Mixing up proportions

You want to try a crop top, but don't want to show your midriff? Here is a solution. Plus, sometimes its refreshing to see a change in the proportions of your daily t-shirt and jeans. With low-rise skinnies and long tunics being a large trend over the last few years, its nice to pull everything up again!

Button up shirt, New York and Co, similar here/ Crop top, Forever 21, similar here and here/ Jeans, AG Farrah/ Bag, Coach Bourough

Color on Color: Monochromatic

 Red pants, at least for me, are super hard to wear. It finally dawned on me to try the monochromatic trend with these. If red on red isn't for you, try all black or all white (make sure they are the same shade of black or white). Its another new way to wear what is already on your closet. It
 almost immediately gives you a "power suit" vibe, which all the better--especially for the office.

Tank: Old Navy, similar here/Pants: Ann Taylor Loft, similar here/Blazer: Gap, similar here/Heels: Shoemint, similar here

Fancy Overalls

While these aren't work appropriate, overalls (or shortalls in this case), function well in Arizona right now. I like the idea of wear something off the shoulder with them to make it more modern and less child-like. Think of these as the new romper. Wedges help elongate you and balance out the proportions (especially nude, EVERY woman should own a nude leather heel or wedge (preferably not patent leather). Enjoy!

Shirt: Forever 21, similar here/Overalls: American Eagle, similar here and here/ Shoes: Calvin Klein, similar here and here/ Bag: Coach Borough/Sunglasses: Vogue

Button-up: Tie it up + high waisted__________

I was excited to try this tied button-up technique with anything and everything high-wasted. This isn't a trend you have to buy to try. You most likely have these pieces in your wardrobe: Button-up shirt (the last few buttons unbuttoned and ends tied together), high-wasted skirt/high-wasted jeans, high-wasted shorts, or even over a dress!

Ann Taylor Loft skirt, similar here/ Forever  Button-up, similar here/ Kate Spade Saturday heels, similar here / Coach Borough bag  / Sunglasses, Oliver Peoples

Christmas Gift Ideas for Women

Butter London Steampunk Ball Set of Nail polish, $39. This is a good mix of holiday colors, and some riskier ones that she wouldn't always buy for herself.




 

NYX The Curve Eyeliner, $15. Everything Benefit's They're Real should have been. The curved design is the only way I can do a cat eye. It doesn't smudge, and the liner lasts for months without drying out.





Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set, $17.99, These brushes are so soft, and really amazing quality for the price. This is a good set to get her started.

Sonia Kashuk Vanity Cup, $7.99. Perfect for displaying her knew makeup brushes!






TOMS for Target Crew-neck sweater in grey or cream, $32. Who couldn't use a warm grey sweater? It's great for under a button-up, dress, or a skirt and boots. The purchase of this sweater also gives a warm blanket to someone in need.





Teavana White Chocolate Peppermint Tea, $39.95. This tastes SO good, like the Starbucks version, but without the guilt.





Victoria's Secret, get free eye mask and slippers with code: SLIPPERS, $52. Everyone needs a new pair of pajamas. Most of us still wear missed matched, old t-shirts for pajamas, but a cozy, matching pair gives a valid reason to put PJ's on immediately after arriving home from a long day of work.



Jewelmint Pegasus earrings, $29.99 (look out for sales and special deals on JewelMint.com) The Olson twins are the main designers for JewelMint. Their minimal, but abstract pieces can work on anyone, even if she isn't a fashion risk-taker.





Target crew cozy socks, $3. These are so comfy, and they make fuzzy socks feel a little more stylish with the leopard print.

Aerie Cable Knit Skinny Knit Jogger $34.95. Perfect for around the house...and maybe the grocery store on a cold day.

Sole Society Mckinley Printed Weekender, $69.95 This bag comes in two other cute prints as well. We all have to leave our home for a night or two at some point. This makes it a little more fun to pack.

Boots Beautiful Skin Hydrating Mask, $13.59. This is the most amazing, hydrating mask for the winter. When her face gets dry during the winter, one 10 minute application will get her hooked on this product. Here is a gift set with the moisturizing hot cloth cleanser and the mask. I have tried the No. 7 line, as well as the Botanics line, and have loved every single thing I have tried by Boots.





Forever 21 Belted Robe Coat, $44.90, Size XL-3X, $54.90 found here. This is a classic coat; the silhouette has been around for decades, its a neutral color, and there is no trendy hardware.

Holiday Dresses Under $100

Forever 21 Size XS-L, $32.90

Forever 21 Size S-L, $29.90

The Limited Size 0-16 (petite available)
$89.95 (currently 50% off)

The Limited Size 0-16, (petite and tall also available)
$168 (currently 50% off)

H&M Size 2-14, $69.95 

H&M Size 2-14, $39.95 

Ann Taylor Loft Size 00-18, $98 (currently 40% off)

PLUS:

Torrid Size 0-5 $74.50

Forever 21 Size XL-3X, $27.90

Torrid Size 12-28, $68.50

Forever 21 Size XL-3X, $19.90 (also comes in red)

Torrid, Size 0-3 $28.98

Forever 21 Size XL-3X $24.90

The stores have been stocked with dozens of holiday dresses, giving us an excuse to buy something new to get us "in the spirit". Here are several that I liked for this season, I tried to give a few different styles for different ages and body types. Most are work appropriate, too. These can all transition from Thanksgiving to New Years.  Next up: accessories, shoes and coats for this winter. Enjoy!

Graphic tee + Slacks

AEO graphic tee
JC Penny MNG by Mango Slacks, similar here and here
The Limited Leopard belt
Target glitter pumps, similar here and here
Kate Spade quilted bag, similar here
Men's Kmart watch, similar here

Here is another look with a graphic tee, as promised. This time I took a graphic tee from American Eagle, sized up two sizes, and have been wearing this top with leggings, skirts, and also slacks. I like this graphic shirts with slacks together because its a refreshing change, and is still work appropriate, especially with a blazer. The slacks, heels, and belt are what bring the outfit together and give it more of a professional vibe. Everything I am wearing was purchased on sale or clearance, and all are pretty versatile pieces. Find an (appropriate) graphic tee, tuck it into slacks, double-check your office dress code policy, and try it out! This can be made more casual with skinny jeans as well. This is also a safe first step for those of us who ONLY wear t-shirts all of the time. You don't have to look frumpy in a t-shirt! Do make sure it is not too over-sized, over-worn, and appropriate for the setting you're dressing for. Enjoy!

Cali