Bloggers Do it Better: Red

Quick: how many pieces of RED clothing do you own? If you’re like me, the answer is not many. I counted 4 red items in my wardrobe: a cardi, blouse, tank top, and pair of Christmas socks.

I’d say it’s about time to add this bold color to my life! One of my favorite fashion blogs, Pretty Shiny Sparkly, is hosting a challenge to help with just that. She’s asked bloggers to show how real girls wear real trends in her column called “Bloggers Do It Better.” Today’s assignment is simple: show us how you wear red!

Since I shared a few red-hot Valentine’s Day outfit ideas with you all a few weeks ago (here, here, and here), I figured it was only fair to reveal my own red Vday outfit. Here’s what I wore to dinner with my sweetie on Sunday night. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Shirt & Necklace – LOFT (similar blouse) // Skirt – Express (similar) // Belt – The Limited // Wedges – Bakers // Bracelet – Forever 21 (similar) // Purse – Ruche (see all their cute purses here)

And because bloggers really DO do it better, here are a few other red-inspired outfits from six fellow bloggers. This is also my sneaky way of sharing my fav fashion blogs with you all (seriously, check them out). Looking good, ladies!

Pretty Shiny Sparkly // Gal Meets Glam

Granola2Glam // Tick Tock Vintage

Mix and Match Fashion // M Loves M

———-
You might also like:
LOFT Georgetown Grand Opening
To Infinity… and Beyond!

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!

———
You might also like:
Be More Productive in Heels
When in Doubt, Add a Belt

Lucky FABB: Entrepreneurs in Really Cute Shoes

The story goes: when Brandon Holley, editor in chief for Lucky magazine, asked the fabulous Diane von Furstenberg to be the keynote speaker at Lucky’s Fashion and Beauty Blogger conference (FABB), Diane replied in her thick accent, “I vill speak. To your bloggers.”

And that she did.

You see, Diane knows a thing or two about running a successful business. Surrounded by 250 fashion and beauty bloggers — essentially entrepreneurs in really cute shoes — Diane charmed us all with tales of her life before The Wrap Dress (so iconic it deserves capitalization) and shared with us her own personal mission: to empower women.

My suede heels were still drying from my rainy trek into Manhattan that morning and I already had my first goosebumps of the day thanks to the candid DVF. She shared with us her belief that every female should have an identity outside of work — which is exactly why I was taking a vacation day from my non-fashiony non-profit job to attend FABB, held at the swanky Apella Center overlooking the Hudson River.

The day was jam-packed with inspiring entrepreneurs who shared their success stories. Here are some of the highlights from the day:

After an initial OMG, it’s the Kardashian sisters! moment… I calmed down and enjoyed hearing from Khloe, Kim, and Kourtney about their passion for fashion and sisterhood. But let’s be honest, I was mainly just mesmerized by their shoes…

… and their camera crews that set up shop right in front of me. I cannot imagine trying to keep up with those Kardashians.

I wore an Express dress to the conference (after MUCH obsessing), so it only seemed approp to walk the runway that was set up in the Express suite. Their chief marketing officer, Lisa Gavales, was at FABB and spoke about learning from your mistakes. “If you don’t fall down, you weren’t trying hard enough.” (Glad I didn’t fall down on the runway though!).

Then I accepted the style challenge at the White House Black Market suite and styled this model. Wish I coulda taken that sick leather jacket home with me! But chatting with WHBM President Donna Noce Colaco was a nice alternative.

Ready for a pop quiz? What is the one beauty product you can see without having to look in the mirror? Nail polish! Essie Weingarten, founder of Essie nail polish,shared this tidbit. And then fed us cupcakes that matched her fall colors. Smart lady.

A gorgeous purse with a built-in iPad section for easy access is pretty genius, no?

The best part? Sharing style tips, hairspray, and champagne with other passionate bloggers. Cheers to an awesome conference!