Professionally Casual

In the professional world, many companies have moved away from traditionally professional dress codes, and opting for more casual attire. Many of my friends work in this type of environment, and I recently transitioned to an environment like this. Coming from a professional dress job, this became quite an adjustment for me.

I frequently hear horror stories from my coworkers and friends who also work in casual dress environments about people in the office who wear absurd outfits-far too casual for the workplace. Outfits that range from revealing to sloppy. From tacky to just plain wrong.

While some of these outfits are inexcusable, I can understand why there is such a large range. Casual dress environments generally give few guidelines, leaving the policy up for interpretation. This can result in anything from too low cut shirts to Steelers hoodies.

So how should you dress when working in a casual environment?

Here are three of my staple looks for a casual workplace.

Pencil Skirts and Feminine Tops

Pencil skirts come in all fabrics and colors and they are all flattering to all body types. Pair pencil skirts with flirty tops and cardigans. Add some ballet flats to keep the look casual. This look is professional, yet casual enough to wear out after work to happy hour. This outfit will likely be dressier than many others in a casual work environment, but will make you look polished in case the big bosses swing by for a visit, or a client needs to meet with you unexpectedly.

Shirt dresses

I love shirt dresses. These casual dresses are comfortable, flattering, and so versatile. Sleeveless shirt dresses are great paired with a cardigan and a chunky beaded necklace. Pointed flats or a simple wedge keep the look casual and comfortable. Floral shirt dresses are great with bright colored shoes and accessories. Find some large vintage stud earrings and a funky ring for some flair.

Dark Denim

Dark denim is the best for the work place. Other washes often look worn and old. I love a great pair of dark denim trousers with a bright cardigan and scarf, or a sharp black blazer with a cute top underneath. Great boots and a sharp bag completes the look.

What is the dress code in your workplace? Any favorite casual workplace trends?

Cheers.

Birthday Suit

My Birthday Weekend is here! As I celebrate 27, I am faced with the decision that plagues women across the world every single day…

What am I going to wear?

Last year, I took to the blog to ask your opinions. And this year, I am doing the same! The outfits are similar in form, but very different in presentation.

Here are the options…

Wild Side

This option contains leopard, sparkle, sexy red lips, and of course, my signature color, BLUE. (It brings out my eyes, ok?) The black pencil skirt which is in each of these options is flattering to all shapes. Animal prints are a favorite print of mine. I just love pairing them with strong, bold colors. Which is where I add the blue shrug and pumps. The knot necklace is a statement piece that commands attention, and of course, what birthday girl is complete without her bling? Sparkly earrings and finger nails finish off the look.

Pretty and Preppy

The second look displays another favorite look of mine-the classic preppy look. The ivory tie blouse is classy, yet fun when paired with leopard shoes, a blue shrug, and my favorite black pencil skirt. Bright pink lips and sparkly bracelets will add a bit of fun to the preppy look.

Feminine Floral

The third option is the classic skirt, a black shrug, and a fabulously feminine floral top with ruffles. Pink lips and a chunky beaded necklace dress it up, while I walk tall in my black pumps.

Which outfit do you choose? Hurry and vote! My party is two days away!

Cheers!

Oh, Ugh.

 

I’m officially a fashion victim.

For years I’ve hated Uggs. I’ve thought they were ugly and unflattering and just all around awful. They don’t look good on ANYONE and yet everyone wears them. I always refused to get them. I refused to partake in such a horrible trend. Fashion magazines ripped them apart. Talked about how awful they were and how no one should ever buy them, but celebrities continued to wear them and the masses
followed. I couldn’t understand it.

That is, until I tried a pair on.

A friend of mine had just ordered a new pair of Uggs and they arrived when I was in her home. I immediately turned my nose up at them and told her how disappointed I was that she continued to follow the horrible trend.

Her response?

“Try them on.”

I tried to refuse her offer, but the moment the soft fur touched my feet, I was a goner. I was hooked. They felt like magic. Warm. Cozy. Soft. Like no other pair of shoes I’d ever worn.

I was devastated. For years I’ve made fun of these horrible shoes, and now I wanted nothing more than to have a pair to call my own. So what did I do? I swallowed my pride and purchased a pair. And then another. And another. Yes. That is right. I now own three pairs of Uggs. Two different styles of boots and
a pair of hard bottom slippers. I am beyond disappointed in myself…

…But I forget the disappointment while prancing in my cloud-like Uggs.

*Hangs head in shame.*

I’m such a sellout.

Do you have any fashion trends that you are ashamed to love?

Cheers.

Autumn Trends we Love: Crazy Colors and Walking Wild

Now that fall is here and the weather is about to change, sweaters, scarves, coats, and tights will become new wardrobe staples. We love the colors of fall-the oranges, browns, tans, reds…they are all gorgeous on the trees. All too often when fall rolls around women tend to opt for what they feel is the obligatory fall color palate.

Well ladies, News Flash! The days of orange and brown fall wardrobes are over! Shake your fall looks up with these bold trends that will be sure to keep you warm while you wait for Spring to roll around!

Walk on the Wild Side

Animal prints have been around for decades in fashion, dating back to the Bohemian Movement of the 1960′s. They went from offbeat, to upscale, to tacky, and if worn correctly, they can be chic and fabulous. Pair ONE bold animal print item with a brightly colored garment. A bright sweater with a leopard skirt. A lace trimmed cami with a belt animal print cardigan and jeans. Look for python shoes or bracelets. Find a thin leopard belt to cinch your otherwise demure office looks. As great as these items can look, BE CAUTIOUS! When purchasing animal print items, be sure to look for items that will look expensive. Leopard can easily look cheap and ruin an entire outfit. If you are going to rock an animal print, class it up with simple accessories and classic cuts. A classic pencil skirt in a bold print is sure to turn heads.

Jewel Tones

The hot colors of fall 2011 are Mustard Yellow, Jade Green, and Cobalt Blue. Warm, rich, jewel tones take the fall pieces and cuts you love to the next level. A blue jack or a yellow fall skirt, (of course, paired with FABULOUS tights) can help you from being bored with all of the browns and reds you are surrounded with this fall. Add some dark, royal purple and you are sure to stand out! Jade green is flattering to most skin and hair tones. It is an easy color to wear and compliments to many other colors. Yellow, purple, and orange all look great with jade. Don’t be afraid of colors! This leads perfectly into the next HOT trend of the fall:

Bold, bright, bottoms

Bright pants are all the rage in 2011. Red pants. Blue pants. Yellow Pants. You name it. It’s out there. Whether you choose to wear jewel tones or a warmer shade, be sure to snag at least one pair of bright, bold pants to pair with your traditional, plain tops and jackets. Finish the look with a great bag and booties and you will take fall by storm!

What is your favorite bold fall look?

Cheers.

Autumn Trends We Love: Pretty in Preppy

Each year when fall rolls around and the leaves begin to change, I automatically find myself gravitating towards preppier clothing than I wore all year long. The bows, cardigans, and tweeds all call out to me. Here are a few preppy staples-each with a bold twist-to keep you pretty in preppy now that Autumn is upon us!

[Funky] Tights

Tights are a great way to wear summer skirts and dresses into the cool, crisp days of fall. But say good-bye to the tights of the past, and hello to funky, colored, and patterned tights that spice up every wardrobe. Every preppy girl has her basic gray, black, and white tights, but in recent years tights have become cooler and funkier than ever. They are no longer just to keep your bare legs covered in the cold. The tights of today are just as fabulous as the shoes, purses, and jewelry used to accessorize and fabulous outfit. Whether you opt for a bright pair of yellow rights with a tweed mini, or a pair of hounds tooth patterned hose with your favorite suit for your meeting at work, these tights can be dressed up or down with ease.

Polka Dot [Prep]

I have always loved polka dots, so of course I was beyond excited to see them in so many fall lines for 2011. The polka trend has hit and I am LOVING the feminine touch it adds to preppy looks. Flowy blouses with ties, pencil skirts, and scarves are all punched up a bit when splashed with this trend. Be bold and wear a bright, spotted blouse with your plain, professional suit. Add some whimsy to a date by rocking a dotted skirt. Keep your neck warm with a darling polka dot scarf. Rock a red lip to take the look from trendy to vintage-chic.

Office Wear [Evening Flair]

Too often we shop for items with one purpose in mind. “This skirt will work for the office/happy hour/girl’s night.” etc. I love preppy, clean office wear, that can be easily converted into an evening look for cocktails, happy hour, networking, or date night. Preppy looks can easily look funky by taking traditional shapes and fabrics, and adding a punch of color or bold accessories. Gray and black tweeds always look fabulous with color. Add pink, yellow, blues, green. It all works! You can accessorize with traditional pearls, or add a large flower pin a la Carrie Bradshaw. Or a belt with a large bow to tie the look together. Office wear has evolved over the years and bright colors, funky shoes, and a little bit of fun is totally acceptable! Look fabulous in the office for your 9-5 and then walk into your evening activities with confidence that your preppy look is not only classy, but also fabulous.

What are your favorite preppy looks?

Cheers.

Summer Wardrobe Staples

The sun is finally shining and summer is right around the corner. It is that time of year when you move all of your sweaters to the back of the closet, only to be seen again in the fall, which is so very far away. If you are anything like me, when you perform your seasonal closet reorganization, you immediately feel  as though you have nothing at all to wear. Your clothes from last summer look dated and old. They simply will not do for the upcoming summer. What’s a girl to do?

While stocking up your summer wardrobe, be sure to stock up on these three looks that will withstand the test of time. These looks will last for summers to come with a few minor tweaks and adjustments.

Solid Color Cotton Maxi Dress

The maxi dress is an obvious summer staple. It’s casual, cool feel can easily be transformed from day to night with a few simple adjustments. It can be worn on the beach or on a dinner date. To the movies, or to the grocery store. A simple maxi dress is flattering to all body types. A lightweight cotton maxi is comfortable on the hottest of summer days.

For a day look, wear your maxi over your bathing suit to a beach or pool party paired with a pair of embellished sandals. A simple beaded necklace will finish off the look. For a night look, add a brightly colored open weave, cropped shrug to keep warm from cool summer night breezes. Wear a simple wedge shoe and a fabulous silver bangle bracelet.

Nautical Stripes

Nautical looks are clean and classic. They never go out of style. Nautical stripes can be worn on a simple, cotton shirt and sported with preppy khakis, or you can find a fabulous navy and white dress.

Add bits of red accessories and red lipstick…like those bold red shoes you bought but rarely wear. You can also wear yellow with nautical looks to make the navy blue really pop.

Large Neutral Bag

Put that winter purse away! Black bags are a staple to any wardrobe, but for summer, you will need something a little brighter. A large summer bag is essential for those long picnic days. You know the ones. Where you leave the house early in the day for one social outing, and spend the entire day making appearances at graduation parties, BBQs, and family reunions all day until the sun sets on the final bonfire of the evening. Your little black bag will not carry the necessary items to survive those long days: fabulous sunglasses, sunscreen (sunburn is NOT sexy!), your Ipod (set to play your summer playlist), a bottle of water to keep hydrated, and everything else a classy and fabulous girl needs.

The perfect summer bag is lightweight, light-colored, and big enough for all of the above items. A neutral colored bag is best, because every girl needs a staple bag that goes with everything. Those fun, brightly colored bags are not for everyday, but your staple bag is the one you can pick up and go, no matter what you are wearing.

What other summer essentials will you be stocking up on?

Cheers.

Pumps and Platforms and Purses, OH MY!

I know I am behind the bandwagon on this one…but I FINALLY joined ShoeDazzle. Here is my review of the shoe club started by Kim Kardashian in2009…

I love shoes. What girl doesn’t? There are few things more delightful than a new pair of fabulous pumps. That fresh smell of leather. New soles without dirt on the bottom. Heels in perfect condition. Just beautiful. Ready to take you wherever you need to go. My heart skips a beat just thinking about my dream of having an entire closet devoted to my shoes.

Of course when I heard about ShoeDazzle by Kim Kardashian, I was intrigued. A shoe club, that chooses shoes for you based on your tastes, and sends you a pair of these glorious gems for only $40 a month? Is this too good to be true?

I needed to investigate. I have read all of the written reviews, watched all the YouTube video reviews, and scoured the entire website to see if this is something I would be interested in. I considered joining the shoe club ever since it’s inception several years ago. I went back and forth on the decision. “Are the shoes going to be good quality?” “What if I do not like any of the choices sent to me for a month?” “What if I do not want to pay the $39.95 charge for the month?”

After learning more about the shoe club, I finally decided to bite the bullet and join. I read many reviews and saw many YouTube videos with people gushing about the great quality of the shoes. I would only be able to judge this for myself if I bought a pair of shoes. If I decided I did not like any of the shoes, ShoeDazzle has an option to request more styles. You can ask them to choose more shoes for you to view, based upon the style profile quiz you take when you join the club. If you still are unhappy with the shoes, they also offer a selection of purses and jewelry to choose from for the same charge of $39.95. If you are still unhappy with the selection or you have overspent elsewhere in your monthly budget, simply skip the month and keep your money. No charge, and you don’t get stuck with a pair of shoes you hate.

I took the style profile quiz months ago and have been waiting for the right pair of shoes for me to take my ShoeDazzle plunge. While I have loved many of the shoes selected for me, I was still hesitant to join. This month, I finally decided to buy a pair. I decided on the Nellie shoe.

The nude pump is exactly what I have been seeking for quite sometime. Measuring up at 4” for the heel with a 1.25” platform, the Nellie shoe is right on trend for spring and will complete many outfits for me. The shoes came packaged in a very sturdy shoe box-very good quality. This box will withstand the test of time in my closet. I like to keep my shoes organized in individual boxes. I will be able to keep any and all ShoeDazzle shoes right in their boxes, and not have to worry about the box ripping or getting banged up. They came wrapped in tissue paper and also came with a travel bag to carry the shoes when I am on the road. Very nice touch!

The shoes themselves are good quality. For $40, they are definitely worth the price. They are made of good material and have a sturdy heel. The platform under the toes makes them very easy to walk in and wear all day, even though they are a pretty high heel. They run a bit narrow, but the length of the shoe is true to size. Once I stretched them out a bit, they fit perfectly. I have been searching for a pair of nude colored shoes that I was happy with and willing to pay for and this pair fits the bill! Nude shoes can be worn with all colors and patterns, as well as with more sleek, black or white looks. They are very versatile and a necessity for all fashion forward ladies this spring and summer. I am excited to pair them with the navy blue dress I have bought for summer weddings.

I will also be rocking them at the office with my black pencil skirt and new white and tan blazer-perfect for a more professional look this summer.They look fabulous with the florals that become so hot once the weather heats up…

…or a plain pair of capri pants and a simple summer top. These shoes will get a ton of wear! Every Classy and Fabulous girl should have a great pair of nude pumps in her closet to finish her spring and summer wardrobe.

Here are a few of the purses, jewelry, and other shoes that appeared in my personalized Show Room for the month of April:

And as a reminder, if I don’t like the choices sent to me in May, I can always skip the month by selecting the “Skip” option, and there will be no charge to my credit card.

All in all, I am pleased with my first ShoeDazzle experience. I look forward to purchasing again in the future. If you are interested in checking out ShoeDazzle, click HERE to enroll in this fabulous monthly shoe club. You won’t be sorry you did.

Cheers.

From Fashion Faux Pas to Fanny-tastic

In the late ’80′s, the world was apparently so lazy that they could not even handle carrying a purse. The many necessities and do-dads that were required for everyday use were simply too much for pockets or totes to handle. As a result, a horrid item called the Fanny Pack was introduced. This kangaroo-inspired pouch was modeled by tourists, amusement park goers, and parents all over the world through the mid ’90′s. The sheer though of the nylon sacks with plastic buckles is nauseating. I just picture families in KennyWood Park, soaked from a ride on the raging rapids, with bad ’80′s hair that has been deflated from the gross theme-park water and black eyes from her mascara running. She would most likely be wearing acid wash, high-waisted, “mom” shorts, a graphic t-shirt with kittens or a tourist logo (picture a “Visit Niagara Falls” logo), and chunky white sneakers with matching chunky white socks.

Around her high-waisted shorts would be a hot pink fanny pack. It’s contents would include her cash, sunscreen, Chapstick, and of course, a tiny comb to tease her hair once it has dried.

Let’s all pause to allow our stomach to settle after that thought.

What if I said the fanny pack has returned? What if I said there was a new fanny pack that is actually, dare I say it…fashionable? Believe it or not, the Fanny pack has returned and it is no longer a nauseating, chunky, nylon pouch, with a zipper closure or giant plastic claw-shaped buckle. Over the years, many designers have created fabulous, chic versions of this fashion faux pas of decades past.

In late 2000, Carrie Bradshaw lead the early return of the fanny pack when she sported this thin Gucci fanny pack with her signature higher than high heels. This was a very early version of the new, improved pack.

The always fashionable Kanye has also been spotted sporting a fanny pack once or twice. Here he is rocking a tiny Louis Vuitton fanny pack.

Rihanna is no stranger to the fanny pack, sporting large ones frequently. Here she is wearing Louis Vuitton and Dolce and Gabbana fanny packs.

Other cute fanny packs include Linea Pelle’s belt with bag, and Kinies Waist bag found on Etsy.

Belt with Bag

Waist Bag

Loving the ruffles on the Kinies Waist Bag!

Would you rock any of these fanny packs? Have you seen any other fashionable fanny packs in your travels?

Cheers.

Birthday Suit

Last year my best friend and I threw a joint birthday party to celebrate our 25th year. Our birthdays are only about a week apart, and we planned a fabulous affair with many friends at one of my favorite spots in town. They created a special drink for the occasion called “The Quarter of a Century Martini,” and many of our favorite people showed up throughout the evening.

The evening did have a twist, though. Much to our surprise, upon arrival we discovered that prior to our party, Pittsburgh Pride was holding an event. A lesbian date auction. In addition to all of our friends, there were several hundred members of Pittsburgh Pride packed into the bar that evening. It made for an … interesting (?) evening to say the very least.

Since last year I threw a birthday party that none of my friends will forget, I decided to throw another one this year! I regret to inform you all that this one will not share a venue with any of Pittsburgh Pride’s events. We will, however, be trying a fairly new restaurant in Pittsburgh for dinner that serves gourmet burgers and spiked milkshakes, then heading to a lounge owned by an acquaintance of mine. It should be a fabulous evening.

Since there will be no surprising private events happening prior to my party, I need my outfit to be memorable! This is where YOU come in. I have narrowed my outfit choices down to three and want your help in deciding what to wear!

The below looks very closely resemble the three options I have chosen. Take a look at each option and cast your vote. The fabulousity of my party depends on it!

Option One-Shimmer and Shine:

The first choice is a black Oxford shirt tucked into a gray, sequin pencil skirt. Layers of chain necklaces and a big cocktail ring will accessorize the look, and black suede heels will finished it off.

Option Two-Classic Polka Dots:

Option two consists of a black, short-sleeved shirt dress with fabulous white polka dots. Black suede heels and long strands of gray pearls and crystal beads will complete the look. Red lipstick is a must with this outfit.

Option Three-Chic Black and Ruffles

This clean-cut, preppy option includes a black, gray and white ruffle button-up shirt tucked into a black pencil skirt, with gray tweed heels,  and numerous sparkly chains and pearls. Simple. Chic. Sure to be a hit!

Thanks for voting!

Cheers.

One of a Kind Fashion for a Cause

“Twenty 4 Seven” bag in “Gunmetal.”

No one wants to show up to an event with the same look as someone else. Who wants to be wearing the same dress as the girl on the other end of the bar? Even the thought makes me shudder.

While I cannot tell you how to prevent wearing the same dress or top as a fellow party-goer, I can tell you how to spice up your look and guarantee you will not be carrying the same bag as her.

Enter Nahui Ollin.  The handbag company produces handmade handbags that are not only good for the environment, but also help developing areas thrive. They set up shop in struggling communities in Mexico and provide jobs to adults in the area. The shops are set up in or near the schools, so parents can walk their children to school, and already be at work for the day. They are produced under Fair Trade and Sweatshop free practices, allowing families to make money while their children are being educated.

“Mary Poppins Medium” bag in “Barcode.”

“Honey Dew” bag in “Splash.”

The bags are made from misprinted or out of date candy wrappers and magazine pages that would otherwise be incinerated or destroyed. These wrappers are provided by Nahui Ollin’s business partners Tootsie, Disney, Hershey’s, PEZ, and Target.

“Candy wrapper bags? Won’t those look like something a 7-year-old would carry?”

No way! These chic bags come in all shapes, sizes, and colors to match any outfit or style. They make everything from the gray Gunmetal collection, to the colorful Floral line, to the trendy Metallic bags. There are bags for going out, running errands, and heading into the office. I want one for everyday of the week!

“ER2″ bag in “Metallic.”

“Mini Poppins” bag in “Metallic.”

I am loving the “Splash” line and the “Metallic” line. And “Gunmetal?” Fabulous! My birthday is coming up, people! Hint.Hint.

Which of these lines do you like the best?

Cheers.