April 2014 | Paint The Town Chic
This week, I attended a networking event hosted at our local aquarium and it was a blast.  People always say that first impressions are important, and style can say a lot about you!  I am definitely not one to dress formal or wear a suit, so I love finding professional pieces with a fashionable twist.

 
Right now, I'm loving the sleek look of pencil skirts, and most of mine are either textured or have a print.  This time I chose to style a black and white striped pencil skirt.  The organic placement and the different sizes of the stripes created a slimming effect!


I chose a ruffle tank instead of a button down and paired that with a yellow cardigan as my pop of color.  I thought the combo paired well with the skirt!  I kept my accessories simple.  I didn't want to compete with the ruffles on the top, so I went sans necklace and wore large earrings and a cocktail ring instead!  And I completed the look with a belt and simple black pumps.

I wanted to also share a few networking tips that I've picked up!
  • Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to someone, especially if they are standing alone.  Don't wait around and hope for someone to come to you!
  • Don't monopolize the conversation and just talk about yourself or start with explaining what you do at work.  Find out if you have any common interests with the other person and the conversation will evolve!
  • Always follow up after the meeting.  I usually follow up the day after an event and try to continue the relationship building through emails and social media, like LinkedIn!
Hope these styling (and networking) tips helped!  Stay tuned for a separate blog post on different ways to style this same pencil skirt for different occasions!


Styling for Networking

This week, I attended a networking event hosted at our local aquarium and it was a blast.  People always say that first impressions are important, and style can say a lot about you!  I am definitely not one to dress formal or wear a suit, so I love finding professional pieces with a fashionable twist.

 
Right now, I'm loving the sleek look of pencil skirts, and most of mine are either textured or have a print.  This time I chose to style a black and white striped pencil skirt.  The organic placement and the different sizes of the stripes created a slimming effect!


I chose a ruffle tank instead of a button down and paired that with a yellow cardigan as my pop of color.  I thought the combo paired well with the skirt!  I kept my accessories simple.  I didn't want to compete with the ruffles on the top, so I went sans necklace and wore large earrings and a cocktail ring instead!  And I completed the look with a belt and simple black pumps.

I wanted to also share a few networking tips that I've picked up!
  • Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to someone, especially if they are standing alone.  Don't wait around and hope for someone to come to you!
  • Don't monopolize the conversation and just talk about yourself or start with explaining what you do at work.  Find out if you have any common interests with the other person and the conversation will evolve!
  • Always follow up after the meeting.  I usually follow up the day after an event and try to continue the relationship building through emails and social media, like LinkedIn!
Hope these styling (and networking) tips helped!  Stay tuned for a separate blog post on different ways to style this same pencil skirt for different occasions!


April 30, 2014
I like colors that are bright and cheery, and the colors pink and orange definitely fit that category. But put those two colors together and you get the new spring power combo that I cannot get enough of!

Orange is not the most flattering color for me, so this would be a great way to incorporate orange into outfits I already own!

Orange Statement Necklace and Hot Pink Dress, The Jew in J.Crew

These two pieces have recently been added to my collection.  Necklace is from HauteLook and the earrings were a bargain from Burlington Coat Factory! 


I'm really loving maxi dresses right now.  So comfy and can be dressed up or down!  The orange and pink combo and the details of this dress are just perfect.

Tibi Silk Maxi Dress

This next piece is out of my comfort zone. I personally don't like wearing shorts, but the gorgeous gold beading and the cheery orange of this romper are encouraging me to give it a try.

Jordan Romper, Page 6 Boutique

How cute would it be paired with one of these purses?

 Classic Diamond Check Chain Handbag, Persun

 Dooney & Burke Laptop Tote, Dooney.com

I decided to try this orange and pink trend with a mani pedi!  

Zoya Lara; Funky Fingers Atomic Poppy

Zoya is hands down my favorite nail polish brand.  Great coverage, hundreds of colors, and environmentally friendly...it's a win win win!  Funky Fingers is found in Five Below, which is a chain where I live.  They have decent cheap polishes and have the best coverage for neon colors in my opinion!

The color orange has really grown on me, and I'm excited to incorporate more of it into my closet!  What do you think of the orange and pink combo?


Sunday Spotlight: Pink and Orange

I like colors that are bright and cheery, and the colors pink and orange definitely fit that category. But put those two colors together and you get the new spring power combo that I cannot get enough of!

Orange is not the most flattering color for me, so this would be a great way to incorporate orange into outfits I already own!

Orange Statement Necklace and Hot Pink Dress, The Jew in J.Crew

These two pieces have recently been added to my collection.  Necklace is from HauteLook and the earrings were a bargain from Burlington Coat Factory! 


I'm really loving maxi dresses right now.  So comfy and can be dressed up or down!  The orange and pink combo and the details of this dress are just perfect.

Tibi Silk Maxi Dress

This next piece is out of my comfort zone. I personally don't like wearing shorts, but the gorgeous gold beading and the cheery orange of this romper are encouraging me to give it a try.

Jordan Romper, Page 6 Boutique

How cute would it be paired with one of these purses?

 Classic Diamond Check Chain Handbag, Persun

 Dooney & Burke Laptop Tote, Dooney.com

I decided to try this orange and pink trend with a mani pedi!  

Zoya Lara; Funky Fingers Atomic Poppy

Zoya is hands down my favorite nail polish brand.  Great coverage, hundreds of colors, and environmentally friendly...it's a win win win!  Funky Fingers is found in Five Below, which is a chain where I live.  They have decent cheap polishes and have the best coverage for neon colors in my opinion!

The color orange has really grown on me, and I'm excited to incorporate more of it into my closet!  What do you think of the orange and pink combo?


April 27, 2014
I've been debating for a while whether to join Ipsy or not, and I'm so glad I did.  My first sample bag (and definitely not my last!) was filled with 5 products all with a Beauty Rocks theme.



1.) Cover FX, Mattifying Primerwith Anti-Acne Treatment

My skin can get really oily, so my makeup never lasts more than a few hours.  I've tried a few primers to help control the shine, but nothing has worked as great as the Cover FX primer.  The clear gel glided on smoothly and didn't make my face feel dry.  After waiting for the primer to dry, I applied my makeup right on top and didn't have any problems.  After a 10+ hour day, my skin still isn't that oily, which is amazing!  I can't really speak to the anti-acne part of the primer, but I will definitely be using it as a primer!  Of the 5 items in my bag, this was my absolute favorite and I can see myself buying this again!

2.) Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Pencil Travel Size

As someone looking for the best eyeliner, I've sampled the 24/7 Velvet Glide-on Pencil in a gold shade at Sephora and really liked it.  The black was no different!  It glided on so smooth and was perfectly pigmented.  Definitely impressed with this.  I would love other colors in the travel size.  I use black too much that the travel size won't be enough!



3.) Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm

I'm not a big fan of lip products that are not in a tube.  With that being said, I kept an open mind while trying the Cailyn Candy Apple tinted balm.  I loved the color, but found that it was not moisturizing for my lips.  I quickly applied some gloss that I had on hand and it looked nice, but I'll have to experiment with more lip glosses.  The shape of this is also not clutch friendly!  Glad I tried it, but would not buy this again!

4.) City Color White Gold Shadow and Highlighting Mousse

I thought that this was such a beautiful color.  On my skin (I'm a medium tone) the shadow went on as a gold shimmer and it seems like you can build up the product depending on how you want the coverage to appear.  I used my finger to apply it, I don't think a brush will work well with it.  I'll have to play around with that more.  I will definitely be using this as a shadow the next time I go out!



5.) Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes

I really like fake eyelashes, especially ones that are more natural looking.  I've used Kiss eyelashes before and really liked them, so I'm sure this won't disappoint.  I'm saving these for a special occasion!

For just $10 a month, Ipsy sends a variety of full sized and sample sized beauty products to test out, all packaged in a cute makeup bag.  A great way to try new products and brands.  Check them out here!  If you're a subscriber, what was your favorite product this month?



April Ipsy Bag Review

I've been debating for a while whether to join Ipsy or not, and I'm so glad I did.  My first sample bag (and definitely not my last!) was filled with 5 products all with a Beauty Rocks theme.



1.) Cover FX, Mattifying Primerwith Anti-Acne Treatment

My skin can get really oily, so my makeup never lasts more than a few hours.  I've tried a few primers to help control the shine, but nothing has worked as great as the Cover FX primer.  The clear gel glided on smoothly and didn't make my face feel dry.  After waiting for the primer to dry, I applied my makeup right on top and didn't have any problems.  After a 10+ hour day, my skin still isn't that oily, which is amazing!  I can't really speak to the anti-acne part of the primer, but I will definitely be using it as a primer!  Of the 5 items in my bag, this was my absolute favorite and I can see myself buying this again!

2.) Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Pencil Travel Size

As someone looking for the best eyeliner, I've sampled the 24/7 Velvet Glide-on Pencil in a gold shade at Sephora and really liked it.  The black was no different!  It glided on so smooth and was perfectly pigmented.  Definitely impressed with this.  I would love other colors in the travel size.  I use black too much that the travel size won't be enough!



3.) Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm

I'm not a big fan of lip products that are not in a tube.  With that being said, I kept an open mind while trying the Cailyn Candy Apple tinted balm.  I loved the color, but found that it was not moisturizing for my lips.  I quickly applied some gloss that I had on hand and it looked nice, but I'll have to experiment with more lip glosses.  The shape of this is also not clutch friendly!  Glad I tried it, but would not buy this again!

4.) City Color White Gold Shadow and Highlighting Mousse

I thought that this was such a beautiful color.  On my skin (I'm a medium tone) the shadow went on as a gold shimmer and it seems like you can build up the product depending on how you want the coverage to appear.  I used my finger to apply it, I don't think a brush will work well with it.  I'll have to play around with that more.  I will definitely be using this as a shadow the next time I go out!



5.) Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes

I really like fake eyelashes, especially ones that are more natural looking.  I've used Kiss eyelashes before and really liked them, so I'm sure this won't disappoint.  I'm saving these for a special occasion!

For just $10 a month, Ipsy sends a variety of full sized and sample sized beauty products to test out, all packaged in a cute makeup bag.  A great way to try new products and brands.  Check them out here!  If you're a subscriber, what was your favorite product this month?



April 26, 2014
The last time I  matched an outfit from head to toe was probably when I was 3 years old!  If you're following me on Instagram, you may have noticed that many of my recent OOTDs have featured pieces with different prints, textures, colors.  I've been loving getting creative and pairing items that may not seem to go together in theory, but then again, there are no rules in fashion! So on to what I have been paring!

1.) Florals and Lace
Florals are my favorite print this Spring (I just love them in general) but lately I've loved pairing floral pieces with lace!



Lavender Tank from Kohls, Floral Scarf from Target

Floral Dress from Old Navy, Lace Sweater from Ross

I loved the purple and green together in the top outfit.  I will find more opportunities to match these colors together.  And as far as the pink dress from Old Navy, I am obsessed!  From the cute halter neckline to the colors, I can't get enough.  And this is one of the comfiest dresses I've worn in a while.  It comes in a few other colors and prints, so grab one while you can!


2.) Animal Print and Stripes
Animal prints create a strong statement, and I've always paired it with a solid color.  But I decided to pair a striped black and white dress with a leopard print sweater.  Both pieces were more muted in color, but I loved the way they looked against each other!

Leopard Sweater and Striped Dress from Ross, Belt from Lilly Pulitzer

I loved the way this outfit came together.  I added the blue statement earrings for a pop of color.  Next I will see what a bright animal print will look like with my new striped pencil skirt!

What's next to pair?  Maybe this nautical inspired scarf and chevron...what do you think?

Chevron Maxi from Lilly Pulitzer, Boat Scarf from Target

Since I'm always looking for new ideas, what are your favorite print pairs? 




Mixing Prints...Fashion Edition

The last time I  matched an outfit from head to toe was probably when I was 3 years old!  If you're following me on Instagram, you may have noticed that many of my recent OOTDs have featured pieces with different prints, textures, colors.  I've been loving getting creative and pairing items that may not seem to go together in theory, but then again, there are no rules in fashion! So on to what I have been paring!

1.) Florals and Lace
Florals are my favorite print this Spring (I just love them in general) but lately I've loved pairing floral pieces with lace!



Lavender Tank from Kohls, Floral Scarf from Target

Floral Dress from Old Navy, Lace Sweater from Ross

I loved the purple and green together in the top outfit.  I will find more opportunities to match these colors together.  And as far as the pink dress from Old Navy, I am obsessed!  From the cute halter neckline to the colors, I can't get enough.  And this is one of the comfiest dresses I've worn in a while.  It comes in a few other colors and prints, so grab one while you can!


2.) Animal Print and Stripes
Animal prints create a strong statement, and I've always paired it with a solid color.  But I decided to pair a striped black and white dress with a leopard print sweater.  Both pieces were more muted in color, but I loved the way they looked against each other!

Leopard Sweater and Striped Dress from Ross, Belt from Lilly Pulitzer

I loved the way this outfit came together.  I added the blue statement earrings for a pop of color.  Next I will see what a bright animal print will look like with my new striped pencil skirt!

What's next to pair?  Maybe this nautical inspired scarf and chevron...what do you think?

Chevron Maxi from Lilly Pulitzer, Boat Scarf from Target

Since I'm always looking for new ideas, what are your favorite print pairs? 




April 24, 2014
Statement jewelry has been in style for a while now, and I hope they aren't going away anytime soon!  Adding a color necklace or fun earrings can really change an outfit.  So read on to see what styles and boutiques I'm loving right now...

Yellows
I can't get enough yellow right now-maybe a sign that I'm craving some sun?  But a pop of yellow can brighten up any workday outfit.


 
Yellow Droplet Dangles, t&j Designs



Norah pendant, Stella & Dot

 

Iridescent Stones
There's something very magical about iridescent jewelry.  These bold pieces would look great with any outfit.

Jade Diamond Drop Earrings, BaubleBar

Stone Nest Link Bracelet in Iridescent Drusy, Kendra Scott


Florals
My love of florals extends beyond clothing-colorful jewelry with floral patterns are a must for solid colored tops and dresses.

Riviera Garden Graduated Statement, Kate Spade

Flower Petals Bracelet, J Crew

Now if only these beauties would just appear in my closet...

Must Have Statement Jewelry

Statement jewelry has been in style for a while now, and I hope they aren't going away anytime soon!  Adding a color necklace or fun earrings can really change an outfit.  So read on to see what styles and boutiques I'm loving right now...

Yellows
I can't get enough yellow right now-maybe a sign that I'm craving some sun?  But a pop of yellow can brighten up any workday outfit.


 
Yellow Droplet Dangles, t&j Designs



Norah pendant, Stella & Dot

 

Iridescent Stones
There's something very magical about iridescent jewelry.  These bold pieces would look great with any outfit.

Jade Diamond Drop Earrings, BaubleBar

Stone Nest Link Bracelet in Iridescent Drusy, Kendra Scott


Florals
My love of florals extends beyond clothing-colorful jewelry with floral patterns are a must for solid colored tops and dresses.

Riviera Garden Graduated Statement, Kate Spade

Flower Petals Bracelet, J Crew

Now if only these beauties would just appear in my closet...

April 03, 2014

@paintthetownchic