2.19.2013

going with the Tide


i own two of the exact same sweater. well, i should really say that i bought two of the exact same sweater. i still own both of them but they are quite different at this point. 

the sweater i speak of is actually the pink/coral colored one pictured in my first ever fashion post from almost a year ago. at 29.5 i decided to start caring about how i present myself and what my style says about me and how it can affect my day to day emotional well-being. 

that sweater and ombre tank top combo have for almost an entire year held the place of my security blanket outfit. whenever i am having a self esteem spiral or "can't find anything to wear!" i can always count on that duo to bring me through and just make me feel good until i climb down off the ledge.

so imagine my horror when last summer i got my sweater out of the dryer to find that it had faded oh so badly. it was at best a diluted imitation of its original color, and at worst a pastel salmon monstrosity.

i am not very good at laundry.  i always buy the biggest, cheapest detergent there is, dump a ton of it in the washer and run everything on warm. 

*(we haven't dry cleaned one piece of clothing in over 6 years of marriage and if a tag says "dry clean only" i read it as, "DO NOT BUY THIS KEIGHT." 

the few times that i have ignored my own tendencies and bought a dry clean only garment have ended with me wearing it until the stains or pit-smells make it unwearable and then putting it on top of my dryer for about 2 years. then i take it down, smell it and usually 700 days of sitting there have knocked all of the smelliness out of it and i start the cycle again. 

i feel like that's not an ideal system. so yeah: machine washable is CRUCIAL).*

i agonized over buying a duplicate replacement sweater and finally decided it was worth it. the day i paid for the same sweater for a SECOND time, everything changed. 

the death of a garment changed me, y'all.

since then i wash everything i care about on the delicate cycle and in cold water. i don't know if this is right exactly, but i've been burned and traumatized (overstatement?) by losing things i love and have spent money on, just to have them fade or become permanently stained after a few washings.

the one thing that i didn't change was my detergent. i am frugal to the max and just kept buying the 50-gallon (exaggeration) containers of the no-name stuff. so when Tide offered me a chance to try their 3-in-1 detergent Tide Pods, i accepted, thinking that surely a little nugget of goodness couldn't really be that much better.

best believe some of the syrup glistening on that bear plate made it onto little clothes.


first off: the ease of the Tide Pods is seriously wunderbar. if you recall, our washer/dryer are stacked. this is awesome for the most part, but since our detergent lives atop the dryer, it's kind of a pain to reach up there on my tippy toes and then go through the rigmarole of filling up the cup with the messy liquid stuff (which inevitably drips down onto the pantry floor and pushes me closer to the grave when i see that slimy goop).

so being able to just grab a pac from the bag and toss it in really had a benefit that i didn't expect.

very pleasingly blister-like (that panda peeking out of the machine is about to get slapped in the face by freshness)


okay so then there is the triple chamber design of the Tide Pods that promises to clean, brighten and fight stains better than 6 caps of the liquid stuff (based on stain removal performance of one pac of Tide Pods vs. 6 doses of the leading liquid bargain brand base variant in a standard top loading machine.)  here's where i was skeptical.

BUT in the interest of a seriously honest review, i decided to trust the promise. so i grabbed a bunch of my most vibrantly-colored pieces of clothing out of the dirty clothes, checked them for smelliness (check! my social anxiety manifests as charming pit-moisture) and stains (double check! i am a vigorous eater and sometimes there be shrapnel) and put them all in one load.

i threw in a pac (so much squishier than i had expected), crossed myself (not really though) and set the washer on the regular color cycle rather than delicates.

i am thrilled to say that my ruby cardigan is still ruby. not only are the colors just as bright as when i bought them, but the stains came out completely, which was really surprising given the tiny pac versus the huge cup of liquid i usually use (which still wasn't getting stains out effectively).

i also kept detecting the most pleasant smell. i kept looking around for a charmingly beautiful and nice rich lady who was fresh from a mountain glade. i eventually realized this smell was coming from ME! the scent the pacs imparted to my clothes is so nice and it has staying power.

i think this is the beginning of a beautiful love affair between our stinky laundry and Tide Pods. 

so what have i learned? machine washable fashion is the only way i roll and Tide's 3-in-1 detergent pacs, the only 3-chamber unit dose on the market, are the easier and more efficient way to keep my style fresh and bright. 

pop in a whole new kind of clean with Tide Pods.

with spring around the corner (at least in schizo georgia where we are sure to get a 75 degree day in february and at least one 30 degree day in april) i put together a little 3-in-1 fashion magic of my own, showing how i would take just two affordable, machine-washable pieces and create three fresh spring looks.



so yeah, i'm pumped that mint, yellow, navy and coral are an on-trend combo in the 2k13 and plan to rock it every which way. 

Tide is giving one of you a chance to beef up your wardrobe for spring with $100!!

*giveaway now closed! Jessica To is our winner!

Tell me about something in your wardrobe that's versatile and provides 3-in-1 style. By leaving a comment, you'll be entered for the chance to win a Visa gift card for $100. Pop In. Stand Out.

Rules
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
  2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion, including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post.
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
  4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 2/19/13 – 3/19/13. Be sure to visit the Tide Pods brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!





110 comments:

  1. My most versatile wardrobe item is my black velvet skinny jeans. I can wear them to work with flats and a silky top and look put together, all the while enjoying the comfort of jeans with a bit of spandex! Woot.

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  2. Mine's a sundress. It's a leeeeetle on the shorter side (but not skanky short). In the winter, I wear it with jeans under it and a cardigan over it. In the summer, it's rocked out with my albino white legs and some accessories. Love it!

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  3. Hi Keight! My most versatile clothing item is a black V neck shirt. I can wear it on it's own with jeans, with a lacey cami under it for a more conservative look. Paired with any number of my scarfs from my stash, statement necklace, under a blazer.... the list could go on and on!

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  4. I have some black leggings that are very versatile. I can wear them with sandals and a sundress for a summer look, with UGG boots and a sweater during the winter, and with sneakers when I exercise.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  5. tweeted:

    https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/303933627958444032

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  6. My most versatile item is an open front black and grey striped cardigan that is longer in the front... I'm sure there is some sort of more fancy name for this garment...
    It goes great with jeans, slacks, or even over a dress!

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  7. I have a dress that I can wear with sandals in summer, with leggins and boots in winter and with jacket and high heels for a night out

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  8. https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/303945147064934401

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  9. My most versatile would be a dark blue tunic I've had for years. I can wear it with everyday jeans or over any colored leggings.

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  10. tweeted
    https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/303944911579922432

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  11. My very favorite, most versatile item is my back & white striped cardigan/light wrap sweater. I can wear it as outerwear on warmer spring days, chillier early fall days,or when I need a little post-baby belly concealment.

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  12. I'm a Wyoming girl and jeans do the trick! Go with everything else in my wardrobe; especially all my boots!

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  13. My fave is a navy & white striped sweater. Easy to dress it up or down! :)
    peachstateme (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  14. My short length white wrap dress. Can be a dress, a tunic to go over leggings, flared/boot cut jeans, or over a pencil skirt. So versatile.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

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  15. 2nd entry tweet - https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/303966741724278784
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

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  16. A denim jacket- can be worn with a scarf in the winter or a cute camisole in the spring :)

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  17. A cute blazer I feel can go over a dress, with jeans, and with dress pants!

    jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com

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  18. I tweeted too!

    https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/303984443801083904

    jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com

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  19. My tan cardigan is very versatile. It can be worn with jeans, dress pants or a skirt and different shoes that coordinate each look.
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

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  20. tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/304004159831691265

    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

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  21. I have a cute black dress that I can make dressy or wear with flats to be casual and it is a comfy.
    reklaw422 at hotmail dot com

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  22. Lovin' your pod post--how is that you can make even stinky mundane laundry hilarious. Genius!

    I'm so in love with my black versatility sweater right now. It flatters t-shirts, tunics and me. Can be worn casual, office and church...best purchase of this season.

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  23. For me it’s a classic button down white shirt, it goes with skirts, suits and instantly classes up my favorite jeans, it can be worn alone or layered under a cardi or jacket, that’s definitely 3-in-1 action right there!


    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

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  24. my dark leather jacket- works with any outfit- any skirt and any color!

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  25. tweet

    https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/304225805976879105

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  26. Blogger ate my 1st comment, I think. My black Converse Chucks! Seriously.

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  27. My printed tank top can be dressed down in the summertime with shorts or dressed up for work with a cardigan and a skirt. I have also paired it with skinny jeans and a zip up for a more casual look.

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  28. I have a black dress that I can wear with leggings, jeans, or by itself.

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  29. My most versatile item in my closet is my black puffy vest. It keeps me warm, but without sleeves it doesn't make me too hot. It looks great over any long sleeve shirt. It's also great for fat days! Ha! ;)

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  30. my old jean jacket is pretty versatile, i wear it all the time in the spring
    thismomwins@gmail.com

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  31. my black flower leggings. I love them, I can create any look with them. I can wear a t-shirt or tank top with them, a long sweater dress, a denim shirt. I can wear boots, sandals or pumps with them. They look good with anything.
    amypugmire@live.com

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  32. tweet
    https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/304382101380288512

    amypugmire@live.com

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  33. I have a dress that I can wear with sandals in the Summer and I wear with leggns in the Winter with boots

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  34. https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/304414179979317248

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  35. My most versatile wardrobe staple is a black 3/4 length cardigan. I can wear it year round with dresses, jeans, and everything in between. Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

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  36. http://twitter.com/MrsMChappell/status/304467129418268672
    Tweet
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

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  37. Heather Hayes Panjon2/21/13, 7:58 AM

    A Shimmery Blouse I Can Wear With a Pencil Skirt, Jeans Or A Pair Of Leggings
    hthr83heather AT YAHOO DOT COM

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  38. Heather Hayes Panjon2/21/13, 7:59 AM

    I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/reinaheather/status/304575887473516544
    hthr83heather AT YAHOO DOT COM

    ReplyDelete
  39. i have a white tank top it goes with everything!

    freebiel0ve@yahoo.com

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  40. https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/304579289456709632 .

    freebiel0ve@yahoo.com

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  41. I also have black leggings that I use for everything from yoga to date night (although that's probably not the best idea...working out in a pair I actually wear...)

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  42. I have a timeless, season-less dress that I love to dress up for dates with the hubs with heels and a glittery belt at waist, or dress down with sandals and a contrasting tank underneath (it has a bit of a low neckline), or wear to work with a black camisole underneath, tights, and a cardigan. Bam- 3-in-1!

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  43. I have a pair of cream, fitted Uggs... not the slouchy kind. They work for casual, day, evening, date... so hot in the snow. Literally :-)

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  44. Tweeted you! https://twitter.com/sendHimourbest/status/304709184119771136

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  45. I have a black cardigan that will go with everything

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    lola_violets_2010[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  46. tweeted:

    https://twitter.com/Giveawayhog/status/304777336262377472

    lola_violets_2010[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  47. My versatile item is a pair of black sequin flip-flops. I just love those things and wear them with everything. And usually a gray hoodie is mixed in there too. Oh yeah, I'm stylin'. ;)

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  48. My cardigan sweaters are the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe, I can wear them alone , as a light coat, with pencil skirts, jeans, pants or dresses all year round. Perfect to dress up and down for all occasions.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

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  49. https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/305904027764408320

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  50. My black leggings

    - under a skirt with boots for night out
    - with a tunic for daytime
    - with a t-shirt for the gym

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  51. bass sneaker
    h& M tee and jean
    navygravy@hotmail.com

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  52. https://twitter.com/Merle0304/status/306437065086734336
    navygravy@hotmail.com

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  53. I love my silver glitter TOMS. They are great for running errands on the weekends, a night out, or even wearing to work.

    whitney.bellows11 at gmail dot com

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  54. A simple black stretchy tee. I can dress it up, dress it down, and layer with it. Love!

    chambanachik at gmail dot come

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  55. my white cotton tee can be dressed up with jewelry or down with flip flops
    nannypanpan@gmail.com

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  56. I am going with my jeans. Pregnant, due in a few weeks and the choices are getting limited here! sonyadmorris@gmail.com

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  57. https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/308366666729918464
    tweeted sonyadmorris@gmail.com

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  58. my leopard scarf! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

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  59. https://twitter.com/scg00387/status/308784219063189504 scg00387 at yahoo dot com

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  60. Black pants and a white blouse. I can dress them up or down or pair with other clothing.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/309105754663690240
    Thanks
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  62. A basic navy blazer can be dressed up or down to suit almost any occasion.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Tweet
    https://twitter.com/clc408/status/309341222751842304

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  64. I have a gray sundress I wear year round and is my ultimate comfort go to!

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  65. I have nothing in my wardrobe that could give me 3-for-1 fashion. Pitiful, huh? Maybe this is why I need the Visa $100 gift card?? :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Twitter.comstatustasgadesmoines309389633089847296 it won't let me paste or put in the slash marks! How annoying is that URL?!??,!! I know, annoying! Sorry..... amyrskelton@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. My jeans, I can dress them up, down, or wear them to do yard work.

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  68. I use my black leggings for everything! For running (really a walk/light jog combo), with a cut skirt in winter and when I am lounging around the house. :)
    Crownedbee(at)gmail(dot) com

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  69. My most versatile clothing item is a pair of nice jeans and a white v-neck tee.

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  70. --->THE GIVEAWAY TWEET @ https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/309492277221392385

    kytah00@yahoo.com

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  71. My leggings provide 3-in-1 style! They go great with anything & can be stretched down or pulled up for other looks! kytah00@yahoo.com

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  72. Tweet: https://twitter.com/jordan_hassell/status/309500783957770242

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  73. $10 cheapo red striped dress from Old Navy. Looks great with leggings, just as a dress, or as a striped skirt with a black top belted over it.

    ReplyDelete
  74. My black leggings. I can wear them with a long sweatshirt, cute short top, or a nice long pretty blouse.
    tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/309805463967502338
    tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  76. My most versatile clothing item would be my open cardigans. They can look dressy or casual. I also love that I can throw them on over my "mommy's been home all day" t-shirts and look like I actually put some thought into clothing for the day!

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  77. LOL...I couldn't agree more. I haven't buy a piece of clothing that says "dry clean only" for ages! That just saves me lots of money. I have a 3-in-1 evening gown in my wardrobe that's versatile and provides 3-in-1 style. I love it. New style to parties without buying new dress every time. How awesome is that?

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    ReplyDelete
  78. tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/310156616349655040

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    ReplyDelete
  79. My most versatile piece is a gray 'weekend wear' sweatshirt from J. Crew. I saw it, fainted at the price, but knew I'd wear it every day if given the chance. And wear it I have! It's cute enough (i know its a sweatshirt, but its a GOOD one) to be snazzed up with a button down, and also serves as my go to lounging shirt.

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'm afraid I just rely on the boring t-shirt: Wear it alone, under a sweater, or over a long-sleeved shirt. s2inamug at aim dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/311499224774742016

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I have a pair of dark denim jeans that I love, and they work with everything! I wear them all year.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I have a pair of black jeans that I wear with almost anything.
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. My sequined sandels match every outfit I have.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Love my black matte boot cut yoga pants – I can dress them up with a sparkly top, heels and jewelry and it’s out to dinner; a blazer, shirt and boots and it’s daywear; a tee and tennies and it’s sporty.
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  86. https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/313018580990042112
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  87. My thin red cashmere sweater goes with jeans, nice pants or a skirt.
    bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  88. My favorite long sleeve black tee has so many different layering options.
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  89. tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/313062734109495297
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  90. my favorite is my denim jacket...with skinny jeans and boots,skirts with flats..with long dresses...thansk
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I have many versatile blouses, I layer them with tank tops and sweaters, pair with jeans, shorts, or leggings, and scarf and necklace depends on weather.
    songyueyu at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  92. tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/313484238773170176
    songyueyu at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  93. Black jeans and a white short sleeved knit top. Change up with boots, blazers and jewelery to dress up or down.

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  94. https://twitter.com/willitara/status/313707299908763649

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  95. My skinny jeans and bearpaw boots!

    pittsy82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/313712921685405696

    pittsy82@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. My black Michael Kors blazer. I wear it with jeans, dresses and shorts year round.

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. https://twitter.com/aes529/status/313751631361622017

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. My fave go-to pieces are white capri's. I live in south Florida and wear them all year, dressed up or down with tops, shoes and accessories.

    mybeachylife at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I love this long black skirt of mine. I wear it all year long. Comfy and functional. I wear it to church, out with friends or just because.
    chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Tweeted https://twitter.com/chipdip2010/status/313837539507200001
    chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  102. A pair of black pants. I can dress them up or down and wear them anywhere.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Tweet: https://twitter.com/njhhb/status/314001768356925440

    ReplyDelete
  104. My jewelry is my biggest style maker. I can go from earthy hippie to modern artist to sparkly night out just by changing my necklace and earrings!

    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/314014987075084289
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  106. My Express jeans are perfect to wear with a jacket, a t-shirt or sweater for any occasion

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/314154898231009280

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. my tan shawl! Thanks for a super giveaway!
    My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  109. Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/314221638973534208
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete