You're hiding your shapewear under where?

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post for Vedette with tips on how to wear their shapewear in the daytime. And while this outfit might look a little familiar, the photos definitely haven't been seen on the blog before, so I figured I would go ahead and share this post with you today.

Wearing your shapewear as outerwear might seem a little daunting at first, but I think anyone can pull this look off. I mean, if I can do it, anyone can. Because while I am a girl who’s comfortable in her own skin, I certainly don’t like to show a lot of it off.

Tip #1: Showing less is more. For my photos, I chose a long, pleated skirt because it’s perfectly prim and ladylike.  The longer length of the hem keeps me from showing a lot of leg and therefore balances the amount of skin that is revealed up top.

Tip #2: Pair your shapewear with conservative pieces. Since this was for a daytime look and I’m not wearing jeans, I opted for flats instead of heels. You guys should know by now that I love heels. To me, they make just about any outfit a little bit sexier. But since I feel like the bustier is already giving off the sexy vixen vibe, I didn’t want to overdo it, so I had to kick the heels off—for once.

I also kept my all of my accessories to a minimum and chose simple and conservative earth tones.

Tip #3: When in doubt, ‘blazer-it-out.’ You can never go wrong with throwing a blazer over anything, especially a piece of sexy shapewear. A blazer is the perfect finishing touch that will always keep you looking professional and polished.

Need something for the office? No problem. Pair your shapewear with a peplum skirt and blazer. Or maybe your job is a little more laid back? If so, pair your shapewear with jeans and throw a blazer over it for work. In both cases, you can remove the blazer after work and be instantly ready for a night out on the town.

And this is one instance that I think heels are not only allowed, but encouraged to wear with your shapewear. 

Overall, the main idea is to just be sure you keep everything in balance. If you show skin up top, cover up more at the bottom. If you have one piece like a bustier that is flashy, keep everything else minimal.

And really, when you think about it, isn’t that the idea of fashion anyhow? It seems that keeping things in balance never goes out of style. 

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Cloe Bustier, c/o Vedette Shapewear

2. Pink pleated skirt, thrifted ($2.00)

3. Simply Woven Floppy, c/o David & Young 

4. Sandals, Rugged Wearhouse ($9.99)

5. Gold cuff, gifted (thanks Ashley!)

6. Brown belt, thrifted ($3.00)

7. Heart locket, gifted (had since I was a child)

8. Vintage Ray Bans, gifted (thanks Mom!)

9. Leaf ring, gifted (thanks Em!)

10. Crossbody bag, thrifted ($5.99)

Total: Under $50

 

 

 

 

 

Grooveshark picks for September

Artist: The Deep Dark Woods
Album: The Place I Left Behind
Why I love it: It's a kind of dreary, twangy sound. Which you would think would be awful, but I'm digging it.
For fans of: The Wooden Sky, Daniel Romano

Artist: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Album: The Lion, The Beast, The Beat

Why I love it: It's a crazy-good album mix with several beautiful, powerful ballads and then other hard rock pieces that will make you think back to the 1980s—but in a good way. Overall it's just a well-balanced and unique album. 

For fans of: Brandi Carlisle, Blondie

Artist: A Fine Frenzy

Album: Bomb in a Bird Cage

Why I love it: She has such a sweet and fresh voice. And all of her songs are toe-tapping, fun and upbeat. 

For fans of: Ingrid Michaelson, Rachael Yamagata

Artist: The Avett Brothers

Album: The Carpenter

Why I love it: While it's not my favorite album of theirs, I still think the Avetts can do no wrong. Yes, there's less banjo, but the sound is pretty incredible. And of course the lyrics aren't bad either. 

For fans of: Dawes, The Head and the Heart

What to wear: Interviews

Other than a first date, I think trying to determine what to wear for an interview might be the most nerve-wracking thing. I'm not old school, so I don't think a suit is the way to go. Well, unless you're interviewing for a conservative job at a law firm or something in politics or something along those lines.

Otherwise, I think as long as you keep it classy and stick with a polished look, you should be good to go. But remember that you not only want to look professional, but you also want to be memorable! So try to opt for a bright color dress. Or if you choose a neutral dress pair it with some funky shoes or bag or another interesting accessory. Just in case you need a visual, above are a few leading ladies that I think seem to have this look down just about right.

The dish on getting older

It's official. I am now 32 years old.

It's weird though, cause I don't feel like I am in my 30s. I hope I don't look like I am in my 30s. And I think we all know I don't act like I am in my 30s!

But nonetheless, here I am. Officially in my 30s.

It's funny how in my 20s I loved birthdays. Each one was a reason to celebrate, get dressed up and go out with my friends. But nowadays, birthdays are getting harder. I'm certainly not near as excited to celebrate. Which is sad, because I should be!

So even though I wasn't extremely excited to celebrate my birthday this year and I tried to downplay it as much as possible, I've decided that I am going to be happier about being 32 than I was about being 31.

I'm looking at this birthday kinda like most people look at New Year's. It's a fresh start. A time where I really evaluate who I am, what I am doing and who I am helping. Because I realize as I get older that different things start to become more important to me. Things that honestly should've been more important to me before, but as I mature, I hope to start getting some priorities right.

So while I can't say that I am excited to turn another year older, I can say that I am excited about what this new year will bring. Here's to hoping 32 will bring about much more clarity with an awareness of how I can improve and a willingness to always accept the challenges that come with change.

Splurge on: Handbags

I'm pretty sure I always want to splurge on handbags. But for some reason, when fall rolls around I want to invest in a new bag (or two) more so than usual.

So here are a few of my favorite picks that I've got my eye on. From glamorous-looking tiny clutches to structured handbags to slouchy backpacks, I've got you covered.

1. ASOS Quilted Metal Corner Across Body Bag, $25.87
2. Forever21 Faux Ostrich Leather Satchel, $32.80
3. Deena & Ozzy Hard-shell Crossbody Pouch, $34.00
4. Bueno Chocolate Washed Backpack, $29.99
5. Tilly’s Foldover Briefcase Bag, $24.99
6. Necessary Clothing Snake Skin Clutch in Teal, $24.99
7. J. Furmani Hard Case Clutch in Black, $28.00