Saying Hello to Spring with FabFitFun

FabFitFunI don’t know about you, but I’ve been counting down the days until spring since, oh, early December — can you tell I’m not a big fan of the winter snow and cold?? Well, guess what?? Spring is almost here and I couldn’t be more excited about it!! More sunshine, warmer weather, colorful flowers and…a new box from FabFitFun!!!

FabFitFun, known for its seasonal subscription box, is all about “delivering happiness and well-being to everyone, everywhere” and it’s the ultimate in cheery vibes delivered right to your door!! I’m so excited to partner with them again — you might remember when I shared their comforting winter box — and one of the things I really love about the brand is that you get to customize your box and choose all the products you’ll love — everything from beauty to fashion to wellness to home and even tech.

So, what does my curated box look like? Like I said, spring has me going straight for the cheery vibes and going outside to soak up the sun (thanks for all those reminders about getting fresh air, mom), so I wanted products that would help me do just that! Take a look…

FabFitFunFor those cheery vibes…

It’s no secret that my mom and I love playing games, though we haven’t been playing as many lately! So I’m thinking this tray will help remind us to just sit down and RELAX. If we keep all our favorite games in there, it should catch our eye every time we go past it, right?? Oh, I think so!!

FabFitFun FabFitFunFor those strolls around the neighborhood…

As the days get warmer, I’m looking forward to spending lots of time outside!! I’m pretty much a hermit during the winter, but it’s so refreshing to feel the sun on your face when spring (finally!) arrives!! And for those days when I’m in need of a little shade on my strolls, this hat will definitely come in handy! How cool is that spring-y flower design?

And to match that flower pattern? These pretty flower barrettes because nothing says spring like blooming flowers and pretty gardens!! I was a huge fan of barrettes when I was a kid, so this fashion staple really takes me back!

Of course, I love everything rose gold and this watch is a beauty — loving the simple, classic and sleek design, aren’t you??

As you can tell from my mini photo shoot, it was so nice to be outside again and I’m excited about more spring days ahead!!

Since spring is about all things growth and renewal, both the brand’s seasonal theme and charity partner reflect that very sentiment. The theme, aptly titled “Grow Forth,” encourages you to nurture yourself and to “create the space you need to grow. It’s your time to blossom.”

FabFitFun is also helping to nurture the environment too!! Each season, they partner with a charity to give back and this spring, that charity is One Tree Planted, an organization that is dedicated to planting trees to restore nature and biodiversity. For every $1 donated, one tree will be planted in one of three projects for California, National Forests in the United States and the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re looking to add a little “spring” to your life, I’ve got you covered! Head over to FabFitFun and use code MELISSABLAKE for $10 off your first box — available in the U.S., Canada, and U.K.

I can’t wait to see your box, friends!! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by FabFitFun, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

Enjoying a Cozy Winter with FabFitFun

FabFitFunWhen you hear the phrase “quintessential winter,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? A day spent on the ice twirling around? Sledding down a giant hill covered in a dusting of freshly fallen snow? For me, the chilly (OK, downright COLD!) Midwest winters have always been about one thing: Staying warm and cozy inside!! And this year, FabFitFun is here to help me have the coziest winter yet!!

FabFitFun, known for its seasonal subscription box, is all about “delivering happiness and well-being to everyone, everywhere” and it’s the ultimate in comfort delivered right to your door! That comfort comes in the form of 8-10 full-size products each season — everything from beauty to fashion to wellness to home and even tech.

I’m so excited to team up with them this month for my FIRST-EVER subscription box experience; yes, I know I’m late to the game, friends!! They recently released their winter box with the theme of “Shimmer, Spice, and Everything Nice.” Honestly, it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! I was able to choose my own products, which meant that I could fill that box with things I’d love and use. What was my #1 requirement as I scrolled through the list of items?

COMFORT, COMFORT, COMFORT

Oh, did I mention COMFORT?

Yes, during these days when it’s getting dark at 4:30 p.m. and I just want to hibernate in my nice warm bed, I’m all about self-care as we near the end of 2020.

So, what does my curated box look like? It’s filled to the brim (Literally! Check out that photo…the box is bigger than I am!) with the essentials for the perfect winter weekend indoors!! Take a look…

FabFitFunFor holiday rom-com marathons…

For some reason, I’ve been really into cucumbers lately, eating them practically every day at lunch, so this cutting board set from Eparé (Retail price: $19.95) are going to come in handy!! Would you believe my family has never owned any kind of cutting board? People are always shocked to learn that and now we’ll be able to show off our kitchen know-how!!

FabFitFun FabFitFunFor holiday tree decorating…

We opted for our three small trees again this year instead of one big one. One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is turning the lights off and enjoying the glow of the twinkling lights on each of those three trees!!

This year, I’m going to be extra warm, thanks to this Summer & Rose robe (Retail price: $70) and these cabin socks from MUK LUKS (Retail price: $25). As you can see, I was loving them!! They were soft, comfy and warm, which is perfect since my feet always get cold!! Also, I’m pretty sure I could wear the robe every day and never get tired of it!

And speaking of cold, there’s no better way to warm up in the winter than with some hot chocolate!! I’ve always loved Lilly Pulitzer’s bright colors and now I can enjoy them with every sip of cocoa!! How cool are these ceramic mugs (Retail price: $42)?

Each season, FabFitFun also partners with a charity and for this winter season, they’re working with Stand Up To Cancer to raise awareness about how the ongoing pandemic has affected cancer care, which sees patients at a higher risk of infection and disproportionately affects communities of color — a group already underrepresented when it comes to cancer research.

FabFitFun I really enjoyed trying out all these cool products and I loved that I was able to choose items that both reflected my personality and that will make these dark winter days just a little bit brighter!!

If you’re looking to cozy up your days too, we’ve got you covered! Head over to FabFitFun and use code MELISSABLAKE to get your first box for only $39.99 — available in the U.S., Canada, and U.K.

I can’t wait to see your box, friends!! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by FabFitFun, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

7 Essential Accessories for All Women

AccessoriesThe little nuances in life are often the things that matter the most, believe it or not. If you’re a woman who wants to feel like a style icon everywhere you go, then you should think about putting more thought into all of your accessory choices. Don’t forget that strong accessories can make an impact. They can make people turn heads anytime you walk by as well. These seven accessory categories can be game-changers for women who want to look and feel like a million bucks. Here’s how to take your accessories up a notch…

Jewelry Chains

You should look into securing jewelry chains by the foot if at all possible. These chains can be wonderful for women who adore tailored accessories. You can choose the exact length of your newest necklace. You can choose any eye-catching pendant your heart desires. If you want to walk around with a bespoke look, then the assistance of jewelry chains can do the trick.

Boots

Boots are amazingly versatile. If you’re a woman who wants to look carefree, sultry, and stylish all at the same time, then there are few accessory choices out there that can even come close to boots. You can choose between all kinds of striking boot categories as well. If you want to epitomize Americana, you can try your hand at cowboy boots. If you want to look chic and funky, you can try your hand at classic velvet boots.

Watches

Watches are becoming less and less common as time goes on — and with valid reasoning. People generally rely on their mobile devices as a means of checking the time. If you want to do away with that concept, then you should secure a classic watch. A watch can make you look responsible, cool, and classic. Don’t forget that watches are accessible in all kinds of appealing and enduring styles and colors.

AccessoriesRings

Rings in no way, shape or form have to be limited to women who are married or engaged. That’s because rings also make timeless and cool accessories in and of themselves. If you want to make your hands “pop” visually, then few things can help you better than a traditional ring can. There are all sorts of ring styles that can flatter the hands and fingers. You can explore all of your choices in cocktail rings, birthstone rings, and puzzle rings.

Gloves

Gloves are accessories that can be simultaneously functional and chic. They can keep your hands snug and warm in times of severely low temperatures outdoors. At the same time, they can make your look a lot more appealing and cool. There are all kinds of exciting and contemporary choices in glove styles on the market right now. Don’t forget that gloves can hide your hands when they don’t look their best. If you have bleeding and dry knuckles in the middle of a particularly frigid winter season, then a classic pair of gloves can conceal them well.

Shawls

Shawls can keep you warm and cozy when temperatures inside or outside are a bit chilly. They can also help you make a major style statement. There are so many shawl options that embody all sorts of style preferences. If you want to look quirky and exotic, there are shawls that can serve you well. If you want to look elegant, sophisticated and refined, there are shawls that can help you get that look. You can find shawls that are made using all kinds of materials. You can find them in all kinds of pleasing and stylish colors, too.

AccessoriesStockings

If you want to make your lovely gams look even more toned and fit, then there aren’t any accessories available that can come even close to stockings. Stockings can make your legs look their best no matter what. If you want to hide your lack of a tan during the winter or the spring season, the assistance of classic stockings can help. If you want to cover up any imperfections such as veins on your legs, stocking can assist you dramatically as well. Don’t forget about all of the stocking style categories that are out there waiting for you.

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]

Holiday Gift Guide #1: Feminist Fashion (and More) For the Style Icon

Feminist FashionIt’s here!! It’s here!! I’m so excited to start this year’s Holiday Gift Guide today, friends!!! This annual tradition is something I started way back in 2011 and I look forward to it every year! At the very least, it makes the cold winter months just a little bit more bearable!! In past years, I’ve featured all types of categories — everything from gifts for moms, dads, siblings and even an entire round-up of Taco Bell merch because, umm, who doesn’t want to display their love of Taco Bell to the whole world?? I’ve got some fun categories planned for this year too, starting with…feminist fashion for that style icon in your life!! I’m proclaiming 2019 the Year of the Mighty, Roaring Feminist! Case in point: This empowering sweatshirt ($33) to ward off those smile insults…

Feminist FashionA calendar full of inspiring quotes to last 365 days, $11.61

Feminist FashionThis card case to show off her (or his) resilience in life, $9.99

Feminist FashionThis Wonder Woman enamel pin to wear every day for fearlessness, $11.71

Feminist FashionGet your coloring on with a feminist activity book — educational AND creative, $6.79

Feminist FashionAn RBG mug for that morning cup of coffee — or Diet Coke, $18.50

This cuff because we all know that the future IS feminist, $35

A set of four refrigerator magnets to remind everyone that a woman’s place IS NOT in the kitchen, $9.99

P.S. Here are some past gift guides for even more gift-giving inspiration and excitement, including more feminist fashion, of course!! xoxo

Harry Styles Is the Future of Fashion at the Met Gala

Harry StylesDid you catch all the celebrities strutting down the pink carpet during the Met Gala on Monday? The famed annual event is one of THE fashion hot spots of the year — a veritable who’s who of Hollywood. But this year, one celebrity alone came to tell all of 2019 that the future of fashion is now. And that celebrity is named Harry Styles…

Before we get into Harry’s amazing attire, we must discuss the theme of this year’s Met Gala. Why? Because that in itself #WHOA amazing — yes, it’s so amazing that it’s worthy of a hashtag with ALL CAPS.

This year’s theme was Camp, a term coined by cultural critic Susan Sontag. In 1964, she penned the seminal essay Notes on Camp to describe this most unique style…

“Indeed the essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration…It is the love of the exaggerated, the “off,” of things-being-what-they-are-not…The hallmark of Camp is the spirit of extravagance…The androgyne is certainly one of the great images of Camp sensibility.”

In other words, think flamboyant, fanciful, flashy, over-the-top — or, as the young people say in 2019, EXTRA.

To illustrate her point, Sontag also included examples that typified the camp aesthetic, like Tiffany lamps, The Enquirer headlines and stories, King Kong, women’s clothes of the twenties and the old Flash Gordon comics.

And, thanks to the Met Gala, one Mr. Harry Styles can also be added to that long list of what qualifies as essential Campness! To see him walk the pink carpet was truly a thing of beauty. It was revolutionary. Clad in a black Gucci ensemble with lace cuffs and a ruffled neckline, complete with painted nails and a lone pearl earring, he owned the carpet and everyone knew it. As he told Vogue of his look…

“I mean, I think it’s about enjoyment and about fun; no judgement. And having fun with clothes. I think fashion is supposed to be fun. And I think it’s a good time for that as well — people being who they are.”

THIS. YES. THIS. This is what it’s all about. With just a few words, Styles ushered in the future of fashion! It’s all about that gender-fluidity and finally throwing out those tired, outdated gender norms that serve no one, instead, holding us all back. Because the future of fashion is all about moving forward You can break out of those gender-conforming boxes and be whoever you want to be! You don’t have to let societal rules and norms define you! As cliche as it sounds, you do you is good, solid advice!

Harry StylesMy awesome writer friend Megan Mann wrote an incredible piece for InStyle this week on the lasting impact of the former One Direction singer’s outfit. She described it perfectly — a future where conversations about men’s fashion isn’t so narrowly defined and where personal expression can fully flourish. Wouldn’t that truly be a wonderful world?

“Harry Styles showing up as he did at the Met Gala, following years of bold style choices, opens up the conversation about what men wear…It’s permission for guys like these and any stars to come to continue showing up, to be asked who are you wearing, and to have a damn good answer.”

So, is it a stretch to say Styles has, with this one sheer jumpsuit, Changed Red Carpets Forever? Let’s hope it isn’t, because it would be a change for the better.

Thank you, Harry Styles, for changing the future of fashion!! Who had your favorite look on the carpet, friends?? Are you a fan of all things camp? xoxo