Fashion 101: Office Basics - Blouses!

 

FASHION 101 - The Blouse

Since the dawn of women in the workforce, the blouse has been a must have for any working girl's attire.

Standard white blouses hang in every woman's closet, young and old.  From the basic white tailored look like the one pictured above to the more eccentric ruffled blouses that we see today, the blouse is ever-evolving and clearly remains here to stay.

Some of the latest trends in blouse styling have been extreme ruffles like this...

Very dramatic, with an almost old-world colonial vintage feel, a ruffled blouse can create a very trendy and romantic look when paired with either basic slacks or a pencil skirt.

Short-sleeved, shaped blouses

What is so great about the blouse is that they can be so many different things.  They can be dressy, like the ruffled style, or casual like this shaped short sleeved style.  They are a year round attire, so you really cannot ever have enough!

50's/60's Style Bow Ties

One of my favorite trends in blouse stylings is the bow tie.  These are cute and modest for the workplace, and they look bangin' with a pencil skirt.  You can easily wear this style to a job interview and feel comfortable and super stylish. Love it!

Blouses Can Be Super Sexy...

A super sheer blouse, buttoned low and paired with a flattering cami, can really showcase your knockers, while remaining classy and tasteful.  When paired with a tight high-waisted skirt, you are knock-out mama!

NOT JUST WHITE ANYMORE!

There are so many different colors, and patterns, and textures out there now for blouses and I simply cannot get enough of them!  I think it is super important for every woman to go out and find several white, and several fun and color blouses to complete their work attire collection.  They can add POP, and pair well with any basic office pant or skirt.

They Are Red Carpet Worthy!

 

A-List Celebs like Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson have been seen sporting blouses on the red carpet

They are truly one of the most versatile items you can own.

There are so many ways you can wear them, but my favorite is to pair it with a high-waisted pencil skirt for that classic, sexy look

Accessories to match could be a pair of great standard black pumps, and some chnky jewelry!

And now you're ready to take on the world, BOO-YA!

Red Hot Red Carpet: Golden Globes 2011

 

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

This dress is a bit 'prom' for my taste, but those shoes! Her gold spiked Christian Louboutins are DOPE! And completely make up for the over-sized prom gown.

2011 Golden Globe Awards

Last Sunday we witnessed Hollywood step out onto the red carpet for the Golden Globes.  There were some winners...and inevitably some losers, but all in all the fashion was fabulousity!  Sparkles were present on nearly all of the gown of the evening.  There were quite a few other noticeable trends as far as what the celebs were adorning themselves with...

Jewel Tones - Emeralds & Rubies

 

Angelina Jolie in Versace

When you are Angelina Jolie its seriously hard to look bad in anything.  But, she absolutely dazzles in this sparkling emerald versace gown.  The sleek lines beautiful accentuate her famously curvacious figure and the bright green brings out the hue in her eyes and hair color.  Lovely :)

 

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

We see many, many one shoulder ensembles this year on the red carpet, and Mila's dress is one that shines.  The Black Swan actress played up her emerald attire with a beautiful ruched mermaid silhouette.  Her slim figure definitely pulls this look off flawlessly.

 

Catherine Zeta Jones in Monique Lhullier

CZJ also sported the jewel tone.  Her gown was a deep forest green color and really went well with her fair complexion and dark features.

 

Christina Hendricks in Romona Keveza

The buxom Ms. Hendricks of Mad Men went va-va-voom red for this event.  Her fiery locks coupled with this sleek one shoulder gown looked fierce on the carpet.  She downplayed her famous cleavage for a ruffled shoulder piece this time, and executed the look beautifully.

 

January Jones in Versace

BOOM!  Boobies! Mad Men co-star January Jones dropped more than a few jaws in this daring red number.  She sexed up old-hollywood glam with a revealing Versace gown with fringed skirt, baring just enough to get the blood pumping.  She coupled this with Versace black patent leather pumps, and she looked HOTTTTT ::sizzle::

Neutrals - Pinks, Peaches, & Creams

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive'

Ow-ow!  Anne Hathaway booty-poppin in Armani was one of the most-favored looks of the evening.  Her dazzling neutral tone sleek open-backed gown looked awesome on her.  Her simple hair style complimented this classic sexy look.

 

Megan Fox in Armani Prive'

Foxy went the Armani route as well.  The star always looks pretty in pink, but I think she played it safe here.  This dress had a pretty rhinstone embellished bodice and thigh hit slit.  She looked lovely, but I think she could've pulled off something a bit different for a change...

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein

Newly Blonde Emma Stone went the route of simple elegance.  She looks stunning in a silk Calvin Klein gown that complimented her peachy complexion and golden locks.  She paired this look with some bling Van Cleef earrings.  She looked absolutely gorgeous!

 

Claire Danes in Calvin Klein

Ms.Danes also went with a Calvin Klein emsemble.  The pretty pink hue looked marvelous on her.  I loved the high neckline with the low dramatic back.  Classy, sexy, and pretty all at once.

 

Jennifer Lopez in  Zuhair Murad

J-Lo is back on the scene! And we are glad to see her back and looking glamourous as ever!  The simple white spagetti string gown with the sheer rhinestone shrug looked fashion forward and shined on the star.

 

Carrie Underwood in Badgley Mischka

Another pretty star to step out in a sparkling neutral tone gown was Carrie Underwood.  This color very well-suited the country star's all-american blonde look.

 

Natalie Portman in Victor and Rolf

New baby momma Natalie Portman even sported this year's top color.  To be honest, many people raved about this look, but I'm just not convinced.  The big red flower was distracting and a bit gaudy for my taste.  However, I do like that she tried to tie it all in with her red clutch and red pumps.

NEARLY ALL THE LADIES OF GLEE WORE VARIATIONS OF THIS SAME EXACT COLOR....

 

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

 

Dianna Agron in J.Mendel

Heather Morris in Lorena Sarbu

 

Naya Rivera in Douglas Hannant

THIS WAS A SERIOUS TREND!

And mostly anyone can pull this color off...except...

 

Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab

I know.  It doesn't even look like her!  I don't know if she just had a bad day or what, but she looks pretty bad here.  The dress did absolutely nothing for her famous figure.  Her plain jane makeup did not help matters either.  She looks tired and washed out and just plain icky...

This concludes my recap of the 2011 Golden Globes red carpet!!!

Product Reviews: Hair Care

 

HAIR CARE

Because a good hair day is a great start and makes all the difference!

I am absolutely OCD about my hair (as most women are) and have certain needs for these golden locks!  So, I havep ut together some of my favorite products for people like me who need a little boost and va-va-voom for their color-treated tresses :)

Firstly, I do not wash my hair every day.

There I said it! And I do not care that you think it is gross (which my bf totally does haha).

You are NOT supposed to wash your hair every day!!!!!!

"Unless you have really oily hair, you should give hair and scalp a rest for at least a day between shampoos. For those of us with oily hair who don't want to wash every day, consider a dry shampoo.

Since washing hair too much strips hair of oils and even color if you've had a dye job, you're better off washing every other day and sprinkling a bit of dry shampoo at the roots and hairline. If you want to save money, skip the fancy dry shampoos and try baby powder. I hear it works even on brunette hair."

(http://beauty.about.com/b/2007/05/08/should-you-wash-your-hair-every-day-2.htm)

DRY SHAMPOO

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo - $11

 

This product is AWESOME.  It does not contain most of the harsh chemicals most shampoos and dry shampoos can contain, such as parabens, sulfates, PPG's, etc..  It is perrrrrfect for those days inbetween washings, which I think is usually better hair day than freshly washed hair!  It requires no water, and no hair dryer to work its magic.  It effectively soaks up oils and product and leaves your head with a fresh lemony scent! oooooooooo, just think about all those extra minutes of sleep you'll get (YAY)

Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Conditioner - $24

If you are anything like me, you can always use a little extra boost.  And, If you have colored hair, like mine, you also need deeply moisturizing and nourishing treatment to prevent breakages and keep your locks healthy.  This is THE STUFF.  Another great Blandi product that delivers results.  I also is free of harsh chemicals found in most hair car products.  The best part, IT WON'T WEIGH YOU DOWN.  Most intense moisturizers and volumizers can leave your head feeling heavy.  Well, fret no more!  This miracle in a bottle will have you turning heads and leave you feeling SaSsY

Living Proof Full Thickening Cream - $14

If you still need a little more, this is a great volumizing product.  I got turned onto this line by my hairdresser, and have never looked back.  I have a lot of hair, but it is very fine, and very straight.  A lot of girls are teasing their hair at the crown, and to be honest, teasing is terrible for your hair.  TEASE NO MORE.  This is what you need.  I simply use a dime-sized amount, come through, and blow dry upside down.  VA VOOM indeed!  This stuff is amazing, and you have to try it to believe the soft, full, and effortless results.

T3 Featherweight Journey, Travel Dryer - $130

I absolutely SWEAR by the T3 line of hair dryers.  They are a bit pricey, but they save me a lot of time, and as we all know, time = money.  This dryer uses Tourmaline and SoftAire™ technology to deliver shorter drying time, with less frizz.  The small size is great because it is much cheaper, but still the same great product, and you can take it anywhere.  I cannot go without a hair dryer, so the travel size is just what I need.  You can dry a fully wet head in 5min.  Just think of the time you save!

Fashion 101: 5 Essential Black Items

BLACK

is timeless, classic, and elegant.

it slims, and compliments any skin tone and body type.

It's a fashion staple.

There are some specific black items that EVERY woman should possess as they will bring you hours of use (and best of all, these are pieces that you can feel good about splurging on)

I'm here to let you in the MUST HAVES!

 Little Black Dress

 

Of course I had to start with the most obvious first...the little black dress.  The best part is that there is so much variance in style that ANYONE can find the perfect match to compliment and complete their wardrobe.  They can be worn to any appropriate event, cocktail, night-on-the-town, dinner party, weddings, funerals...you name it.  Once you find the right dress, you will be long time friends and lovers <3 (awww...)

Little Black Pumps

 

To go with that little black dress you are going to need....::drumroll please::...little black shoes! They can be suede, leather, patent leather, silk, satin, you name it! peep-toe or basic pump, all will become an often used accessory for your daily life.  You can never have enough black footwear...they go with basically everything!  You will absolutely get your moneys worth out of a great pair of black heels, and that is a great feeling :)

Little Black Clutch

 

The next logical item would have to be...the little black clutch, to finish off the classic nighttime black ensemble...and the great thing about have one of these is that you will never look out of style.  You can't go wrong when you purchase yourself a black clutch, you will ABSOLUTELY end of using it at some point, and that is an understatement.

Black Leggings/Tights

 

This is an item that you should have MULTIPLE pairs of.  You will definitely use them!  Leggings are all the rage in fashion lately, and for the colder weather they are a MUST.  Many of your cute little dresses and tunics can be *winterized* with the aid of a great pair of black leggings.  It is a good idea to buy them in a varieties of lengths and textures to add some spice.

Black Cardigan

Another important piece for the cooler weather is the black cardigan.  This is another item you may want to buy a variety of.  Fashion has recently took a turn into much more variance for the cardigan.  There are a wide range of different lengths, cuts, and styles for this classic piece.  Experiment and find what works best for you.  You won't be sorry you have them!

   

 

 

What To Wear On The Big Night: NYE 2010

 

NYE 2010 is upon us!

Now, what are you going to wear?

Well...If you haven't already gone out and purchased that perrrrfect ensemble

I have put together some cute, classy, and flirty ideas to get you started!

 

Classy Black

(Probably a good choice for a more 'swanky' NYE party)

  

Satin Dress With Jewel Trim, £59.00, Oli.

Worthington Satin Framed Clutch, $24.99, JCPenney.

Faceted Crystal Bracelet by Lee Angel, $350.00, VIVRE.

Abaeté for Payless Bayley d'Orsay Pump, $35.00, Payless.

Black Agate Earrings from Cluny Grey Jewelry.

Flirty Black

(You can NEVER go wrong with a little black dress on NYE, use interesting and flashy jewlery to dazzle it up girl!) 

 

Earrings – $3.80 at Forever 21 

Bracelet – $5.80 at Forever 21 

Dress – $42.80 at Forever 21 

Lela Rose Clutch – $14 at Payless 

Patricia Field Shoes – $21 at Payless

Gold Sequin Glamour!

(Sequins are all the rage this season, and work especially well for NYE, you will be competing with that big sparkly ball...)

 

Iisli ruffled sequin dress $500 - NeimanMarcus.com 

Bow necklace $278 - Belladawn.com 

Carlos Falchi metallic python clutch $800 - BergdorfGoodman.com  Christian Louboutin sequin peep-toe pump $1000 - BergdorfGoodman.com

Gold Sequin Glamour (at a muchhh more afforable price)
(We alllll have probably spent wayyyy too much on holiday gifts, so don't dismay! You can still pull off ad great outfit at a great price!)
 
Gold sequin shift $50 - ArdenB.com
Medallion necklace $13 - ShopIntuition.com
Sabina suede clutch $175 - Belladawn.com
Suede peep-toe heel $50 - ArdenB.com

Poppin' In Purple! ow! ow!
(For those of you who wish to be a little more 'colorful', purple is a fabulous color for NYE)

Embellished Cross Back Dress, £45.00 from Oli.
Metallic cross-toe sandal, $89.95, Nina Shoes.
Sterling Silver Cushion-Cut Purple Cubic Zirconia Ring with Pave Border, $22.99 from Target.
Three Pocket Clutch, $10.80, Forever21.
 

Cute Leggings Ensemble for NYE!
(For those of us in the colder climates who don't feel like freezing our A$$ off in a tiny little dress!)
 
Lux Cabaret tunic $40 - UrbanOutfitters.com
Danskin tights $35 - ShopIntuition.com
Fleur de Lis crystal charm bangle $42 - Belladawn.com
Sabina patent leather clutch $120 - Belladawn.com
Christian Louboutin metallic Lapono bootie $462 - BergdorfGoodman.com

Rockin' Red With Skinny Jeans
(Something on the more casual side, but not sacrificing color and fun, and also warmth!)

Glitter Lips Bag – $36 at Topshop,
Top & Bracelet – H&M,
Earrings – $6 at Wet Seal,
Ankle Booties – $30 at Forever 21

Sexy In Denim For The On-The-Go Chic

(Another more casual outfit, but still sizzlin' hot, hot, hot!)

Bracelets – $6.50 and $5 at Charlotte Russe, 

Heels, Necklace, Blazer, and Bag – H&M, 

Tank – $12 at Topshop, 

Jeans – $68 at Charlotte Russe