READER QUESTIONS WEEK: Post 1

This week is going to be a little different around here.

The entire week is dedicated to answering reader questions!!!

I figure 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!  I’ve been collecting questions for this series for several months now.  When I get an e-mail, direct message on ig, or facebook comment that I think others could benefit from hearing the answer, I copy and paste the question on to a draft post.  I leave that post in draft mode for weeks, sometimes months, just slowly adding questions to it when I receive them and answers to them when I have them.  I had collected so many questions, I divided the post into 3 different days and decided to make a whole week out of it! Some of the people received their answers weeks ago, and some of them are seeing them for the first time today!

(Disclaimer:  Let me also say, 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!)

READER QUESTION #1

Do you have a favorite pair of cz studs?  I had a beautiful pair from a local boutique, but I lost them. I’m looking to replace them because the boutique doesn’t have them anymore, but I’m so picky because I loved my other ones.  Any suggestions?  – Meredith

I do, Meredith!  My absolute favorite studs are my sparkle studs I have from Stella and Dot.  They are only 1/4 carat each, and they are AMAZING dupes for real diamond earrings.  My mom even thought they were real when she saw them on me!  Click HERE for the earrings and type in “sparkle studs”.  Mine are silver, but they also come in gold, as well as a “smoky” diamond option.  All are very pretty, and the price point of $19 is awesome!  They also make awesome gifts because just like all Stella and Dot products, they come in a cute and colorful little gift box.

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READER QUESTION #2: 

What’s the difference in age between you and your sister?  -Kristina

Conner is 8 years younger than me!  My mom was a teacher when I was little, and she didn’t enjoy being a working mom, so they waited to have a 2nd until they were financially able for her to stay at home.

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READER QUESTION #3: 

I know you have a  favorite jean jacket that you talk about all the time, but it didn’t work for me.  I loved how soft it was, but it was too fitted and too short for my liking.  I felt like that Saturday Night Live skit with Chris Farley (Fat Guy In A Little Coat).  Haha! Do you have a different jean jacket to recommend that has quite a bit more room, but doesn’t feel like it’s straight out of 1984? – Stephanie

Stephanie!  I’m laughing SO HARD!  I of course remember that SNL skit (and I think we can ALL identify), and I know exactly the type of jean jacket you are talking about!  It was big, boxy, stiff, and not at all flattering.

When I first received this question, I didn’t have a recommendation because I only had eyes for my Must Have denim jacket (I have it in both the stonewashed denim and the dark denim).  However, Stephanie’s e-mail made me realize that the jacket isn’t a great fit for everybody…..so I started trying to find a different jean jacket.  I’ve probably ordered at least 8 denim jackets over the last several months, but I never liked any enough to recommend them.

When I tried this one, I knew I could finally give a recommendation!  This particular jacket is soft and does have some give to it (which is NECESSARY), and it’s big without being totally boxy.  I think it’s a perfect option for those of you that a fitted jacket doesn’t appeal to.  Most of the non-fitted jackets I tried on were totally overwhelming to my frame, but this one gave me extra room without adding extra bulk. The reviews on it are great.  For size reference, I’m wearing a small.

denim jacket / distressed tee / tassel necklace / earrings / similar grey jeans HERE and similar distressed grey jeans HERE / wedge over the knee boots in “mushroom”

It’s a great jacket.

Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

The larger cut and size makes this jacket perfect for layering, even with a sweater underneath.  (I would never wear a sweater underneath my fitted denim jacket because the jacket would pull and I would just look stuffed inside!)   And to prove to you it looks great over a sweater, check out this DARLING striped sweater layered underneath!

denim jacket / striped sweater/ similar disc necklace/ earrings / similar grey jeans HERE and similar distressed grey jeans HERE / wedge over the knee boots in “mushroom”

And here’s a better look at the sweater. I love this primary color combination, but it also comes in a grey, cream, blush, and wine combo.  For size reference, I’m wearing a small.Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

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READER QUESTION #4:

Do you really not read?

This one was a direct message on instagram, and I laughed cackled out loud when I read it, mainly because it was so short and to the point.  If I remember correctly, it was on a day when my friend Shay had done one of her book reviews, and I had left a silly comment about having nothing to contribute.  I’m guessing the person saw the comment and was curious.  I know you can’t hear tone in a written message, but I’m pretty sure she felt sorry for me.  At the very least, she was confused by me.  🙂

So, the answer to the question follows:  No, I don’t read.  #gasp

Now, let me be clear.  I of course can read, I just don’t typically enjoy it.  🙂  I wish I did, but I don’t.

HOWEVER.  Now that I’ve answered that reader question, I do have a book that I want to tell y’all about today!  I know that many of you are familiar with Melanie Shankle, writer of  The Big Mama blog and NYT Best Selling Author!!!!!!  Well, she’s got a new book out, and it’s awesome.

I’ve given this some thought, and here’s why I believe I like Mel’s books:  It feels like she’s sitting next to me and we’re just talking.  There’s a conversational tone to her writing, and while I don’t like reading, I do like talking with friends.  When I read her books, I feel like Mel and I are just hanging out and talking about life.

I received Church of the Small Things last week, and on Saturday I cracked it open to read just a bit….and I ended up reading 83 pages in one sitting.  That’s a big deal for me.  The introduction totally pulled me in.  Mel wrote, “Sometimes the biggest things God does start out in the smallest, most ordinary acts of daily faithfulness.”  She goes on to say that “….ultimately, God’s will isn’t about the things we achieve; it’s about the people we become.  Life is more about how he uses us to make a difference to the people who cross our paths, even while we are just going about our normal, sometimes boring, lives.”

That really spoke to me.

In fact, LOTS of words in the book are speaking to me, and I love it.

I texted her on Saturday with several thoughts about the book.  One of texts I sent said this:  I did laundry today with a joyful heart.  #whoah

Y’all.  If words on a page can encourage me to do laundry with a joyful heart, THAT IS SOMETHING.

And I’ve gotta say, tell me that you don’t want to read the book after seeing the title of Chapter 2.  I can totally get behind the fact that a frito pie can be life changing.

So, anyway.  I’m not done with the book yet, but 83 pages in, I feel 100% confident saying that this book is worth your money and your time.  And I’m soooooooooo excited to do the companion bible study with some of my girlfriends!  If you pre-order by the end of the day today (October 2nd), you can get tons of extra goodies!  After you order, just make sure you go HERE and follow the instructions.  And if you want a little peek at Mel reading a short excerpt, click HERE!  She’s just as cute as can be.  In fact, #nobodyscuterthanher.  😉

I’ve read AND LOVED all of her books:  Sparkly Green Earrings (about motherhood), The Antelope in the Living Room (about marriage), and Nobody’s Cuter Than You (about friendship).  I’ve laughed and cried my way through each of them, and you will too.  If you’re not a fan yet, YOU WILL BE. #promise

 

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READER QUESTIONS #5:

Hey, Sheaffer!  I’m a single gal on a fixed income and I need some dresses and/or outfits that are appropriate for the office, for church, and maybe even a date night.  I would love some recommendations! – Bridgette

Hey, Bridgette!  This is a great question.  I need to start looking for items and outfits that would fulfill this need, because I’m guessing that a lot of other ladies would appreciate outfits like this as well.

I got this floral shift dress last weekend during LOFT’s 40% OFF sale, and I think it might be just what you are looking for.  It looks great with both boots (on left) and booties (on right).  I also think it would look awesome with heels. I believe this is a perfect example of a dress that would work for church, for the office, for date night, etc….

I’m wearing a petite small (I’m almost 5’4″) and still have a little bit of room, so I do think it runs big. I like it loose and flowy, but you might consider sizing down.

AND GET THIS!  THE DRESS IS NOW 50% OFF (ENDS TONIGHT) WITH FREE SHIPPING!!!!!!

dress / necklace (click HERE and type “Dalilah” in search bar) /over the knee wedge boots 

And as you can see, I mixed it up on the right for a little bit different of a look.  I took off the necklace and paired it with booties and a blush cross body bag.  I. LOVE. THIS. DRESS.

dress / booties ON SALE / cross body bag

Get The Look For Yourself Here:

 

And I’ve got some news for you.  It’s not just this dress that’s 50% OFF.  EVERYTHING at LOFT is 50% OFF with FREE SHIPPING (with no minimum) until tonight.

I scrolled the entire site and have some more picks for y’all.

I think the LOFT website is hard to navigate since there are only 2 pieces of clothing per row (it takes FOREVER), so I did the dirty work for you. The items below are items that I love, and if I’m listing them, the overall reviews are great. Nobody’s got time for items without good reviews.  Just click on the item(s) you are interested in!

 

 

 

And if you need a review, remember that Conner’s last WORK WEAR post featured items mainly from LOFT….that are now ALL 50% OFF (with free shipping and no minimum)!  Click HERE to get to that post to get details on any of the items below.  It might have been my favorite post that Conner has ever done!  SOOOOO many cute things!

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In addition to questions, I love getting feedback from readers.  Especially readers that are agreeing with me.  #justkidding #notreally 😉

Here’s an e-mail I got this week about one of my plus-size recommendations!

Hi Sheaffer!

I received my plus size Wit and Wisdom bootcut jeans in the mail on Saturday (the plus-size ones were back-ordered from the Anniversary Sale) and you were absolutely right- they are so flattering and comfortable! How do they make a pair of jeans that looks good on completely different body types?! They are like magic jeans! Anyway thank you as always letting us know about plus-size options. You are a peach!!!! – Mary

Thank you so much for letting me know, Mary!  I know I am a huge fan of all the Wit and Wisdom products that I personally own, but it’s great to hear that the plus size line is well loved too!  You can click HERE for all of the plus size options from Wit and Wisdom!

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I hope y’all enjoyed this post!  More questions will be answered on Wednesday and Friday!

Filed Under: Fashion 27 Comments