Sometimes you can ask a lady her number

There are a few things every woman should know like the back of her hand.  Number one on that list is her manners.  Please, thank you, holding the door, etc.  The list goes on and on including knowing your mom's shoe size (for borrowing purposes), knowing what 'your color' is, etc etc.  But somewhere in the middle of that list is one very important fact that every woman should know:  The absolute minimum amount of time it takes you to get out the door for work looking presentable.


Now by 'presentable' I mean meeting-attire, hair brushed, makeup on, and shoes matching.  Every woman needs to know her number in case the inevitable happens.  If the alarm doesn't go off, if you snooze too much, if it was a really long night, and the list goes on.  What's my number you ask? Brace yourself. 9.  In an absolute crunch I need NINE minutes to get out of bed, dressed, makeup, and out the door.

This number I've found is very low in comparison to others, so don't beat yourself up about it.  I used to work a job that required me to be at work at 5am everyday so EVERY minute of getting ready in the morning I made count.

Why are we talking about this? Well lovebugs, because in addition to knowing your number, you should have the go-to outfit to get you dressed and out the door.  A foolproof great look that works no matter what.

Here are my picks:

J Crew, Cambridge Cable Shawl Collar Cardigan, $69

Take you pick for the color of sweater that suits you but a classic well structured open neck sweater is a great staple.

Talbots, double faced wool skirt, $62

I prefer a skirt as my go to staple but a good fitting pair of slacks work as well.  

Ann Taylor, Perfect Tights, $20

If it's below 55 degrees, please do not go bare-legged.  These are sleek and professional with a pencil skirt.  I mean, look at the model, she doesn't even have a skirt on and they look great.

Cole Haan, Talia Mid Pumps, $109

Can I tell you a secret? Nike now works with Cole Haan to make comfortable heels.  I'm talking like Nike sneaker comfort.  Invest.  Now.  

Urban Outfitters, Braided Chain and Bead Cluster, $29

Always leave room for a statement go-to necklace.  It makes you feel beautiful and it draws attention to itself.  You'll be fighting off the "omg i love your necklace" comments for the rest of the day.

So that's an example of my go-to 9 minute out the door outfit.  What would yours be? AND more importantly what's you number?  Hoepfully you don't have to use it too often but it's good to know!

Be fabulous today!

The Smudgy Print

Is it really only Tuesday?  My blogger friend, Lindsay over at YAMS Designs were chatting about how much nicer today would be if it were Wednesday.  But I suppose this gives us another chance to what? That's right, be fabulous.

But if you aren't on the fab train quite yet, try out these watercolor-like prints will certainly spruce up your day.

Lulu's, Artistic Print Tunic, $43

I'm loving this color palate along with the defined waist by the ribbon belt.  Perfect for black skinny jeans.

Ann Taylor, Winter Whisper Cardigan, $49

This is just gorgeous.  I love the v-neck on this cardigan because it offers the option for a blouse-y top underneath or a statement necklace.

Old Navy, ruffled chiffon top, $26.50

That's right, Old Navy.  This is a great staple because you can tuck it into a pencil skirt with a metallic skinny belt or wear it with fitted cargo pants on the weekend.

Speigel, print sateen pencil skirt, $39

Such an interesting print, usually a floral you'd expect much smaller on a skirt.  This is a statement.

When buying prints like this it's important to stick with a pattern you're comfortable with, because otherwise it's going to sit in your closet.  Where you can experiment is with color.  Prints offer you a variety of hues in one piece so even if yellow isn't your color its softened by the mixing of yellow with white with black, etc.  Have fun with it!  Starting with these types of smudgy, watercolor prints is a nice way to ease yourself into the bold world of prints.

Be fabulous today!

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.