Jessica Alba: Serious Style Envy

Let's get this straight, Jessica Alba is no novice in the fashion world.  She's got an incredible sense of style and has a body to kill.  The reason I love this look so much is her play on texture and pattern.  The rouge lip and sassy leopard print bag seal the deal on this casual yet chic ensemble.  You, too, can recreate this look with minimal effort.  Better yet, you may already have some of these essentials stowed away in your closet!

This is what you'll need:
1. A leopard/animal print over-sized clutch
2. A soft, plaid button down shirt (long or short sleeve)
3. A pair of high-waisted, dark wash denim skinny jeans
4. A tube of luxurious mauve lip rouge
5. A studded black or polka dot black belt
6. A pair of gem colored pointed toe pumps

Throw your hair up in a fuss-free bun and... your done!

What do you love most about this look?

Adventuring

The Progressive Pearl

I hope you've been able to do a little "adventuring" this fine summer season. Let's appreciate the precious days of summer before fall is at our doorstep!

H&M Roll Call

Find me on Pinterest

Fall is at our back door (dear God, say it isn't so!) and these new H&M pieces will help you transition from summer to fall with ease.  Plus, who can possibly say no to screen-printed kitties on a tank top?  What do you think of this summer to fall line-up?  I think it's pretty fab!  

The list:
1. A funky, statement blazer
2. Some vintage inspired sunnies
3. Rock-solid studs
4. Sexy, metallic sandals
5. A tank packing some major sass
6. A gold, under-stated bracelet
7. A utilitarian and roomy bag
8. Distressed boyfriend blue jeans

What's better?  All items shown above are less than $40 dollars a piece!  Visit an H&M store location near you to pick up these super cute essentials online with H&M's new e-commerce capabilities!  Amazing...

Everyday Fashion for the New Year

Well, the New Year's hoopla has come and gone and I’m just starting to detox from my sugar-coma over the holidays.  The New Year can be a very exciting time: a time for improvement, personal reflection and goal setting.  For me, one thing remains the same with the turn of the New Year; my unrelenting love and enthusiasm for a kick-ass fashion blog.  With that being said, I wanted to highlight and personally introduce you to one my favorite fashion blogs/bloggers.

Who? J’s EverydayFashion

What is J’s appeal?  J boasts on her website that she is not “an authority on fashion” and that she is “just an average girl”, her motto being “if I can do it, you can do it, too!”  She states her sense of style is completely self-taught.  J’s background is in communications and corporate marketing and she capitalized on her blogging business after being laid off a job in 2010.  J considers herself to be a type-A and non-creative sort; however, she is a classical painter in her spare time.  A jack of all trades!

What sets J’s Everyday Fashion apart from the endless fashion bloggers?  J’s blog is unique because her entry technique is quite simple.  She uses style inspiration from fashion bloggers, street style bloggers, advertisements, and celebrities.  J essentially re-creates the look using her own wardrobe (coupled with other sponsored items) and she admits she’s a bargain hound.  Bonus: J almost always posts exactly what she is wearing and the origin which it came from (i.e. brand, price, location bought) and sometimes she even posts a direct link where to find the identical or similar item (point, click, buy concept—I totally love).

How often does J post entries?  J’s Everyday Fashion delivers new looks, every day.  I always look forward to her interpretation of a super trendy style. I follower her page on Facebook and I’m delightfully fed new styles every day.  J is committed to serving her loyal fans and her content is always fun, fresh with an emphasis on being thrifty.

J’s Everyday Fashion isn't a high-fashion, couture blog with a bunch of bells and whistles.  J showcases fashionable street wear on a budget and I love her willingness to be creative and try something new.

Jump on the J’s Everyday Fashion bandwagon and have some fun creating new and exciting styles for the New Year!

Calm, Cool & Collected

Do you have a critical summer interview on the horizon?  Read these tips to help you feel calm, cool and collected during the hot summer months. 

1. Wear one less item in transit - On the way to the interview, wear one less item than you plan to wear at the actual interview. For example, carry your jacket or blazer. This way, you'll be cooler in transit and your jacket will be crisp. Once you put it on, you don't have to worry as much about the dampness of your shirt becoming too visible.
2. Wear comfortable shoes - It's tempting to wear a pair of heels, but during the summer, it's better to opt for comfortable flats or dress shoes. Dressy sandals can also work well, depending on the dress code of the business. Whatever you do, don't show up wearing flip-flops.  Personally, I always think that heels look more professional than flats but make sure your heels are comfortable and you aren't walking like a wobbly giraffe!
3. Give yourself 15 minutes to cool down - Allow yourself extra time to cool off before your interview time. Depending on where you are going, spend a few minutes in the bathroom or at a nearby business to get refreshed and gather your thoughts. This is the perfect time to put some cold water on your face or neck. It's also a good idea to always carry a nice handkerchief for just this situation. Once you're cooled off, you'll feel more confident about the interview. 
4. Select garments that don't show sweat - It's best to wear fabrics that have a little bit of Lycra, to prevent wrinkles and stay away from linens and other fabrics that tend to show sweat or that look rumpled easily. Plan for the hottest day, and anything less will be a pleasant surprise. 
5. Bring along some breath strips - To feel fresh, it's a bad idea to put on more cologne or perfume. On hot days, the overwhelming perfume smell can trigger allergies even in those who aren't as sensitive to it. Instead, get a pack of breath strips that dissolve quickly in your mouth. It will give you fresher breath and can even make you smell better overall.

Best of luck! xo

7 Fall Finds Under $100

I am just ecstatic about this concept board.  Shall I dare discuss Fall fashion yet? xo

1. Earrings   House of Harlow 1960 - Sunburst Button Earring   $30.00

2. Blazer   Ark & Co. - Pop Blazer   $59.00

3. Ring   Sabine - Faceted Statement Ring   $24.00

4. Blouse   Collective Concepts - Color Block Blouse   $69.00 

5. Jegging   Free People - Biker Babe Legging   $98.00

6. Bootie   Michael Antonio - Moxby   $59.00 

7. Cuff   Hive & Honey - Geometric Stretch Bracelet   $28.00 

Find all of these fabulous finds at Piperlime.com! 

Blazer

Blazers; there's nothing more simple and polished then a tailored jacket.  The thing I love most about a blazer is you get maximum polish for minimum effort (i.e. when you are scrambling to get ready in the morning for work).  Also, blazers come in all sorts of textures (light cotton, lined-wool), styles (cropped, boyfriend), colors (black, light blue, . . pink) and weights (summer vs. winter weights). 

Anyway, I was out shopping with my fashionista friend (Ms. Meghan Bas) last weekend we unearthed some pretty serious blazers during our excursion. 

The first find we found was a closeout deal from Ann Taylor Loft.  The blazer is exquisitely made of black wool/tweed with faint white speckles with an applique that runs along the bottom hem and breast flaps.  This blazer was a quaint $24 plus tax and I am certain I'm going to get a lot of use out of it!

I also managed to snag a fun and fabulous bright pink blazer from H&M!  This blazer will transition into Spring very well and I am looking forward to wearing this bold new style. 

Get wild, be crazy.  Buy a fabulous jacket and rock it!

Color Blocking

GlitterGirl

Color blocking: a styling trend that used to be fashion/styling "no-no" is now taking front and center stage.  And thank God, right?  How cute are both of these Spring 2012 outfits from J Crew? 

How to: pair like-colors from head to toe.  And, feel free to incorporate other colors! Color blocking doesn't necessarily mean using all mono-color schemes; you can combine colors into blocking patterns, too.

Main objective: have boatloads of fun and don't be afraid to go wild and crazy.  The bolder you go, the more your outfit will make sense. Start subtle; but daring is always exciting, right?

Start time: NOW!  Let your inner-eccentric take charge and be creative.

GlitterGirl

Do you have any color-blocking success stories?  Please post!

Neck Candy

Shopbop

Particularity Blog

Stella & Dot

The statement necklace is an investment and a power-piece in any woman's wardrobe.  The statement necklace provides the finishing touch and the perfect element of pizazz to make an outfit pop!  Therefore, I honestly believe you should own at least three key statement necklaces and wear them religiously (I am not kidding, wear them everyday).  

Statement necklaces do not have to be overly gaudy or bulky; they just need to serve their primary purpose: to make you feel unique and confident.  A common misconception is that the statement necklace should only be worn for special or "dressy" occasions.  In fact, the opposite is true.  You can take an incredibly causal look and enhance it with an outstanding piece of neck candy.  Yeah, I said it . . . neck candy.  

Available in so many mouthwatering colors and styles; it's an accessory you shouldn't be without.  Try paring a statement necklace with a basic cotton tee or chambray button-up.  Go ahead, treat yourself to a beautiful statement piece.  You won't regret it!

Kendi Everyday

Kendi Everyday

Another one of my top favorite fashion bloggers is Kendi, from Kendi Everyday.  This woman is drop dead gorgeous and full of sass and style.  Her sense of style is immaculate and polished and her blog post today is certainly no exception.  I am drooling over her chunky-knit infinity scarf.  And, what more, she made it!  Fantastic. 

Let's break this look down, shall we?

1.  I have long been a fan of anything mustard colored (even though it really isn't a complimentary color to my complexion, so I try to exhibit it sparsely) and the chunky, cable-knit texture is to die for (on almost any occasion).
2.  Again, the high-waisted pants are elegant and flattering on all body types.  Best of all, you don't have to worry about any cheek exposure; smashing! 
3.  The tank top is exquisite; geometrical shapes with a fun funky tribal vibe.  I love it.
4.  Camel colored cardigan; check.  Everyone should own one. 
5.  Statement gold bracelets and a big, slouchy bag keep the outfit on the causal side.
6.  and ... Nude-colored shoes balance out the whole act.

Along with her successful blog, Kendi has also managed to open her own clothing boutique, Bloom.  What a rock star!

What a picture-perfect gal.

Blogger Spotlight: Corporette

Super-Fantastic-Blogger-Spotlight: Corporette.com

Okay, so technically the blog, Corporette, is written by a stylish lawyer.  But, the content of the blog is relevant for all young and aspiring professionals. Corporette covers topics related to career advancement, personal achievement and style.  The variety of subjects addressed within the blog makes for fun and interesting point of views.

Whether it be money management, to-die-for shopping splurges, budget friendly fashion, fantastic products, organizational tips or career advice--Corporette has you covered.

Check it out!

Scarf Season

Scarf fashions

It's officially scarf season.  Here's a fantastic visual of how versatile a scarf can be!  Keep your neck warm using one of these fancy styles.  

I wore Number 9 today, how about you?

Brandwashing

  

A fascinating article in Fast Company was released earlier this month examines the length some well-known companies go to "prime" their patrons for purchase. 

The article specifically highlights Whole Foods' promotional strategy.  What may seem like originally crafted chalk boards next to produce section are actually mass-produced and designed by their corporate office, located in Texas.  How about the watermelons that haven't been unpacked from original boxes they arrived in?  Well, they could have easily directed an employee to unpack the fruit, but what's the point?  They're trying to create perception that the customer is getting their produce "straight from the farm" fresh; adding value to their purchase.  

Perception is an elementary and fundamental marketing concept that many successful companies are emphasizing in their marketing efforts.  The primary goal?  To create a unique experience for the customer and set themselves apart from the competition.

Whole Foods is definitely not the first company to adopt the concept of perception vs. reality --but they are a great example of a company with vision and excellent brand strategy.  They give customers what they want (or think they want): an unforgettable and rewarding shopping experience.

Interested in this marketing concept? Read.

Brandwashed by Martin Lindstrom (2009)