Belle Meets World

BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

FASHION EMERGENCY
CASUAL STYLE

FASHION EMERGENCY

Picture this, Dear Readers: You head to Charleston for a long weekend with your man to see friends and enjoy the sights. You pack one of your favorite looks so that you can shoot and write a fun little “What to Wear to Thanksgiving” post. I mean this multi-layered pleated mini-dress with fun fall colors is perfect with a pair of Over the Knee (OTK) boots, right?! You walk around in the bright South Carolina sunshine all morning thinking, “Man, I must be looking super-fly because I keep getting a lot of double-takes.” You engage in a quick photo shoot and then check in on the pics to make sure they’re turning out alright. And then you see it, the reason for all those double-takes: YOUR DRESS IS 100% SEE THROUGH AND THE WORLD CAN SEE YOUR BRA, SLIP, THONG UNDERWEAR, AND BUTT. 

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WHAT TO WEAR TO HOLIDAY PARTIES AND EVENTS
DRESS UP

WHAT TO WEAR TO HOLIDAY PARTIES AND EVENTS

Each season, I try to find a few fabulous items that I know will have tremendous staying and wearing power – pieces that can turn heads for all the right reasons and that will work for the multitude of holiday parties and events I’ll need to attend. Owning one or two unique yet basic pieces can really simplify any style conundrums you may run into as you prepare for the social obligations that November and December bring. Meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time? Attending an engagement party? What about the office holiday party? A trip to the theatre? A religious service? That’s a lot, and while you might be tempted, it’s not the time to wrap yourself in a tight red dress and unleash the cleavage. It’s the time to look covered up, respectful of the people who invited you, and classy.

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BELL SLEEVES AT WORK? YES, BUT…
STYLE

BELL SLEEVES AT WORK? YES, BUT…

I have really come to love the bell sleeve look, but it is so trendy that it’s a little tricky to nail for a more traditional work place. If you work for a fashion-forward office, I say go for it all the way! For the rest of you who work in business casual or non-creative offices asking, ‘Can I wear bell sleeves at work?’, I’d say the answer is YES, but make it as professional as you can.

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BEST (SUSTAINABLE) LEGGINGS EVER – GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE
CASUAL STYLE

BEST (SUSTAINABLE) LEGGINGS EVER – GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE

I recently saw an ad on Facebook for Girlfriend Collective, boasting innovative leggings that only cost the price of shipping ($20). I was intrigued, clicked through and bought the product. It was a bit of an experiment to see if there was a catch or if they really were the best-fitting, sustainably- and ethically-made leggings out there. After all, they advertised the fact that Lulu Lemon alums were making them and refused to sacrifice quality, fit and the environment. Plus: $20. They were speaking my language. I also just received this sweater dress that would show my every bump and bulge if I didn’t find the right pair of body-flattering tights or leggings to wear underneath. In short, I am hooked on these Girlfriend Collective leggings and would encourage you to get in on this pre-order discounted action. Read on to learn more of the details…

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SWEATER WEATHER
CASUAL STYLE

SWEATER WEATHER

Atlanta keeps threatening to turn to fall but as soon as we get one lovely autumnal day, it’s back to the mid-80s on the next. I’ve had to start playing a game with my outfits where I get to wear some fabulous fall pieces but I have to balance it out by showing a little skin. Now I’m not one to bare it all – I’m simply too old for that and it’s never really been my style – but at the same time, one needs ventilation in the south. So to have my fall-style-cake and eat it too, I’m going for it. If you live in a warmer climate, read on for thoughts on rocking cold-weather trends. 

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DRESSING DOWN WITH STYLE
CASUAL STYLE

DRESSING DOWN WITH STYLE

Casual style has always been harder for me to nail than dressing up to go out or for a corporate office. I know that seems bizarre. Shouldn’t ‘dressing down’ be easy for any and everyone? Yes and no. Dressing down in jeans and a sweater can take away your chances to add flair and style to the look. More importantly, it also has the potential to come across as sloppy and unconcerned with your appearance, which can send the wrong message to the world at large. Have you ever noticed that you are treated with more respect in public when you are put together? I have. Sales people are more engaged with me in stores, as are hairstylists, restaurant staff, and flight attendants. I get more smiles or nods from people I make eye contact with, and I’ve even noticed people more willing to move out of the way voluntarily if we need to pass each other on the sidewalk. Going in that extra 25% on your casual appearance can actually make elements of your personal, outside-of-the-office life more pleasant. 

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