Hey Urrrrrybody!  Hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving and that you fed your face GUILT-FREE!  Here’s my personal rule with all that: if I know I’m gonna eat it, I’m NOT going to allow myself to feel guilty about it!  So help me I’m gonna ENJOY IT, especially on Thanksgiving!
(ask me how i feel about that mentality tomorrow when i can’t button my jeans over my muffin top.)

Anywhooooooo, I’m PUMPED to introduce a good friend of mine – the HOT, talented, and hilarious blogger over at Beard, who also has amaze-balls style (obvi), which is why she’s today’s

Style Crush! 

Yo Yo GBO readers! Elyse here. I blog over at Beard, the sometimes funny and most times awkward ramblings from a mom of one and a wife to……ten. Just kidding. Just one ginger husband. Shannon and I met through a really cool mutual friend and now we are forever San Francisco pals! She is one of the genius photographers and fashion inspirationists behind my photos here, so give it up for her, wouldya! Thanks for having me Shannon! You’re the shiz nit.

 How would you describe your style?

Honestly, I”m a little bit of everything. Sometimes girly, sometimes manly, sometimes retro and sometimes classic. Sometimes I like to wear bows and skirts, other times I wear oxfords and flannel. Or sweats. I like sweats a lot, too. My style is constantly changing. Kind of like the wind, but cooler.

Who are your fashion icons?

You guys! I get my ideas from looking at other real people. No, celebrities are not real to me. I have no interest in coveting a Prada zipper that I couldn’t afford in three lifetimes. I see something I like on other people, and I give it my own little twist with the clothes I have in my closet. That way, I have an endless stream of affordable ideas that come from so many different lifestyles. Also, living near San Francisco really gives me the opportunity to be constantly inspired by so many creative outfit geniuses. 

Where do you go for fashion inspiration?

Um….Pinterest. My fashion sense severely lacked until I discovered that gem of a site. I also love to look at fashion blogs to get ideas of how to translate those awesome looks into real life outfits that are affordable. Also: the mall. Call me crazy, but I spend hours at the mall looking at pieces and trying on outfits. It inspires me to create! (and yes, I have a baby. She has become a lover of shopping and her stroller).

What are the top three places you shop?

Target, forever 21 and H&M. If you asked what are the three places I WISH I had money to shop at, my answers would be Anthropologie, Zara and Madewell. I know. Money is totally bumming me out.

What is your go-to outfit?

If I answered sweats, would I be kicked off your blog Shannon? 

Ok but seriously…I like a good pair of colored jeans, anything polka dots and some funky flats with a top knot on top of ma head and I’m good to go. You can’t be a mom without mastering the top knot. Just sayin’.

What do you seek to achieve when you dress?

I want to be different. I want at least one piece of my ensemble to catch attention, and I want my outfit to be flattering. When I leave the house, I want to feel like I am pushing my limits a little bit.

Would you say you have a signature style? If so, what are the main elements?

If I did, I would call it the Bearded Lady, slap a copyright on that B and sell it for money. Alas, no. I don’t. My style is constantly changing, but I always try to look hott. Can that be my signature style? Looking hott?

How do you think others can achieve a truly unique/individual style?

Dress in things that will make you comfortable. Dress in things that make you feel sexy. Dress in things that you will feel good about yourself in. Don’t try to wear that peplum top with stilettos if it isn’t you just because you saw it on Pinterest today. People can tell if you are confident in your clothes and it shows. If you want to change your style and be more daring, work on showing your confidence, and hardly anyone will even notice your clothes! (That, by all means, does not mean to go naked. People will notice that!) I am a firm believer that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress. Let your personality shine through! That’s what really catches people’s attention.

How would you say your style has changed over the last 5 years?

A lot has happened in my last 5 years, and the biggest thing that has changed was moving from a smallish town in Southern Utah to just outside of San Francisco. Since then, my style has changed dramatically. I am infinitely more daring, more confident, and dress a lot more fun. I try to stand out and try new trends that make me feel different!

Why is the way you look/dress important to you?

Before having a baby, I just liked to look pretty and try new things. Since becoming a mom, I have realized that almost every day, getting dressed is the most creative thing I will do all day. Between the baby talk, peas being spit, and changing diapers, I hardly have a second to be creative. I dress up almost every day WITH LIPSTICK because it makes me be creative and push boundaries. I feel pretty and confident when I make myself get out of my spit-up sweats and into something fab. I wear lipstick and smear it all over my baby’s face because I’m THAT mom.

What fashion or styling tips would you give to women who want to improve their sense of style?

Get out there! Be creative! Be bold! Be you! Try something new every day. Whether it be rocking mixed patterns, daring to wear colored jeans or even just trying tinted lip gloss, be brave! You’ll be amazed at how awesome it will make you feel. Kind of like Rocky when he won that boxing championship.

 

Is this girl not to DIE FOR?  Be sure to go check out her adorable blog ‘Beard‘ for more laughs and killer fashion inspiration.

And have a Fallopian Tube Friday!

(Woof. Sorry.)