Masquerade Balls and Red Lipstick

Does anyone have Halloween plans? Because I do, and I really want to share them with you! I can’t remember the last time I did anything for Halloween. Every time I lived in a major city during that time of the year, I was too “young” to go out and obviously too old to trick or treat, though it was suggested. This year my boyfriend and I are going out with his sister and brother-in-law for a masquerade ball at an old haunted inn in San Antonio!

What am I wearing? A floor length, black, mermaid style gown and of course, a masque. The masque I bought is actually from Pier 1 Imports. Supposedly it’s made in Venice (I have my doubts) and it only cost me $30. Not bad for something so beautiful and delicate. I like that it’s simple with only a lace pattern and a few rhinestones on it. There were so many to choose from but quite a few of them made me look like a bird, which I didn’t want.

Since I’m wearing all black, I wanted to add some color to my face so I don’t appear washed out. I’ll be wearing Nars “Cruella” on my lips. This is the best lip pencil/stick. The color stays on for several hours and is really vibrant! I’ll also be doing my nails in a red color with a gold accent on my ring finger.

To add some glam to my dress, I’m adding this Ann Taylor belt to it. The belt is stretchy and snaps in the back for comfort. Can you believe that I found it for $5? Neither can I, but I honestly did. I won’t be showing you the dress until we’ve taken some decent pictures of it, but it’s beautiful! Let me know what your Halloween plans are in a comment below!

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Summer Color Inspiration: Coral

Favorite Summer Color

One of my favorite things about summer are the bright colors we get to wear, particularly coral. This light orange color is one of the few warm weather tones that’s in my color palette. During the spring and summer, I try to find coral pieces to add to my wardrobe. One of my favorite accessories at the moment is my Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Lodhi. It’s a beautiful coral lipstick that was literally made for my skin tone.

In traditional preppy fashion, I also sport navy blue during the summer months (more like all year round). Navy pairs well with coral and is a nice contrast to it. Try wearing a navy pencil skirt and coral sleeveless top for a cute work outfit. If you have a beach trip planned, consider finding a bikini that has both of these colors in it. You could even color block by wearing a coral bikini top and navy bottoms.

What’s your favorite summer color? Let me know in a comment!

Ann Taylor Bargain Buy

Good morning lovelies! I had to drag myself out of bed this morning, I was so comfy and warm! Alas, all good things must come to end.  I got out of bed, made my bed, got my coffee, and started getting dressed. Lucky for you, I have an awesome outfit to share that came at a fabulous price!

This adorable dark green and black dress came from Ann Taylor a few months back. The original price on the tag was $120 but I bought it on clearance for $4.88! Yes, you read that right, the dress was under $5 and I bought it straight off the Ann Taylor racks. This dress is beyond flattering and hits at all the right places. It is a thicker material so I’m looking forward to fall little black dress parties where I can sport this number.

My shoes are also from Ann Taylor ($25 on clearance). I love them because they go with everything and have a nice sound to them when you’re walking on a hard surface. The sound of heels clicking, is rather soothing to me.

The lipstick is my signature red in Nars’ Cruella. I’ve said so many times but I live by this lipstick. It’s the best!

Today, I’m headed into my company’s office to work from there and wanted to look presentable. Our work atmosphere is very laid back and enjoyable, but I still like to look nice an the days where I’m close quarters with coworkers and supervisors. You only have one shot to make a good impression and hopefully I’ve made mine.

That’s one thing I wish more people would learn about the workplace. Just because the dress code is “business casual” doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t dress up a bit. Dress for the job you want and not the job you have! Be the person that you want to be, not the one you aren’t too impressed with.

What I Keep at the Office

Rejoice pretty people, it’s Friday! We’ve all been working hard (or hardly working) this week and it’s time for a break. Living near Washington, D.C. means that we need it more than everyone else. We truly are the city that never sleeps. We’re also the city that knows way too much about happy hours and not enough about how important it is that our livers function properly. That’s another post though.

I mentioned in another post that I got my first “big girl” job. I started about two weeks ago and have been going through some introductory meetings several times a week with my new team members- all of whom are guys. I’m the only girl to be hired on for this project. Many of you might run away at the idea of this but trust me, that would be a mistake! There’s a lot of power I have because of my unique position. Ok, maybe not. However, there are some advantages such as playing a leadership role when no one else is sure who should. Or being the only female voice, thus automatically getting more attention. Like I said, it isn’t a bad position to be in!

With everything in life, you need to be a little prepared though. I have a few #bosslady necessities that you’ll always find me with at the office or in a meeting. Let’s start with my red lipstick because it’s becoming my persona. Nars Cruella lip pencil is something I don’t leave home without anymore. It’s dramatic and eye catching! In a city that’s all business, this beautiful red fits the bill of being a business savvy Washingtonian.

My next must-have are heels. Ballet flats don’t command the attention of anyone. Heels, on the other hand, are quite attention grabbing. I work with men whom are all taller than I am, the heels really level the playing field for me. Plus, my legs look great! #winning

I feel like this next one goes without saying, but my grande vanilla iced latte will always be near by. I need energy to keep up with my team members. They’re smart, witty, and have commutes that are far shorter than mine. The coffee stays with me to cling to in my most desperate hour, which usually comes around 2:30 when I’m ready for a siesta.

Being the grown-up I am I always carry with me an agenda/planner. Little things I need to remember for certain dates always seem to come up in discussions. With my hot pink pen, I write down the details of events, projects, and the occasional happy hour.

Finally, I rock my reading glasses. Ladies, never underestimate the visual power of such a tool. Glasses suggest so much about a person’s intellect. I’d wear them more often if they didn’t get in the way of my Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses.

I’m always adding to and updating my must-have list. Aren’t we all? I’m always falling in love with something new. During the winter months, my must-have was a heating pad so I wouldn’t be cold. I may be keeping it on the list if this new office proves to be chilly!

Enjoy your weekend!

Currently Coveting: Adorable Coffee Mug

Yesterday I was scrolling through my blog feed minding my own business when I came across something I couldn’t help but fall in love with- coffee mugs with water color illustrations printed on the front of them! I’m a sucker for a cute coffee mug and anything water color, but combining the two is the fastest way for me to fall in love with something. I went to the Etsy store where the mugs are sold and voila! Even more cute things! A Thing Created just listed the mugs for sale and I’m so glad they did!

Stemming from this lovely discovery, I created my “currently coveting” list. I know, I’m so vain. This is my own way of organizing all the things I mentally have on my shopping list. I think all girls have something like this. If not, they should! Remembering the little things I’m saving for or working my hardest to someday have is a great motivator.

What else is on my currently coveting list? Well, I’m just so darn in love with Nars satin lip pencil in the color Yu. I could also add to the list a Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt! It’s a preppy hoodie! They were so clever when they designed these things.

It should be obvious to everyone by now but I’ll just throw it out there in case someone missed it- a Kate Spade handbag. Preferably the Cedar Street Maise bag in pebble/warm putty color combo. Speaking of Kate Spade, have you seen all her adorable sun glasses? I had no idea how cute they were! I’m trying to find some cat eye, torti colored ones for the summer and have yet to find any I love for a reasonable price. Sadly, Kate Spade doesn’t constitute a “reasonable price”. Someday…

Let me know what’s on your Currently Coveting list and I’ll check it out!