Transitional Pieces for the Chic Man’s Wardrobe: From Business to Bar

Who doesn’t like to go for Friday night drinks after work? For the businessman, it can be a bit of a hassle bringing a change of clothes to hit the bar with once 5pm rolls around so that your appearance is appropriate for the night-time. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just go straight from work to your favorite haunt without lugging any clothes around?

If you can’t do this already, your wardrobe is probably in need of some transitional clothing pieces that are work and bar suitable. So, if you haven’t got these in your wardrobe, start making a shopping list!

A Crisp, White Shirt

Every chic man should have a crisp white shirt in his wardrobe.  Shirts like this from Politix  are suitable for virtually anything, from black tie to a casual lunch. Pair with a simple set of slacks for work and no one will bat an eyelash. Throw on a sports jacket when it’s time to hit the bar and you’ll be perfectly dressed for wherever the night takes you.

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Leather Shoes

Any guy who loves the nightlife knows that shoes are crucial to meeting the dress code of a bar or club. Do you usually wear trainers or sneakers to work? You will definitely want to re-think that wardrobe choice! Sneakers will most likely get turned away at the bar, but a nice pair of leather shoes goes with everything from jeans to suit pants and will definitely meet the standards of any dress code, no matter how fancy.

Fitted, Dark Blue Jeans

A pair of well-fitting, dark blue jeans are one of the most versatile items you could ever have in your wardrobe. You can dress up with a long-sleeved shirt and dark shoes for a night out, dress down with sneakers and a casual sweater for a great chic day wear look, or you can even pair it with a sports jacket and tie for smart casual events. The options are virtually endless! Wear your dark blue jeans out of the office and into the bar and nobody will think anything of it.

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Collared Polo Shirts

Is it a bit hot for long sleeves? Your next best option for work and play is to wear a nice collared polo shirt. There’s nothing wrong with an ironed polo paired with knee-length shorts (if it’s particularly hot) or a nice dark blue pair of jeans. Plus, they come in so many colours you’re sure to find one that you like. Polo shirts are a great alternative to long-sleeved shirts if the weather is particularly steamy.

So next time you’re heading out for drinks after work, don’t pack two sets of clothes. Just use some versatile items in your wardrobe that are suitable for both occasions. You will be thankful you did when you’re looking chic while not lugging around any unnecessary items of clothing.

What are some items of clothing you find work well for wearing to the office and then to the bar afterwards? Share in the comments below.

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Christmas Outfit Ideas: Look Ho-Ho-Hot!

With Christmas so close that we can almost smell the turkey, it makes sense to start planning your outfits in advance. This way, you’ll have one less thing to stress about when important events roll around. Christmas eve, Christmas day, and boxing day and the 3 most important days for fashion during the festive season. You’ll probably have a work party to go to too, so you need a few different outfits to pull out of your wardrobe when the time comes. Use some of these Christmas outfit ideas to help you decide what to wear:

The Christmas Work’s Do

For the Christmas work’s do, you probably need something sparkly to get everybody in the Christmas spirit. However, it depends on what you’re doing. If you’re having a full on party, you can afford to dress in a sequined cocktail dress and heels; go all out with your outfit! If you’re going for a meal and a casual drink, you’ll want to dress down a little. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort though! Try wearing a shimmer top and a more understated skirt, with shoes of your choice. Brogues are great, as they are still going out shoes but they won’t kill your feet. Perfect for a more casual affair!

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Christmas Eve

Most people go out for a couple of drinks Christmas eve. This is probably because Santa will soon make an experience so this is the only way they can sleep from the excitement (or is that just me?). Either way, you have a few choices for your Christmas eve outfit. If Christmas eve is going to be a big night out, then I recommend either wearing a nice dress or a nice top with fitted trousers. Pop on a pair of your best heels to elongate your legs, and maybe even a red lipstick. If you’re not going ‘out out’, then why not wear a cute Christmas jumper with a pair of your best jeans or leggings? Everyone needs a Christmas jumper in their winter wardrobe!

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Christmas Day

The day we’ve all been waiting for! It’s always nice to dress up a little on Christmas day. I like to wear my Christmas jumper for the year tucked into a nice skater skirt, with a pair of tights and some flat dolly shoes. This way, I’m still comfortable but I look like I’ve made an effort. Boots are a good choice too, as it’s always cold outside on this day. Download an app like JustFab for boot inspiration. You could even accessorize your hair with a flower crown.

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Boxing Day

Boxing day is a day when most of us relax and take it easy. You’ve probably had a new pair of pyjamas for Christmas, so why not just wear those all day while you work your way through the Christmas chocolate?

Unless you’re going to a family member’s house, in which case I think a nice top and some jeans would do. If you want to make things more interesting, mix texture and pattern to create a funky look. Also, try a new scarf in a classic design for style and warmth.  Maybe even wear something new if you’ve had it for Christmas!

here’s a knit scarf I like:  knit scarf nero

Fall Fashion 2014 – Essentials That Every Girl Needs

The leaves are shades of burnt orange and yellow, and the weather seems to be getting nippier each time we leave the house. This can only mean one thing: Fall is here! As well as eating buckets of pumpkin soup and drinking milky cinnamon beverages, I’m dressing for the occasion too. It isn’t quite winter, so you could possibly get away with wearing less layers, still managing to show off a nice bit of shape in your outfits. The following bits are essentials that every girl needs during the Fall:

 

Fall Fashion Plaid Shirt

A Chunky Scarf

A chunky scarf is a must during Fall, especially if you don’t plan on wearing a big, cosy coat. Luckily for you, scarves look great with just about anything, especially if you can wrap them round your neck a few times to get a nice layered look.

A Cape

I don’t mean a cape like Batman – this isn’t about Halloween! I mean a fashionable, blanket style cape. There are all kinds of styles out and about today, especially Navajo styles. They add a lovely layer to any outfit and an element of interest. Simply throw over your favourite jeans and shirt combo, or wear over a skirt and tights. Ladies like Beyonce  have been known to be fans!

Over the Knee Boots

Over the knee boots are sure to keep you toasty. In fact, many fashion bloggers are wearing theirs with a long jumper and bare legs! You might be a little chilly at first, but I’m sure you’d get used to it after a while. You might want to wear shorts under your jumper too – just in case!

Plaid Shirt

The plaid shirt is a laidback fashion staple for Fall, just as it has been all year. It’s another great layering piece that can be worn with just about anything. Throw it over your favorite t-shirt, or wrap it around your waist to add a grunge feel.

here’s another plaid shirt that I like: sheer plaid shirt

Longline Blazer Jacket

The longline blazer jacket is a good jacket choice for those slightly warmer Fall days. They are very smart, so perfect for a job interview, meeting, or just a day in the office.

Thick Tights

With thick tights at your disposal, you can wear anything you want. Shorts, skirts, dresses, you name it. You won’t be cold, and you’ll look very chic indeed. No need to throw out your Summer wardrobe when you can make it work for Fall!

Cozy Jumper

Of course, we all need a cosy jumper during the Fall to snuggle up with. Cropped jumpers are everywhere at the moment, and they look fabulous with a skirt and tights. However, you could also get a long jumper as mentioned before to wear with some over the knee boots. High neck jumpers are all the rage this season!

If you have these items in your wardrobe this Fall, you’ll never get chilly. You’ll never run out of things to wear, either! Simply interchange these items for a different looking outfit each time. What do you think of these fashion essentials? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Packing Tips for Fashion Girls: Look Fabulous on Vacation

Going on vacation is an exciting time for any fashion girl.  But there’s always the dilemma of packing for an extended amount of time.  Honestly, it can become overwhelming and the thought of going through airport security’s mentally exhausting.

Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag
Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag

We shouldn’t let that distract us from looking fabulous and having a good time.  To help us get motivated I want to share a few quick packing tips:

1.  Always pack a variety of summer dresses – whether it’s a maxi or shift dress.  Packing a dress makes room in your duffle bag and you don’t have to iron!

2.  Use accessories to dress up your vacation style or tone it down.  Pack a fedora hat (so we don’t have to worry about our hair) add a belt to cinch the waist for a sexy look and a few statement necklaces to dress up a basic t shirt.

Simple Travel Accessories
Simple Travel Accessories

3.  Your shoe collection should also be effortless style.  Include flip flops (easy to put on) flats for a cool night and two pairs of pumps.  In terms of pumps, I like to go with a basic color that coordinates with any garment such as nude or black.

4.  Undergarments need to reflect your coordinated pieces.  For example, a new mom should include a slimming camisole to keep the abdominal muscles (firm) underneath a blouse.  We can also add a bodysuit for that gorgeous dress that shows your curves.

5.  In terms of pants, consider a pair of shorts, jeans, or even leggings.  All three are great options when packing your vacation attire because they’re transitional pieces that can mix and match.

Kimmie Ready for Travel
Kimmie Ready for Travel

6.  Don’t forget your swimsuit – I like to keep two options in mind; one swimsuit for a sexy date and another suit for having a good time (you’re not concerned with your appearance in this suit because it’s comfortable.)

Packing for any trip can be demanding but with the right tips and perspective, we can have an amazing time and still look great!

Ashley Martini – Is Your Wardrobe Stressing You Out and Style Tips

As if there weren’t enough to worry about in day-to-day life, people often find themselves frozen in front of their closets during the morning rush, panicking about what to wear.

“I think everyone has that terrible feeling of insecurity from time to time when you just know you have on the wrong outfit – as if it’s not just your clothes that are frumpy and outdated, but you, too,” says styling consultant Ashley Martini, author of the new book, “Styletini,” and founding member of Martini Fashions, (www.ashleymartini.com).

“Unfortunately, in today’s society, people do judge books by their covers – and perception is reality. You can sense how people respond to you, especially in relation to job opportunities and relationships.”

Getting your outfit right can be challenging, she concedes. People want to be confident yet comfortable; up-to-date yet not necessarily “hipsteriffic;” professional but not overly formal. Most have a favorite outfit or two, but those get old quickly when worn twice a week.

“One of the first things you should understand is that your criteria really isn’t conflicting – you can be stylish, professional and comfortable, all with that stamp of individuality,” Martini says. “You just have to know what to look for.”

Martini talks tips to take the stress out of the morning dress hour.

• Not all trends work for all body types. “You have to be honest with yourself; skinny jeans may not work for you, and forcing yourself into a pair that’s semi-workable is not the best way to optimize your closet,” she says. “The trendiest thing any individual can do is answer the question: Is it flattering?”

Women have six basic body types: triangle, narrow above the waist and wider on the bottom; inverted triangle, with fuller shoulders and chest and slim hips and thighs; rectangle, also known as athletic with little definition in the waist and hips; diamond, high-sitting, full stomach with wide hips and full thighs; apple, similar to diamonds, but with a lower-sitting stomach – also know as oval-shaped; hourglass, with equal upper and lower halves with well-defined waists.

• Know your measurements! Measure the parts of your body that most define your shape: your hips, shoulders, waist and bust. Wear underwear (but not shapewear) when measuring hips, and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt for the most accurate measurement. Don’t tug too tightly or loosely when measuring; the number in the center front is your hip size.
To measure shoulders, keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed, and extend the tape from the outer edge of one shoulder to the outer edge of the other.

To measure your waist, bend forward and note where your body creases – that’s where to measure.

For bust, wear a top without a bra, which often alters measurements. Wrap the tape across your back and under your shoulder blades and arms – and around the fullest part of your breasts.

• Own your plus-size, petite or tall body. You’ve probably heard the statement, “Real women have curves.” Yes, they do, but there are also real women with smaller busts; long and lean women, and some built like the ancient fertility goddess statues. All of us are “real.”

One tip for plus-sized women: highlight your assets — shapely legs and well-toned arms are meant to be flaunted. Petite women: Opt for pieces that come in naturally shorter lengths, such as cigarette pants, knee-length or higher skirts and three-quarter and shorter sleeve tops and jackets. Showing more skin will make your limbs look longer. Tall women: Wear high heels if you want to — just because you’re taller doesn’t mean they’re off limits.

About Ashley Martini

Ashley Martini, styling consultant and founding member of Martini Fashions, LLC, discreetly assists both men and women in unearthing and exhibiting their inner beauty through style, fashion and the top trends. Ashley is the author of the new book on style, “Styletini,” (www.ashleymartini.com). A business graduate of Lynn University, she specialized in fashion marketing and merchandising. She also completed her master’s degree in business with a focus on international business, and studied abroad in the world’s fashion capital, Paris, with a concentration in fashion styling and trend forecasting. She worked as a styling intern with Jennifer Lopez’s fashion company Sweetface/JustSweet/JLO, and earned numerous fashion awards.

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National Wear Your Lilly Day – June 21st First Day of Summer

Lilly Pulitzer®, the authentic resort fashion brand owned by Oxford Industries, Inc., (NYSE:OXM), is thrilled to celebrate the long-awaited first day of summer, June 21st, aka National Wear Your Lilly Day in a bigger way than ever before. Never needing a cause for celebration, Lilly Lovers will toast their lighthearted lifestyle and the sunny days to come in their favorite Lilly pieces.

 

Summer is bolder and brighter and in the world of fashion, Lilly is THE resort brand to fulfill those requirements. The perfect answer to a jet-set lifestyle inspired by their Palm Beach roots, the Lilly world is filled with bright colors and wild prints. Whether you’re at a pool-side soiree, weekend wedding or burying your toes in the sand, Lilly Pulitzer’s classic chic styles and personality-filled prints are always bound to kick your summer into high gear.

 

Lilly will also be spreading the celebration on June 21st in-store, online, and via their social media platforms. Just like Lilly opened stores wherever she had friends, on National Wear Your Lilly Day you will find well-known friends of the brand painting your Instagram feed in colorful prints and sunny illustrations custom made by the Lilly Print Studio. Taking the social media a step further, this summer Lilly is innovating with a user-generated content gallery via Offerpop Commerce that turns the hashtag #summerinlilly into a shoppable feed from bright & stylish Lilly Girls.

 

Finally, Lilly Pulitzer retail and signature stores will be partying Saturday, June 21st with music, sips & sweets, giveaways and much more!

 

Shop the Summer Collection at www.lillypulitzer.com so you are ready for the First Day of Summer!

 

 

Statement Necklaces: Wardrobe Must Have

I am a huge fan of wearing statement necklaces. The right necklace can transform an entire look and can be worn with a variety of clothing items.  Fashion girls can purchase this accessory from a number of retailers either online (my personal favorite) or in a department store.  No matter what’s your preference anyone can find a necklace that suits her individual style.  Whether it’s a basic tee shirt or elegant dress, this fashion accessory is a wardrobe must have!

 

 

 

On The Run Tour: What Do We Wear Part I

After feasting our eyes on the “On the Run” tour trailer, we were left speechless by the fantastic outfits, dramatic plot twists and the 1st Class cast. When we finally regained our senses, our 1st question was,“what do we wear to one of the most highly anticipated tours of the summer?”

 

To answer that question we created a Mr. & Mrs. Carter approved style guide with some of our favorite pieces. Tap into your inner Yoncé by whipping out your freak em’ trousers, then turn it up like the Queen B by tossing on a soft, figure flattering blouse. For the guys, feel free to cop some of Jigga’s swagger in a black ensemble with eye catching accessories. Then, the only thing you’ll be on the run from are all your new admirers.

 

1. A.L.C. Fremont crochet cropped blouse, $340; 2. Vintage Chanel Gold And Black Premiere Watch $1,370.00; 3.House of Holland Soft Leather Trousers, $826.29; 4.Vintage Chanel Gold And Silver Two-Tone Earrings, $680.00; 5. High Heel Strappy Sandals, $60.00; 6.Zara BOX MINAUDIÉRE, $99.90; 7.Alexander McQueen Skull Embroidered Cotton Sweatshirt, $1,217.93;8.Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch, 42 mm, $20,700; 9.Rick Owens Silk Organza Overlay Trousers $965.94; 10.Rich Kids VIP Flat-Peak Cap, $244.51; 11.Givenchy Classic Matte White High Top Sneaker, $$1,155.75; 12.David Yurman Single-Row Rondelle Beaded Bracelet, $395.00

 

Dress Your Best to Meet the Parents: Fashionable, Chic, and Classy

The holidays – like Thanksgiving –  are a stressful time for ladies who will be meeting their man’s parents for the first time.  You must find the perfect look to impress his mom and sisters — one that’s fashionable, chic and classy.

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STEP 1: DO YOUR RESEARCH

No one will be a better judge of the in-law’s judgment than your significant other. Ask him what his moms and sister’s fashion sense is. Check out Facebook photos from past holidays. If they look like East Coast Blue Bloods, dress conservative. If they’re total ex-Berkeley activists, try hippie chic and go vintage.

STEP 2: PACK FOR EVERY OCCASION
Bring one flowery dinner outfit, one semi-sexy outfit for a night on the town with your guy, and one laid back combo for that Sunday morning stroll with his mom. Tiny skirts are best left at home – because you don’t want them to think you’re Miley’s doppelganger – and don’t channel Lady Gaga with uncomfortable fashion ensembles that will just make Granny give you side eye.

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STEP 3: BRING THE WHOLE KIT & KABOODLE
Pack tons of great accessories, especially a statement necklace to glam up any normal outfit. Stella & Dot pieces, for example, can enrich any holiday outfit.

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STEP 4: CHECK IN WITH YOUR FRIENDS
We know you can’t bring your fashionable friends that weekend to help you find your perfect outfit. But you can send them your fashion selfies and ask them for advice. Postelio is the perfect app to quickly and discreetly ask your friends for fashion advice.

About Postelio

Founded in 2012, Postelio (www.postelio.com) allows you to quickly ask friends and family for opinions on the items you like while out making purchases – all through your phone. You can also check out what is trending around you, follow your favorite stores, get top deals, and even earn points that you can redeem for cash or rewards. The platform enables you to quickly reach key friends and family at shopping decision-making times and fashion emergencies. While shopping at our retail partners, you receive deals as you visit the store, helping shopper get great deals, and helping  retailers. Postelio’s first iPhone app was launched in August 2013 and the android app was launched in October 2013.