Tag: Must Haves

Ladies: Spring/Summer 2010 Apparel Must Haves

Well Spring isn’t really here YET, but the sun is staying out longer and the temperature is rising. So with Spring and Summer FINALLY around the corner, is your wardrobe in order? It may be time to start Spring cleaning now to ensure that your wardrobe features some of this season’s hottest trends! There are over 10 trends we should expect to see this Spring & Summer season, but here are the top 5 I’ve seen over and over again. These five trends can be mixed and matched (ie. Ruffled, patterned skirt) allowing you to really spice up your wardrobe without going broke to do so.

 

Neutrals

We should all have neutrals if we’re talking about summer. Neutrals are not only flattering, but they also help you stay cool. If we end up having an extreme summer like we did winter, we’re all going to be looking for light weight and light color clothes to keep us cool. Neutrals in any style of apparel (shirts, skirts, and dresses) are definitely an investment. It’s a trend that will keep coming back.

Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Tribal Printed Dress

Express Essential Military Shirt

 

Ruffles:

Ruffles are here and can look great if worn correctly.  Try ruffle skirts and dresses for a fun and flirty look this season.  Ruffles on the bottom of a skirt are great on those of you who are slim; gives the illusion that you have a little “meat on your bones.”

 

Valentino

Short Shorts:

Please keep in mind, short shorts are NOT for everyone, however, they will be around this year.  Last year, the biggest trend was dresses and skirts, but shorts are making a come back.  If you’re going to wear short shorts, keep the top simple with a tank top or tee shirt, but nothing too revealing.  Let your legs do the talking.

Express Denim Shorts

 

Masculine Elements - Blazers & Vests

One of my favorite fashion pieces; I love wearing them with skinny jeans and especially leggings and heels.  Expect to see strong shoulder blazers, shorter blazers and white blazers. I’ve seen two sites already feature cute blazers in white.  (I may have to purchase one myself).  White would look great over an all black ensemble or over vibrant colors such as orange, yellow and teal.  They are great to dress up with heels or dress down with jeans and flats.   Always compliment the masculine element with a little femininity, like a long necklace, big earrings or multiple bangles. 

Mena Suvari in alice + olivia White Linen Blazer

People Tree Roll Sleeve Handwoven Boyfriend Blazer

Abstract Prints & Bold Colors

Prints and bold colors are taking over.  Everything I’ve seen is in a print or solid bold color.  Use patterns and colors to add a little flare to your style and stand out in the crowd.  For darker skin tones, yellow, orange and teal look really good! For lighter skin tones, teal, shades of pink and purple compliment your look.

Asos Abstract Feather Print One Shoulder Dress

Asos Leopard Print Sundress

Add these fives trends to your wardrobe and you’ll be sure to make a statement this Spring & Summer season!

share save 256 24 Ladies: Spring/Summer 2010 Apparel Must Haves

The 80s are Back!!

This summer at work, we started to receive our fall merchandise and now that September is almost over, if you haven’t done so already, it’s time to add some fun fall must-haves to the wardrobe.  And not surprisingly, it looks like the 80’s are officially back!!! We got a taste of the 80’s last year with the infamous liquid leggings and sequins tops, but it looks like the fashion world has decided to take it to the next level. If you’re feeling 80’s inspired this fall season, here are some styles you should definitely add to your wardrobe!!

(Remember to shop for trends on a budget and always invest in wardrobe essentials!)

JACKETS

 

The EXPRESS STRONG SHOULDER JACKET – Sexy and Sophisticated, putting a new edge on the office blazer.  This is a great blazer to wear with a skirt and roll up the sleeves and rock with leggings and skinny jeans at night!

 

The Boyfriend Jacket – You can’t go wrong with this piece!!  A neutral boyfriend jacket looks great with skinny jeans and leggings and of course it’s a great piece to contrast with a tunic and/or a printed dress during spring.

(Featured above is the Stella McCarthy Boyfriend Jacket).

 NOVELTY LEGGINGS

Move over black leggings and make room for prints!!  This season printed patterns like snake and leopard are taking over the traditional black leggings. These look great with a blazer, cardigan or military jacket.  Add some fun to the leggings by wearing bright pumps and/or accessories.

(Featured are BCBG MaxAzri leggings)

LEATHER – WELL NOT REALLY!

                                    

Leather – Leather is in, but its recession proof leather! Faux leather and “Minus the Leather” styles have taken over this year.  It looks and feels like the real thing, but less expensive! Why not rock the latest fashions without spending a fortune!  

(Featured is the EXPRESS Minus the Leather Jacket and Rachel Roy Faux Leather Bubble mini skirt)

 NEON

Make a BOLD statement with bright colors this fall. Pair with a neutral (like the boyfriend jacket), black tights or pants for a bold, put together look.

(Featured is a Rachel Roy bold printed dress)

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What’s In Your Closet?

While at work the other day, three girls walked in looking to purchase suits.  They had recently tried to attend a school career fair, but were denied entry because they weren’t dress appropriately.  The young ladies were all juniors and had never owned a suit.  When I was an undergraduate business student, I had  a suit (maybe even 2) and all of my classmates made sure to have suits too! So I thought, fall not only marks the beginning of another school season and interview season, it’s also a great time to evaluate the wardrobe to make sure we have the essentials that will last through any situation from year to year.  Below is a list of essentials for both men and women.  Let’s make sure we have the essentials as the fall season approaches us!

Young Professional Men’s Wardrobe Essentials:

*White dress shirt – White dress shirts are a staple piece. They should be worn with dresser pieces like a dark suit or dress pants and coat. The great thing about white shirts is they look great on everyone.

*Dress pants – You may not want to wear a suit every time you have to attend an event where business or business casual is appropriate.  A nice pair of dress pants with a separate piece like a blazer goes a long way.

*Navy Blazer– A suit is not going to be necessary at every event when a jacket is required, so having a sports blazer as an alternative is great! A navy blazer with a pair of khakis looks great.

*Gray or Navy Suit – We are now at the age of interviewing, networking, and being a part of professional organizations where business attire is essential.  A navy or dark grey suit is essential. The pieces can be worn as separates too, allowing for a more versatile wardrobe.  This is definitely an investment piece. 

Check out EXPRESS. They currently have select suits on sale for 30% off.  Also check out Jos A. Banks. They currently have a Buy 1 Suit, get 2 Suits for Free sale going on! You can’t beat that deal!

*Dark dress shoes & matching dress belt – Dress shoes and belts have to match! That is the cardinal rule when putting together an outfit!

*Pair of khakis- While jeans are comfortable and great, they can’t be worn everywhere and all the time! Business casual does not equal jeans.

*Solid tie – Solid ties will look great with your white button up shirt or any other dress shirts you have in your closet. You can’t go wrong here.

*Polo– Casual shirts like polos look great with a pair of jeans or khakis.  They can be worn during the day or at night with khakis and dress shoes.

*Dark denim jeans - Dark denim jeans are great because they can be dressed up or dressed down.  Dark denim is great for casual Fridays at work and looks great with a button up shirt when going out.

Read more: http://mensfashion.about.com/od/dressingonabudget/a/budgetesentials.htm

Young Professional Women’s Wardrobe Essentials:

*White dress shirt – White dress shirts are a staple piece. They should be worn with dresser pieces like a dark suit or dress pants and a jacket. The great thing about white shirts is they look great on everyone.

*Black dress pants – Dress pants are great to wear to work with a nice top and are essential when attending a “business casual event.”  A nice pair of dress pants with a separate piece like a blazer or sweater goes a long way.

*Black Pencil Skirt– The basic black pencil skirt is amazing!! The fitted silhouette looks great on anyone.  You can always dress up the pencil skirt with a belt or great funky tights for the fall/winter!

*Dark Suit – We are now at the age of interviewing, networking, and being a part of professional organizations where business attire is essential.  A dark suit is essential. The pieces can be worn as separates too, allowing for a more versatile wardrobe.  This is definitely an investment piece. 

*Black Pumps – Black pumps are essential! They can be worn with anything.  A diva must always have a pair of heels on hand.

*Jacket – This includes the classic boyfriend jacket which is masculine, but oh so feminine, and/or a leather jacket .  The boyfriend jacket looks great with jeans or over a dress while the leather jacket looks great with everything! Rock the leather jacket for a more edgy look.

*The Little Black Dress – There is a LBD out there for everyone! A little black dress that hits right at the knee or above can be so flattering. This dress is great for any dressy occasion: cocktail dinner, new years eve party, wedding, etc.

*Cotton Sweater or Any Occasional Top – Many list of wardrobe essentials suggest a sweater and other suggest an any occasional top.  Sweaters are great because they can be worn with anything; jeans, dress pants, and skirts.  Look for a top that looks great during any occasion under a jacket.

*Trench Coat – There are trench coats for both fall and spring that come in a variety of colors allowing you to show your more creative side.  Trench coats look great over dress pants and a casual shirt.

*Dark denim jeans – Dark denim jeans are great because they can be dressed up or dressed down.  Dark denim is great for casual Fridays at work and looks great with a party top when going out.

Read more: http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/tim_gunns_10_essential_elements#ixzz0RPPFJ6IZ

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Diva Must Haves

Earlier this summer in my attempt to pack for Vegas, my friend called me a Diva in Training! I laughed because I had heard similar things before, but I really started to think about it.  What makes me a Diva???  I don’t view a diva as the “prima donnas” we are used to hearing about; instead I see a diva as someone who is hard working, self confident, passionate and has a great sense of style. If you want to be a Diva, there some things you MUST HAVE!!

  1. 4-5 inch pair of heels! (You know I don’t go out without my heels!)
  2. Self Confidence
  3. Intelligence
  4. Positive Attitude
  5. Business Savvy
  6. Passion to Succeed
  7. Desire to make a difference in the world
  8. Great circle of friends
  9. Ability to lead others
  10.  Fashion Sense
  11. SWAG
  12. Class (Thanks Stephanie for 11 and 12)
Of course this is my opinion! What do you think are Diva MUST HAVES??
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