Hey guys! Happy March! This time of year, I’m more than ready to break out the sundresses, flowy tops, and lightweight pants, but sadly the Boston weather isn’t on the same page as me yet. You’d think I’d be used to this by now since I’ve been going through this spring waiting game for four years now, but no. I’m still bummed about it and trying to find ways to cope (insert dramatic sigh). One of my favorite go-to coping mechanisms is layering in warmer weather pieces with my current winter wardrobe. One trend I’ve been dying to try for a while is the slip dress. How to wear a slip dress in winter you ask? Great question! Seems like a crazy idea, I’ll be the first to admit, but this was a style challenge I was ready to take head on.

When I first saw this slip, I had to have it. (This exact style is sold out, but here’s a similar option!) It was an impulse buy, no doubt, but I’ve found myself grabbing it way more often over the past few weeks than I expected. This slip is obviously very sheer, so I opted to layer a longer, waffle knit sweater over it to mix textures and balance out the high slits on the dress. I thing the number one think to keep in mind with slip dresses (in winter) is that you need to balance out the dramatic hems or necklines with something structured or a little more conservative. For example another way I’ve worn this slip is with leather leggings and a cropped long-sleeved sweater. I think I’ll try layering a sweater underneath my slip next!

What do you think of this look and the slip dress trend?

Tell me in the comments! P.S. I’ve partnered up with some awesome bloggers to give away a $1000 Target gift card! Scroll to the end of this post to enter

Outfit deets

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (on sale!) Maxi slip: Urban Outfitters ( similar on sale!) Bag: c/o Coach Tights: Forever 21 (old) Boots: Steve Madden Sunnies: Free People Headband: Urban Outfitters (similar) Lips: No7 Choker: Bauble Bar (similar on sale!)

Shop The Post

Money Can Buy Lipstick | Ashley Brooke Nicholas | Diary of a Debutante | Mash Elle | Coming Up Roses

Boho Chic Cafe | Her Heart & Home | Sandy A La Mode | Glitter & Gingham | With Love From Kris

Sunsets & Stilettos | The Polished Posy | xoxoBella | DTK Austin | Classic & Bubbly

Chasing Cinderella | Life By Lee | Head to Toe Chic | Lipgloss and Crayons | Style On Edge

A Vintage Splendor | The Lipstick Giraffe | I’m Fixin’ To | Wild One Forever | Styled Adventures

Just Add Glam | The Closet Crush | South Coast Style OC | Posh in Progress | Urban Blonde

Wishes & Reality | Style Tab | Vandi Fair | Ashley’s Passion for Fashion | RD’s Obsessions

A Beautiful RAWR | Blush & Blooms | Topknots and Pearls | Toreys Treasures

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You are sure to discover some amazing bloggers you may not already be following! Good luck!

The post Cold Weather Slip Dress appeared first on Style Tab.

We’ve all been there. It’s 8pm on a Sunday and you’re staring blankly at the TV. You open your phone to check your email for no reason at all, and then you think to yourself, “Where did this weekend go?” That feeling is the absolute worst. It can be really difficult to have a productive weekend after you’ve just come off of a hectic work week. I constantly find myself saying that I just want to “do nothing” and then proceed to waste precious hours doing just that.

That scenario has happened a lot this winter, even though my intentions are there. I make never-ending lists of things I need to get done or activities I want to do, but then somehow I can never manage to cross those items off my list. And for anyone with a side hustle, going to school part-time, or even trying to learn a new skill will tell you, weekends are crucial to getting things done.

I’ve clearly been doing something wrong with my approach, so I decided it’s time to make some changes to my weekend mindset. After some internal, honest reflection on how I’ve been spending my time, I’ve come up with several tips that I’m putting into effect to help me to crush my weekend to-do lists. I hope they inspire you to do the same!

7 Ways to Have a Productive Weekend

Make a schedule

Write it down, put reminders in your calendar, use a project-tracking tool like Trello. Whatever your preferred way of keeping track of to-dos and activities, be sure you actually figure out your game plan before Friday night rolls around. I’ve started to keep a running list in my phone of things I think of during the week that can be done over the weekend. Just be sure your list doesn’t get too long, otherwise it could get too overwhelming and you’ll avoid everything instead of crossing things off.

Make sure downtime is in your schedule

Your weekend shouldn’t be all work and no play. Make sure you allot several hours to doing something relaxing, whether that’s doing ‘nothing’, painting your nails, or diving into a magazine with a hot cup of tea. That last one has been my favorite as of late. Dunkin’ Donuts recently released a new menu of hot teas and I can’t get enough of their Harmony Leaf Green and Hibiscus Kiss flavors. They’re lineup includes five flavors of full teas and herbal infusions, in both caffeinated and caffeine-free options. They come served in pyramid tea sachets for optimal steep (a.k.a. a tea-lover’s dream). My ritual of getting out of the apartment to go pick up a tea at Dunkin’ Donuts leads me to my next tip…

Get some fresh air and/or exercise

If the weather outside is not frightful, make an effort to go outside and get some Vitamin D. This can be in the form of taking a walk to grab a meal, going for a job or hike with a friend, or even just doing a lap around your block to clear your head. If you’re in a mental block, or find yourself staring out the window instead of staying focused on your task, it’s best to get up and move around. You’ll be surprised by how refreshed and focused you’ll be after even just a 10 minute walk.

Step away from the smart phone

This one is definitely the most difficult for me! Lately I’ve noticed that if I avoid reaching for my phone first thing when I wake up, I tend to be more focused on getting started with my day. This is probably because I don’t end up spending two hours scrolling through Instagram as a way to “wake up”. Try leaving your phone in a different room so that it’s out of sight. Doing so will allow you to unplug and get to work on what needs to be done.

Treat yo’ self

Cross five things off your to-do list before noon? Look at you go! Small wins are key to staying motivated, whether it’s putting that satisfying line through something on your list, or waking up before your alarm goes off. Whatever they may be, treat yourself for the small, productive wins. Take 10 minutes to watch funny animal videos  or grab a sweet treat (my  current favorite is a blueberry glazed donut from Dunkin’ Donuts).

Don’t give in to the Sunday scaries

This one can be a toughie, especially if you know that the upcoming work week is going to be a crazy one. It’s easier said than done, but try your best not to think about Monday and stay present in what you’re doing in that moment and for the rest of your Sunday. Monday is going to come whether you decide to mope around about it or not, so focus on enjoying the rest of the weekend while you still have it.

Plan ahead for the upcoming week

This is one of my faves! I use a whiteboard to write down all of the events or to-do items I have lined up for the week. It’s also a an easy way to communicate my schedule with my boyfriend. Looking ahead always makes me feel a bit rejuvenated since it’s a clean slate, and it helps me wrap my head around what I need to focus my energy on most, whether it’s a big project at work or a networking event to prep for.

How do you like to spend your weekends? What tips work for you to make the most of them?

This post is brought to you by Dunkin’ Donuts. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Pin it!

The post 7 Ways to Have a Productive Weekend appeared first on Style Tab.

In the past seven months, “I’ve been so busy” has probably been my most overused phrase, but an accurate one at that. Between leaving my full-time job to reinvent my career, trying to keep up with the blog, traveling for the holidays, and starting a new job, it’s safe to say that the word busy has become more of a lifestyle than an adjective. However, in the New Year, I made a promise to myself to be more self-aware of how this lifestyle affects me and attempt to form some new habits so that I can stay fresh, confident and healthy to tackle anything that life throws my way.

Probably one of the easiest changes I’ve made so far is finding products that work as hard as I do. In the morning, I’ve begun using Secret Deodorant’s new Cool Waterlily fragrance to give my day a fresh start. I’ve used Secret for years, so I was pretty pumped to try their new Secret Fresh Collection that has patented Fade Resistant Scent Technology. What does that mean exactly? Well, it’s been shown to combat nose-blindness and provide fragrance benefits up to 48 hours! This has been a lifesaver for me, especially during my first week at my new job, because homegirl can really break sweat when she’s nervous. The Fresh Collection comes in 11 scents and in both clear gel and invisible solid forms, and I can’t recommend the Cool Waterlily scent enough. It smells SO. GOOD. Also have to give a shoutout to Secret’s commercial featuring some badass tech ladies getting ready to pitch their startup because it really hits home for me as a newly minted #WomanInTech

Another habit that I’ve been trying to incorporate into my routine that is relatively simple in theory, but tough to execute, is unplugging. I’ve been trying to unplug at least an hour before bed and also going to bed at a “normal” time. (Normal time for me is around 11). To start making this a habit, I began using my Fitbit again which allows me to set a bedtime reminder of when I should start winding down, and also gives me insight into how well I’m sleeping. While, I haven’t been super consistent with this, I have felt the physical benefits of a good night’s sleep sans iPhone and laptop in the bed next to me. Once my bedtime reminder goes off I put my phone on the other side of the room, light a candle, roll on some essential oils, and crack open a book. (Reading more is another one of my New Year’s Resolutions, so if you have any recommendations, please share!). I’ve always wanted to try essential oils and the Detox scent from 21 Drops is both refreshing and relaxing after a long day. They have a variety of different scents for different purposes and the roller ball design makes for a super easy application.

My last, and most difficult, habit I’m trying to form is the oh-so-popular: exercising! I just joined a gym last week and have begun to pay it a visit once or twice after work. I’ve been using the LA Fresh Limited Edition Waterproof Makeup Remover Wipes pre-workout to avoid breakouts, and they are hands down the best facial wipes I’ve ever used. They smell fantastic and leave my skin feeling soft and hydrated, unlike previous wipes I’ve used where my skin feels tight and dry afterwards. Gone are the days where I go to towel off my face after a run and the towel becomes orange (yuck!). You can get 25% off your first purchase with code: BabbleBoxx.  I typically shower at the gym too, because I hate putting on a winter coat after I’ve been sweating for an hour, so Treehut‘s shaving oil has also been a staple in my gym bag, and in my shower at home, too!

How do you stay fresh on your busy days?

Do you have any new habits you’re trying to form this year?

Pin It!

This post is sponsored by Secret Deodorant. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Style Tab’s lights on!

The post Stay Fresh appeared first on Style Tab.

White culottes. Not your typical winter pants, huh? If you’ve been with me for a while you know I’m a fan of wearing summer clothes in the winter. Gotta make that closet werk! Culottes, also know as gaucho pants (don’t act like you didn’t have a pair in 2005) have been making waves in the street style world over the past few seasons, winter included. I picked up these white culottes back in the summer (see them styled with a crop top here) and they fit so seamlessly into my wardrobe. The tailored look is perfect for work, and the high-waist plays nicely with more revealing tops for a night out.

For winter, culottes work best with slimmer silhouettes and rich textures. When I say slimmer silhouettes, I’m referring to both your legwear and your top half. An oversized coat or sweater over culottes is a fine line between ridiculously cool and sloppy. Unless you’re all in with that kind of look, let’s keep it on the runway. I recommend a cozy sweater, tucked in half or all the way into your culottes. This mustard yellow sweater has a shirttail hem, which is perfect for tucking in. I picked up this bad boy at Urban Outfitter after months of deciding whether to pull the trigger or not. Of course after I did, it went on sale about 6 days later. Thanks universe! It’s ok though, I have no regrets because this has easily become my favorite sweater. I’ve been debating picking it up in other colors. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right? If sweaters aren’t really your thing, you can kindly leave. JOKES. I would try a slim fitting top with or without a blazer that has a shorter hem.

As for legwear, I think classic tights are a perfect solution to covering the leg you’ll be showing off. I’m a big fan of open-toe heels with tights, but I’ve also seen culottes worn with heeled booties and pointy flats. If you’re feeling bold and sporty, you can also give them a spin with sneakers. This look is definitely one of my favorites of 2016 so far. It’s perfect for work or a dinner date, and a nice alternative to the usual winter uniform of skinny jeans tucked into boots.

What do you think about wearing culottes in the winter?

Shop the look:

Sweater: Urban Outfitters Culottes: Nordstrom (similar) Earrings: BaubleBar Heels: c/o Primark (similar) Sunglasses: Unknown (similar) Clutch: South Moon Under (similar) Tights: Urban Outfitters Lipstick: NYX in Merlot  

The post Winter White Culottes appeared first on Style Tab.

This post was sponsored by AT-A-GLANCE as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I’ve always been an pretty old-school when it comes to organization. I have a filing cabinet, two wall calendars, countless to-do list pads, a planner, sticky-notes, and a lot of notebooks. Would some call this an addiction to paper products? Maybe. As much as I’ve tried to turn my organizational efforts digital like the rest of my life, nothing beats a good ol’ paper and pen. I even write my blog posts in a notebook sometimes! I’m a visual person so being able to physically write things out and see them not only helps me remember what needs to get done, but makes me feel like I’ve got my ish together when it’s all right in front of me.

I haven’t spoken about this much on Style Tab, but the last half of 2016 was a pretty crazy one for me. I quit my job to attend a 3-month, full-time coding bootcamp to transition into a career in tech. Some of you reading this may not know what the heck I’m talking about, and that’s OK. Here are the SparkNotes: I took a really big risk to follow a path I’ve always wanted to go down and it was really scary, but also one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life so far. Needless to stay, during this whole thing I was always carrying around at least two notebooks and my planner at any given time because there was a lot I needed to stay on top of in multiple areas of my life.

I’m happy to report that I made it through the course relatively unscathed in mid-November, and then the fun began: job hunting. I had given myself a deadline of two months to find a new gig after completing my course which was a bit aggressive considering with the holidays and end-of-year budgets, job prospecting isn’t always booming this time of year. So with the support of my career coach and my beloved paper products, I started writing down my plan of attack a month before graduation so I could be prepared. Thankfully, the planning paid off because I accepted a job offer just last week! So today, I wanted to share some of the best tips I received over the past few months on job hunting and how you can use my new favorite planner brand, AT-A-GLANCE, to stay on top of it all.

4 Tips for Staying Organized During Your Job Hunt

Make a schedule – and stick to it!

This was by far the hardest part of the job hunting process for me. I went from a very regimented routine to having the most freedom I’ve had since college, so it was really difficult to avoid procrastination at first. If you’re in college or job hunting full-time, I recommend creating an hour-by-hour schedule for each day of your week. I made sure to front load my company and job research in the beginning of the week from 9am-3pm so that I could add in some ‘life’ and ‘fun’ things to do later on in the week, like working out, doing laundry, getting lunch with a friend, etc. This will keep you sane, but don’t make excuses for the fun stuff – keep it to a reasonable amount so you’re staying productive.

If you’re currently working but looking for something new, I recommend selecting which nights of the week you’ll dedicate to your job hunt, and then break down your tasks hour-by-hour. My AT-A-GLANCE weekly planner has an hourly breakdown for each day of the week, which makes scheduling super easy!

Network, network, network!

This was my favorite part of the process! Throughout my course I went to as many tech networking meet-ups as I could. I used Meetup.com and followed local Boston sites such as Bostinno and General Assembly (that’s where I took my course) to keep tabs on new events that were popping up. Networking can seem seriously scary at first, but once you rip the Band-Aid off, the nerves quickly disappear. Being able to chat with people in your industry in a casual setting is such a prime opportunity to learn about what people do, get advice, learn about companies you may have never heard of, and even make some new friends along the way.

I also was a big fan of finding people on LinkedIn who worked at a company I was interested in and messaging them to grab a coffee. Again, that can sound scary but people love to talk about themselves and I guarantee you’ll get more yes’s than you think! Utilizing AT-A-GLANCE’s monthly planner (pictured above) is the perfect way to keep track of all of your events and coffee dates. The monthly view is my favorite and I love that I can just go to the next page and see a new month without having to flip through multiple pages.

Keep a master list for each individual job you apply to.

This is a big one. The first task on this list should be to screenshot the job posting. Depending on your situation, you may be applying to a lot of jobs and when a recruiter comes calling three weeks later about XYZ job, you want to make sure you know which one they’re referring to. After that, add tasks such as “send Thank You email after phone screen”. Be sure you mark down the date of every task you complete so you can send additional follow-ups if things go quiet. This list should also include any key topics that were discussed so you can jog your memory and bring them up in additional interviews.

Level up your skills.

In the tech world, there’s always something shiny and new to learn. After looking at countless job postings there was a programming technology that a lot of companies seemed to be using that I didn’t know much about. So, I added to my schedule to start teaching myself the basics of this tool, so that I could become familiar with it in the event I got asked about it during an interview.

Take a look at the skills needed on job postings at your dream companies. Do you meet all of the requirements? Doubt it. Pick a skill or tool that is relevant and industry-standard, then learn it or improve upon it. Doing so will not only allow you to say that you’re a self-starter, but that you enjoy learning new things and want continue your professional growth. Plus, being able to learn something new on your own can be a lot of fun and really rewarding!

I hope these tips were helpful and good luck out there! Here’s to a productive and #organized 2017!

Planners featured: Weekly Planner + Monthly Planner 

For more planner goodness, checkout out AT-A-GLANCE on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook + Pinterest.

The post How To Stay Organized During the Job Hunt appeared first on Style Tab.

The holiday season is upon us and if you’re like me, you always tell yourself around this time of year that you’re not going to let the holidays stress you out. “That’s not what the holidays are about” you tell yourself. So you immediately decide you’re going to be more prepared than ever before. You begin making your list of all the shopping and preparations you need to do. You keep good on your word to yourself and snag one gift during a Black Friday sale. “This is going to be easy, only seven more presents to go and I’m done.” But then life happens. The next thing you know it’s the morning of your family holiday party and that one gift you bought on Black Friday was actually for your cat. Panic sets in.

You sneak out of the house to go to the mall, but you have to be back in 2 hours or less or your family will be on to you. You walk into the first department store you see and immediately want to buy everyone socks, but instead you frantically ask the sales associate for help. They convince you to buy all of the overpriced merchandise you’re surrounded by. You close your eyes and swipe your credit card. On the drive home you contemplate whether to buy a lotto ticket in the hopes that the holiday gods will have mercy on you so that you can pay off your now very large credit card bill. Sound familiar?

Ok that was a little dramatic, but long story short, the holidays can be incredibly stressful if you don’t plan ahead or if finances are tight. To avoid the above scenario, I’ve partnered with Coinstar^® to put together some tips on how to keep your holiday shopping stress-free and budget friendly, so you can actually enjoy the holidays for once and give some fantastic gifts, too!

7 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Shopping

Collect your loose change and cash it in with Coinstar^®. This is by far the easiest way to put some extra spending cash in your pocket. Last month I was cleaning my apartment and found $5 dollars’ worth of quarters inside my couch. I’d been literally sitting on money for who knows how long! Loose change can add up very quickly so check your couch, pockets, cup holders and other bags you rotate in your wardrobe for those extra coins. Then, take them to your nearest green Coinstar kiosk to get cash instantly.  You can also opt to cash in your coins for no-fee eGift cards , which make for an easy stocking stuffer – or donate the coins directly to a charity! Find your nearest kiosk here.

Sign up for retailer email newsletters. With Black Friday and Cyber Week on the very near horizon, retailers have already begun promoting their discounts and specials they’ll be having. Sign up for email newsletters at the retailers where you know you’ll be shopping to make sure you can take advantage of all of the deals! Plus, most retailers usually offer you a small discount for signing up for their emails – win, win!

Get organized ASAP. This one is pretty obvious but still worth noting. This year, I’m making a Trello board with all of the people I need to buy gifts for and setting dates for when I want to have those items purchased by. I’m a visual person so I’m also thinking about creating a secret Pinterest board to pin items I see online that I think might be a good gift for someone. Whatever your method for getting organized, get your plan set up early and stick to it. Put reminders in your phone or calendar if you have to. You’ll thank yourself later.

Find out what your loved ones really want. I think one of the biggest reasons I end up procrastinating with my holiday shopping is that I have no idea what to get the person and don’t want to go down that rabbit hole to try and figure it out. This year, I’m taking a more direct approach and asking friends and family upfront what they’ve had their eye on or at the very least, find out what their favorite stores of the moment are so I can narrow down my search. If that approach isn’t really your style, consider making a personalized gift such as a photo book or curating themed box of goodies for the “coffee lover” or “the foodie”.

Trade unwanted gift cards for cash with Coinstar Exchange. Remember my post from earlier this year about how I’m decluttering my life in 2016? Coinstar Exchange played a big part in that! The yellow Coinstar Exchange kiosk takes those unwanted gift cards you have lying around from holidays past and turns them it into instant cash so you can buy what you really want this holiday season. The kiosks are located in grocery stores across major U.S. cities and accept gift cards from more than 150 retailers!

Make back the money you spend. Companies like Ebates and Swagbucks offer cash back and gift card deals just for shopping through their sites. Many major retailers are available through their sites so if you’re already planning to shop online with those retailers, why not make back that money you’re spending? It’ll definitely come in handy with my final tip…

Treat yourself! Don’t forget to have fun and take care of yourself during the holiday season. Grab lunch with your siblings at the new cafe in your town or go on a mani date with your bestie – you deserve it!

What are you go-to moves for a stress-free holiday shopping experience? Let me know in the comments!

This post is brought to you by Coinstar^®. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Style Tab. 

The post 7 Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Shopping appeared first on Style Tab.

L to R: Alicia @ Alicia Tenise | Corbin @ Classy South Blog | Tilden @ To Be Bright

Happy Tuesday! I’ve been slacking on my blog game recently, but super excited to get back into this week with a new style collab with some awesome fashion bloggers! For the next three weeks, these ladies and myself will be tackling different holiday outfit scenarios. This week we’re talking turkey and how to look good even with that inevitable food baby you’ll have come Thursday.

Every family has their own way of celebrating Thanksgiving and I personally have always enjoyed getting dressed up for the occasion, even though my family’s dinner isn’t too formal. I typically find myself pretty uncomfortable if I wear denim to the big feast, so I prefer to wear dresses or maxi skirts (with an elastic waist) to Thanksgiving dinner. A good rule of thumb is to pair your maxi skirt with sweater that is loosely tucked in to drape over your midsection. Paying attention to fabric and construction of maxi skirts can make a huge difference. Pleated versions with a chiffon overlay are perfect for dressing up or down and will be much more flattering on the body instead of a form-fitting silhouette. I usually go with a darker color palette for occasions like this and pair my outfit with a bold lip or statement jewelry to keep the focus above my shoulders, rather than my bloated belly.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy the people around you, so wear what makes you comfortable and feel your best in. So instead of worrying about your appearance, you can worry about getting the first slice of pie!

How does your family celebrate Thanksgiving? Do you have a formal gathering or keep it casual? Stay tuned for next week’s style scenario: the office holiday party!

The post Style Scenario: Thanksgiving Dinner appeared first on Style Tab.

Five Volume Hacks for Thin Hair

1. Use a volumizing and texturizing spray

2. Switch up your part

I sometimes do this constantly throughout the day. It may feel a little backwards and weird to switch your part but it can add immediate oomph with minimal effort. I also like to do this after I’ve completed hack number 1!

3. Air dry

True life: I blow-dry my hair approximately 4 times a year. Tbh, I just don’t have the arm muscles to do it and I don’t love the look of my hair when it’s completely straight. Instead I am alllll about air drying. I read a tip in Seventeen magazine, like literally when I was 17, that I still do to this day. If I’m showering at night, I’ll towel-dry my hair and twist 2 or 4 large sections into Princess Laia-style buns and sleep on it. The next day – instant texture and volume. If you don’t like the idea of trying to sleep with buns on the side of your head, try two french braids for a similar affect!

4. Get a haircut

Bangs are an easy way to add volume to fine hair. If you’re not into that talk to your hair stylist about the best cut for your fine strands. She may suggest some strategic layering or a blunt cut. I used this super helpful guide the last time I got cut my hair – I went with the blunt on the bottom to bring out my natural waves.

5. Velcro rollers

Yup, people still use them! They’re wicked cheap and easy to use. I recommend searching “velcro rollers tutorial” on YouTube to get started. I also recommend purchasing a variety of different size rollers depending on the length of your hair and the look you’re going for!

What’s your go-to for big, voluminous hair?

The post Five Volume Hacks for Thin Hair appeared first on Style Tab.

Happy Monday! Everyone brace yourselves: we’ve entered Fashion Month. I really wanted to attend NYFW this season, but sadly I’m watching from afar and vicariously living through the snap stories, which tbh, could possibly be the better seat to have than actually being there.  For those of you that like to keep up with the shows, you’re probably well aware that the off-the-shoulder look, one of summer’s biggest trends, isn’t going anywhere. The Fall 2016 runways from the likes of Jason Wu to Opening Ceremony showcased this go-to look, so it’s safe to say that the off the shoulder fall trend will be front and center. (And even carry through until next spring!) I have to admit that I didn’t care to try this trend for quite a while. You see I turn into the Hunchback of Notre Dame unless I constantly remind myself to keep my shoulders back, which happens just about never, so I think subconsciously was a little hesitant that this silhouette wouldn’t be the best for me.

But, I caved. Social media did what it does best and convinced me to give it a try. And when I say that I mean that I was seeing SO many cute looks from other bloggers like my girls Tilden of To Be Bright and Alicia of Alicia Tenise. The three of us teamed up with South Moon Under to showcase our go-to looks for the back-to-school/back-to-fall season. I think my favorite part about this collab is that the three of us had no idea what the other was going to pick out from South Moon Under’s fall collection, and we all went with an off-the-shoulder top! Great minds think alike.

If you follow me on Insta (shameless plug: here) you may be aware that I myself at the ripe age of 26 made a big decision this year to “go back to school.” I enrolled in a full-time web development immersive at General Assembly that started just 3 weeks ago! Although a coding bootcamp isn’t **technically** a federal institution I did what any rational person would do and turned my new endeavor into a reason to go shopping. While I was at home visiting family and friends before heading into the classroom, my mom and I did a little back-to-school shopping at South Moon Under’s Christiana Mall location.

For those of you that live in Delaware, yes I’m talking to all 4 of you that read this blog, stopping in at SMU at Christiana is a must if you’re in the market for some new fall pieces – their team is so incredibly helpful! I’m an OG fan of South Moon Under (I even was a remote intern for them in college!) and I was so excited to pick out this look that’s perfect for a night out with friends or a weekend adventure frolicking around the city. This off-the-shoulder top is incredibly comfy and the slits in the sleeves are perfect for the temperatures we’ve been having in Boston. I decided to go with a little layering action for a new take on this trend, and pair my top with a lacy bralette. The skirt is genuine suede and it feels like it should be a $300 skirt, but it’s actually $98! Bangarang.  The shoes are Steve Madden and they are so. comfy. I’ve been wearing them on weekdays and I never wear heels on weekdays, so that’s when you know what’s up.

What do you think of the off-the-shoulder trend?

P.S. right now you’ll get 15% off of your SMU order of $150. Just use code FALL15. Happy shopping!

Top, Skirt, Shoes, Necklace + Bralette: c/o South Moon Under Bag: c/o The FRYE Company Earrings: c/o Kendra Scott

SHOP THE LOOK

This post is brought to you by South Moon Under. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Style Tab’s lights on!

The post Back to Fall with South Moon Under appeared first on Style Tab.

New York Fashion Week is in full swing and today I’m taking a trip down memory lane to my last visit to NYFW exactly two years ago. First of all, I can’t believe it’s been two years. It feels just like yesterday I was running around in heels that were too high trying to take the coolest “I’m at Fashion Week” Instagram. My trip was SO much fun. I only attended a few shows but I think my favorite part of the whole experience was meeting new bloggers and hanging out with my blogger buds who are based in NYC.

I was able to network a ton, drink some fancy drinks, and see some amazing looks all in 3 days! If you’re a blogger, and have the opportunity to attend, 150% do it. You will not regret it – even if you’re not a huge fan of the Big Apple! I’ve been dying to go back each season, but sadly life always gets in the way. However, I’m hoping to go in February and to get a very head start on the planning process today I wanted to share my NYFW must-haves in collaboration with Babbleboxx! Let’s get started…

My NYFW Must-Haves

Camera/Smart Phone:

This one is pretty obvious but definitely deserves the top spot on the list. I always bring my DSLR to NYC with me, but I will admit it can get really annoying to carry around when you’re running around like a crazy person all day long. I’ve found that snapping looks from the runway to be just as easily achievable with my iPhone, if not even easier sometimes.  We’re all well aware that the cameras on our smart phones are starting to rival point-and-shoots, so there’s no shame in capturing the moments on your phone. Plus, if you didn’t snap it, did it even happen?

Whenever I go on a trip I always make sure I slip my phone into a more protective case to avoid any cracked screen emergencies. The Otterbox Symmetry Series Case does just that. These cases have genuine Swarovski crstyals integrated into the case back, making it probably the most protective and stylish iPhone 6 case I’ve ever own. If you want to get in on this sparkly action, just use the code OTTERBOXBABBLEBOX for 20% off, plus free shipping! (Valid until 12/31/16.)

Total Body Skincare:

This may be another no brainer but I never head to NYC without my skincare essentials. I bring everything – face wash, masks (more on that below), body lotion, shave oil, face mist, sunscreen – nothing is off limits. I never rely on what’s in a hotel bathroom because it’s usually bound to dry out my skin. My favorite hack for bringing all of my skincare products in a carry-on is to use travel-size bottle containers like these, that you can pick up at any drug store. Even in the summer my legs get super dry sometimes and I think I’ve finally found the solution: Tree Hut’s Bare Moisturizing Shave Oil. You guys, this stuff smells ah-mazing. The first time I tried it was with a really dull razor and my legs were so smooth and soft afterwards. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that’s because it has essential oils like Jojoba and Grape See. The best part is that you only need to use a little bit on each leg so I know this will last me a long time!

Hair Tools & Products:

I can’t tell you guys how many times I’ve forgotten my hair tools or products on a trip. It’s the worst! That’s why I’m putting this on the list. September in NYC is usually pretty sweltering so on previous trips I’ve either gone au natural with my hair or relied heavily on my products and tools to keep my frizzies at bay. Let’s be real 9 times out of 10 I go with the latter. If I’m not using hot tools, I usually like to scrunch and go, but sometimes my hair gets realllllly crunchy if I’m not using a good mousse. If this was 2001 I’d be completely fine, but sadly that’s one trend I don’t think will ever come back. Luckily Paul Mitchell is a legend and has a collection of products that are not only sulfate-free, but smell absolutely delicious! I’ve been using the Awapuhi Hydrocream Whip and my waves have never been softer. If you’re hair is not really straight, but not really curly either, I highly recommend this!

Since my hair is usually having an identity crisis on most days, I like a little help from my hair tools. I used to fry the crap out of my hair growing up so I’ve tried to tone it down over the years. I actually haven’t owned a straightener for over four years… until now! It’s the coolest straightener I’ve come across since my zebra-print one I bought with my own money in 8th grade. LumaBella is a technologically advanced straightener that uses cool mist on your hair before you apply the heat. HOW COOL IS THAT. I was so impressed with not only the packaging but the design of the straightener itself. It comes with a macadamia conditioning oil that can be used instead of distilled water for extra protection against breakage and there’s a very informative guide to what temperature you should set the straightener based on your hair type. I haven’t had a chance yet, but I’ll post a photo of my hair after using the LumaBella on Instagram soon! If you want in on this cool mist goodness, you can pick up a LumaBella on Amazon!

Rest, Relaxation & Fun:

Last, but certainly not least, we’ve come to my favorite item(s) on the list. NYFW is stressful, a lot of fun, but also stressful. It’s important to stay hydrated, sleep when you can and treat yo self! Brands have tons of pop-up events going on throughout the Week, and a lot of them are usually beauty themed, like a makeup/hair touch-up or mani station with bubbly in between shows. Grab a blogger bud and take advantage! No matter what trip I’m going on, I always bring a face mask with me. I love taking 10 minutes to take a break from the chaos and have a little home-spa moment.

Lately I’ve been really into clay masks, and thanks to Babbleboxx, was introduced to my new favorite mask brand: Vichy! I’ve never used a mask that smells as good as Vichy’s. I actually left the Double Glow Peel (the peach-colored one below) uncapped for a while by accident and it made my bathroom smell SO good! These Vichy masks have great texture and I’ve noticed immediate results upon using them. Plus they include ingredients like mineralizing thermal water and Vitamin B3 which are safe for sensitive skin. P.S. Enter BABBLEMASK at checkout for 20% off + free shipping on any orders containing the Mineral Pore Purifying Clay Mask, Quenching Mineral Mask, or Double Glow Peel Face Mask. (Valid through 10/15/16.)

SHOP MY NYFW MUST-HAVES

• Skincare: Tree Hut Shave Oil | Vichy Pore Purifying Clay Mask | Vichy Quenching Mineral Mask | Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask
• Hair: LumaBella Cool Mist Straightener | Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrocream Whip 
• Tech: Otterbox Symmetry Series Case with genuine swarovski crystals

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The post My NYFW Must-Haves appeared first on Style Tab.