Meagan Rigney

On building self confidence

This past weekend my nine-year old daughter had a soccer game. At one point, she broke away with the ball and dribbled it past countless opponents and almost scored. What stopped her? She was going the wrong way and almost scored in her team’s own goal. We were shouting, “wrong goal”, but she didn’t hear us until right before she got there.

I watched her, on the edge of my seat on the bleachers. I knew. I knew that she would be so upset with herself and she’d possibly fall apart. I saw her face crumple and tears threaten, and it crushed me. Her coach ran out and pepped talked her, as did the ref and another one of her teammates. I yelled out from the stands countless times, “it’s okay, just keep going!” And she did. With tears on her cheeks and clenched fists, she stayed in. I knew she wanted to run off the field and cry. I could read her body language. I saw that her face was all scrunched up and she was fighting it all back. It broke my heart, but I was also so very proud of her. She fought through the embarrassment and didn’t give up. That takes guts! Especially when you are nine and it is easy to be embarrassed and feel like the world is judging you.

That morning I had listened to a podcast on self confidence. (I SWEAR stuff comes to us when we need it most…) I ended up taking some notes (because note taking and highlighting favorite things is the way to my heart), and one thing I wrote was this.

“Self confidence is about believing in your ability to learn, take action, fail or not fail, and to learn. Self confidence is knowing that there is nothing that can happen that you can’t handle. Self confidence is knowing that you can fail and figure stuff out.”

I know how important to me that both of my kids have a healthy amount of self-confidence. But how? How do we instill this? I can tell them they are wonderful a million times over, but they must have that inside them. Yet the game this past weekend taught my daughter more than I could ever say to her. It taught her that she can handle embarrassment and power through. That she can handle failure, and keep going. That she can keep going no matter what the odds are, and she will be better for it. 

The more my children fail and keep trying, they will learn something about themselves. To have a growth mindset, where mistakes and failures are seen as necessary to life. The more they know this deep inside, the more confident that will be in their own self-worth.

To always pick themselves back up again, dust themselves off with tears in their eyes and fists clenched, and get back into the game…this what I wish for them.

SaveSave

The case for overalls (spoiler alert: you need them!)

Gunnysack Co tee; Madewell overalls (very similar!); Sam Edelman sandals; J Crew sunglasses.

Note: I posted this outfit on my Facebook account as a part a new feature I’m doing called #whatiactuallywore. I’m posting my daily looks there as I wear them, and it has been so much fun! The outfit above was from Sunday, when I brought my kids to the movies and my 9 yar old took my picture for me. #buddingphotographer

Okay! So I’m 99% sure I’ve talked about these overalls about a zillion times on here, right? I’ve had them for about a year and I thought about buying them for a year before that. They were a splurge, but I’d say they are one of my top my favorite things I have EVER bought. Why?

  1. They are super versatile. I can wear them with a tee and flip-flops for errands, or heeled ankle boots and an off the shoulder top for a date night.
  2. They fit like a glove. Seriously. I tried on a bunch of cheaper alternatives that were NOT flattering. These hug me like second skin, yet stretch and never feel tight. They feel almost like shapewear, but in an extremely comfortable way. I can loosen and tighten the straps, too, depending on how tight I want them to fit.
  3. I feel cool in them! I get compliments whenever I wear them (though my husband thinks they are a little weird, ha!), and whenever I want to be comfortable but feel cool and with it (because DUH, I am…), I wear these. The only time they are annoying is during times when you need to use public restroom a lot, but only because taking them on and off can be interesting;)

This particular pair were expensive, but like most expensive things I’ve thought about and eventually purchased, the fit is spot on. Some things I believe in spending money on, and some not. These were 1 million percent worth it.

Also, my daughter has a matching pair, so we are TWINSIES and that makes me ridiculously happy.

I rarely pay full price (and here’s why)

 

Free People Embroidered dress; Sam Edelman sandals

I saw this dress a couple of weeks ago online and instantly fell in love. If you’ve been around here awhile you know how much I love anything boho or girly this time of year (not to be outdone by my love for vintage band tees and cutoffs…) The problem? This dress was way more than I would spend on anything. So what is a girl to do? I happen to love just about anything Free People, but it is notoriously expensive. Some items I have saved and splurged on (see the lace tunic I die over here), and some I have to wait for.

Here’s the deal. I find just about everything I love that is Free People eventually goes on sale at either Nordstrom or Macy’s (online), and if I am patient enough I can get it for less. Take this dress. It was originally $148 and then Macy’s had a sale where everything was 30% off. It dropped down to $109 (which is still expensive, I know!), but I had a hefty cash deposit in my Monat account and treated myself. Happy Mother’s Day to ME. Lol.

I’d have to say that about 99% of my Free People items were purchased on sale, mostly online, and I stalk the sites daily. If I know I love something I just keep checking back until it goes on sale. I didn’t even have to wait long for this dress, maybe 3 days? I saw the 30% off about 3 days after falling in love and BOOM, add to cart;) Macy’s usually adds sales on top of sales as well, which is awesome.

The same can be said for these sandals. I’ve been looking for the PERFECT gladiator sandals for years, and had a couple cheaper substitutes that just never held up. Then I found these when Sam Edelman (one of my fave shoe designers), had their sale, and scooped them up. I wear them constantly, and the cost per wear will even out. I read somewhere that it is fun to splurge on the most basic of things (a neutral handbag), or the most crazy of things (a ruffled, embroidered dress.) If it makes you happy, and you can afford it, just go for it.

So, if you find a brand you love, look online at all the retailers that carry the brand and just keep checking in. You may be surprised the deals you can score.

The case for a paired down closet

Free People sweater (similar look and style that I own in a different color!); Free People slipdress; Target lace bralette; Sam Edelman gladiator sandals.

I bought a pink tank top at Target the other day, and when I hung it up in my closet I had to laugh! It is seriously the ONLY top with a bright color in my closet currently (besides a couple bright kimonos.) When I looked in there I have a lot of black, white and gray clothes, with some light blue items thrown in for fun. That’s about it. After going through my closet a couple of month ago using this method, I began to see a theme in my wardrobe.

I like a lot of neutral options.

I’m not big on patterns unless it is in a longer floral dress (I have one), or a kimono. 

I really dress very simply.

Once I figured out what I wanted my style to be RIGHT NOW (because none of this is ever static), I bought only those things that fit in.

I like to wear cut off jean shorts and cropped tanks.

I like to wear simple dresses and add-on delicate jewelry or studded sandals.

I like about 1-3 different silhouettes and I mix different things in my closet to fit into these options.

So what does this look like? If I love something, I buy it in several colors. That lace dress above? I have it in two colors and love it layered over another lace dress in summer with sandals. My closet may surprise those of you that know me or have followed my blog for a while. I don’t have a ton of stuff, but what I DO have is worn constantly. Some things are for more special occasion and get worn less, but for the most part, I wear almost everything. I really take time to figure out what works for me and my lifestyle and I buy accordingly.

If you need help with this, I highly suggest buying The Curated Closet. It helped me so much to figure out what I ACTUALLY wear versus how I THINK I should dress.

Tell me, what are your most loved and worn items in your closet?

Life Lately

Lularoe kimono (buy here); Free People tee; Sam Edelman boots; Old Navy jeans; necklace via Rocksbox (similar Baublebar style.)
-I’m currently on week 10 of Kayla Itsine’s Beachbody guide and I am still loving it! I am going to do a full before/after post when I finish Week 12, but I have been so pleased. It’s nice to see some definition in this stomach of mine (I did a quick photo update on Insta last week!) 
-I also plan on posting about my current eating situation, which include counting my macros. I’ve been watching my macros (IIFYM diet guidelines) since late Spring and it is pretty great. Once you get over the initial keeping track of your protein, carbs and fat (and the learning curve associated with that), it’s actually really easy to follow.
-Besides running my shampoo business, I work as a substitute teacher at my kids’ school. This means I can work 0 days, 2 days, or a bunch in a row depending on need. On the days I work 5 days it has been a bit of a struggle to balance my kids, their school and activities, with working out and getting stuff done at home. I’ve been really good at working out on alternative days, or going to the gym while my husband brings the kids to soccer, and finding stolen moments to get other things done. It is hard, though! I am not the best mom (in my opinion) when I work full time, but I try my best to keep organized and fit in all the things I need to. The bonus in all this? I choose what days I work, so a crazy week one week can translate into an easier one next. 
-I recently made these Butternut Squash and Black bean Enchilada’s for dinner and they were so good! 
-I am currently not shopping this month and it has been a struggle,  but I feel like I buy a lot of things on impulse that, on second or third thought, I didn’t really care about. I’ve stopped myself from buying about 10 things so far and I don’t regret a single one.
-I’ve been slacking off on blogging regularly around here, but I’m still hanging in there! I am a much more regular poster on Facebook (for real time outfits and shopping tips on the regular) and Instagram, if you care to follow along there as well;) I DO plan on continuing to post here, as I have a bunch of essay type posts rolling around in my brain, so thank you so much for sticking around and checking back in.
-I basically gave up on Snapchat. I can only put my creative energy into two social media spots right now, and Facebook and Instagram win. I just can’t tape my life 24/7 and still be a present person with my family, so there’s that! I DO enjoy watching everyone else live their lives, though. Ha! I will say, I am more attached to Instagram stories, I think it is just easier to check in there as I scroll through? 
That’s it for me lately! What’s new with YOU?

How to find your style in 3 easy steps

Free People sweater (currently 25% off!) and lace tunic (also 25% off!); Old Navy built in sculpt jeans; Sam Edelman booties; Rebecca Minkoff bag.

Free People open back sweater (similar colors, under $30) and lace tunic (25% off!); Old Navy jeans; Matisse fringe booties; Rebecca Minkoff bag; necklace from Rocksbox (use code MEAGANBFF57 for a free month of Rocksbox. Hint: I’m obsessed!)
I’ve been learning a lot lately about my own personal style and what I want to be wearing on a dialy basis. I’ve been cleaning out my closet and seeing what is left (and what I really wear), and it has been eye opening. It turns out, I am a pretty basic gal. I like simple silhouettes and all neutral looks. I also really like a formula. I’m 36 and I’m figuring it all out again, which is actually really fun. My style has been changing, it is simpler and less flashy, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been with what I have and how I’m portraying myself. I wanted to write a bit about how I’ve figured my style out lately, and hope it helps anyone that has struggled (like me) to find who and what they are and how to get dressed in the easiest way possible. Let’s do this!
1) Look to your Pinterest boards.
Back in the day I would cut out pictures from magazines and make a collage of outfits and pieces I liked each season. Now I do this exclusively on Pinterest (you can follow me here to see what I love!) Here’s the deal: If you pin a lot (like me), you will start to see patterns. I noticed that I pin a lot of slouchy cardigans, ripped jeans, and ankle boots. I tend to like neutral outfits and very minimal looks. My preferences change by season, obviously, but the minute I looked through my boards and analyzed WHAT I was pinning, I saw the same themes. What are some patterns you see in the outfits you pin? Is there a common theme? 
2) Don’t be afraid to wear what you like over and over again.
As a style blogger there can be a lot of pressure to wear the newest and latest all the time. You find yourself purchasing things just because it is popular, or wearing things you may not really love because you need to post different looks on a daily basis. Since I took a small step back from blogging this summer and really just wore what I felt like without the pressure of having to photograph it, I found that I really like a very basic look. The two outfits above are ME. I wore them out to dinner with my family on two separate weekends, and they make me feel very comfortable. I like sweaters in black, grey, white, and pink. I like dark colored skinny jeans. I like neutral ankle boots. And I like pretty accessories. That’s my formula. When I’ve been shopping lately, either online or in stores, I keep this in mind. The pieces I wear all the time are all neutral and can be mixed and matched. While my head may be turned by a bright blue body con dress or burgundy heels, I know that I just won’t reach for these things. What are the pieces in your closet that you love? Why do you love them? 
I find that I really enjoy slouchy/oversized sweaters in basic colors. I invest in these and they are my go to tops that look great with skinny jeans. It’s my thing, so I go with it. Am I making news with super trendy/blog worthy looks? No. But I’m building a closet that works in my real, everyday life. 
3) Invest in quality pieces that ground your look. 
I’ve struggled on and off with wanting multiple things for cheap (that I wear a couple of times and give away), or investing in items that I can get less of, but wear more. It’s hard! I’m a shopper. I truly enjoy wandering in stores and seeing what is new. I love getting things for cheap and having 10 new things for little money. Yet this rarely works out for me. While there are many things I buy for cheap and never regret (Target boots and sandals, Old Navy skinny jeans, most of my jewelry), most of the items I truly cherish and wear to death are items I invested in. Case in point, my Sam Edelman ankle boots. While you can find these at any price point nowadays, these particular boots are so worth the splurge. They work with everything (especially the tan ones), and they are so seriously flattering. I’ve had both my black and tan pair for 2-3 years and they show little wear and tear. 
Another thing I love to invest in is a good handbag. It just elevates any look. I tend to get these as a gift for my birthday or Christmas, and I love being able to search for the perfect one to fit into my life. I suggest going simple with a black or tan one before branching out to other colors. You will never regret it. 
Lastly, this time of year I love investing in pretty sweaters from Free People. I search deals at Nordstrom and Macy’s online daily, and the second pieces go on sale I stock up. I love how these sweaters fit me, I have yet to find a cheaper place that gives me the exact same look for less. Quality, fit and proportion is really important when it comes to finding THE PERFECT piece to invest in, and Free People always works for me. I get the exact look I’m looking for, and I can wear and re-wear it for seasons to come. While the term investment piece changes (my version of investing is a lot different than it was when I was 25), it really just means buying the best possible version of something you love, so you cna wear it for years to come. 
Tell me, how have you defined your personal style? Do you have any tips or tricks that have worked for you?

92% coffee, 8% dry shampoo

The title of this post make me laugh! I saw it on Pinterest and had to use it. I think everyone that knows me KNOWS that I adore coffee. One hot cup in the morning, and a big iced one after I get home from the gym. I like to mix a cup of almond milk and a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder in my iced coffee, it feels like a decadent little treat;)
Moving on!
I’ve mentioned this in several posts before, but besides my little side gig here and my sub job at my kids’ school, I also work for an amazing hair care company called Monat. To say this company has changed me for the better is an understatement. I NEVER thought I would ‘sell shampoo on the internet’, despite doing essentially the same thing here on my blog and on my Instagram for years with affiliate sales. I mean, it all makes sense, no? If you love something you want to share it, essentially if it is something that you know will bring hope to those around you.
You may think I’m exagerating when I link HOPE with HAIR CARE, but if you are like me and struggled with hair loss and brittleness, and the hopelessness of feeling like you are the only one in the universe with “bad” hair, it’s not a stretch. Most of us have had or continue to have a horrible relationship with our hair, and we try product after product to fix it. Yet NOTHING HELPS IT. I was there, and I thought it was just the way it was supposed to be. Until Monat. The first time I tried it I was hooked. I had shine and smoothness and it styled in 2 seconds flat. I knew it was a game changer. I have not used one single non-Monat product in almost a year on my hair, and I’ve never looked back.
I signed up to sell it, mostly because I figured, “why not”, and not long after that I found that I could make serious money sharing it. And the money is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but having hair that I can be proud of is just as amazing. I have new hair growth everywhere (Monat is clinically proven to regrow hair, perfect of those of us with Postpartum hair loss!), and it is longer and stronger.  I also love that I get texts and messages all the time about how Monat has changed the lives of those who have purchased it from me. Women who can now go 2-3 days without showering instead of 1, men who have regrown hair they thought was gone forever, mama’s like me who can use it on our entire family because it is botanically based and without chemicals, and busy working ladies who can use less product and less time to make their hair look amazing each and every day. The list goes on.
I want to share Monat with you! Please comment below with your biggest hair struggle and I will send you out some free samples to try. Monat changed my life for the better and I’d love to give you a chance to experience the HOPE I’ve personally seen in my own life when it comes to my hair (and my bank account!)
P.S There is currently a TWO day sale on our just launched dry shampoo! I am so excited for this product and for the freedom it is going to give YOU when it comes to stretching your shampoo days. I can get you 15% off and free shipping off of all orders from today on out;)

One (target) dress, two ways!

Who What Wear dress (obsessed); heels; sweater; necklace.
I first saw this dress online when I was putting together a post of all the things I wanted at Target one night and KNEW I had to have it. It happened to be in my Target (when I was probably in buying vitamins or something), and I tried it on. I instantly loved it. They didn’t have my size (I find this dress fits a little bigger than normal, I’m in an XS), so I ordered it online and it shipped in like, two days? (It comes in black and a floral print, too, please stop me from buying more…) I adore it. It’s so girly and pretty, and the sleeves can be worn up or down depending on your comfort level. I had intended to do a real photoshoot for this dress, all styled professionally and such, but it snowed the other day, so, NO. Instead you get bedroom mirror pictures. HA. 
My thing when dressing up fancier is that I tend to do less. Less jewelry, less details, I don’t like to be fussy. I’m more likely to wear a statement necklace and endless bracelets when wearing a jeans and a tee than I am in a dress. I like a more “undone” look for night, it seems more effortless to me. I’m just wearing my ‘mama’ necklace and I’d do a red lip with messy hair and be done. Just simple, you know? The dress just stands for itself. To be honest I’d probably even skip the heels and wear ankle boots with it.

And throw on some bronzer, too, because I’m apparently a vampire.

For day I add in the jewelry. I love my Sahara pendant and I’d do my fun bracelets and a cute cocoon sweater. I got this sweater at Target the other day and may have to go back for the oatmeal version.  It’s so versatile! Add in my trusty Petty booties and I’d be happy to run around town with this on with my husband and kids.

I love pieces that I can wear many different ways. This dress is on trend (that off the shoulder thing is crazy popular right now), and comfortable, AND inexpensive. Who doesn’t want that? 

Shop the post:

3 reasons why I love Snapchat

Free People sweater; Blank nyc ripped jeans (obsessed); Sam Edelman Petty booties. 
I’ll admit, it took me forever to commit to getting Snapchat. In my mind, it was just one more social media account to keep track of. As a blogger it becomes my job to keep my Instagram pretty, and update Twitter and Facebook regularly. It takes a lot of work! And can I tell you how Instagram is exhausting? It’s hard to always have to post AMAZING photos, because they can’t be subpar on there, they have to be the best of the best, and that takes work. (First world problem, no?) 
So, with the help of my friend Marina I got Snapchat, and quickly learned how awesome it is. There was a bit of a learning curve to figure out how to work the darn thing and what I was actually doing, but now I know and I CANNOT stop. 
Here are three reasons why I love Snapchat (and why you should, too!)
1) It’s completely raw and real. Snapchat is all about capturing daily life as it happens. You can do either little videos or pictures and add them to your story, and they last 24 hours. I love that I can snap things as they happen in my day. It can be in the car in the parking lot of my kids’ school, it can be a live view of a blog photoshoot, or it can be about products I’m obsessed with at the moment. I also snap a lot of dressing room questions and looks and ask for advice! While Instagram is the extremely filtered and edited version of my life, Snapchat is what my life is REALLY like. In real time. 
2) I LOVE following my friends and favorite bloggers on Snapchat, it makes me feel like they are right in front of me! I get to see a different side of the people I admire (both celebrity and not), and it’s like a reality show I can’t step away from. I also feel like I get to see the content they are creating days before it shows up on their blog, which makes me feel like I’m in the know, somehow. Ha. 
3) I mentioned before that you can add videos and pictures to your story, but you can also send them to individual followers, which is really fun, too! You can send these to them without adding to your actual story, and it becomes a fun way to “talk” to your friends via pictures or video beyond text and such. I don’t know, I just find it amusing to send weird videos to the people I know and get a response from them. 
Tell me, are you on Snapchat? If you are, come follow me! I’m username becauseofjackie, let’s snap together! 

Instagram outfit roundup!

I’ve seen these types of post around the blog world and I happen to adore them! They give quick outfit details about certain looks, and often include outfits not shown on their blog. The same holds true for me! I only “officially” (ha) blog about 10% of what I wear on a daily basis. A lot of the time I either don’t have time to photograph it, or it is too similar to something I’ve already blogged about (#bloggerproblems, am I right?), or I’m just being lazy. Here are some of the looks I’ve worn lately (and loved), and where it’s all from.
Forever 21 tunic (option, option); Topshop flats; Rebecca Minkoff bag.

I blogged a look similar to this once and really liked it, so when I found this top hidden in the back of my closet I decided to recreate it! This Forever 21 top/dress is a favorite of mine. It is silky and loose and makes me feel really cute. Who doesn’t want that? I am eyeing a similar one from Free People that has really caught my eye, too! Also, these flats from Nordstrom are so fun and on trend, and work for me equally in my personal life as well as for work!

Finally, this Rocksbox (Kendra Scott) turquoise necklace above is something I’m debating on keeping. It’s $64, is that worth it? Help me!

Ily Couture cape, Old Navy jeans; Sam Edelman boots.
I wore this cape to soccer last weekend with a hat and super warm eternity scarf and it was so warm! It is also blanket soft and so, SO cozy. It also comes in a bunch of colors and is reversible. 

Target sweater (option, option); Ramones tee (option.)
Apple picking day! This sweater is from Target last year and I wear it constantly. I found some similar options, as well as some options for this Ramones band tee that I also wear constantly (here is a similar baseball tee option.) Also, it’s hat weather! Yay! 

Blank NYC faux leather jacket, sold out (option); Rayban sunnies; ℅ Ted and Muffy boots (and option.)
Gah, this burgundy faux leather jacket is one of my faves. I sized down so it would be more fitted (wearing a small), and I’m glad I did. I can still wear a sweater underneath (this Gentle Fawn one is amazing!), and the color lets me get away with wearing a mostly all black look on a daily basis. 

Lauren Conrad lace sleeved sweater; Target fringe boots.
I talked about these extensions in this post HERE, but I wanted to show what they look like on and in real life. I have had a lot of questions about this brand, and all I can say is that they are amazing. I am wearing the Chocolate Brown, 18 inch, 200 gram option, but if you have thinner hair (like me) I would go with a smaller gram weight extension (these are pretty heavy.)

Old Navy jeans, boots (option); ℅ Gentle Fawn sweater.
These ripped Rockstar jeans from Old Navy are on a constant rotation in my closet. They have a lived in, edgy feel to them that I really love, and they fit so well! I wore my typically size (size 6), and find that they have a good amount of stretch. Old Navy recently refit their pants line, and they fit better than ever in my opinion. I used to have to size up a size or two, but now I can buy my regular size and they work. 

Alex and Ani feather bracelet; Lauren Conrad lace sleeved sweater.
Jewelry is an obsession for me, especially since I started subscribing to Rocksbox. The necklace above is one I debated on buying (but didn’t), and it was so cute! Ultimately I had one really similar to it and sent it back. Now I’m currently debating on another necklace in my current box, a beautiful Kendra Scott. 
This Alex and Ani feather bracelet was a birthday gift from my dad and one I wear almost every day. I have an obsession with feathers, and have a secret something to show you in a couple of days regarding them. Ha!

Free People top; Topshop flats; Forever 21 lace kimono.
I wore this look to book club last month and will probably re-wear it a lot this fall. I spoke of my love for these flats above, and this Free People tunic has been a constant love of mine for the past year or so. I am eyeing it in black AND blue as well. Also wearing my favorite Old Navy jeans and an old Forever 21 lace fringe kimono!
Hope you have a great weekend friends! I sure do appreciate you;)

Popular Blog Posts

On building self confidence
The most worn item in my closet
The mantras I say to myself daily

Stay Updated