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

Work Wardrode: Show Your Stripes

I always love seeing a successful mixing and matching of prints so why not show you what I can do!  I was pretty happy with the outcome below.  Here are a few rules for mixing prints...

Rule #1: Find the same color scheme to start.  Black and white is a good jumping off point.  

Rule #2: Pick one pattern that is simple and consistent, the other can be a little more bold.

Rule #3: Keep all other elements of the outfit solid and the same color as the scheme.  Minimal accessories!


Give it a shot and see what happens.  If you like what you see, then share it with me on My Facebook page!!!

Black Blazer, a staple!
Black and White Striped Shirt - Elle for Kohls
Printed Midi Tube Skirt - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Strap Wedges - Bandolino

Work Wardrobe: A Black and White Thumb

Spring is here!!!!  It came out of nowhere and I could not be more thankful!  This girl needs some serious sunshine.  Needless to say, I am thrilled and therefore must express it through my style.  I found this great floral pencil skirt and although the colors are muted, it still has a lightness that conveys Spring!  

Here I styled it with an ivory collared blouse and some soft curls.  I have also paired it with a plain white t-shirt for a night out.  Collar = work but scoop neck tee = casual.  I wouldn't mind trying out a bright neon yellow to make the outfit really exciting.

I for one will be looking for more floral prints this year and luckily they can be found all over!  Happy gardening!  ~B

Floral Printed Midi Skirt - Apt. 9 for Kohls $24.99

Ivory Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls

Silver Mary Jane Shoe - Bakers Shoes

Work Wardrobe: Black on Black

Black.  It is simple.  It is classic.  It is easy.  I love an outfit that doesn't scream but still can catch an eye.  You can also have fun playing with textures which is what I did.  The pattern on the left is my skirt, and it has pockets.  Boom.  Then I threw on a long-sleeved turtleneck and a sparkly bib necklace keeping in the black family.  Top it off with black tights and boots for a sleek look.  I wouldn't mind a great fuchsia lip with this look just for a pop, but au natural is great too!  ~B

Black l/s turtleneck - $17.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in other colors, maybe red?)
Black snakeskin skirt - Jennifer Lopez for Kohls
Black crystal bib necklace - $40 Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls
Black tights - $9.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Barbara boots - Now $50 on sale Fergalicious from Famous Footwear

Work Wardrobe: Highlight the Fun

This weather is blah!  The best way for me turn that around is to throw some bright color in the mix!  The shapes are still professional so I can make it work for work!  Brighten up your work week with a fun fuchsia or tantalizing teal.  ~B

Black blazer - New York & Co. - clearance (You can always find a clearance blazer there)
Grey tee - my favorite grey tee makes yet another appearance
Highlighter yellow pencil skirt - Target clearance for $12
Neon feather necklace - Charming Charlies clearance $3 baby!  (If I have the energy to go in this store, I go straight to the back wall.  I always find one or two bargains!)

Dinner and a Show

Friday night I had dinner and went to a show with a few of my girlfriends.  Such a great time called for a fun ensemble.  I wanted something classic with a funky twist.  What would be better than a Derek Lam skirt!?  I also had some fun with my hair and put it in a faux-bob.  The tutorial on that is coming soon!

We went to Frazer's in Soulard for dinner and I tried some pretty amazing food.  The stuffed dates were wrapped in bacon, yeah I tried stuffed dates so you know they had to be delicious!  I ordered the swordfish with a rosemary cream sauce and the mashed potatoes were interspersed with feta cheese.  Everything is made in-house.  And then they rolled me out of the restaurant...  This is a great spot for a fancy date night!  ~B

Geometric Skirt - Derek Lam for Kohls 
Black Shirt with ruffle on shoulder - Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls
Brown Booties - TJ Maxx clearance find

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

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

B's Favorite Things: Grey T-shirt

Danny and I were shopping at H&M (which now has a website for the USA!) when he picked up a plain grey tee for $5.  He wore it once and on the second round of washing it met the unforgiving heat of the dryer.  Oops.  But don't be too sad because I have a new grey tee now!  It is quite the multifunctional piece.  This is how I wear it.

Girly Grey:  The tee still has a guy's fit so when I wear it I roll the sleeves up a few times and usually tuck it in to a skirt or pants.  The grey tee is a wonderful foundation for patterns, a bold lip color, or a statement necklace.  If you are feeling saucy, go for all three!  

Girly Grey Look (pardon the amateur photo)

Weekend Grey: When I want to look relaxed but still stylish I will throw on a pair of skinny jeans, combat boots, and a leather jacket with the tee.  Maybe a long gold necklace or patterned scarf to add some pop.  A red lip and aviators will throw you over the cool edge!

Weekend Grey Look

Career Grey:  Yes, I rocked the grey tee at work and yes it worked.  I paired the tee with white dress pants, a silver skinny belt, black ballet flats and my yellow statement necklace.  I left patterns and leather out of it to make a simple and clean look.  Put your hair in a bun for the lady-like touch this outfit needs.

Career Grey Look

Are you running to check your t-shirt drawer?  You probably should!

~B 

***All of the clothes pictured on this page live in my closet.***

Work Wardrobe: All Buttoned Up

It is funny how a bright white button-up can automatically give your outfit a professional feel.  Even if it involves sequins!

White button-up blouse with silver sequin detail: Kohls (on clearance)

Purple pencil skirt with ruffle detail on back:  JC Penney (clearance again!)

Silver skinny belt: Kohls

Throw on a pair of black heels or a even a fun bright color to play with the color of the skirt.

~B

Work Wardrobe : Navy Pencil Skirt

Caution:  The only full length mirror with good light I see everyday is in that bathroom at work...don't judge.

I love this look for many reasons.  Firstly, navy is my favorite color and is always a classic!  Also, pencil skirts are flattering for many body types and add a look of sophistication to your work place wardrobe.  The necklace ties everything together using the navy and gold.  Finally, the tan/nude shoes create an illusion of longer legs.  I am all buttoned up and ready to work!

Navy skirt with ruffle (that you can't see) - The Limited
Cream sleeveless button-up - Simply Vera by Vera Wang 
Navy and gold necklace - Old Navy (it didn't have a tag so I got it for $1.99!!!!  It never hurts to ask!)
Tan canvas pumps - Payless baby!