"Girlfriending" the Boyfriend Blazer

Major runways have re-featured “menswear” fashion (women sporting menswear was popular starting in the 1920s via Coco Chanel and then took a dip in the 1950s and then back up again in 2010 and has been popular consistently since) world-wide. The Boyfriend Blazer, or an oversized take on the classic blazer, is on the top of the mens-inspired fashion list for women. Due to its exaggerated and loose fit, I like to add some girly sass to balance the look.

Note: A boyfriend is not necessary to achieve featured looks, ok?

…but if you have one (or a husband who is your forever boyfriend *insert sexy wink*), try borrowing from his closet, if possible, to show him how to rock a blazer…your way!

If you want your own Boyfriend Blazer (like I would LOL)…FINE! I’m assuming that most of you fashionistas already own one, but if you don’t I’d suggest checking out stores that expanded the Boyfriend Blazer trend: Gap, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters or Forever 21. If you want to support the sustainable fashion movement (slow fashion), check out Salvation Army, Value World or other local thrift/consignment spots (in the men’s section).

Here’s how I put a girly spin on the popular menswear-inspired piece:

Fitted Leather

I love the juxtaposition of this look. The fitted vegan leather ensemble balances the boyfriend blazer so well. Add the knee-high boots and faux fur stole and va-va-boom!

CanadianTuxedo

Jean-on-Jean…Yes, please! Again, this fitted outfit balances the oversized blazer. The shorts and chunky pearls add “girly” spunk to an otherwise traditional look.

Trench

The structure of this classic, yet sexy trench dress lends just enough sass for the Boyfriend Blazer to harmonize effortlessly. The contrast between the color of the dress (Pantone calls it Dark Cheddar) and black blazer adds the “pop” this outfit deserves.

Hoodie

This look is for the “girlfriend” who is into the sport-luxe look. A hoodie under a blazer is a trend that’s not for everyone, but it’s not going anywhere soon! Give it a try. Oh! Don’t forget your lace socks and open-toe heels!

The Wrap Dress + 3 ways to style it!

“Wrap dresses for me are like the ultimate display of femininity. There’s nothing more sexy, sweet or confident than a woman in a wrap dress. Period. ”

Wrap dresses are my favorite for several reasons. At the top of my list: they look good on everyBODY! Really! Below, I show three additional ways to rock the wrap dress besides the traditional way.

• Rock your wrap dress as a DUSTER! This is such a great way to add print, movement, texture, or color to a basic outfit. You can also pair your “wrap dress duster” with another dress (sheath or another straight style).

• Rock your wrap dress as a two-piece with a moto vest or jacket. Another way is to piece with a distressed denim jacket to add some funk.

• I’ve even paired my wrap dresses with graphic tees (below), leggings and jeans (I love dresses with jeans!) to add interest to the classic dress!

Come on! Get creative with your classic items in your closet! I dare YOU!!!

Fall Beauty Faves!

Fall is here!

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It’s one of my favorite seasons for sure, but with cooler temperatures come skin changes, duller looking skies, and a slower pace. I have some beauty faves that are part of my self-care routine that I’d like to share that are sure to provide a pick-me-up as well as other benefits. Thank me later when you fall in love with these little pretties also!

Facial Cleanser: Shea Moisture Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub is wondrous! I use this twice weekly in place of my regular cleanser, followed by toner and moisturizer. I generally use it on Sunday and Wednesday. I discovered it from a Target Beauty Box this past Winter and have never parted. I have combination skin and it works perfectly with my existing skincare regime. The tea tree oil does the job to balance my skin and the tamarind extract provides gentle exfoliation to keep my skin smooth and glowy!

Moisturizer: I discovered Monie Naturals Skincare Green Tea & Vitamin E Facial Moisturizer through a friend on Instagram. This moisturizer is the truth! It doesn’t leave my skin oily like most moisturizers and provides the perfect canvas for makeup application.

Eye Cream: Listen, if you are over 25 and do not use an eye cream, please start! As early as 20s you can start to notice a few little creases, and as subtle as they may be, prevention is key! Now, I don’t believe in the term anti-aging (there is no such thing…), BUT I do believe in preservation! Most people don’t need a targeted eye cream (e.g. for dark circles), so a gentle and moisturizing one will do! My go to is Eve Organics Eye Cream. Due to the delicate skin under your eye, be sure to be gentle and apply with your your ring or baby finger. Secret: I use my eye cream as a lip moisturizer also!

Bright Matte Liquid: In the last few years, I’ve opted for a brighter lip in the fall. I still rock my deeper hues, but I’m not putting my bright lippies away! First of all, Boy Trouble by The Lip Bar is EVERYTHING!!! Secondly, it brightens my skin and my day! This is a brown girl’s dream lip color. TRUST. ME. You’ll also get a good laugh at their shade description.

Liquid Foundation: Clinique Even Better Broad Spectrum (Ginger) has worked for me for years. I had the hardest time color-matching a foundation that allowed my skin to breathe…because that’s important! It’s the perfect neutral brown girl shade and provides light-medium coverage. Clinique does it with this formula! It keeps my skin smooth and flawless without hiding ME. I wear this on Sundays and for occasions when I want a more even tone and a tad more coverage than a pressed powder.

Mineral Dual Foundation: Aveda did right by brown girls a few years ago by adding deeper hues. This is a pressed powder formula (Cream Caramel) but can be worn wet for lighter coverage. I wear this wet when I want a natural look that blurs imperfections. It also provides radiance on a gray, fall day. When I want a more dramatic look, I use this to provide a bit of contour to my liquid foundation.

BONUS: Drink. Your. Water. Babes.

These are just a few of my favorite Fall beauty jewels and as you can tell from the organic photos, I USE THEM generously! LOL. Of course I’m a product junkie, so I’ll probably share a few more for Winter! Stay tuned.

Please share some of your favorite beauty products! I’d love to hear from you!

Ravishing Red + Resale Find

Last month, we decided that we would go with the color Red for our next venture’s photoshoot. Initially I was a bit against it because I’m a neutral girl. ;-) I don’t own a lot of any color (LOL) and I thought it would be a task to find just the perfect color for me. However, I obliged and started browsing looks.

At one of my favorite coffee spots: New Order ;-)

Photo by: Kalayha Bailey for Allen B Williams Photography

Jumpsuit: Regeneration

Earrings: Rouge Couture Company

Lipstick: The LipBar (City Girl)

It was a day away and I still hadn’t found ANYTHING! I had to make some quick moves otherwise I was in trouble! I knew that I didn’t want to spend a lot of money for something I didn’t think I would wear often so my immediate solution was to head to Regeneration to see what I could see…

I peeked and poked around until I found this Free People fitted jumpsuit. The only problem was it was a size…Small…and there’s nothing small on me but my waist, hands and feet. LOL. I was brave and tried it on and guess what? It was a bit snug BUT I was going to make it work. Can you say ANGLES? LOL…it was worth every bit of my $14 hard earned bucks! CHA-CHING!

Regeneration has been a love of mine for quite some time. Great style and great finds don’t have to be expensive! You just need some patience and a keen eye. Regeneration is not the only resale or slow fashion spot I frequent, but it is on the top of my list for Slow Fashion! If you’ve never considered resale, consignment, or thrift shopping, I encourage you to do so. Not only will it accomplish your shopping fix (for less), you’ll be contributing to a more ethical way of consumerism. I know. I just got real deep…that’s another post for a different day!

Anyway, let’s talk about this RED jumpsuit. I love the color Red. I don’t wear it often, oh, but when I do…

I’ve often said that I’m actually an introvert. So, you other introverts: LISTEN UP! I’m a huge fan of color psychology and I often teach my wardrobe consulting clients about the affects of color. Well, the color RED actually boosts the confidence level of those who are shy or lack a power-packed personality. Wearing RED can actually translate as outgoing and affect the mood of others who set their eyes on your outfit! Beware, it does attract attention, but that can be a good thing! Especially if you need people to take action on an idea or presentation. Here are some other affects or emotions wearing RED can produce:

-Energy -Passion -Love -Comfort -Excitement -Intensity

The next time you need a push for a date, presentation, or a fun shoot, try wearing RED. Even if it’s a lip color! Watch how your mood quickly switches from a mild belle into a MAVEN…

MEOW!