BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

SNEAK PEEK AT FALL FASHION

Hope you had a great weekend everyone! As a follow up to last week’s Nordstrom Anniversary sale pump-you-up-shop-till-you-drop post, I’m sharing one of the awesome looks I scored for the…

HOW TO PULL OFF HIGH-WAISTED SHORTS

High-waisted shorts (and everything) continue to dominate the racks this season. While I love the way high-waisted things look on really tall super duper thin models in magazines, it’s not so…

YOUR FAVORITE TOP TWO WAYS

I don’t know about you, but I am definitely NOT one of those wear it once kind of gals. I only buy pieces that I either love so much I can’t wait to wear them again or that are so versatile I can’t stop wearing them because they go with everything. This gingham ruffle top is one of those uber-versatile-can’t-stop-wearing ones. It looks so killer with denim that I’ve found at least two ways to wear it and want to show you how you can take a favorite top and do it, too!

DENIM ALTERNATIVES FOR THE WORKPLACE

Do you work in an office where jeans are acceptable? Me too – and at first, I hated it. I like getting dressed up for work. But now I’m getting used to it, and I’m seeing all the benefits that allowing your employees to wear what makes them comfortable brings. I actually see a difference – they feel like their choices are respected, that their requests were heard, and they act more confident with their peers. It’s so cool! SO – I’m on board. For the most part…

WEAR A COLOR THAT MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE

Anyone else out there terrified by orange?? I sure am, but this weekend I found myself drawn to it – I was having coffee with my sister, and I wanted to feel happy and bright to celebrate. We hadn’t seen each other in weeks! I found myself reaching for this shirt and blazer thinking, ‘Wait, what if I tried these two pieces together? Can I pull this off? Will I look like a giant persimmon?! (is that a bad thing?!)’ But I gave it a chance – and loved it. In fact, I walked a little taller on my way to our coffee date!

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.