The LBD: The Little Black Dress

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Cocktail: Earrings // Black Dress // Clutch // Shoes // Necklace

Everyday: Earrings // Black Dress // Scarf // Blue Jean Jacket // Sneakers // Tote

Business: Necklace // Black Dress // Blazer // Bangles // Flats // Satchel

The classic LBD {a.k.a. Little Black Dress} is considered a staple for every woman’s wardrobe. When I work with my clients, I always encourage individuals to invest in signature pieces like this that can be styled in multiple ways and easily transitioned from day to night. A sheath style option {as shown above} looks great on every body type minding the fabric and construction.

Switching up shoes and adding different accessories is the key to transition each outfit concept from a casual everyday look, to a posh professional alternative or fabulous after-five option.  For busy moms and gals on-the-go, top with a denim jacket, add a tote bag to throw everything into partnered with a comfortable pair of sneakers and scarf. For a woman in the workplace, add a blazer with a fun pair of d’orsay, lace up, or traditional ballet flats that will be comfortable all day long! For a cocktail attire, add a strappy high heel with a statement necklace, simple stud earring, and a fun clutch.

Here is a hint: I actually have a “fashion emergency kit” that I keep in my car that includes a pair of colorful high heels, a seasonal scarf, pair of flats or vintage sneakers, a statement necklace & earrings, and a clutch so I can change up my look without missing a beat if an unexpected opportunity presents itself.

Shop more little black dresses here:

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

5 Everyday Beauty Essentials

Hey “Beauty-full” Souls!

Over Spring Break, I got caught up on all of my gossip magazines and must admit that I adore the celebrity focused column in Us Weekly called, “What’s In My Bag?” In an effort to give you the same fun insight {not that I am a celeb by any stretch–wink!}, here are my 5 everyday beauty essentials you will always find in my purse and those I consider a crucial part of my daily routine.

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Palladio I’m Blushing 2-In-1 Cheek And Lip Tint

A lip gloss and a blush? This is ridiculously amazing–especially for practical ladies.  This multi-tasking cream color stick provides a subtle flush of color to both cheeks and lips.

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Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen and this does the trick. This sheer, tinted sunscreen adapts to every skin tone and provides the necessary UVA/UVB protection throughout the day. It is virtually odorless as well.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 10.59.16 AM Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

This mineral-based and water-resistant primer neutralizes the skin, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth, uniform canvas for flawless makeup application.
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Yves Saint Laurent ‘Touche Éclat’ Radiant Touch

This concealer is the perfect take-anywhere pen-brush to touch up your skin throughout the day–especially under the eyes. Like magic, it adds unparalleled radiance to your skin.

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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Daily Peel

 This refreshing, daily anti-aging extra strength peel {packaged in presoaked disposable pads} resurrects radiance and combats the common signs of aging.

What kinds of goodies would we find in your handbag? Please share ASAP!

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

Spring Break Style Essentials

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Here’s the Forever Styled Guide to spring break style essentials! Packing for your travel plans should be stress-free like your trip. Whether donning a bathing suit or a fuss-free sheath style dress, we want you to look your best!

Since my body currently resembles a mayonnaise jar, my first agenda item is to lather on some of my favorite St. Tropez bronzer. Next up, I will pack my weekender bag with a stylish towel, casual flip flops, practical swimwear and then coat my nails with my favorite neutral color for the beach {Essie’s, Topless and Barefoot}.

If you do nothing else, also include your favorite lip gloss which will make any outfit look chic! Jean shorts and a striped T are the perfect beach front staple. And if you want to impress, add a simple “aviator” Ray Ban to the mix and stylish Fedora…no matter your age or life-style.

Enjoy your time with family and friends on the beach or wherever you may be going.

And remember, don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

How Best to Dress a Pear Shaped Body

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Styling for different body types can be tough but with these tips and tricks, it becomes quite easy! In the coming weeks we will explore each of the five body types {Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot}. Today we’ll look at the pear shaped body!

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GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A PEAR: Curvy hips, thick thighs, and a full rear are the key characteristics of the pear-shaped woman. Many pear shapes also have a small bust, narrow shoulders, and a defined waist. Keep your proportions in check by drawing the eye to your upper body while de-emphasizing your lower half.

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Choose pants that are straight leg or flared at the bottom to create a bottom half with full volume all the way down. Jeans that are equal width or slightly wider in the calf and ankle area will draw attention away from your mid-section. Look for darker color options on the bottom half for contrast. AVOID: Avoid skinny pants, as they will showcase the size of your hips/rear. Cigarette-style pants are the least flattering style for a pear-shaped figure, as well as cargo pants and pants with excessive detailing such as bold embroidery, rhinestones, etc.
  2. SKIRTS: Skirts that hit the knee or ankle are perfect for pear-shaped ladies. 
Avoid tight-fitting skirts, and look for those with ruffles or beading along the bottom hem which draw attention to your curvy bottom half without adding bulk to your hips. AVOID: Pencil, mini and straight skirts.
  3. DRESSES: Wrap dresses look fabulous on nearly every body type especially yours. Do look for dresses that show off your arms and even out proportions. Look for dresses that are A-line or that have a tulip-skirt. Color blocked dresses and dresses with a belted waist are fabulous as well. AVOID: Those that are tight and stick to your hips.
  4. TOPS: Look for tops that are tight around the waist highlighting your asset. Loose tops should be worn a bit long so as to cover the hips and provide substance for the shoulders. In general, the fit of your shirts should aim to highlight your waist and shoulders. The ideal sleeve style are wide-sleeved shirts or those with rolled or scrunched sleeves. The ideal top length is just below your hipbone to extend your torso and mask the widest part of your hips. AVOID: Tops with narrow shoulder lines. Crop tops should be widely avoided for drawing attention to your midsection, which is too close to your hips to be flattering.
  5. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Look for jackets that hit right above the waist or below the widest part of your hips and bottom. Wear structured A-shaped coats at knee length. A great coat for you is the trench. AVOID: Mid ankle trench coats and full-length jackets.
  6. FOOTWEAR: Opt for pointy toed or an almond toe shoe to help elongate your legs. High boots are very flattering as well. Wear medium to chunky heals with a bit of height to further elongate the legs. AVOID: Shoes and booties with ankle straps, delicate footwear and kitten heels as these will get lost in your frame.
  7. BAUBLES: Long pendant necklaces are your friends! A bold, bright necklace that hangs low draws the eye to your upper half which is fabulous. Integrate statement earrings into special looks that will frame your face as well, keeping in mind that you should only wear one piece of statement jewelry at a time. Choose chandelier style or dangly earrings for the best effect.
  8. ACCESSORIES: Circle/infinity scarves are a great way to add pizazz to your upper body and can even substitute for a necklace. Wide belts styled over cardigans, tunic style tops and dresses flatter your frame drawing attention to your best asset—your waist.
  9. SWIMWEAR: A fold-over style bottom with cinching side strings that adjust at the waist and legs are perfect for your frame. If you have longer legs, consider an asymmetrical skirt or a flirty skirt bottom. A bandeau style top with a full coverage body one-piece is also very flattering. Halter style tops with twisted details can help add fullness to the body.
  10. UNDERGARMENTS: Your entire upper body can undergo a major transformation when you wear the right undergarments. Consider a padded bra or push-up bra. This will add volume to a small bust and accentuate your waist.

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young