Work Wardrobe: Burnt Orange

I love love love this dress!  I found it online, then waited patiently for it to go on sale.  It paid off!  The burnt orange color is great for Fall and Winter.  It's also a great silhouette for work, but is still interesting.  I kept it simple with brown and ivory accents to make the color the star of this look. ~B

Orange Sheath Dress - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Brown Heathered Tights - Spanx
Brown Booties - clearance at TJ Maxx
Ivory Sweater - Daisy Fuentes for Kohls

B's View: How to Add Length to a Skirt in Seconds

We all have those dresses in our closet that are just a tad short.  They don't quite pass the fingertips test.  If you don't know what that is, you probably didn't got to a Catholic high school.  Well let me show you how to make your frocks pass that test with flying fingertips! 

You will need...
A dress that needs a little length.  Try this adorable Jersey Knit Dress from H&M - $24.95

And a skirt that is slightly longer than the dress.  I prefer to use a skirt with more volume but it doesn't have to be!  Make sure there are no buckles or embellishments that will show through the dress.  You don't want to look like you are smuggling things under your dress.

Another tip would be to make sure there isn't too much difference in length.  I like an inch or two of fabric showing but not much more.  That will be a judgement call on your end.  Or you can send me a picture!

This is the result of my black and white combination.  It's like a modern petticoat.  How fun would a bright color be?  ~B

B's Favorite Things: The Crepe Blouse

This is literally the best blouse ever!  I have both the long and short sleeved version and I wear them all the time!  It is better than the stiff old school version.  These shirts are thinner and softer so they are great to tuck into a pencil skirt.  They are longer in the back to so you can wear them with Pointe Pants or skinny jeans.  ~B

They are offered in 10 solid colors including black, ivory, and red.  Check out some more solid colors below.  Apt. 9 for Kohls - $17.99 Also available in petite and plus sizes.

Now for a little fun!  Take a look at these fabulous variations.

Faux-leather Trip Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls - $24.99

Striped Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls $17.99

Hummingbird Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls $17.99

The Movie Star Curl

Whenever I curl my hair, everyone asks how I do it.  I thought I would share it with you!

You will need:
~ a curling iron with the clamp removed, or a curling wand
~ brush
~ hairspray 
~ a little patience the first few times, I can usually knock this out in 15 minutes now

Start with straight hair.  You will start your curl under your jaw line (see picture below).  For more body you can start higher but it tends to create a Shirley Temple look of which I am not a fan.  You can use a middle part or side part but divide your hair so it is split down the back and all hair is off to one side or the other.

Take a chunk of hair and begin wrapping it around the barrel towards the back of your head (like in the photo below...I look happy,huh?).  You will need to go the same direction with each section of hair.  When I am done with my left side, I will do a mirror image of the direction in my right side.

Hold the hair wrapped around for about 10 seconds and let go.  Be really careful once you get close to the end!  It is really easy to burn yourself this way.  I actually like when the very end isn't curled so I leave the last half inch off of the iron.

Your hair will look like this when you are done curling each section

So far you have done pretty great!  I think you deserve a drink...mine is juice....

Once you have curled all of your hair, run a brush through it.  Until it looks like the picture below.  Feel free to use hairspray if your hair doesn't stay curled very well. 

This is such an easy and consistent method.  You should get pretty much the same results each time.

It's fun to pin back one side, put it in a ponytail, or have a deep side part for a dramatic look!  Enjoy your movie star curls!  ~B 

B's View: Getting Rid of Eye Makeup Two Ways

My favorite makeup removing device is by far Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.  They are easy to use and they are really mild.  They don't upset my eyes which is a big plus.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes - $6.49 at Target

But I do run out on occasion and the post shower, racoon look is not cute!

What I do is reach for the nearest bottle of moisturizer.  Moisturizer and lotion are great makeup removers and your skin is smooth and hydrated afterward!  Just be careful because not all lotions work around sensitive eyes.  I tend to stick to a moisturizer because those are less greasy.  I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin.  They also offer it for sensitive skin.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin - $9.99 at Target

I use a q-tip for precision and ease of use.  You can also use a cotton pad if you are trying to remove concealer or foundation.  ~B

Work Wardrobe: Fall for Blue

I really like this color combo (sorry the picture is so dull).  I took a long sweater and cinched it a the waist with a belt to bring it all in.  I also added a multi-chain brass necklace for a little embellishment.  ~B

Navy Pencil Skirt - The Limited
Powder Blue Sweater - Walmart (one of my favorite finds there!)
Rust Top - Daisy Fuentes for Kohls
Orange and Rust Wedges - Bakers (back in my college days, but still love them!)
Brass Necklace - Forever 21
Interchangeable Black/Brown Belt - Apt. 9 for Kohls

Jeggings....There I Said It.

I am not a fan of the jeggings personally.  I picture the light stretchy fabric and yellow threading...and I shiver.  Yes they are comfortable and yes, I can tell they are jeggings.

Well I have finally met my no waist band having, denim made, "can these be real?" jeans!  Formally known as the "J" word.  I was recently shopping at Old Navy grabbing some new work pants.  Yea those really fun and bright ones, my Fancy Pants.  I happened upon this pair of denim leggings.  The material is thick and there is stretch to the fabric but not too much.  If not for the waistband, I would have thought they had a zipper, button, and pockets as well!  

The best part is, they come in every shape and size so you have some decisions to make.
1.  Petite, regular, & tall
2.  Sizes 0-16 or plus sizes 18-30
3.  Black wash  or dark blue (Pictured below: Black wash on the left and dark blue wash on the right.  Both $34.94 at oldnavy.com but Old Navy always has deals and discounts.  Just sign up for their emails!)

These are the perfect jean for those fabulous Fall boots.  You no longer need to origami your jeans into the bottom of your boots or put sock on just to keep the jeans in place.  I think the leggings rules still apply though, I am not a fan of how they are styled above!  Check out my Golden legging rule here.

I have worn my denim leggings several times now and I am in love!  They are flattering to my legs, the dark blue wash (on the right) is a good "dressy" wash, and they play well with boots.  Danny has been encouraging me to get a pair of tighter jeans too and these fit the bill so they are husband-approved!  (Not a necessary perk but a bonus)  I am glad denim leggings and I could finally agree on something!

~B

Part 2 Leggings: Solids and Prints and Leather, Oh My!

Now that you have read my post, Leggings: Tales of the Misunderstood Tights, you can proceed to the next step.  If you haven't read it yet, start here before reading what is below.  
With great body comes great responsibility...to cloth it tastefully! ~B


The Legging Breakdown (break it down now!  And I'm dancing...)

1.  The Solid Legging:  A tried and true closet staple.  I like to stick to dark colors such as black, brown, and teal.  The best leggings around are from American Apparel, no contest.

American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Legging - $28 (In 36 colors)

2.  The Patterned Legging:  Proceed with caution.  Prints can be very fun but stick to only a few colors per pair and make sure you try them on first!  What looks good on the rack doesn't always translate once you put them on.

Floral Jersey Leggings - H&M $12.95

3.  The Faux-leather Legging:  I love this option.  I own a pair and I feel like a chic bad ass when I wear mine.  If your outfit is getting a little to girly or over thought, throw on these bad boys.  There are some great legging options with patches of faux-leather.  Try these patched pairs on, they don't always hit in a flattering place!

Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-leather Leggings - Kohls $26.99

 

4.  The Fleece Legging:  Holy crap, talk about wearing clouds on your legs!  Fleece-lined leggings are just about the coziest thing around.  Pair these with a chunky knit sweater (long of course) to bring it on home.  The coziness factor of this combo will cause you to take a nap and drink hot chocolate, just warning you.

Anthroplogie Fleece-lined Leggings - $18

 

5.  The Embellished Legging:  I am in love with embellished leggings.  I can't afford them, but they are fabulous.  I am also convinced you have to clean them gently with a toothbrush for about three hours.  They are amazing and I wouldn't hesitate to rock them with a long tee and blazer!

I don't have the heart to tell you the price of these.  Sigh.

Part 1 Leggings: The Tales of Misunderstood Tights

Leggings...don't get me started.  Leggings are misused every darn day.  It is so easy to fall into this trap and I have been there too, but we have to stop.  Leggings do NOT equal pants.  Bottom line, panty line, and camel toe.  Let's go over my #1 rule and then check out part 2!

The Most Important and Imperative Legging Rule: Leggings are Tights, not Pants (Say it with me now)   
Ladies, even if you are a size 0, leggings are not pants.  My #1 styling rule for leggings is that your crotch and buttocks must be covered by the shirt/dress you are wearing!  Over-sized sweaters, tunics, dresses are all great partners to a legging and length is everything.

***The one place I don't strictly apply this rule is when someone is working out.  But maybe don't run to the grocery store right after?***

YOU ARE BETTER THAN THIS.

I don't really have any other rules...that solves all other "legging" related issues such as see-through leggings.  If they are that tight that I can see the stripes on your underwear you should probably find a bigger size or better quality legging.  I don't care to see your privates at the Zoo but thanks anyway! (True story)

Work Wardrobe: Neon!

Okay this may be a little much for some people but I love color!  Sometimes you have to take risks, but know how to balance things out.  For instance, I have two pretty bright colors, so I made everything else black.  Also, I have my blouse buttoned all the way up and would not pair it with a short skirt.  The silhouette is more conservative so that I can be more bold with my color choices.

Neon Yellow Pencil Skirt - Target (clearance)
Teal Sleeveless Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls (One of B's Favorite Things!)
Black Sweater - Target (everyone needs a good basic black cardigan)
Black Opaque Tights - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Eyelet Boots - Liz Claiborne for JC Penney (these are my favorite boots!)

B's Favorite Things: The Chambray Shirt

The chambray shirt is back.  Honestly I don't think it ever went out of style, but it has been everywhere this Fall and last.  This is the such an effortless and classic addition to anyone's wardrobe.  Check out some styling ideas for the chambray!  ~B

Denim Tuxedo - This can actually go tragically wrong.  Don't over think it.  Just pair a light chambray with a super dark pair of jeans to ground the look.  I added some leopard print oxfords for some texture.  A scarf would have been a good addition too!

Alice in Denimland - This is a much more feminine look.  I love an unexpected chambray shirt under a dress.  I paired the shirt with a dark oxblood dress, tan booties, and a black leather bow.  Add some tights for fall and wear with leather riding boots for a work look!

Merlot and Chambray - This is a winery approved outfit.  Its easy, but a little dressy.  I added a small gold necklace for a third color. 

Fall Chambray - I love a good leather pair of shorts!  I paired this with boots that are a little darker to again, ground the look.  Top that off with a mauve hat and dark maroon lipstick for a little color.  I could wear this out with the girls!

Lady-like Look - This is my favorite!  Probably because it's girly!  I paired the chambray shirt with an a-line skirt, black booties, and a crystal white necklace.  I thought the curled ponytail gave it a fun vintage look!

Work Wardrobe: Falling for Floral

Fun with Florals!  (If you watch The League you know where I got that, haha)  I am still obsessed with Oxblood or it's more casual synonym, maroon.  Plus oxblood makes me think of playing the Oregon Trail in grade school but I digress (of dysentery).  I really love reinventing a classic combination and this time I played with the fool-proof and flattering combination of the button-up shirt and pencil skirt. 

Instead of a button up I chose a v-neck, ruffled, and floral blouse.  There is a lot going on up top so everything else really needed to remain simple and coordinated.  I chose a navy pencil skirt instead of the classic black.  Top (or bottom) that off with oxblood tights and brown booties for an unexpected ensemble.  The floral print and softer color combos create a more feminine Fall look.  ~B

Maroon Floral Top - Elle for Kohls
Navy Pencil Skirt - The Limited (I have had this staple for at least 6 years and still get good use out of it!)
Oxblood Tights - Simply Very by Vera Wang for Kohls
Brown Booties - a TJ Maxx clearance purchase

Work Wardrobe: Fancy Pants

Today I had my fancy pants on.  I love a good printed pant (see up close print below).  It makes for such an easy outfit because you don't have to do much else.  Grab a color from the pants and complete the look with that color, in solid pieces.  I love mixing fun prints as well but for this pattern, solids were best!  I did add a pop with a hot pink lip color.  I kept my hair and accessories simple and clean.  ~B

 

Fancy Pants - The Diva Skinny Ankle Pant at Old Navy (my new favorite fit for a skinny dress pant, check out their other patterns and solid colors as well.  An office girl's staple!) $19.00-$34.94
Black Blazer - New York & Co. $10 (on clearance)
Black Tee - Essential Solid Tee for Apt. 9 at Kohls $9.99
Black suede heels with bow - Apt. 9 for Kohls (I love these basic heels, check them out with my Black on Black Work Wardrobe edition.
Maybelline Superstay 10HR Stain Gloss in Berry Heavenly - $6.94 on Walmart.com Love this stuff!!!

Fall Trends - Bootie Boot Camp

It's Fall and for me that means cozy sweaters, tights, scarves, and BOOTS baby!  The bootie is where it's at this Fall.  Cheaper than a knee high boot, booties will also make your legs look great.  Let's take a look at some Fall must haves that will boot up your wardrobe!

Booties - Resembling full boots but generally stopping around the ankle.  I will not call them shooties, that sounds like an alcoholic beverage.  Cheers!

The Basic - Candie's Shooties in Taupe - $47.99 at Kohls

These basic beauties come in black or tan and are the best basic.  These are appropriate for work and happy hour.  They look fantastic under jeans, skinny, bootcut, or wide-leg.  The silhouette is curvy resembling a bootie obsession of mine.  The Mui Mui Glitter Booties from last year.  (OBSESSED)

The Wedge - Mudd Wedge Bootie - $51.99 at Kohls
I own and love these casual wedge booties.  They are comfortable but cool.  Cue over-sized sweater and leggings.  Just make sure the sweater covers your actual bootie!  That is a rule of mine.

The Colorful - Ziggy Soho Strut Wedge Bootie in Mustard-$59.95 at DSW
I love this style, the separate buckle creates a dressiness and I love the mustard color.  I could see these with a tribal print black and white skirt or black leather leggins. 

The Chill - The Patagonia - $39.95 at JustFab
Just enough pattern to relax the boot.  You can wear these babies all weekend!  These will be a year round wear but I would stick with leggings or skinny jeans to keep these Fall-worthy.

The Dressy - Carlos by Carlos Santana Crown Dress Bootie - $89.00 at Macy's
Love these!  The fact that the "bow" is relaxed and half-hazard is intriguing and I love the wine color!  This is a great pop against a black or jewel colored pair of tights.  And when your shoes are this fantastic, you can keep the rest of the ensemble in basic black.  Just add a long silver necklace!

You really can't go wrong, but I could go on and on.  Try a combat boot for super casual days or to feel like a bad ass.  Try a peep toe bootie for dressier looks.  Booties are a staple so be smart about your purchase and make sure they are versatile for you.  Have fun shaking your booties!  ~B

Work Wardrobe: Breaking All of the Rules

I was feeling rebellious today.  Breaking one of the most basic fashion rules...I wore navy and black together...and I liked it!  When it is done right, it can make for a seriously chic outfit.  ~B

Navy textured dress - $ 44.80 Daisy Fuentes at Kohls
Black eyelet boots - $40 at JC Penney (last year purchase)
Black opaque tights - $10.99 Simply Vera by Vera Wang at Kohls
Black suit jacket - Cheap? New York and Company, got this bad boy on clearance!