59 Days of Style Day 34: Putting Together an Outfit

On my way to a birthday party that may be outdoors, may be in, and may include bowling. Layering is a must in these situations, so I though I would run through how I put my outfit together.

Step One: Base

Often people look at an outfit and don't realize there are foundational pieces playing the supporting role. Here I am with my stretchy black, $7 tank from Target, the black leggings from Guess pulled over knee-high striped thick socks. Always put your socks on before your leggings. These are a great pair because they are thick and comfortable and keep me warm. Who wants to highlight lumps and bumps? I don't! Having tight fitting clothes with some stretch in them help smooth out the surface for the other clothes to be able to glide over.

Step Two: Makeup & Hair

I love red lipstick! When I do my makeup, I always start with the area that I'm highlighting. Here I started with my lips then did the rest of my face to compliment my lips. Always stick to one focus area. Heavy eyes, cheeks and lips will make you look dated and overdone. My red lipstick trick is using a lip-liner and lip stain. Put it on, then dab it off with a tissue, then repeat. This will help set the stain so your color will last. I also recommend checking with a friend or a makeup professional to make sure the red you chose goes well with your natural coloring.

Step Three: Fun Top

Having a short-waist and inverted triangle body shape, it is crucial for me to wear long tops. This top is a fun, thick-knit with sequins across the shoulders. I would be comfortable in this if I were to get too hot bowling and still feel like I was in a party outfit. To elongate my legs, I added my black boots.

Step Four: Pulling it Together with a Jacket

Adding a jacket gives a bit more style and warmth to the outfit. I'm a big fan of my Ann Taylor denim motorcycle jacket (Day 5, Day 6, Day 19), the detail around the waist leads to a clean silhouette.

Step Five: Scarf!

On my way out the door, I grabbed this black scarf to accessorize and add a bit more warmth to my outfit. Minh Le, my stylist, encourages the use of scarves and I agree! Before my wardrobe overhaul I rarely ever wore scarves, now they often find their way into my outfits.

Have fun putting outfits together. Always remember to build a foundation for each outfit.

Peace, love and joy
Erin

59 Days of Style Day 20-26: Cardigans-Tanks

 My original idea was to showcase the different cardigans I wore Saturday-Monday, however, I didn't get a chance to blog! So here is my catch-up blog.

Forever 21 cardigan with black F21 tank and cuffed jeans (Day 11). This cardigan has the same odd "wing" style as the one I wore on Day 12. Even though it looks strange on a hanger, it is flattering and easy to wear; a nice, shear option for those not-cold-not-hot-days.

What to wear hanging out with friends and going wine tasting? I wanted something pretty, stretchy, lightweight and all-over comfortable. Black leggings with a white tank can be the base of many wonderful outfits. The cardigan is Anne Taylor and the skirt, you guessed it, Forever 21! I LOVE adding a unique necklace to most outfits. This one was given to me by a friend Ellie for my Birthday.

After a busy weekend, I wanted to be comfortable. You should know these black Guess leggings by now, they are an easy go-to item. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, black flats was a must. The tank top is the same long black one from Forever 21 and the cardigan I wore in Venture on Day 7. I didn't know how much I liked these vintage beads until I started looking through all of these photos of me wearing them! They came from Love Fox Vintage in Ventura. Be happy, Love Fox has an etsy shop!

Going to Disneyland and didn't want to get a sunburn, so I wore a long sleeve top (Day 10) over a black tank and my Gap skinnies (Day 13 and Day 18). My friend asked me if I took a picture of my outfit before going to Disneyland; of course I did! It's the blogging that takes time, not the photos, as you can tell by their amazing quality ;)

HOT! Yesterday was the first of an unexpected heatwave. I began reaching for a plan tank to pair with my "custom" cut offs when I remembered I am being held accountable to my outfits by this blog. Alright, so the goal is to still wear tank tops, but ones that are actually tops, not undershirts. This is a cross back tank I got a Target last summer, it has a fun flower detail at the shoulder and floats nicely away from my tummy :)

Today! Finally made it through. LOVE this Anthro dress (layered on Day 14) I got for about $30, paired with a little white cardigan and some sandals and I'm ready for the 90 degree weather Dallas Rains was threatening me with. It is hard to see my hair, but I want you all to know I am sporting the "bang french". Easy way to get rid of your bangs and add a touch of boho to an outfit.

Want to free your legs from winter but lacking the confidence? Fake it! This self-tanner is awesome because it doesn't have any harmful stuff in it and it actually has SPF 15 so your, actually white, legs are protected from getting burnt. To add some color to my face, I used bronzer in the hollows of my cheeks and for eye shadow (thought you'd like that little trick).

Happy Summer, Californians!

59 Days of Style Day 8, 9, 10: Business to Casual

Hello friends! After a two day trip to SB my life didn't take a break as I had two days of important meetings on Monday and Tuesday. Here are my outfits for Monday, Tuesday and today, Wednesday.

Here are my two meeting looks. The first was for a more casual meeting with a current client and the other for a big kick off meeting with new clients. The trick to meeting outfits is always plan them out in advance so you don't have to worry about it when you have other things on your mind. I love my necklace from Minh Le, the bag my love, Christine, got for me and my new Forever 21 cardigan. I saw the same looking cardigan in InStyle for $198! It's hard feeling bad about wearing a straight up copy even though you buy it before you know it was designed by someone else. I'll just have to get by with a little guilt and a lot of style. If you weren't aware, chain details are HUGE right now.

Here is me today! Hairsprayed ponytail brushed out and washed. My hair enjoyed the much needed hair mask from Arbonne, so I went curly today. Finally out of slacks and enjoying my new leggings from Guess Inc. with my Forever 21 stripped shirt, vintage beads and Steve Madden cowboy boots. I spent 3 days and went to over 12 stores to find these leggings. My stylist, Minh Le, said I need thick black leggings I can swing as pants. All the leggings I found were great for under knee length dresses but not so much for showing thigh. Guess, Inc had a couple designs left on sale and I was able to find these wonderful leggings. Originally $60, got them for $15! Love a bargain. They do have side zippers on the hips, which are totally cute. When I tried them on I unzipped them first. It took me about 7 min before I realized you can't zip them up after the leggings are on. I took them off, zipped them up, then put them back on. If you take one thing away from this post it is NEVER UNZIP YOUR LEGGINGS.

Can't believe I've already gone 10 days without wearing the same outfit twice. It is so tempting to go back to a favorite outfit instead of trying new things. Love to all!

PS If you ever have tips, suggestions, or just want to say "hi", feel free to leave a comment.