Meagan Rigney

Making expensive items worth it

Leopard coat, old (option); Free People tunic (worn as a dress); Hunter boots.
In my mind I envision this tunic/dress with a pair of cutoff denim shorts and some cute ankle boots. I see jangly bracelets and tan legs and windblown hair (though I got that here, ha.) I think  when you buy something that is a little pricey you need to envision it a lot of different ways. I can’t JUST wear this with skinny jeans and cute boots, it needs to work in all seasons and many different ways (even if the temp makes it a bit impractical;)

I like to think of the cost per wear when investing in clothes or bags (or shoes!) If I wear this top 30 times a year, and it was $128, it costs me $4.26 per wear. I have bought much cheaper things and worn them once, only to give to Goodwill when I change my mind, or if it is too trendy, or it was an impulse! I find that I take the time to make more responsible purchases when I invest a little bit. While I don’t invest in expensive clothes that much, I find this works well for me when I DO make the plunge and spend my hard earned money. Plus, who wouldn’t want to wear this tunic all the time, it’s so pretty!

P.S.  I forgot about the PURE JOY of style blogging in the snow and below freezing temps! Can you feel the coldness from there? (Fleece tights were in FULL effect.)

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The real reason I blog

Free People sweater; Old Navy jeans; Target scarf (similar) and boots (similar); Asos jacket (option, option.)

Sometimes I feel like I am my personal best when I have a little pattern mixing going on. Don’t get me wrong, I adore an all neutral look, too, but there’s something really fun and whimsical about mixing a pattern or three and going out the door. My leopard faux fur coat has been a staple for me for a couple of years now, and I find it mixes really well with plaid, as well as camo and stripes. I like that it sets me apart from the all black crowd (which TRUST ME, I am happy to join most days), and makes me feel like I am really going for it, you know?
Style for me is about being a little different and experimenting. I try not to worry about looking weird or not getting it right, but more about how I feel in the outfit itself. It’s funny, style is such a silly thing, but for me it is about self expression and is something that brings a lot of happiness to my life. It’s not just getting dressed, it’s figuring out who I want to be that day and how I can show that. It’s about putting on a red lip to drop my kids off at school, and making the extra effort even when I want to just wear my yoga pants (which I have a love affair with, I assure you.)
Sometimes it can seem really crazy to me to take pictures of myself wearing clothes, and to post it for others to see. I worry if it looks weird and seems frivolous. And then I remember that I love reading style blogs and I am always inspired by what other style bloggers are wearing, more so than many of the fashion magazines out there. I love hearing someone say that they were inspired to try something new because of me or that they loved what I wore and bought it, too. I push on because doing this makes me try harder for ME, which was my initial inspiration behind starting this blog. Taking photos of myself and posting them here forces me to always keep trying, to always experiment and be my best self, because if I don’t, then I have lost something. 
I’m just trying to be the best version of myself that I can be, and being right here, everyday with YOU, is what makes me happy.
Thanks for reading, friends!
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A uniform, of sorts…(what’s yours?)

Forever 21 faux fur jacket (on sale!); Old Navy jeans, old (option); Target boots; Asos swing dress; Ray ban sunglasses.
I wore this outfit two days in a row this weekend, and it got me thinking… I feel like each one of us has a LOOK, that go to outfit or the pieces that can be thrown together quickly and make us feel good. Mine changes during the seasons (see, frigid temps and snow), but once I find the vibe I am looking for, I rarely change from that.
I gravitate towards skinny jeans (most likely these camo ones for some fun), a loose tunic top (because tight stuff makes me feel WAY too uncomfortable), a variation on ankle boots (these fringe ones are my current fave!), and a fun coat. I think in the colder months it can be easy to be lost in a sea of all black. I love having a fun and bright coat to stand out in a bit (plus I get TONS of hugs from kids with my faux fur softness…;), and think fun patterns and color make this dreary time of year better. 
My uniform these days doesn’t bring me anywhere fancy, it means karate lessons and outdoor skating rinks, fun lunch dates with the kids and friends, and a trip for the perfect ice cream cone. My life isn’t typically that glamourous, but since I like to get dressed up a bit and have fun with clothes, I can FEEL great about myself and be comfortable enough to do all the things I need to do with my kids.

Tell me, do you have a uniform? What pieces make you feel like YOU?

Here are some MORE faux fur coats that I think are just fabulous!

Remind me to stay out of Target

It’s been beyond cold here for the past week or so (how COLD is it…;), that my camera often will not function in any way, so I’ve been unexpectedly off the hook for style photos. Except for this one day, where my mama was in town and decided to brace the weather after all! Note: did you know that when it’s really cold your earrings freeze inside your ear holes? And metal rings actually burn your fingers? That hurts. 
Since I’ve been sitting at home more (and sometime venturing out into the mall…), I have been doing some extensive online shopping and have managed to visit Target about three times this week. And you guys? All their spring stuff is out. Which is beyond cruel, but whatever.
I was staying out of Target for awhile to curb my shopping over the holidays and such, but I’m back. Oops.
 I’ve since managed to buy…
These fringe boots. They are so similar to a pair of Sam Edelman’s that I have been eyeing, but for much less. #targetdoesitagain 
The dress you see above, and its black counterpart. I have been styling both of them now over tights and skinny jeans with cardis, but I can’t wait to layer them with sandals and kimonos in the warmer months.
Target always has the best maxi skirts, I buy a couple of them each year. The day I got my tattoo I wore this graphic printed one. 
A week or so ago my blog friend Shanna posted a pic of these tasseled gladiator sandals in her Instagram feed and I knew I needed them. (Thanks Shanna, for making me broke!) She also has these espadrilles, which I may need, too. 
Also, hats! A girl can never have enough black, floppy hats with gold braided trim, right?
Sooooo COLD. Seriously.
Asos jacket, old (option, option); Target dress and hat; ℅ DSW over the knee boots.
Tell me, what have you bought lately? Do share!
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I confess

Asos leopard coat, old (option); Forever 21 peasant top (option); Target hat (option); ℅ DSW boots.

Disclosure: Today I’ve teamed up with DSW to talk all about boots! All opinions are my own;)
Last year I had a strange obsession with jackets. I collected too many of them and just COULD NOT get enough. It was my first year back in the freezing cold north after ten years in Florida, and I felt like I needed ALL THE COATS that were ever made. I’ve gotten a handle on my coat collection since then (perhaps because I have a zillion?), but now I’ve moved on to boots. And MAN do I love footwear right now. I mean, if I have to be bundled up to my eyebrows in sweaters and scarves and hats, I AT LEAST want to be able to have fun with my shoes. Since the 700 feet of snow makes it virtually impossible to wear anything other than boots, I find that they are the perfect solution. I prefer a mid calf or higher version at this point in the winter, but with the right socks I can be persuaded into an ankle boot (daring, I know). I really love over the knee boots at this time as well. They are easier to pull off than I previously thought, and if worn with similar color tights or pants they can be okay to drop off my kids at school (and other awesome errands like the chiropractor), without making me seem TOO nuts. (Though that’s debatable;)
What I love about DSW is that they have so many different options for boots at a bunch of different price points. I’m never one to spend a lot on stuff, so if I can get a deal I am in LOVE. I happen to live in an area that doesn’t have a ton of shopping options. so (which sometimes stinks!), so I have to online shop at a lot of my favorite stores and find that some are better than others when it comes to shipping times and prices. DSW always ships super fast, and they have great customer service (which makes returns and exchanges easy of you need that option.)
I already own three pairs of shoes from DSW (see peep toe booties look HERE, studded heels look HERE, and leopard pumps look HERE!) that I have styled and truly ADORE. They are on a constant rotation in my closet and the quality is amazing. I personally love and recommend them to everyone that compliments me when I wear them. And who doesn’t love being complimented on shoes, right?!

 Tell me, are you a boots lover? What are your fave kind to wear?

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by DSW via Mode Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of DSW.

DSW is the destination for savvy Shoe Lovers everywhere. Customers experience a breathtaking assortment of designer brands at irresistible prices everyday.



currently

Asos coat, old (super similar, and cheaper option!); Hunter boots; Target sweater (option); Levi shorts.
Here’s a little snippet of what’s currently going on in my life!
Loving: A fire in the fireplace, freshly fallen snow outside, and unlimited snuggling time on the couch with no plans to leave.
Hating: Head colds and all they entail. My head currently feels like a lead balloon floating two feet above my neck.
Eating: Trying to eat more protein and veggies and less breads…we’ll see how that goes;)
Drinking: A glass of red wine per night, because my chiropractor told me it was good for me. I’ll take it!
Listening to: TRYING not to listen to X-mas music YET, but it may or may not be playing as I write this…
Reading: I’m re-reading old faves (I love revisiting characters I love!), as well as the 4th book in the Crossfire series that I’ve been anxiously waiting for!
Buying: Christmas present for the kids, and trying to hide them from prying eyes. Oh shoot, and a Clarisonic for me!
Remembering: How much snow we got last year (14.5 feet!), and wondering if this year will be the same?
Giggling about: How my daughter used to be obsessed with vacuums as a toddler! A special treat for her used to be a visit to the vacuum aisle in Walmart, with full on discussions about the various merits of each. 
Planning: An outfit for a holiday party! I have a vision in my head of a lace midi skirt paired with a fitted sweater….now I just need to find all the pieces!
Anxiously awaiting: We are going on a macaroni and cheese AND wine tour the weekend after Thanksgiving and I can’t wait to try out new kinds of wine! Also, gourmet versions of various mac and cheese dishes won’t hurt either;) 
Interested to know: Once the snow comes I have a hard time with the exposure on my photos, I have a session with a local photographer who will hopefully help me figure this out! #bloggerproblems
Baking: Hmmmm, nothing? Is that bad? Though I AM making a turkey breast in the crockpot as we speak, to be served with all the fixings!
Keeping a secret: The magic of Christmas is alive and well in our house, and it takes major undertakings to keep everything hidden from prying eyes.
Wearing: The best thermal shirt from Target, and cozy sweatpants that are a zillion years old.
Smelling: Pumpkins spice candles burning 24/7, the undiluted fresh air that comes with freshly fallen snow, and Tide with Downy laundry detergent on newly washed bedding.
Lusting after: Um, everything, always. Let’s see…a new wallet, cuddly Uggs, a patchwork faux fur jacket…the list is always continuous!
Tell me, what’s currently going on with YOU?

Fall trends with Lulu*s: plaid (and a new hair color!)

 ℅ Lulu*s plaid dress (only $37!, size down); Target shoes (similar); Asos jacket, old (similar); Old Navy coated denim pants; Tassel necklace, old (similar.)

Check out Lulu*s new redesigned site, HERE!
So, I dyed my hair back to brown. And I like it? It’s funny, it’s my natural color and I’ve had it for going on 34 years, but three or so months of a blonder look and now I’m torn! This color IS easier to maintain, though, and suits me (if I remember to fill in my brows and put on lipstick!)  Bear with me while I figure out my new normal, okay?
On that note, I wanted to show you this cute, plaid ruffled dress from Lulu*s that I’ve been wearing for a couple of weeks now! I wore it to the Gone Girl premier in town earlier this month, AND to a friends’ surprise birthday party, then out and about with my kids on some errands this past weekend. I’m in love, and when I’m in love I wear things to death. This is meant to be a dress, but I like to layer it with skinny jeans and ankle boots for a bit more coverage. PLUS, it was in the thirties this morning, so pants and a jacket were key! 
I was thinking of a way to make plaid more fun for this time of year, and not cliched. I’ve worn it basic with jeans, on a dress, and swathed in a scarf, but now I wanted to mix it up with a bit of leopard. I love the mix of these prints, especially when they are both saturated and full of life. I think leopard tends to go with everything, and in a jacket form it makes an ordinary outfit really POP. I also love plaid mixed with faux leather. It’s the juxtaposition of a fabric or pattern that shouldn’t go tougher, but does and CAN.
Tell me, how do YOU like to wear plaid in the Fall? 
P.S. See how my friend Megan, at Chasing Davies, styles HER plaid look from Lulu*s!
This post is sponsored by Lulus.com! Thank you for supporting those that support this blog.

fall trends with lulu*s: the sassiest boots you ever did see!

℅ Lulu*s boots, bucket bag, and leggings (size up!); sweater cardigan, old (plaid poncho option!, open front southwestern poncho option); Asos dress (worn as a tunic), similar from Old Navy, and hat.

I’ve been in this mood lately where I sort of want to put zero effort into what I wear. I keep pinning tons of cozy, minimalistic looks, and all I want to do is wear basic pieces in monotone colors. It’s my Fall way of dressing, where I’m hunkering down at home in comfortable things, without the bells and whistles of my typical Summer boho look. I don’t have a problem with a more basic way of dressing, but I realize that having a style blog means I DO need to try and find ways to make a simple outfit look a bit different and more ‘blog worthy’, if you will.
Right now I’m into an all black look, but I find that adding texture and shine can make this look really stand out  (read: not lazy!) These vegan leather and knit leggings from Lulu*s are the lazy girls way of not wearing real pants. They are so simple to pull on, and really give that edgy vibe that I typically go for this time of year. I’ve also had this swing dress from Asos for a year or two, I love wearing it over skinny jeans or leggings. A lot of dresses out there tend to be too short for me, so wearing them over pants makes them more wearable, and adds some fun to a simple look. The same goes for my ancient blanket cardigan, it wears like a jacket, yet isn’t one. There are MONTHS of jacket wearing ahead of us, so I’ll take a blanket sweater for now, thank you!
As for the boots (and these boots are CUTE, right?), I feel that ankle boots are my favorite footwear for  Fall. It’s that perfect temperature for a little peek of ankle between pants and boots, and I love how they look with dresses as well for that ‘cool girl’ vibe that I always see Jessica Alba rocking. (Love her and her mama style!) I like how these boots have a different color that can pop against a neutral outfit, and the wedge makes them comfortable to run errands in, as well as keep after the kids. I just can’t wear non comfortable things anymore, so boots that look fun and feel good on are my JAM, people!
Tell me, what are your favorite type of boots for Fall? 
P.S. Please check out my fellow mama, Megan from Chasing Davies, and how she styles her BOOTS for Fall!
This post is sponsored by Lulu*s! Thank you so much for supporting those that help support this blog;)

i’m sorry i have to do this, but…

I know this is cruel, but have you thought about your winter jacket options yet? Seriously though. I KNOW this sounds ridiculous, but it’s just like this past January when we were in the heart of the polar vortex and Target had all the bathing suits out. SO cruel! I scoffed and burrowed into my extra warm down jacket and left shaking my head. YET, when I wanted to pick one up in May (when it was still SNOWING, mind you), all the good ones were gone. 
The same rings true for winter jackets in August. I may have just spent the day at the beach with my two children, but all the great merchandise for Fall and winter is out now, and if you wait much longer the good stuff will be gone.
No pressure.
I have all the jackets I need now, including the additions of this Boden Mustard colored mini mac and this Blank NYC Vegan leather moto jacket, but that doesn’t mean I can’t LOOK, right? I think a fun and different winter jacket really makes the best impact, because it is the one item of clothing people see the most. Last year I picked up the faux fur leopard coat you see above (option here!), and it is my favorite jacket. I always get complimented on it and I am thrilled I got it. 
Tell me, are you in the market for a new winter coat? Which is YOUR favorite from below?

growing your readership

American Eagle cardigan (similar); Asos swing dress (similar); Target leggings, elephant necklace (similar) and hat (similar); Hunter boots; E Moore Store horn necklace (similar.)
I’ve recently updated my sponsor page with the help of the amazing Charissa from House of Bliss, and I wanted to share it with you today! If you ever need help with creating amazing copy for your blog, Charissa is your gal. She is so enthusiastic, so happy to work with you and make your blog the best it can be, and THAT made me fall all over again with this space. You can find her HERE.
Now let’s get started on what I can do for YOU….

I know where you are. I have been where you are. 
I know what it is like to write faithfully and wonder where all the people are.
I know that building a community in your online space can seem difficult, but I want to let you in on a secret; it is possible.
And most of all, I know that what you are creating is beautiful and inspiring and needs to be shared.
Because of Jackie receives over 20,100 page views a month and across social media platforms, catches the eye of 8,000 incredible people. 
I am inviting you to join me in this space.
I’m Meagan and I get happy over Target and Instagram, all with my iced coffee in hand. Fashion, lifestyle and living the biggest and fullest life possible fill my stories and conversations on here multiple times a week. And of course, I share all of my posts across social media networks.
I will work with you to show the blogging world the gold that you’re made of and the brilliance that you’re putting out on the internet.
I will give you exposure, help you grow authentically and get you to thrive in this blogging world.
I put my heart and soul into blogging and I will put my heart and soul into working with you, too. 
Emily from Tales For Karina
“I’ve sponsored plenty of blogs here and there, but I’ve never gained as many followers as I have EVER until Because of Jackie’s sponsorship program. It was basically the best sponsorship decision I ever made, and there’s no way I’m not going to do it again!! Such a great girl to work with, who really puts her heart and soul into blogging and the blogging community.”
If you are ready to show the world what you’ve got and up your readership, then jump on in! If you are ready to work with someone who has been where you are and has the heart to see you go far, then stop whatever you are doing and let’s chat.
Because guaranteed, there’s an audience waiting to be inspired and stirred up by your words.
Jump in somewhere below!

And hey, if you have something awesome from your store you think fits my personal style, I’d love to collaborate with you to showcase it in a post. If you want to chat about reviews or any further collaboration, send me an email at becauseofjackie (at) yahoo (dot) come for a media kit.

Let’s do this.

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