Lunch with the Governor

Reader Question: I have a meeting at the Governor’s office and am panicked about what to wear? I don’t want to look overdressed — my office is usually super casual — but obviously want to look nice.

Style Me Thrifty: My immediate thought to your fashion dilemma? — it’s impossible to be overdressed here!

Frankly, I’d be more worried about being too casual. A meeting at the Governor’s office (btw, hellooo, look at you!) calls for a full-on business professional outfit. In fact, any important work function falls into the “dressier is better” category.

Do you own a black blazer? A well-fitted tuxedo-esque blazer with dress pants and a colorful top would be perfect. A woman in a blazer radiates maturity and confidence. It’s also a timeless piece — which is key. You don’t want to go bonkers with anything too trendy (your hip fashion sense will be lost on the Governor!). Instead, pick classic, well-fitting items. Here’s a great outfit for any professional meeting:

Where to shop: Old Navy blazer, Target top, LOFT brooch, Express pants, Anne Klein Wedges.

One more note: you can easily up your dressy level with the material of the pants you pick. Chino pants are okay for any regular day, but to up the ante, pick dress pants (think: suit material).

If I had $98 to spare, I’d buy this LOFT dress. It’s perfect for a work function. Too much money but wanted to show you it as another idea!

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Game Day Fashion

It’s 80 degrees here in Washington, D.C.  Summer is finally in sight!  This heat and humidity has me brimming with anticipation for hot dogs, cornhole tournaments, and drinking Bud Light Lime at a Washington Nationals game.

If you’re attending any type of outdoor sporting event in the coming months — baseball, tennis, even NASCAR (I’m going to a race this weekend, gah, wish me luck!) — I want to remind you that it’s possible to look both chic AND sporty, while also staying cool. So get ready to embrace your inner Sporty Spice!

I fully support wearing a tee or baseball hat that features your team’s logo or colors. It’s a sporting event after all, not a fashion show! But let’s ditch those oversized t-shirts in favor of something tailored, topped off with a few key girly accessories. Victoria’s Secret makes a whole collection of cute gear for MLB teams. Pair a tee or tank top with shorts or capris, instead of a skirt. You’ll be much more comfy in shorts while making the hike up to the cheap/thrifty seats!

Where to Shop: Washington Nationals Metallic V-neck Tee ($29.50 from Victoria’s Secret’s MLB line); F3959 Sunglasses ($5.80 from Forever 21); Bueno Straw Bag ($34.99 from Target); Colorful Bangle Set ($6.80 from Forever 21); 5″ Chino Short ($42.50 from JCrew).

Above (all from Victoria’s Secret): Chicago Cubs V-neck Tee ($32.50); Boston Red Sox Bling Baseball Hat ($24.50); Philadelphia Phillies V-neck Tee ($26.50).

Dare to Re-wear

Reader Question: In today’s social media age, where photos spring up online almost as soon as they are taken, what is your advice on re-wearing a dress to a wedding that your friends have probably already seen on your Facebook page?

Answer: This blog is not called Style Me Thrifty for nothing! Here is what I recommend you do:

Step 1: Wear the dress to the first wedding.

Step 2: Pose for a million photographs because, heck, you look good.

Step 3: Post the photos on Facebook for the world to see, which includes those ex-boyfriends that you haven’t spoken to in approximately 7 years.

Step 4: Re-wear that same exact dress to the second wedding, snap some more photos, and share them on Facebook. Now sit back and smile in triumph. You have just proven that you are a confident, THRIFTY fashionista. Style Me Thrifty is so proud!

All joking aside, I think this reader’s question is really interesting. We have hit a point with social media that it’s beginning to influence the way we dress. Crazy — but it’s a reality!

With 500 million active users, Facebook has become a part of everyone’s daily life. For example, how many times have you posed for a photograph with friends and immediately demanded, “Make sure you post that to Facebook!” It’s almost as though a photo doesn’t exist until it’s on Facebook. But that doesn’t mean Facebook gets the upper hand!

I believe in living — and dressing — for the moment. The second we start worrying what our virtual friends will think of our clothing, or the fact that we’re re-wearing a $15 dress from Old Navy (true story, see photos), then we lose sight of what’s important. Be in the moment, at your friend’s wedding, and feel pretty in that dress.

Now, let’s say the guests at the wedding saw you in the same dress last weekend. Why not change up your hair and accessories? It’s amazing how a loose chignon and a chunky necklace can change the overall tone of an outfit.

Final verdict: Re-wear the dress and spend the next day counting the dollar bills that are still in your wallet from not having to purchase a new dress.

PS – Shameless plug but appropriately timed: have you “liked” Style Me Thrifty on Facebook yet?!

It’s My Birthday and I’ll Shop If I Want To!

Anyone else celebrating a birthday this month? If so, I have a suggestion for all you summer birthday babes. Why not splurge a little and buy yourself a thrifty present this year? Cmon, you deserve it!

While in pursuit for my own birthday treasure, I stumbled across a few items that screamed “Wear me to a birthday party!” so I thought I’d share my finds with you all. Here are a few outfit ideas for your next birthday celebration. Go on, treat yourself to something nice!

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The Romantic Birthday Dinner
Is your significant other taking you to dinner? Wow him in this outfit.

Where to shop: Daytrip Scribble Print Tube Dress ($32 from Buckle.com); Silver Metal Bangles ($8.50 from Old Navy); Rocket Dog Omari Metallic Sandal ($44.95 from DSW). Total cost = $85.45.

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The Girls Night Out Birthday
Great for a night of cocktails and dancing with your girlfriends.

Where to shop: Halogen Twist Neck Sleeveless Top ($39.90 on sale at Nordstrom); Fab Skinny Black Jean ($10.50 from Forever 21); Qupid Please 03 Berry Velvet Pointy Toe Pumps ($31 from Lulu’s); Boho Chic Earrings ($3.80 from Forever 21). Total cost = $85.20.

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The Bohemian Birthday
Perfect for a backyard garden party or outdoor brunch. 

Where to shop: Mimi Chica Asymmetric Hem Dress ($46 at Nordstrom; Vibrant Beads & Chain Necklace ($7.80 from Forever 21); Jessica Simpson ‘Jacqui’ Flip Flop ($58.95 from Nordstrom). Total cost = $112.75.

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PS – If you’re curious, I ended up buying a work dress from Rue La La as my birthday splurge. Oh and new nail stickers! This time I went for Sally Hansen’s Real Nail Polish Strips in Glitz Blitz. Glittery perfection. The glitter in the strips made them a little trickier to get a nice clean edge, but it just takes a little patience.

Savvy Traveler: What to Wear for Airline Travel

In my mom’s generation, ladies used to get dressed up for airline travel. Pantyhose, suits, girdles, hat and gloves, pearls, lipstick. Can you imagine?

Luckily, today’s modern woman no longer has to worry about these silly traditions. But does that mean we should abandon all fashion sense in favor of comfort and wear sweatpants when traveling? Heck no!

I believe that if you look good, you’ll feel good, and good things happen to stylish people. In fact, I was reading a travel magazine recently and it said that well-dressed travelers are more likely to be upgraded or have your problem solved.

So the next time you’re taking a flight, check out Style Me Thrifty’s savvy traveler tips for airline travel:

1) Layer, Layer, and Layer Some More
I left chilly DC on Monday for a work retreat and arrived a few hours later in blazing hot Orlando, FL. It’s tricky to know which temperature to dress for when you’re going from one extreme to another, so my advice is simple: dress in layers. My go-to travel companions are a cardigan and scarf. Both will keep you warm on the plane but also easily fold up into your purse when the temp starts to rise. Ann Taylor Loft has some great cardis (and they’re offering 40% your entire purchase right now!).

2) Sock It To Me
I believe in wearing socks when traveling for two specific reasons. First, standing barefoot at security checkpoint gives me the uggies. Secondly, I wear socks to avoid the inevitable “cold feet syndrome” when on a flight. I hate nothing more than when A.C. blasts out of the floorboards and turns my toes into icicles. I realize socks and some travel destinations seem like a strange pairing (e.g. coming home from the beach), so if you insist on wearing sandals, pack a pair of socks in your carry on to slip on your feet when in-flight. Your toesies will thank me.

3) It’s Time for a Watch
Your time is valuable. Keep an eye on it by wearing a watch when you travel. One of the first things the flight attendants ask passengers to do before takeoff is to turn off electronic devices. If you’re an anxious flyer, how are you going to know what time it is? Plus, there are so many cute, affordable watches out there, this tip gives you an excuse to go shopping.

4) Pick the Perfect Carry On
Confession: I own a lot of bags. I usually purchase bags and purses because they’re either (a) cute or (b) affordable. But have you ever bought a bag because it’s comfortable?? Yeah, me either! Traveling requires hauling heavy things, and so, a comfy bag is essential. I recommend picking a bag that is lightweight, durable, and has soft straps. And choose a bag with everyone’s fav feature: pockets! That way you’re not wasting time digging around for your ticket, ear buds, party mix, whatever.

5) Wear Your Hair Down, Rapunzel
Ponytails and airplane seat headrests don’t mix. I hate not being able to put my head back on a flight because my ponytail is jabbing me in the back of the head. Avoid this problem by wearing your hair down. Plus, you’ll have pretty blown out hair for the first day (or two!) of your trip.

Have a safe flight!