I feel so old but is it prom season again already?? It's been like five years since my own prom so I don't know if things have changed nowadays. Prom was my last big hurrah for senior year in high school and if you plan on going, I definitely think it's important to wear what's comfortable for you!

I wore this satin ivory halter dress, oh my goodness. I still shake my head to this day. But prom was fun! So I guess that's all that matters, right?

Here are a few prom looks that may inspire you to experiment with your style. There are, of course, a lot of traditional prom dresses in department stores but I think some of these more quirky outfits can help you really stand out on your special night :)

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Daisy PinkWearing separates can be super comfortable, especially if you plan on moving around! I think it's also a cost-effective approach to buying a prom dress since you can probably re-wear the pieces again for another event. This first look is a mix of classy and colorful. The black adds a formal touch while the bright pink gives a nod to spring vibes.





Lavender BlissPastel colors are really girly and pretty especially if you plan on taking pictures outdoors, with nature as the backdrop. This is also another option where you can re-wear your dress to another event and style it different ways. Super cute, super fresh, and perfect for prom.



Red HotRed is one of those colors that screams HEY LOOK AT ME but in a good way, of course. If you like bold colors or you want to make a statement on the dance floor, this is the outfit for you! I added nude shades to tone down the red so you can look stylish and not like a stop sign. Bonus: red looks amazing in pictures, especially if you have a nice tan + a pop of red, either a bowtie or tie, for your date would round out the whole outfit.



Royal BlueLast but not least, if you prefer cooler colors, this look is for you! I think blue can be a color that looks good on everyone and it has a mysterious vibe to it, too. I paired it with mainly black accessories to maintain a formal atmosphere but this would also look great with rose gold to add warmth. Since the actual dress is so simple, definitely dress it up with an embellished clutch and to-die-for heels!
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Which look was your favorite? Did you go to prom and what did you wear that night? I'd love to hear your stories!

Hi everyone!

Today, we're gonna talk about the latest handbags and shoes from Dolce & Gabbana's shop. I've paired them together for your viewing pleasure (and also because I think it looks pretty and that's what it's all about, right?). Let me know which combo was your favorite. I personally love all of these because they're just really beautifully designed. Some are a bit ornate and some are a bit playful but they're all super gorgeous and I'd love to own them all (Santa, please let me win the lottery).

Okay but enough about my sad dreams. Let's look at these beauties.

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Left/Right

Left/Right

Left/Right

Left/Right

Left/Right

I hope you enjoyed this post. See you all in my next one~


Bye for now,
Jenn

If you live anywhere where it snows incessantly, you'll know that there are specific boots you can wear in the fall and specific ones to wear in the winter. The second part of this series will focus on boots that are perfect for fall...whether it's sunny, raining, windy, or cloudy!

All of the shoes featured are my personal picks and do not necessarily reflect current trends. These are just boots that I'm lusting over and hopefully ones that you guys like as well :)

I think boots are one of the easiest kinds of shoes to wear. If you're looking for a little extra height, heeled boots can be a more comfortable option compared to stilettos. (Of course, this has limitations depending on what kind of occasion you want the heels for.)


[1] Gentle Souls Suede Moto Booties in Dark Taupe[2] Stuart Weitzman High Street Over the Knee Boots[3] Sam Edelman Cammie Ankle Boot[4] Dolce Vita Hanover Fringe Booties[5] Marc by Marc Jacobs Montague Booties[6] Kate Spade Tracee Bow Bootie

Starting from #1, a low heeled suede boot can add a gentle and soft texture to a rougher, edgier outfit or be a perfect companion to a boho look. Next, over-the-knee boots are a must have! They are so sexy paired with a skirt or dress and you can opt for a flat pair versus a heeled one. Third, I never got over the track sole trend. I think there's something very masculine AND feminine about it at the same time. I'd recommend looking for this kind of sole if you live in places with a lot of snow because it'll help you trek through it much easier.

Moving on! We have another suede bootie but this one has a skinny heel and fringe! Yes, fringe. Okay so you'll either be totally obsessed or totally grossed out. I think fringe is cute on shoes when done properly and the stiletto makes this pair less cowboy-ish than most. Next we have a bold, red combat boot...gorgeous and unique. You can pair it with an all-black ensemble or with your cozy sweater and leggings combo. Last but not least...for all the cutesy, girly girls out there, I think this black chunky bootie with the leather bow is just beautiful. Very feminine but chic. A subtle way to incorporate a girly element to any outfit.


There you have it. I hope you enjoyed this! Leave it down below and tell me what you're go-to fall boots are! Or send me a Tweet about how you would style any of those boots :)


Bye for now,
Jenn

If you're feeling a bit blah about your clothing choices, you should consider taking a peek into your boyfriend/brother/dad's closet! I think menswear inspired outfits are always really chic and it can be an unexpected twist to your everyday style. I'm not telling you to strap on a bowtie or wear those horrific cargo shorts that your dad still thinks is trendy...

But! You can definitely play around with graphic t-shirts, white button-ups, and flannels. These are pretty unisex pieces, and that's why you have a bit of freedom to work it into what you already own.


Here, I've styled three different outfits while maintaining a feminine shape and look. The key is balance!!

1. If you're a bit of a tomboy or just like an edgier look, opt for your man's leather jacket or band tee. Either way, it will spice up those A-line skirts. Finish off with a red lip plus messy curls and you're ready to go.

2. Throw on his crisp white shirt as a dress (if you're short enough) or you can purchase one that's cut for women. Pair it with nude heels to lengthen the legs for a sensual vibe. Take it to the next level by leaving your hair down and putting on a nice pair of sunglasses. This will tone down the bareness of the legs but also give you that "I woke up like this" look.

3. Boyfriend jeans have been a big hit for a while now. You can either go with that or wear your favorite skinny jeans to keep the shape of your legs. Then, pair with a darker colored flannel for a masculine feel. TIP! You can also tie it around your waist for a more casual look. Put on those strappy red heels to add color and balance out all the loose layers. I'd recommend a messy braid and natural/glowing makeup for the final touches.

Tada! There you have it. Super easy ways to wo(man) up. Let me know: which look was your favorite?



Bye for now,
Jenn

As with most items that I purchase, I like to thoroughly check that it's in perfect condition. After all, I'm handing over my money with the expectation that this product isn't damaged so of course, I need to pay extra attention before I bring it home.

When it comes to shoes, I seem to go over the top in playing Inspector. Although shoes will get busted and worn over time, I like to make sure that there are no defects and that these shoes will actually last me. So what do I look for when I shop for shoes?


COMFORTNo matter how good a shoe looks and how close it is to what I'm searching for, I always have to consider its comfort. For me, a shoe is useless if I can't wear it for more than an hour. I need to at least be able to walk in it without wanting to change out of it. (The only exception I have for this is heels but let's dive into that later). With comfort as my priority, I'll check to see if there are any stitches that rub against my foot the wrong way. Next, I'll look at the cushioning. Not all comfortable shoes need to have a cushion but I give it extra brownie points if it does. Then I'll see if the front of the shoe is too narrow or wide. You want the shoe to look flattering but if it's too narrow, your toes will pinch together and if it's too wide, your feet will look bigger than they actually are. Finally, I'll look to see if the sides of the shoe are rubbing under my ankles the wrong way. This is a personal issue. There are a lot of flats and heels that fall right under my ankle bone and it just hurts when I walk. I will also check to make sure the back of the shoe doesn't rub because I am not about that blister life.


MATERIALAfter that, I have to consider how it's made. The one thing I can't stand is buying specifically boots that are glued down to the sole. If you've ever bought a cheap pair of boots, you'll know what I'm talking about. There's a thin film of glue holding everything together and I just can't trust that it'll hold up to New England weather. My favorite and personal preference is when you can see a stitching around the shoe and the sole. I feel that it's more secure and less likely to open up after a couple of wears. In my experience, these kinds of boots have lasted me the longest. For other shoes like sandals, I look at what it's made out of. For sneakers, my main priority is if it feels stiff or not. Depending on the material, some sneakers can feel very suffocating so I try to avoid that.

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SOLELastly, I will check the sole. A lot of shoes are made with a very smooth and slippery-feeling sole. While it adds a very sleek and luxurious look to the shoe, it's highly impractical for walking on smooth floors. I don't know about you but I certainly don't want to fall on my butt like that. Even though they have those grip things you can stick to the bottom, it just isn't the same as having a sole with some traction to it. I'm partial to rubber soles because they don't slip and it's okay to wear when it rains or snows outside.

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EXCEPTIONSLike I mentioned, heels can be an exception to an extent. I still highly value a shoe that has comfort but if I can't wear it for over an hour, it's okay as long as it doesn't rub against my foot the wrong way. I only ever wear heels for formal events and because it's not an everyday shoe for me, I don't consider how long I can actually wear them for. If I do need to wear a heel for a longer period of time, I'll find a wedge heel. There's more stability and it's still classy. After that, pretty much everything else applies. The material has to be nice (preferably leather) and the soles can't be slippery. I mean, high heels + slippery sole is just asking for a disaster.


Those are all my tips for buying shoes! What are some of your tips and tricks? Is there anything you absolutely must have in a shoe before buying it?!

I know. It's only Monday and I'm already thinking about Friday but don't tell me you aren't thinking it too! So let's talk about Casual Fridays and what to wear if you're having trouble mixing work and play.

Now if you work in a corporate environment, the dress code can be strict to enforce formality within the workplace. If you work in a more creative setting, the dress code can be loosened to adapt to the individuality of its employees. Some companies will allow you to ditch the tie and heels on what is known as Casual Fridays. For others, everyday is Casual Friday.

So how do you incorporate work-friendly pieces with laid-back vibes?

In the interest of welcoming spring (whenever that may be in New England), I have decided to play around with a pastel color palette and lighter fabrics. My main focus for this post is the blouse. It's a key player in professional wear because with the right cut, it can flatter most body types. The blouse is also comfortable when flowy and can easily adapt itself to other styles. So whether you're wearing it for work, drinks, or a chill lunch date, the blouse will get the job done.

On the left, I paired a sleeveless layered blouse with standard khaki tailored pants to maintain comfort but still emit a professional tone. To jazz it up, I added some oxfords with a bit of shine but can be switched out for colorful floral heels after work. This really helps add dimension to an otherwise plain outfit. To keep a balance with the bold colors, I opted for a grey handbag with gold hardware that screams "I am serious business". For makeup, neutral eyes with a bold lip to match the heels will pull the entire look together.

On the right, I created a more feminine outfit but with similar elements from the other ensemble. The wide skirt adds enough length to make it work-appropriate but the light floral pattern gives it more character. To let the outfit speak for itself, I chose neutral colored heels, which also helps with lengthening the legs. Because there is quite a bit of volume in the lower half, I added a cropped fitted blazer to streamline the top half. From there, it was about adding little touches of warmth with the rose gold watch and mauve pink lipstick.



The key to dressing for a more casual work environment is to incorporate at least one tailored item into the outfit. It could be heels, a blazer, a peplum top, pants, skirt, whatever. As long as you have a piece with some structure to it, the whole outfit elevates to being professionally acceptable. From there you can play with adding color, texture, print, or layers to bring out your personal style.


What is YOUR go-to outfit for Casual Fridays? If you don't work at a company that has Casual Fridays, what do you wear to work? Let me know down below!



~Jenn

Can we just put aside the fact that it's only May and ogle at these beauties for Fall 2014? I've picked out some of my favorites but let me know which ones you really liked in the comments below!
The designers featured are: Alejandro Ingelmo, Aquazzura, Bionda Castana, Charlotte Olympia, Daniele Michetti, Dsquared, Emilio Pucci, Stuart Weitzman, and Viktor & Rolf.
**All pictures were taken from the Style.com website**

TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Strappy stilettos and ankle straps.
Caged heels.
Aquatic and mermaid-looking blue tones.


~Jenn

The weather has been surprisingly nice these past few days but I'm eagerly awaiting the brisk autumn nights when it's cool enough to wear a sweater but not exactly cold enough to bust out the leather pants and fur jacket.

IMAGINE THIS SCENARIO.

Some boy (or girl) asks you out on a nice fancy dinner date. It's about...upper 60's, low 70's, cloudy, and a little windy. No rain, thank goodness.

There might be AC at the restaurant. Who knows.

So what exactly should you wear that would keep you toasty and goosebump-free while still making sure that you look classy, put together, and tastefully sexy?

Classy: Out to Dinner by asmallbit featuring strappy sandals

As usual, for specific deets, click here.
1. Nothing says warm and casual like a knit sweater.
Q: Why, in this particular outfit, does it look dressier than usual?
A: The color. Because of the cooler and lighter tone grayish blue, this sweater gives off a chic feel.

2. A tight skirt shows off curves! You won't lose your figure, even if the sweater is a little slouchy or oversized.
Q: Why is it so unbearably long?
A: Remember, it may be a little cold outside so a longer skirt will cover more surface area and keep you warmer. Plus, there's something very appealing about "less is more".

3. Minimalist heels in a nude shade will elongate your legs.
Q: Why does it have to be a nude shade?
A: Harsh colors like black or bold colors like royal blue can visually cut off the length of your legs, since the appearance of the color is quite abrupt. A shoe that has a similar color to your skin (and this can be nude, tan, or dark brown) will give the illusion of longer legs. Skinny straps or heels or just minimalist shoes in general tend to have the same visual effect. SO DO NOT FEAR IF YOU THINK THE LONG SKIRT IS GOING TO SWALLOW YOUR LEGS UP.

4. Opt for a gold tone piece of jewelry to warm up the look.
Q: Why is it just one ring?
A: Keeping it simple is a good thing, especially on a date! It shows that you can be a little laidback and also, you won't look like you spent hours and hours overdressing. One piece of jewelry is enough, as long as it packs a punch, in a good way. Plus, the attention of the ring can help move it to the clutch you're holding.

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For those of you who were wondering, I was inspired to do this post because of Thepersianbabe on Youtube. I loved how her super long calf-grazing sequin skirt looked on her and used that to try and style it in my own way.

How would you style the skirt? Did you like this outfit? Let me know! I love hearing your thoughts and reading all of your comments :)

~Jenn

As summer rolls around, more and more graduates, college students, and high school students are scrambling to look for jobs. While appropriately dressing for the interview is important, first impressions are equally, if not more, crucial.

Going into a store or a company to ask about job opportunities and openings may be the first instance of contact between you and a potential employer. Another instance comes from handing in the application. Sometimes you won't even have a chance to meet them until they contact you for an interview because a growing number of companies are switching to online applications.

I always recommend going to see them in person because they can't see who you are just from an online application.

Dressing nicely, cleanly, and appearing well-groomed will give the employer the impression that you are serious about the job.

Below are some outfits I put together as reference. Depending on the type of job, I don't think it's a bad idea to dress true to your own style but keep in mind that it would be a good idea to maintain a streamlined image.



In order for the employer to remember you (assuming there are many job applicants), wear something (accessory-wise) that sparks interest! This can be a subtle necklace with a unique pendant or a pair of earrings that represent some type of hobby (i.e. anchor studs, studs in the shape of heels) but nothing tacky or childish.

Iron your clothes the night before and polish your shoes! Don't wear too much perfume, as it can offend the other person.

Keep nails clean or painted in a neutral color.

Makeup should also be very natural but bring out your best features.

If you're bringing in an application, make sure the papers are crisp and not wrinkled or smudged.

I also recommend carrying around your resume and a list of references.

My last tip would be to just have confidence in yourself! If you look like you know what you want and what you're doing, the employer will recognize it.


I'm not an expert at how to dress for these kinds of situations but these are just my own personal tips so take it with a grain of salt!


Until then,
{kiss}
~Jenn

As promised! Here is my yummy Sunday Shoe Porn post!

Because... who doesn't love lusting over ridiculously priced shoes?...

Speaking of shoes, I bought the most perfect pair of flatforms (finally). They were from Sears by a brand called Trend Report. Originally $35, I bought them on sale for $19.99. Tell me that isn't a steal. The straps are comfortable, the height isn't bad at all, and the color is amazingly versatile. Everything I could ask for in a flatform...for 20 bucks. I almost cried.

I'll post a picture of them later when I get a chance to wear them.

For now, please enjoy these wonderful pictures of flats, wedges, and heels~

Alexander McQueen "Suede Skull Loafer" $645

Charlotte Olympia "Wire Heel Platform Sandal" $2395

Casadei "Cutout Platform Sandal" $995

Pour La-Victoire "Suede-Platform Sandal" $250

Reed Krakoff "Slingback Architect Wedge" $795

Lanvin "Metallic Python Wedge Sandal" $1193

Enzo Angiolini "Timga Color Block" $120

Nike "Free Run 3 Running Shoe" $100

Charlotte Olympia "Ankle Strap Pump" $945

Steve Madden "Traisie" $79.95

Not sure if you guys are completely sick of me posting pictures of shoes yet (I hope not!) but I think next time, I will do a post on shoes that I really dislike/can't stand. Look forward to it!


Until then,
{chuuuu}
~Jenn

If it isn't already obvious...I love shoes. I wish there was a job where all I would do is try on shoes and touch shoes and stare at shoes and breath shoes.

So today, I found a couple of awesome looking shoes to share with you guys!

They are (depending on your budget) a little expensive but, to me, shoes are an investment. If I'm spending the money, they better be something worth buying and something that will look good forever. I'm EXTREMELY picky when I buy shoes. It drives my sister nuts because we always go shoe shopping together and I almost always never buy anything... And then the shoes that I do love, I wear until they die and shatter to pieces.

But enough of my shoe rant. Here are the pictures!

Dolce Vita "Baxter" $189.00

All Caps "Amaranth" $334.95

B Store "Patty 1" $479.95

Dolce Vita "Girtie" $189.95
...I definitely have to own these babies one day.

Finsk "116-107" $689.95

Jeffrey Campbell "Rock Me" $159.95
This one is a no brainer. I love Jeffrey Campbell.

Matiko "Havanna" $219.95

Sam Edelman "Yelena" $134.95

AHHHH. How wonderful are they.


Until next time,
{mmmmmuah}
~Jenn