Monday, July 25, 2011

September Party Dresses

September Party Dresses


These dresses are all top contenders for my brother in-law's wedding. I like the idea of a single strap, it adds a nice stylist element. I can't decided if I would rather have something with color or something more muted. Too many pretty dresses to chose from and all are between $33-62!

Ruffle dress
$60 - modcloth.com

Pleated dress
$53 - shopruche.com

Crochet dress
$52 - lulus.com

Cocktail party dress
$48 - lulus.com

Pleated dress
$47 - shopruche.com

Reversible dress
$45 - modcloth.com

One shoulder evening dress
$33 - shopruche.com

Friday, July 22, 2011

Dream Work Outfit


I came across this Chloé clutch and had to create my perfect work outfit to showcase it!

Dream Work Outfit


Miu Miu puff sleeve blouse
$480 - bluefly.com

Proenza Schouler twill pants
$275 - lagarconne.com

Jimmy choo shoes
$665 - nordstrom.com

Chloé clutch bag
$1,465 - net-a-porter.com

Chloé round sunglasses
$355 - couture.zappos.com

Steve Madden Oxfords

Versatile shoes are a must, especially when you have a tight budget or don't want to overcrowd your world with hundreds of shoes. I recently purchased Steve Madden's Oxford Trousers and they have quickly become my most worn shoe.
These shoes are wonderful because they can take the place of flats, being simple and cute. There is elastic holding the tongue to the shoe so the laces are optional. 

If you are wanting to work the current menswear style but don't want to buy a whole new wardrobe, adding these tailored oxfords is easy alternative.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Mascara, Mosscara?

Ever since I first swiped mascara along my eyelashes for a play when I was 9 I've been obsessed with the stuff, begging my Mom to allow me to wear mascara until she finally gave in when I was 11. Mascara has been my one "don't want to be caught with out it" beauty product. Thankfully, colored mascara was big when I was 11 and 12 so I usually had green or blue eyelashes which made me look more silly than trashy. Since I was young, I wasn't wearing any powder on my face so the mascara would quickly bleed all over my bottom lids. At that point, my Mom had me start wearing waterproof mascara. Through the age of 24 I was wearing drug store mascara that made my lashes short and dry or thick and chunky.

After switching to Arbonne, a botanically based product, I noticed my lashes got a lot longer! Being that I just ran out of my Arbonne mascara, I decided to look around at other botanically based mascaras and came across Aveda's Mosscara
I love it! The mosscara goes on creamy and clean, even the first time. What makes it unique is they use Iceland moss and other pure plant extract, hence the "moss" in the title.

If you've always stuck with cheap mascara, treat yourself to a botanically based mascara. Being that mascara is applied to the eye, and sometimes gets in the eye, it is important to chose products that are really safe.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Wearing a Vest in the Summer: Three Outfits from One Vest

My friend, Loreal, and I were complaining about how hard it is to dress in outfits during summer. Both of us crave layering like we would die without it. If an outfit cannot be adorned with cardigans, leggings, and scarves, then it just is not an outfit. Likewise, when you are in the midst of 100+ degree weather, jeans and a tank top are way too boring to accept as an everyday option. My friends, I give you the solution- VEST! Here are three different ways I've worn my vest from New York & Co. during the last week.


1. Casual
My tailored short denim shorts are a summer favorite, I love the length on them! The vest works because I have a long top on and allow the vest to define my waist. Paired with a chunky necklace and gladiator sandals makes this a great option for shopping, going to a BBQ or even a lunch date.

2. Business


Since I have a tattoo near my elbow, it is important for me to have elbow length tops for work. I tried to go to a meeting with a cardigan on and ended up standing in the sun, in 105 degree weather! By adding this vest, I can choose a light-weight top and still look professional. 

3. Date Night

It may be a surprise to some, but I do not take myself too seriously, not at all. I bought this red, jersey knit dress (also from NY&Co) and, while I love it, it is super sexy. It is hard for me to just say, "check me out in my hot red dress!" By dressing it down a bit with boots and my super cute vest, it allows me to still hint at sexiness but not be in-you-face about it.

If you are crazing a vest of your own, I strongly suggest checking out New York & Co. They have lots of sizes and all of the vests are nicely made and tailored. Have fun trying to layer this summer!