These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: January Favorites

I share a lot of clothes I love with you guys, mainly because clothing and personal style has become one of my obsessions within the last year or so (no joke, I used to just throw on hats and sweats every day-- okay, I still sometimes do that). But today I wanted to share with you some of the non-clothing things I have been loving for the month of January. 

Favorite Read: Girl, Wash Your Face

Rachel Hollis just might be my favorite person on Earth. She motivates me something serious and lights a fire under my bottom to work, work, work for my dreams. I have been blessed to be able to actually pursue my dream, and she reminds me to own it.

Find it here. 

Favorite Podcast: RISE Podcast

I have become a podcast junkie. I listen to them all the time, especially when I'm working. And of course, this is another Rachel Hollis favorite. This podcast is another huge motivator and inspiration for me. 

You can listen to it on Spotify or Apple.

Hair Necessity: Hot Tools Curling Wand

This is more like a life favorite, but I have definitely been using it constantly this month. If you saw my bun tutorial, you know I typically curl my hair every time I wash it, and then use those curls for the next several days! Occasionally, I will use it for touch ups between then! It creates very loose waves (I don't use the clamp on it), which I love.

You can purchase it here.

Lip Loves: L'oréal Colour Riche Lipstick in Bold Mauve & NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée

This is pretty much what is always on my lips! I wear these two in combination with each other and it is just a good, staple lip color. The gloss adds a shine to the matte lipstick, and helps keep my lips hydrated during the winter!

Lipstick and Gloss

Food Favs: Simple Truth Sweet Potato Chips & Dove Dark Chocolate and Almond

These snacks have been my guilty pleasures-- and luckily with the Simple Truth chips there is little guilt since they are organic! I'm also not one to say you shouldn't snack on the things you enjoy, so having small Dove chocolates doesn't make me feel bad, and it shouldn't you either! 

You can buy the Simple Truth chips at Kroger, and the Dove Chocolate is sold at most grocery stores. You can also find it online here.

Travel Essential: JBL Headphones

When I fly, these headphones have become a necessity. They are bluetooth and wireless, and so you don't have the cord that gets in the way. But they are also nice for those who prefer the over-ear style of headphones to the AirPods design.
Order them here.

Favorite Jam: High Hopes by Panic! at the Disco
This song is a serious jam! It has been my go-to pump up music this month.
You can listen to it almost anywhere!

Favorite Home Decor Items: Cotton Knit Throw & Hubbard Stoneware Croc
It wouldn't really be a monthly favorites if I didn't tell you my favorite home decor items! I have been obsessed with so many new things we have gotten in at Pin it Co. this month, but this cotton throw and vintage inspired croc have by far been my favorites! I love using throws to layer on couches, shelving, you name it! And this vintage croc is perfect for keeping my kitchen utensils.
The throw is currently sold out, but should restock soon! You can get on the waitlist for it here! You can get the croc here!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what some of my favorite things were this month! Make sure to share with your friends so I know you enjoy these monthly favorites!

Outfits of the Week #OOTW January

My #OOTW series is back for January! This week was bitterly cold, so my style was all about layers, layers, and layers! Warmth and comfort was my motto this week for sure. 

Monday involved two different outfits because I was switching between working on our new storefront and filming videos for the day! (See the switcharoo on @pin.it.co Instagram's "Real Life" story highlight). I had the outfit pictured below tucked away under sweatpants and a jacket at one point-- minus the booties of course!

Jacket: Madewell

Sweater: Madewell

Pants: Universal Thread

Shoes: Madewell

Clearly, I have a bit of a Madewell obsession...

Tuesday I wore a super casual and cozy outfit-- featuring a piece from one of my favorite, fellow #girlbosses boutique!

Sherpa: Jules & James Boutique. My girl Alison Grooms owns this super cute boutique, and I love supporting her! This sherpa was one of her Black Friday deals, and so it sold out FAST! 

Layering Shirt: Universal Thread (this shirt has a knot style at the bottom, but it is similar and the same brand to the long sleeve grey shirt I wore).

Jeans: Madewell (These 10" high-rise jeans are the best for slimming your figure!!)

Socks: Universal Thread

Boots: L.L. Bean (Seriously, my #1 winter essential).

Friday's outfit was channeling my inner lumberjack, or Paula Bunyan, vibes. In all seriousness, I love styling my overalls different ways, and this look kept me super warm with all of the layers!

Overalls: Madewell (These are currently on a HUGE sale right now!)

Jacket: Madewell

Sweater: I got this Ralph Lauren red cowl neck sweater from TJMaxx, but you can find a similar one here.

Socks: Target

Boots: L.L. Bean

I hope you all enjoyed this month's #OOTW! I loved these outfits and had a super fun time styling them! If you purchase any of these pieces, or take inspiration from these outfits, make sure to send me a picture on Instagram @allyturpen so I can see!

xoxo

Valentine's Day Mantel Style Guide

This past weekend I had the urge to create something fresh and fun for the approaching Valentine's holiday! It was so fun to curate this sweet look, and I wanted to show you how I did it, as well as give you tips on how to style a high design mantle for any season!

I always start any mantel, or styling project in general, with the statement pieces! These can be any large, focal pieces that really define your look. I chose a simple blackboard, and layered it with with a framed wood piece that I painted white.

Next, to continue the layered look and begin the Valentine's theme, I incorporated this pennant flag heart banner. One of my biggest tips is to avoid the tendency to make everything symmetrical, centered and straight. Asymmetry is key in high design, and creating a style that looks like a professional created it!

Then I added even more asymmetry with a stack of vintage books! If you saw my last blog post, you know what a fan I am of these. I layered the white, chippy vases on top-- filled with fresh eucalyptus and florals from a local florist shop!

Candle sticks are another great element to add into a mantel, and these worked perfectly with taper candles! I used varying heights, and again, made sure to not keep a symmetrical look by using two on the right side and one on the left side!

I also used some extra eucalyptus as a garland across the mantel! A tip: You can staple your florals so they lay exactly the way you like-- that's what I did with a few of the eucalyptus leaves that wouldn't lay like I desired. 

Finally, I added in this "Home Sweet Home" sign to complete the look and continue the rectangle shapes of the blackboard and wood sign. 

I absolutely adore the way this mantel turned out, and I hope you use these tips and tricks in your own styling adventures!

Style and Stay at Home

Recently my business, Pin it Co., helped one of our customers style their living room area with some products from our live sales the past few weeks! Sydney and Jordan were great to work with, and I love the way this look turned out! I loved it so much that I wanted to share it on my blog with you all in a quick post!

I wanted every element in this look to really draw eyes to the beautiful, large framed photo they had hanging above the couch. So I made sure to position things in a way that would complement the photo and lead your eyes to it. By heavily concentrating pieces to the left side of the couch, it allowed for the frame to really stand out.

I started with this beautiful chandelier! It is a large, white piece and has such unique detail. Statement lighting is an easy way to really make a big impact in a space.

The side table by the couch is funky and fun element that I love using anytime I can to add character to a room! This is an older item that we once carried in store at Pin it Co.

To add layers of texture and create height, I used some vintage books. You can find old books at Goodwill or any local thrift store for a few dollars! These are items I use constantly when styling mantels and shelving, so they definitely are not a waste of your money! On top of the books, I placed this lovely willow jar. I thought the woven casing really tied in nicely with the caged side table. Inside the jar, I used eucalyptus stems for a simple look, but I loved the color and height they added!

The pillows on this couch are probably one of my favorite parts! I combined plum pillows, mustard pillows and neutral color pillows to create a fun combo! I loved the way the mustard pillow complimented the oranges in the photo of Sydney and Jordan! (Those are an in-store exclusive coming to Pin it Co. when we re-open, so keep an eye out ;)).

Finally, I added this round jute rug! I am a huge fan of mixing in a non-traditional shape, and off-centering it! I think it really completed the space!


Styling a room like this definitely gives me major #stayathome vibes! And I hope it shows you that creating a custom space of your own is very achievable! 

If you shop the links included in this post and use these items to style your own space, please send me a picture! I would love to see!

My Signature Messy Bun Tutorial

9 times out of 10, I wear my hair in a messy bun! I've never considered it an actual style statement, but more so a way to just get my hair out of the way and not have to wash it again (I'm sure you all know that dry shampoo is a lifestyle). However, over the past year or so people have come to love the way I wear my hair, and are constantly requesting a tutorial! 

It was so hard at first for me to think of how to do this, because when I do it, I honestly don't think about it at all! But since this hair style has become a defining characteristic of who I am, I am here to provide what you've all requested! I hope you enjoy this quick tutorial, and if you re-create this hair style, make sure to send me pictures!

There is also a video tutorial at the end of this post for easy viewing!

I always start this style with 3 day old hair at minimum, aka my hair hasn't been washed in 3 days. On day 1, after I've washed and dried my hair, I typically curl it with a Hot Tools wand. I wear it down for the first two days, and then it's time for the messy top knot! I also find that this style works best when my hair has some curl in it already. 

First, I brush through my hair with a wet-dry brush and add dry shampoo around my head and at my roots for volume and to de-grease! I love the Batiste dry shampoo, it is definitely my saving grace on many days. 

The key to making sure your hair is super fresh and ready for the bun, actually comes by utilizing a hair dryer on your already dry hair. It sounds odd I know, but it makes a huge difference. 

After letting the dry shampoo sit for a few minutes, use a brush and hair dryer to brush through your hair and allow the dry shampoo to mesh throughout your hair and maximize your hair's maximum freshness potential!

Now, it's time to actually form the bun! I start by flipping my head over so all of my hair is in front of my face. I then gather all of it on top of my head about 4 inches back from my hairline. I don't use a brush for this step, I just use my fingers to smooth out and collect the hair, so it isn't a total mess but also isn't totally slicked back. 

Then, while holding the hair in front of my face with my left hand, I use my right hand to make a fold halfway in the ponytail, creating a bun shape when I lift my head up again. 

Now I use an elastic ponytail holder to tie off the bun. I prefer the thin elastics; however, in this video mine broke and I had to improvise with a regular size one! It still worked out! I wrap it around about three times, and then tuck the remaining hair sticking out around the bun. 

Then comes the most important step of the messy bun-- making it messy and textured! I pull my fingers from the base of the bun down my scalp to pull out loose hairs and loosen the style!

To make sure the bun stays in place, I use a few bobby pins. I use the large ones, and make an almost S-like motion to secure them in place in the bun. I also push the bun down and forward when I bobby pin it in place at the base (near the elastic), giving a more volume once again!

And that's it! You have now created the Ally Turpen infamous top knot!

Find a video tutorial here:

The products and supplies I used: 

Wet Brush

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Hot Tools Curling Wand

2018: A Year in Review

2018 has been such a year of personal and business growth! I would say my word for the year was definitely "realization". I recognized that the first step to change and growth was realizing in what areas my life needed certain improvements and remodeling. I realized that my business was becoming an actual big-girl thing-- growing, providing employment for a number of people, and serving my community in a big way. I realized that to make the changes it needed to grow I needed to re-group and re-prioritize some things. In my personal life, I realized that I feel better and work better when I take time for self-care-- even things as simple as wearing outfits I feel confident in and that express my style. I realized that people actually care about my personal, outside of Pin it Co., life and so I started writing these blogs and doing more fun things outside of work. 

With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the cool things that happened this year! So, here it is: my 2018 year in review!

JANUARY

In January, I started the year off fresh by painting my floors! It was a really fun home project that reminded me how much I love renovating and home projects. I don't get to do a ton of things like this as often anymore since my business has grown, so I enjoy any chance I have to create in my own space!

FEBRUARY

Girls night is a monthly tradition my friends and I have had for almost two years! In February, we decided to include our fellas! We went to TopGolf and ate all the delicious treats!

MARCH

In March, we continued Girls Night with a girls trip to Savannah! We spent time eating all the food (clearly this is a trend) and hanging out on River Street!

I also got my license, again! Allow me to explain... I possibly let my license expire for a little bit of time and had to retake the test to get a new one! I passed!!

Pin it Co. also won business of the month in our community! It definitely put a fire under me to keep going and growing.

March was seriously a huge month! My husband and I bought a new truck! We have definitely used it this year going to get shipments and new merchandise.

APRIL

We pulled off Joy Prom again! I started Joy Prom four years ago for individuals with special needs. This event allows them to have their own prom! There is dancing, a meal, and we even crown a king and queen! It is always one of the highlights of my year, and this year was no different.

MAY

The Vintage Pickin' Fair is one of my favorite events of the year! I get to take a nice break from work and enjoy vintage finds and great food! The crepe stands this year were no doubt my favorite.

Another fun thing happened in May! We took a girls trip to the beach! My aunt owns a condo in Navarre Beach, and it made for the prettiest weekend get-away! 

JUNE

June was a special month for me. I adopted my sweet rescue baby, Coco. The intent was to help her back to full health (you can see she didn't have much hair in this photo due to severe allergies that had been neglected), but I ended up totally attached to her and now she lives at my shop! She brings me immeasurable joy on stressful work days.

I also rebranded my store! The business got a whole new look, complete with a new logo, new uniforms, new displays and so much more! We threw a re-branding party to celebrate!

I started on my home office! It is a work in progress, but this is going to be a huge step in amping up the #bossbabe levels this year!

JULY

I helped throw my friend Leah a baby sprinkle! It was a sweet celebration for her new baby!

AUGUST

My mom has always wanted to visit Noah's Ark in Kentucky, and in August my sister and I were able to take her! It was a super fun trip. If you missed my Instagram stories of my mom riding a bike, you missed out.

SEPTEMBER

This was something long overdue! I finally had professional photos made of me and my husband! Shoutout to ENewbern Photography for the beautiful photos! 

We went vintage pickin' again this month! It was another fun time with more fun food!

OCTOBER

So this is what happens when you wait last minute to carve pumpkins... you are left with the Piggly Wiggly's pie pumpkins! Oh well, still a fun time!

NOVEMBER

November is my store's birthday month! We celebrated FIVE years with our Christmas open house and yummy birthday cake!

DECEMBER

Since my husband and I are both December babies, we always have a huge joint birthday party! This year we partied 80s style! There were inflatable obstacle courses, sumo wrestling and dancing!

We celebrated my birthday, the 23rd, at Ponce City Market in Atlanta with my family! I have grown to love this fun, little shopping center!

The first step to making huge changes is realizing what areas need changing, and that's what I tackled this year. So 2019, I am ready to make big steps and big life moves. I hope you're ready too.

100 Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Stocking stuffers can sometimes be the most difficult gifts to give. It is quite the task to find items that your loved ones will like, that are both fairly inexpensive and small enough to fit in a stocking. 

Today I want to cure your stocking stuffing blues, and so I am giving you 100, yes 100, stocking stuffer ideas! 

Stay tuned until the end, there may even be some links to some of my favorite stockings!

1. CANDY- This is the easiest and most loved thing to give. During Christmas, most big retailers sell candy canes full of popular candy. Pick your person's favorite candy and be their favorite for the rest of the year!

2. A book- Choose a fiction novel or an inspirational read.

3. A CD from their favorite artist.

4. Their favorite movie.

5. Fuzzy Socks (Christmas ones to be festive).

6. Small decor items.

7. Bracelets.

8. A meaningful ornament.

9. Rings.

10. A gift card to their favorite restaurant.

11. Their favorite coffee blend.

12. A hot chocolate mix set.

13. Small lotion.

14. Lipstick.

15. Hand sanitizer.

16. A mini candle.

17. Their favorite mascara.

18. A holiday trail mix.

19. Bath bombs.

20. Small toys (for kids).

21. Cute pens.

22. Fun pencils (for the school age kiddos).

23. Mini notebooks.

24. Holiday scented body wash.

25. An iTunes gift card or a few months subscription to Apple Music/Spotify.

26. Beef jerky (I would personally enjoy this).

27. A car decal.

27. A new phone case.

28. Popsockets.

29. Phone Wallets (these are super helpful. I use mine to keep up with my cards. It sticks on the back of my phone).

30. Key Chain.

31. A Thread Wallet (these are seriously the coolest things. They attach to your keys and hold cards and cash in a super slim fashion. Find them here). 

32. Souvenirs from a recent travel.

33. A cool bookmark.

34. Beanies.

35. Mittens.

36. A Tile (this helps you keep up with your keys/phone).

37. A month subscription to Amazon Prime.

38. Reusable water bottle.

39. A customized mug with their initial.

40. A sweet necklace.

41. Small tool sets (wrench, pliers, etc.)

42. A card tool (combines #41 into a gadget that will fit into your wallet).

43. An LED flashlight (this is a quality dad gift).

44. A gift card to their favorite coffee shop.

45. Chapstick (I am always losing this so it never hurts to get a new one).

46. A makeup bag.

47. A small umbrella.

48. Earrings.

49. A small craft kit (kids will love these, and you can find several at Target or Walmart this time of year).

50. A wrist wallet.

51. A badge holder (for the nurses or teachers in your life).

52. A lanyard.

53. A framed photo of you and them together.

54. Pepper Spray (not a joke, this is great for the women and college kids in your life).

55. Laptop stickers (Redbubble.com has super cool ones).
56. A devotional book.
57. Bible journaling tools (fun pens and highlighters).
58. A pretty notebook (TJMaxx always has beautiful designs).
59. Washi Tape (great for the scrapbooker in your life).
60. New paintbrushes and paint (for the crafter in your life).
61. A set of crayons or markers (kiddos will love this).
62. A few new cans of Play-doh (they dry out so fast that a kid would love to get a fresh can).
63. A set of cards.
64. A card game.
65. Dog water bottle (look these up, super cool for dog owners).
66. A car freshener.
67. Wax melts.
68. An apple watch band.
69. Bible tabs.
70. Nail polish.
71. Face masks.
72. Travel size dry shampoo.
73. Packing cubes.
74. A Passport holder.
75. Their favorite gum.
76. Small stuffed animals.
77. Hair ties (because everyone loses those).
78. Bobby pins (because everyone also loses those).
79. Small travel band-aids.
80. Luggage tag.
81. An ice scraper for their car (no one has time to let their car defrost).
82. Manicure sets (nail file, nail clippers, etc).
83. Matchbox cars (for little boys).
84. Hairbows (for little girls).
85. Travel hot sauce bottles.
86. Travel cosmetic bottles. 
87. New headphones.
88. Paint pens (for the crafter).
89. Their favorite individual coffee creamers.
90. A cleaning cloth for their laptop or phone.
91. A phone screen protector.
92. A pack of bible verse cards (you can find some beautiful ones from The Daily Grace Co.).
93. New expo markers (for the teacher in your life).
94. A small succulent.
95. A cord clip for their desk.
96. A plant growing kit. (I bought some super small ones for sunflowers and daisies from the Target dollar section once).
97. A book light (it attaches to their book pages for easy reading at night).
98. A mini planner.
99. A pack of tissues (sounds like a terrible gift, but actually very handy).
100. A car sauce holder (seriously, these are great. find them on amazon).

Woohoo!! Now you have 100 ideas to fill your family's stockings with! 

BONUS: My favorite stockings!

This Christmas sweater stocking is a cozy addition to your mantle. I love the stitching on this one! Find it at this link: CLICK ME!

Some years I am looking for a more natural Christmas vibe, and these burlap ruffle stockings add to that look perfectly! Find them here: CLICK HERE!

These stockings are such a fun spin on traditional stockings! The mitten shape is so unique and fun! Find them here: CLICK ME!