My Current Fave Work Dress from Laila Jayde

Twirling around in my current favorite work dress.  This fabulous striped number from Laila Jayde is on point for a number of reasons.  It's SUPER comfortable (which is obviously the most important) and works for pretty much any and every occasion.  I've worn it casually with white sneakers for errands and dressed it up with heels + statement jewelry for work below.

Let's take a closer look at my new necklace from J Wholesale.  If you're a fan of mixed metals, you'll fall head over heels in love with this piece.  Try wearing it with a graphic tee + jeans for a bamf casual ensemble!

Oh, and I don't know if you guys remember, but a while back, I posted about this bag - the blast was called, "The Newest Edition to my Bag Collection: The Falabella Mini" in case you missed it.  FYI, Stella McCartney doesn't use any leather or fur in her collections, and she's all about sustainability which is all kinds of awesomesauce.

Other striped dresses that'll tickle your fancy (all under $100):

Dress:  Laila Jayde || Jacket:  BCBG || Bag:  Stella McCartney || Shoes:  Qupid (similar) || Necklace:  J Wholesale

Photos shot by the amazing Sung Shin.

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Wearing Brights to Work: Featuring My New BCBG Dress

Happy humpday, everyone!  For today's featured OOTD, I centered everything around my fab new drape dress from BCBG.  I picked this baby up a few weeks ago at their factory outlet in Arundel Mills for $20 or so (!!!!) I'm sure as hell going to miss shopping their sales - I think they're closing within the next few days, if they haven't already [insert super sad face].  Apparently, BCBG was losing money with their factory outlets so they're moving everything online? I'd typically be ok with this, but their sales stuff is usually always final sale so I (very unfortunately) won't be able to shop their discounted merchandise online.  Hopefully they'll change their policy since stores like ASOS and Zara have such kickass shipping + return policies.

Anywho, for my latest, I styled my dress with neutral pieces for balance: a fab blazer from Banana Republic Factory, cute mary janes, and killer statement earrings.  I bought my heels years ago at Kohl's while they were on clearance, and I still can't get over how adorable they are!  I don't know if they're still "in," but I don't care - I think they're cute so I'll wear them whenever I please.  Remember guys, trends are great and all, but at the end of the day, sport whatever YOU like best.  Confidence is the secret ingredient to amazing style.  If you feel like a million bucks, you'll look it!

 A close-up shot of my earrings from JWholesale.

Other colorful dresses that are beyond adorbs:

 Dress:  BCBG Factory || Blazer:  Banana Republic Factory || Shoes:  Kohl's || Earrings:  JWholesale

Shot by the fabulous Sung Shin.

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The $15 Cardigan: My Latest Bargain Buy from BR

Featuring yet another bargain find today on SS!  A few weeks ago, I hit up the Hagerstown outlet mall in MD and purchased this cardigan at their Banana Republic Factory Outlet for $15 (!!!)  I went on a Thursday morning so I pretty much had the entire shopping center to myself, which was SUPER nice - no issues with parking whatsoever.  I could've parked vertically if I wanted to, ha!

Anywho, this piece is no longer available on the BR Factory website, but I hit up the Grove City outlets not too long ago and it was still on sale there so I recommend checking in person if you have the option to do so.  It's ridiculously cute, and I love that it can be dressed up and down!  Pair it with a white tee, skinny jeans, and distressed black boots for an effortlessly stylish look.  

For today's OOTD, I paired my new cardi with a fab striped dress from Laila Jayde.  For those of you interested, this adorable shirt dress is available in beige and grey in addition to the color I'm wearing. Made of a cotton/poly/rayon blend, the piece oozes class with its textured stripes and lace-up neckline.  

Other drape cardis I'm currently lusting for:

 Dress:  c/o Laila Jayde || Cardigan:  Banana Republic Factory || Shoes:  Aldo (similar) || Bag:  Prada

Shot by the amazing Sung Shin!

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Wearing Stripes to Work

I'm beyond pumped to share photos from my 2nd shoot with Katelyn Mariko with y'all today on SS! I styled a cute but (very) comfy work-friendly look for you guys featuring all new pieces.  I started with a simple base for a classic office ensemble:  a flattering striped tank dress from Laila Jayde. 

This piece oozes sophistication with it's mock-neck, and its solid side panels visually slim one's figure.  If you prefer a lower neckline, check this design out!  It's basically the same silhouette, and it's available in both B&W and navy/white.

I styled the dress with a fitted jacket (courtesy of Donna Degnan) for a polished vibe and accessorized with an elegant pendant necklace to top things off.  For those of you wondering, this necklace is a long-time favorite of mine.  I bought it at Talbots a few years back, and I still wear it on a regular basis. They (very surprisingly) carry a ton of cute accessories! I've bought a fair amount of jewelry, shoes, AND scarves there.  I used to be obsessed with their skirts as well, but I kind of grew out of that phase - at least for the time being!

A closer look at my shoes!  I wanted to incorporate a splash of color so I did so with my heels.

Dress: Laila Jade || Shoes:  Steve by Steve Madden via Stitch Fix || Jacket:  Donna Degnan || Necklace:  Talbots

Photos shot by the amazing Katelyn Mariko.

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Strolling Around Dumbarton Oaks

Alright guys, I'm pumped to share a stylish work friendly ensemble with y'all today on SS.  I re-featured one of my favorite dresses because I'm all sorts of sensible (I featured it here back in the day if you're interested).  I paired it with my fave faux-leather jacket, accessorized with a bold necklace, and threw on animal print booties to up my print game.  I can't even begin to tell you guys how much wear I'm getting out of these babies.  They seriously up my style game tenfold!

Shop my look (featuring pieces from varying price points):

A closer look at my necklace from J Wholesale!  Statement jewelry will always be a weakness of mine. That and designer bags...and shoes, ha.  What your favorite accessory?  Let me know by leaving a comment below.

 Dress:  c/o Stitch Fix || Necklace:  J Wholesale || Jacket:  Donna Degnan || Shoes:  Nine West (similar)

Shot by the spectacular Jared Wolfe.

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My $10 Banana Republic Find

Alright guys, today's blast is going to be short & sweet because things are cray cray right now.  I centered my latest look around my new Banana Republic shirtdress - I picked this baby up at the BR factory outlet a few weeks back for $10 (!!!!), and I couldn't be happier. Bargain finds always get my endorphins going!  

I styled a simple work-friendly look for y'all because it's been too long since my last one.  IMHO, the shirt-dress is perfect for the office because it's effortlessly chic yet mad comfortable.  When shopping for one, make sure you pick up a design that has a tie.  Highlighting the small of your waist will create a flattering hourglass figure.

Other pieces I'm drooling over: 

Deets, deets, and more deets!

Shoes:  Ann Taylor || Dress:  Banana Republic Factory Outlet || Bag:  Chloe

Shot by the wonderful Liz + John of Armato Photography!

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Where to Buy Stylish Work Dresses

Hey everyone, it's time for another work-friendly ensemble on SS.  For my latest, I styled a chic but comfortable office-appropriate look for y'all.  I centered today's OOTD around my latest find from Charlotte Russe.  I picked it up a few weeks ago at their factory outlet at Arundel Mills.  It was on sale for $10 so I scooped it up quickly.  

I used to be all about Forever 21, but I converted to CR a while back.  They have a better return policy, and I like their fabrics and designs more.  Their sales are really good, and I almost always find something cute hanging in their clearance racks.  How do you guys feel about CR? Do you prefer them to F21 like me or are you team forever, well, forever?  Anywho, let's move onto today's topic of the day: where to purchase stylish but affordable work dresses.

Now, I love J. Crew, Banana, and [insert expensive retailer of choice] as much as the next, but I think a lot of their stuff is overpriced.  Is a plain black dress really worth $350?  I mean, it all depends on your budget + cost per wear, but I guarantee you can find something just as cute for a fraction of the price.  You just need to know where to go and when to buy it!  

Here are a few of my go-tos:  

Banana Republic Factory Outlet: They carry heavily discounted merchandise and offer student discounts - just make sure you bring your school ID.

Madewell:  They always have a nice clearance/sale selection, and on top of it all, they offer student + teacher discounts as well.  I've gotten knits and dresses here for less than $40 so remember, it's all about shopping smart!

H&M: Sign up for their newsletter online to get a coupon for your purchase.  I may or may not have created different email addresses in the past to take advantage of the aforementioned promo, ha.

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Last Call, Off 5th:  These stores carry discounted designer pieces for less so check back often!  They get new merchandise all the time so you'll never get bored browsing.

Ann Taylor Factory Outlet: They sell classic, feminine pieces for less.  Their sales racks are very well organized, and they often have extra coupons to satisfy your inner bargainista.

Talbots:  Their cuts and designs definitely target an older crowd, but I've found cute stuff here in the past so it's worth checking out.  I like their printed blouses, skirts, jewelry and dresses.  You'll have to sift through racks, but hey, patience is a virtue. It'll be well worth it when you find that one gem for $10 or so.

White House Black Market Factory Outlet:  Fashionable clothing that transitions beautifully from work to play. Their designs ooze polish and sophistication, and they always have a nice selection available at their factory outlets.

Shop my look: 

Before I leave you guys, I want to talk a bit about my tote (courtesy of Happy Rebel).  As you all know, I'm obsessed with all things animal print so I'm pretty much obsessed with it.  Plus, it's huge so it literally carries my life.  If you're looking to purchase a cool, new subscription box, make sure you check them out and let me know if you have any questions. 

Tote:  c/o Happy Rebel || Dress:  Charlotte Russe || Blazer:  Castro (similar) || Shoes:  Castro (similar) ||  Necklace:  c/o JWholesale

Shot by NYC portrait and headshot photographer, Jiyang Chen.

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My Latest Bargain Buys from Banana Republic

Yay for cute office-friendly attire! I absolutely love wearing colorful dresses to work because they're fashionable yet comfy.  I picked this fabulous dress up at the Banana Republic Factory Outlet a few weeks ago while it was on sale for $7 (!!!) Yeah, I purchased it without thinking twice.  Oh how I love clearance racks! 

There were a ton of other adorable pieces up for sale, but they (very unfortunately) didn't suit me. Remember, don't just buy an item because it's a steal.  Make sure you're going to get proper wear out of it.  Try to style it at least three different ways in your head!  You don't want it to gather dust in the back of your closet just because it was "an affordable buy."

Anywho, for today's post, DCP New York and I went to Bryant Park to shoot.  He tried to get me to strut, but it took a couple of tries...

 ...because I kept on cracking up, ha!  Modeling's just like performing.  Movements and angles are like phrases + markings in music.  You have to really exaggerate 'em to "communicate" effectively.  I was literally throwing my arms here.

Other fabulous printed dresses:

I styled my dress with a matching vest (another bargain buy from BR) and accessorized with a chic pendant necklace.  My outfit's fairly bold, so I threw on nude heels to finish off my look!

Shop my look:

A closer look at my heels! I picked these babies up at Ann Taylor a few years ago.  I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely LOVE their shoes.  I own several pairs, but I always wait to purchase them during blowout sales - they're too expensive otherwise.  Where do you guys like to buy kicks?

Dress + Vest:   Banana Republic Factory || Shoes:  Ann Taylor || Necklace:  Talbots

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Stripes & Tassels

Pumped to tell you guys about my new dress! I picked this baby up at H&M earlier this week for $20. I've been looking for new work-friendly dresses so I was stoked when I stumbled upon this piece.  I instantly fell in love with the color and ruffle + tassel detailing.  I styled it with a long shirt and threw on Valentino-inspired heels to finish off my look.

Studded heels are everything.  Everyone's seen Valentino's rockstud heels, but there are plenty of other shoes that slay:

Shirt:  from Korea || Dress:  H&M (similar) || Shoes:  OASAP

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