It’s time y’all! Time for another edition of READER QUESTIONS!!! The last post in this series was way back in February, and since questions continue to roll in, I figured it was time to go ahead and roll out the 7th Edition!
Here’s a little background on the READER QUESTIONS series…
I imagine that for every question I receive from one of you ladies, there’s at least another 25 or so of you that probably have the exact same question…so I’m hoping this post will be valuable to all of you!
(Disclaimer: If you’ve e-mailed me recently and haven’t received a response, I’m working on it! The sheer number of e-mails often overwhelm me, and it takes me a little bit of time to work through them. Thank you for your patience!)
Let’s get started!
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Oh, wait! I have an issue that I would like to address first! Thank you so much to everybody that has reached out to let me know that they aren’t receiving the blog e-mails and that I’m not showing up in your blog readers. There’s somebody working very hard on this behind the scenes (THANK YOU, JACLYN!) and we hope to have it resolved very soon!
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Question: Sheaffer, I’m in need of summer dresses. Some dressy, some casual, I just need all sorts of dresses. Do you have any recommendations for me that don’t break the bank? Help! – Caroline L.
Answer: Hey, Caroline! I have several options to talk about with you!!!!
First of all, let’s review the dresses I’ve recently shown in case you missed them:
*Did you see me in the $45 off the shoulder navy dress? (It’s now available again in the navy and in the hot pink that so many readers wanting!) Click HERE to see it on me.
*I can’t believe it took me so long to add this ruched dress (only $56!) to my closet. Click HERE to see it on me.
*What about the striped Madewell dress with the embroidered neckline? Click HERE to see me in it.
Now, for a couple of new options I haven’t shown you yet….
If you need a dress to just bee bop around town in (you bee bop, right?) :), then you need to check out THIS DRESS. It’s ONLY $35…and it has pockets. Now, if you are over 5’4″, I’m afraid this dress is going to be too short for you. But at almost 5’4″, I was able to pull it off, and I have really long legs for my height. For size reference, I’m wearing a small in the dress, which is true to size for me. It also comes in a dark grey and a dark muave.
striped dress / must have jacket / tassel necklace / sandals
Get the look for yourself here:
And ya’ll. I found this dress online yesterday afternoon. And I might have yelped when I saw it. #allegedly #okayiyelped
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE a good embroidered shift dress. I’ve wanted one for years (I have a pool cover up, but not a real dress)… but I couldn’t ever find any that didn’t break the bank. I ordered both of these colors yesterday, and I did next day shipping, so they arrive this afternoon. I’m hoping that they are DARLING and that I’ll be able to show them on Friday’s post!
Click HERE for the dress. For size reference, I ordered a PETITE SMALL.
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Question: I live in McKinney, and I was wondering where you get your spray tans. Nicole
Hi, Kimmie! I’ve been going to Suddenly Sunless (at 380 and Custer), and I think they do a really great job. I always get the tan where the girl sprays you (instead of a machine), and I also always pay extra for the powder afterwards. I think it makes such a difference with the tanning smell and the stickiness.
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Question: Last week you did a post where you showed lots of different outfit combos with a handful of tops and shorts. I’m interested in the white top with blue embroidered sleeves and the khaki shorts. I don’t live near a Nordstrom, so I really rely on you to show me pics of how things look on a real person. Can you show me these pieces? – Erin
Answer: Hi, Ashley! Yes, you’re talking about my post last week where I created 9 different outfit combinations with a handful of basics. Check it out HERE if you missed it! I haven’t worn the top with shorts yet, but I did pair it with my favorite new jeans last week, and I’ve also worn the khaki shorts with a different tee. I’ll show you both.
Let’s start out with the embroidered top! I’m wearing a 4 in the top (true to size), a 2R in the jeans (I sized down 1), and the shoes are true to size. The top is a bit sheer, so most will probably want to wear a white or nude cami with it.
spearmint earrings courtesy of Nickel and Suede/ embroidered top at Nordstrom (same top at Madewell NOW ON SALE!)/ frayed hem ankle jeans / orange slides
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
And here are the khaki shorts you wanted to see! They are just a great pair of classic khaki shorts. The site says they have a 5 1/2 inch inseam, but I think they fit more like a 4-4 1/2 inch inseam. They come in petites too, but I have the Regular 4s, which are true to size for me. This navy tee is very sweet with the little flutter sleeve and the eyelet detailing. I’m wearing a small in the top, and it’s roomy. If you are between sizes, I would suggest sizing down 1. And if navy isn’t your thing, you have 4 other colors to choose from. The khaki shorts comes in other colors as well.
I love wearing white earrings because they really show up in my dark hair. These are light as can be, and the fringe and gold accents are so cute!
navy eyelet tee (plus size version HERE)/ earrings (make sure “Sheaffer Sims” is your host and you type in “roman chandeliers” / khaki shorts / sandals
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
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Question: Hey, Sheaffer! It’s May, and as much as I don’t want it to be, swimsuit season is just around the corner. I’m a mama of 3 and my days of lounging by the pool are done for awhile. Do you have any recommendations for 1 pieces and tankinis that a busy mama of 3 young kids can wear easily? I’d prefer not to have a wardrobe malfunction at the community pool. 🙂 – Macy
Answer: Hey, Macy! Man, I hear ya. Swimsuits out there are crazy! I looked online a bit earlier this week and even though there were some I loved from the front, once I clicked on them, I would find that the bottoms were a little cheeky for my liking. I mean, I’ve spent so many years making sure my girls were taken care of, and now I have to make sure my cheeks are adequately managed as well!
And can we talk about the cut outs? There are cut outs everywhere!
This year I haven’t ordered any suits yet. I ordered two from Target at the end of last year (because of the girl’s trip I went on to Mexico in September), so I was thinking I was pretty well set in the swimsuit department. HOWEVER, when I went to grab a suit for some pool time at home this weekend, I quickly realized that lots of my suits (that I still love) aren’t in very good shape. Like there are pulls all over the hiney, and there are two of them that I can’d find the strap for the tankini top.
If you recall, I got two darling one piece suits from Vince Camuto when I collaborated with them (click HERE to see how I styled the suits), but as I mentioned then, they are TOTALLY lounging by the pool suits. So, I’m going to show you some suits I found while browsing for myself in just a second. But before we get to those, I want everybody to check out this DARLING COVER UP.
I’m sooooo excited about it! I love the cut, the colors, the fit, and the weight of it. AND IT’S ONLY $19.99!!!! For size reference, I’m wearing the small.
Okay, TOTAL FAIL. I never got around to putting together the swimsuit links, so I’m going to include swimsuit recs in Friday’s post! Sorry I was such a tease! 🙂
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Question: Where do you shop for Carter now? I have an 8 year old boy, and all he wants to wear is athletic clothes. – Celeste
Answer: Oh, Celeste. Welcome to my world. It’s ALL Under Armour, ALL THE TIME, over here. I pick it up wherever I see it: the Under Armour Store, the Under Armour outlet, Nordstrom, and TJ Maxx! The only time my little guy wears a collared shirt or pants with a button is to church. He is ALL ABOUT being cozy. 🙂 #iamtoo #igetit
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Question: I know you asked for questions, but this is more of a comment. I’m a plus size girl who reads your blog, and although I can’t wear everything you feature, I do get great ideas that I use for inspiration. I wanted you to know that I really appreciate it when you include plus size options! I love that I have several “Sheaffer Told Me To” pieces that have totally worked for me! Lauren S.
Answer: This makes me so happy, Lauren! I get e-mail requests from taller ladies, petite gals, and plus sized women asking for me to feature items that work for them. I know I most often times stick to what works for me, but I’m going to try to be more mindful of including other shapes and sizes.
Lauren, have you checked out the City Chick line? I stumbled upon it, and I found myself wishing that so many of the pieces came in my size as well. The pieces are SO FLIPPING CUTE.
For example, this striped tee. I want it for myself. I also want this black and white palm print maxi dress. And this white off the shoulder blouse. #seriously #iwantitall
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This isn’t in response to any questions that I received, so let’s just call it a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT! 😉
MY STRIPED TIE FRONT TEE IS BACK IN STOCK IN ALL SIZES (as of Tuesday evening at 6:15)!
The tee is $25, it’s darling, it covers your booty (if you want it to) and it comes in tons of colors. Go ahead and buy 2 , but make sure you size down (I’m wearing an x-small in the tee). I love the striped and the solid options!
Click HERE if you would like to see the tassel necklace in several different outfits. It’s a very versatile piece that I wear all spring and summer long…and I have for several years now.
STRIPED TEE OUTFIT:
tunic tee /rainbow tassel necklace courtesy of Accessory Concierge /my favorite earrings/ white jeans / MUST HAVE cognac wedges
SOLID TEE OUTFIT:
tie front tee / black and wood tassel necklace / denim shorts / cognac sandals
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I’ve got another PSA for you….
My favorite distressed AG ankle jeans are ON SALE again and have been RESTOCKED! I’ve had these for 3 years and still love them. True to size for me.
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Question: I was really enjoying your healthy eating posts, do you have any more recipes or food suggestions for us? I’m down about 8 pounds and want to keep going a bit! – Alison
Hi, Alison! I’ve actually been getting this request a lot.
8 pounds is awesome, good for you! On my Monday post I’m going to be sharing several new recipes! We got an air fryer, and we’ve been taking it for a spin. Make sure you check back here on Monday. 🙂
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Question: I’ve been reading your blog for years, and I know you’ve talked about your favorite shampoo several times, but I can’t remember what it’s called! My hair needs some help, and I’m hoping this might be the answer for me. – Jackie
Answer: Hey, Jackie! Yes, I have a shampoo and conditioner that I’ve been using for over 10 years now! I pulled part of an old post where I talked about the shampoo and conditioner, as well as other items that I consider beauty favorites.
The items below are items I LOVE. Items that I use constantly. Items that if I’m running short on them, I’m hopping online to order asap. Items that I believe in. I present to you: STMT BEAUTY FAVORITES. And please, let’s all act like I spelled “deodorant” correctly in the graphic. #oops
Redken All Soft SHAMPOO and CONDITIONER (BOTH ON SALE RIGHT NOW!!!)
Years ago my once healthy and shiny hair started looking not so healthy and not so shiny. It was a sad time for me and my hair. My mom asked her hairdresser (mom is ALWAYS willing to do whatever she needs to do to help her improve her daughter’s appearances…am I right Conner?) :), and she recommended Redken All Soft products. They are a little pricey, but they are worth EVERY PENNY. They changed my hair. I’ve been using them for about 12 years now, and I can’t imagine ever changing. And let’s be real, do we really want to assign a monetary value to the importance of shiny hair? I’m thinking most girls would cut back on their grocery bill if it meant they could have shiny hair. ? Click HERE for the shampoo, click HERE for the conditioner.
When I first posted about this shampoo and conditioner several years ago, my friend Kasey tried them. She texted me later with this message: “Well, all I have to say is that Salon Selectives may have to give up their motto, because I look like I just stepped out of a salon. People are going to want to run their fingers through this stuff.” I laughed so hard. I love my friends. And if we’re being honest, she might have chosen another word instead of “stuff”. Because realllllllly shiny hair pretty much deserves an expletive. And just for fun, please leave a comment if you started singing the Salon Selectives jingle right when you read the words.
Prediction: hair follicles all over this great land will be thanking me for spreading the word about these products. You will thank me. Your hair will thank me. And if you’re mom is anything like my mom, she will thank me. I promise.
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Whish Deodorant Wipes:
So I bought these deodorant wipes on a whim during the anniversary sale. The reviews were good, and I was intrigued. I wasn’t totally happy with the deodorant I was already using, and I thought these would be great to keep in my bag and my car if I ever needed to freshen up. And now it’s all I wear. They are easy to use, go on clear, and the smell is very nice. I feel like these wipes give me better protection than any deodorant I’ve ever used! Seriously!!!!! Some reviewers agree with me, and some say it didn’t work for them at all. I guess it depends on body chemistry? Anyway, I’M A FAN. I’m not sure if they no longer sell them at Nordstrom, or if they are just sold out, but when I tried to order them this week they didn’t have any. I did find them HERE on Amazon. (Fyi: I just ordered this deodorant to try as well. I’ve heard great things about it all over blog land, and I was curious! I’ll definitely give a review after I’ve tried it.)
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Jo Malone Lime, Basil, and Mandarin fragrance:
This Lime, Basil and Mandarin fragrance is my new favorite. I’m not a perfume girl, never have been (most perfumes give me a headache or make me nauseous)….but I’ve fallen in love with the Jo Malone fragrance line. And right now I’m absolutely obsessed with Lime, Basil, and Mandarin. It’s light and refreshing and smells delicious! And I get complimented on it all the time. And I’ve gotta say, being complimented on how you smell is nice. ? Click HERE for this scent. Click HERE for the entire Jo Malone line (for both men and women) that also includes candles, oils, and diffusers.
Stila Liquid Eyeliner:
I’ve been all over the place with eyeliner over the years. I used a gel eyeliner for years and applied it with a brush…but I got tired of doing that. Then I switched to a pencil, but I didn’t love the look or the staying power. I’m SO HAPPY I found this liquid eyeliner from Stila. (Last year I just started googling around and reading articles and product reviews to find a new eyeliner.)
First of all, IT IS SO EASY TO APPLY. It goes on very quickly and smoothly, and it is the perfect thickness. And because it’s a liquid, you don’t have to pull on your eyelid to straighten it out to put it on (like I had to with a pencil). It has some serious lasting power, and it doesn’t smudge or fade throughout the day.
I have the alloy (grey) and think it’s awesome. I tried the black and it was much too harsh for my liking. Click HERE for the eyeliner. This is by far the best eyeliner I have ever used. I think this might be it for me with eyeliner. It’s an awesome product.
Dior Eyelash Primer:
I know there are lots of products like this one around, but I’ve never loved any of them. When I tried products like this in the past, one of two things happened. Either the little fibers would always flake off and end up in my eyes, or I just felt like the product didn’t work at all because I didn’t notice a difference in my lashes. Until now. This Dior Eyelash Primer and Extender goes on easily, seems to be moisturizing when it goes on, and it definitely adds length and volume to my lashes! You apply this product, and then you put your mascara over it.
Platinum Blow Dry Spray:
This was a recommendation from my hairdresser, Amanda. It’s blow dry spray. She told me if there was just one product that she could keep stocked, this would be it. First of all, I ADORE the way it smells. It smells absolutely divine. DIVINE. I wasn’t even really paying attention on if it decreased drying time or not, because the smell just made me happy. But after a conversation I had with Amanda at my last appointment, I started paying attention. AND BY GOLLY, it does speed up drying time! And when I grabbed the link for it, I also learned that it provides intense heat protection from damage and breakage…detangles, smooths, and softens while eliminating frizz ….and resists humidity for long-lasting, healthy looking results. I MEAN, COME ON! Click HERE for it.
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Question: I’ve been searching for pair of denim shorts that aren’t too “mommish” or too “teenagerish”, and I’ve come up short. Do you have any brand suggestions for me to try? Stacy F.
Stacy, I actually did an entire DENIM SHORTS REVIEW where I reviewed 4 different pairs of varying styles and lengths. (I tried LOTS more, but I highlighted my 4 favorites.) You can see them below, and you can click HERE to get to the post for all of the details!
my favorite pair / frayed hem denim short / longer denim short option / medium length option
That’s it for today, ladies! To be honest, I planned on answering more questions, I just ran out of steam! Here are just some of the questions I’m saving for next time: What’s your favorite outfit you’ve ever posted? * Do you still practice speech therapy? * What population do you work with? * How did you and Chris meet? * How to style jogger pants. * How to master the half tuck. *
See everybody back here on Friday!
Shay Shull says
That striped dress gives me all the happy feels!
Narci Dreffs says
Oh, I’m so glad that you posted again about denim shorts! I need to check that out ASAP. I need a new pair!
Beth Miller says
You’re back on Bloglovin’! Yay!
Sheaffer says
YAY!!!!!! So relieved! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kristin says
I’ve been using Kopari deodorant for a few months and I love it. I’ve used natural deodorant for awhile so I didn’t have any adjustment issues, and it smells amazing.
sydnee says
That swim coverup looks perfect for the pool!
Design by Sydnee ?
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
OHMYWORD…I love all these questions, and these outfits are adorable. The made well top with orange sandals is too cute!!!
Kathy L says
I love the swim coverup–thanks for sharing! I also have been using natural deodorant for awhile, so I may try the Kopari since people say it smells good. 🙂
Gail W. says
My long, coarse mop of Bozo hair needed some help – and it’s Sheaffer to the rescue! I bought the huge bottle of Redken All-Soft Conditioner and it works like a charm. The only issue (to me) is that the coconut smell is fairly gag-making. 🙁
Sheaffer says
Hi, Gail! So happy you love the conditioner! And I LOVE the smell!!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Melissa says
Love the embroidered dress and the fact that it’s affordable! Can’t wait to hear how you like it!
Sheaffer says
I’m expecting it to be dropped off at my doorstep any second now!!!! I’ll keep you posted and pray for a restock! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Diane says
Great post, Sheaffer! I’m in my fifties and love keeping current on styles for myself and so I still buy trendy presents for my daughters 😉 Thanks for all the help
Erika Slaughter says
I cannot wait to see that new embroidered dress!!! Eeek!!!!
Nikki Lehman says
Sheaffer, have you ever checked out ahleylemieux.com? Ashley has an incredible story and mission behind her brand, but she also has very high quality beautiful clothing – mainly dresses. She has a lot of embroidered shirts and dresses!
ashleylemieux.com
Sheaffer says
I’ll check them out, Nikki! Thanks! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kelly says
Amazing as always! Great post, Sheaffer!!