Proper Pleats

Some people despise shopping for work, I love it. I think it's like playing dress up. Corporate barbie, casual cool, or fashion forward. I especially love trying something out of the box that shouldn't work but it does; like pattern mixing, culottes, or pleats! Today let's look at some super chic pleated pants that will turn heads for all of the right reasons at the office.

Macy's, Calvin Klein Pleated Trousers, $64

Command the room in these sleek pants. Picture it with a silk blouse.

Nordstrom, Topshop Peg Leg Trouser, $48

I'd mix these casual pants with heels and a neck scarf.

Brooks Brothers, Wool Drawstring Pants, $148 $44

Tell me where else you find a wool trouser for under fifty bucks. Gorgeous.

Banana Republic, Avery Fit Jacquard Pleated Pant, $98 $48

A great cropped pant that is fantastic for warmer weather and even through fall. 

A pleated pant has such an old-school professionalism vibe that you can't help but feel a little Mad Men in them.

Be fabulous today!

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Play the Accordion

Earlier this month we looked at some great printed maxi skirts. They are playful, elegant, and versatile for summer into fall. Today I thought we would look at some great pleated maxi dresses that scream summer but transition well to fall with the right jean jacket or cardi.

Nordstrom Rack, Garcia Accordion Pleated Colorblock Maxi Dress, $59

The fiancé and I have a 'no spend August' thing going on this month. If we didn't...this would already by in my closet. I love the contrasting colors, trim, and lines!

Asos, Pleated Maxi Dress in Dip Dye, $27

The price on this is unbeatable. Throw on some of yesterday's beaded earrings and you are ready to go!

Buckle, Hyfve Pleated Maxi Dress, $39

Have a warm weather fall wedding to attend? This is your go to dress.

JCPenny, Rebecca B Ombre Sleeveless Pleated Maxi, $59

Warm night, sunset party/date/wedding? Yes. 

Maxi accordion pleats are one of my favorite styles for warm weather. I think they are easily dressed up or down with minimal effort. Play with colors, patterns, or solids to really have some fun.

Be fabulous today!

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Boxed In

Let's play with pleats. There are so many types of pleats and they can be styled in so many ways. Today I want to focus on something super feminine and professional but paired with the right top, it's a bit Mad Men and a bit sexy. Let's look at some box pleat skirts.

Asos, Closet Box Pleat High Low Skirt, $97

I'm sure you're saying 'where in the world would I wear this?' Ok, crop top and heels for a fancy dinner or reception, fitted sheer sweater and tights, black leather jacket and a simple tank. This skirt is going to do it all. 

Saks Off Fifth, The Vanity Room Striped Pleated Skirt, $39

A ladylike a-line shape makes the horizontal stripe easy to wear.

Forever 21, Heathered A-Line Skirt, $19

Sweatshirt skirt? Count. Me. In.

Modcloth, Demure Galore Skirt, $79

This skirt is very First Lady. I would paid it with dot tights and kitten heels.

Styled the right way, the box pleat skirt is going to work for work and for dressier occasions. Pay attention to how the pleats lay on your midsection. It's better to size up then have a bubble situation going on. The pleats should lie perfectly flat so the skirt creates a long line from the torso to the hem line.

Be fabulous today!

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Put Some Swing in Your Step

Let's get some swing spring in our step with pleated skirts. Not just a pin tuck or box pleat, I'm going all out with an accordion pleated skirt. This shape works for any size and it's flattering for work or play.

Lulu's, Beauty and the Pleats Lavender Vegan Leather Midi Skirt, $58

Vegan leather in purple? Sign me up.

Chicnova, Nude Maxi Skirt with Pleats, $37

This will be your go to maxi for summer. Look at the movement! And this champagne nude color will go with everything.

Nordstrom, Vince Camuto Tiered Pleat Skirt, $89

A ready for work/bridal shower/brunch date asap. I love this saturated blush pink!

Forever 21, Accordion Skirt, $15

Can we have a moment for a hunter green mini? So unusual and I'm loving it.

The accordion pleat is really beautiful for the breezy and sunny days in our future. Spring is coming, right mother nature? Ok, good.

Be fabulous today!

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Oh Pleated Please

Let's talk pleats. Not your dad's four pleat khaki pants, I am talking dressed up, ladylike pleats. They give movement to a dress/skirt/top and they are a great way to add some fancy to your look without a bit of bling.

The Limited, Pleated Skater Skirt, $29 (!!) with code GIFTME

I'm obsessed with this skirt. And the price. It also comes in three other color options. This is going to be a four season skirt.

Modcloth, Exquisite on the Equinox Dress, $54

I love this dress for a holiday party, I love it for New Years, I love it for Valentine's, and I love it for date night. It's stunning without screaming look at me.

Nordstrom, Pleated A Line Skirt, $34

Tell me when you find a metallic pleated skirt under $40 at Nordstrom? Right. Please, please, just scoop this up while you have a chance. 

Topshop, Floral Pleated Vest, $58

I love this for now layered with a white bow blouse or a suit. I love this for summer as is with a long necklace.

I love pleats in the winter because its a nice contrast from the heavy, bulkier sweaters. Try it with a skirt and branch out to a flawy top!

Be fabulous today!

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Pleated Perfection

A few weeks ago we looked at accordion skirts. They have great movement and offer a nice breezy quality to our pencil-skirt filled world. Today we're going to apply the same style to blouses. These airy pleats are simple and light and a soft top to add to your closet.

Anthopologie, Accordion Tee, $58

We're starting off strong with this colorful green motif floral print. The front of this tee has a great rolled   hem scoop neckline.

Bloomingdale's, French Connection Polly Plain Pleats, $48

Take a good look at this top. This is the definition of the perfect layering blouse. You can wear this beauty year round with pretty much any jacket, cardi, skirt, jeans, anything. It provides the perfect canvas to build off of.

Neiman Marcus, PJK Printed Pleat Bottom Leather Top, $59

A great color combination with this blouse and the print is subtle but eye catching.

Asos, Vila Blouse with Pleat Back, $33

A punch of pink with this little number. I also love this option from Asos, very romantic.

The pleated blouse is a great springy option to mix in to your workwear or weekend outfits. Layer it or wear it alone, it's all in the details.

Be fabulous today!

Choose Your Own Ending

Hey there lovebugs,
I hope your week is going swimmingly. As spring tries to creep into our weather and our wardrobe, I thought we could take a peek into some light and fun skirts. Pleats can sometimes be seen as boring and school-girlish so why not make them sassy? Asymmetrical hems are a great way to mix up tops and skirts, let's add some pleats to the mix.

Nordstrom, Tildon Asymmetrical Pleated Chiffon Skirt, $54

Well, I'm obsessed, how powerful yet light is this skirt?

Forever 21, Modern Asymmetrical Skirt, $10 (!!)
Hello lover. Red, sexy, perfect with booties, heels or ballet flats.

Asos, White Skirt with Mesh Overlay, $19
So this was originally $80. Eighty, You think about that. And then buy it.

Chicwish, Wine Red Asymmetric Waterfall Skirt, $39
This skirt really is fluid. The movement gives your whole outfit an airy feel.

The asymmetrical hem is a fun way to dress up your average skirt. These breezy options with a pleat detail are perfect for spring.

Be fabulous today!

Pretty Pleats?

Ok ladies,
Let's talk pleats. Don't be afraid. Let's get honest. Pleats can either go fabulously or horribly, there is no middle ground. None. So be patient, you will find the perfect pleated skirt, and I'm here to help you find it.

Ann Taylor, Accordion Pleated Skirt, $74

A beautiful clean colorblock with a high low hem. Just stunning.

Asos, Glamorous Pleated Skirt, $25

Pleats aren't just for the office. This skirt is ready for dancing.

Revolve Clothing, Obey Saint Laurent Maxi Skirt, $60

How about some maxi pleats? The gorgeous pop of orange breaks up the length.

Modcloth, School Day After Day, $37

Adorable? Yes. Add a navy blazer? Absolutely.

So you see pleats aren't just for prep school anymore. They're mini, maxi, work and play!

Be fabulous today!

Pleated Perfection

You what is a great way to camouflage a midsection? Pleats! But don't worry, I'm not going to make you look balloon-ish, it's all about how the pleats lay. Let's take a look.

Forever 21, Pleated High-low Top, $19

This beautiful blouse is perfect for the office. I love the single band of pleats right down the center that elongates the torso.

Ann Taylor, Colorblocked Pleated Shell, $58

This is a great top to layer with a suit. The band at the waist really defines this flowy piece.

Piperlime, Pim and Larkin Silk Pleated Blouse, $54

I really love the neckline on this blouse, you could layer a longer necklace or even a sequin collar necklace!

Vince Camuto, Pleat Front Colorblock Shell, $54

This tuxedo inspired shell is perfect for a night out. I'd add some lipstick red pumps.

Pleats are an excellent way to stay elegant while not skintight. Try vertical knife-pleats that are thin and lay just right.

Be fabulous today!

Take it High and then Get Low

The weather in DC has been horrendous and all I want to do is throw on a light and breezy dress to go to work. I really like the idea of a pleated high-low dress.

Forever 21, Embellished High Low Dress, $29

Bet you wouldn't have guessed this to be Forever 21 and under $30. The blush color is perfect for summer.

Nordstrom, Kenneth Cole Pleated Ikat Dress, $69

A little ikat perhaps? I would add a metallic belt to this dress but I love the neutral canvas. 

Modcloth, Roof Garden Party Dress, $41

I think Modcloth aptly named this dress. Give me a beautiful roof and a glass of sangria and this dress.

Asos, Chiffon Dress with High Low Hem, $66

This is one of my favorite colors and the fact that I can wear a good bra and a great necklace is good enough for me. 

High low dresses are a great way to mix up your standard summer dress staples. Add some pleating to make it more work appropriate.

Be fabulous today!

Let's Get Specific

It's almost Friday and thank goodness. Today I wanted to get really specific with a style of dress- the colorblock with pleats. It's sleek, colorful and sophisticated.

Asos, A wear color block pleat dress, $53

One of my favorite color combinations, and I especially like this dress because I can wear a bra and still be cool.

Lord and Taylor, DKNYC Sleeveless pleated dress, $95

Very professional and and easy to dress up for an evening event. 

Nordstrom, Romeo and Juliet Couture Colorblock Maxi Dress, $98

Great colors on this maxi, I would add a longer necklace and some bright nails.

Piperlime, C Luce Colorblock Pleated mini dress, $59

These sleeves are fabulous, and the dress is perfect for a date or dinner with a client.

What do you think about pleats? I like them when its the correct size and fit. You need to make sure the pleat elongates the waist and does not attract attention as it might if it's too tight.

Be fabulous today!

Pleated Please?

Morning lovebugs!
Happy Monday to you.  Did you have a good weekend? I sure did.  Relaxing, a little bit lazy, a little bit social- just my kind.

Today I want to talk about a great detail to add to your wardrobe.  When done correctly it is super chic and preppy, when not....balloon-like.  Pleats!

Tommy Hilfiger, Chambray pleated skirt, $36!!!

Chambray (denim) is huge for Spring and Summer! Add pleats and adorable pockets and you've got your go-to item for the season.

Topshop, pleated frill dress, $90

I'm loving this swingy, airy dress for Spring.  Great color and the pleats add dimension to the silk.

Macy's, Shutter pleat cardigan, $60

This detail is quiet and sophisticated.  Perfect for work or pink heels!

Yoox, Adam by Lippes, $29

Let me be clear: I don't approve of pleats on shorts or pants unless you try them on; because 9 times out of 10 you will look like you're going to take flight.  However, if you find silky, soft shorts that are pleated, like above- snag them.  They're gorgeous.

Nordstrom, Halogen double pleat blouse, $58

I love this flowy top for work or play.  The color and pattern is so interesting and the pleats make a unique neckline.

So when you buy pleats, think two opposites: very flowy and light or very structured and preppy.  The inbetween will give you an extra 10 pounds!

Be fabulous today!