Hello, my name is Elizabeth and it has been 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days since my last blog post....

It has been 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days since my last blog post and I am truly sorry. I am not really sure what happened? Did I forget I had a blog? Did I simply run out of ideas? I don't have a definite answer for that, however I've decided to relaunch my blog. Born again blog you could say.

In those 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days I have officially entered the professional world and have a "big girl job." I am working in nursing administration in a healthcare system and have quite a variety of responsibilities. Surprisingly, I actually really enjoy my first big girl job right out of college and have learned so much along the way. However, working in a healthcare system, fashion is really low on the spectrum, as it should be. People are saving lives! However, I was still having an itch for it. And so here we are... 

I made this decision from the encouragement of some of my close family and friends. In addition to their encouragement, I also received some advice from some incredibly influential individuals in the fashion world. (You are wondering who and what they said right?) Well, I can't share all of my secrets just yet, but I will.  

I have been wondering in what direction I want this blog to go. How am I going to have a voice strong enough that people are going to want to continue to read what I have to say? How am I going to be original and unique? And then it hit me. I was going to be honest. I read the quote by Crystal Paine, "I'd rather be honest and authentic and disappoint some people, than to exhaust myself trying to keep up the facade of perfection." 

Originally, when I first created this blog my intention was to give my personal opinion on the latest fashion trends using a classy, yet sassy approach. Oh don't worry, I am still going to contribute my opinion. After all, isn't that what a blog is? But, in addition to my opinion on particular fashion trends, I am also going to share my journey in hopes that I will be able to inspire other young bloggers who may be working in a career that has temporarily removed them from what they are most passionate about. I hope you join me on this crazy ride.  

As always, keep it classy
<3 Elizabeth

Men's Fashion For a Change

I don’t do a lot about men’s fashion for the obvious reason being I’m not a man, but I also am not bias and for most women, unfortunately first impressions can mean everything.

When it comes to men’s fashion, let’s be honest, they aren’t interested.  Throw on a pair of jeans and the classic t-shirt and they think they have the perfect outfit. But surprisingly more and more guys these days are starting to care about their appearance and branch out, adopting the newest trends.

Bold Colored Shorts

It’s time to hang up the boring khakis and venture out of the box just a little.  Tangerine, salmon, canary yellow, electric blue etc don’t have to just be for women’s palette. Guys like to stand out too and what better way to do this than to adopt the bold color trend. Start out by getting a colored pair of shorts and easing your way into the trend by pairing them with a neutral color shirt. 

1.      Penguin Whitfield Fit Blue-South Moon Under $65.00

2. AE Prep Length Twill Green Surf-American Eagle $34.50 

3.      Quicksilver Down Under Shorts Red-South Moon Under $55.00

  

Polos

If you’re guy isn’t into branching too far out from their classic t-shirt attire, the polo was invented. This adds more class and can dress up a pair of jeans easily. If you are already wearing a colored pair of shorts stay with the neutral color polos, but if not, go brighter.

1. Custom Fit Mercerized Polo-Ralph Lauren $89.50

2. Solid A87 Polo White-Aero $10.00

3. Classic Fit Weathered Polo Bike Orange-Ralph Lauren $85.00

Washed-Out Denim

It’s true, the jeans your man repeatedly wears over and over as they begin to get lighter and more washed out is actually the new trend for 2012. And good news, men are starting to steer away from wearing skinny leg jeans they borrowed from their girlfriends. 

1.  Dillon Conductor Jeans-PACSUN $49.50

2. Straight fit jean medium worn wash-JCrew- $96.00

3.  Levi’s 511 Chalked Gray Jeans PACSUN $58.00

With any style there are always some guidelines, the do’s and don’ts if you will, and men’s fashion is no exception.

Do’s

Wrinkle Look-Obviously don’t get too carried away but a slight wrinkle makes for a more laid back summery look.

Brights-Be confident, comfortable and bold. Who doesn’t want to stand out to impress the ladies of summer?

Artsy Glasses- There is something appealing about the sexy geek look. Embrace it.

Jeans that fit-No one wants to see your backside, the color of your boxers or your crack. Get a pair that fit. Makes for a more flattering look.

Don’ts

Mandals-No, no, no! Get some flip-flops. They are cheaper and look nicer otherwise, stick to sneakers. And please, no socks with any kind of sandal or flip flop.

Jorts- Also known as jean shorts. Jeans are not meant to be turned into shorts and adding a belt, cell phone clip or wallet in your back pocket will not help the situation. And not that I should even need to say this, but corduroys are no exception to the cut off catastrophe.   

Obscene Slogan T-Shirts- No one cares nor believes the message and arrow that is pointing to below your belt. Obviously, if you feel the need to broadcast it, then most likely it is false advertisement. The only good thing when you buy a slogan t-shirt with an offensive saying on it is that us girls don't have to waste our time engaging in any kind of verbal conversation with you.

Two words: swimsuit season.. DUN DUN DUN!

Summer is here and I couldn't be more excited! It won't be long before everyone will be finding themselves lounging by the pool or sitting at the beach. Two words: Swimsuit season....  Two words dreaded by for most women. You may swear that there is not one style that could possibly do you any justice while you are out there flaunting yourself for all to see. And if you are anything like me, you made promises to yourself to go to the gym more and eat less, but lets be honest, that never quite happened. Therefore the first tip to shopping for a new suit this summer is to make sure you pick a style that you feel most confident in. If you aren't comfortable with how it looks on you, chances are it is just going to sit in your drawer all summer long. 


There are four basic types of suits: bikinis, tankinis, monokinis, and one-pieces, but within these categories are a million more styles.


 I have provided helpful tips and suggestions to guide you while shopping this season. Hey you never know, wearing a bathing suit just might not be the worst thing ever!

• If you need more support make sure to go for a halter top or a top with an underwire. Wouldn't want anything to come loose while jumping waves!

• If you are trying to have a slimmer look in your hips, don't get crazy with the prints. This will bring less attention to this area. Try a bottom that has a higher cut. This will create the look of longer legs and who doesn't want that. 

• If the cleavage fairy skipped over you, stay away from bandeau tops. They don't do any justice for smaller busted figures.  Don't be afraid of the push-ups or tops with underwire!

• Choose a print you like! That is what I am almost most drawn to. Typically this print will still come in your desired style. 

1. The One-Piece- For those that want a little more coverage and aren't ready to "bare it all."

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1. Merona® Womens Shirred Floral/Plaid Print 1-Piece Swimdress - $29.00 from Target

2. Womens Ruched Large Print 1-Piece Swimsuit $39.99 from Target

3. Merona® Womens 1-Piece Swimsuit - Black $34.99 from Target

2. The Tankini and Monokini- For those who want a little less coverage than the average one piece but still aren't ready to show as much as a bikini. Monokinis have known to be considered to be the best of both worlds getting a little bit more "riskay" than the tankini but leaving a little bit of mystery. 

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1. Magicsuit Ruched Tankini Top $90 Control Ruched Skirt $54 from Victoria Secret

2. Halter Tankini Top $36 Bottoms $21 from Victoria Secret

3. Push-Up Tankini Top $36 Bottoms $24 from Victoria Secret

4. So Bird Halter Monokini $41.99 Kohls

5. Mudd Splatter Halter $32.99 Kohls

3. Bikins- Majority of your bathing suit stores these days are 95% bikini style. There is a lot of controversy about what kind of body type should and shouldn't wear this style as well as how old you should be. I say, if you got it, flaunt it! 

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1.  Billabong x Bob Marley Onelove Red Crochet Triangle Bikini Top $39.95 Billabong Girls x Bob Marley Onelove Red Crochet Bikini Bottom $29.95

2. Malibu Dream Head Games Tribal Twist Bandeau Bikini Top $24.95 Malibu Dream Head Games Tribal Shirr-Side Hipster Bikini Bottom   

$19.95

3. Reef Easy Breezy Crochet Turquoise Triangle Top $31.95 Reef Easy Breezy Crochet Turquoise Bikini Bottom $31.95

4.  Xhilaration® Juniors 2- Piece Bikini Swimsuit - $14.99 each  from Target

5. Converse One Star Women's $19.99 each from Target

Most importantly this summer, stand up tall with a bright smile on your face. Oh and don't forget to make sure you stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun! Having a positive attitude will outshine any insecurities you may have, especially during the season we sometimes dread; swimsuit season.

Keep it classy,

<3 Elizabeth

Nylons? Closed Toe Shoes? Oh you have one of THOSE jobs...

So I have traded in my waitress job for a new "big girl" desk job. Although it has its ups and downs, I am really loving what I am doing.  But with every "big girl" job comes a couple more trades. The attire: business professional dress code. Traded in the short khaki shorts, polka dot matching tank tops, and t-shirts I once wore while waiting tables at the beach and adopted high heels, pencil skirts, and nylons (yes, I said nylons). At some point in your life you will have that one day where you have an interview, an internship, a business meeting or like me, a new job. You want people to take you seriously so where do you start? Your appearance. 


At first I will admit I was not looking forward to my new wardrobe. No tank tops, no capris or shorts, if I wear a dress, nylons must be worn, no open toed shoes, and the list continues forever. One lady even told me, "Oh you have one of THOSE jobs." Yes, yes I do. But slowly each day I am finding trendy ways to still be young, fashionable and expressive while still maintaining the business professional look. So I am going to provide you some helpful suggestions to being professional while still remaining stylish while you prepare for your next interview, internship or "big girl" job!


1. Blazers and suits are in and they are cute!
We've seen them on the runways and celebrities have been wearing them more frequently to achieve a sharp professional look. There are so many options when it comes to suits and blazers. The color, the cut, and the style can all make a complete difference in making you look trendy and not... well, old lady. But one thing about suits are that sometimes purchasing one is just as expensive as paying your rent! Advice? Mix and match your pieces. Take a blazer and match it with something you already have; a pair of slacks, a cute printed skirt or even some fun shorts (of appropriate length of course).

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1. Rock & Republic Embellished Linen Blazer Kohl's $56.00

2. 212 Collection Solid Blazer Kohl's $38.99

3. Rib Panel Bodycon Skirt Forever 21 $13.80

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4. Aqua Blazer - Shirred Sleeves Bloomingdale's $98.00

5. ULTIMATE DOUBLE WEAVE COLUMNIST PANT  Express $79.90

The Professional Dress
For me it has been a challenge. All of my dresses are above my knees, strapless, or cut a little too low for dress code standards. My first thought was that I was never going to wear a dress to work. It just wasn't going to happen especially when I have to wear nylons. But then that one sunny day came around and there was not a chance I was leaving in pants. I have even worn my strapless dresses with a cute cardigan or sweater. And I found they actually do make cute, fashionable, professional dresses. 


First, the dresses. 

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1. Sweet As Can Be Dress ModCloth $49.99

2. Floridian Flirtation Dress ModCloth $44.99

3. LC Lauren Conrad Butterfly Shirtdress Set Kohl's $47.60

4.  Eye to Eyelet Dress ModCloth $49.99

5. Belted Colorblock Dress Forever 21 $24.80

6. Sleeveless Patch Pocket Shirtdress Forever 21 $27.80

Now if you are like me and cannot wear strapless or have to have some sort of sleeve there are alternatives while still being able to be you!

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1. Mossimo® Womens Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater - Assorted Colors Target $22.95

2. Mossimo Womens Lightweight Cardigan- Assorted Colors Target $24.99

3. Cardigan H&M $17.95

Now onto the shoes. This is the one area that allows you some creativity and fun, especially if you have a very strict dress code policy. First suggestion, invest in a comfortable pair of both black heels, and brown/nude as they can go with any outfit without much thought. If you are like me and have to do any kind of walking during the day you want to be comfortable but still look all business. Occasionally if I have a meeting or have to see someone important I wear heels, (makes you look more professional), but for the most part it is flats or low heels all the way.

Flats

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Mossimo® Womens Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater - Assorted Color$22.9

1. Womens Mossimo Suopply Co. Ballet Flats Target $14.99

2. Peep Toe Flat Target $19.99

3. Petal Grosgrain Women's Classics TOM's $54.00

Heels

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1. Patent Pointed Toe Pump GoJane $14.95

2. JustFab Women’s Stefania - Taupe $59.99 

3. COLOR BLOCK SATIN PLATFORM PUMP Charlotte Russe $35.50

As much as everyone loves wearing their skinny jeans, hooded sweatshirts, and t-shirts sometimes life requires you to to dress for the real adult world. Your first impression is going to be the one to make the mark. Remember you can still look professional and liven up your business attire in a trendy, conservative manner. 

Stay classy,
<3 Elizabeth

Tiffany Blue? Peacock teal? Turquoise? Whatever! Its taking over!

Make way! This season, the brights are taking over and proving they are not just for the summer months and one of my favorite bright colors this year; turquoise. This is one hue I find to be universally flattering on every woman and one that you can mix with just about any palette. Most people think of turquoise in relation to resort beachwear, but this spring color has swept over the fashion runway with designers like Luca Luca and Nicole Miller. 

For those of you that cannot quite grasp the colorblocking trend with bright hues try accentuating with a turquoise accessory like a clutch, necklace or scarf to make an outfit really pop! Take a look at celebrities Kourtney Kardashian and Heidi Klum's turquoise accessory piece. 

        

So where can you find this look for less and shine sky blue? I have just a few suggestions. 

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All items from Modcloth. 

1. Putt Could Be Better? Top $39.99

2. Teal Going Strong Dress $49.99

3. Pam Breeze-ly Tunic in Turquoise $34.99

4. Cultivating Camellias Earrings $34.99

5. Sunset the Mood Scarf $24.99

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All items from Swell.

1. Swell Turquoise and Pearl $12.00

2. R2 Delancy Satin Sandals $34.50

3. Swell Brown Leather Snap Bracelet $29.99

And the last look is from POLYVORE using turquoise as an accent piece to the bright coral dress. (Each item is listed following the link.)

So don't wait until summer to bust out the brights and be a little daring. Experiment with color combinations and pair turquoise with just about anything as it will make heads turn this season. What are your favorite turquoise color combinations? Share!

Keep it classy, 

<3 Elizabeth