BEFORE & AFTER (indoor lighting)

When I was in my early twenties (which was a LONG time ago), one of my best friends used to always put in her DIY clip-in hair extensions when we’d go out. I don’t even know how she did it back then because they didn’t have the fancy clips built-in like they do now. All I know is it involved braids and lots of bobby pins. I always wanted to try them back then but didn’t have the patience to figure it out. Fast forward twenty years (holy cow I’m old) and now I can finally wear them too! I’ve actually tried tape-in extensions before…once just on the sides since my sides are always shorter and thinner than the rest of my hair. And then I went all out and got a full set of tape-ins. But while I loved the way they looked, I could not deal with how long it took to style my hair each day so I eventually took them out after about six weeks. So when Irresistible Me offered to send me a set of their clip-in human hair extensions, I could NOT wait to try them!

AFTER (outdoor lighting)

The first step is deciding which color to get. I struggled a bit on which colors to go with because it was just hard to tell the true colors by looking at the swatches online. Plus I had to choose two colors to match my highlighted hair. The underneath of my hair is much darker than the top. Thankfully I found this video and also looked up the #irresistiblegram hashtag on Instagram to see more pics of how the different colors & lengths looked on other ladies. Also, I don’t know about you but most of the blondes I know (myself included) always think their hair is darker than it actually is. I even reached out to the company directly for advice and they actually suggested lighter than the colors I was thinking. But I ultimately decided to stick with my original choices of #10 Royal Ash Blonde and #14 Royal Golden Blonde.

The next step was deciding on the length. My hair stylist (who also happens to be one of my best friends of 20+ years) told me previously to always go longer because they can always be cut so I went with the 16 inch length. The Irresistible Me extensions come in 14-24 inch lengths so you can go natural or full-on long mermaid hair if you so wish.

And lastly, you decide on the weight of the hair. After watching all of the tutorials, I decided to go with the 200 weight because that is what most everyone else ordered. But basically if you have fine hair, go with the 100g weight and if you want a lot of hair go with the 200g weight. They also offer a 140g weight as a compromise between the two.

VERDICT: I LOVE LOVE LOVE how easy the Irresistible Me clip-in human hair extensions are to use. I took these pics after my very first attempt at putting them in. And this wasn’t even all of them! You get a TON of hair so you can really add in as much or little as you like. I personally think extensions blend best with thinner hair or hair that naturally tapers at the ends. Being that I have a very blunt short haircut, it takes a little more work to get them to layer naturally. My second attempt didn’t go in as perfectly as the first time but after a few adjustments, I loved the way they looked. I am really impressed with the hair quality…especially for the price point. It is human hair so you can style it just as you would your normal hair. Also, another great tip…if you are going to curl your hair, just clip the extensions on a pant hanger and curl the hair before you put them in to save time on styling! My only regret was going with the “Ash” color since I knew my hair was more “Golden” than “Ash” but they still look pretty great. I’m actually considering ordering a second set as I type this. If you’ve been thinking of trying clip-in extensions, I definitely recommend Irresistible Me extensions. And they’ve got a killer sale going on right now for Christmas…get 30% off any $160+ order with code XMAS30. I’d love to know if you try them! And feel free to ask me any questions in the comments!

Disclaimer: Irresistible Me sent me these extensions free of charge for reviewing purposes. As always, these are my honest opinions.

Today I’ve got two looks for you from my favorite local shop, Swirl Boutique. But first I need to apologize for my blinding white legs…I swear overnight my skin got the memo that it’s officially winter and I am paler than pale! I could really use some self tanner ASAP. But can we talk about this shaggy fringe cardigan for a sec? Because it is SO fun to wear. It’s called the “Almost Famous” cardigan and I have to admit I did feel a little like Penny Lane in this look.

Outfit Details: Raga Almost Famous Cardigan via Swirl Boutique (call 760-753-0870 to order), Raga Romper via Swirl Boutique (call 760-753-0870 to order), Teressa Lane Necklaces c/o, Forever 21 Booties, Target Hat

For my second look I’m wearing the “Shadow Dress” by Cleobella. The embroidery and fringe pretty much had me at hello. Now the tough question…which one to wear out for my annual holiday girls night out?

Outfit Details: Cleobella Dress via Swirl Boutique (call 760-753-0870 to order), Elizabeth Stone Necklace, Justfab Clutch & Heels c/o

The holiday season is in full swing and since giving is always in style, I am giving away this Limited Edition Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Completely Exquisite gift set. The Awapuhi Wild Ginger line is one of my faves and always leaves my hair silky smooth and super shiny. All you have to do to enter to win is tweet me @stylishhwife and tag @PaulMitchellUS (using the Rafflecopter app below) telling us how you are giving back this holiday season. Make sure and use the hashtag #givingismystyle too! Not only will you be entered to win but Paul Mitchell will donate $1 to one of their favorite non-profit charities on your behalf for every tweet sent using the hashtag.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. If you don’t have a Twitter account, feel free to share how you are giving back in the comments. Thank you and good luck.

Have you ever fallen in love with a dress and then looked at the price tag and decided it isn’t worth it for a special occasion dress? Yeah, me too. Enter…The Stylist LA. The Stylist LA is a website that allows you to borrow dresses just like this one for a fraction of the cost of buying the dress. I have had my eye on this dress FOREVER but knew that I wouldn’t really get my “cost per wear” out of it so I never purchased it. Plus, it’s on the shorter (ok, really short ;)) side but I figured NYE is right around the corner so what better time to give it a go?! Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani still pull it off so why can’t I? LOL.

Outfit Details: Jetset Diaries Sunset Dress via The Stylist LA, Justfab Heels c/o, Kate Spade Bag, Baublebar Minimal Collar Necklace

Need more NYE outfit inspiration? Check out my girls Megan, Kacie, Alex, Jackie and Tiffany below. All of these dresses are available to rent via The Stylist LA. To learn more about how dress rentals work, click here.

Disclaimer: Thank you to Tommy Hilfiger, only at Macy’s for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Hey there. Remember me? You know, the girl that was warning you about how many weekends you have left to shop for Christmas gifts? Well, guess who has been procrastinating? ME! Thank goodness for the Macy’s-exclusive Ready to Wear: Tommy Hilfiger Collection and their huge selection of comfy cozy sweaters, because I found gifts for several people on my Christmas list! This cable knit sweater & matching pom pom hat gift set (also available in gray & cream) is so adorable that I came *this* close to keeping it for myself! I also fell in love with the Tommy Hilfiger Classic Skinny Jeans and the Skinny Denim Leggings…the price is right and both are super flattering on. I also grabbed a pair of the Straight Leg Jeans for my mom. BTW, Macy’s carries Tommy Hilfiger for everyone on your list (not just the ladies!). If you still have a few people to check off your list, check out some of my favorite Tommy Hilfiger pieces styled below:

How cute is this reindeer fairisle sweater?!? I know what I will be wearing on Christmas morning. And this quilted lightweight jacket is perfect for California winters. It’s also a great jacket for dressing up casual looks…the cinched waist is very flattering.

Outfit Details: Tommy Hilfiger Quilted Zipper Jacket, Tommy Hilfiger Reindeer Fairisle Sweater, Tommy Hilfiger Classic Skinny Jeans

I love winter whites and this chic zip-up sweater jacket is super cozy without being bulky. You can wear it open as a cardigan or on its own as a sweater as I have here.

Outfit Details: Tommy Hilfiger Belted Sweater Jacket, Tommy Hilfiger Classic Skinny Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger Booties, Tommy Hilfiger Leather Clutch

Just when I thought I couldn’t love this fairisle print cardigan any more than I already do, I realized it has pockets! I think this one might be my new favorite. And I’ve got a lot of cardigans!

Outfit Details: Tommy Hilfiger Fairisle Print Cardigan, Tommy Hilfiger Classic Skinny Jeans

This faux fur trimmed coat is everything. If you’ve been reading for any amount of time, then you probably know that I have a bit of an obsession with army color jackets. I’ve already got three different styles (and a vest!) and now I have the perfect coat for our next trip to the mountains! And you can never go wrong with a classic cowl neck sweater.

Outfit Details: Tommy Hilfiger Faux Fur Trim Hooded Coat, Tommy Hilfiger Ribbed Cowl Neck Sweater, Tommy Hilfiger Denim Leggings

And last but not least, my love affair with ponchos continues! This fringed striped poncho is a major statement piece! I promise you…the fashionista on your Christmas list is going to LOVE this one.

Outfit Details: Tommy Hilfiger Striped Poncho, Tommy Hilfiger Classic Skinny Jeans

“Shop our holiday gift giving assortment from Tommy Hilfiger only @Macys in store or online at www.macys.com/tommyhilfiger“

P.S. It’s linkup Wednesday. Feel free to linkup your fave #ootd below. All I ask is that you link back to The Stylish Housewife within your post. I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing.
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*linking up with The Pleated Poppy