All I Have

A while back, my gorgeous intern, Zoe Luiz, wrote a fabulous article on Fall's hottest trends - click here if you missed the aforementioned post. To my excitement, she listed the chic yet comfortable sweaterdress.  I've been a fan of this piece for years now because, in my humble opinion, it's a classic.  Now, I love reading about fads, but trends come and go SO quickly.  Don't feel pressured to wear what's "in" at the time.  Wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful.  Now, if you happen to LOVE what's "hot," that's a totally different story - go crazy and have a ball!  Just make sure you don't buy something because it's popular.  If you're looking to experiment, I recommending shopping affordable stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe.  You don't want to splurge on something you'll only wear a few times!

Now, let's break down today's outfit of the day.  My Tahari dress is from TJ Maxx - I purchased it a year ago on clearance for a fraction of the price!  I absolutely love the design because it's classy and versatile. Because the design's "simple," I styled it with a beautiful silk scarf courtesy of VeVelle.  

For those of you unfamiliar with the brand, they're a new line with an exclusive collection of luxury scarves.  Founded by Al Semerville in 2013, his love for exquisite garments was instilled at an early age.  He spent his teenage years enjoying the intricacies of couture and dreamt of using fashion as a vehicle to showcase the hidden treasures of Haitian and Caribbean culture.  After the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, Al put his dream in motion and created VeVelle.  Their scarves are made of 100% silk twill, chiffon or georgette.  My piece is called Pas De Trois, and it's available HERE.  

Moving on to my bag! This piece holds a lot of sentimental value to me because it was a gift from my dad, AND it was my first designer purse.  He bought it for me in Asia during a business trip!  To be honest, when he gave it to me, I wasn't thrilled.  Don't get me wrong! I was SUPER grateful and moved by his generous gesture, but I didn't think the bag was particularly cute, ha.  I was a freshman in college, and I remember thinking, "man, I feel like a grandma carrying this around." I took really good care of it so it's in mint condition, which is awesome because I absolutely LOVE it now.  The simple design complements any and every ensemble, and the piece can easily be dressed up and down.  It goes to show how one's taste really evolves over time!  Do you guys have any pieces you initially disliked but grew to love?

Also, since I bought this dress last year, I don't have a link for you guys! Here are some other adorable options for y'all to browse:

Workwear Wednesday: My Scoobie Skirt Remix

A while back, I partnered up with Scoobie to style a fab work-friendly look for you guys.   If you missed the aforementioned post, click HERE.  I liked the skirt SO much that I decided to remix it today on SS for yet another office-appropriate ensemble.  Instead of styling it with a classic button-front, I chose to go with a bold, printed blouse that I recently purchased it at Talbots.  They were having a huge storewide sale so I copped this top for $30 or so.  Today's outfit works because both items (the skirt & top) share the same beige which creates a cohesive feel.  I didn't want to add "loud" accessories on top, so I kept things simple with a nude designer-inspired bag and a pair of cap-toed heels.

On another note, the Scoobie skirt I'm wearing below is currently on sale HERE for $35.50.  It was originally $71 so it's obviously a really great deal. I recommend purchasing it STAT!  It's seriously one of the cutest pieces I own, and the quality's legit - think Banana Republic meets BCBG. If you have any questions about the item, don't hesitate to tweet, comment, whatever.  You guys know that I'm always here for you!

Top:  Talbots || Skirt:  Scoobie (on sale for $35.50) || Bag:  Chicwish || Shoes:  Light in the Box

August Favorites

1.  Henne Lip Balm ($22) - I'm seriously LOVING this product.  It leaves your lips super soft overnight.  A little goes a long way so don't go too crazy slathering this on even if you're tempted to.  $22 is steep so you want to get the most bang for your buck.  With that said, this item does also double as intensive moisturizer for dry areas like hands, elbows, and heels.  Personally, I'd save it - better to use vaseline on those areas!  FYI, this product's certified USDA organic and made in the USA - they also don't test on animals.

2.  Spongelle Anti-Cellulite Buffer ($25) - For a luxe bath experience, cop this goodie stat!  Infused with exotic extracts and rich moisturizers, Spongelle keeps skin glowing use after use.  This buffer utilizes SalSphere technology while massaging, smoothing, exfoliating, and detoxifying areas prone to cellulite.   This item boosts circulation and helps you feel mad toned.  As a plus, it smells like heaven, and you can use it 30+ times.  A huge thanks to Brandbacker for sending me this to review. Use code BBLOGGER20 to get an extra 20% off your purchased - valid until October 19th.

3.  Solemates Shoe Rescue Kit ($19.95) - First of all, I have to apologize for sharing the wrong picture above. I was a dummy and collaged the wrong product - sorry, their two kits look hella similar, ha.  I can't get enough of Solemates though.  I own a variety of their products, and man, they REALLY come in handy.  Honestly, I'd feature their entire site if I could.  This particular kit comes with a butt ton of goodies including: one pair of high-heelers (magical add-ons that protect your heels and prevent them from sinking into grass), nail clipper + file, peppermint foot wipe, bandages, anti-skid pads, heel gel cushions, and more.  Also, while you're at it, I also recommend purchasing their leather protector ($10) and shoe freshener ($10).

4.  Ecotools Fresh & Flawless Brush Set ($14.99) - This 5-piece set is designed to hide imperfections for the smoothest finish possible.  It includes the following: flat concealer brush, buffing concealer brush, precision foundation brush, complexion blending brush, and full powder brush.  This set has seriously changed my make-up routine - application is so much easier!  Solid tools make such a difference.  I can't recommend these enough!  I def. prefer them to the e.l.f. brushes I used previously. FYI, these babies are travel sized so you can carry them around with ease for touch-ups.  

5.  Burt's Bees Lip Crayons ($8.99) - Hands down, my new favorite lip product.  I currently own 4 out of the 6 colors available - rest assured, I'm definitely going to purchase the others as well.  These creamy crayons give you full coverage and moisturize while doing so.  My lips get really dry which sucks when applying lipstick - skin flakes and all that nasty shiz, ain't nobody got time for that, ha.  I don't have ANY issues with these though so make sure you guys check these out. My favorite shades are Napa Vineyard (a gorgeous deep red) and Sedona Sands (a subtle pink that enhances your natural lip color).

What are some of your current fave products this month?