Guest Post: Fashionable Winter Accessories

Take the Edge off the Cold with Fashionable Winter Accessories

by Brooke S.

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes chillier, you know that winter is fast approaching. Although frigid winter days may tempt you to bundle up in a warm but shapeless coat, clunky boots, and your warm but tattered wool scarf, the dropping temperature doesn’t mean you have to lose your fashion sensibilities. Investing in a few key accessories will ensure that you look chic and stay toasty warm, all winter long.

Boots Make a Bold Fashion Statement
When considering your winter look, start at the tips of your toes with a new pair of boots. With dozens of chic styles to choose from, there is no reason to bury your feet in that frumpy pair you’ve had for years. Knee-high riding boots in a classic cognac color look cute with tucked in skinny jeans or a sweaterdress and leggings. For a more rock ‘n roll edge, grab a pair of sexy black booties to pair with thick tights and a cute skirt. Black boots with a stiletto heel can also amp up your fashion statement. If you’re going to be trudging through several feet of snow, avoid furry boots and stick with a plain suede pair that look more timeless.

A Scarf for Any Occasion
Scarves don’t have to be an itchy piece of fabric that you reluctantly wind around your neck to block the cold. Find a fashion-forward scarf with a unique knit pattern or cute fringe for a fun twist on a classic style. Layers are getting longer this season, so don’t be afraid to wind a thick, chunky scarf around your neck several times and leave the ends hanging. Scarves also make a great indoor accessory; after you’ve taken off your winter coat, keep your scarf on to add some pizzazz to your outfit. A colorful scarf can be a playful splash of color in an otherwise monochromatic look.

Hats and Mittens: Beyond the Basics
Hats and mittens don’t have to be totally utilitarian; look for a set that is fun, fashionable, and functional. A knit cap with a pom-pom on top can be a fun way to top off a more basic look. If you hate your hair getting full of static and tangles, look for a slouchy knit hat that will preserve your hairdo. If you are looking for something different this winter, find a structured fedora to wear with your favorite winter coat. This classic hat style looks great on nearly every face and frame.

Feel free to mix and match your hat and mittens, remembering to stick within the same style or color story. Keep it fun with colorful striped mittens, or go classic with a herringbone pattern. Many cute styles are convertible mitten/gloves, which allows you to easily text a friend or check your phone while keeping your hands warm.

With a chill in the air and rapidly dropping temperatures, it’s time to bring out the winterwear. Winter styles can be just as cute as any other time of year if you add the right accessories. Invest in some fashionable boots, scarves, hats, and mittens, and you’ll stay both warm and fashion-forward until spring arrives.

Guest Post: How to Dress for Success at Your Office Party

How to Dress for Success at Your Office Party

by Brooke S.

Annual office parties give you and your coworkers a chance to unwind and enjoy the season’s festivities together. Whether your boss foots the bill for a lavish banquet at a nearby convention center or hosts an intimate party in the office’s break room, dress for success. Sure, it’s a party, but you’re a professional. Dress like one!

What Not to Wear

When you think “holiday party,” do your little black sequined dress and high heels come to mind? That outfit’s great if you’re going out for an evening with girlfriends, but your co-workers don’t need or want to see you dressed for the club.

Likewise, leave the see-through, short or tight clothes at home. Your office party isn’t the place to show off your stomach, thighs or cleavage.

On the opposite side of the holiday wardrobe spectrum, you don’t want to wear your casual sweats or novelty items either. You know what I’m talking about: the holiday sweater with jeans, red sweater with green pants or the Santa socks and reindeer antler headbands. These clothing combinations and novelty items are cute at home, but you’ll appear unprofessional or silly if you wear them to the office party.

What to Wear

Remember that you represent your company and your professional career at work, after work and at office functions. Keep your professional reputation and your job secure by wearing appropriate clothing to your office holiday party.

This doesn’t mean you have to wear regular work clothes. A party is your chance to dress up a little while relaxing with your colleagues, meeting your boss’s wife and celebrating the holiday. Try wearing clothes that celebrate the season without overdoing the festivities. For example, consider dressing up a suit by pairing it with red silky blouse, red shoes and a red handbag. Pair your little black dress with sensible heels and a red jacket. Wear green leggings with a cream wrap sweater and boots. These outfits are tasteful and look great without going over the top.

And don’t forget the jewelry. Use sparkling, colorful pieces to show your seasonal spirit and add color to your outfit. Snowflake dangle earrings with a matching bracelet, diamond studs with matching hair clips or a ruby necklace with a red cocktail ring show off your holiday spirit with style.

At your office holiday party, maintain your professional reputation when you wear fashionable yet tasteful clothing. Let your hair down and enjoy mingling with your coworkers. With appropriate clothing, you’re dressed for success.

Guest Post: Holiday Shopping Tips

Holiday Shopping Tips: Stay Cute and Comfortable at the Mall This Season

by: Brooke S.

When getting ready for Black Friday shopping, you're probably thinking about long lines and crowded stores—and not about your personal style. This season, you'll probably see lots of friends and family members when shopping at the mall so it's important to look good.

Basic Outfit Ideas

If you're shopping for others and don't plan to try on any clothes, wear something simple yet chic. Think leggings or tights, a short skirt and a sweater. Top it off with a beanie or slouch cap. Or try long leggings and a tunic for basic everyday style. Jazz up this look with a long necklace or cozy cowl so you don't look like you crawled out of bed, threw on Uggs and a sweatshirt and hit the stores.

If you plan to do a little shopping for you, think in terms of clothes you can easily change into and out of. You definitely don't want to take off tights. Think skinny jeans, a boyfriend tee or tank and a simple blazer. The combo is comfortable and stylish. Accessorize with a statement necklace or fun winter hat.

Dos and Don'ts

While it can be tempting to show off your new high-heeled boots, keep your shoes comfortable. Ballet flats and flat booties work well here because they're super comfy, pair well with so many looks and are easy to take off. If your tall boots are comfy, great—but do you want to be lacing and unlacing them when trying on clothes?

If you can, leave your coat in the car or carry a lightweight jacket. Along the same vein, shrink down your purse size. A small lightweight clutch carries all the essentials and won't weigh down your shoulder while you shop. Bags get heavy, and if you're buying for the holidays you're sure to accumulate additional items to weigh you down.

When shopping for your perfect New Year's Eve outfit, bring along anything you might want to wear with it, like your heels. Just don't wear those stillettos to the mall or you'll wear out your feet. Same goes if you're looking to match something you already own: Bring the item along but don't feel you have to wear it.

No matter what you decide to wear, take time to do your hair and makeup. These little things will help you feel better when checking out potential outfits in the dressing room mirror and keep you covered if you run into friends. Fashion earrings, necklaces, scarves and hats let you incorporate some festive holiday flair or on-point trends.

When you take time to put yourself together, you just feel better all around when shopping. Who says comfortable can't be cute this holiday season?

Quality Thoughts for Tuesday!