A Girl Named PJ

The shopping trend all my friends are talking about

“This is so addictive. I have a problem.”

That’s how my friend captioned a recent Instagram photo of her latest Stitch Fix package. Are you familiar with the online personal styling service?

Here’s how it works (according to the website): Stitch Fix’s personal stylists handpick apparel and accessories for you based on your Stitch Fix Style Profile. They send five items at a time with styling tips for how to wear each piece. You can buy what you like and return the rest in a prepaid envelope.

Curious about the service, I asked my friend whether she thought it was worth the hype. I loved her honest Stitch Fix review and though you might appreciate it, too… READ MORE!

Yes, you can look chic in a sweatshirt

Chic sweatshirts for women | A Girl Named PJ

Chic sweatshirt outfit | A Girl Named PJ

One of the perks of moving back in with my parents was reuniting with my hooded sweatshirt collection, including

  • the one from that time I (briefly) joined my high school track team
  • the one from Sydney University, where I took a class during my study abroad semester
  • the one two embroidered with printed fabric letters from my sorority days at Boston University

I was eager to reintroduce my hoodies into my daily wardrobe; they were comfortable, warm, and…did I already say comfortable? However, I quickly realized that wearing them as a 34-year-old mother of two just made me feel frumpy, even on those days when I never left the house.

Chic sweatshirt outfit | A Girl Named PJ

Luckily, I found a compromise: grown-up sweatshirts that straddle the fashion line between sporty and sophisticated.

I was wearing one while on a video call with Jeran and Sarah last week, although I had to laugh when Sarah appeared on my monitor looking lovely in a vintage-inspired polka dot dress. By comparison, what they could see of my grey sweatshirt in the monitor must have seemed underwhelming.

“But wait!” I exclaimed, angling the camera at my waist. “It has side zippers!”

Based on personal experience — and the photos above — I say it’s totally possible to look chic in a sweatshirt. The trick is to find one that’s simple in design (I prefer mine slouchy yet slim-fitting) with one eye-catching detail. A twist of fabric, contrasting trim, or bold typography would do the trick.

Here are few current favorites:

chic sweatshirts for women | A Girl Named PJ

  1. Faded tunic sweatshirt from GAP
  2. Knot sweatshirt from ASOS (Sadly, this particular sweatshirt is out of stock, but I found this almost identical alternative that I might even like better.)
  3. Bien Fait sweatshirt from Madewell
  4. Stripe-trim sweatshirt from J.Crew
  5. Crew sweatshirt from Everlane
  6. Alexa Chung for AG sweatshirt from Nordstrom

Would you dare to wear a sweatshirt out of the house? Or do they fall strictly under the category of gym/lounge clothing? 

PS – For more fashion inspiration, follow my style board on Pinterest!

(top images via Zara, ELLE, PopSugar)

 

Gift picks for almost everybody on your list

I have a thing for gift guides.

Not only do I love creating them, but I also love reading ones curated by other bloggers and magazines. I even have an ever-growing Pinterest board dedicated to some of my favorite gift guides because they’re such great sources of inspiration during the holiday season. I’ll actually reference them all year long, especially when shopping for another child’s birthday or other gift-giving occasions like Mother’s Day.

The best gift guides are the ones that have a very specific recipient in mind. That’s why I separated my picks for little kids into “preschooler” and “baby” guides.

Yahoo! Style has been doing a great job at creating super targeted (and somewhat cheeky) gift guides this season. For example, you can browse the best cleaning items for your OCD friends and gifts to impress your favorite gym buff.

Gift picks for almost everybody on your list | A Girl Named PJ

No surprise, my eye went straight to 17 gifts to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Black truffle cookie dough? Ooh, la la! A Momofuku Milk Bar cranberry-gingerbread cake? Suddenly I’m craving a tall glass of cold milk.

Gift picks for almost everybody on your list | A Girl Named PJ

I couldn’t help also checking out the best food gifts for the hardest to please since I may be married to somebody who falls under that category. How cool is that glass pot?

Gift picks for almost everybody on your list | A Girl Named PJ

Some of my other favorite items from the nearly 20 holiday gift guides include the chicest headphones I’ve ever seen, a heated neck and shoulder massager, and online Bar Method classes that would be a fun stocking stuffer for the fitness fanatic.

I’m curious, who do you have the hardest time shopping for? I usually struggle the most finding the perfect gift for my dad, but I’m hopeful that Yahoo! Style will make the task a little less daunting this season!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Babies (The Under 1 Crowd)

Holiday Gift Guide For Babies (Ages 0-12 Months) | A Girl Named PJ

From clothes to toys to gear, there are no shortages of adorable baby gifts to be found. Still, I often find it tricky to shop for babies, especially my own. I mean, it’s not like they want anything, nor do they have any idea what’s happening during a gift exchange. But that won’t stop me from wrapping up a special plush friend or the newest “it” educational toy for my boys.

This year’s gift guide for baby includes a few items the whole family can enjoy, including adult-approved nursery decor and a swing to free up mom’s arms for 20 minutes or so. Because a few minutes of alone time is a gift in itself… READ MORE!

My New Favorite Necklace + The Tulsi Project Giveaway

The Nandi Necklace from The Tulsi Project | A Girl Named PJHave you ever been hesitant to share the discovery of a delicious new restaurant or an amazing indie band because you wanted it to be your special thing?

That’s how I felt when learned about The Tulsi Project, a collection of gorgeous hand crafted jewelry steeped in Indian spirituality. However, The Tulsi Project couldn’t stay my little secret, especially since one of the brand’s favorite mantras is may all beings in the world be happy — and I have no doubt their jewelry will make you very, very happy.

You know what else makes people happy? Giveaways… READ MORE!

Holiday Gift Guide: For Her (A.K.A. My Wish List)

Holiday Gift Guide for Her | A Girl Named PJ

Putting together a gift guide for her is always a favorite activity because I get to curate a list of items I already have and love (6, 11) and items I’d love to have (almost everything else). If shopping for your sister, mom, or best friend (or maybe me?) is on your to-do list this year, here are some holiday gift ideas to get you started… READ MORE!

Follow Friday: Instagram Fashion Favorites

Follow Friday: Instagram Fashion Favorites | A Girl Named PJ

I don’t read a lot of fashion blogs. I just can’t relate when they’re too perfectly dressed, perfectly coiffed, and perfectly posed (usually in the middle of a busy city street).

That’s not to say I don’t find sartorial inspiration in other places – like my Instagram feed. I follow several fashionable bloggers, each with covetable wardrobes, who regularly introduce me to new brands or different ways of wearing garments I already own. Here are three of my favorite stylish Instagrammers to follow… READ MORE!

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