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: Bordeaux Date Night

It is date night in the middle of November.  I refuse to believe Winter is upon us.  So how do you put together a look that is sexy enough for date night but won't give you frostbite?  It's all in the colors!  

Oxblood, burgundy, bordeaux or whatever pretentious name you can find (I mean really) is the perfect Fall/Winter color.  I paired a "leather" a-line skirt with black tights and form fitting top to keep things dressy .  Finish up with a little ankle boot to remind yourself it is only Fall and you don't have to yet wear long underwear underneath every outfit.  

I kept with the pretentious color scheme on the make-up too.  I layered a mauve eyeshadow over top of a champagne base.  I also found a great bronze-y brown lip color to bring it home.  I definitely felt femininely Fall!  ~ B  

Try these options!

Ponte Circle Skirt in Wine Tasting (haha) - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls - $32.99

Short Sleeved Bodysuit in Black - H&M - $34.95

Paris Wyno Wedge Bootie - BCBG - $69.95

InVESTments: The Layering Look

One tip to making your outfit look put together is layering.  It could be jewelry, it could be boot socks, or it could be a great vest.  Vests can be tricky though, so let's navigate through this maze together.  Let B be your guide!  ~B

The Safari Vest

Canvas Drawstring Vest in Arugula ~ $29.94 at Old Navy

A classic safari vest is always a great casual look.  There are so many variations but a classic army green is a no-brainer and one of the "in" colors this season so it will be easy to find! I would pair this with a maxi dress and a killer statement necklace. 

The Moto Vest

Mossimo Moto Vest in Paris Green ~ $27.99 at Target

This vest has a sleek simple silhouette and can turn a t-shirt into a chic layer.  I would layer this with a soft feminine dress to muss it up a bit.

The Tuxedo Vest

Khaki Notch Lapel Sleeveless Blazer ~ $32.62 at Sheinside.com

There is something so sophisticated about a tuxedo vest.  Pair it will a pair of black skinny jeans or dress pants to complete a look worthy of a night out.  If you want to be saucy throw a bustier under there.

The Cardigan Vest

I found this one at Forever 21 years ago and love it.  It is great to still work layers into your wardrobe during the warmer months.  Pick a neutral color so it will work year over year.

B's Favorite Things: It's a Cinch!

Belts are a waist's best friend.  If you are slim and straight, you can use a belt to create curves.  If you are curvy, you can use the belt to show the smallest part of your body.  Either way, you will look amazing!

Here are a few of my favorites right now!  ~B

The Basic Beauty

Double Chevron Belt - Apt. 9 for Kohls $19.60 (available in sizes S-XL)
 How to wear:  Try this staple with a pair of cute army green shorts during the summer or to hold up a sharp (my grandma uses that word a lot) pair of work pants.

The Sweet Sash

Leather Bow Belt - Ann Taylor Loft $34.50 (available in sizes XS-L)

How to wear:  Wear this adorable belt with a sweater dress, tights and matching boots.  It will kick up the cute factor.  Also throw it on over a blazer for a more personalized look.

The Perfect Pair

Pyramid Patent Belt Set - Apt. 9 for Kohls $13 (
available in sizes XS-L)
How to wear:  You can wear them as a pair or alone.  Wear one or both of these belts over a pencil skirt and sweater at the office.  

The Wild Card

ASOS Peplum Waist Belt - ASOS $16.02 (available in sizes XS-L)

Where to wear:  This amazing belt will make anything you own an instant peplum!  Kind of genius.  This is a little black dress enhancement waiting to happen!

The Splurge

Scout Leather Belt - Michael Kors $65 (yes that is camo, only for Michael will I wear camo)
 How to wear: My favorite way to wear this belt would be with a pair of boyfriend jeans and some killer heeled booties.  If you want to go out on a fashion limb, pair with a floral print shirt for a feminine/hard mix!

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

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.