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.

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!

How to Succeed in Color Blocking

I love me some color!  A lot of times we shy away from mixing bright colors because we might think it is too much.  But where there is a hue, there is a way!  Let's go over some tips.

Tip #1 - Start small.  Using accessories to embark on your color blocking path allows you to test the waters before you take the dive in.  Belts, scarves, and necklaces will all lend small doses of color with out overwhelming your outfit or your eyes.

Tip #2 - Look for items that are sold together or styled together in the store.   The dress in the picture above was sold with the belt (and on clearance for $7, booyah!).  Let all of that hard work and styling that clothing brands do, be to your benefit. HOWEVER, do not trust everything you see in the stores.  They aren't all winning looks.

Tip #3 - Use the flash.  If I am contemplating wearing an outfit or purchasing a piece of clothing, I will take a picture of myself wearing it.  If you still like it in the blinding light of that unflattering flash, chances are, it's for you!  If you don't have a flash handy, ask a man.  They are just as honest as a flash!

Tip #4 - Use a jewel tone.  Jewel tones are among the most flattering for every skin type.  Start with a jewel toned color and pair it with something just a bit lighter.  Find some jewel tone inspiration below!

  Tip #5 - Keep it simple ladies!  This is a rule applicable across all styling opportunities.  If you are going to go bright, keep the style simple and classic.  Bright colors can go many wrong directions pretty easily including trashy, juvenile, or just plain crazy.  I don't think we want any of these as descriptors to our style.  Try pairing two bright colors with neutral accessories in colors such as black to keep it grounded.  Add a simple hair style too.  A bun or ponytail is my go to!

 My favorite color blocking moment to date.  It's work friendly too!  (I am wearing black heels too!)

 
I challenge you to at least give color a try.  You will find it can look very sophisticated and invite a lot of compliments because you are standing out in a new way.  Have fun!  - B