Business Casual With a Twist

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Lovelies! I hope you've all had a delightful week and are looking forward to the weekend, I know I am! Anyways, I wanted to talk about business casual clothing today. As you may or my not know, I'm in the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, and we are required to wear business casual to our meetings. At first, this was a huge challenge for me because my style is just not conservative. However, I've been able to figure out some easy and classy business casual options. It's really great to know how to dress this way because if you want to be successful in any professional setting or interview, a solid business casual outfit is a must.

Firstly, I want to introduce you to the general rules of business casual:

1. No jeans. Even colored jeans.
2. No leggings and boots.
3. Nothing shorter than finger tip length for skirts.
4. Nothing too low cut.
5. Avoid showing undergarments such as bra straps.
6. Never wear things with lots of logos or letters.
7. Think "professional," "appropriate," and "put together"
8. If you would wear it to the gym or the beach, it's not business casual.
9. If you would wear it to a club or party, it's not business casual.
10. Platform stilettos and other sky high heels are probably not appropriate.
11. Think classy! 

Here are some ways you can dress to impress without sacrificing your personal style!

Here's one of my favorite strategies. Find a black pencil skirt that you like and make endless outfits with it. This allows you to buy less items of clothing because once you have a pencil skirt, you can add a variety of blouses, accessories, and blazers to make it an outfit. I would recommend finding a comfortable, high waisted pencil skirt that is almost knee length. I find that peplum style blouses look the best with these; I get annoyed with tucking shirts in. Mix and match your blouses, flats, heels, and accessories and you're good to go! Add a blazer to polish your look even further!

This outfit is super simple and classy. Try a dress that has a boat neck like this one. The quality silk fabric will make you look put together and professional. Make sure to steam or iron it! The 3 inch nude heels will add length to your legs while keeping it classy. Throw on a pair of stud earrings, dangly ones look much less professional. 

Throw in a couple statement pieces like the jewelry and skirt while keeping to a similar color scheme. The golds and pinks will make you stand out in a sea of grey and black! This skirt can still show off your curves while still being appropriate for the workplace.

Hope this helps!!
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a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous

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We got a request about what to wear for a classy dinner. here are some ways to look classy and not trashy when going out with a boy or your girlfriends!

If you are going out on a date here is a suggestion:

• don't try to look "hot" by wearing a tight mini dress and over the top tall heels. i think getting a classy black dress and cute heels is perfect for a first date - or any date. 

all black is always classy. add in a little color to spice things up!

If your going out with your friends, i would make the outfit a little less "hot" and more "fun." florals, lace and colorful dresses make for a classy but cute outfit.

add a pair of cute wedges and watch to complete the outfit!

xx,

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Day to Night!

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Hello lovelies! We've received a request for some outfits that you can easily transition from day to night! This was a really fun thing to blog about so thanks so much for your requests! We're always open to more!

So there are a few common scenarios in which a girl mind find herself needing to make a quick change between her day to day activities and going out at night. Or, let's be real, sometimes ya just don't want to change an entire outfit just for the night. I feel ya. Here are some easy, fun solutions!

The Scenario: You're at school all day, but your girls are picking you up right after to hit the town for some casual coffee and dinner. Then it's off to a kickback! Bonus: That cutie you've been eying in Spanish class just might be there...

The Solution: Wear a cute dress that's tight and, let's not sugar coat it, shows off your assets! Of course you want to leave a bit to the imagination, so don't let it all hang out, but this patterned tank dress will be appropriate with a jacket for class but still cute enough to go out in. Pair it with some comfy boots, your book bag, and you're good to go! To make the transition, lose the jacket, boots, and bag! Swap them for some bold heels and a clutch! (you can still wear the jacket if it's cold, but take it off once you get inside) Also, add some bling! Nightlife is all about glamming it up a little more than you would during the day. Throw on some unique earrings and some gold bangles and you're ready to flirt!

The Scenario: You're running errands all day. Gotta pick up that prescription, buy your mom her birthday present, get your car's oil changed; all that jazz. It's hot out so you're wearing a sheer tank and some shorts. Since you're running around, you're wearing toms. You're hurrying out of CVS when you get a call from your friend. Emergency! She was just asked out, and her date told her to bring a friend. Double date time! She wants to know if you can be ready in 20 minutes to meet them at the restaurant. Good news! You can do it! 

The Solution: Here's the quickest fix of them all. The bare bones of the day to night outfits. All you need to change here is your shoes. My theory with fashion is that you can wear almost any outfit, throw on some killer heels and call it haute couture! Well, maybe not couture... But at least cute! Of course, you can also supplement this with a small change in makeup or hair, which I'll discuss later. One big bonus when using this method is that if you use toms or small sandals, they're small enough to throw in your bag for later. When your feet get tired at the end of the night, just pull a little switcheroo and you're golden! Your feet will thank you.

The Scenario: Let's face it. You just don't have time to change your outfit. Or maybe you don't have access to another set of clothes. However, you do have your makeup bag!

The Solution: Here's what's in your makeup bag and what to do with it:

Use these gentle and natural towelettes to take away all the smudges and damage done to your makeup and skin during the course of the day. Make sure to catch that stray eyeliner and mascara under your eyes! This gives you a fresher look and feel for the rest of the evening. 

Say Yes to Cucumbers Face Cleaner Towelettes

Chances are you've been busy during the day, and you've been sweating. You want to shine this evening for sure, but you don't want your skin to! Use these oil blotting sheets to soak up the oils your skin has secreted during the day.

e.l.f. Oil Blotting Sheets

I prefer tinted lip balm over lip gloss because it gives a more natural look without being sticky or gooey. When I think of kissable lips, I think of lips that don't look like they're covered in an abnormally colored goo that's sure to get all over the place. Also, a tinted lip balm will give an extra kick or "oomph!" to your outfit. If you're feeling bold, try a pop of color that will moisturize while you wear it!

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Make sure to touch up your mascara to make those eyes pop! I often don't wear mascara during the day, so this makes a huge difference for me.

Maybelline Volum' Express Mascara

I like pencils like this because it's a 2 in 1! You can add some depth to your eyes with the same tool you use to frame your face with your eyebrows. It's unreal how big of a difference bold brows make. Think about my favorite model, Cara Delevigne. She's gorgeous! And her bold brows only accentuate her face. Also, to make your eyes stand out a bit more, place some of the color in your waterline and just under your lower lash line towards the outer corners of your eyes. This will create a mini cat eye effect which is subtle but sultry!

Covergirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil

I really hope this helped! Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!

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The Airport Test

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Hello lovelies!! I hope you all are enjoying yourselves on spring break!! I just started mine yesterday! Woo hop! Anyways, getting home was a bit of an ordeal for me... Let's just say I spent 12 hours in the airports and in the air and I had to run through the Phoenix airport from one side literally to the other. Full sprint. Carrying two bags and ski boots. Long story short, I spent 12 hours traveling in my Jeffrey Campbell Lita Espanas. They were incredibly comfortable! I couldn't believe it! Actually, I could because Jeffrey's are the best shoes in the world... But I'd say that after 12 hours of walking, waiting, running, airplane foot swelling, and what not they passed the travel test!

I can't recommend these shoes highly enough. They're super comfortable and worth the extra $$$.

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wurk it girl

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I always need to find motivation to work out so here are a few outfit tips to get you to work up a sweat (and look good while doin' it)

• I specifically bought my Nike's because I knew I would want to wear them and so therefore I had to go workout. 

I'm obsessed

• Getting new sports wear is another great idea. You want to show off your new goods! Try lululemon or nike for some cute workout gear. If you want a cheaper option, target is always a good spot.
• Get a camelback water bottle! they are fun to drink out of and it will help keep you hydrated!

hope that helps!

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*quirky title about my favorite things*

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1. target flats 

my favorites are the black ones, they literally go with EVERYTHING.

But I love the other colors I own too (red, brown, sand, blue)

they are super comfy (after you break them in) 

I literally wear them almost everyday.

Women's Mossimo Ona Patent Ballet Flats

2. v necks

I love v necks, they just work a lot better for my body shape.

But play around with it, your body may look better in scoop neck!

(this advice may sound silly but I'm serious, it makes a difference)

3. infinity scarves

my favorite has to be the gray one my mom bought me for Christmas from New York & Company.

infinity scarves help dress up an outfit without trying too hard

4. Fit Me concealer

This concealer by maybelline new york actually does what it says! 

what a concept right?

I love it, I found a tone that actually blends with my skin and doesn't look fake.

Great for a girl like me who has never really used concealer before. 

5. Mk watch

i mean seriously, you can't go wrong with a Michael Kors watch, they are so in style right now.

Also, I'm obsessed.

6. Pearl earrings

They are so simple, they go with almost any outfit.

you can find fake ones for really cheap at stores like Forever 21

Since they are cheap, you don't have to be sad when you lose one!

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Jeffrey Campbells Part Dos

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As promised, here are some pics of the Jeffrey Campbells I own and where I got them! Hope you enjoy!

These are my white leather "Zup" shoes. This is my first pair (aww!) I saw a girl wearing them at Burning Man and fell in love! I asked her where she found them and was disappointed to hear that she bought them from a boutique in the East Village of New York. When I got home from the burn, I googled "white leather lace up platform shoe" and I found them!! They were on sale at karmaloop.com for $82 and they're normally around $160!

These are the "Tapestry Damesls" They are my favorite pair. They came from the wonderful Kitsch boutique in Truckee, California where I worked during high school. They retail for $145 but I got a deal at $125!

Voici the "Lita Spikes". These babies i got for prom my senior year. I also got them at Kitsch. They retail for a whopping $185 but are on sale now because they're last season.

These are my "cat tapestry Litas" These were a lovely birthday gift from a lovely boy. You can find this style in a plethora of prints at solestruck.com! They're generally $162 but can be higher or lower depending on the material or sales. (Studs are always more because they're super labor intensive)

These are the "Night Walker boots" in black crushed velvet. They are by far my most statement making pair. I got them on sale from nastygal.com for $100 and they're originally a $200+ purchase!

These are the "distressed suede khaki litas". I got these on sale from solestruck.com for $107, originally $162!

My babies!! I love them more than I should... haha!

Over all, Jeffrey Campbell is a great brand with an awesome philosophy of small business and sustainability! I love them and would highly recommend these shoes to anyone with bold taste and a desire for comfortable heels. 

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Brand spotlight: Jeffrey Campbell

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I know I've mentioned this awesome brand before but I seriously just cannot stress enough how much I Love these shoes!! They are super unique and, wait for it... Comfortable!! I will never ever buy high heels from Payless, target, forever 21, or any other cheap retailer. While these are fine for clothing and flat shoes, it is essential to me that my heels are comfortable. I like to wear them to class, out to parties, other events and what not. I need to be able to walk and stand and dance without excruciating pain! Jeffrey Campbell shoes allow for this like no other shoe I've ever worn!

I know they're expensive but they are so worth it! So worth it in fact, I own 6 pairs. Here are my favorites that are on the market right now:

Jeffrey Campbell Pointe, black velvet

Streetcred Shoe in Metallic Teal (Karmaloop.com Exclusive)

Jeffrey Campbell Damsel, Charted Map

Jeffrey Campbell Cosmic Lita

Jeffrey Campbell Cuffed Cutout Platform

Jeffrey Campbell Shattered Platform in Neon Pink

Jeffrey Campbell Damsel Claw

Jeffrey Campbell Holy Stud

Jeffrey Campbell Shadow Stud

Jeffrey Campbell Night Walks in Black Suede

My next post will be about the Jeffrey's that I personally own and where I got them! (Also how I got a great deal on them!)

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Perfect pants with pretty prints!

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As I've been walking around campus lately, I've noticed quite a lot of people sporting some pretty rad printed pants. Florals, stripes, and polka dots are just a few of the prints that have been spotted not only on campus, but in many of the places I've been in the last few months. 

Printed pants can be preppy, edgy, or simply casual; it all depends on what you pair them with!

For a more causal look, you can pair them with simple, comfortable shoes, a t-shirt or plain top, or a comfy sweater.

For a preppier, more classic look, you can pair them with cute flats, a pull-over sweater, or a nicer top/blouse. Don't forget about throwing in some chic jewelry too! Notice how Taylor's pearls and the girl below her's chunky necklace and bracelets really dress up their looks.

The only unfortunate thing about printed pants is that they are not flattering on all body types. Personally, I have short, stumpy legs, which do not look the best in printed pants. The most print I would wear is a very subtle polka dot, or a pinstripe. But that's just me; if you want to rock the floral and tribal prints, by all means do it! It's all about pairing them with the right top, shoes and accessories, and most importantly, being confident in yourself!

have a perfectly printed day!

My style in a nutshell

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5 fashion finds I couldn't live without:

-leggings (They're so darn comfy and look casual with toms or edgy with heels)

-slouchy, oversized tee shirts/cutoff tanks (clever graphics are cute. thin fabric is a MUST! I never wear the Hanes' beefy t-shirt fabric. It just doesn't lay right on the body.)

-toms (literally the most comfortable shoe on the market. They also pack up small, meaning if you wear heels somewhere, you can stash toms in your purse for when your feet get sore)

-cutoff denim booty shorts (I always make these. I'll post a tutorial at some point)

-jeffrey campbells (These heels are THE MOST COMFORTABLE! They are well worth the $$$ and will spice up even the most boring of outfits.)

Sidenote: I love cats in case you can't tell.

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