#WHATIWORE

While at work, I am often guilty of sneaking a selfie of my outfit of the day. Fashion is a great distraction from all of the work I am suppose to be doing, right? To be honest, I find wearing a great high heel makes it easier to walk into my next meeting (yawn). It helps to feel Polished and fabulous!

Thank you for all who ask about my outfit details on Instagram. Today, I am giving the details you asked for! Keep them coming, I am LOVE LOVE LOVING checking my Instagram for all your comments :)   

// Red Pants Old Navy // Shoes Cathy Jean //

Leather Sleeved Blazer Target (love this version too)

Sweater Limited (final sale $15) // Necklace OASAP //

// Earrings OASAP // 

 // Floral Chambray Old Navy //

Thanks for stopping by! Keep following on Instagram 

@KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

--Kelsey

Regram @KelseyMKipp

Prior to starting the Polished blog, I wasn't a big Instagram user. Secret/Fact-I only had 42 followers when we launched the blog {blushing}... Now, I am OBSESSED with Instalife. I loving stalking finding all of the fellow fashion lovers out there! This community is so inspiring, I can't help but shop, shop, and shop. In between my trips to the mall, I managed to snag some pictures of my week!

Bracelet from Brina Box & Booties from Target for $15

Plaid (My husband's!!) similar here

Leopard Cuff OASAP for $10

Glitter Belt

Earrings OASAP for $7

My week wouldn't be complete without several at least one shopping trip. Right? Post-Christmas shopping can be dangerous--who could pass up all of these sales?! Here are my favorite finds this week:

Denim Express (different wash) 

Need this Bag from Target

Clutch Old Navy

Follow on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B for all of our weekly OOTD, style tips, and shopping finds!

Thanks for stopping by--we are loving our followers! 

{Thankfully, now than 42 haha}

--Kelsey

Insta Life

I found this picture on the mothership of quotes...Pinterest...and had to share it! As 2014 continues to keep on rolling (like slow down already will you?). I thought it was important for myself to establish some goals for the year. I am never one to create a New Years resolution, I mean talk about setting ones self up for failure. Let's face it, life happens, and I see no reason to feel discouraged that I missed a gym session because my best friend needed some good, old fashion, girl talk. Instead, I think it's important to figure out what will ground you, what will keep you going, a personal mantra, if you will. Something to look at when you are feeling like 2014 is letting you down, or vice versa! So, this is mine, simplify, be inspired, be original, work hard, and enjoy.

Can we just talk about how much Instagram is inspiring me lately. Some people probably think it's odd that I want a bunch a strangers, or even people I know, look at my clothes, face, makeup, accessories, or whatever I choose to share. But, I don't. I think there is something to be said about allowing people an outlet to communicate with others who share the same interests. I, for one, am totally loving meeting new people and having conversations about life, clothing, and pretty things. Props to the women who are complimenting each other and supporting each other. I am truly enjoying this moment. So BAM, I am already living by two of my 2014 mantras! 

Here is my recent Insta life.

I saw this on Instagram and had to repost it!

Wearing my favorite red lip out and about!

Enjoyed an amazing brunch with good people at Zenga in DC. 

I finally found the perfect tassel necklace!

Got reacquainted with these sunnies!

Selfie :)

Appreciating the sunshine during this frigid week!

Saying hi to 2014 with my best friend!

Being the worst patient ever...yes that is MY BABY SISTER...I am SO PROUD!

I am so greatful that I was able to spend the holidays at home with the people and pups that I love!

Thank you for your support of our blog! We love having you!

XOXO Courtney

Check out our Instagrams for more Polished looks all week long! Courtney_m_b & Kelseymkipp

Seeing Red

This season my favorite, go-to, have to have it, put it in my shopping cart, find your place in my closet, color is RED. I have never been one to gravitate toward red clothing. Probably because I change my hair color so much and red is a really hard color to wear when you have burgundy hair (that's a topic fit for a beauty post). Anyhow, this year, I have been loving everything red and you know what, I think red loves me back!

I saw this skirt at Express (for 60% off a clearance price, obviously, it was fate) and thought it would be perfect for so many reasons. First, I love the a-line cut. I am so accustomed to wearing a pencil skirts that this shape was a refreshing take on a skirt for me. Secondly, it has a buckle detail, which I can never pass up! A buckle detail adds a certain edge to any piece of clothing. Thirdly, I could picture so many ways to wear it while standing in the store. If I can create more than two outfits with a piece of clothing in a store than I am SOLD!

This look is great for a holiday or after holiday get together. The hat adds some Polish to the look, not to mention is perfect when it starts to snow! I also have paired this skirt with a button-up top and a flat boot or a stiletto and polka-dot tight. Any way you style it, you really can't go wrong with a festive red skirt! I always feel Polished when I put a skirt on, but this one makes me oh-so-happy!

Outfit details: Skirt-Express (Similar here without buckles, but adding a belt can accomplish the same look!) // Sweater-Express // Boots-Nine West (Similar here) // Necklace-Target (I found mine in store for $6!) // Hat- Target // Watch-Michael Kors // Bracelet-TJ-Maxx (Similar here) //  Lipstick -Rimmel Bordeaux

Enjoy!

--Courtney

P.S. Dont forget to check out our Instagrams for more Polished looks! Courtney_m_b & Kelseymkipp

Date Night

Thank you to all of my fabulous followers who are asking about my Date Night Look. Below are all of the details! Feel free to leave your comments below :)

 

 

Dress from Express // Tassel Necklace Brina Box // Bracelet here // Shoes (obsessed) from Daily Look // Stockings similar here //

I am loving this necklace--I think I have worn it everyday since I bought it :)

{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

'Tis the Season to SPARKLE

The holidays are a great time to mix sparkle! 

Outfit details: Chambray blouse-American Eagle (now for $20!) // Sequin sweatshirt-Loft (Similar here on clearance!) // Red jean- H&M (Similar here on sale!) // Necklace-Target // Watch-Michael Kors // Bracelet-TJ-Maxx (Similar here) // Sunglasses-Ray Ban // Lipstick -Rimmel Bordeaux // Boots-Coach // Earrings-Forever 21 (I bought these years ago but I LOVE these from Bauble Bar!) 

Flashback to Courtney, age 3, stepping foot into my first dance class.  In the middle of learning the truly complicated moves to my "Spunky the Monkey" dance, I caught a glimpse of my red and gold sequin costume (not to mention the feather tail, but that's another post). This is the moment that I fell in eternal love with SEQUINS. Imagine my joy to see sequins all over everything this year! 

I have dove head first into this sequin trend and I am not ashamed that many most of my items of clothing have at least a sequin or two. For me, this is a really great trend because if worn correctly, it looks oh, so Polished! 

A sweatshirt is a really hard piece of clothing to Polish (because really, a sweatshirt has it's place and it is a really specific one, aka, the gym or bed). I don't know about you, but there are days that I feel like spending my entire day in a sweatshirt. But, in true Polished style, I am not one to follow through with this feeling. Until one magical day, I found this sweatshirt at the Loft (on clearance of course, I always make a beeline straight to this section). Not only is it a great color, but hello, it is FULL OF SEQUINS (3 year old Courtney is dancing inside).  What I really love is that a touch of sequins can make a regular outfit a special outfit. I always feel a little more spunky with some sequins on. Must be my roots as a sequin, tu-tu wearing "Spunky the Monkey" dancer...

Sparkle away!

--Courtney

P.S. Dont forget to check out our Instagrams for more Polished looks! Courtney_m_b & Kelseymkipp

Eyebrows Change Lives!

This is one (of the many) fashion mantras I live by, like could carve into my gravestone because I say it oh so often... Eyebrows Change Lives!

Since brows are natural elements on our face, they are often overlooked. But, don't ignore them! Once you see how to Polish your brows, you will see how it changes lives! Best part, brows draw attention to your eyes and create an ideal face shape. Let's be honest, no one--even Heidi Klum, can/should rock a unibrow!

Brows can be tamed in a variety of ways--first off, the trusty tweazer. This is one shopping investment I will never have buyer's remorse over. Invest in a great pair of tweazers {with a angled edge}. Use these for general maintence and/or in between waxes or threading.

Caution: IF teasing is your main source for brow maintence:

• give a little pluck pluck, then step back (out of that fun house-magnifying mirror) & check your progress.
• pluck both brows simultanelously--a little from the left, a little from the right. Balancing your brows as you pluck, prevents making a mistake you are forced to "even out" on the other side--Yikes!)
• just to begin, you may want to think about a wax or thread...just once! Leave it to a professional to find the natural shape that you can maintain with your tweazers.

Which brings us to other brow options--waxing and threading! I find these the quickest way to clean up any brow(s). I often sqeeze this in when I am getting my nails done for a measly $9!? Tip-try applying a little lotion after the wax to alleviate the redness and the sting! Much like waxing, threading is quick, affordable, and relatively painless with HUGE results. Good news--no redness when you leave the salon :)

Now that you have two clean and well-shaped brows, let's look at how to incorporate them into your daily make-up routine. Here are my tools: an angled eyebrow brush, eye shadow (to match my hair color), and a highlighter.

Side note: there are products that are made specifically to brow coloring and brow wax--I think they are overpriced and overrated. Basically, a glorified eye shadow. So, save your cash and use/buy some eye shadow you can use for both eyes and brows.

Using brow brush {great investment-short angled bristles}, dip a little eye shadow and brush, in the same direction as the hair growth, into your brows. Follow the natural brow line to the edge of your eye.

 

Then, go back and use your highlight. This is a BareMinerals product called Well Rested, but you can use a light shimmer eye shadow, white highlight pencil, or a cream like mine. Highlight the top brow bone and the under arch. Blend-and viola!

Truthfully, this tacks a whole two one minute to your existing make-up routine and it is SO worth it! Check out the difference --which brow looks Polished?

Look at the difference!

Brows that are colored in...



Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to leave a comment with any questions, comments, or suggestions :)

 

--Kelsey

Have any brow before and after pictures, comments, or stories? Post them here!