I HEART YOU

Hello fashion lovers! Big apologizes for the few and far posts but I have finally shaken my cold and ready to bare the cold in hopes of a great photo. 

More importantly-my Valentines Day blouse arrived just in time!!!! Although I can't think of a time when shopping is not my favorite past time, shopping for a specific occasion tops the list. As Valentines Day approached, I knew I wanted a casual outfit that I could wear during the day but have the opportunity to take it through the evening. When I found this blouse {for $12} I knew it was the one. That Ah-ha moment, you know the one when you see the sale price, thinking... 'I can make this work'. 

// Heart Top SheInside //  Black Fur Vest SheInside // Pearl Bracelet (similar) // Booties Payless similar Sole Society // Ring Old Navy (only sold in stores) // Lips MAC Russian Red // Nails Essie Forever Yummy //

For day time, I paired this heart top with a pair of denim, some booties, and pearls. Pearls, on a side note, are always a good way to dress an outfit up. When sporting a "young" festive blouse, pearls help make it age appropriate and classy. 

What are your plans for Valentines? 

Happy Valentines to all!

--Kelsey

Follow us on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Quick Change

So here's the thing, I don't know about you all, but I tend to think/insist that everything I do requires an outfit. And by everything, I mean EVERYthing. So if I go for a workout, then grocery shopping, then to dinner, that's three outfits. I make no apologies for my need to do this, not a single one. However, a gal can run out of options really quick doing this. And although I LOVE to shop, I couldn't possibly sustain 3 outfits a day. This is where accessories and beauty options come into play! Yay-my favorite! :)

Accessories, makeup and hair Polish an outfit. These pieces give a look it's "feel," if you will. A soft eye and dainty jewelry says something much different than brushed out curls and a red lip. A heeled boot was made for a different kind of walking than a riding boot. Changing these pieces of an outfit can make such a difference and the best part is...they are easily carried from place to place!

Let's take happy hour or an after work event, for example. I am sorry, but I am not even trying to wear exactly what I wore for 7 hours. I like to separate work and play, outfits included. But seriously, who has enough time to pack up an entirely new outfit? Or haul it from point A to point B? Not to mention, who wants to change in a bathroom stall if it's not necessary? 

Shoes, a brush, a belt, and red lipstick are all I had to carry to change this look in 5 minutes without having to actually change. A make up touch up is necessary, especially your lipstick! We all know how a red lip can make us feel-HELLO happy hour-here I come! Brushing out my hair was a preference, I like to wear it both ways, but when you want to change a look, changing your hair makes a huge difference! This is why I always, ALWAYS have a tease comb on hand (check out my tease tutorial). Adding a belt cinches in the waist and changes the silhouette of this dress, making it look and feel like a totally different dress! Changing my boots from a flat to a heel adds just another Polishing touch to the outfit, not to mention I love a high heeled boot alllll the time! My laptop bag can double as a purse that matches the outfit and voila! I am ready in under 5 minutes to take on my next event!

 Outfit Details: Dress-Target // Boots-Nine West (Similar here) // Link bracelet-Target // Belt-Marshalls (Similar here) // Earrings-Charming Charlie (LOVE these from Shamelessly Sparkly) // Lipstick-Covergirl Tempt 355 // Computer bag-Target // Sunglasses-RayBan // Ring-Forever 21 (Similar here)

Happy, happy hour my lovelies! 

--Courtney

Check out our Instagram pages for more styling tips and tricks! Courtney_m_b & Kelseymkipp

{Not Too} Casual Friday

First, let's talk about what causal is NOT--casual does not mean sloppy. Or lazy, messy, dirty, undone, mismatched, or, the most overly misused word, "comfortable"--basically... casual does not mean UNPolished. 

So, to begin we are banning all yoga pants, sweatshirts, and gym sneakers from Casual Friday attire. Also, add logo or print t-shirts and hoodies (especially, ones that look like are your husband's) and, must I add... pajama pants to the list. All rules have an exception-a jersey, for example. If you are a sports fan and are supporting your local team ON game day, then do it! But, Polish it off with all of the right accessories--which, could be another post.

You may be wondering, what is the definition of Casual Friday?

Causal Friday implies swapping your trousers or pencil skirt for a pair of fit flattering denim, yes to be more "comfortable", but not mistaken for an 'overslept-have no time to get ready employee'. You may kick off the stiletto pumps and opt for a pair of ballet flats or knee high boots. Even, add a bouffant pony tail rather than your well-kept curls. Or, go for a more natural make-up look by losing the glitter eye shadow and using a peachy blush.

 

Hear me out... Causal Friday attire does differ from your work week basics--just ever so slightly! However, you are still AT WORK, and so is your boss. So, let's dress like it!

Jacket here -- and now on sale! // Top from Express-not sold online but similar here  // Denim here // Necklace from andRuby but also here // Bracelet Old Navy (no jewelry online) and Brina Box // Shoes (obsessed) from Cathy Jean // Bag (old) Olivia and Joy //

What makes a Polished Causal Friday outfit?
A) Heels-I will say it again...they are magical! Instantly, they dress-up any outfit, especially one for the office. Adding a pop of color keeps these beauties "fun" enough for a Casual Friday look, but still work appropriate--just the right height & a closed toe.

B) Blazer-What is more professional than a jacket? A suit jacket is a classic work piece. However, choosing a boxy crop cut **in plaid** makes it work appropriate, while staying trendy.

C) Dark Denim-We all should own our fair share of boyfriend destroyed denim, right? Reserve those for weekends. Dark Denim is the "dressy" denim. Select denim that is dark all-over color, not the white-bleached area around the thighs and bottom.

Seeing a trend... professional and appropriate?! All of these pieces are made for work (heels, jackets, good fitting pants), but have a trendy twist (pop of color, plaid, a bow on a classic heel), making this combination the best way to walk into work on Fridays.
 

 

P.S. Don't forget about patterned or colored denim, as these are both great options for a Casual Friday look.

 

Thanks for stopping by! Please feel free to add a comment sharing your favorite Casual Friday tips!

 

--Kelsey

A Winter Floral

Top Kardashian Kollection --SALE // Skirt Here--for $7--and this one is leather // Floral Scarf here for $13 // Polka Dot Tights in Pink and Silver // Spiked Heals here // Bracelet NY&Co // Earrings Target (a steal at $8) // Lips Maybelline Brazen Berry Vivid //

Yes, floral print is still trendy in the winter! Who knew the flowers still bloomed through all of this snow? Remember, style is in the details. So, here's how I made it work: 

• Color Choice-When choosing a winter floral there are two elements to consider: fabric and color. Although this scarf is a light fabric, it has a black background filled with rich colors, these are neons, not pastelles.
• Not to mention the color of the season, pink Radiant Orchard!? Keep your eyes peeled, you will see it everywhere!

• Fabrics-Mixing a floral with a few heavier fabrics (leather and wool) help make the overall look winter appropriate. I'm loving this leather shirt from the Kardashian Kollection. Although you can't see it here, it is a high-low shirt, so it looks great tucked in or loose with some skinnies.  {and it's on sale, duh!}

• Style/Fit-By wrapping this scarf 3 times it appears full and warm. In warmer months, I may have left it open to have more of a "flowy" look. 

--Kelsey

P.S. When I was searching for the link to my New York and Company bracelet, I stumbled upon a great sale! Check out these bracelets, necklasces, and rings for only $6.... Merry Christmas Fashion Friends!