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

B's View: Color Clash

I love finding new and unexpected color combinations.  It is like a silent challenge from the universe...and I say, you are on!  The only way to really find the right mix is to experiment but here are a couple of color combos that I dig! ~ B

Bright Orange and Maroon

Maroon Blazer - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls
Tangerine Tulip Dress - Target Clearance!!!  (try this dress!)
Black Strap Wedges - Bandolino

AND Navy and Black

Black Blazer - NY&C
Navy Ponte Dress - Simpy Vera by Kohls

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