Work Wardrobe: Pleats Please

I love this clearance find of mine.  I found this dress at Kohls (of course) from the fantastic Catherine Malandrino line that I gave rave reviews to last year.  See the full review here.

This dress gives a hint of sexy in the length, a pinch of interest in the offset and over-sized buttons, and a Fall/Winter vibe in the fabric and color.  Most importantly, its the pleats.  (Anchorman fans, I will give you a minute to quote the movie.  "It's the pleats...in the pants...I am taking the back to the pants store."  You're welcome.)

I got away with wearing this to work with tights but I was cutting it close!  See my tips here on how to add some extra length to your favorite skirts & dresses!  ~B

Pleated Grey Dress - Catherine Malandrino for Kohls - $12.00 on clearance
Black Tights - Assets by Spanx - $24.00
Black Knee-high Boots - Fergalicious from Famous Footwear

Try these other pleated options!

Apt. 9 Geometric Fit & Flare Dress
$42.00 at Kohls 

Studio Pleated Faux Leather Midi

$110.90 on eloquii.com (it is a splurge but look for sales like 50% off!)

Faux-Suede Pleated Mini Skirt

$32.00 at Old Navy

Weekend Wardrobe: Black Tie Casual

I love blazers!  Okay, they are kind of amazing because they always make you look pulled together whether you are wearing jeans or dress.  They are also flattering.  This two-tone number is black and grey and great all over.  I paired it with light jeans cuffed at the bottom and studded smoking loafers to pull the blazer back to the casual side.  Did a little curling number on my hair too.  The how to is here.  I thought about a necklace or scarf but sometimes you have to keep it simple.  The blazer and tee combo is one of my favorites!  ~B

Two-tone blazer - $35  LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls (also available in white and rose)
Black basic tee - $11.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in tons of colors, I have it in white an olive green too)
Pencil jeans - $54 LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls
Studded smoking loafers - 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