Thursday, April 29, 2010

Work Appropriate Dresses

My next assignment was to find affordable work dresses. This proved to be a bit of a challenge since most dresses that are appropriate for work are usually black sheaths. As you can see, there is an abundance of black sheath dresses. However, I was able to find a good selection of dresses that are fun, but also respectable. Take a look:


Found: neimanmarcus.com

Designer: Ellie Tahari

Price: $178

This dress is great because it has a fun pattern that doesn't overpower the dress. You can throw a great navy blazer on top or a yellow cardigan and you would exude class and maturity. I'd pair these with a nude pump.



Found: bluefly.com

Designer: T-bags

Price: $132

The ruffles and the color of this dress make it interesting, but the fact that its a solid makes it wearable in a business setting. I'm a fan of the long sleeves also because I'm always cold at work.



Found: bluefly.com

Designer: Ellie Tahari

Price: $149

This is a classic sheath, but the vibrant color makes it stand out. This is definitely a basic must-have.




Found: bluefly.com

Designer: Rachel Pally

Price: $116

Less on the dressy side, but I think this dress is still doable for work. It definitely looks comfortable and the length is good. If you find the v-neck too plunging for work then throw on a tank underneath.





Found: neimanmarcus.com

Designer: Milly

Price: $187

A basic brown sheath is a necessary basic for any working gal.







Found: bloomingdales.com

Designer: MICHAEL Michael Kors

Price: $ 83

The first of the black sheaths... this one comes with a thick belt and its seems a little more roomy than the classic sheath.





Found: bluefly.com

Designer: Max and Cleo

Price: $79

As this one resembles the one above, I was going to delete it, but I just think its a nice colder weather dress so I'm giving you the option to decide.






Found: bloomingdales.com

Designer: Maria Bianca Nero

Price: $168

THE classic sheath... classy with a proper, structured fit. Just throw on some pearls and this can double as a "meet the in-laws" dress.









Found: bluefly.com

Designer: Marc New York

Price: $117

I love the full skirt on this dress. If you're like me and look inappropriate at times because of the size of your booty, then this silhouette is for you.





Found: bluefly.com

Designer: Marc New York

Price: $99

This one is the dress above's more modest cousin - a little longer, thicker material and with a higher neckline.



Found: bluefly.com

Designer: Marc New York

Price: $95

I love the neckline and the sleeves on this one - t-shirt structure, but still business appropriate.




Found: bananarepublic.com


Designer: Banana Republic

Price: $130

Another basic classic sheath... love the accessorizing with the necklace.









Found: bluefly.com

Designer: Marc New York

Price: $95

This dress is definitely very versatile. Wear it with a blazer or cardi for work and then go out on the town for drinks. Its not too stuffy, but totally work appropriate.



Found: bloomdingdales.com

Designer: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Price: $86

A colorful wrap dress for a decent price.








Found: nordstrom.com

Designer: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Price: $77

I own a dress similar to this in a purple color. I didn't buy it for work, but when I did, I got loads of compliments.







Found: jcrew.com

Designer: jcrew

Price: $150

Usually I am not really into buying patterns, but this one is very subtle. The black and white combo also tones it down some. This is a really great work dress and would look great with a colorful cardi.




Found: jcrew.com

Designer: jcrew

Price: $150

Not only do I love the colors on this one, but the detail along the neckline makes it stand out. I also love the "looks like separates, but is actually a dress" look too.




Found: bluefly.com

Designer: JB Julie Brown

Price: $125

This may not be appropriate for everyone's workplace, but I thought it was definitely adorable. I love that the pattern makes it stand out, but its not too over-powering.




Found: bluefly.com

Designer: Jay Godfrey

Price: $229

Yeah this may more appropriate for a wedding, but I LOVE it. I love the color, the length, the flutter sleeves... maybe this is a work DINNER type of dress? Either way, enjoy.



Found: bloomingdales.com

Designer: Diane Von Furstenburg

Price: $292

Okay, I know its a little on the pricey side, but its a DVF dress! Every girl needs a DVF wrap dress. They are the quintessential "work dress" especially with the collared ones.






Found: bloomingdales.com

Designer: Calvin Klien

Price: $77

This is one is very cute for the office. It has a great pattern that works and the whole "separates, but not separates" type of dress. I'm in.





Found: bananarepublic.com

Designer: Banana Republic

Price: $49-59

This is a great basic grey sheath with sleeves with a more fitted silhouette.









Found: bananarepublic.com

Designer: Banana Republic

Price: $90

A great basic black wrap dress. This look exudes smart and sexy at the same time. I like it.









Found: bluefly.com

Designer: BCBG

Price:$141

This is more of a wannabe work dress. I posted it because I like it, but the neckline may be too low and the hemline too short for some offices.






Found: nordstrom.com

Designer: BCBG

Price: $117

This dress has a great color combo, appropriate for work, and cute to boot!









Found: bluefly.com

Designer: ABS

Price: $123

I love the color and everything else about this dress. Its great.




Found: nordstrom.com

Designer: Rebecca Taylor

Price: $209

If I could pick one designer to wear for the rest of my life, it would probably be Rebecca Taylor. She always makes the most delicate and feminine pieces. This one is no exception.









Found: bananarepublic.com

Designer: Banana Republic

Price: $59


As I said, wrap dresses are great for work. This one is on the shorter size, but this model is also probably 6'1. I especially like how they paired this dress with gray tights and pumps.







Found: bananarepublic.com

Designer: Banana Republic

Price: $59

Similar to the other Banana grey sheath, but this one is sleeveless and looks like it has a looser fit around the hips.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Sass-a-frass gladiator sandals for $150 or less

A friend of mine has requested I find her some gladiator/bohemian style sandals that are under $150. As I am also looking for such perfect heels, I was very excited for this assignment. Here are a bunch of great deals I found:



From: Nordstrom.com

Brand: Pour Le Victoire

Price: $190

I know these are $40 bucks over the budget, but I had to include them because I love them and they may go on sale soon.













From: zappos.com

Brand: Nine West

Price: $72
I love the woven detail on the bottom of these sandals! The gladiator detailing isn't too over-powering either. These will go with a huge range of outfits, I wouldn't even know where to start. How about some cute pleated linen shorts or a short loose skirt?







From: bloomingdales.com

Brand: Michael by Michael Kors

Price: $285

These are also way out of the price range but they are adorable. Kinda on the high side, but will look fabulous with dresses.




From: Bloomingdales.com

Brand: Max Studio

Price: $139

I love these because they are a cross between a bootie and a strappy sandal. I see them with leggings.











From: nordstrom.com

Brand: Nine West

Price: $89


These definitely have the sassy factor - not only is there adorable beading, but there are studs along the ankle strap. I love these with anything and everything.











From: bloomingdales.com

Brand: CK

Price: $129

This black number has a great platform and I love the thick bandage straps. Great for a night out in the city!












From: bloomingdales.com

Brand: Guess

Price: $110


These definitely bring the "wow" factor without being too over the top. I picture wearing these with flirty dresses, but also jeans and shorts. The snakeskin will match everything.









From: zappos.com

Brand: Charles by Charles David

Price: $140


The details here are amazing. I love the turquoise with the brown and the stones. It screams "St. Tropez" to me.










From: Aldo.com

Brand: Aldo

Price: $135

These are a great brown strappy shoe number with a wooden platform. You can wear these with anything. I see them with a floral spring dress and jean jacket.








From: bloomingdales.com

Brand: Miss Sixty

Price: $160

I LOVE these. They are amazing and totally versatile.











From: Aldo.com

Brand: Aldo

Price: $80

I threw these wedges in the mix because I think the gem details make them slightly dressier than most. I see these as a great vacation piece with shorts and flowy top.











From: bloomingdales.com

Brand: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Price: $76


These are not only affordable, but they remind me of the Miu Miu sandals Lauren Conrad always wore last spring. How can you pass this deal up? They are gorgeous.








From: bloomingdales.com

Brand: Calvin Klien

Price: $72


These are less bohemian and more bling, but check out the metal medallions around the ankle! Cute and cheap and perfect for a night of dancing it up.







From: zappos.com

Brand: Nine West

Price: $79

These are very practical, everyday type of sandal with a good platform and thick heel. I see them with shorts, leggings, skinny jeans, and dress - everything really.





From: Aldo.com

Brand: Aldo

Price: $69


I love this gray color! These will match everything are a perfect day-to-night shoe.










From: bloomingdales.com

Brand: Max Studio

Price: $150

These are a gorgeous neutral sandal. I especially love the piping and the take on the T-strap, not to mention the slingback feel.










From: Aldo.com

Brand: Aldo

Price: $70

I love the bootie look of this shoe. It reminds me of the ones Whitney Port wore in the beginning credits of the first season of The City. Its understated, but also dressy enough to wear with dresses and a night out in the city.









From: Aldo.com

Brand: Aldo

Price: $90

A sassy, edgy, gladiator type of sandals. Not too much glitz, but its sassy if I don't say so myself! I definitely see these with black liquid leggings.










From: Bloomingdales.com

Brand: MICHAEL Michael Kors

Price: $150

I love the neutral color here, it is definitely perfect for spring. These are also a great day-to-night shoe. I picture them with skinny jeans and a silky loose-fitting tank with a leather jacket on top. These would be a great purchase.

Searching for the Perfect Lip Stain

I'm the girl that collects lip gloss, but fails to religiously wear it. I just love experimenting with the colors, but really hate reapplying. So my new quest is to find a lip stain that provides long wear color that doesn't dry out and looks great with gloss. A big plus to these products is that they can also double as a cheek color. I love berry colors and pinks, but recently found myself gravitating towards peaches. Here are a few lip stains I'm dying to try out:





Found: Sephora (sephora.com)

Product Tarte lip stain

Price: $24

If this lip stain is anything like their amazing cheek stain, then I'm all for trying this marker-type of stain. They come in a variety of colors and are made with all natural ingredients - a definite plus!





Found: Sephora, Bloomingdales, Ulta, Nordstrom

Product: Stila Cheek and Lip Stain

Price: $24


I am definitely going to try the peach and pomegranate colors! If the lip glaze is any indication as to how great this product will be, I'm definitely on board.




Found: Sephora, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom

Product: Benefit PosieTint and Benetint

Price: $28

I am slightly obsessed with the Benefit brand. They consistently come out with amazing products and I am always recommending their blush, bronzer, highlighter, and tinted moisturizer to my friends. Benetint is the original lip/cheek stain and comes out a rose color/flush. Posie tint is more of a pink color, which I think I will be trying.


Found: Sephora, Neiman Marcus,

Product: Givency Tinted Look Lip Stainer

Price: $ 24.50

I recently got a Givenchy lip gloss as a free gift from Sephora and I absolutely love it. Givenchy sell luxurious make-up and I'm quite surprised the price isn't more expensive. The only downside is that there are only two colors, a rosy pink and red. However, I'm sure they will look great on anyone.



Found: Sephora

Product: Sephora LipStain and Gloss; Sephora lush flush lip and cheek stain

Price: $15 ; $14

Sephora brand cosmetics is a great way to get luxury make-up at a more affordable price. I usually go for this brand when I am not ready to commit to the big prices, but still want to try it out. The stain/gloss combo comes in three colors: coral with gold gloss, berry pink with clear gloss, and magenta with pink gloss. The lip and cheek comes in a berry, cherry red, and a medium rose color.


Found: drug stores

Product: Cover Girl Lipstain

Price: $8

This lipstain has been getting a lot of press. It comes in a hand full of colors (the one pictured is a coral) and is pretty cheap. I would definitely try this out to see which colors I looked best on my complexion.