16. The Outfit Formulas That Changed My Life (with Alison Lumbatis)

If you’ve been following my blog for a long time, you know that for years I said, “I’m not a fashionista!”

I felt so inept when it came to putting together cute outfits and I felt like anytime anyone complimented me on my outfit, I needed to apologize for someone or deflect the compliment by saying something like, “Oh this shirt?? I just pulled it out at the last minute and I don’t really like it.” Or, “Thanks, but I don’t really know this dress is my style.”

I said these things because I felt so insecure about my ability to put outfits together and I constantly second-guessed myself. When I realized how much I was doing this and how much I wished I could figure out how to put cute outfits together, I finally decided to do something about it.

I started paying attention to what I liked. I began noticing outfits that other people wore that I liked and started a mental checklist of what my tastes were. I also poked around on Pinterest and Instagram and paid attention to simple and frugal outfits that other people posted that I liked. I gave myself permission to try new things. I let myself actually buy some new styles and colors — to try out and see what I thought. I learned about what outfit formulas were. I joined a program that taught me about outfit formulas and how to put together outfits — and then it gave you a few weeks of outfit formulas to follow and experiment with. I kept experimenting and paying attention. I surprised myself so much by loving the outfit formula program and being challenged to follow the formulas. I even got brave and posted pictures of my outfits for almost an entire month on social media and learned so much from seeing the photo of myself and hearing feedback from you all. It helped me to define what I like, it helped me to realize a lot of things I was doing wrong, and to figure out what was working and what wasn’t working.

Now, over a year since I did that outfit formula program, I dress very differently and I find so much joy in putting together outfits. And I know what works for me and what doesn’t. I never thought this would be possible, but it’s true!

And I’m so excited to be bringing on the amazing woman who created this program with the outfit formulas I mentioned that. Alison Lumbatis from Get Your Pretty On is so good at not only putting cute outfits together, but also in helping everyday women like me learn how to dress fashionably — even on a small budget!

We’ll chat about how she got motivated to dress well even when she started working from home, why she created her style challenges, how inspirational her Facebook group is, and much more! Wherever you are along the path to fashion that reflects who you are and shows you at your best, don’t miss this conversation.

In This Episode:

[02:47] – I can’t sing the praises of Google Calendar highly enough. I know it might seem old-fashioned, but it has helped me to be so much more organized and productive.

[06:39] – You can learn more about my process for using Google Calendar from my free PDF download, which you can find at this link!

[07:04] – My book pick of the week is one that doesn’t have that great of reviews on Amazon, but I really enjoyed it.

[11:13] – I’ve never felt like a fashionista, but I finally decided to put more effort into dressing well. Following an outfit formula program made so much difference!

[13:50] – Alison Lumbatis from Get Your Pretty On created the outfit formula program that helped me so much, and she’s today’s guest!

[14:49] – We hear about how Alison created her blog and brought it to the point where it is today.

[17:46] – I ask Alison when she started doing her fashion and style challenges and she shares the interesting journey that led her to begin these.

[21:03] – Don’t know where to start when it comes to putting outfits together? Alison shares advice and budget-friendly fashion tips.

[22:36] – Alison is generously offering a freebie to listeners: her SAHM Casual Wardrobe Basics Builder!

[23:14] – If Alison were to choose five must-have wardrobe items, what would they be, and why?

[28:11] – I answer a listener’s question about where to take the Enneagram test!

Links and Resources:

Twigby (this episode’s amazing sponsor!) Alison Lumbatis on LinkedIn Get Your Pretty On Get Your Pretty On Facebook group Google Calendar Free 7-Day Make Over Your Calendar Course Adrift by Tami Oldham Ashcraft Adrift movie Libby app SAHM Casual Wardrobe Basics Builder (free gift from Alison!) Dare to Lead by Brené Brown Instant Pot This Pilgrim Life The Road Back to You by Ian Cron CrystalPaine.com MoneySavingMom.com YourBloggingMentor.com My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!) Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal@moneysavingmom.com Sponsor Spotlight

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