From frumpy to foxy: My 2014 fashion resolution

Because my primary role is “work-at-home mom,” it is very tempting for me to forgo fashion and dress myself in whatever comfy (and clean!) duds I can find in my closet. But, I have to admit, when I make an effort to put on an outfit I feel pretty in, it really does seem to have a positive effect on my productivity level and mood.

In this article on how fashion affects our mood, author Emily Watson suggests that wearing sweatpants and an old sweatshirt, for example, may make us feel lazy and relaxed. With a to-do list a mile long, I don’t need to feel lazy and relaxed. I need to feel confident, energized, motivated, positive and inspired. So I’ve decided to be more intentional about how I dress in 2014.

This year, I want to make smarter clothing choices. I want to look beautiful and feel important. But considering the type of work I do – kid duty, cooking, cleaning, organizing (some scary areas, I might add), DIY projects, office paperwork and online business – I also truly need to be comfortable and equipped to take on manual tasks without tearing seams or falling off of heels.

That is why I’m launching a “Fashionable February” blog series starting Feb. 3. In this weekly series, I will be highlighting some of my favorite comfy, yet pretty clothing pieces and accessories – ones that make me look and feel great on the outside and inside. I’ll also be sharing hairstyle and makeup tips that are quick, easy and DIY-project friendly. I’m on a mission to look foxy, not frumpy!

Until then, I wanted to help kick start your fashion mojo by introducing you to a website with some gorgeous clothing at ridiculously low prices. The merchandise at UltimateOutlet.com is created by a design team in New York. Trends are predicted up to a year in advance and inspired by worldwide influences from exhibitions and trade fairs to street fashions in Paris and London. My favorite thing? I can get clothes from Spiegel, Newport News and Shape FX at dirt cheap prices. 😉

For example, here’s an outfit I put together from pieces on the site:

Ultimate-Outlet-outfitThis outfit would be one I could wear to church. (I would need a sweater until it gets warmer, of course. ;)) Sunday is the day I really get to glam it up.

Red top

Cowl-neck top, $6

31SsHwFLqVL._SX200_

 Black pencil skirt, $7

31RDU32PjHL._SX750_

Faux suede pumps, $16

41fGjAf4ctL._SX750_Hobo handbag, $19.99

The total cost for this entire outfit is $48.99! I know, right? One thing to note, however, is that all sales at Ultimate Outlet are final.

So check out UltimateOutlet.com and then keep an eye out for my Fashionable February series. Also, if you have any fashion questions you’d like answered in the series or any favorite fashion go-to pieces, please share them with me in the comments section.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of UltimateOutlet.com. As always, the opinions and text are all mine. 

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10 Responses

  1. Pat says:

    Thanks so much!!

    xo
    Pat

  2. teresa says:

    great site! thanks for the heads-up!

  3. Sheila says:

    I’m so excited I really need help in this area. I did receive an outfit from Stitch Fix and really liked everything but it is expensive. When I go shopping I get over whelmed and end up not buying anything. I go from Pj’s to scrubs to sweat pants to Pj’s. And tips on makeup would be wonderful as I do the same thing all the time. I would love to see some eyeshadow tips. You are right about how you feel when you dress up. Thank you for your help in so many areas.

  4. Awesome! This post made me chuckle, Susan. We’re on the same page! I had planned to make February a fashion month on my blog, too! Looking forward to reading your insights and checking out the site you shared!

  5. Pam P says:

    totally agree with Sheila. I’ve tried Stitch Fix but need a 2nd job to pay for their beautiful clothes. Thanks for the heads up, I knew there must be some place to get great fashion for lots less. Can’t wait for your new series. Blessings.

  6. Sonja says:

    I absolutely love Ultimate Outlet! The clothes always fit me, and the brand Newport News seems to be made for me – but I can’t really afford them from their main website so I tend to buy from the Outlet website. Last time I bought 2 trousers, a blazer, a dress and a top for 30 bucks. Even thrift shop is more expensive :).

    • Susan says:

      Sonja, Thanks so much for the feedback. A few readers have been asking about the fit.

      • Sonja says:

        I should add, I belong to the ample thigh and butt faction of women. As long as I don’t buy anything skinnny, it fits. I am 5 7 tall and usually wear a size 10 or 12 – if in doubt, I go with the higher number, especially when you buy Shape FX as they always have slimming parts in them that are made with high stretch, and if you want to be comfortable it won’t be good if it is too tight.

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