Beaming Business (Part 1-Casual)

We all want to look our best when going on an interview or making a presentation. Ladies here is a piece of advice: don't think you can get away with wearing just about anything because you are a woman. And guys....tuck your shirts in and stop buttoning your bottom button!!! It's a cardinal rule: Men should never button their bottom button on their suit jacket. So those of you that are, STOP DOING IT!!!!

Although there is a difference between business casual and business professional, you should be clean cut and well groomed for both.

I would rather be overdressed than underdressed.

When someone says business casual they mean professionally dressed, yet relaxed looking. For men, a tie may not be required. But one must be careful. You really need to think the setting you will be in. The dress code may suggest business casual, but if you are going to be in front of employers you may want to lean towards the formal attire end without pushing it too far. Some companies even allow employees to wear clean cut dark denim to work. As I said, it's subject to the environment you will be in. Go more professionally dressed first. See how the setting is and how the big dogs dress, than make your decision for the future.

Guys business casual: Wear dress pants. If it's summer wear you can wear khakis. (not cargos of course) When I say khakis I mean Dockers. You may or may not opt for a tie: it's your call. A polo, sweater, sweater vest, blazer, or button down are all sufficient. As I said, truly depending on the setting you may be able to wear denim; but if your unsure I would stay away from it. Never wear sneakers!!! Oxfords are a good choice.

Justin Timberlake is a great example wearing of a modern day business casual get up.

Ladies Business Casual: Dress Pants, skirts, dresses, they are all acceptable. Do not wear leggings or skinny jeans! Leggings are to lounge around in and skinny jeans are for a night out. Once again, depends where you work, but for most of us those bottoms won't fly. Hemlines for dresses and skirts: some like to say it has to be past the knee. This is not true. More conservative people say so but honestly as long as it's not a mini skirt just below your ass you should be fine. Just above the knee won't kill you or anybody else and is not inappropriate.  

There is also another false tale saying your hair must be pulled back. I recommend this to men with long hair but women: no. Women can wear their hair down as long as it is not in their face covering their mouth or eyes. As for tops, button downs, sweaters, ruffled tops are all fine but lets not have a plunging neckline down to your belly button!-because that's not acceptable. Shoes: flats, heels, oxfords are all fine. Open toe casual sandals/flip flops are not okay! Makeup: this is a yes! Whoever tells you no is lying!! Just don't wear orange nail polish or lime green eye shadow and I think you are good!

Jennifer Aniston, Michelle Obama, Olivia Palermo, Victoria Beckham all look sexy yet refined in their twist on business casual.

For my bargain shoppers out there check out: khols.com, macys.com, jcpenny.com, target.com, sears.com, forever21.com (maybe), zappos.com, dsw.com

For my label junkies check out: lordandtaylor.com, bananarepublic.com, jcrew.com, nordstroms.com, neimanmarcus.com, saksfifthavenue.com, burberry.com, clubmonaco.com, zappos.com, piperlime.com

Dress wisely, get ready for 2mrw's formal attire!!

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC

Delicious Denim

Denim has been and will always be in style. You can't go wrong with a pair of jeans and cute top. It's a safe way to dress up or dress down without too much effort. When someone asks "What should I wear?" it's safe to tell them jeans.

There are so many different styles of jeans. Light washes, Dark washes, Medium washes, Acid washes, fading, rips, splatter paint, the options are endless. Skinny leg, straight leg, cigarette cut, boot cut, flare leg, ultra skinny, jeggings (mix between denim and leggings), high waisted, wideleg, cropped, shorts.

Jeans can be worn with tunic tops, tanks, tees, button downs, polos, sweaters, long sleeve tees, you name it!

Denim can be bought inexpensive or expensive (designer). I can honestly say although either type of pair does the trick, I am biased towards designer jeans.

In my eyes denim is an investment pair of clothing. Now I'm not talking about the trendy paint splattered pair but a plain dark wash pair of denim. Dark denim can be worn for a dressy night out or a casual but clean cut look. The more well made the jeans are the better.

These models are displaying a whole range of different styles and washes.

Kareena Kapoor, Akon, and Shahrukh Khan all look fly in their dark washes and slim fit denim

Jennifer Aniston wearing Degaine Jeans

Degaine jeans can be found on blacklabelboutique.com

Channing Tatum, Brian Austin Green, and David Beckham all look super sexy in darn denim and button downs.

For my label junkies out there check out: madewell.com, jcrew.com, denimology.com, denimdaily.com, bloomingdales.com, nordstroms.com, neimanmarcus.com, truereligion.com, piperlime.com, etc.

For my bargain shoppers out there check out: oldnavy.com, gap.com, express.com, amazon.com, bluefly.com, wetseal.com, stylebakery.com, ae.com, etc.  

So invest in a designer pair or bargain shop! It's your choice!

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC

Killer Kicks

A big question is, "What kicks should I wear?" Shoes complete an outfit. They either bring it all together or throw it all off! Shoes are important because you want to be in style yet comfortable at the same time!

Guys, you do have it much easier than girls do! Although many of you have a shoe obsession and collect hundreds of different styles, your job picking out shoes is much simpler. All you need is a basic pair of loafer/sperrys, running sneakers, Timberlands/boots, dress shoes/wing tips, sandals/flip flops for the beach and you're good to go!

Ladies on the other hand have so many options and styles they need to consider. Many women have shoe obsessions as well; they also have a wider variety they have to use to style their outfits. Flats, sandals, flip flops, wedges, stilettos, boots, booties, clogs, sneakers, and a variety of different heel options. Certain outfits you can wear with flats others you can't. It's just the way styling works.

One thing for sure is that your feet will never be bored! A person can never have enough shoes with so many styles and colors to choose from! Keep that in mind next time you're on a shopping spree!


                                              Celebs go crazy for Leopard print shoes

Hot pink heels and Timberlands

Timberlands are a great option for college kids trekking their way through the snow and Uggs are a great choice if you want to stay comfy and warm!

For my label junkies out there, check out: uggaustralia.com, sperrytopsider.com, neimanmarcus.com, bloomingdales.com, zappos.com, piperlime.com, dsw.com, saksfifthavenue.com

For my bargain shoppers, check out: payless.com, dsw.com, zappos.com, piperlime.com, overstock.com, target.com

And for all my shoe crazies toms.com should definitely be a site you check out! The shoes are affordable  and trendy; better yet, go towards a great cause! Every pair you purchase, your pair is matched and sent to someone in need! The program is called "One for One." So check it out!

Chris Pine in Toms

Kristen Stewart in Toms

So keep your feet happy/comfy and dress them up!!

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC

Don't Sweat It

So we all know that college students hate getting up for early classes! Currently being a college student, I know how it is when walking around a campus. Students want to be comfortable.

Although some get dressed and ready for the day, others want a quick and comfortable way to get ready in the morning! What better option than sweat pants!

Although many don't like the option of sweat pants cause they think it's a bummy look, there are ways to look cute and casual.

Hair down or messy bun for girls, usual do for guys. Hot pair of shades, jewelry, watches, cute handbags. Don't be afraid to do it up!

Guys and Gals can wear any old sweats, school labeled sweats, or for my label junkies out there a higher end pair of sweats with semi fitted tees and you're good to go!




Eva Longoria looks sexy yet comfortable in her Juicy Couture ensemble and Uggs.

Uggs Sundance II (zappos.com $225.00) 

Juicy Tracksuits (neimanmarcus.com $92.00)

Ashley Tisdale looks cute and comfy in Purple Sweats and a gray tee.

Ashley's look can be replicated Givenchy Nightingale Beige Bag (www.barneys.com $1660.00)

Wayfarer Sunglasses (ray-ban.com, sunglasshut.com $144.95)

LnA Deep V Tees (singer22.com $62.00)

Channing Tatum is hot and sweaty shirtless in sweats

Channing is wearing Gray Sweat Pants.

For my label junkies guys can check out (www.ssense.com G-Star Correct Sven Sweatpants $140.00)

For all my bargain shoppers out there, ladies can check out www.victoriassecret.com. Guys can check out modells.com, nike.com, hanes.com, etc. 

Lets not get confused and substitute sweats for everything people! 

There is a time and a place to wear sweats and dress up.

But, for those bummy days, Bum around in Style!!!

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC

DIY:Tie-Dye

Fashion is not only about wearing designer labels but making your own hot creations!
(DIY) Do-It-Yourself is one of the hottest trends right now!

Parade Day at school is this weekend so my roommates and I decided to tie-dye our own shirts. Colors and designs are limitless.

Shoppers can check out AC-Moore, Walmart, Target, etc. for dye and men's Hanes white T-shirts. You can buy a 3 or 5 pack for around $7.

Tie-Dye is never out and it's a fun project for you and your friends.

www.walmart.com, target.com, acmoore.com


Ashley Tisdale looks oober cute in her blue and purple tie dye dress.

Model in Michael Kors Tie-Dye Polo

If guys don't want to make this polo themselves you can find it at neimanmarcus.com for $175.00

There are so many DIY projects out there so become your own fashion designer!!

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC

Sexy and Sunny

Skys are clearing, flowers soon will be blooming, and the crisp air smelling like spring! Oh how we all can't wait! Those going away for spring break how envious I am. So make sure you are traveling in style!

Dresses are one of my obsessions and let me tell you the options for spring/summer 2011 are fantastic! Dresses are so much easier ladies! You don't have to worry about finding a top for that bottom or vice versa. A dress can easily be transformed from day to night and the amount of different looks you can create are overwhelming.

Throw a sweater over it, jacket, shawl, necklaces, bracelets, light weight scarves, belts, flats, heels, you name it! I find a dress to always be cute yet comfortable, casual yet dressy all at once. Sometimes even beats out a skirt in the best clothing option in my eyes.

Mini, Above the Knee, At the Knee, Below the Knee, to the Floor...

Take your pick and it will look sexy. Not only is it how you accessorize the dress, but carrying yourself with confidence will exude beauty.

People crave confidence. Remember confidence not cockiness. Look hot and know your hot! That is all there is to it!

Blake Lively and Leighton Meester Look hot on a shoot for Gossip Girl.

Jennifer Lopez looks spicy sexy in a striped print maxi.

Eva Mendes could steal any guy's heart in this feminine yet sexy sundress.

For my bargain shoppers out there check out: urbanoutfitters.com, oldnavy.com, zappos.com, victoriassecret.com, athlete.com, target.com

For my label junkies out there check out: www.net-a-porter.com, nordstrom.com, blacklabelboutique.com

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC

Hunky Suiting

Listen up fellas! 2011 is all about the modern suits!

Two key factors when purchasing suits should be classicism and masculinity. Certain cuts flatter the male physique. Men want a suit that broadens the shoulders and trims the waist- showing off or giving the illusion of a fit body.

Need a suit? Look in to all of these factors:

Guys should also look into single breasted, double breasted, three piece suits, and sports coats.

Fabrics include: wool, cotton, linen, velvet

Patterns include: Glen Plaid, Damier Check, Herringbone, Harris Tweed, Pinstripe, Rope-stripe

Buttons: 1 button, 2 buttons, 3 buttons

For my bargain shoppers out there check out: macys.com, www.menswearhouse.com, josbank.com, jcpenny.com

For my label junkies check out: bananarepublic.com, neimanmarcus.com, bloomingdales.com, jcrew.com

These male celebs look fine in their suits on the red carpet

Smokin hot in a 3 piece suit

So take your pick guys!! Pick a suit and make all the ladies drool!!

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC