Taking Risks

Posted by MegB on Apr 30, 2013 in Featured, Style | 2 comments

This was one of those outfits that just came together – I pulled it piece by random piece out of my closet until it felt right, and then I stood in front of my full-length mirror for a long minute. There was so much about it that I loved – the contrast of the floral skirt with the army green color of the jacket – the peplum look created by cinching the waist up a bit and adding the belt – my new(ish) fringy boots that seemed to tie it all together. But then again – it looked like a bit of a risk – the kind of outfit that might turn heads, and maybe not all in a good way. I asked Eric for advice. He just kind of looked at me and shrugged - it’s different, but isn’t that kind of what you were going for? I couldn’t help but laugh and roll my eyes. Because he was partly right – I am always looking to push the boundaries just a bit – I do like to be noticed for the outfits I put together, but in the respectable - wow, why didn’t I think of that/she looks great kind of way. Not in the omg, what is she wearing, that’s hideous sort.  I think it’s important to take risks – in the big things in life, and also in the little things. How much success did Sex in the City gain by taking big, huge fashion risks? And isn’t that Bradshaw style something we’re still trying to pull together now, years after the show and two successful movies? We love Carrie’s style because she wears things that are different, cooky, and always a bit of a risk.

One of my favorite bloggers, Beth Jones of B.Jones Style, effortlessly channels the Patricia Field/Carrie Bradshaw style on a regular basis (she’s even started a regular column entitled, “What Would Carrie Wear”). Over time, I’ve learned from her that it’s okay to take risks as long as you stand confidently behind your fashion choices. I’ve seen Beth wear some really out-there pieces, but she always looks SO fantastic – she pulls it off not only because she’s pulled it together, but because she wears her outfits with the kind of bold confidence that turns heads and opens the mind.

SO – this is my bit-of-a-risk ensemble. Hope you like it – but I’m totally okay if you don’t

What I’m Wearing:

Army Jacket: Gap, last year (similar styles @ Gap or Old Navy)
Floral Print Mirror Skirt: H&M, last year (similar style @ ASOS, JCPenney or Target)
Belt: Vintage (from my Mamaw’s closet! Similar style @ anthropologie)
Booties: Target (still available online!)
Monogram Necklace: “Classic Monogram” by West Avenue @ Max & Chloe
Bracelet: Anthropologie (similar)

I couldn’t resist these last few sun-drenched photos. I know they’re probably less about the outfit, but Michael really killed it with the magic-hour lighting!

Again, all photos by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. If you’d like to get ahold of him for a session of your own, you can find  his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto

“Healthy” Margaritas

Posted by MegB on Apr 23, 2013 in Featured, My Life | 2 comments

I know, I know. HOW could a margarita possibly be healthy? You must think I’m crazy. Let me explain.

I love a good margarita, especially in the summertime. They’re right up on my list with sangria and this delicious concoction. However – I feel like a good margarita is hard to make at home – should you buy the pre-made mix? Make everything from scratch? What kind of tequila should you buy? What are the ingredients of a good marg? My friend Bethany and I have been experimenting for a few years, and I think she finally came up with a winning recipe. I did nothing to contribute to this concoction, other than the fact that I drank one, and promptly begged her to let me blog the recipe. I wouldn’t call this a “skinny” recipe, though it it full of yummy ingredients that  aren’t completely full of sugar and artificial ingredients. This recipe is crisp and refreshing, and perfect for a summer pool party. Enjoy!

Bethany’s No-Mix Margaritas

1. Pour equal parts tequila (we used El Caballo Estrella Tequila Blanco) and Triple Sec (we used Stirrings All Natural Triple Sec) over ice (1 – 1.5 oz. each)
2. Add equal parts of your fruit juices: Simply Limeade & San Pellegrino Limonata
3. Pour light beer as a “topper” – we used Bud Lite Lime
4. Stir together, and squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the top
5. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite summer drink recipe? If so, I’d love to know about it – leave me a link, or a recipe, in the comment box below!

Super Hero Style: Part Two

Posted by MegB on Apr 17, 2013 in Featured, Style | 0 comments

Last week, I showed you how I styled this funky vintage t-shirt in a slightly “amped-up” casual/cute outfit. Today, I want to show you an additional spin on this look with jeans, a leather jacket and a pair of fringy ankle boots. I loved the feedback I got last week, but perhaps my favorite was the comment that it was an inspiration to “try harder” in regards to everyday style. How easy is it to throw on yoga pants or jeans, and forget about the little details that give an outfit personality? What I’m saying is, it doesn’t take much to give a jeans-and-tshirt outfit a fun twist! Swapping out flip-flops or tennis shoes for a fun shoe with a low heel – a bright pop of color on the lips – simple statement jewelry – all those things can take a simple outfit from drab to fabulous! To an extent – the beauty really is in the details!

I’d also like to mention – I think a good leather jacket is an essential wardrobe piece. I looked for years – literally – before I found this soft grey washed version at Buffalo Exchange for less than $50. It’s one of my favorite pieces in my collection – it goes with everything, I can rolls the sleeves up or down, and the draped neckline gives it a little extra femininity. I’ve listed four different options below, in case you’re in the market for a versatile leather jacket!

What I’m Wearing

Marvel Comics T-Shirt: Vintage (cute versions here, here & here - and yes, I’m partial to Captain America!)
Boyfriend Jeans: Paige (thrifted – but I’ve heard wonders about Gap’s Sexy Boyfriend Jeans!)
Booties: Target (still available online!)
Leather Jacket: Banana Republic Collection (thrifted – cute pink faux option from Nordstrom, studded faux Sam Edelman in the perfect color, moderately priced option from Eddie Bauer, MAJORLY gorgeous investment piece by Vince)
Bracelet: Forever 21
“P” Ring: Thrifted
Lips: Mary Kay “Red Salsa” (discontinued – I recently bought MAC’s Ruby Woo, and I love it!)

I’ve never been a fan of ankle-height shoes until I spotted these low-heeled fringy boots at Target. I got them on clearance a few months ago, but they’re still available online (listed above). They’re my go-to shoes for Spring, especially with jeans, dresses and skirts.

There you have it – the Marvel shirt in all it’s vintage glory!

I bought this ring at a thrift store, for no other reason than it was cute. I don’t have a P in my initials – no family or close friends with a “P” name – but my friend Sarah was quick to remind me that “P” is for PRETTY, and I think of that every time I wear it

And… just in case I didn’t already feel like Super Woman in this outfit, Michael had to go and catch some sun flare in my hair – I LOVE this photo. So much. Thanks for making me feel beautiful friend!

I’m re-wearing these boots in a totally different way next week – and I’ve also got a few other fun things to share with you, including a killer skinny/natural margarita recipe! Have a delightful Thursday!

Again, all photos by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. If you’d like to get ahold of him for a session of your own, you can find  his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto

Super Hero Style: Part One

Posted by MegB on Apr 11, 2013 in Adventures in Thrifting, Featured, Style | 0 comments

So I’ve gotta be honest – I’ve really loved featuring these two-part outfits lately! I think it’s really important to know the versatility of your wardrobe, and how one piece of clothing can be worn several ways. I’m a firm believer in the “three-way rule” – the notion that you shouldn’t invest in something unless you can see yourself wearing it at least three different ways. My closet gets worn through and through, and I’m always looking for fun/inexpensive/quirky pieces to throw into the mix. Enter this shirt: I was thrifting with my friend Becky a few months ago, when I overheard a mother with her daughters arguing over a t-shirt. I could hear the younger girl telling her mom it was “weird and uncool,” which of course, immediately sparked my interested. The mother let out an exasperated sigh, and I could see her hang the item back on the rack with frustration. I beelined over to the shirt they’d been discussing, and was delighted to find a vintage comic shirt, featuring not one, but all the Marvel super heroes… Score!

Even though I paired this t-shirt with a skirt and heels – I don’t think this outfit feels fancy. This is what I’d call amped-up casual – just a really cute every day look. I wouldn’t necessarily wear this to work (I’m between our front shop and warehouse all day, so I try to stick to spray paint friendly attire), but I think it’d be awesome for meeting up with friends or a casual date night.

What I’m Wearing

Marvel Comics T-Shirt: Vintage (cute versions here, here & here – and yes, I’m partial to Captain America!)
Denim Jacket: American Eagle (suuuuper old – similar here)
Skirt: Thrifted (similar @ J.Crew (on sale) OR @ J.Crew Factory)
Heels: Target (similar here)
Clutch: Marc Jacobs – Neiman Marcus for Target Collection
Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar here)
Necklace: Forever 21 (similar here)
Lips: Mary Kay “Red Salsa” (discontinued – I recently bought MAC’s Ruby Woo, and I love it!)

More proof that I can’t keep a straight face during these shoots…

I have another outfit incorporating this vintage t-shirt coming next week, so stay tuned!

Again, all photos by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. If you’d like to get ahold of him for a session of your own, you can find  his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto

Now and Later: Dressing it Down

Posted by MegB on Apr 3, 2013 in Featured, Style | 0 comments

Last week, I blogged a fancier/more professional outfit with this thrifted Liz Claiborne tweed skirt. Today, I’m dressing it down. I don’t have near as many opportunities to get fancy these days, but I’m certainly not letting that get in the way of wearing this skirt a few more times!

One of my favorites things in my closet is this slubby heathered baseball tee from Target. I bought it a few years ago, and I honestly wish I’d purchased more than one. It goes with everything – I throw it on with jeans, tuck it into maxi skirts, layer it over button down shirts, and of course – it’s perfect with sweatpants. It’s easy to undervalue basic t-shirts like this one, and I’m really loving it paired with this tweed skirt for a dressed-down casual look.

I have another really fun t-shirt combo coming up next week, so stay tuned!

What I’m wearing:

Pink tweed skirt: Liz Claiborne, thrifted (similar J.Crew/similar Target)
Baseball Henley: Mossimo/Target, old (similar Target, Gap, American Apparel)
Canvas Sneakers: Old Navy (I bought two pairs of these I love them so much – one for now, and another for later!)
Arm Party: Marc Jacobs turnlock chain, Stella & Dot Cupcake Chain (discontinued)

I know you probably don’t care about seeing 800 pictures of my face, but Michael made me feel so pretty in this next set, I had to include them:

Again, all photos by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. If you’d like to get ahold of him for a session of your own, you can find  his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto

Now and Later: Dressing it Up

Posted by MegB on Mar 27, 2013 in Featured, Style | 3 comments

Neon Pink Tweed Mini Pencil Skirt

Yup. I have one of those. Thrifted it for less than $5 at the Goodwill down the street from me. And it is SO cute. For the last two years, up until I started working with Noteworthy Home, I worked in a professional environment. At Coach, I had a uniform to follow, so I couldn’t be that creative with my outfits; at the law firm, I pretty much had free reign of my daily dressing (as long as I kept it professional and decent, of course). This is exactly the type of outfit I might’ve worn this Spring at the office, and I’m so giddy to show it on the blog today. Again – neon… pink… skirt. Need I say more?!

Now – I know what you’re thinking. Meagan – emerald green does NOT go with neon pink! You’re breaking all the rules, girlfriend! And you know what I say to that? Bring on the rule breaking. Because this outfit is fun and it makes me feel fabulous. Plus, emerald is Pantone’s Color of the year (see how I worked that in there – I’m sneakier than you think I am!). Everything in this outfit is either a discount store buy, or a thrift find – I’ve had that pink cardi for longer than I can remember, and recently took it to the dry cleaner’s for a sprucing up; the emerald silk shirt is a Buffalo Exchange find from a few years ago. Please excuse my ghostly white legs – we did this shoot just a week before I started my faux-tan regimen, which I might share, if you’re interested. I feel so bronze right now, without the high maintenance routine I usually suffer through.

What I’m wearing:

Pink tweed skirt: thrifted (similar J.Crew/similar Target)
Silk button down: Express, thrifted (similar at J.Crew Factory)
Pink cardigan: old (super cute, similar Gap/similar J.Crew Factory)
Nude pumps: Guess (old, LOVE this style by Michael Kors, and this cute sandal from ShoeMint)
Rose gold clutch: Loeffler Randall for Target
Arm Party: right hand: Anthropologie (old, similar here); Left Hand: Marc Jacobs turnlock chain, Stella & Dot Cupcake Chain (discontinued), Rose Gold Cuff – Jewelry Show Find

Laughing at something Michael said, because he’s my favorite

I remixed this skirt in a more casual outfit, so stay tuned!

Again, all photos by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. If you’d like to get ahold of him for a session of your own, you can find  his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto

Girls on Film: Behind the Scenes

Posted by MegB on Mar 22, 2013 in Featured, Styled Shoot | 7 comments

Last weekend, I had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in McGowan Images‘ Girls on Film Spring Boudoir Marathon. Chelsea and I have worked on Boudoir several times before, but this was my first time to contribute to one of her marathons. And let me tell you – it was the most awesome, most fun, most exhausting, most rewarding thing I have been a part of since I started styling photoshoots.

There is so much time and effort and energy that goes into this process: weeks of shopping for accessories and props and makeup and hair products; email communication and consultation with all the participants; preparing a dressing room at the McGowan Studio in Arlington; creating a pinterest board and constantly updating it with new finds. And that is just what happened BEFORE the weekend began, and I met FOURTEEN different, beautiful, brave women.

A lot of work goes into the weekend itself too – we made a trip to the studio Friday night to set up, unload champagne, hang up the snazzy new GOF robes, hang up all the McG’s gorgeous boudoir art and get props in order. Saturday morning started early – we were on the road at 7:00am and after a quick stop at Glazed for donuts (errrr, maple bacon & nutella-filled donuts), our first lady arrived promptly for primping at 8:30am. When we finished nearly 10 hours later, I can honestly say I’ve never been so tired, or so physically exhausted in my life. I had no idea how much physical/mental/emotional energy went into boudoir photography, and I applaud Chelsea on her ability to frequently rock these sessions. By the end of day one, I was fully laid-out on the wood floors of the studio, moaning about how everything in my body just hurt.

My responsibilities included makeup and hair enhancements (and a few full faces too!), outfit and accessory selection, and final “look” styling – essentially making sure all the pieces, errr,  garter snaps were put together and ready to go for Chelsea. And, since Chelsea’s husband Mack was unable to attend this weekend (female only event, lol), I also got to help with the reflectors  - there is hilarious proof in the images below!

It’s hard for me to nail down a favorite moment from the weekend. I loved the reactions to hair and makeup. I loved the ooohs and aaahs over the accessory and jewelry selection. I loved the compliments we received on the beautiful studio space at Bowen that Chelsea, Mack and I carefully styled and created. But most of all, I loved the transformation I got to witness in each girl – from the nervous beginnings of each session, to the total bombshell, I-totally-just-rocked-that confidence I could see at the end of each experience. The gratification I feel in being able to contribute, even in just a small way, to the confidence and positive image of each lady who participated is still overwhelming. In short, I’m still humbled and completely honored by the opportunity.

And because no post is complete without pictures – here’s a few behind-the-scenes shots that Chelsea was kind enough to take for me – enjoy!

Isn’t she a beauty?

Fitting one of the stunning ladies with my favorite headpiece from the whole weekend – found on clearance for less than $10

Applying my new favorite lipstick – MAC’s Ruby Woo, a universally flattering shade of red that was perfect for the bombshell look of Boudoir photos

Double duty!

That reflector was at least five feet wide, and over 6 feet tall – and also perfect for creating a shady spot of grass in the middle of a sunny day! What you can’t see in the photo below is what it took to finally situate that massive reflector – Chelsea’s head through the fence to my right, with the edge wedged between her neck, and me up on my tiptoes. All for the sake of getting the shot!

And last but not least, a few Instagram pics from our respective accounts (you can follow me @meaganbechtel, and Chelsea @chelsea_mcgowan)

I hope you enjoyed this little peek behind the scenes at the first outdoor Girls on Film marathon – I know Chelsea is also blogging about the experience today, and she’s got the good stuff – i.e., all the fabulous final shots produced from these two days of AWESOME. Head over to her Boudoir blog now to check it out!

Now… when are scheduling round two?!