Dressing Professionally Part II: Shopping

Welcome to Part II of 5 Tips to Dressing Professionally on a Budget. This shopping guide abides to the previously set ground rules: stick with a uniform of neutral colors and classic shapes, and buy fewer, high quality things.

Pants

For workwear, well-fitted pants are my go-to. Because I’m short, I prefer trouser cuts that are cropped at the ankle or just above. There are a LOT of work-appropriate pants out there, but the cheap ones are often baggy in weird places and are made with uncomfortable fabrics. While I know I’m not offering much variety as to brands, J.Crew is hands down my favorite place to buy pants for work. At J.Crew you can always find classic shapes, neutral colors, and the fabric is just the right amount of stretchy so you can handle sitting at your desk all day. As the weather heats up, a cropped trouser will allow you to show off fun footwear (boots with work pants looks awkward anyway), and you can wear it with either heels or flats.

With boot cut pants for instance, if you wear them with heels they should just barely hover off the ground. There’s nothing worse than seeing one inch of a three inch heel peeking out from under the pant hemline. The trendiest of the choices here would be a wide-leg or culotte-style trouser. This look made waves in fall 2014, and was all over the fall 2015 runway as well. It’s safe to say this trend is not going anywhere soon. Note: I find that J.Crew pants run way big, so buy online with caution.

J.Crew, New Campbell Capri Pant in Bi-Stretch Cotton.

J.Crew, Ryder Pant.

J.Crew, Cropped Patio Trouser.

Tibi, Beatle Menswear Cropped Pants.

Tibi, Pleated Culottes.

Anthropologie, Verso Wide-Leg Trousers.

Shirts

Referring back to my professional dress advice, always buy classic shapes if you’re on a budget. Even if you have to spend a few more dollars to get the classic shape instead of settling for the trend du jour, it is always worth it in the long run. In my opinion, peplum is so out it hurts, and button-downs can always save the day. Button-downs are so versatile, and appropriate in almost any situation or season.

Anthropologie, Lana Buttondown Tunic. Note: Leave it unbuttoned over one of the conservative pant choices above to add some interesting layers and dimension to your look. Add a structured blazer if it’s cold.

Anthropologie, Ashby Buttondown. Cloth and Stone have the best shirts. They are otherworldly soft, have a relaxed fit, and often have a fun structural detail (such as these tails) in the back. I’m warning you now, it’s hard to find a button-down like this that’s loose without looking bulky and unfitted.

Vince, Sleeveless Mixed Media Overlay Blouse.

Dresses

Looking towards spring and summer, the best kind of dresses to invest in now are shirt dresses or wrap dresses. These pieces are easy to layer with a blazer and leggings when its cold, and can be worn with bare legs and flats later on.

Gap, Marled Ribbed Sweater Midi Dress. A knit pencil skirt that hits just below the knees is both comfortable and easy to style. This is a great piece to wear in transitional weather.

Gap, Worker Shirtdress.

Gap, Pleated Shirtdress.

Madewell, Button-Down Shirtdress.

Madewell, Abroad Dress.

Coats/Blazers

No winter or early spring outfit is complete without some sort of jacket. Even if a preppy blazer isn’t your style, a sharp jacket always pulls a professional ensemble together. The perfect blazer is not only a great sartorial investment, but can be key in transforming your outfit from office- to happy-hour-appropriate.

J.Crew, Regent Blazer in Linen.

J.Crew, Quilted Cropped Jacket.

Madewell, Lycée Drapey Blazer.

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Topshop, Petite Double Collar Blazer.

Fashion List: February 2015

Now that the Valentine’s Day extravaganza is over, we can wrap our heads around buying something other than chocolate, roses, jewelry, and lingerie. This month, it’s important to buy transitional clothing, because even though it’s cold now, warm weather cometh. For February, step up your accessory game, and consider adding some new classics to your wardrobe.

These shoes make me weak in the knees – they are part loafer, part mule, and a whole lot of cute. I imagine that Jay Gatsby would have greatly enjoyed wearing them, as they are totally prohibition glam. On the Urban Outfitters website, the reviews are extremely positive, they are supposedly comfy and fit true to size. If my size was still in stock, I’d buy several pairs to make sure I was never without.

Urban Outfitters, Bass Leather Mule.

 

Ease into the spring season by first swapping out your accessories. Shoes are of course very dependent on the state of the weather, but a classic handbag in a spring-appropriate cream, light gray, or pastel is welcome even this early in the year.

Kate Spade, Cedar Street Hayden.

I desperately need to change out my phone case. The one I have now has been on my phone for over a year – it is battered and bruised to say the least. A new case makes you feel like you have a brand new phone, and it’s an easy, feel-good buy. My go-to for phone cases is Sonix. If they are good enough for Beyoncé they are good enough for me.

Sonix Cases, Fido (Clear).

TOPSHOP, Sleeveless Jacket.

The sleeveless jacket is a highly versatile new classic and perfect for in-between weather. Layer a sleeveless jacket underneath your heavy wool coat for a put together look inspired by the boys, or wear it unbuttoned over something simple like jeans and a button-down when it gets warmer. A sleeveless jacket is great for adding an element of structure to your ensemble, while still allowing your arms to be free.

The fall trend of wide-leg pants is here to stay through spring. Everyone knows how flattering flared jeans are, and I think wide-leg trousers have the same effect. These pants in particular can be worn at the office or at home. Not only is the shape flattering because it accentuates a small waist, but with wiggle room through the legs and a forgiving waistband, you’ll never want to take them off.

Madewell, Ibt-Ibt Feed Trousers.

What to Wear: Valentine’s Day Edition

Valentine’s Day is here – but what to wear? My outfit suggestions for those going out this Saturday night, under romantic pretence or not, are as follows. This year don’t go for the obvious sartorial choice, that being short and tight, but choose something romantic and grand. These ensembles will have you feeling your personal best, even if the whole flowers, chocolates, love note thing doesn’t pan out as you expected.

Category 1: Dressed-down formal wear. I have a ton of formal dresses hanging in my closet – some are remnants from high school homecomings, others are vintage dresses I simply couldn’t live without. Unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of wear out of these dresses nowadays, so on occasions like Christmas Eve or Valentine’s Day, I try to make them work. Make a formal dress work for you, even if you’re just going to dinner and a movie, by pairing it with a leather or jean jacket, and unexpected shoes. If you’re daring, put a thin long-sleeve tee under a strapless dress, or a pair of tight jeans under a highly textured, leg-baring dress.

Category 2: Full tea-length skirts. Few outfits are more romantic than those involving ’50s inspired skirts. These types of skirts that are fitted at the waist, flare out, and hit just below the knee are universally flattering, and visually harken back to a bygone era. These skirts are extremely easy to style, and can be worn with anything from a casual t-shirt to a button-down. Extra vintage points for those who incorporate polkadots, t-strap heels, faux-fur stoles, and glossy red lips.

Category 3: Pants. This is a perfect choice for the Valentine’s Day cynics, whether you’re in a relationship or not. Stay mildly festive with traditional Valentine’s Day colors, but opt for tight pants and a structured jacket instead of some painfully girly ensemble. Not only will this combo keep you warm (it is still February after all), but you’ll feel comfortable and chic, too. Note: A pantsuit requires cool accessories and an awesome hairdo.

Melancholic Magpie Guide to V-Day Lingerie

For those who are lucky in love this Valentine’s Day, prepare accordingly for after-dinner activities. That’s right – the lingerie reveal. Don’t be caught dead in last year’s get up, nor some tacky polyester blend ensemble purchased at Victoria’s Secret. While the VS Angels are beautiful humans, the products they model aren’t so great. No matter how many sheer nightgowns or 5 for $20 underwear combos you buy, you will not morph into Doutzen Kroes. Do both yourself and your loved one a favor and invest in something a little more upscale this year. I promise you’ll want to wear these lovely things even after the sun rises on February 15^th.

Lonely, Lulu Strap Bra and Brief.

Lonely, Cyd Underwire Bra.

Negative Underwear, White Sieve Balconette and Thong.

Heidi Klum Intimates, Committed Love underwire stretch-lace bra.

Fleur de Mal, Satin Bullet Bra, Satin Hiphugger, and Garter.

Triumph Dusky Glow Bralette.

Stella McCartney, Carmine Balconette Bra and Bikini.

New in Dallas: Grange Hall Restaurant

In November, I saw that my favorite, inaccessibly expensive shopping locale in Dallas, Grange Hall, opened a restaurant attached to their store. Grange Hall is a final destination for all things glamorously melancholic. Think skulls, dried roses, colorful taxidermy, and diamonds. In the store, they offer a curated selection of brands in a expertly designed space. The unnamed restaurant addition is no different: the menu entries are few, and the display is beautiful.

Grange Hall suggests you make reservations by calling 214.443.5175. However, I went with a friend on a Friday afternoon within their first week of opening, and we were able to squeeze in at the bar without waiting. Expect: an immersive environment, excellent people watching, and a hefty bill.

Not surprising, but my favorite part of the Grange Hall restaurant experience was the table setting. The mixture of modern graphics, neutral colors, and snippets of 18th-century paintings is spot-on in my book. (NOTE: The sections of paintings shown on the menu and on the bill folder are both of Madame de Pompadour. Pompadour was known as the Queen of the Rococo, and was King Louis XV’s mistress and cultural advisor. I’m reaching out to Grange Hall to ask why they chose her image twice.)

For lunch I ordered the “Snob Sandwich” ($26) – which was filling and rich. In surveying the dishes coming out of the kitchen, it was apparent that the Grange Hall restaurant is all about food presentation … and caviar.

After lunch, my friend and I split the madeleine cookies, which came out fresh baked, powdered in sugar, and served with honey. We also ordered a pot of Mariage Frères jasmine tea ($15). Had the “Book of Teas” not seduced me, I don’t think I would have gone through with such a steeply-priced pot of tea. Grange Hall sells this premier brand of French tea in their adjoining store as well, should you become smitten with a certain flavor in the restaurant.

While the experience was certainly one to remember, the price alone will unfortunately make the Grange Hall restaurant impossible to visit on a regular basis. Ideally, the restaurant would eventually offer $15 sandwiches to those of us who don’t drive Bentleys. So for now, save Grange Hall for (very) special occasions. Dude, no way is right.

To round out your Grange Hall experience, be sure to check out their collection of shop-able oddities, jewelry, and apothecary offerings while waiting for a table or after lunch. Some of my favorite things from the Grange Hall store last week included taxidermy bird vignettes and sampling the incredible perfume line, Les Parfums Historique.

Accessories: Winter Scarves

 

Winter is far from over – it’s time to invest in a functional, stylish scarf you can wear season after season and on all occasions. The following scarves have just the right amount of color to keep your spirits bright even on the grayest of days. Wrap any of these pieces around your neck to add a parisian twist to any drab, mid-winter outfit. Keep an eye out for an upcoming post on the coolest ways to tie scarves, regardless of shape, size, and material.

Anthropologie, Tasseled Tuxedo Scarf, $198.

This material is light enough to keep on even when you’re inside, so plan to wear this scarf as part of an outfit. Don’t match the orange tassels directly to something else in your outfit, let them stand out.

J.Crew, Collection Italian Cashmere Wrap, $275.

This is definitely an investment scarf, I’d suggest going for the black, gray, or camel shade to assure that it will be an easy to wear piece year in and year out. The material is heavily weighted yet very soft, perfect for staying warm outside and cuddling up with inside.

Madewell, Kindling Plaid Scarf, $59.50.

Wear this scarf to add dimension to your outfit, not necessarily to stay warm in dipping temperatures. Plaid is always classic, and the fringe keeps the scarf from looking too blasé.

Ted Baker, Blooms of Enchantment Scarf, $82.

It’s always a good idea to add another silk scarf to your collection – after all, you can wear it during any season and fashion it a thousand different ways. If you’re uncomfortable wearing a brightly colored scarf, try one like this that combines black and a classic floral design.

Free People, Nova Scotia Plaid Scarf, $58.

Try a thick, colorful scarf like this if your everyday neutral North Face topper is starting to bore you. This scarf will look bold against just about any colored coat besides from red.

Alexander McQueen, ‘Skull’ Chiffon Scarf, $295.

While I love the pattern on this scarf and the sheer, light material, it definitely is more appropriate for spring rather than winter. To wear it in the next two months, double up with a thicker, second layer around your neck – take a look at the J.Crew and Free People scarves above.

Stay warm1

Beauty List: January 2014

1. Winter Skincare Must-Have: Aromatherapy Associates, Polishing Body Brush, $23.00

If you moisturize and moisturize and still have dry, flaky skin, it might be because you haven’t yet incorporated a polishing dry brush into your beauty routine. Use one of these brushes all over your body (pre-shower) for revitalized skin. Not only will one of these brushes remove dead skin cells, but it even reduces cellulite and in-grown hairs. With continued use, dry brushing boosts circulation and aids the lymphatic system.

2. Train Like an Angel: Ballet Beautiful, Custom Workout, $39.99/month

Fulfill your fitness goals in the New Year by committing to a monthly subscription of customized workouts from Ballet Beautiful. Ballet Beautiful videos are my go-to for a workout that is intensely toning, and done from the comfort of my own home. Mary Helen Bowers, founder of Ballet Beautiful, is a former New York City Ballet dancer and trains the Victoria’s Secret Angels (along with other A-list celebs) with this body-blasting system. If that’s not motivating enough to try, I don’t know what is. Check back in with DFW Beauty Guide tomorrow for a full interview with Mary Helen.

3. Multitasking Product: NARS, ‘Eye-Opening Act – The Multiple’ Stick’, $39.00

Like to keep your makeup routine simple? Me too. This NARS product is brand-new this month and is already a must-have for those who like a natural look. Apply this multi-purpose product to your face with your fingertips for a highlighting, and subtly shimmery effect. Use it for allover color, contours, and accents.

4. Go Local: GEM Juice, 3-Day Cleanse, $155.00

January is the universal month to refresh and reboot. Kick-start your health with a 3-day juice cleanse with GEM Juice Bar in Preston Center. If a full cleanse isn’t your thing, committing to one fruit or vegetable juice a day to balance out the holiday-season-toxin-consumption surely won’t hurt!

5. Daily Dose of Luxury: Beauty Counter, Lustro Face Oil 2 – Jasmine, $64.00

It’s important to baby your skin during the winter months – the cold outside, and the central heat inside are sure to do a number on those with dry and sensitive skin. Beef up your skincare routine for the next few months with an extra layer of moisture underneath your current cream moisturizer. I love this face oil from Beauty Counter, it absorbs quickly and packs a punch with rosehip and sea buckthorn.

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

Shopping Guide: January Party Dresses

Still have nothing to wear on New Year’s Eve? I advise you head over to the ASOS dress sale immediately and schedule yourself a 2-day delivery! Below you’ll find 8 of my picks from the ASOS collection. All are classic dresses that you can wear not only on New Year’s Eve, but all year round (if worn with the proper accessories). Trend-followers avert your eyes; asymmetrical cuts, peplum flair, and neoprene fabric not included.

ASOS, Midi Cami Body-Conscious Rib, $19.90.

ASOS, Netted Prom Dress, $60.64.

Forever Unique, Lace Pencil Dress with High Neck, $217.93.

ASOS, Baroque Embellished Midi Shift Dress, $96.65.

Chi Chi London, Premium Metallic Lace Midi Prom Dress with Bardot Neck, $87.17.

ASOS, Floral Placed Body-Conscious Dress, $45.48.

ASOS, Vintage Midi Bardot Dress, $96.65.

ASOS, Satin Bardot Midi Prom, $89.07.

What to Wear: New Year’s Eve

The fashion forecast this New Year’s Eve predicts plunging necklines and all things sequined. While the following seven pieces are by no means innovative picks for the most glamorous night of the year, I prefer to think of them as classic New Year’s Eve selections. To switch things up, pair one of these show-stopping ensembles with barely-there makeup. After all, the pairing of opposites is a sign of innate sartorial grace. Read on for shoppable links, inspiration, and styling advice.

H&M, Jumpsuit with Fringe, $59.95.

Conservative enough for dinner with family, yet festive enough for drinks with friends, this jumpsuit is a good pick regardless of your New Year’s Eve itinerary. Jumpsuits in general are particularly well-suited to plans that involve a dance floor. Complete the outfit with metallic heels, a sequined clutch, and vintage, clip-on earrings.

Atterly Road, Black Sequin Slit Maxi Dress, $42.00.

This dress has a precarious cut – so wear with caution. Pair the dress with a comfortable pair of pumps (ones you don’t have to worry about), and minimal jewelry. Sweep hair out of the face and into a low chignon for a glamorous, old Hollywood look.

ZARA, Dress with draping at the back, $39.99.

This dress has the same dramatic draping at the back as the previous dress, but with this one, you won’t have to worry about the high leg slit as well. Since the dress grazes the knees, and might hit even lower on shorter girls, wear this dress with heels to lengthen the leg. Note: Don’t wear a cross-body or shoulder strap purse with this kind of neckline – it will have your dress slipping off your shoulder all night. Annoying!

Nasty Gal, Hustle Sequin Dress, $98.00.

With so much skin, and so many sequins, tone this look down with a beautiful pair of flats. Brightly colored, embroidered flat mules would be a particularly trendy choice. As for jewelry, layer a few of your favorite delicate necklaces to add some dimension (and coverage).

TOPSHOP, Sequin Bandeau Jumpsuit, $160.00.

Whether it’s a dress, a skirt, or a jumpsuit, mid-length pieces should always be worn with leg-lengthening shoes. Avoid booties, platforms, wedges or heels with a thick ankle strap. Again, keep jewelry simple and delicate so it doesn’t interfere with the onslaught of sequins. Necklaces should not extend past the sweetheart cut.

Urban Outfitters, Kimchi Blue Sadie Deep-V Sequin Tank Dress, $79.00.

If you only remember one thing from this post, let it be that super short dresses should not be worn with sky-high heels. Do it for your mom, do it for the sake of good taste, but mainly do it for yourself. Pair this dress with a faux fur caplet, shiny oxfords, and a stack of bangles on each wrist.

TOPSHOP, Silk Bardot Pencil Dress, $420.00.

This is the most elegant and timeless ensemble of group, and, not surprisingly, the most expensive. Draw attention to the beautiful neckline by pulling your hair up into a ballet bun or a french twist. Pair the dress with a classic heel (nothing too bulky) and a bejeweled clutch.

New Year’s Eve Makeup Looks

This New Year’s Eve, try something new and keep your makeup simple and fresh. While this is the most obvious night of the year to go all out with metallic liners, sultry eye shadows, and a face caked in makeup, let your outfit do the heavy lifting instead. The following three looks are very minimal – each emphasizing only one aspect of the face. You probably already have all of the makeup necessary to create these looks, but below each look is broken down with essential products. If you are on the market for a product or two, check out the three beauty companies highlighted here. All products mentioned are cruelty-free, and made with the health of the wearer in mind. After all, this New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to jumpstart 2015 with a new approach to the environment and to health.

  

RMS Beauty– For Luminous, Dewey Skin

Optional skincare prep:

Beauty Oil, $74.

Lip & Skin Balm, $25.

Face:

Living Luminizer, $38.

“Un” Cover-Up, $36.

Do not add any powder to the mix, the purpose is to have glossy, candlelit skin.

Cheeks and Lips:

Lip2Cheek, $36 in Modest.

Eyes:

Eye Polish, $28 in Solar.

The eye shadow is optional, but will add more of a gold undertone, and play up the soft pink color on the cheeks and lips. Brush eyebrows with a bit of Waxelene so they are neat and stay in place. The slightly waxy finish does not require them to be filled in. Mascara is not necessary, but a delicate swipe can be added. If you add mascara, use it for lengthening purposes rather than thickening.

Vapour Beauty – For Bold Lips

Face:

Atmosphere Luminous Foundation, $42.

Illusionist Concealer, $24.

Eyes:

Mesmerize Eyeliner, $20.

Only put on a very thin, light line on the top and bottom of the eye. Optional swipe of mascara on the top lashes. Again, the mascara is for lengthening rather than thickening purposes.

Lips:

Lux Organic Lip Conditioner, $20.

Tempest 423 Siren Lipstick, $24.

Urban Decay – For ‘60s-Inspired Eyes

Face:

Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup, $39.

24/7 Concealer Pencil, $19.

Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder, $34.

Eyes:

Naked 24/7 Glide-On Double-Ended Eye Pencil, $16.

Put a little bit of the darker eyeliner at the base of the eyelashes on the top and bottom. This was a runway look, so for a more toned-down approach, only add false lashes to the top lashes. Finish with a thick line of light cream or white liner, the corners of the eye are particularly important to emphasize. Do not blend the liner!

Fast Easy Sexy Partial False Lashes, $15.

Supercurl Mascara, $20.

Brow Box, $29.

Lips:

24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil, in Naked2 Medium Beige-Nude, $20.

Go for a lip color that will not take attention away from the eyes, pick something similar to your natural color – a hot pink or red would be overkill.

Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Walk of Shame, $20.

Written for DFW Beauty Guide