Bright and Beautiful

Hey there lovebugs!

Happy Monday to you.  It's my first day back at work after an extended Christmas stay-cation with the BF.  So today has been an extra slow start for me.  Now what's the best remedy for a sleepy Monday?  I can think of a few things:

1. one venti Starbucks skim latte
2. a bright and cheery outfit
3. online shopping at katespade.com

Luckily for my wallet its the first two, but Santa was plenty good to me by bringing me some idiom bracelets from Kate.  Now, onto the bright and cheery.  Sometimes an outfit needs an embellishment, the right piece of jewelry or the perfect shoe, but sometimes it just needs a neon.

Modcloth, Bright Young Things Dress, $62

Hello Saturday night.  This dress has wonderful structural qualities on the top and the skirt has a delicate dot pattern.

Forever 21, Its a beautiful day tank, $10.80

I don't think this needs much.  Perfect weekend wear or pair it with a tuxedo jacket and skinny dark wash jeans.

Nine West, Meredith, $99

So very Mad Men, no?

Endless, Cosmo Skinny Purple with Metallic Yellow Strap Watch, $65

I love this chic little number.  It's versatile and like a mini shot of energy every time you look down.

Apez (etsy), neon yellow bow headband, $8

If all else fails to pick you up on a Monday, go big and go bow.

Not feeling this highlighter explosion for you? Too bright? Try it on your nails first.  I like this one by China Glaze called "Peachy Keen".

Be fabulous today!

Black Dress 101

The LBD. Little. Black. Dress.  It's daunting.  But also fabulous.  This is one of the most valuable weapons in your wardrobe.  It's your go-to pull for a dinner date, dance, or special event.  Treat it like royalty.

When buying a black dress think about what purpose you want it to serve.

Is it a statement piece? In which case go with a dress with a unique detail like a bow or one sleeve.
Is it a little rocker? Try an exposed zipper and an asymmetrical hem line.
Is it classic? Go with a capped or wider sleeve and simple lines.
Is it feminine? Go with an open back and a scalloped hem.
It is something to make him wish he never left? Deep v neck and no apologies.

So try to remember what kind of message you want to give off with this dress.  It should be the ultimate-you piece.

How to Buy a White Shirt

The classic white button down.  Something every woman needs but the fit is crucial.

Rule 1: Always, always, always try it on.  You need to be able to move around, test the sleeve length and make sure there is no puckering.

Good things to remember:
-Bend your fingers so they touch your wrist (or as close as they go) this is where your sleeve should hit.
-Sit down.  Are you giving visitors a show in between your buttons? Size up and take it to a tailor.
-Wear a white bra when you try it on.  You shouldn't need to wear a tank underneath to camouflage your bra. The material should be thick enough to not show through.
-Are there collar buttons? If so, how sturdy are they? If you want a more professional look, try a shirt with collar stays, they will make sure you never have curling.

And something my mom taught me: if it's white, wash it with whites.  A crisp white shirt is just that.  White.  A dingy, or graying white shirt is so unattractive!

My fave T-shirt

Buying a t-shirt sounds like the most mundane task of all time but when you think about it, there are SO many options.  Embellished, scoop neck, sleeve length, type of cotton, so many choices!

While there are numerous tees for numerous occasions, this one is my go to:

Ann Taylor, scoop neck tee, $24

I love this t-shirt for so many reasons- the first is the fit.  It's not clingy.  Very important to me.  There is no need to see bumps and rolls in a classic tee. I also love the scoop neck because it's not flaunting in the way a v-neck is, but it still opens up the neckline.

I can use this shirt tucked into a pencil skirt and a hot pink cardi or I can pair it with cargo shorts and run out the door.