Black nail polish has won its way into our hearts and beauty drawers, but they may not be as welcome at your job. If your job requires that you dress business professional on a daily basis, then the answer is firmly no. Business casual environments may be more accepting of this, but you will know best, your office environment, and if this is acceptable. Hairstylist, make up artists, and other creative jobs get a full pass, not just with black but on all non pink or French mani nails

So, the final verdict on black nails in the work place is play it safe. If you have to question if this is appropriate it’s probably not. And should never be worn during an interview.

Decided that black polish is a go for you? Here are a few tips on how to wear it.

1. Always apply a base coat, and a top coat. The bast coat will prevent staining and the top coat will help combat chipping.
2. Keep your nails short
3. Apply multiple coats
4. Touch up any mistakes with a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover

Spending money on clothes that will last only a few wears is a thing of the past. Since the recession is still looming over fashionista closets everywhere, it is imperative that we get the most out of the garments we decide are worthy of our money. Since price ≠ quality, it is foolish to assume that because you spend top dollar on something that it is going to last (or that you wont have a wardrobe malfunction in them). So, how exactly do you spot quality? Keep reading…..

Inspect. Give potential closet additions a thorough inspection. Pay close attention to the following:

• Buttons.Buttons, hooks, and fasteners should be secure and sturdy. Poorly attached buttons are a sign of poor quality, but if everything else checks out on the garment, don’t let the buttons deter you, you can always reinforce them. Be sure to ask for a discount if you have to replace or reattach any fasteners. Also, look at the button hole. High quality clothing is bound with thread for strength
• Stitching. Garments tend to rip at the seams, more than any other area. Check all the seams and give them a good pull. Look for any gaps and openings, quality clothing will have close tight stitches, that are sewn in a straight line, and do not pull apart.
• Patterns.Pay close attention to how the pattern continues at the seams. Patterns on well made clothing, interlace without distortion or breaks. For example, on a striped shirt do they line up with the corresponding stripe on either side? Do they connect properly at the shoulders? For handbags, is the logo cut off awkward? For some prints, this may not matter in terms of aesthetics or even durability, but aligned patterns are a sign of good workmanship.
• Fabric. Unless the item is meant to be sheer, your skin should not show through. Also, good quality items will have a high thread count, and resist wrinkles (with the exception of linens)

Inspecting  before you buy is a critical step in getting the most out of your clothes, but it doesn’t end there. Once you get them home, proper care is paramount. Following the instruction on the tag, according to the material is always a smart move, but here are some extra steps you can take to keep your clothing pristine:

• Turn your jeans inside out while in the wash, doing so will help prevent fading.
• Since most fading occurs in the dryer, keep your drying time to a minimum. Allow clothes to air dry (out of the sun) to about 75% dry and then place them in the dryer to finish the drying process and smooth out any wrinkles.
• Bra’s should be handwashed, but if you do put them in the wash, put them in a lingerie bag or pillow case, and fasten the buckles.
• NO WIRE HANGERS! There’s a reason Mommy Dearest goes bananas over them. They are too thin to provide any shape support, and rusting and snagging may occur.
• Fold sweaters and knits to avoid stretching them
• Hang like fabric materials and colors together in the closet, you don’t want your rough denim rubbing your silks or color transfers.
• Don’t be afraid of the iron. I personally hate ironing, so I avoid wrinkly materials, but sometime an iron is all a garment needs to look new. (avoid too much starch)
• Don’t wash your clothes. At least for a few wears. Depending on what you’re doing and where you’re going jeans can get 2-3 wears before washes and jackets even longer.

What characteristics do you look for in clothing to help you determine if it is worth buying or not? Tell us in the comments.

Since the resurrection of the skinny jean, long gone are the days when women cringed at the word tapered. We embraced tapered jeans, and now trousers. For Spring and Summer the pleated tapered trousers aka peg leg trousers [also, incorrectly known as chinos or tailored harem pants (I still cringe at the word harem)] is a trend worth trying.

Peg leg trousers are characterized by their cropped leg, that falls right above the ankle. The volume on these pants are at the top and enhanced this season with pleats.

Rectangles, Hourglass, and long waist body types can pull of this trend without much thought. The inverted triangles, apples, and short waist top heavy ladies will have the most difficulty. Don’t let your body type steer you away from this trend. With a few tips, you can pull this off successfully

For Top Heavy Girls (Inverted Triangle)- I’ve been trying to get back in the itty bitty committee since freshman year of high school. Since they won’t let me in, I have to get creative when it comes to sporting this look. The tapered legs enhance triangles, and can often create imbalance for busty girls. BUT! there are ways to wear this look and not look as if you’re going to topple over. The first tip is to chose a pair with a pleated or ballooned waist/ hip. The added volume near the hips will give an hour glass figure. The second tip is to pair the pants with a darker top and lift your boobs as much as possible with a good supportive or minimizer bra. Lastly, wear a chunkier heel. For inverted triangles, platforms work great with these pants.

Short waist- The second body feature that makes this look difficult to wear is the presence of a short waist. Many of the cropped pants on the racks, sport a high waist, with a ballooned hip; which works great on long torsos, but can make short waists vanish. Obviously, the key is to find a pair that does not have a high waist, and that balloons out a little lower than normal. Because your waist is short, wearing mid rise pants on your natural waist will automatically give you the high waist look. Be sure to leave space between the top of the pants and your breast (again, lift and support the girls as much as possible). Monochromatic color schemes without the break of a belt work best, but if you are busty and short waisted, a belt worn below the natural waist line that still allows a few inches of the pants to be seen above the belt, will also work (by wearing your belt lower, you’re creating the illusion of a longer torso). A faux high waist if you will

Apples: Your major obstacle to this trend, will be creating the illusion of a waist. Shape wear will help you get a uniform shape overall, after which, you can add volume where needed. Strong shoulders, with a lower ballooned hip will give an hourglass illusion. If you are a top heavy apple, focus on adding volume around the hip/waist area; and if you are a bottom heavy apple, strong shoulders can balance you out.

Still look for inspiration on how to peg leg? Check out this video from Elle UK

Most importantly, Have Fun and wear it with confidence!

A nude dress. Nude is a big trend for Spring, and a nude dress can fill in for your LBD at almost any Spring function.

A White or Light Leather Jacket. The biker chic trend hasn’t completely faded, it’s just lightened up some. This jacket is great if you tend to get cold easy and live where it  may be cooler at night or in the afternoons during the Spring (Unfortunately for me, that is NOT FL)

Orange Lips. Big in make up is the transition from red to orange lips. This color can be flattering on all skin tones, and will definitely put a smile on your face.

Bad-Ass accessories. Accessories can update any wardrobe, any season, but for this Spring break out the extra, over the top jewels and mix them together. Pearls and flowers, Chains and tulle, metals and ribbons etc…..  don’t be afraid to layer and mix and match different finishes.

Cuffed shoes. I love how the Shoe-tie has transformed itself for Spring into open toed cuff shoes. Both of these pairs are from Bakers and under $50!

How to Wear the Trend

The great news is that floral prints can be worn by all regardless of age, shape or skin tone. The key is to find a print and color scheme that is flattering and one that you are comfortable in. If you are like me and reluctant to wear an all over print, break up your florals by purchasing separates and pairing with a solid top, belting, and/or layering with cardigans and blazers.

if you are:

Petite:

You may get lost in bold prints and patterns, opt for soft colors and florals with a smaller or muted print. They key is to wear the dress, not have it appear to be wearing you. If you do decide to wear a bold print, ensure the colors are complementary to your skin tone or show more skin. Nude shoes work great for petite girls because they will elongate your legs. PLEASE remember that petite is a size, not a shape. You still should be cautious of where you place your prints, the size of the print, and what body parts you want to show off or tone down.

Plus Sized:

Plus sized divas can support a bolder print, but to prevent from looking like a walking flower shop, you may want to break it up with a jacket or belt. If you are heavier in one area moreso than another, opt for smaller prints as large one will create the illusion of added weight. As with the petite girls, plus sized is just that, a size. Be mindful of your body shape and use the prints to maximize your assets and minimize your less favorite body parts.

photos: shopbop/torrid

Whether you need to look older to command more respect among your peers, or to keep people from thinking your daughter is your sister, I have listed some tips below to help you along the way. Being 25 and frequently in a corporate environment, I know the struggles of trying to gain the respect of seasoned professionals when you look fresh out of high school.

• The first tip is obvious, stay away from items that are typically reserved for younger age groups. Glittery eye shadows and lip gloss in funky colors scream teenager. Don’t go sans makeup, but keep your palette neutral
• Overcompensate with your wardrobe. Wear solid, dark colors with structured cuts, and simple patterns. Opt for a fitted knee length pencil skirt versus a short bubble skirt, and heels instead of sneakers. The sharp lines of your clothing will counteract any roundness that could be associated with having a baby face. Leave the cut off shorts and T-shirts out.
• Wear sophisticated accessories. Stray away from colorful plastics and overly sparkly items.
• Lastly, Hair. Changing your hair can have the most drastic impact. The style you choose will vary based on your face shape, but typically long flowy waves are more youthful than short and structured. Obviously pigtails and braids should be avoided.

21-year old actress Hayden Panettiere recently ditched her long blond locks for a short sleek style that makes her look older and more mature. Her make up was kept neutral with the focus being on her eyes. This is the perfect example of how a hair cut with simple make up can transform your look.

here she is before the big chop

Double Denim

You can forget that rule about not wearing denim on denim. This Spring when paired properly double denim ensembles (say that 10 time fast) can be quite chic. Designers such as D&G, Rag & Bone, and Ralph Lauren sent models down the runway in double denim. You to can rock this look without looking like a scene from the 80′s with these foolproof tips.

• Avoid being too matchy-matchy. Create contrast by mixing up the wash, try pairing a dark denim with a lighter chambray or light wash distress jean.
• Denim accessories are also a great way to incorporate this trend into your daily wardrobe. But don’t double up on denim accessories and clothing, that is overkill.
• Break up the denim with a non denim piece such as a scarf or  belt, or layer your denim with plain tanks or patterned tops.

Here are some of my favorite double denim looks spotted on Spring 2010 runways.

Notice how the denim was paired with belts, patterned tops and blazers in the above photos to prevent denim overload. 

Distressed Denim

Ripped and torn jeans are at the very end of the casual spectrum. They are the most casual type of jean around, and can be tricky for women over a certain age to pull off without looking too juvenile.

The Ralph Lauren collection is perfect for the fashionistas who want to wear the trend without looking too young. The dark wash of the jeans with minimal distressing is sophisticated and hip.

Other examples of distressed denim are:

Denim Tops

Denim Tops are another one of those items that cycle through trends. The trick is to find a style that works for you. For some the perfect jean shirt will be in the form or a tunic, for other a classic button down or maybe even a vest.

Either way, you can’t go wrong this spring with a denim top. My favorite combos are to pair it with a delicate girly bottom. I also like them over leggings, or worn as an outer layer.

photos: style.com

Unlike some trends we’ve seen for Spring (hello hot pants, and thigh high socks), this trend is versatile enough to be worn by everyone regardless of age or body type. Generally speaking, the younger you are, the shorter you can go. Depending on the style you choose, they can also encompass some of Springs other trends, such as nudes, digital prints and draping.

    photos: style.com

How to Wear Jumpsuits and Rompers.

• Since this trend looks great with almost any type of shoe, concentrate on how you want your legs to appear, by choosing a complementary pair. Platform pumps are my favorite, but you can also wear gladiators and booties.
• Belted jumpsuits are the most universally flattering. Curvy girls will find that belted rompers and playsuits help define their shape, while those with less curves are able to create the illusion.
• For evening, select luxurious fabrics and details, like silk and/or sequins.
• For a more sophisticated feel, pair with your boyfriend blazer;  going for edgy. try a biker jacket.

  photos:shopbop.com

Celebrities Fashion Inspiration

Tell me, will you be romping around this Spring? I know I will!

Trend: Nautical.

The nautical trends is characterized by classic  stripes, and sailor inspired accessories. Key colors: navy blue, blue, black, white, and red.   

Works On: Everyone.

Nautical inspired clothing can be worn by every age group and sex. It is a classic trend that you are bound to see again and again.

How to Wear it.

The great thing about this fashion trend, is its ability to be styled multiple ways. Pair classic navy and white stripes with red, or yellow accessories for a twist.

A key component of this trend is horizontal stripes. Be mindful of where you place them. If you have a small chest, wearing a striped shirt can give you the appearance of a larger bust; conversely stripes worn across larger hips, will only make them appear wider.

It is still possible to successfully execute the nautical trend without stripes. Trying pairing the Key Colors of this trend with nautical accessories and airy fabrics, reminiscent of the sea.

 Nautical Fashion Inspired Outfits:

Nautical Inspired by The Style Aficionado featuring Arden B tops

Nautical by The Style Aficionado featuring Old Navy shorts

Nautical by The Style Aficionado featuring L.A.M.B. shoes

Nautical by The Style Aficionado featuring Elizabeth and James blazers

Nautical by The Style Aficionado featuring Yves Saint Laurent bags

Check out the complete Here @ Target.com  http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_iw_ss/?node=2241595011

Liberty of London is doing big things this year. In addition to the clothing collaboration they have also released a line of home goods at Target, and a Make up collection for MAC is available now.

How do you feel about this collection? Will you be purchasing anything from any of their collaborations?