Fashion Friday : Sparkle & Shine

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New Years Eve is around the corner!

Will you be sporting something sparkly??  

XO

Fashion Friday : Natural Neutrals

Given that I'm fair skinned and blonde, I tend to steer clear of the neutrals.

Actually, come to think of it - neutral, in my mind, has always equaled boring.

Maybe it's the cooler, less humid weather I've experienced over the past year or maybe it's the fact that I'm growing up, but neutrals now equal classy and ultra feminine.  I just love a pale nude pink polish, or a creamy beige blazer, a genuine leather carryall or a slouchy tan knit sweater.  Autumn is the perfect season to ditch the neon and fall into your neutrals.

Need a little inspiration??

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Are you a neutrals or a brights kind of girl??   I'd say it totally depends on my mood, but neutrals don't necessarily mean bland in my book anymore...

Cheers!

XO

Fashion Friday : Fabulous Fall Mani's

Happy Friday Friends!

I don't know about you, but I've been inspired by all of the fun diy manicures I've been seeing all over the web.  From elaborate designs to creative two toned concoctions - the options are endless.

Here are a few of my favorite recent finds...

{Above is the mani I did this week with Julep's Boris & nicole, and Gwyneth. Try the Julep Maven program for a penny using this link & promo "penny" - you'll get two polishes and an add on almost free!}

{I love the gold metallic!  So perfect for holidays!}

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Have you ventured out into the world of wild mani's?  I would love to see your handiwork {pun totally intended...I couldn't help myself.}

Have a wonderful weekend!!

XO



- image via danya collyer

Fashion Friday : The Power of the Tutu

Happy Friday Friends!

It's been an extra busy week but Friday has arrived and the weekend will be packed with fun!  Hubby, Blakely and I are on our way to Pismo Beach for the weekend to visit some of my favorite people in this world.

We plan to celebrate their soon-to-arrive precious little girl, Rylee.  Yes, a baby shower!

In honor of Rylee, I thought today's fashion segment would feature tutus!

I don't know what it is about a tutu, but for some reason, the moment a girl steps into one {no matter her age} her head is held a little higher, her stride is a little longer, her hips begin to sway and a smile reaches her face.  It doesn't get much more girly than that.

Maybe it's because tutus slightly resemble the shape and whimsy of a wedding gown, all cinderella-esque.  Or maybe it brings out the ballerina in us, poise and grace?  Whatever the case, no girl can deny that she's fallen completely in love with the feeling only a tutu can give.

While we can't be little girls forever, we can still have a little tutu in our lives.  Add a few extra inches of tulle and you're ready to twirl!  Check out these grown up tutus... 

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What do you think of the grown up version?  Would you twirl in it?

Happy Weekend!

XO

Fashion Friday: Nine to Five

Happy Friday, dear reader!

This is the last post of my September Nine to Five segment - at least, for now! I will possibly be back for future endeavors. But it has been my pleasure to share my workplace fashion favorites with you, and thank you to all who read!

9-5: Working with Color

Okay, working bright color into my professional wardrobe has been very hard for me - you're reading from Queen Matchy-matchy herself. When neons and loud patterns started becoming popular, I didn't know what to do with them! But after some experimenting, and of course, some inspiration from J. Crew, I've fallen in love.

Here are some tips: if you don't feel comfortable being bright head to toe, color tastefully splashed can be just as effective (see above.) Or, choose one half to be bright and soften it with a warmer version of it, a pattern, or a neutral shade.

 

 

If you're feeling on the braver side, why not try mixing a bold pattern with a simple pattern?

...or just mix it with some layered solids for texture:

Last thing - I'm really loving colored suits. They sort of remind me of 1940s secretaries, and I love anything that puts me in a past era! Here's a modern take...

{all via *J.Crew}

That's all for today folks! Don't be afraid to incorporate bright colors into your work closet, as long as you style it with the workplace in mind. Keep it classy, keep it modest, keep it professional. Wear something that puts you on the right foot for your workday! 

Xo!

Chesli

*Quick note! If you think I'm crazy out of my mind for suggesting J. Crew to you, you're right. Look for J. Crew factory stores and outlets, which are ballparks cheaper than the real deal. Little known fact: all J. Crew stores offer a 15% student discount, and if I'm not mistaken, a teacher discount as well. I am always scanning their clearance sales, which most of my pieces have come from!

Fashion Friday : Nine to Five

9-5: Dress Me Up and Take Me Out! The Work Dress

{via shabby apple}

Hello there from FL, Chesli again for your Fashion Friday!

Probably the easiest outfit to put together for work is a dress...because you don't actually have to put it together. It's like the pop-tart of outfits. It's done in a ding, and I leave my closet singing, glory to the heavens, I'm going to be on time!

{via J.Crew}

But the best part to me about work dresses is that they can so easily transform into a dinner outfit, party outfit, anything-after-work outfit! If you need to, you can always throw on a blazer or cardigan to make it work appropriate, such as with a strapless dress. 

I just stumbled upon the darlingest website of classy women's clothes under $100, shabby apple. Here are some of their looks...

I like to bring a change of shoes, a clutch, and fun accessories to exchange with my simple work accessories. Work dresses make such good bases to build upon.

Kick off your flats and strap on your boots!

 Or dress it up! I adore this feel of old, Hollywood class...

{all via shabby apple}

Would you wear a dress to work?

Happy dressing!

- C