A New Year, A New You (style tips to look & feel great)

After a 2 month hiatus I’m finally back to blogging!  Between the holidays & getting comfortable with working part time, I just didn’t have the time nor the energy to write.  But, I’m back & it feels wonderful!

It’s that time of year again…people are making resolutions, the gym is over-crowded & at home yoga videos are flying off the shelves.  I enjoy a good workout as much as the next person, but looking good & feeling good doesn’t always have to involve sweating your face off.  In honor of the New Year & trying to look our best I wanted to share some styling practices I use while styling myself & clients.

Highlight & emphasize your best features.  Whether it’s your bust, waist or legs, figure out what you love most about your body & flaunt it!

Style Suggestions Bust: V-neck blouses & dresses with a plunging neckline or scoop neck are the perfect way to emphasize your bust.  Waist: Tops with shape or cinching as well as belted high-waist pants will highlight your waist & show off your silhouette.  Legs: Boot cut jeans with a small flare will balance the curve of your hip which in turn elongates the leg & creates a slimming effect.  Shorter dresses and skirts are always a go-to when showing off your legs as well.

Avoid baggy clothing.  I know this can be hard.  Hell, most days you’ll find me in a comfy oversized tee, but wearing loose fitting clothing tends to have an adverse effect & actually makes you look bigger than you are.

Style Suggestions Peplum blouses, straight-fit tops, fitted blazers, belted dresses.  When in doubt, wear shapewear!

Don’t be afraid of skinny jeans.  Contrary to what many woman believe, anyone can rock a pair of skinnys!  The trick is to finding a brand that perfectly fits your shape.

Style Suggestions If you’re new to skinny jeans, start with a dark wash navy.  Treat the denim as leggings & tuck them into tall boots, or cuff them at the hem & wear with ankle booties, they’re also great to wear with high heels or even pointed toe flats

As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx

Tis the season to sparkle in style

The holidays are fast approaching which means it’s time to start planning your outfit for family dinner, work parties & happy hour!  I’m excited to share some of my favorite pieces to save & splurge on this season.  Tis the season to sparkle in style…

A figure flattering dress is the perfect go-to for a holiday work party.  Arrive in style in either of these violet beauties paired with black ankle booties & a sequins clutch.

Save on the Darla Tulle Dress from Anthropologie $158 (Left/Top)

Splurge on the Jewel Wrap Dress by Diane von Furstenberg $698 (Right/Bottom)

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Make sequin leggings look chic by pairing them with a basic white tee & a fitted moto jacket.

Save on the French Connection Spark Leggings $119 (Left/Top)

Splurge on the Dena Snake Skin Legging by BCBG $398 (Right/Bottom)

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For a cozy, effortless look pair an embellished sweater with your favorite distressed boyfriend jeans & high strappy heel.

Save on the Banana Republic Embellished Pullover $79.50 (Left/Top)

Splurge on the Alice + Olivia Rosalind Sweater from Saks $398 (Right/Bottom)

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Polish your blouse & pant ensemble by layering it with a cape blazer; a sleek twist on the ever-so favorite blazer.

Save on the Revolve Clothing Cape Blazer $80 (Left/Top)

Splurge on the James Jeans Cape Blazer from ShopBop $290 (Right/Bottom)

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Meeting friends for dinner & drinks..?  Update your LBD with a bold statement necklace!

Save on the Dayna Crystal Necklace from Francesca’s $38 (Left/Top)

Splurge on the Pick a Pearl Necklace from Kate Spade $298 (Right/Bottom)

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(For more information on each piece click on the picture to be redirected)

As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx

Wild about animal print

Animal print is fun to experiment with, on-trend for fall & easier to pull off than you think.  I have to admit, I used to be one of those people who were hesitant to wear animal print.  Sometimes an all-over print can be overwhelming or come off as kitschy.  However, there are simple ways to incorporate animal print into your wardrobe without cheapening your look.

From shoes to handbags & everything in between, these designers’ take on animal print is anything but tacky.  If you see something you love, click on the picture & you will be redirected to the correct site.

Sam Edelman ‘Delilah’ Calf Hair d’Orsay Pump & ‘Alaine’ Scalloped Flat both in Nude Leopard

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Betsey Johnson Mosaic Gold & Leopard Watch

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Michael Kors Jet Set Leopard Calf Hair Crossbody

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Equipment Brett Dress – Alfalfa Multi Cape Town Collage Print

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Storets Leopard Mesh Blazer

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One of my favorite trends for fall is treating animal print as a neutral.  This is especially great if you’re new to the animal scene like myself.  By subtly incorporating a print such as leopard or snake-skin into your outfit you’re creating a statement look that let’s face it, everyone will want to copy!  Take the Sam Edelman leopard pumps for example, pair them with red pixie pants & a black sheer blouse and you have a beautiful, bold outfit or pair the Michael Kors leopard crossbody with dark denim & a striped top for an exciting mix of patterns.  Regardless of how you decide to wear animal print this fall have fun with it, don’t worry about rules & take lots of pictures!