the colorblock sheath dress

this is one of my favorite pieces in my 'work wardrobe' -- the colorblock sheath dress.

when it comes to dressing for work i always wear loose fitting dresses whether they are a-line/fit and flare or sheath dresses. NOTHING tight. most days i wear work pants but dresses are no brainers in the morning because i don't have to pick a matching top! just throw it on, add a pearl necklace and go! the statement necklace is what actually brings this whole outfit together. it'll give others the illusion that you took a lot of time to get ready but really, all you did was throw on a glam necklace. #literally. 

this sleeveless sheath dress is great because i can wear it all year around by "layering" it with a 1) blazer, or 2) cardigan, or 3) tights -- these are must have items for the working woman! i'll be doing a post soon on work attire so please stay tuned!

thanks for reading and cheers to the freakin' weekend y'all! 

put a blazer over it. 

put a cardigan over it.

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dress | LOFT scuba colorblock sheath dress (old) -- similar from Zara / similar from Ann Taylor
blazer | H&M jersey blazer in black -- similar from Old Navy / similar from F21
cardigan | J.Crew Factory clare cardigan in black (available in all the colors you can think of, good luck choosing!) / similar and available in petite sizes
shoes | Cole Haan chelsea low pump in black patent (old) -- similar / another good mid-heel option by Sole Society (see them styled here)
sunglasses |  Coach casey in dark tortoise (old) -- newer version
bag | Louis Vuitton MM neverfull tote in monogram canvas -- similar by Michael Kors / another great option for a work tote that is also reversible and includes a wristlet! 
necklace | Forever21 pearl cluster necklace (old) -- similar / similar in layers! / similar in a braided style (yes, i love pearl necklaces, so classy!)
earrings | pearl studs (ancient) -- similar / similar by NADRI / similar by Tory Burch with her logo 
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold -- also loving this new one with a blue face!
ring | Kendra Scott isha stacking rings (set of three) in abalone shell multi (old) -- latest stacking set from the Mirror Mirror collection in wonderland

rock the sheath dress,
JD

Nordstrom anniversary sale

have you heard? the Nordstrom anniversary sale is going on!

in my opinion, this is a unique sale because you are buying items at a discount to wear for the upcoming season. with other sales, this is usually not the case. after this sale is over, everything goes back to regular price. and suddenly, you might regret not making that purchase while it was on sale! don't let it happen to you! Nordstrom is very strategic as it only grants early access to this sale to their cardholders--online and in-store. this is GENIUS. makes you wanna sign up for their credit card before all the goodies are gone! as the early access comes to an end, i have gathered my picks based on what is left from the sale. 

tips on shopping the sale:

  • if you are debating it, get it now while it is at a discount then decide later. my BFF always tells me "buy now, decide later." LOL. 
  • unsure of size while trying to buy online? buy both. then return the other. 
  • shop smart. don't buy it JUST BECAUSE IT IS ON SALE! 

who | Nordstrom
what | major discounts off fall items and always FREE shipping on Nordstrom.com!
when | 07/09/15 - 07/16/15 (early access for Nordstrom cardholders); 07/17/15 - 08/02/15 (for everyone else)
where | shop.nordstrom.com or in store

my picks for the LADIES:

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01 | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted love crossbody bag in port -- wow, this bag is gorgeous. it screams fall. (and my name...hmm.. somehow it is making it's way to my house... not sure how that happened... lol.) i love the fact that is very similar to a CHANEL boy bag--from the chevron leather to the gold chain. this is a must. also available in a clutch in this beautiful blush/latte color.
02 | Clarisonic Mia 2 cleansing system -- i've already raved enough about the Clarisonic in my review here. this is a great time to pick one up if i haven't already convinced you to! in addition, the pack of brush heads are also on sale here. 
03 | Steve Madden staarz ankle fringe sandal in taupe suede -- now this isn't normally my style, but it's good to branch out and try new things. i really like the taupe suede and the fringe.. oh, the fringe!
04 | Paige skyline skinny jeans -- mid-rise skinny jeans? yes please. 
05 | Zella live in-out of bounds leggings in black -- a spin on regular black workout tights with mesh cut-outs. too bad it is already sold out in my size! 
06 | Kendra Scott hazel stud earrings in gold & iridescent slate -- i am a total stud girl. studs over anything dangly any day. also love the rose gold & navy.
07 | Marc by Marc Jacobs take your marc hobo in bright tangelo -- this color is great to wear year around. it's similar to my Foley + Corinna that i get a ton of compliments on styled here.

my picks for the GUYS:

01 | Cole Haan cambridge wingtip dress shoes in british tan leather -- wingtips are a MUST for men. a well dressed man will always have a pair of wingtips. this color is excellent for formal and casual wear.
02 | Nike fly 2.0 dri fit knit training shorts -- Nike makes some nice dri fit material, these have pockets too!
03 | North Face apex bionic softshell jacket -- available in a variety of colors. also windproof and waterproof. i can see this as a good gift that will come in handy.
04 | Anthony Logistics face saver kit -- great brand of skincare for guys. not many guys take care of their skin and what better way to do so with a starter kit?!
05 | Skagen hald multifunction mesh strap watch in silver & grey (Nordstrom exclusive) -- wow. this watch. i love wearing men's watches. especially my dad's watches. this Skagen is beautiful, the neutral against silver and the blue dial is icing on cake. 
06 | Ted Baker London cotton pocket square in green -- we've talked about pocket squares and i am liking the subtle print on this one with the hint of green. i can see this going with many different colored suits. 

black & red pencil

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, my friends! this is my favorite time of the year for so many reasons... family gatherings, warm casseroles/baked goods straight from the oven, thinking of the perfect gift to get your loved ones, family gatherings! (yes, again!), sweaters, scarves, layering, boots, hot cocoa, christmas music, twinkle lights, movies by the fireplace... etc.. the list goes on. but i'll spare you my glee. i hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving spent with the people you love and care about most. eat lots, be thankful, and strategically plan how black friday is going down for you (even if that means sleep)!

i pulled out this number in excitement for the holidays -- the red pencil skirt. ladies, when you wear a pencil skirt, everyone is going to take you seriously. ok, i just made that up. but seriously though, the pencil skirt conveys you mean business. it is a professional and classy look that we all must rock! 

p.s. -- it was FREEZING for this shoot. like 30s! but... anything for the blog. <3. 

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coat | Banana Republic overcoat (ancient) -- LOVING this double breasted one
top | J.Crew Factory ruffle blouse (sold out) -- another great one to go with pencil skirts
skirt | J.Crew No.2 double serge wool pencil skirt in red (old) 
tights | Merona sweater tights in chevron
shoes | Cole Haan chelsea low pump in black patent
bag | Louis Vuitton MM neverfull tote in monogram canvas
earrings | Kendra Scott dawn medallion in gold
necklace | etsy custom monogram necklace
rings | etsy stacking/midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in cherry lush

the little black dress & pearls

"a woman should be two things: classy and fabulous." - Coco Chanel

today we conquer a style i always stay true to: the classy look. you just can't go wrong here. seriously. all you need is: a black dress, a pearl necklace, pearl studs, a black clutch, black shoes, and of course... some red lipstick. 

when looking for the perfect black dress, here are some things to consider--find something that is fitted vs. too tight. and remember, if you think its too tight... it probably is. the dress should be worn effortlessly without having to adjust it all night. i also tend to go for a dress with a comfortable length vs. short dresses. in addition, the perfect black dress has a flattering neckline and is not too low cut or too revealing. Banana Republic has a great selection of black dresses. in fact, they have a whole section of their website dedicated to "the little black dress!"

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dress | Banana Republic (old) -- similar
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (sold out) -- similar
heels | Cole Haan chelsea low pump in black patent
sunglasses | Coach casey in dark tortoise (old) -- similar
necklace | J.Crew Factory chunky pearl necklace (sold out) -- exact same one from J.Crew
ring | Forever 21 (ancient) 
lips | Tom Ford lip color in cherry lush (my favorite red!)

stay classy,

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