Blazer Boss Lady

#WardrobeWednesday

Blazer Boss Lady

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Want a super simple way to take your boring jeans and tee up a huge notch?!?  What about a work-to-cocktails ensemble that basically coordinates itself?  Look no further than a snazzy blazer.  Every woman should have at least one blazer in her closet.  Something about them makes you just feel powerful the second you put one on.  They are the perfect layering piece, irresistibly comfy and very chic.  You could always select a neutral colored blazer – which would be cost efficient and smart.  OR you could select a vibrant one that will take your style cred way on up.  Here are three vibrant options that will take you from just another day at the office to Who’s That Girl?!?

Pink POP

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BLAZER: Boutique find but similar HERE; JEANS: H&M

This is an excellent look for work.  Chic but still professional.  I paired a simple white camisole with structured skinny jeans, a statement bag and some jazzy heels.  For work you could tone down the heels a bit by substituting a classy nude pump but why not have fun with fashion?

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BAG: Francesca’s – old, but similar HERE; SHOES: These were a Prabal Gurung for Target moment that are now only available on trade sites or eBay HERE

Jacquard Blazer Moment

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LONGLINE BLAZER: Banana Republic; WHITE JEANS: NY&Company – SOHO Jeans

Jacquard is all the rage.  It’s everywhere right now.  Dresses, pants and yes, blazers.  Jacquard is a type of material that has a beautiful raised texture and typically a nice shimmer to it.  I paired an eggplant patterned jacquard longline blazer with white skinnies (yes, you can wear white all year now) and some statement heels.  Traditionally, I suggest only wearing one true “statement” piece but when I put this blazer with those heels I made an exception.

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SHOES: Forever21

Night Out on the Town

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SEQUIN JACKET: Forever21 – old, Similar HERE and HERE

This look is perfectly suited for cocktails with co-workers, friends or dinner with your main man.  The sequin texture kicks up the dressy factor while the jeans tone down the overall look.  I paired gold pumps in the same hue of the blazer to tie the look together.  One other tip for after work looks – if you wore your hair down for work, throw it up in a dressy bun for dinner after.  If you wore your hair up for work, let it down in loose waves for a night out.  This makes it seem that you completely transformed your look when in reality you made very little effort to change your look.

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JEANSH&M; SHOES – old, but similar HERE and HERE

Do you have a blazer in your closet?  What piece in your wardrobe makes you feel powerful?

It’s a Plaid Plaid World

#WardrobeWednesday

It’s a Plaid Plaid World

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If you’ve picked up any magazine or watched any entertainment news over the past few months you have most definitely noticed some plaid.  A lot of it.  Plaid has been the trending pattern for the fall / early winter.  I happen to love the print and wear it whenever I can.  This post will show you three ways to rock the look:  A casual look, a dressy-cazsh look and a dressy-ish version.

CASUAL PLAID LOOK

This look would be great for a weekend at the park, tailgatin’, shoppin’, pretty much anything.  The best part about plaid is the comfort.  It literally feels like you are wearing a blanket.  Try a plaid shirt today!

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SHIRT: Old Navy – old, similar HERE and HERE; JEANS: NY&Company;

BELT: old, similar HERE; BOOTS: Old, similar HERE

DRESSY-CAZSH LOOK

This look would be perfect for brunch, date night, cocktails, etc.  The options are endless with this outfit because you’ve kicked it up a notch with the fringe booties and monogrammed bag.

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SHIRT: Polo – old but similar HERE; JEANS: NY&Company SOHO Jeans

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BAG: Initial Outfitters; BOOTIES: Forever21 -old but similar HERE and HERE

DRESSY-ISH LOOK

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DRESS: Forever21; BELT: Old, but similar here – NY&Company; BOOTS: Old, but similar HERE

So, do you like plaid?  If so, which look fits your personality / style profile best?

Houndstooth and Side Ponies for Life

#WardrobeWednesday

Houndstooth and Side Ponies for Life

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I am not sure if I can identify any pattern that is more beautifully classic than houndstooth.  We already know that black and white are considered staple colors for every lady.  Houndsooth is simply the most divine expression of black and white if I do say so myself.

In my book, sassy side ponies are classic staples as well.  A sideswept ponytail is the perfect combo of a touch of class mixed with a touch of sass.  Here I went for a two-fer of classy sass by pairing houndstooth with a side pony.

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TURTLENECK BODYSUIT NY&Company / other options: HERE and HERE; SKIRT – H&M

With this look, my skirt is really the focal point of the outfit.  So, I opted for a turtleneck and black tights to allow the houndstooth to take main stage.  I have to share one of my fashion pet peeves: shirts that will not stay tucked in!  Throughout my years as an attorney, my daily uniform consisted of button up shirts and suits.  I would literally sit at my desk throughout the day re-tucking my shirt countless times!  It caused so much frustration.  Then, I discovered the bodysuit.  Yes, just like the ones from the 80s.  They are back and they are better than ever!  Ladies, if you have not discovered bodysuits, please do yourself a favor and explore this ingenious gift to women.  Bodysuits are designed like bathing suits in a way.  They snap creating a smooth / un-tuckable look for the whole day.  Peace of mind.  Effortless chic-ness all day long.  My kind of purchase.

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NECKLACE: Forever21 – old; Similar one HERE and HERE

Turtlenecks are the perfect canvas for a statement necklace.   In fact, they scream for something to add a little pizazz.  This silver / black rhinestone piece seemed like a nice addition to the ensemble.

For the cherry on top I added a red bag.  Another thing I love about houndstooth is the ability it has to make solid colors POP like no other print.  I love mixing reds, pinks, blues and even limes with houndstooth.  You are truly headed for a fashion moment when you get just the right combo of the two.

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BAG – Sorry to disappoint, but NO it is not a Hermes.  Boutique find.  But similar HERE

What patterns get you giddy?   What statement pieces are your favorite to add to a look?

Belle at the Ball

#WardrobeWednesday

Belle at the Ball

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Who doesn’t love to get all dolled up and feel like a star for an evening every now and then?  Think Prom but as an adult!  Recently, my hubby invited me to a work function that was “black tie.”  I was immediately elated and befuddled.  Fashion quandary!  What kind of gown do you wear in the middle of winter?  I searched through my closet and found all the trusty old prom and formal gowns.  The following thoughts filled my mind:  Nope.  Not gonna happen. What was I thinking?  The sequins, oh my!

As an adult and mother of two I needed something subtle, classy and frankly, warm.  It’s February for goodness sakes!  Enter: long sleeved eyelash lace crop top paired with a fuchsia ball gown skirt.  Completely on trend and comfortable as well.

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MAKEUP: FoundationPowder, BlushEyeshadow, MascaraLip Liner, Lip Gloss,

Makeup Tips (1) Use Touch-up concealer under your eyes to create a fresh / un-tired / even-though-really-secretly-I’m-exhausted look.

(2) Even if you do not have oily or problematic skin, consider using oil-free or even acne preventative products.  Investigate products before using them, always making sure to look for the products using the least amount of preservatives and unhealthy additives for your skin.

(3) Don’t forget to change your foundation and concealer with each season.  Depending on your tan / pigmentation each season the color of makeup you need will obviously change.  This helps you avoid the obvious makeup line on your chin and running down your neck.

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TOP: Forever21SKIRTNY&Company

I got this entire ensemble for under $75 with coupons and store rewards!!!

The lace crop top is a steal for $ 25 from Forever21.  The detailing of this top is incredible in person.

The skirt is from the Eva Mendes Party Collection for New York and Company.

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To kick the chic factor up a few more notches I added leopard print heels.  These are from Express and no longer available.  Although Express does have these available now.  But, I’m LOVING these from DSW.

For your next super-fancy night out ladies: explore prints, lace and skirts rather than the traditional gown for a fun fashion change-up!

What are some of your favorite fancy go-tos?  Do you all have gowns in your closets or have to go out and buy one for events?

Chic Cape Crusader

#WardrobeWednesday

Chic Cape Crusader

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Ladies, there is something you should know about me:  I live for jumpsuits and capes.  They are without a doubt my absolute two favorite fashion items.  Why?  Effortless showstoppers.  When you enter a room in either item, you own the room.  Just by being there.  Today we are going to take a look at one of my fave trending items: the cape blazer.  This little gem is a must for a wardrobe.

The thing I love about a cape blazer is you look like you just walked off a Paris runway and really you just put on a jacket.  This style also works with any body type: SCORE!  While offering you just enough warmth, they double the use by offering you twice the amount of style.  Plus, you can dress a cape blazer up or down.  You can actually find very affordable options and various colors / styles.

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BLAZER: I am wearing a less pricey option and you can find it here in various styles and colors: Charlotte Russe – Here ;

Pricier option: BCBG – Here

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TURTLENECK: New York & Company – Here

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SKINNIES: New York & Company – Here

Today I have styled my off-white cape blazer with a keyhole turtleneck, skinnies and heels.  I even threw in a gold quilted “Chanel-esque” handbag and pearls to really kick the “chic-factor” up a notch.  You could delete these items and instantly make the look less dressy.

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PURSE: Forever21, but similar: Here

PEARLS: Charming Charlie

SUNNIES: Not exact, but great inexpensive pair at Target: Here

NOTE ABOUT SUNNIES: As a fashion tip, I never invest any of my wardrobe budget on sunglasses.  I buy three pair at the beginning of Spring each year for $ 10 or less at either Target or Forever21.  They last me the entire year.  If I lose a pair, I am only out $ 10.  If you must spend a little extra to have prescription sunnies, I completely understand.

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SHOES: We have all seen the insanely gorgeous Valentino studded heels all over the internet.  It seems that every single celebrity has them in every single color.  I wanted to partake in the trend but not the price.  Look at the awesome deal I found: Here

This ensemble would be perfect for brunch, a casual dinner or a night out with friends.  It could serve as very nice casual work wear, date night, movie night, after-work function, the options are endless…

The world is your runway, girlfriend!  Grab you a cape blazer and strut your stuff!