blogfashion

Signature Style

2012-01-26T18:00:00.000-06:00

the brands… dress: calvin klein. blazer: inc. shoes: audrey brooke.

Not opposed to my normal style, I’m sporting my fave look of one bold item with a lot of pretty little details. Ruffles on the jacket. Neckline of the dress. Side lace of the tights. And chain detail on the shoes add supporting details to the main event of the print of the dress.

Jeans @ Work

2012-01-25T18:00:00.000-06:00

I don’t often wear jeans to work at my new job, but as it does seem to be okay for Fridays (about 1/2 people wear jeans on Fridays), I figure every now and then I will join the club. An simple way to stay professional in jeans? Easy! Either a blazer or vest always works! Also staying with either dark washed jeans or trouser style jeans helps as well.

Hana AirPremiere Hair Dryer @ Misikko

2012-01-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to test out a brand new Italian Design HairDryer: The HANA AirPremiere Hair Dryer. This hair dryer, many others, as well as some amazing hair straighteners can be found at Misikko. In addition, if you’re a fan of Chi Hair Dryers, they’ve got some great ones on the site as well.

How to use the Hana AirPremiere hair dryer:

Decide the heat and power level by choosing your hair type (fine, normal, thick) and type of style you are going for.
Use it not only to dry, but also to to straighten, wave, or curl hair. It takes me no longer than 5-10 min (max) to dry and style my hair with it.

Features:

Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces static electricity
Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ions promote healthier hair
Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection
Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallico finish adds durability and is easy to clean
Long life motor with low noise
Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling
Fiberglass concentrator
Italian Design
2 year warranty
2 Fan Speeds, 3 Heat Settings, Plus Cold Shot

My opinion, I love it! I’d describe it as:

Quality – the sturdiness of the dryer, the weight of it and the sleek design all scream quality. This is a dryer that could be used at salons or at home for salon quality styling. I upgraded my shampoo and conditioner at the same time as I started using the hair dryer, and I really did see a difference in the shine of my hair overall!

Ease – the options are easy and useful: hot, warm, cool – high, medium, low. I happily found that the cool was actually cool! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used a dryer and not felt any difference – this one really does what it says! I also loved the attachment which was great to use with a round brush for soft natural waves.

Power – this hair dryer would be a perfect option for women with thick, hard to dry hair. It is so powerful, I actually ended up tangling my hair (which is fine in texture) the first few times I used it and quickly realized that I needed to only use it on medium power.

If you’re looking for some high end hair products, you’ve got to check out Misikko!

Necklace Highlight

2012-01-23T17:35:00.000-06:00

the brands… sweater: the limited. silky top: forever XXI. skirt: worthington. tights: apt 9. shoes: nicole miller.

This necklace is one I fell in love with while Christmas shopping this holiday season. I bought it for my mom, but couldn’t help but purchase one for myself as well. I figure it’s a good sign, since my mom and I tend to like the same things, when I want it too!

50% of month 1 of JewelMint!

2012-01-21T17:49:00.001-06:00

As you all know, I love a good piece of jewelry, so for those of you who have the same passion – you’ve got to check out JewelMint!

JewelMint is a new jewelry line featuring the designs of Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter. Here’s how it works: Click here to join and take the Style Quiz to access your personal showroom.

Every month you will get new selections added to your showroom for you to choose from. Each piece of jewelry is only $29.99, but with this exclusive promotion, you’ll get half off your first month’s order, so you'll only pay $14.99 with FREE SHIPPING!

Promotion Code: cincy101

You simply enter it as you checkout, click "apply" and the $15 will be taken off your total, courtesy of the Cincinnati MBA Team. Don’t worry, the promo isn’t only for Cincinnati blogger fans! Check out Mint Brand Ambassador Facebook page for more info.

Black on Black

2012-01-17T17:30:00.000-06:00

I felt very “New York” in my black-on-black ensemble – which is fitting since it started snowing and the cold moved in on this very day! While it was white and snowy outside, my dark layers kept me warm.

Shoes (again)

2012-01-16T17:30:00.000-06:00

You’ll notice as I’m catching up on my photos from last week that I kept things pretty classically professional for the big meetings that were taking place, however I always tried to have just a little bit of fun with it – most often with the shoes! These are some of my favorites.

Golden Globe Faves

2012-01-16T10:57:00.001-06:00

Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Debra Messing, Emma Stone, and Sarah Hyland were some of my favorite dressed of the star studded evening.

I know Sarah Michelle got a ton of ripping from her tie dye number, but I actually found it outside-the-box and fun. Call me crazy, but I liked it.

Charlize photo by Jeff Vespa, Nicole photo by Steve Granitz, Debra photo by Jason Merritt, Emma photo by Steve Granitz, and both Sarah photos by Steve Granitz.

I’m back!

2012-01-15T08:39:00.001-06:00

It has been a crazy week, but I’m getting back to normal and happy to report that all in all it was also a good week.

As you may well know, I love a statement piece, and today it’s all about my ruby red slippers! While the other clothing items have some nice interest (faux fur sweater, layered tulip skirt, and textured / pattern tights) – by keeping them all in the same dark color palette, it allowed the shoes to shine!

Flowery

2012-01-10T21:45:00.001-06:00

I may have on a flowery shirt, but it’s not quite a flowery week for me with loads of stress on both the personal and professional side of things happening in full swing. Cross your fingers all goes well and I’ll be back blogging again in a day or two!

Pretty Little Details

2012-01-07T17:33:00.001-06:00

Keeping things basic business chic for work today, but the little details of clothing loveliness are in the details of the top (it’s like its own jewelry!), cardigan (purple and gold buttons), and the heels (bows!). Having those special touches makes those rushed mornings so much easier!

Patterns in the snow

2012-01-05T18:48:00.001-06:00

the brands… cardigan: forever XXI. dress: target. belt: macy’s.

It snowed on our last day of holiday break and I just had to go outside and enjoy it! Growing up in Minnesota, I’m used to the snow and sometimes I even miss it. Since it’s early in the winter season, I’m definitely in my phase of missing it, so was happy to get our little flurry. It may not have been a MN snow shower, but it was definitely a Cincinnati sprinkling. I had the urge to make an snow angel “pattern” all day!

It may be hard to tell, but I’m actually wearing 3 different patterns with this look. My tights have a paisley print, my dress has the blue and black swirly pattern, and the cardigan is an animal print.

An easy way to blend this many patterns is simply to vary the level of “pattern intensity”. Pattern intensity is my way of describing how noticeable a pattern is. Tights = low pattern intensity. Dress = medium pattern intensity. Cardigan = high pattern intensity.

Holiday breaking

2012-01-04T19:55:00.001-06:00

I had such a lovely holiday break, and here are a just a few photos to share from it! Not only did I get to enjoy sleeping in, working out, reading, cooking, eating, and spending time with family and friends, but I also got to enjoy wearing fun vs. professional clothing like blue tights and tie dye patterns! Hooray!

LBD 2 ways

2012-01-02T17:45:00.001-06:00

the brands… Dress: Ann Taylor Loft. Belt: NY&Co. Tights: Apt 9. Boots: Bakers

I love a little black dress and this one is a great one for winter because it's a little black sweater dress!

Below are two ways I’ve recently worn it. Simple changes of the accessories made for a nice variety in the look.

If you’re a busy lady like me and don’t have a lot of time to contemplate how to change up a look – no worries! It doesn’t have to be overcomplicated at all.

I was able to use the same basic elements with one classic item (the LBD) to create 2 different looks:

black boot
interesting tights or leggings
a stand out accessory such as a fun belt or purse

Voila! You’re ready to go in less than 5 minutes.

Hello New Year!

2012-01-01T09:16:00.001-06:00

It’s time to celebrate the new year and I can’t resist the urge to put on a little sparkle. It’s just not a New Year celebration without it for me!

I love this skirt, but with such a full skirt and dense wool material – it’s not always the easiest thing to wear. My tip for wearing a full skirt such as this is to cinch it in with a detailed belt and top it off with a more fitted blouse. Since it’s still chilly out, tights were definitely called for, and of course – fabulous shoes are a must. Ready to celebrate!

I’m so thankful for the amazing, caring, and crazy people in my life and can’t wait to see what another year will bring. I’m not sure if I’ll have resolutions for this year or not, but my constant hope and goal is to share love with those around me and to appreciate and find joy in each day.

Happy New Year!

Fitted

2011-12-29T07:25:00.001-06:00

the brands… blazer: dkny. jeans: banana republic. purse: nine west.

When opting for skinny jeans, I usually go for a more blousy loose top to balance out the look (like the left pic). However, today I went for a more fitted look all around and it worked perfectly. That’s the beauty of fashion – you simply have to try things to see if they’ll work of not. To me, it was the structure of the jacket that made the look work.

Holiday Dressing

2011-12-25T09:09:00.001-06:00

the brands… dress: calvin klein. faux fur scarf: limited. metal belt: thrift. shoes: quipid. jacket: steve madden.

It’s a very Merry Christmas today and I’m loving my winter white and berry red accent pieces for my holiday outing. In my new coat, I feel wrapped up just like a new Christmas present!

With New Years right around the corner, my mind – like many I’m sure – is on the celebration of a year gone by and the beginning of a new one. This year has been a year of transition and change for me, and I hope the coming year will be a year of embracing those changes and a year of personal growth and giving. Ah yes, and let us not forget – a year of fabulous fashion! Happy Holidays!

Color Mixing

2011-12-20T20:38:00.001-06:00

The brands… Top: The Limited. Vest: Express. Skirt: Ann Taylor. Shoes: Steve Madden Luxe.

This was my Friday look last week and while everyone else was casually dressed, I felt like dressing up. This deep green is still my fave color of the moment and it was fun to play with colors a bit by blending it with black and a soft purple-y brown.

Mixing colors is one of the easiest ways to bring new life to a wardrobe! Pair something unexpected together and you may be surprised just how much you love it.

Fire Engine Red

2011-12-18T12:24:00.001-06:00

A full colored suit can seem a bit… “I’m running for political office” to me. However, one colorful suit piece I love! And this bright red blazer from Express was just too good to pass up. I tired it on in the store and not sure if I wanted to spend the $$ on it, I walked away from it. After 3 days of thinking about it, I decided it was time to go back and get it. I adore the button detail and it fits like a glove. Well worth it.

Pot Luck Party–what a dish!

2011-12-15T19:48:00.001-06:00

I love cooking, I love eating, and I love Christmas – so what’s not to love about a holiday pot luck? For some reason I suddenly feel the pressure of making a dish that is both fabulous and festive all the while wondering “What if no one likes it?”. What drama over a silly little dish! I finally gave up worrying about my dish and decided I’d have fun dressing like a saucy little dish instead. Leopard = fabulous. Red and green = festive. Success! Thank goodness the actual food dish I brought was successful as well.

Lady Big Pants

2011-12-14T20:35:00.001-06:00

I’ve got my big pants on and I like it! They are uber-comfortable, fun, and a little unexpected. While this look would be completely appropriate for a business casual work environment, I rocked my lady big pants this weekend for a girls’ day brunch. Does that give me an excuse to eat a great big meal to match my great big pants?

Spring into Winter

2011-12-13T18:14:00.001-06:00

the brands… skirt: AGB. sweater: Ann Taylor Loft. tights: Simply Vera. booties: Guess.

It may have been a frost filled morning, but I was springy with my brightly colored scarf and rose petal appliqué coat. Even my skirt had a layered detail that reminded me of rose petals!

The unfortunate thing about feeling springy in the winter is that I have yet to get in the holiday mood and my Christmas shopping is suffering because of it! I’m going to be doing some baking this weekend, so hopefully that will help me start feeling festive. If not, it will be empty boxes with bows to gift!

Affordable Eyewear

2011-12-12T18:00:00.000-06:00

For all those four-eyed fashionistas, you know that glasses are not just for necessity anymore – they’re to enjoy! I recently updated my glasses and I am loving them! If you’re in the market for a great pair of eyeglasses, but aren’t trying to break the bank, check out GlassesUSA.com, a professional optic online store, for affordable and adorable glasses.

If you haven’t heard of GlassesUSA before, now is the perfect time to check them out. They carry a variety of eyeglasses frames and are currently offering a 110% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee along with a generous refer-a-friend program!

As part of their Holiday sale, GlassesUSA is also taking 20% off any frame in their iSee Eyewear collection and get free shipping within the US. Code: iSee20FS (you can find the collection here: http://www.glassesusa.com/isee-eyewear). In addition, our sponsor will take 10% off any order of prescription glasses for BlogFashion readers. Use Promo Code: Blog10 to get the extra discount.

This online option for purchasing eyeglasses gives the ease and convenience needed for busy fashionistas! Additionally, you can stay up-to-date on all GlassesUSA happenings through their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/glassesusa) and our Twitter feed (@GlassesUSA).

Happy eyewear shopping to all and good luck finding fabulous and cheap glasses!

Military Jacket

2011-12-11T18:46:00.001-06:00

I’ve always loved a military style jacket. It gives such great structure and interest to any look. Pair it with a lacy skirt to blend feminine and tough or simply use it as a top layer with semi-casual jeans ensemble. It goes with just about anything!

Changing the Concept

2011-12-08T17:47:00.001-06:00

This was one of my casual weekend looks. The top is actually a shirtdress /tunic-length top that I've had forever and never really worn. Since purchasing it (thrift find!), I’ve been trying to wear with leggings, but never finding the look to be successful. Finally, I gave up my initial concept, hiked it up and paired it with some basic blue jeans. It worked! How simple.

Sending love to all my fashionistas, and remember to check out BeKnown and leave a comment on the below post to enter for the giveaway!