Fall Fashions With Long Tall Sally- #BlogPOPEvents $125 Giveaway 9/10

The following Blog POP! Events post is sponsored by Long Tall Sally.

Momma Told Me: Fall into fashion.

Fall.

Some people, in some parts of the country, swear it is already beginning to look and feel like Fall. Other than the collection of yellowed leaves fallen on the ground outside, there is little indication Fall is on it's way here in SoCal. One might even argue that the foliage is just a result of the drought we've endured through one of the warmest, driest, years in recent local history. You see, while I am a SoCal native who lives in her flip flops and happily trounces down to the garage in short shorts, I do not care for the hot and the dry.

And that, my friends, is precisely why I will be taking 10 days off, and away mid-September.

While some long for the sway of palm trees and the sound of crashing waves, I'd rather visit the South Pole (quite literally.) And, though my dream vacation is to one day backpack through Ireland and Europe, September 11th I will be setting sail for my dream cruise. I just may sip a few Pina Coladas poolside on the deck of our cruise liner, but you won't find this fair skinned girl anywhere near the tropical beaches and hula dancers. We've got Mexico to the South, Hawaii to the West, and I'm headed North for the Fall.

Yup, you guessed it, I'm headed to Alaska.

Beautiful, cold, vividly bright through all hours of the day, sun tan on the rays reflecting from glaciers, Alaska. My first cruise. My dream cruise. It will also mark my first International endeavor, departing Washington and landing it's final port in Vancouver. Since we'll be dropping anchor on a Friday we've arranged to spend 2 days in Canada at the end of our journey where the exploration won't stop as we explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and cross a 430 foot suspension bridge (circa 1889,) suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River. Of course that will be a cake walk after our rain-forest ziplines in Juneau!

As fun as vacations are, they can also be quite a bit of stress.

While I've been planning on this cruise for over a year I only just realized I don't have any appropriate attire. The closest thing I own to a coat is a zipper hoodie sweater, and my footwear situation was even worse. Though we'll be on the boat, or in various port towns, for the majority of our journey, some of our more adventurous excursions will require 'real people' clothes, as I like to call them. These is where the flip flops must retire, I'm afraid. For my time in town, in Canada, I've picked out an outfit directly from Long Tall Sally's Fall collection.

I had a chance to take a sneak peek at some of  Long Tall Sally's Fall 2015 highlights and immediately fell in love with the dark palette and urban inspiration. For those who don't recall, Long Tall Sally is THE destination for fashionable and flattering clothing for women 5'8" and taller. They also happen to be the exclusive online retailer for Barefoot Tess shoes (stylish shoes for women size 9+,) and, if it weren't for them I likely WOULD only ever wear flip flops. But I digress, the Lace Yolk Sweater in Khaki immediately caught my eye for it's gorgeous green hue and nape of the neck keyhole detailing. I knew the color would be flattering to my complexion and hair color, and a great pick to stay warm this Winter and on my cruise.

New to Long Tall Sally for the season are Super Soft Legging Jeans. These aren't your Walmart's jeggings, folks, these are butter-soft, extra thick, super flattering skinny jeans that compliment all the right curves. I think I just might live in them while in Alaska and every wardrobe should have a pair in each color. For this outfit I've styled the legging jeans inside my Barefoot Tess Jasper Boots (in Mushroom,) though here in California I'll wear them loose around the ankle with the boot tounge relaxed and hanging out. I cannot gush enough about the comfort level and fit of these boots- I only wish I'd been bold enough to grab the Doc Marten-eque Pink/Black floral style.

I know, I know, I'm going to need a lot more than one beautifully styled outfit to get me through 10 days abroad, but it's one heck of a start- And Long Tall Sally certainly has me covered, if I can only decide on the colors and prints in my favorite items! Now, tell me, is it Fall yet where you are? Do you have any exciting adventures planned for the upcoming season?

What Daughter Says: Every season, just like every shape and size, has it's flattering prints and styles. Fall, for me, means comfort.

Enter below for your shot at a $125 Long Tall Sally gift certificate then hop along to the other amazing Blog POP! School Rules event giveaways on the LINKY!

Shop Your Way With Sears: How I Harness My Inner Kardashian Sister

Momma Told Me: Inspire not emulate.

Fashion. Most women either love it, or dread it.

If you're like me you've likely spent years battling with the creation of your own unique image, floating from fad to fad, trying to figure out where you fit in. Even more frustrating can be the inner battle between how we see ourselves, as modern women, in the mirror, versus our true beauty. I learned several years ago that 'fashion' is subjective, and the wearer makes the style, not the clothing and baubles that adorn them. In all, I classify myself as a fashion rebel. I like to dip my toe in the 'trends' pool, but always remain true to what tickles my tastes most. This is often a blend of faceted studs, animal prints, pops of bright color, and lots of black- a LOT of black. Unfortunately, a lot of those elements typically come across as very high end (expensive), or on the opposite end of the spectrum (looking cheap). That's why I trust Sears for affordable fashion that ushers my wardrobe from one season to the next.

Now, I was raised a Sears gal, so I'm a little partial. Whenever my grandma would ask what I wanted for a holiday, and I'd say "Clothes," I was sure to receive a royal blue gift card in the mail. I've also learned a lot about the company and it's unique Shop Your Way Rewards program, through my father, who has been a member since it's inception, and has enjoyed ample rewards and savings on everything from his Whirlpool fridge to his button down shirts. Not only do I get to take advantage of exclusive sales and discounts, on and offline, when I use my Shop Your Way Rewards number, but I rack up valuable points that I can later convert into cash back at Sears! What I've found most useful, though, is the more recent program integration into social media sharing with custom Shop Your Way albums (think of it as a Pinterest board for Sears), and instant item feedback from friends and family.

I'm always sure to stop by Sears whenever I visit the local mall, and even when I'm out of town. Sears style varies from season to season, and location, so you never know what new favorite you will uncover. Last month I discovered the Kardashian Kollection display at my local Sears; an exclusive line of hand curated clothing picked by the 3 Kardashian sisters. I'll admit, I know next to nothing about these 3 women, other than they are great entrepreneurs, and I adore their style. As a 20 something, their curve embracing, slightly sultry, always impeccably detailed fashion has long been an inspiration on my Pinterest boards and seasonal must haves. My friends will often argue who they identify with most, and it's a tough call for me. While I love Kim's obsession with animal prints, Khloe, and her fiercely real body, rocks dressed down fashions that hinge on shapes and singular details. That is to say she is fashionable without fussing over extra accessories, or multiple layers.

Thanks to Sears style I can take inspired elements from the Kardashian Kollection and release my inner Kardashian with Khloe inspired looks. I paired some Kim Curvy Dark Denim Jeans with a KK tee, side-knot ponytail, and Plum pumps for a casual Fall look that is comfortable yet stylish. Khloe is always seen with minimal accessories, but at least 1-2 baubles that highlight her glam heritage and dress up even casual clothes. This inspired me to add a black leather cuff with gold bow accent. Not only is gold trending for the Fall, but fashion jewelry and heels is a great way to take your drab jeans and tee outfit to fashionista status.

For a ladies night out I paired the Kardashian Kollection Leopard Ponte Pencil Skirt with a black tanks and Crimson Red snakeskin peep-toe wedges. While the wide leopard print is very loud, it's important to balance out chunks of animal print with similar color tones. I use gold for leopard/tiger prints, and rely more on silver and studs for snakeskin and zebra patterns. Here I tied the warm colors from my pencil skirt into a chunky gold chain necklace, also inspired by the accessories often worn by my 3 style icon sisters. This is the type of outfit I would usually wear for a night out on the town with my girlfriends, or a more casual cocktail party at home. Because this pencil skirt is made with a soft and breathable polyester and elastane material it is also wonderful to wear for extended periods, and even looks flattering while sitting!

Because they are celebrities, and often attend Red Carpet events, the Kardashian Sisters are known for their tempting profiles in scandalously form fitting dresses. Khloe is well known for ability to rock a little white dress just as well as she can a little black dress. I'm a little paler than Khloe (just a little, right?) so I usually lean on her LBD fashions for inspiration. A more formal night out, such as one calling for this Gold Bar Ottoman Sleeveless Dress, also requires a little extra bling. I paired a red pleather clutch with same color pumps, a crystalline studded gold chain bracelet, side statement onyx and gold ring, and matching gold leafed earrings to make this look. Since this dress features a keyhole front, accented by a gold bar clasp, no necklace was needed to dress my cleavage; which I loved most, as I struggle with neck-wear when styling.

I like to build my wardrobe little by little throughout the year, but I couldn't help pick up 3 key elements at once when I saw the Kardashian Kollection. Not only is my Shop Your Way album full of Wish List items from this iconic collection, but I've found my confidence in the Khloe styling mantra; "Embrace your curves." Best of all, I didn't have to break the bank (which is especially important when Jay asks to see the receipts). I spent less than $100 on 4 key items to build my Fall fashions, including one hot little black dress! I enjoyed everyday values on pieces I am absolutely in love with, and earned hundreds of points towards future rewards with Shop Your Way. I may not be a fashion model, but I'm certainly the most envied woman on my block with my affordable fashion from Sears! See more of my fashionable Sears finds in my Google + shopping album.

What Daughter Says: Build a fierce wardrobe that speaks to your inner Kardashian with Sears style.

@MonroeandMain Fall Fashion Spotlight + 10 Winner $100 Fashionista Giveaway 9/16

****This  Monroe and Main Review/Giveaway is part of a Fashionista Events opportunity.  Clothing/accessories were provided by Monroe and Main as noted below.

Momma Told Me: The clothes don't make the outfit, you do!

You have likely picked up, by now, that I am part of an amazing blogger group, known as Fashionista Events. You've also likely noticed that I often focus my posts, of this category on handbags, shoes, and beauty. That's because I am a confident and notorious 'selfie' taker- I feel I know my angles and can rock a stunning close up of any nail lacquer or eyeshadow thrown at me. Maybe it comes from living in a generation where my first 'boyfriend' lived over 3k miles away, and MySpace chat was about the only visual connection we had. But I digress- I love fashion. I may not be an 'expert,' but Momma Told Me the most important aspect of fashion is the person wearing the clothes, not what they're wearing. That is to say the attitude of the model is more important than whether plaid plays well with orange ruffles, or snakeskin belongs on flats. That's precisely why Monroe And Main instantly appealed to my inner Fashionista.

Monroe And Main is a catalog based fashion business featuring a variety of sister and in house brands, as well as some well known label designers. What really sets them apart, for me, is the wide range of clothing and accessories a shopper can find, from misses to plus sizes, and bold to demure. The prints, colors, cuts, and styles seem never-ending, the perfect inspiration to jump start a new wardrobe on the back of my recent weight loss. The company even has a Fit For You Guide, which helps pair shoppers with flattering apparel for their shape and size, including an especially useful 'how to take measurements' aide! In addition, Monroe And Main has an in house credit plan to help build credit, and your wardrobe by consolidating your purchases into monthly payments. And, if that isn't enough, they donate countless outfits to Dress For Success, providing women nationwide with interview suits and career counseling.

But you're here to hear about the fashion, right? Well Monroe And Main just released their Fall Collection, and my wish list has grown to over 20 favorite items for the upcoming season. I simply couldn't resist picking out three favorite highlights from the new designs to share with you here on Momma Told Me; Seamless Top in Royal, Animal Patch Hobo, and Oval Statement Necklace. Not only were my items on my doorstep, with complete tracking, within days of my initial order, but I received a complimentary accessory (their choice) of blue hoop earrings which matched the Royal blue top I had ordered!

Typically when I order costume jewelry (jewelry often under $50, and made with stainless or alternative metals), I don't have high expectations for their quality. Most costume jewelry, in one way or the other, looks or feels cheap. The necklace I received from Monroe And Main not only has a substantial weight to it, which makes it feel 'real' to wear, but has a beautiful antiquing detail that has garnered multiple compliments. The unique multi-strand chain, and opaque center pendant is a new favorites of mine (and I rarely wear jewelry!) Of the three items, I do have to say the Seamless Top was the biggest highlight for me. With a fitted design that is similar to a second skin, the full sleeves and plunging neck offer a playful look among the gentle textured snakeskin pattern. The skirt wears breathable, for an all day fit, but is warm enough to move into the cool Fall months ahead.

The third item I received was the Animal Patch Hobo, which proved to be quite roomy in size, and very versatile, with two hidden compartments that snap to the main central storage chamber. Entirely synthetic (animal friendly) the material is easy to clean, with some textured pleather-like animal print patches, and two soft and furry accents on the front. I am a big animal print fan, but prefer to use pops of prints when styling (or one bolder statement piece); this handbag allows me to express my wild-side without being too bold. Together the three Monroe And Main pieces play well, but are equally easy to style into my everyday wardrobe. Best of all, Monroe And Main constantly had new inventory coming in- so I'm always sure to discover something new!

What Daughter Says: Monroe And Main inspires me to feel confident and stylish, at a great price.

Now for the really exciting part. Fashionista Events and Monroe And Main have teamed up to provide you with an exclusive 10 winner giveaway for $100 in credit to Monroe And Main! That's $1000 giveaway, with 10 winners total! Enter below, and be sure to stop back by to claim your sharing entries each day!