STYLEnosh

THIS WEEK'S WORK WARDROBE

Hello, people! This was a short week for me but I swear it felt like the longest four days I've every worked. Okay, that may be a bit dramatic but I am glad it's over. Here's what I wore to work this week. 

MONDAY

It's a Monday so why not start the week with an easy dress. I added gold ankle tie heels and a skinny, red belt. I felt the look was too plain and that's why I added some color with the belt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TUESDAY

So, I guess I felt like keeping the easy theme going because I grabbed another super simple dress option and add the blue pumps. Note: I did take off the blue bracelet because it was too matchy matchy for me. so I added a tiny, beaded pink necklace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY

I was piecing it together on this day. I didn't have the brain capacity to figure out what to wear. So I kept with the black and white stripe thing, add color. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY

I know. I look a little crazy. But what do you do? It's the end of long, short week. And this cream sleeveless top and blue linen pants seem to be appropriate for my last day of this work week. I really want to wear jeans but no can do at my conservative office. Sigh.

25% OFF EVERYTHING AT THE LIMITED FOR 2 HOURS TODAY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEO: GET BIKINI BODY READY WITH THE THREAD

I like this video for two reasons. They talk about using your body weight instead of using machines at the gym. AND I heard someone mention the importance of what you eat. Yay! If you want your body in optimal condition, you have to give it more good for it stuff like fresh, leafy greens and fruit. And  yes, you should also implement a challenging fitness regimen. You have to have both pieces of the puzzle, people. 

Check out the video for workout tips you can do even if your don't have the beach as an accessory.

THIS WEEK'S WORK WARDROBE

This week I managed to piece a little style together. Though style wasn't my problem by the end of the week. Read on!

MONDAY   

Why is it so hard to get moving on Monday morning? Anyhoo, K.I.S.S. (Keep it Simple STYLEnosh) was the theme of the day. I selected a printed silk dress (purchased for $8 at a consignment shop) and added a simple (sticking with the theme) black cardigan with beige patent leather heels. The week is off to an easy, fashionable start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TUESDAY

This gray, pinstriped pencil skirt is a little form fitting, so the long white boyfriend jacket was the perfect complement. Wearing gray and white called for not one but two pops of color. Insert red coral necklace and bright blue shoes. Love it!

After work I had dinner with a friend. Jeans and a blazer with a skin tone colored silk tank top- chic with a subtle hint of sexy. (Note: Though my dinner date was just a friend, you still have to show him what you're working with cause you never know. :)

 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY

Going to boot camp and then home to make my green smoothie and juice (and lunch) and then rushing to work seems to be a challenge this week. So wearing  a dress makes getting dressed streamlined and quick. This wrap dress was passed on to me by my dear friend Jenn (thanks Jenn!) and it was the perfect choice to roll through hump day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY

This look started out as a lovely choice. I have a great affinity for neck-tie blouses. But the skirt was way too big so I had to add the belt just to hold it down. By mid-day, that skirt/belt combo took on a paper sack type quality. It was not a good look. But worse than that, I overextended my knee with today's lunges on a hill at boot camp. My knee kept giving out the rest of the day. Needless to say, I refused to take off these adorable leopard print wedges. (Vanity, what are you gonna do?) And yes, I was walking rather carefully because of it. Ha!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY   

Ahh, the last day of the week! I knew when I could feel pain shooting through my knee in my sleep, pants and flat shoes would be required for today's wardrobe. (I'm wearing my knee brace underneath for some extra support.) Note that this outfit is budget approved: new Limited sleeveless top for $4.39 and Gap pants for $2.47. Both found at the local Goodwill store.

Another successful work week wardrobe completed! Woo-hoo!

Have an awesome weekend, everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE 4TH OF JULY SALES HAVE BEGUN!

Let's get ready to rumble!!!! Er, I mean shop. I know we're over a week away from the 4th of July weekend but the holiday sales have already launched in several stores. Here are a few to check out now. Don't see your favorite store on the list? No worries. Between now and next week, just about every store you can think of will be having a sale of some kind. And I'll be sure to keep you posted, of course. Enjoy!

Image: last call by Neiman Marcus

Last Call by Neiman Marcus   Take an extra 20-50% off the entire store and site (including spot-on savings clearance). Shop today (June 23rd) and receive an additional 15% off your entire purchase! Plus free shipping on any amount with promo code FS4JULY. You have to at least look, right? The basic sale is good through July 4th but the extra 15% ends today so get on it, people!

Asos.com  Okay, the Summer Sale at this online purveyor of affordable style, is vast and should be approached with a plan. As in you should plan to spend a good hour sifting through this gargantuan selection. There are over 2,500 items in the under $40 section alone! 

The Limited   Up to 70% off select items. Cut to the good stuff- here's a link to the clearance section. Ha! Also get free shipping with a $100 purchase.

H&M  The Big Sale is on! Look for dresses, shirts, and shorts as low as $5. Want more discount? Sign up for the H&M newsletter and they'll send you a coupon for 20% off one item. You can always unsubscribe later after you get the coupon.

 

 

 

 
 

 

WhatWentWrong - TIMES LIKE THIS ONE CALL FOR SHAPEWEAR

If your dress or skirt is short and fitted and you have one or two extra lumps and bumps, don't go it alone. If you insist on wearing that piece of clothing, grab shapewear to smooth out those rolls.

Normally I'm not an advocate of Spanx or any comparable product. When I see extra pounds forming on my body parts, I get control of what I'm eating and workout regularly. But if you're going to wear fitted (i.e. tight clothes), shapewear should be as mandatory as underwear. Wait, I think that last suggestion may be optional too. Well you know what I mean. Tighten up, people.

 

TODAY SHOW VIDEO: MISMATCHED STYLE IS A DO!

I'm a firm believer in not matching clothes, e.g. just because your shirt has red in it you don't have to wear red shoes. There's something more stylish and modern about pairing different prints and coordinating colors together. And no, contrary to a belief that has managed to last for decades, the color of your shoe doesn't have to match the color of your handbag. Still committed to making sure everything matches? You may be unnecessarily dating your self and making yourself look older. The only women I know who want to look older are teenagers. So that pretty much eliminates all of us in the over 30 crowd.

This video by the Today Show and Bobbie Thomas provides some easy ways to wear that mismatched look and get it right. See, you're looking younger already.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

THIS WEEK'S WORK WARDROBE

Based on last week's feedback, people like seeing my different work looks. Be forewarned. This week's work wardrobe reflects my not so optimal health of the last few days. 

MONDAY

Don't let the smile fool ya. This day was the commencement of my long, dragging on forever week. This outfit is what I call average. There's no print, texture, or pop of color present, which makes the look too plain. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TUESDAY

Much better! There's ruffles, two shades of blue and a little yellow in the cardigan. I like playing the two blues off of one another. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later on that evening, I traded the sweater and pants for a jacket and jeans. A simple look for the neighborhood association meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY 

This look is a bevy of color and pinstripes. Note that the green cami is a Theory top I snagged at the thrift store (with the $119 tag still on it!)  for $2.47 . And I think the pants cost about the same. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY

Another average look today. The pants are too loose and the shirt too tight. I sense the wheels are falling off the train. Must end the week on a more fashionable note.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY

Finally, I'm starting to look like normal again. Good thing too cause I have a big meeting today and I didn't want to look like a bum.

So, what did you wear this week? 

Have an awesome weekend!

WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO OUTFIT FOR THE OFFICE THIS SUMMER?

Pretty blouse, tailored pants, and a fitted blazer. It seems like I wear this look at least twice a week. It's part 70's cool and part menswear chic. It's my version of the deconstructed suit. And it's perfect for summer.

What's your go-to summer look for the office?

THIS WEEK'S WORK WARDROBE

People always want to know how to create different work looks without spending an entire month's salary or a whole weekend sifting through their closet. 

Here are the outfits I wore this week to work: Monday through Friday. May you find inspiration and motivation to discover your own personal style or maybe even try a new look. Feedback is helpful so please let me know if this post helps you. :-)

MONDAY

Simple army green shift dress worn with a leopard print cardigan (it's freezing in the office), a skinny black belt, and pink kitten heels (I just got these shoes repaired. How I missed them.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TUESDAY

Black wrap dress with crinkle fabric (perfect cause I don't like ironing), with a bright pink sweater, floral necklace and bold black and white striped shoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY

Feeling extremely casual today ( I think the heat is wearing me down). I choose a thin, lavender button-down with gray pinstripe pants and gray snake-skin open toe kitten heels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY

Still casual. Sinus issues so I grab something easy like a khaki pencil skirt and a striped button-down shirt (a $2.47 steal from the thrift store). I add snake-skin pumps to up the ante on this outfit. Just realized it was the skirt version of Wednesday's look. This makes me smile. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY

OMG. I'm so glad it's Friday. I spent the night trying to breathe so all I could must up today was a pair of linen pants (from Goodwill for $2 and some change) and this old navy polka dot shirt I bought in like 1992. Yeah, it's definitely Friday.

 

 

 

HOW TO SHOP THRIFT STORES WHEN YOU HATE DIGGING THROUGH THOSE RACKS!

Do you think the idea of buying a beautiful blazer for under $5 is awesome? If I told you that fantastic deal was waiting for you every week at your local thrift store would you be willing to comb racks and racks of clothes to go get it? Most people say no, a super deal is not worth all that work. But there are ways to take advantage of the discount without losing an entire day to hunt it down.

Shop early 

The first day of the thrift sale is the best day to go. Be sure to get there when they open so you'll first dibs on all the good stuff.

Stay focused

If you don't like digging incessantly through all those racks, pick one or two key areas to concentrate on while shopping. For instance, if you're looking for blazers and pants to wear to work, only shop those areas. Laser in on these main items of focus and you'll save time AND get the fantastic deal.

Inspect everything. Twice!

Since you're only looking a few items at a time, you should use a good portion of your shopping time inspecting the clothes you're interested in. Look for holes, rips, missing buttons, broken zippers, and stains. STYLEnosh Tip: Take a Tide stain pen with you to see if stains can be removed before you buy. 

The Results

I wore this outfit last week and received tons of compliments. The beautiful thing was the fact that I snagged the jacket and pants for $7.88. Total. The jacket was $5.59 and the pants were $2.29. The tank and shoes I purchased years ago making the look chic and complete.

 

TACKLE THE TREND: HORIZONTAL STRIPED DRESSES

Image: macys.com 

Horizontal stripes don't have to be scary or make your butt look big. In fact, striped dresses can provide an easy way to introduce an array of fun colors into your wardrobe.

Take this striped beaded neckline dress from Tommy Hilfiger featured above. Find it at Macys.com for $79. 50. The shape of the dress is a basic shift but it weaves in beautiful shades of pink, orange, brown, and tan. Trade the casual flat sandals for strappy heels or a neutral colored, closed-toe pump and you're ready for the office.

I think the biggest thing you can do to ensure your horizontal striped dress looks flattering on you is to not wear it too tight. Super tight, clingy fabric highlights everything. Add stripes and you'll  look like you're flashing a neon, "Look at me" sign. And for all the wrong reasons. 

On a personal note...

I braved horizontal stripes this past weekend with this colorful striped dress from H&M by way of my dear friend Jenn who so graciously passed it on to me. (Thanks again, Jenn!) 

Bare-armed and ready to go!

 

Or with a little sweater for when that summer AC gets to be too much.