Dinner Date with the Hubby

Happy New Year Everyone!!!  Can you all believe its already 2013!  Time really does fly by.  I don't know about you, but I am really excited for this year and all it can bring.  I don't make resolutions, but one of my goals for this year is to improve my blog.  So if you have any advice or critiques for me I would love to hear them.

And since its the new year, it also means busy season is back for my husband :-(  So I decided I would start the new year blogging off with the outfit I wore on our last date.  During busy season we make Friday our date nights because its usually been a week since we got to speak in person.  Its my favorite thing about busy season.  And since my husband hasn't seen me the whole week, I try to dress nice for him.  This outfit was based around the shoes!  I tried the drop waist trend by sitting the belt on my hips instead of my waist like usual.

I bought this dress a couple years ago for my birthday party.  Its always fun to find new uses for your dresses.  Last time I wore it in the spring, but its perfect for winter too.  All I did was add tights and a blazer.  This one from Piperlime is similar for $67.  Can be worn alone, with a belt, with or without tights. Endless possibilities!

My shoes Sam Edelman...I am still so in love with these!  They are the coolest heels I own!  They no longer available online, but this pair is similar and very cool for $190.

I also found a similar pair from Ami Clubwear for only $21.  They are all black, but have the spiked heel detail that mine have.

Target has some really fun tights right now.  If you dress up in the winter, its a great way to keep your legs warm.  You can't tell but mine in the picture are patterned.  Its subtle but adds some fun to your outfit.  They have all kind of patterns if you are daring enough!  I like these with the zigzags.

Happy New Year!!!  Here's to a stylish 2013!!!

Dinner with Friends

We went to a little holiday group dinner/party on Saturday night at Marci and Frankie's house.  There was 10 of us...Jon and I being the only non-neighbor dwelling friends :-)  We had two of these dinner parties last year and they are always a great time.  Tara is a great bartender and her martinis are the best!  This years was a Chocolate Covered Almond Martini...couldn't even taste the alcohol.  However, the White Chocolate Candy Cane Martini was ALL alcohol.  Delicious!  I bought a new leopard shirt on Piperlime awhile ago and I was dying to wear it.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity. I also tried something new with my curl.  I curled it after blow drying it straight...which I never do.  I usually just rock the natural curl and add to it a bit with a curling rod.  I saw an idea to try it from straight and curl under instead of over the rod.  Then I brushed it, which I also never do.  All in all I was happy with the look and will definitely try it again.  P.S.  What do you think of my new dark red lipstick?  I almost never wear lipstick but this one is super in right now.  (I wanted to wear my coat in one picture because it is the best coat I have ever owned!  Shout out to my boss and what a great job she did picking this out!)

The top is from Piperlime and its by Tinley Road and its on sale right now for only $24.99 with all sizes still available.  I wore it with skinny black pants, but you can wear it with anything from jeans to pencil skirts.  I am excited to pack it for Christmas break in NY.  

My pants are from the Gap but they are no longer available.  I found a similar pair at Express for $60.

My shoes are Jessica Simpson but they are no longer available either.  These Anne Klein heels from Zappos are very similar.  They are on sale right now for only $62.99.

My belt is from the Talbots Outlet Store and it was such a great find.  I wear it all the time, dressed up and down.  It is a tricky belt to find but this one by Style $ Co. from Macy's is very similar.  Its $21.98 and as a bonus its reversible.  Two belts in one!

My coat is from Bebe. It was my Christmas gift last year from the twins parents and I love it!  When you live in a climate like Michigan, you need great outerwear.  This one at Bebe is pretty similar for $198.


Merry Christmas Season everyone!!!

How to Dress Like a Star

Yes that's right ladies...here is my number one tip to dressing like a movie star!  I was reading an article online with some tips to becoming a fashion genius (like me!) and this one just stuck out to me...know your body!  How many times do we stare at ourselves in the mirror and pick apart all the different areas of our bodies?  So instead, look at yourself with the purpose of defining your type.  Pick out your favorite features and aim to show those off.  Then pick out the ones you aren't so fond of because there are tons of tricks to disguising those instead of worrying about them.  Next, find a celebrity who has the same body type as you.  They pay tons of money for a stylist to make sure they look perfect all the time.  Its a free and easy way to cheat into your own stylist.

Here are a few examples of my celebrity body doubles...haha.

I know that we all have different shapes so I went on to find some good examples for other types.  My first thought was when Laura kindly told me that not everyone is "a skinny bitch" like me.  So here is some examples of a curvy figure, with hips and boobs.  Really, a dream figure.  I immediately thought of Kim Kardashian.  Whether you lover her or hate her, she knows how to dress her body.  She accents her features...and she is proud of her curves!  Here she is in a great wrap dress.  Doesn't her waist look tiny?

And here she is more dressed down for everyday.  A great example how blazers work for everyone.  The length is great because it hits at her hips and helps elongate her midsection, making her look taller and leaner.  And when you have a great butt, make sure your jeans fit to show it off!  Kim knows that better than anyone.  Flared and bootcut jeans are great for this body type...see how they slim down Jessica's upper half.

Another body type that can be hard to dress is tall.  My friend Sue is always talking about how hard it can be!  When I think of tall and lean, I think super model (which is what I think when I think of Sue!).  So I used my favorite super model Rosie Huntington-Whitely.  She is great at playing with proportions.  And how hot are these leather leggings!  I have been dying to try a pair but I think they are meant for long and lean women only.  One trick of hers that I noticed in all her pictures online, skinny pants regardless of the material.  That way you can wear heels or flats and not worry about the length.

On the opposite side of tall, is petite.  That body type can be tricky because you are always trying to look taller!  Here are a few celebs who nailed that.  Eva Longoria is only 5'2" but you wouldn't know it looking at this picture.  The monochromatic black look here is very elongating.  The platform heels don't hurt either!  Again, notice how a blazer flatters everyone!

I love Nicole Richie's style right now.  She has boho chic down to a science.  I loved this look on her because, again, she doesn't look short at all.  The hem on the dress is shorter in the front, which can be tricky. But its above her knee and not too dramatic of a difference in length so that keeps from chopping off her legs.  The other key is how her jacket hits at her natural waist.  Also, notice the platforms again!

I apologize if I missed your body type!  I tried to cover most of the bases.  If you prefer a celeb with a different style, try picking up a People Style Watch magazine and browsing through it.  They always have great outfit ideas for all different body types and occasions.  Hope this helps jump start you into some new ideas for styling!

How to Dress for a Thanksgiving Food Baby

Happy Almost Thanksgiving everyone!!!  Don't you just love Thanksgiving?!?!  Whats not to love...football and food...all day long!  One of my favorite foods in life is pumpkin pie and I always volunteer to make dessert because I love to make this pie.  My girlfriend Marci bought me this beautiful pie plate a couple years ago and it has my recipe on the bottom.  I love that its a little different than the one of the canned pumpkin.  Also, this year I went nuts and made the pie with homemade crust and pumpkin puree from an actual pumpkin.   Let's hope I did ok...

I always have one issue on Thanksgiving...my food baby.  I am famous for my food baby because whenever I eat a large meal...there it is.  I swear sometimes I look in the early stages of pregnancy.  If I was famous, they would take my picture for the tabloids with one of those arrows pointing to the belly with a pregnancy rumor attached.  Ahhhh to be famous and have these issues...anyways...I think about this every year and thought this was a good chance to share.  I have been made fun of in the past for dressing up when everyone was in jeans.  But here's the thing...my jeans are usually tight and that's the last thing I want on Thanksgiving.  So I usually trend towards a dress with some give in the stomach area.  I stumbled on a bog about this very thing and it inspired some other options.

Number one is my go to choice of a dress with a twisted waist and some ruching.  I bought mine at Marshals.  Its by Max Studio and you could probably find one like it at a Marshals  near you.  Its very similar to this one by Michael Kors from Macy's for only $67.49 right now.

Another option that I have never thought of is a full, high waisted skirt.  The benefit of the high waist is that it sits above your food baby so the fullness of the skirt hides everything.  This is why A-line dresses are always recommended for pear shaped women.  If you have an A-line dress that is similar in skirt shape, try wearing that with a turtleneck or a jacket and tights and boots.  This one from Express is only $30 right now.

For those of us who can't resist the legging...try this twist on it.  Add a button down that covers your bum (we def don't need that showing on a family holiday!) and a great oversized cardigan.  And if you can, try to wear your  thickest leggings.  These leggings from JC Penny have some cool faux leather side details and are only $35.

I really like the colors of this sweater from Victoria's Secret. I like that it adds a pop of color to your look but it also looks so cozy!  And with the wrap belt, you don't have to worry about any food baby showing...just tie it up!  Its on sale right now for $60.

For under your sweater, or alone with some funky jewelry and the leggings, try this essential tunic from Express.   Look at how roomy it is!!!

And for those of you who are really daring (or lazy I guess) fashion sweatpants are a real thing.  And nothing seems more appropriate an occasion for fashion sweatpants than Thanksgiving.  But if you dare try this, you must wear jewelry, heels and a fitted jacket to keep it from looking like you went to the table in your jammies.  Now I actually have a pair of these from Bebe that I live in during the warmer months.  This pair at Armani Exchange is pretty cool too.   Don't they look comfy!!!

I have not decided which route I will take but I will make sure to take some pics tomorrow!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!  And GO LIONS!!!!

Dinner with Parents Take Two

Well its been a week and we picked up Dad and D from the airport on Saturday night. They had a great time in Florida and brought back a bunch of great pictures of Reesey Bear!  She is getting so big, which means Aunt Tina and Uncle Jon need to plan our next trip to Florida too!  Since the airport pickup was near dinner time, of course we had dinner with the parents again and got to catch up on the trip.  I wasn't sure if we were staying in or eating out so I tried to dress comfortable and casual but nice enough to go out too.  So here is further proof that I live in my blazers during the fall and winter.  This time I wore my boyfriend blazer. I also got to wear my new arm bangle, which I bought because its metal that can be bent so it actually fits my tiny wrist.

I bought my blazer a couple years ago so its no longer available.  I did find this great boyfriend blazer at Macy's by INC for $67 right now...plus they are having a sale right now so its an extra 15% off.  I rolled up my sleeves for a more casual look, with this blazer it would be very cool to scrunch up the sleeves a bit. 

I bought my pale pink top from TJ Maxx this summer for only $13.  I looked online for a similar one at a similar price.  I found this really cute top at Forever 21 for $24.80.  Now, for the record, I don't really like to shop at Forever 21 because usually the quality is not that great.  Also, they have the worst return policy ever so never buy unless you try it on and love it.  I prefer TJ Maxx or H & M instead.  But sometimes you need something specific and run out of options.  This tank top is very cute and definitely worth the $25...but maybe try your local TJ Maxx first.

My jeans are from Guess and they are one of my most favorite pairs of jeans ever!  I wear them all the time and they fit like a glove.  Guess is one of the most iconic denim brands of all time and they really know what they are doing.  They really know how to flatter a womans body!  This pair is called Brittney Skinny Jeans and they are running a promo right now for only $60.  Usually their jeans run over $100 so this is a great deal.

My cuff bracelet was on clearance at Target so I couldn't find it.  But I did find a ton of really cool ones on Amazon.  This one is awesome and is only $14.95!  There are a ton of options is you need a differnt style or color too.

Bottom line...if you don't own a great blazer...its time to go buy one!

Another Blazer Look

Well Dad and Diane are down in Florida visiting my baby niece Reese and siblings Steve and Jess...so glad they finally get to go see her again.  She is getting so big so fast!  Its so hard to live this far from them.  My parents booked a ridiculously early flight at 6:50 am so Jon and I decided to sleep over since we were getting up at 5!  They took us to dinner the night before to Diamond Jim Brady's in Novi.  If you are looking for a good place to eat, this place is amazing!  There are so many things on the menu that are to die for!  We had a drink before we left...hence the new pose I'm trying here :-)  I wasn't sure where we would end up for dinner so I went with a simple, classic look.  We decided it was blog worthy.  

This slouchy blazer from Nordstrom is by Eliza J for $98.  I love the look of this!  Its a great way to make a look less formal, like the dress in this picture.  P.S.  How awesome does hot pink look under this black blazer!  I wore this blazer over my brown knit skirt to dress it down a bit.  Its also great with jeans of all styles.

The jeans I have on are Paige jeans from Nordstrom Rack.  They are the best fitting jeans I have ever worn! These are close to the exact pair for $169.  (Side note...these pants are def too short for the shoes she is wearing.)

If you aren't ready go spend that much on a pair of jeans, these from the Gap are great for $70.  And they come in curvy, tall, and petite so they fit just about all body types.

I got these boots at DSW while I was killing time waiting for my mom.  They were on the clearance rack for an extra 30% off so they were only $35.  They are still available right now.  And they are so comfortable! I mean I could wear them with the kids comfortable!

I got this tan snakeskin belt at the most random of stores...Talbots.  Its not my usual style but I was there doing a return for my boss.  Since I'm never one to pass up a chance to shop, I looked around.  The belts were half off and I fell in love with this one.  I have worn it a few times a week since I bought it!  Its the easiest way to jazz up an ordinary outfit.  I cannot find the exact belt I bought, but this one by MICHAEL Michael Kors is almost the exact same for $53.  I found it on Zappos so free shipping!

Vintage Plaid Shirt

I went shopping with my mom the other night after work for some girl time.  We love meeting at Nordstrom Rack and then going down the street to have dinner at Champps.  I was looking for some winter boots and any cool work clothes I could find for Jon.  I did find him some very cool Calvin Klein work shoes and he actually really likes them!  Score!  I found an amazing blazer but my conscience took over and I decided it was too much to spend when I don't really need it.  But I made sure to point it out to my mom for a Christmas idea :-)  We did find this really cool plaid flannel shirt on the rack and both fell in love with it.  Since it was my size, I got to be the one to try it on.  Its vintage from What Goes Around Comes Around.  Its so soft and thick and warm and the most perfect fall/winter shirt!  I love it so much that I had to wear it yesterday for our errands.  Here is how I styled it.

I looked online and can't find the shirt I bought, but I found a really similar one.  Its from Kohls  by Sonoma for only $20 right now!  Plus, Kohls is having their Kohls Cash deal right now too.

I wore my skinny jeans so I could cuff them and show off my booties.  I think this top would work with flares or even slouchy boyfriend jeans for a comfortable weekend look.  The key it to keep it from looking too country western...unless you are going to a country concert of course.  If you are up for a splurge on skinny jeans, I love my Paige jeans.  These are on sale right now at Nordstrom for $101.  

And if you aren't in the mood to spend $100, American Eagle has some great options for skinny jeans.  These new skinny hi rise jeans are on sale for $40 right now.  And if you don't like the hi rise fit, they also have them in regular.

I've talked about these booties before...and how obsessed I am with them.  I just think they are so cool and versatile.  And you can find them just about anywhere and at any price point.  They come in all sorts of browns, blacks, and greys too.  I found mine at Mashall's for only $30!  I also saw a great pair at Macy's by Kelsi Dagger on sale or $80 with an extra 15% off.  

Happy November!  And don't forget to vote on Tuesday.