One Dress Three Ways

It can be very difficult when you are first starting out your career to balance fashion and finances.  You do not need to spend a lot or buy a bunch of pieces to update your look each season.  Instead, choose one or two trends that you really love and invest in one great piece.  From there, use your creativity to properly accessorize that piece to change it up and really make it practical for your own lifestyle.  I have selected this yellow peplum dress as my starter piece for the season.  Both the bright color and the peplum detailing are right on trend for the season (and yes, I promise that peplum done right is slimming because it defines a waist and creates an hourglass effect on your body).  It can be worn in the office or even on a date.  Below are three different ways that I hope will inspire you for the season.

The Dress:

Peplum Dress

Look 1: Polished Professional

A primary color palette is one of my favorite looks.  It is playful, yet sharp and professional.  Layer a loose, cobalt sweater over the dress (it will keep you warm in an air-conditioned office during the day but it won’t be too hot during the summer months).  Add a bright red day bag, and finish off the look with snakeskin flats.  The snakeskin acts as a neutral and won’t clash with the rest of the bright colors in your outfit.  Keep jewelry simple so as not to distract from the outfit.

Sweater, Purse, Flats, Earrings

Look 2: Night on the Town

This look is not for the faint of heart.  Turn a seemingly sweet dress into something edgy with a fierce pair of architectural shoes, a snakeskin envelope clutch, a black blazer, and dangly earrings to create a killer going out look.

Shoes, Blazer, Earrings, Clutch

Look 3: Tea Time Attire

A beautiful dress in a bright color like this yellow works perfectly for a garden party, brunch, or even a summer wedding.  Just add some ladylike accessories, such as floral printed t-strap heels, a beautiful cuff, and a sweet clutch in a contrasting color to complete the look.

Shoes, Clutch, Bracelet

8 Hygiene Essentials for Your Boyfriend

In keeping with the spirit of my recent post, “10 Wardrobe Essentials for Your Boyfriend,” I wanted to provide you all with a few more tips to pass along to your men.  Good hygiene often goes unnoticed in a man; however, when it is neglected, it can be disastrous.  Here are a few simple steps to keep your man and your relationship mess free.

1. Clean Nails

No, I am not saying that your man needs to be wearing clear nail polish or that he needs to get a manicure (although there is nothing wrong with the occasional male manicure to clean up one’s hands).  I am saying, however, that I will not date a guy with dirty hands.  If he can’t keep his nails clean, my first thought is always, “What else doesn’t he wash?” 

In general, a man’s nails should be clipped short and should never be longer than the width of a dime.  This goes for toes as well.  Hangnails should just be clipped off.  Your man probably doesn’t need to worry about cuticles.  The main point is that his nails should be kept short to avoid harboring bacteria.

2. Deodorant

Fact: your boyfriend should be wearing deodorant. Yes, everyday.  Wearing deodorant will keep his clothes smelling fresh all day.  And no, spraying Old Spice on clothes that are already dirty does not count as wearing deodorant.  Ok, maybe this tip is more important for you than your man.

3. The Perfect Cologne

Speaking of smells, finding a great cologne for your man is something that will give him a boost of confidence.  It might take a while to find the right one, but try lots of different scents and use the tester cards if they are available to help pick the perfect scent. 

Try on a cologne and then let it settle on his skin for a while before decided it is the right scent.  Most colognes are constructed from three notes: top notes, middle notes, and base notes.  The top notes are what you initially smell, while the middle notes usually last around thirty minutes.  The base notes are the lingering notes and are usually the weakest; even so, it is important to make sure your man likes how the smell fades over time.

Ralph Lauren

Giorgio Armani

4. Groomed Hair (Everywhere)

Hair, whether it is on top of your man’s head, in his ears, nose, or even between his eyebrows, is perfectly normal.  Please assure him of this.  There is no shame is grooming hair of any kind.  Ear and nose hair trimmers are available for reasonable prices (well under $20) at Walmart, Target, etc.  As for the hair that grows on top of head, it should be maintained regularly (a trip to the barber once every three weeks should work for most men).  Girls go through a lot for their men.  It only seems fair for men to return the favor.

5. Socks, Socks, Socks!

If your man does not wear socks with his tennis shoes or loafers, now is the time for him to start (really, socks should be worn with all of his shoes except sandals).  If he has inexplicably smelly or sweaty feet, I guarantee this is the fastest and cheapest way to solve that problem.  This tip doesn’t even need a picture.  It is that self-explanatory.

6.  Clean Ears

After your man gets out of the shower, make sure he gently dries his ears and wipes out dirt with a Q-tip.  He does not need to try and touch his brain with the Q-tip, but just a gentle cleaning will do.  Again, this tip is pretty self-explanatory, but it will be much easier for you to whisper in or nibble your man’s ear if you’re not in a staring match with a gob of earwax. 

7. Toothbrush + Floss

I am seriously a sucker for a wonderful smile.  Some guys have smiles that just light up their faces and make my heart melt and my limbs go numb.  Help your man preserve his smile (and get rid of bad breath) by making sure that he brushes and flosses twice a day.  It sounds simple enough, but we all get lazy from time to time. Well, this is one habit that should not be broken. 

Ian Harding, living proof that a great smile never goes out of style

8. Shameless Skincare

Men perpetuate the stigma that skincare products should be reserved solely for women.  However, this seems silly to me.  While it would be nice if we were all blessed with perfect skin, some people (and yes, this includes men) are more prone to dry skin while others have oily skin.  Dry skin can be uncomfortable and oily skin can make a person self-conscious.  I am not saying that you should go out and purchase floral scented body lotions and night creams for your man.  However, I think he would really appreciate help finding one really great moisturizer or facial scrub depending on his skin type.  I promise, it will be a worthwhile search and he will be grateful for your female expertise. 

Five-Minute Hairstyles

If there is one thing I love (almost) as much as fashion, it is sleep.  I need my beauty rest, and I have a habit of sleeping until the last possible moment before a busy day.  This often leaves me with very minimal time to try and tame my bed head and look work appropriate.  Here are three simple looks for a day at the office (or a day of classes, or even a night out) that you can do with minimal time and effort and NO HAIR PRODUCTS to maximize your time sleeping.

1. The Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is an incredibly easy look that has been popping up on runways and the red carpet all season.  If you are thinking that it cannot be done in five minutes, don’t worry; it just might take some practice.  Make sure you practice when you actually have more than five minutes in the morning, and within two or three tries, you’ll have it down!  The great part about this look is that is can be neat or incredibly messy depending on your mood and still look great.

Start by brushing your hair to get rid of knots, and then divide your hair into two sections.  Take a piece of hair (about ¼ of an inch) from outside of the right section and bring over to the left section.  Then take a piece of hair from the outside of the left side and bring it over to the right side.  Repeat this procedure until the plait is complete.  Secure your hair with an elastic band.  Don’t worry if pieces of hair fall out as you go.  It’s all part of the look!

2. The Glamorous Bun

I absolutely love curling my hair, but I can’t seem to curl all of my hair in under thirty minutes, and I don’t like to use that much heat on my hair on a daily basis.  Instead, I throw most of my hair back in an easy chignon and then simply curl the front pieces of my hair.  It saves a ton of time and looks polished for a day at the office.

Start by pulling your hair back into a ponytail in the middle of your head and secure with an elastic band.  Leave out some thin strands of hair towards the front.  Twist the ponytail around itself to create a bun and secure with an elastic band and bobby pins as needed.  Then wrap the loose strands around a 1 ½” curling iron to create glamorous ringlets that frame your face.  And voilà, your five-minute updo is complete!

3. Pinned Part + Loose Waves

For this next look, I took a cue from Jennifer Aniston, who is the queen of “disheveled chic.”  This look is the perfect way to rock bed head or a bad hair day.  It works best if your hair is naturally straight, relaxed, or wavy.  

To get those perfect messy waves, tie slightly damp hair into a bun the night before you have to go to work.  In the morning, undo the bun and comb and scrunch your hair with only your fingers.  Then brush over the front portion of one side of your hair to the other and secure with a bobby pin.  You’ll be ready to go in well under five minutes.  

Day to Night Dressing

During the warmer months, one of my favorite looks for any occasion is a sundress.  It is such a practical item for a career woman on the go because the look can easily be taken from day to evening with just a few accessories.  A sundress can be perfectly work appropriate.  If you cannot show your shoulders or even your arms in the office, simply throw on a cardigan or a stylish blazer to add modesty and polish to your look.  A sundress works just as easily for a night out.  And trust me, men love girls in sundresses.  Why else would they love summer so much?

Day:

Dress, Cardigan, Bag, Necklace, Shoes

Start with a simple A-line sundress (the bow on this dress adds a touch of femininity and the mint green shade is on trend for this season).  Add a cardigan in a contrasting color, such as this mustard yellow.  Add some more color to the outfit with a simple orange necklace, and then make the outfit really pop with a pair of floral printed shoes.  Since there is already a lot of color going on in the outfit, stick to a neutral, ladylike day bag.

Night:  

Blazer, Shoes, Earrings

It does not take much to transform this dress into something appropriate for a party or dinner date.  Replace the cardigan with a blazer (white feels fresh for summer) and slip into a pair of bright fuchsia pumps for a playful look.  Finish off the outfit with some colorful and whimsical flower-shaped earrings.  

10 Wardrobe Essentials for Your Boyfriend

While you are probably wondering what on earth to wear to your first day at work, I can guarantee that your boyfriend is more worried his own outfit than you are (well, ok, maybe he’s not exactly worried, but he certainly is more clueless).  I have compiled a list of the 10 essential things that every guy needs to own by the time they turn 20.  Ladies, please help out your men.  I promise, they will appreciate it in the long run.

1. An Impeccably Tailored Suit

If your man hates to shop, chances are, he is still holding on to that suit that his mom bought for him when he hit puberty and needed something to wear to a friend’s bar mitzvah.  He will insist that it still fits.  Do not be fooled.  Whether he wears a suit to work or not, a tailored suit will come in handy time and time again, and it is a worthwhile investment that never goes out of style.  Besides, our men look good in suits, right?  (In fact, a dear friend of mine has given the movie Inception the worthy title of “suit porn.”) 

But please, please make sure to get it tailored.  Unless you are dating Brad Pitt, the suit will most likely not fit straight off the rack.  Below is a picture of how a suit should fit.  Okay, maybe the sleeves in this picture are a little too short, but I’ll let that slide.

(David Beckham with the Olympic Torch.)

2. The Huggable Sweater

A classic (or even edgy) sweater looks great over button downs or plain t-shirts or under jackets and pea coats.  Like a suit, it never goes out of style and can be worn dressed up with slacks or dressed down with denim. 

Truthfully, this item is more for you than it is for your man.  Every girl wants her boyfriend to look comfortable, and, dare I say, “plushy.”  Besides, don’t we all need that one article of clothing from our boyfriends’ wardrobes that we can throw on when we are cold or wrap ourselves in when we want something with their scent?  I’ve listed some of my favorite sweaters below.

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

3. The Perfect Facial Scrub

Good hygiene is one of the most overlooked qualities in a man, and great skin is one of the most underrated accessories.  Many men will argue that any product beyond a bar of soap is far too girly.  However, most bars of soap, while great for getting off dirt, do not have the same deep cleansing effects as even drug store brands of facial scrub.  If your man has not already started a daily maintenance ritual, now is the time to start.  His skin will look better ten, even twenty years from now, and he will certainly thank you then for your concern and words of wisdom.

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

4. The “No-Brainer” Tie

How many times have you been asked, “Does this tie go with this shirt?”  Part of this question is driven by your man’s desire for your validation and help in selecting his outfit; however, this question is asked time and time again because your man really is clueless.  As much as we all love answering this question, we cannot always be around 100% percent of the time to help our men match shirts and ties.  Do you man a huge favor and help him pick out one classy and classic tie that matches the majority of the shirts in his closet that he can wear in any pinch.  Stick to a neutral tie with minimal or delicate detailing (such as a subtle pinstripe) so he does not have to panic when you’re not around.

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

5. Leather Dress Shoes

In my opinion, there is nothing as tragic in the world of men’s fashion as noticing a man wearing an impeccably tailored button down shirt and slacks and then looking down at his feet and seeing a pair of dirt-caked, white tennis shoes.  Every man should own a pair of leather dress shoes to wear with suits or even dark wash jeans.  They are polished, and say “work” or “dinner date,” not “gym class.”

(Available here.)

6. Dark Socks

Of course, the second most tragic crime in the world of men’s fashion is wearing a pair of beautiful dress shoes with athletic socks.  It does not matter if the athletic socks are navy, black, or any other color in the spectrum.  Dress shoes require dress socks.  There are two more rules of dress socks: 1) white socks are not appropriate dress socks for any occasion and 2) socks should be matched based around the palate of the pants, not the shoes. 

 

(Available here.)

7. The Graphic T-Shirt

The graphic t-shirt is a great casual look where a man can express his personality and have some fun with his clothing.  While probably not appropriate for work in most instances, the graphic t-shirt makes for an easy weekend look that can be paired with sweaters, jackets, button downs, and jeans.  (Just make the shirt does not say anything vulgar!)

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

8. The Sport Jacket

A sport jacket is a versatile option for a man because it can be worn during Spring, Summer, and Fall (and even Winter if you live in a place with milder temperatures).  They are more casual than suits and can be thrown over button down dress shirts and t-shirts alike. It is the perfect option for a day at the office that requires an outfit with polish but not necessarily with the same formality as a traditional suit.

(Available here.)

(Available here.)

9. A Dark Leather Belt

This is yet another incredibly versatile piece that can go with anything from jeans to suits.  It is a great investment piece that never goes out of style, and it is an essential piece for any complete menswear look.

(Available here.)

10. Dark Wash Jeans

A classic pair of a solid, dark wash jean is a must have for any guy.  If your man is still wearing faded, ripped, or stained jeans, it is probably time to let those go.  Dark wash can easily read polished and professional with just a simple white button down (tie optional).

 

(Available here.)

(Un)Fancy Footwear

Like most women my height (or perhaps most women in general) I am utterly addicted to high heels.  Day or night, I like to add inches and flair to my outfits via the perfect shoe.  If you are starting your first job as a young lawyer or financier, high heels might be entirely appropriate for a day in the office. 

However, if your first job is anything like mine, it might involve a lot of errands, coffee runs, and time on your feet.  Heels of any height or width might be either too impractical or uncomfortable for your quotidian needs if you are doing anything save for sitting at a desk for eight hours a day.  I have tried to compile some fully functional yet still office appropriate examples of alternative types of shoes to get you through a busy day. 

1. The Smoking Flat

One of my favorite trends this season is the revival of the smoking flat.  They are just as comfortable as ballet flats, and they are versatile and suitable for work.  They are now available in a large variety of colors, prints, and textures, and they can easily add polish to any outfit.  Here are two of my favorite smoking flats.  The first is in a luxe leopard print.  And yes, animal prints can be work appropriate, so long as they are done tastefully and in moderation.  A leopard print flat provides just enough of the pattern to really take an outfit to the next level.  (Similar leopard flats here.) The second pair of shoes shown below is a pair of black patent smoking flats.  The patent leather dresses up an outfit, and the tassels make the shoes extra special.  They look work appropriate paired with a matching black blazer and knee-length shift dress.  (Find these flats here.) 

2. The Saddle Shoe

If you are that kind of person who only likes to wear tennis shoes, do not fear!  The updated version of the saddle shoe has made finding comfortable sneakers substitutes incredibly feasible.  They are perfect for running errands, and can be worn with dresses, skirts, and pants alike.  Plus, they also come in a variety of colors and materials that can easily translate into work attire.  Try a pair in deep chocolate brown or in black and white to create a sophisticated look.  Additionally, the neutral colors make these shoes extra versatile.  (Similar pairs in brown and black.)

3. The Pointed Toe Flat

A slight variation on the standard ballet flat, the pointed toe flat has a more refined, lady-like elegance (and has the ability to elongate your legs without the discomfort of traditional heels!).  Some of them come with just a touch of a heel so you can still add height.  Since they are closed toed they are still appropriate for most office environments, while the slingback provides a great way to show off your femininity.  These shoes can also add a pop of color to your outfit without feeling over the top. 

(Find these shoes here.)

(Find these shoes here.)

Finishing Touches

In my opinion, most outfits look incomplete without some piece of jewelry.  Accessories are what allow us to put a personalized stamp on our wardrobes and really take the styling of even the most basic outfits to the next level.  The same holds true for the clothes we wear to work.  Not only does jewelry give us the chance to stand out in a unique way, but also it allows us to show off the fact that we put effort into our appearance in the mornings because we care about what we are doing.  Adding even just one “completer piece” to an outfit adds panache without feeling too flashy or inappropriate.  I have listed some of my favorite go-to jewelry items that dress up any office outfit in seconds.

It is worth investing in either a classic pair of gold hoops and/or a pair of studs (I have chosen simple pair of pearl earrings).  While these may not seem like the most exciting pieces in the world, they are subtlety elegant and are the perfect finishing touch to show that you put in some effort to get dressed in the morning.  Besides, they are a worthy investment because they will never go out of style and they are appropriate for any work environment. (Similar hoops and studs.)

I have always been a huge fan of layering simple bangles for an elegant yet easy look.  This vintage, chain-linked bracelet can serve as a beautiful stand-alone piece or can be great for layering with other bangles (try mixing metals for a slightly edgier and youthful look).  If you are going to layer larger bangles in the workplace, it is probably better not to use more than three or four so as not to appear too flashy (or make too much noise when you are walking!).  Start with one special bracelet and then build the rest of your look around that one piece.  (Similar bangles here.)

Delicate earrings are also a great way to add little pops of color to your outfit.  A fun yet unexpected color, such as this turquoise, is a great way to draw attention to the face and mix up any given look.  Colored beads provide a great alternative to basic gold and silver metals.  (Similar earrings here.)

I bought this orange, black, and gold Patricia Fields bracelet a few years ago, and have had so much fun pairing it with contrasting colors for a quirky yet refined look.  If you are feeling more daring, pair a bright and bold bangle with equally bright colors (I love pairing this bracelet with cobalt or violet dresses).  Besides, art deco inspired jewelry is seriously on trend for the season! (Similar bangles here.)

Pretty, Professional Polishes

I must confess: I am totally, 100% addicted to nail polish.  There is not a shade I will not try at least once.  My typical philosophy when it comes to polish is “the brighter the better.”  I was at a loss when I started to think about what colors were appropriate for an office environment.  While I love a classic fire engine red nail or a more demure, baby pink, I was determined to search for some office-appropriate alternatives to these beautiful albeit somewhat tired and cliché shades.  Here are my findings:

This delicate shade of mauve (“Lady Like” by Essie) is by far my favorite, go-to variation on the classic pink nail.  I bought this color a few months ago and had to buy another bottle because I went through it so fast.  It is universally flattering on every skin tone (I have painted the nails of three of my friends with this shade, all of whom went out immediately to buy a bottle for themselves).  It is the perfect neutral for business meetings, interviews, or any event that requires a more toned down look.

Another great alternative to pink is a beautiful lilac (such as “Care to Danse” by OPI).  It is subtle, professionally polished, and pastels are perfectly on trend for this season.  Pastels in general are a great option during these warmer months and go well with sundresses and suits alike.  Besides, small chips in a color like this are barely noticeable, making this shade practical for the woman who is constantly on the go.

The perfect shade of coral (“California Coral” by Essie) is my favorite alternative to red for the summer season.  It works just in a professional setting or by the pool, and adds a bit of brightness and punch to any outfit without being distracting.  Besides, a color like this is guaranteed to make you smile whenever you look at it!

If you are a fan of the "Tangerine Dream" craze of 2012 (this year's hottest color), then this toned down  orange cream is a great alternative for the workplace ("Hayden" by Nail Vernis).  It is still young and vibrant without being over the top, and once again is perfectly appropriate for warmer summer weather.  And yes, I swear, the right shade of orange can look great on almost any skin tone--I was skeptical too at first.

If you or your job are on the more traditional side, then finding the perfect red is a worthwhile search ("Big Apple Red" by OPI).  This shade is my personal favorite red nail polish.  The color is long-lasting and vibrant, and it does not fade too much in the heat of the summer sun.  Wear it with a matching red lip for an unforgettable yet professional and put-together look!