bit. I have been trying to figure out what is missing from my blog. I think at first I was telling myself that I just wanted more readers/followers, and then reminding myself that my blog is still fairly "new." But no, there's something missing! I had asked a couple of bloggers that I really look up to, most recently Colette, from Statements In Fashion, and she as well as others have offered some fabulous advice that I definitely take to heart. But as I was reflecting this morning, on the email Colette sent me last night, I got stuck. She suggested some DIY or cooking posts to mix things up a bit. While that's a wonderful idea, I knew it wasn't me. And after all, I want to be as true to myself as possible here.

me- copyright brian stevenson photography

Then suddenly LIGHT BULB! DUH, Krystle, FITNESS!!! HELLO!!?? It hit me like a ton of bricks!! The perfect, honest blogbyme is fashion and fitness! I think I have been sort of pushing that side of me back, since I am unable to be very active {here's why} these days. But I don't have to be active to talk about it!! I am so excited about this!! See, among other things, the top questions I am asked for advice about by co-workers, church friends, family, etc., are about fashion and fitness. I can't tell you how many different women I have worked with over the years, have approached me to ask how I stay in shape and if I would be willing to help them. I have not only learned to create wellness plans in college, but I have been doing it for years for friends who have been losing and hit a plateau, recently had a baby and looking to get the weight off, want to create a more healthy plan of eating {I don't like the word "diet'}, how to motivate themselves to work out more, and the list goes on and on and ON!! So, lovely readers, what I will have for you, are posts that I will call "Be Fit|Live Well|Have Fun." I am keeping it open right now. It won't be a certain day of the week {for now}, but I will do it when I feel like it! It will include many different things:

• ideas for healthy snacks/meals I am currently loving 
• workout ideas
• motivational "stuff"
• possibly some recipes {I am gluten-free, so likely gf, too}
• and just different tips on living well. 

I know I haven't talked about this much on my blog yet, but get ready!! This is what I have been missing!! I don't have to be able to work out, in order to share the wealth of knowledge and experience I have with all of YOU!!

Anything you would like me to post about specifically in the "Wellness" realm??

Comment below or email me any time!!
krystlesstyle[at]gmail[dot]com

Remember This?! #3- the Glam Edition

see the pretty seams on the skirt??

Hey dolls!!!

What do you think about this look?? I have to be honest, I love this outfit!! This black leather skirt was my first really spendy classic piece I purchased. I worked at Old Navy as my first job my senior year of high school. When this skirt came in I knew right away I would buy it even though it was over a couple hundred dollars. At 17 that is a lot of money!! But I waited until it was on sale and bought it! It has held up perfectly for 10 years!! Definitely an investment piece. I like the A-line cut with the seams in it. I don't usually knot my necklaces, but I even like the way that part looks. So fun!! I haven't worn this look yet... I think I will wear it to a nice girls' night out, or a more semi-formal date.

THE OUTFIT:
faux fur vest - Kohl's
gray top - f21
leather A-line skirt - Old Navy
black stilettos - Macy's by Jessica Simpson
necklace - f21

Let's take a look back, shall we??

Which look is your favorite??

Remember This?? #2

It's the return of the faux fur vest I am styling different ways this week!!

So we've seen the  Office Look:

And the Party Look:

And now, the Casual Look:

Funny story about these jeans... They are Hudson's, and they were the very first pair of designer jeans I bought myself. I have been hooked ever since!! Anyway, I bought them my sophomore year at college, when I was dirt poor! I had a serious boyfriend at the time, who had graduated the year before. He used to take me on really fabulous dates that were lots of fun. Since we were so serious, and he was no longer a student, he would pay for the majority of our outings. Well, I had scrounged up the money to buy these and when I told him how much I spent {near $200}, he was pissed!! It was totally like in the movies when the husband gets all mad at his wife for secretly shopping! For awhile after that day, when we would go out he would say, "Oh, this dinner we are eating right now is a whole leg of those jeans you have on!" He finally forgave me, but didn't hesitate to cracks jokes about it often. Later I did feel bad when I thought about the principle. I was really blessed to have a guy that wanted to take good care of me- being the youngin' spoiled brat that I was - just didn't think about that sometimes. 

the end. :)

THE OUTFIT:

vest - Kohl's

purple top - H & M

jeans - Hudson Jeans

black stillettos - Macy's by Jessica Simpson

I feel like this vest could be paired with almost any color... what do you think??

I have a supa glam post for you tomorrow!! Be sure to check back first thing!! YEA!!

P.S. thank you for the kind words about my new layout!! I am finally feeling like my blog looks like me. You know??

Remember this?? #1

Hey!! So, remember this vest {from this post}?? I wanted to show a few other ways to wear it. I will be showing you those over the course of the week.

Here's a reminder of what it looked like the last time I wore it, in case you are like me and are too lazy don't feel like going back:

I would call this look the Office Look for this vest. How original, right??

On to the next:

Party Look

sorry about that random dot!!

I basically traded the pants in for some leggings and added boots and a hat. I honestly really like this outfit. I think it takes a more dressy piece {the vest}, and makes it fun!!

THE OUTFIT:

vest - Kohl's

turtle neck - ON

leggings - AE

boots - Nordstrom by, Jessica Simpson

conductor hat - don't remember

What do you think about this look??

{stay tuned for two more looks this week!}

Have you heard??

Hey, hey!! Happy weekend!! :)

Soooo, I have a new obsession to share!! First off, I found this darling blog, Charmed In PDX, by Courtney. Go check her out!! She's "new here" just like me and she's adorable!! Anyway, I was browsing some of her posts, and she mentioned Pinterest. Have you heard of it?? It is like the coolest thing. e-ver!! You know when you're online and you see a dress that you have to have, or a home decor look that would be so fab in your condo?! Well, this happens to me all the time and sometimes I forget where I saw it later. With Pinterest you add the button to the bar thingy on your browser and when you see something you love, you click "Pin it," and it lets you choose the photo you want to save. Not only that, but it categorizes all of them and saves the site you found it on! Um, are you totally wanting this yet?? The thing is, you have to request to join or be invited. So I requested and got an email in like 2 days. If you comment I will sent you an invite. I can pretty much guarantee you will not be disappointed!!

Oh, one more thing... of course, you get to share your boards with others. And you can sync with Facebook or Twitter... I automatically linked with Ashley from AHastyLife and Kendi from KendiEveryday, since I follow them on Twitter.

Ok, I will see ya'll in the morning when I have a really cute outfit on and off to the beach to spend some time with lots of family and friends!! 

I am road trippin' with this handsome, awesome guy....

And this lil guy will be waiting for me when I get there....

...almost too much cute to handle on that one, no??

I'm off to pack a bag, see ya manana!!

FBFF~Body Love

Weekly, Katy over at ModlyChic, emails all of us Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday members a list of questions to answer and post on Friday. This week's topic is:

Body Image

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?

No, physically my image of myself has stayed pretty much the same. Positive!

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post about anyway?

I can't think of anything that jumps out at me. I get self conscious about my oily skin at times, but not to the point where it really affects anything. There are a few outfit posts where it looks like I rubbed a stick of butter over my forehead! Not a good look, but you can't win 'em all! Oh well! I guess there are also the times where a shoot is unsuccessful and I am pressed for time and a photo or two ends up not being flattering on my figure but I post it anyway.

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?

I have an overall healthy body image. I've taken a tough road to get there, but at this point in my life I love my body and I'm proud to say it! Sure, there are areas I would prefer to firm up, but in general I love my body- with all of my imperfections - and I take good care of it. I expect and am hopeful that I will stay on the path of body love! Main reason I love my body and try not to trip over it too much: I am focused on my heart. When I'm focused on my values and my integrity, the body love follows. Um, let's be real though, I do have random "fat days" here or there!! I am not perftect at not focusing on my outward appearance, but this is a value of mine that I continue to work on.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when having your picture taken? 

Yes, I photograph myself for my outfit posts. I do feel bad that I am not able to take more sophisticated photos like other bloggers do. Sometimes it makes me feel inferior, but other than that, I think the experience is good for me. I am a picky person. I can be hard on myself and I had a really unhealthy body image in the past. The fact that most body loathing issues have resolved in me and that I focus inwardly, helps me to not focus too much on the photos. I believe that no matter what the body looks like in the mirror, if you're constantly focused on it, you WILL find areas to be unhappy with. And those areas aren't always going to be something you can change {in a healthy or reasonable way}. If I was doing this a few years ago {when my body was ironically in perfect shape}, I am certain I would have spent hours picking my physique apart. Now that I'm more focused on my heart and character; when I find places inside me that need refining, it's worth taking the time to do so. Taking time to refine your character has lasting benefits that will be reflected in your outward appearance.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?

I love this question!! I have deep longings to teach young women, specifically, how special they are and how loveable they are. I want every single woman to know that her body is a miracle. Human life was not just "by chance." We are here to live a full, vibrant life. So find something in your life that awakens you inside- that you are passionate about, and challenge yourself with it. Look for ways to highlight your strengths and to improve your weaknesses. Life isn't just about outward appearances. At the same time, you only get one body in this life, so take good care of it- treat it well. Eat a balanced diet, move your body every. single. day., but don't be too hard on it when you do. Drink lots of water and eat your fruits and veggies. I know that last part sounds very "first grade health class," but it's so true!!

What are your thoughts on this subject??

{If you are interested in participating in Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday,
 visit this page on ModlyChic, and request to join the group}

Thanks for stopping by,

Advice you didn't ask for..

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2258560/krystles-style?claim=mnqdns2jrhj">Follow my blog with bloglovin</a>

Hey Fabulous Folks!! Today I am going to give you some advice you didn't ask for. The following are 2 beauty tips I have used for ages and 1 that I recently started using and probably will forever. I thought I would share the knowledge with you today!

1.Vaseline. All of us heel/sandal-wearing women, know what happens to your feet when they are squeezed into our oh-so-fashionable shoes, day after day, right?? They get dry and just plain gross! With Spring coming up, thus more shoes that show off your feet, it's time to start treating them well {if you haven't already}. Over the warm months I see women in sandals who's feet are like cracking off, and I think to myself Where are her friends and family?? Someone needs to tell her to do something!! Honestly, this is more of a maintenance tip than a repair tip, but I am going to be "that friend" today, who tells you to take care of your feet!! So, when you start noticing a little dryness no need to worry, just grab a small tub of Vaseline/Petroleum jelly at the drugstore {usually about $2.00} and some thick socks. Then put a generous coat of it on your feet and wear those socks around for an hour or so and your feet will be beautifully soft*! I like to use a pumice stone in the shower first, just to slough off any dry skin.

 Another side note: Vaseline is like a magic product. Put it on dry lips, elbows, knees {just NOT your face} and you will see almost instant moisture!

I like to use the extra thick socks that are more like slippers

2. Primer. I have actually recently started using primer. This stuff is AMAZING!!! I had first heard about Smashbox's brand. It runs for over $30.00. The day I was going to pick some up, I heard that Covergirl and Olay had created one that was just as effective. I think I spent around $15.00 for this one. Half the price and the same quality?! Sign me up! So I picked this up and it's fabulous. Primer truly does make a difference. I just pump a teeny tiny amount onto my finger tip and spread it over my eyelid before applying my eye make up. When I apply it, it goes on smoother,the color is richer and doesn't crease throughout the day at all. Seriously!! I would put it over my whole face, so it's underneath my foundation powder {when I actually wear it} but my face already has major oil issues, and to be honest, I could feel the first time I put it on, that it was definitely going to worsen the oil. So if you have extremely oily skin I would suggest limiting your use to priming eye make up.

3. Baby oil. Not only do I love the product for what it does, but I absolutely adore the smell of this stuff! Is that weird?? I really do. So, when my skin is feeling a little dry, rather than coating my entire body in Vaseline {yuck} I put Baby oil over my entire body {excluding face} last, before getting out of the shower. Rather than rinsing it off I just leave it on and then I dry off. I do this at my night time shower since it can leave your skin looking kinda glossy. But it feels really nice and soft afterwards. Another thing is, you can squeeze a generous amount into a hot bath. You get the same effect after. Caution: the shower/bath will be SLIPPERY so be careful not to fall!!

* I have heard that wrapping your feet in plastic wrap rather than socks works too, I just haven't tried it.

Do you have anything to add? I would love to hear it!

Stylish Blogger Award!!!

I have received my first blog award!! Check out this post on Lindsay Living. Lindsay, thank you so much for recognizing me, and I am so glad you enjoy my blog!! This truly makes me feel SO GOOD!! ***smiles***



I would like to pass this award on to these fabulous bloggers:

• Bows and Brownies*
• Charmed in PDX*
• Charee Lenee'*
• Monster Cakes*
• Statements in Fashion*

Some of you I have followed from the start, and some are recent gems I randomly stumbled upon and now check daily! Ladies, thank you so much for your amazing inspiration!! Pass this on to a few bloggers who inspire you!!

**be sure to let the folks that you tag, know so they can pass it on too!!