style

Make It Work

July 10, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Maggie Niemiec

We’re halfway through summer, and, boy, is it hot. As much as we wish we could  lounge by the pool all day, we still have to go to work. Bring summer fun into the office with this easy ensemble. The classic pencil skirt gets a nautical-inspired update with this chic navy-and-white wrap version from Madewell. Pair it with a bright pink sleeveless blouse and you’re sure to stay cool. (Is the A.C. blasting in your workplace? Ditch your usual cardigan for a soft patterned scarf, which doubles as a shawl when you get cold.) Every working woman needs a fashionable yet functional bag, like this leather satchel, to tote her essentials to and from work. Slip on some Toms for your commute but step into these raffia-trimmed metallic sandals as soon as you arrive at the office. They’ll add a little edge to your look while the platforms make them easy to walk in.

 

blouse, Target, skirt, Madewell, scarf, Target, bag, Shopbop, earrings, J. Crew, watch, Nordstrom, bangle, BaubleBar, shoes, Nordstrom, sandals, Saks Fifth Avenue

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Cream of the Crop

June 19, 2013 at 7:00 am , by Maggie Niemiec

Crop tops aren’t just for 20-something festival-goers anymore. They’ve been all over the runways this year, and, believe it or not, you can wear them, too! The key to pulling one off is to keep the rest of your look simple and refined. If you’re going to play peekaboo with your tummy, be sure to cover your cleavage. This knitted crochet crop top does the trick. Pair it with a high-waisted knee-length pencil skirt, like this gorgeous floral one from Zara, so only a sliver of your stomach shows through. The look is super flirty, yet still classy and totally on-trend. Change up your accessories to take your outfit from day to night. A versatile crossbody bag and flat sandals are perfect for daytime, while gold spiked bracelets, a hot pink clutch, and strappy high heels give you just enough edge for a night on the town.

top, Topshop, skirt, Zara, crossbody bag, ASOS, flat sandals, Old Navy, bracelets, ASOS, clutch, Kate Spade, heels, Steve Madden

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5 Style Tips Every Woman Can Learn from First Lady Michelle Obama

February 8, 2011 at 5:58 pm , by Sonia Harmon

Looking to revamp your wardrobe? Take some style cues from our First Lady, who’s the subject of Kate Betts’ new book Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style. “I think people have forgotten that style is powerful,” said Betts, a contributing editor at Time. “Everybody can relate to beautiful colors or the way she presents herself, and I think she’s used her style to really connect with people.” We talked to Betts about some of the staples of Michelle Obama’s wardrobe, and why they can work for you, too.

1. Don’t be afraid to wear bold colors. “Michelle Obama has made color an expression of power so it feels more attainable by someone who might be afraid of wearing bold colors. People really notice you if you’re wearing a beautiful pink dress or turquoise cardigan.”

2. Your shoes don’t have to be high-heeled and painful to be chic. “High heels have gotten crazy over the past few seasons. When Mrs. Obama wears flats it’s not only about the fact that flats are back in fashion, but also that she’s wearing shoes that she likes.”

3. Keep your style fresh by taking fashion risks. “The risk that people talked about the most was when she wore a cardigan to meet the Queen. A lot of people thought she should have worn a jacket or something more formal. I think that was a perfect example of her saying, ‘This is who I am and the way I dress, and this is the way I feel great about myself.’”

4. Find your signature accessory. “I love the fact that Mrs. Obama wears a lot of floral prints and bold jewelry. She’s made that her signature.”

5. Mix in budget-friendly finds. “When Mrs. Obama wore JCrew gloves to the inauguration, most people could relate. It was a way of connecting to people and making herself very accessible.”

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Gift Guide Giveaway: Win These Fashion & Beauty Gifts

November 15, 2010 at 6:00 am , by Ladies' Lounge

Give a little pampering and holiday sparkle to the stylish ladies in your life (or the gals who need a bit of an update… hint, hint).  One lucky reader will score all of these lovely fashion and beauty gifts. Want to know more about each item? Check out our Stylish Gift Guide.

Enter to win by posting a brief comment below telling us why you’d like to win one of the holiday gift packages. Comments must be posted by 11:59 ET on Monday, December 20. We will randomly select one winner. Read the full rules here. Good luck!

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Do-Good Deal: Cute Clogs That Give Back

June 16, 2010 at 11:12 am , by jbrown

Clogs are making a comeback this summer, and if you’ve been tempted to add a pair to your shoe collection, now’s the time to buy. For the month of June, 50 percent of all online purchases made through the Cape Clogs’ Web site, capeclogs.com, will be donated to Hope in Bloom, a non-profit organization that plants gardens free of charge at the home of women (and men) undergoing treatment for breast cancer. (You can read about the founder, Roberta Dehman Hershon, and what inspired her to create Hope in Bloom here.) There are tons of styles and colors available; the silver ones shown here are calling my name…

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It’s Fresh New You Week!

March 8, 2010 at 9:06 am , by Amanda Wolfe

Our special April theme issue is all about the little (and big) changes you can make to look and feel your best. To celebrate, we’re declaring it “Fresh New You” week in the Ladies’ Lounge. All week long our editors will share their insider tips to make over everything from your closet to your volunteer work to your gym routine. Come back every day this week for more!

And if that wasn’t fun enough, we’re also giving away more than $10,000 worth of fabulous spa prizes to pamper 5 lucky readers. Enter now!

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New Years’ Eve Fashion Finds

December 15, 2009 at 11:04 am , by Sue Erneta

New Years’ Eve is quickly approaching and I hope you’ve already got your plans nailed down. (Babysitters are hard to come by last minute!) Now, what to wear? I’ve trolled the internet and put together a chic, simple and reasonably priced ensemble for you. Hope you like!

Dress: Let’s start off with a deal so we can save money for accessories. I found this adorable little silk charmeuse dress at White House Black Market that’s been marked down to $39.99. Love it!

Shoes: A sequin pump is definitely the dressy shoe of the season, and my faves are these with a hidden platform from Steve Madden. I found them at Piperlime for $79.

Earrings: Macys.com is a wonderland of affordable jewelry. I almost fell off my chair when I found these Betsey Johnson crystal teardrops for only $35.

Bracelet: Shopping online wouldn’t be complete for me without finding a deal in JCrew’s sale section. I scored again: This jeweled bracelet is 41% off.

The hair: Top off the outfit with the updo of the season -  the pompadour. You could try a polished one but a messy one is really chic too.

Have fun! But remember…shop responsibly!

So, tell me…what are you doing for New Years’ Eve?

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