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Dresses & Outfits

9 Fall Game Changers For Your Wardrobe

“The best closets have the great basics and then have those statement and game-changer pieces that make the ordinary stand out,” says wardrobe stylist Monica Barnett.   I recently joined the Know Your Value team with Mika Brzezinski at NBC News. My first article about the 9 game changers you need NOW for your fall wardrobe is live. Read more….

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Dresses & Outfits

Fall Must-Have #2: Leather Dresses

Love leather! So that this fall leather dresses are everywhere is everything…..you can do full-on leather or opt for the vegan-friendly PU options. A simple PU option from asos will keep you looking slick but I’m loving this ready-for-work tie-waist midi dress. If you’re ready to party then a short-but-chic suede mini will keep you on the dance floor. That said, my favorite for this season is this Kooples little bit of leather short dress that can dress up a touch but also

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Accessories

my three morning style must-haves

Technically, the list could be very long but I can whittle it down to just three morning style must-haves when I’m traveling or on vacation: The goal is to wake up [refreshed] and head to breakfast looking like you ‘woke up like this‘ so a quick dress that says laidback cool, tousled hair to make the just-woke-up-thing real, and a clean face because sleep in the eye and random makeup isn’t pretty. Ready for lights- camera – action!! [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3165759″]

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Dresses & Outfits

maxed out for cold weather

This little diddy here is working for me…. Ever wonder what summer items you can re-purpose for colder weather? The maxi + denim/leather jacket = you’re in business! Here are some fabulous maxi dress options that can add a little color to your winter doldrums but also spice up a warm summer day… [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3032004″]

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Accessories

Cousin’s Weekend

So excited to head to Charleston, SC today to hang with my cousins for the weekend. We’re scattered everywhere from Atlanta to New Jersey to the DC area so it’s sure to be plenty of laughs, a little shopping and great eating!! I packed my All Saints dress $178 // SheIn striped romper $15 // straw fedora $38 [bendable/packable] // Kork Ease wedges ~similar here // Chloe sunglasses $180 // graduated snake chain [also available in silver!] $30 // Jimmy Choo

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Dresses & Outfits

Print Dresses (Perfect for Summer)

Prints just make you feel better, right? They say warm weather, they break all the monotony of solids, and they bring disparate pieces together effortlessly! Whatever print it is – – floral, stripes, abstract, ethnic, animal – – they equal pizazz! I want to look like the lady in the picture – – she says “I’m a lady who lunches and loves life, and all it has to offer!” The power of prints…. [show_shopthepost_widget id=”2712874″]   Print how-to’s: How-to Mix

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Dresses & Outfits

Little White Dress

It’s summer and one of the easiest ways to keep cool is with lighter colors and moisture-wicking fabrics….enter the little white dress. I’ve managed to accumulate a few and this year, I had to let most of them go because of weight (booo!) and they weren’t the crisp white anymore. So I went on the hunt for some new ones – – – that would work for everyday throw-n-go, one that would be perfect for date night, and then that

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Dresses & Outfits

work saucy dress

I’m doing more business-focused work in 2017 but not soo business that I need to be in a suit. And I found this dress at Nordstrom — it says business (+ blazer) but also evening drinks with friends. BUT this dress isn’t for everyone ~ think of those with an hourglass shape or those who are comfortable enough to show a little shape. I got it love and have rocked it more than is appropriate…stay tuned for pictures on instagram!

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Dresses & Outfits

Fall Prep

I don’t even really want to talk about it but such is life….fall officially starts September 22nd so it seems fitting to share with you my four key pieces for fall (ehrrr hmmmm…read: items you’ll see continuously). Don’t get me wrong – I love fall for the foliage, layering opportunities, the cool autumn wind and, of course, football!! The key to these pieces pictured below are (1) ability to transition from warm weather and (2) adaptability across a variety of

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Dresses & Outfits

‘Stop By The Party’ Outfit

Summer is when I’m out so, I want to be prepared at all times to “drop by” or “stop in” a party of impromptu gathering wherever it may be…. This look makes me think I can go anywhere and be ready! skirt (on sale!) earrings sandals striped tee   Party Drop In by blueprint4style featuring a cat print top

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Dresses & Outfits

Summer’s Here!

School is out everywhere and today is the first official day of summer! I want to kick-off the warm weather activities with this adorable tiered smock beach dress… Actually during my trip to Rehoboth beach, this would have been perfect!

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Accessories

Dressing Hi-Lo

There is an art to dressing hi-lo….and you should start with the “hi” portion first. We took the Roksanda Rosalind slub wool-blend skirt and paired it with the $34 H&M striped camisole top to create a chic look that will go from work (with a blazer) to a yacht club party on the weekend! We also threw in two sale items: the Clare V clutch and Paul Andrew denim and leather slingback pump. BOOM! Sprinkle in your own flavor and

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Dresses & Outfits

Ready For The Weekend: 70s Style

When I hear/see/think lame and/or pleats, I am instantly transported back to the 70s and my body immediately starts moving because it was the Solid Gold era. I’m preparing to head to Chicago for one of my besties’ birthday and need a look that says fun-loving, flirtatious, mature-but-not-old, style savvy, and dance-floor-here-I-come…..wah lah! This metallic lame pleated midi dress – paired with a blush belt and coordinating heels – ensures my dance card will be full all night!! Style notes:

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Accessories

Three Warm-Weather Essentials

Does anyone else sit around and think of various looks for functions or events….that haven’t actually happened or that you haven’t been invited to? Secret revealed – I do! I just thought of four different looks for a casually chic warm weather day including girls day trip to a vineyard and brunch in Vegas (don’t ask…). I found three pieces popping up numerous times and found all three warm-weather essentials that we should all own: a denim tank, not-white shoes and girly dress!

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Accessories

Seven Fashion Resolutions

Oprah had 24 resolutions for 2016 in her January issue – as a stylist, we agree with seven (7) of them! Give up matchy-matchy Get out of the all-black “mortuary fabulous” zone Nix slouchy for weekend attire Get a professional bra fitting Find your “power dress” Invest in beautiful pj’s and sleep better! Do more than just denim Are you guilty of any of these? Are any missing?! If you want to amp it up a notch, then check out

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Dresses & Outfits

Let’s Talk Live: Five Holiday Dressing Money Savers!

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1187375″] We all want to look fabulous for the holidays but who wants to spend all of their money on outfits? Just because we have an active social calendar doesn’t mean we should have to spend like it…..so, here are five essentials to add to your closet that can travel outfit to outfit while keeping you in the holiday spirit! Shoe clips Metallic blazer (or conversely, a metallic wrap for dressier functions) Metallic clutch Tuxedo pants (I love cream

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Accessories

It’s Here: Balmain x H&M

The lines are three blocks long, items are SOLD OUT online already (even before the stores open)….for a 110-piece collection, the dresses are upwards of $200 and there’s plenty. Womenswear, menswear, jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags, everything…. That said, these EIGHT pieces are not only my favorite but will likely be rock-able for years to come!! Overall, nothing is cheap, it’s NOT Balmain but some of the pieces are fun. Here are the Balmain x H&M pieces to covet…..

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Dresses & Outfits

Office-Appropriate Holiday Attire

That time of year is quickly approaching and some of you may be getting a little antsy trying to think of what you’ll wear for this year’s holiday office party. Don’t worry – remember these few tips and, of course, check out Blueprint for Style’s TV segment on ABC7’s Good Morning Washington to see great options for guys and dolls!! Or check out the items below so you know exactly what to wear. Our rules to remember: The best “holiday”

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Dresses & Outfits

Ready for the Weekend: Casually Chic Grey Day

It’s outfit inspiration Friday! It takes the best pieces that are on-trend like the vest and makes them wearably chic for anyone. I love the knit hat instead of a fedora because it keeps the look cozy and not overdone. There isn’t too much color either but it’s not dark or gloomy — grey makes a great substitute for black! You can also substitute the tall, mid-heel boots for ankle booties and keep it even more casual. Either way you

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Dresses & Outfits

[Video]: After Labor Day Fashion

Last week, I had the opportunity to appear on Good Morning Washington to share After Labor Day Fashion trends. With the help of three fabulous models, we shared three trends: You CAN wear white after Labor Day – just not head-to-toe Layering is the key as we move to cooler evenings and more weather fluctuations + it’s time to start wearing leather The guys need to remember not to go too dark, too fast Check out the video and share

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floral print wiggle dress with split front
Dresses & Outfits

Ready for the Weekend: Blogalicious Conference

It’s the weekend…and after a fairly busy and intense week, I’m ready to focus on something different. I’m heading to Baltimore for the Blogalicious Conference and this year’s theme, Building Your Own Empire, is right up my alley. I’ve been on Pinterest sharing my picks and recommendations for #BYOE15-appropriate attire but I will be rocking this on Saturday. This ASOS floral print dress says “relaxed, feminine business” but I’ll keep it easy and chic with a pair of a pair

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style, personal brand
Bottoms

11 Ways to Prep Your Closet for Fall This Summer

I don’t want summer to go away but, the reality is that fall will be in full swing by October. Now, that’s not bad because it’s a beautiful season – the colors are gorgeous, the weather isn’t cold, the fashion is comfy and layering is the name of the game – but somehow we always seem to get “caught” with our pants down when it arrives. Snag this download to learn 11 ways to prep your closet for fall now!

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Dresses & Outfits

co-LAB Style Conspiracy

So Kayla, of Freckles in April, and I slaved over this collection ~ we surveyed people (namely us!), we combed the style blogs and magazines, we went back and forth with each other – to curate this seven piece collection of fall items that ANY working woman could use as a base to get through the season. The items included: Print/patterned skirt Jersey throw-n-go dress Dark denim bottom Cream/white sneakers Versatile layering sweater Bad-hair-day hat (similar one) Fabulous button down

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Dresses & Outfits

Ready for the Weekend: Dress, Cover up, Tunic

I saw this piece while tooling around online and the first thing I thought was how perfect it was for a warm Saturday (which is not right now) but then the more I looked at it, I eyed it for a girls trip to use as my beach cover-up. Then I shared it with a friend and she quickly responded, “I love it to rock with my white denim!”. A three-in-one piece….and all for $48! My favorite feature: along with

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Dresses & Outfits

Ready for the Weekend: Sequin Dress

Call me crazy but I’m trying to get as much use out of all of my pieces as possible….thus, the desire to carry sequins into the daytime! I know…but this Velvet sequin dress has all the hallmarks of a fabulous warm weather dress up, date night chicness, or daytime “I sparkle but it’s not intentional” kind of look. With the denim jacket, it’s wonderful marriage of dressy and casual. I could just be dreaming of a nice beachfront dinner…

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