Encouragement, Fashion, Fitness, Inspiration, Interviews, Life

Fashion Friday and a Few of my Favorite Things

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Happy Friday and Daylight Savings Weekend! Don’t forget you get to set your clocks back this Sunday, Nov 4. 

Whenever you get an extra hour just dropped in your lap for free, it’s like this precious life bonus! So, Wahoo!

Our November Sizzler Exercise Challenge is up and running (Hah! No pun intended!)

The Sizzler November Challenge  is a Women’s Facebook Group to motivate people to include exercise in their life every day.

I started it as a way to have some accountability partners and hopefully to inspire and be inspired. We now have over 100 women from all over the world, and it’s all positive all the time. You share what exercise you have done and you cheer on others when they have accomplished something. Any exercise is fair game, whether its walking or running or gardening or biking or whatever! You post as often or as little as you want. The point is to try and increase the level of exercise you currently have in your life.

And… we are adding a Thankfulness Challenge for November as well! Exercising that Thankfulness muscle for the month of November! And you are cordially invited!

If you are interested please click here: Sizzler Challenge November 2018. Invite your girlfriends as well if you like!

Weekend Sales Round Up:

Anthropologie – 25% off all dresses and jumpsuits

Banana Republic – Friends and Family Sale- If you are on their email list, they should have sent you a special code for this sale, 50% off full price items, 30% off leather, suede, silk and cashmere apparel.

Bloomingdales – Through today 11/3/2018 take an extra 25% off sale items that are indicated extra 25% off.

Chicos – 50% off your highest price item when you spend $100 or more. Use code 71470.

Dick’s Sporting Goods – Take $10 off $50 or $20 off $100. Online or in store (printable coupon for in store

Express – 40% off everything! 2 days only, in stores and online.

Gap  – Gap Card Holders, 50% off everything, 40% off for the rest of us! 

JCrew – 40% off Fall Favorites, use code BOO

JCPenney – Online Only – extra 25% off $100 or more  OR extra 20% off under $100. Use Code FALLSALE . Also many doorbuster sales going on.

Kate Spade – extra 30% off sale styles, use code SUCHAGEM

Kohls – Extra 20% off, use code GOSAVE20 plus everyone gets $10 Kohls cash for every $50 spent. Online Only- Extra 15% off holiday entertaining essentials. Use code HOLIDAYHOST

Loft – 40% off tops & 50% off jewelry

Lord & Taylor – 20% off regular and sale prices items (some exclusions) use code NOVEMBER; Up to 60% off coats for the family. Many more items on sale.

Macy’s – 48 hour sale, with some pretty big discounts on certain items. Handbags, sweaters, beauty, coats… so many pretty things!

Old Navy – All sweaters for the family, 50% off! (Ok… yes I already ordered something this morning!)

Target – Buy 2 Get 1 Free- Video games, board games, videos and books. Buy one get one 50% off sweater styles for men and women. Many more items on sale.

Vince Camuto – Nov 1-Nov 5 . Fall Forward Sale. 30% off boots, booties and bags Use code FALL30

White House Black Market – 40% off sale styles.

As we go into the Thanksgiving season, I have so much I am thankful for.

I am so grateful for you, for checking in and patiently taking this journey with me! I am having a ball doing this blog and sharing it with you!

Another thing I appreciate are those who have helped me along the way. I’ve shared with you how my son and my husband and Maribeth Schmidt take photos for me. I’ve also had help from Kaleigh and Alex Prokic for all things on the tech end. They were there from the beginning cheering me on. And they are there when issues come up now, all I have to do is shoot them a text and they are helping me in a flash! Fortunately we can go several weeks and even months now without a problem, so that is good! But I know they are there if I need them. My sisters have been there for me with great ideas and occasionally in a photo shoot with me. My parents are my most faithful readers!

I’ve also gotten help, inspiration, encouragement and ideas from other bloggers. I read so many blogs (I love it!). And I thought one thing I would love to share with you all are some of my favorite bloggers! So as I get these posts together, I will be sharing bloggers that have impacted me, that I think you might enjoy checking out. I’m calling it “A Few of My Favorite Things.”

So for this week, I wanted to include the very first blogger I ever followed, Jo-Lynne Shane.

Jo-Lynne Shane writes a fashion blog that also includes some lifestyle. Her blog is titled “Jo-Lynne Shane” and her tagline is “Everyday Style for the Modern Woman”.

I have been following her for several years now, and I continue to have her right at the top of my list of favorites. She has been my inspiration to try and achieve her level of excellence.

Here are my favorite things about the blog Jo-Lynne Shane.

  • She has a great sense of fashion that is stylish and classic.
  • She gives straightforward and honest advice about every piece she reviews.
  • She gives lots of options in a variety of price ranges.
  • Her personality is fun and totally relatable
  • She posts 7 days a week
  • Her posts are in my mailbox first thing in the morning
  • She covers topics thoroughly, I always learn something.
  • She never ever shows anything frumpy.
  • She shakes it up with different kinds of posts… I love the collaborations she does with Cyndi Spivey.
  • I feel like I can completely trust her fashion sense
  • She shares a little of her life too so you feel you know her and can relate.
  • Strong on Beauty tips as well as fashion.
  • She is beautiful but never over made up – always done very elegantly.
  • Her photography is fantastic.

So I contacted Jo-Lynne Shane and asked if she would mind answering a few questions for us on the blog. I’m so happy to share her answers!

Can you tell us briefly about yourself?
I’m a wife and mom of three teenagers — a daughter in middle school, another one in high school, and a son in college. I was raised in southern Virginia, but I’ve lived in the Philadelphia suburbs for 23 years. I love to read and watch tv, and it’s fun now that the kids are old enough to share some of my shows with me. We also enjoy the theater and following our Philly sports teams, and we’re pretty big foodies. My husband and I love going out to eat and trying new places.

Can you share how you would describe your style?
I like to call my style casual chic with a side of edgy. I’m not afraid to try a new trend here and there, but my goal is to be stylish, not trendy. I’m a sucker for a pair of designer jeans and a fabulous handbag, and I enjoy mixing high end fashion with more budget-friendly clothing.
How long have you been blogging?
Believe it or not, almost 13 years! I started my blog in March of 2006. It was the wild, wild west back then. There were no rules, things were changing every day, and we were all trying to figure it out as we went along. It’s really amazing to see how this space has evolved over the past 13 years.
What are some of the most popular questions you get asked about fashion?Probably the most common question I get is what I think about leggings. I think women are looking for permission to wear them, but they already know there are better options out there. Leggings have become something of a copout, and I think women are better served spending some time finding a quality pair of jeans that makes them look and feel great.
The other question I get asked a lot is if we can wear white after Labor Day. The answer is most definitely yes! If this is something you struggle with, you might like my post, How To Wear White Jeans After Labor Day. https://jolynneshane.com/how-to-wear-white-jeans-after-labor-day.html
Many people consider going into blogging, can you share some advice you might have on that topic?
Sure! Blogging is fun and rewarding, but it is a lot of work. It’s not a way to make a quick buck, that’s for sure. It takes time and perseverance and consistency, but it’s a great hobby for many and can become a rewarding occupation if you stick with it.
For the woman who has just decided its time to update that wardrobe, what might be 5 nice things you would suggest they have in their wardrobe as we go into this winter/holiday season?
A great pair of jeans that fits great, makes you feel like a million bucks, and is comfortable enough that you might even consider burning your leggings. 😉
A cashmere sweater that you can accessorize and layer in a gazillion different ways.
A structured jacket — whether it be a leather moto jacket, or a knit blazer, or something else. This is a figure-flattering piece you can layer on top of any basic sweater or tee to elevate your everyday look.
A pair of versatile ankle boots that work with the style of pants you wear the most. See my post How To Wear Ankle Boots for more help with that! https://jolynneshane.com/how-to-wear-ankle-boots.html
A stylish coat that is appropriate for your climate. Sometimes women overlook their outerwear, but your coat is often the first (or in some cases only) part of your outfit people see, so if you haven’t had an update in a while, or if you’re wearing the same casual coat with every outfit, this is a great time to update your look with something new.
What is one beauty item in your cosmetic bag you can highly recommend?
This Lancome mascara is my holy grail – http://shopstyle.it/l/Un31
I also wouldn’t want to be without this eyebrow pencil – http://shopstyle.it/l/Un5o
What are 3 trends you really like right now?
Animal print, ankle boots, and layering necklaces.
If you were going to spoil yourself a little bit, what would it be?
A luxury handbag or a pair of Stuart Weitzman boots. ?
What is your best fashion advice for women who follow your blog?
Spend some time figuring out your personal style aesthetic and learning what styles best flatter your unique body. It’s fun to shop and try new trends, but if you don’t have a good grasp on those two things, you will likely end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

Thank you so much Jo-Lynne Shane for sharing some great tips with us this week!

Now, on to this week’s fashion!

Many thanks to my son Jake Kennedy who is also my photographer much of the time. Jake squeezed in time in his very busy schedule for some photos, and I thank you, Jake. Jake is pursuing photography and video as a career in college. If you would like to connect with him on Instagram, he can be found @jacob.kennedy21

These photos were taken last week, and it rained so much this week, so I am glad we got them done!

I am a sucker for bright and cheerful coats! I just love them! And I am always on a quest for the perfect coat! So when I saw this cheerful plaid coat, I knew I had to try it! It’s by a brand I had not tried before, NVLT through Nordstrom.

Plaid Long Coat by NVLT

Isn’t this just a fun coat? And its really comfortable, too!

It’s fully lined, and the lining is a beautiful silver/gray in a paisley pattern. It has a single front closure button, and notched lapels. And it has pockets! Nice deep pockets!

It runs just a little on the big side, so don’t size up. Maybe consider sizing down. I’m carrying a bag I just love, the faux leather satchel by Sondra Roberts.

Next is a leopard print cardigan by Sanctuary.

I love the dark cognac color and how it contrasts with the black.

I’m carrying the Chelsea28 Izzy Faux Leather Bucket Bag.

I’m wearing the black turtleneck by Chelsea28. I’ve been loving this turtleneck and sweater this year! Both very comfortable!

And finally I found a great deal on a red coat, $59.

Dorothy Perkins Classic Long Coat

You can see it has a single button closure with notched lapels. And it’s lined!

One little problem, though… no pockets.

But still, it’s a pretty great price no matter what. And of course you know I love red!

How could you not feel happy wearing a cheerful red coat?

Goodness you saw my doggy Kasey running around in the background! She was happy as a clam! And I had my son taking the photos, what mother doesn’t love spending time with her sons? And autumn is in full foliage here in Michigan, and looking positively glorious! It’s sweater weather! The temps have gotten a little chilly, and you feel your adrenaline kick in a little bit when you hit the brisk air outside!

I really have so much to be thankful for! I’m making an effort several times a day (especially if something doesn’t go my way) to find the things I do have to be thankful for. Gracious sakes it just fills your heart so when you stop and think of all the many blessings we do have! Last weekend my brother Kevin invited me to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. That was my first time ever to the symphony! What a kind brother! What a blessing!

It can be so easy for me to see the little obstacles in life and miss the wondrous and amazing things right before my very eyes.  I am keeping a thankfulness journal, and trying at every turn to choose thankfulness. Remember when George Bailey’s brother Harry said he was the “Richest Man in Town”? That is what I am already feeling like, and it’s only day 2! I intend to keep it going through the next year. I think it will be one of the best things I could possibly do for my heart! Want to join me?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I’ll be back next Tuesday for another Tasty Tuesday!

Love Always,

Amy

“When I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings. When my bankroll is getting small, I think of when I had none at all, and I fall asleep, counting my blessings.”    ~Written by Irving Berlin in 1954, Sung by Bing Crosby in the movie White Christmas

Special thanks to Jo-Lynne Shane for sharing her great ideas in this blog post.

Places I link up:

Jo Lynne Shane My Life and Style 

Jodie’s Touch of Style / Ageless Style Link up

Sharing A Journey

Fashion Should Be Fun  

Not Dressed As A Lamb

Elegantly Dressed and Stylish

Glass of Glam

A Pocket Full of Polka Dots

 

Amy Lynne Kennedy

Amy Lynne Kennedy

Amy is married to her high school sweetheart, Troy. They have raised two sons and live in Michigan. She graduated with a degree in education, and loves fashion, fitness, food, fun and most of all she truly loves all people.

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6 comments

  1. Thank you for sharing Jo Lynne with us! So impressive…13 years!

    Love all of your fashion photos this week…but I have to say, I didn’t buy the most beautiful coat once because it had no pockets!

    We do have so much to be thankful for…I am so thankful for you and your kindness. You have a wonderful way with words and always lift so many up. Thank you, Amy.

    Xx,
    Loretta

    1. Loretta, I’m on the fence if I’m keeping that red coat because I really like pockets! Especially to hold my gloves in the winter, Hah! Thank you for the kind words. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

  2. Your joy and enthusiasm are always the joy of reading your posts Amy.
    How wonderful for Jo-Lynne to answer these questions. Although I wore my leggings today…I guess I should be embarrassed…LOL
    And your coats are all amazing. It’s certainly coat weather here too, so it’s fun to have great ones!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. Jodie, Thank you so much for the kind words! You are gorgeous! If I had legs like yours, I would Rock those leggings, girlfriend! Hah! Coats are so much fun, aren’t they? It’s getting chillier!

  3. I’ve really been enjoying your blog since discovering it recently. I love the cardigan you featured here (and your cute dog). ☺