Ladies: Back to School Essentials Series Recap!

Hey ladies ....we know that we said we would have a Back to School Essential for you this week which would make 5, but we've decided to leave it at the 4. 

For a quick recap:

• The first Back to School Essential was FLATS , not your typical pair of flats but something like oxfords, loafers, etc. We showed you 3 pair of flats that you could try that are stylish but are still comfortable enough to wear around campus and some outfit suggestions to go with them. 

• The second Back to School Essential was TEES, we don't mean big t-shirts, but the kind you get from Forever 21 that can be plain or have some type of graphic on them. These are a simple essential that can be thrown on and dressed up and down with ease, especially if you may not have that much time to get ready for class. We gave you some outfit suggestions regarding a casual plain tee look, a dressy plain tee look, and dressing a graphic tee up and down. We featured celebrities like Kim Kardashian and LaLa in this post and we know they are well dressed so check it out to see how they wore their tees. 

• The third Back to School Essential was JEANS. We introduced a different style of jean besides the regular pair of jeans, a printed jean, and a pair of colored jeans. Jeans are an essential to any student because of the effortlessness it takes to dress them up and down and you can still look stylish and be comfortable. The outfit suggestions in the post are great, stylish examples that can be worn around campus comfortably and would look great with a regular pair of jeans as well. Zoe Saldana was featured in this post so you may want to check it out to see how she wore her pair of jeans...you know she is very stylish! 

• The last/fourth Back to School Essential was LAYERS. When we say layers we mean things that you  can layer over your clothing since it gets a little chilly in class. The layers that we covered in this post we're the cardigan (which we cover more thoroughly in our Fall Essentials Series that starts next week), a regular jacket, and a hoodie. It was a simple, brief post but it had a few tips to really take into consideration and a few outfit suggestions. 

Well ladies...we hope that you enjoyed our Back to School Essentials mini-series ....the links to the posts are in the words that are in red and bold. Feel free to leave any comments or questions you may have. 

B.T.S.E. #4 for the ladies!

Quick Recap: For the past 3 weeks we've been doing a mini-series on over Back to School Essentials which were FLATS, TEES, and JEANS. This week we're going to be talking about layers. Layers meaning things you can layer on top of shirts like cardigans, hoodies, and just regular jackets. This is definitely an essential because classrooms can get outrageously cold but you can cover up and stay warm while still looking fashionable. So let's jump into today's post!

THE CARDIGAN..

Cardigans are going to be something we cover/elaborate on in our up-coming fall series but we're going to cover basics. Cardigans are a comfortable layer that come in many styles, prints, and colors. They'll still keep you warm without being a big, bulky, unfashionable layer of clothing.


Look to the left and you'll see this Black Essential Sweater Cardigan from Forever 21 for only $13.50. Since it is black and just a plain color you can pretty much put this over anything.

For example, a casual outfit that you can throw this cardigan over you can do this Black/White Miles Davis Tank, Royal Premium Denim Colored Ankle Jeans, and these Grey Perforated Leatherette Loafers. For accessories you can do a pair of simple studs or a pair of large hoops.


LAYER #2 ...THE JACKET

Okay now layer number 2 is just a regular throw on jacket. Usually when you see someone with one on it's just because they are cold and it doesn't really go with what they have on or is overshadowing the outfit. We're not saying that you need to be matchy...but our advice is to keep the jacket in mind when you decide what you want to wear.

For example this Pink Knit Athletic Jacket shown to the right can be thrown over anything but if you chose your outfit thinking about the possibility that you might throw it over an outfit, it would look better.

Let's say you had on this pair of Grey Signature Skinny Jeans. You might to go with Neon Yellow Native Graphic Top to add some more color and print to the outfit. Then you can do this pair of Black Braided T-Strap Sandals with a pair of studs or hoops. You can even do a bangle...but make sure it's pretty casual since the outfit is so casual.


LAST LAYER....THE HOODIE!

Okay so the last layer we're going to briefly cover is a hoodie. Hoodies come in all colors, prints, and styles as well. As you can see the hoodie to the left is a crop hoodie.

This is a layer that doesn't require much clothing to be paired with it. You can wear these Denim Classic Rolled Hem Shorts, Green Colored Skinny Jeans,  or step outside the box of regular denim and do these Grey Acid Wash Skinny Jeans.  For a layer under the hoodie you can just do a plain camisole or tee. As far as shoes go, you can do both pair of shoes that were listed in the tip above and of course a pair of studs or hoops. 

Well ladies...we know the post was short and simple but we just wanted to give you a few things to think about as far as layering jackets or hoodies over your clothes while still looking presentable!

B.T.S.E. #3 for the ladies!

Hey ladies...we know you've had to wait a few days on your post but here it is! Our Back to School Essentials mini-series continues and this week we're coming with item number #3.... JEANS, JEANS, JEANS!!  Jeans is something that any student can't go with out because the comfort they give, variety they come in, and the effortlessness it takes to dress them up and down. With that being said...let's get into it!! 

Before we start...if you're wondering why Zoe Saldana's picture is so big ...it's for 3 reasons.. 1. She's BADD! 2. Her outfit is so fly effortlessly. 3. We wanted you to see what we see. Lol. (She is a fashion fave of ours!) 

Moving right along... Seen to the left, Zoe has on a green knit pocket tank tucked in a pair of mid-rise, skinny ankle jeans. For shoes she has on a pair of fly...nude studded platform sandals. For accessories she kept it simple and went with a few bracelets, sunglasses, and a tan tote bag (LOVE). Now we'll tell you how to get similar look, one for campus and one to go out somewhere in. 

For your campus outfit..start with this pair of Mid Rise Dirty Denim Skinnies. For your shirt you can do something with print like this Pink/Brick Faded Colorblock Tank that also has a pocket on it like Zoe's. For shoes you can do this pair of Taupe Braided Leatherette Sandals. If you get cold you can throw a cardigan over it! To accessorize the outfit with a bangle like this  Gold Floral Pressed Bracelet and then you can do a pair of studs or gold hoops. You can't forget the bag...like this Beige Pebbled Leatherette Tote Bag to put a few books in! 

Now as far as dressing the jeans up for an event or party you can do simple tank like this Essential Layering Tank in the green/olive color. Then you can throw this Notched Lapel Jacket in the Wine color over the cami. Then for shoes and accessories... you can do this pair of Leopard Platform Pumps from Charlotte Russe to add some print in the outfit and then you can do this Gold/Black High Shine Bangle Set, Gold Chain Tassel Necklace, and a pair of gold studs! 

Moving on to look 2...printed jeans!

In the picture to your right...Danielle Lineker is seen in a white top, leopard print jeans, and a pair of black pumps. She didn't really accessorize the outfit much but we just wanted to show you an example of someone wearing a pair of printed jeans. We'll give you some outfit suggestions to make yours way better than what is shown! 

To get a casual/on campus look start with this pair of Tripp NYC Leopard Jean from Urban Outfitters. For your top you can do this Cream/Black Muddy Waters Crop Tee. For shoes you can do something similar to this pair of Red Burnished Penny Loafers and for accessories you can do a simple black bangle and a pair of stud earrings. 

Now to dress the jeans up you can do Blue Chiffon Batwing Blouse from Forever 21 and you can layer a white cami or bandeau top underneath. As far as shoes go you can do a pair Black Platform Pumps and then to accessorize it you can do the same Gold/Black High Shine Bangle Set listed in the first tip with a pair of large gold hoops. 

Last Jeans look...colored jeans.

Okay for the last look we decided to show you Alicia Keys wearing a pair of colored jeans. Now we know a lot of you out there own a pair but we still wanted to show another option to those who don't and give a couple of outfit ideas. 

Alicia has on a pair of teal skinny jeans with a black and white graphic tee. She layered a black jacket over it and a scarf. Then for shoes she went with a pair of black studded booties. We're going to assume that it was fall time with all the layers which is a perfect thing to show at this time since it is getting a bit chilly outside. 

To get a casual campus look with colored jeans you can start with this pair of Magenta Vibrant Skinny Ankle Jeans paired with Heather Grey/Yellow Distressed Batman Tank. Then you can layer this Oatmeal/Dark Grey Leopard Spots Cardigan over it and for shoes you can do this pair of Perforated Leatherette Loafers in grey or black. To accessorize the outfit just do a pair of silver studs and a simple bangle. 

To dress a pair of colored jeans up start with this pair of Mustard Vibrant Skinny Jeans and this Cream Chiffon Blouse. Layer this Basic Knit Tank in orange underneath and then you can do this pair of Purple Platform Pumps. For accessories you can do a large pair of gold hoop earrings and this Black/Cream Geo Stretch Bracelet to add some type of texture/print to the outfit! 

Well ladies this concludes our Back to School Essentials #3 post on jeans. All the outfits we suggested can be  worn with regular skinny jeans or whatever jeans you prefer, we just wanted to show you something besides that. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to leave them and we'll be happy to answer them!

Back to School Essentials!

Hello ladies...this week we're jumping into another series before we start getting you prepared for Fall. This series will be approximately 4 weeks...right in time for our Fall Essentials series. This week will be starting Back to School Essentials starting with flats!! The type of flats we mean are oxfords, loafers, etc. We know you've seen these before ladies...cute little flats that are stylish, that can be dressed up and down. Perfect for those long and even short campus walks if you want to be stylish but don't want to wear heels! We'll show you 3 different pair of flats and list items to dress them up and down! 

Okay, so let's start with this pair of Brown/Rust Contrast Leatherette Shoes from Forever21. They can be dressed up and dressed down with ease. 

If you wanted to wear this pair of flats casually, start with this White Heathered V-Neck Tee and these Dark Indigo Fab Contrast Stitch Skinny Jeans. These two pieces can be worn with a number of different tops and bottoms for a number of different styles. Now we know the outfit seems kind of simple but remember... "great minds can afford simple style." it's all about confidence. But moving right along to accessories.. put on a pair of simple studs with this Gold Antique-Like "In My Heart" Necklace. Then but on a bangle that has some color it in like this "Paint the Rainbow" Bangle Set. 

Okay....to make this pair of flats work on the dressy-casual side, start with a simple tee but this time add some color. Do this Modal Blend V-Neck Tee in MUSTARD and this Navy Pintuck Panel Bodycon Skirt. This is an example of a COLOR-BLOCKING outfit. For accessories do a pair of large gold hoops and DOUBLE UP on these Red/Gold Pyramid Hinge Bracelets. 

Moving right along to another flat!

Okay now look to the right...notice the "Springtime" Floral Oxfords also from Forever21. We wanted to show you an actual oxford flat and a printed one at that. This pair of flats can be really easy to dress down and up as well. 

Starting with a casual look for these printed oxfords...start out with this NAVY Burnout Rose Crop Top and make sure to put a bandeau top..maybe in white.. under it since it is a crop top. A long camisole would  make the layers look a bit sloppy. For bottoms, you can do a pair of regular denim jeans or you can do a colored denim jeans like these Teal Skinny Jeans. To accessorize the outfit, keep it simple with a pair of studs and a long necklace. You can do silver or gold. 

To dress the shoes up...start with something similar to this Cream Wavy Ridge Dress. Throw a blazer over it like this Brown Cuffed Sleeve Blazer. Since the colors are so simple in the outfit, add some color through your accessories. You can do something similar to this Fuchsia/Blue Mixtape Memories Necklace with a pair of large silver studs. Then do a bangle with some green or yellow in it to add some more color to the outfit and you're all set. 

Lastly....flat number 3. 

As you look to the left, you'll notice the Grey Perforated Loafers. Since these are so simple, you'll need to add some color and print to make your outfit stand out. 

For a casual look with the grey loafers, start out with this Royal/Blue Animal Mix Burnout Tee and layer a white camisole under it. Add some more color to the outfit and do this pair of Coral Vibrant Skinny Ankle Jeans. To accessorize this outfit you can just do a simple pair of pearl studs and a bangle like this Yellow Rose Print Bracelet. 

For a dressy look, you can start with this Salmon/Grey Geometric Shapes Romper. You don't have to anything else with this outfit since the romper has both print and color involved. Just do simple accessories like a pair of large gold hoop earrings and a bangle like this Gold Spiked Stretchy Bracelet. 

Well ladies we hope we gave you a few outfit ideas that you can see yourself trying out that will be fashionable while comfortable for those campus walks. :-) Stay tuned for another Back to School Essentials post. 

Special Post Saturday: Ladies with Curves!

For today's Special Post Saturday...it was requested that we do a post regarding fashionable looks that cater to the curvy women out there who aren't a "size 2"! There are quite a few celebrities out there who have curves that are really fly like Amber Riley from Glee....Look at her Essence photoshoot to the left..JEALOUS!!

and Jill Scott...I mean look at her album cover to the right....BADD!! ---->>

So with that being said, we're going to go ahead and get started and show you some items and break down how to get the looks we've been talking about in our Summer Series 2 (Summer prints and colors). Those 4 looks will be stripes, orange, animal print, and color-blocking. Also, we did a special post on blazers last Saturday so we'll show you how to achieve a cute blazer look as well!! Let's get started!

LOOK 1....Stripes for the summer...

     Okay start with this Colorful Stripes Top from Forever21. This is a great summer top because it is light-weight so you won't burn up outside and the colors are bright which screams summertime! For bottoms...you can do this pair of Denim Black Skinny Jeans also from Forever21. For shoes you can do a pair of casual sandals like these Black Multi-Strap Sandals or dress the top up with this pair of Suede Covered Platform Pumps both from Charlotte Russe. For accessories do something like this pair of Silver Textured Hoop Earrings and a bangle like this Silver/Gold Textured Pyramid Bracelet and this Lime/Blue Peacock Bracelet and you are all set!!

Moving right along to Look 2...the color orange for the summer..

     

     The color orange is always a great summer color because it is so bright which typically summer wardrobe colors are. Let's start with this Neon Orange Bright Basic Tee. This is a really versatile meaning it can be dressed up and down with ease and we'll tell you how. 

     To dress the tee casually...keep it simple with this pair of  Indigo Denim Bermuda Shorts. For shoes, just do a pair of flat sandals like these Tan Braided T-Strap Sandals or this pair of Brown Floral Flats. Accessorize the outfit with a simple pair of gold stud earrings and something like this Gold Trumpet Charm Necklace.

     To dress the tee up...try this Charcoal/White Polka Dot Bodycon Skirt. For shoes try this pair of Purple Suede Covered Platform Pumps and accessorize the rest of the outfit with a pair of gold hoop earrings and a bangle set like these Geo Pop Bangles!

Okay LOOK 3...Animal Print for the summer!!

    Okay...before we jump into this tip...can we ALL just look to the left and say... "Allllrigghhttttt.. WORK!" Lol...No but really...when we say she is SELLING the clothes...she is SELLING them!!

     Okay so we know this is a dressy look...so let's just start with that first. This Foil Leopard Dress will look great paired with a pair of Bright Orange Platform Pumps. If you get cold then just throw on a black blazer and cuff the sleeves. As far as accessories go..just do a pair of gold studs since the dress is already an eye-catching material and do a simple bangle like this Gold/Light Brown Geo Pattern Bangle. 

     Okay for a more casual look with animal print. You can start with this pair of Camel/Brown Leopard Print Skinnies. For a top can do a plain nude tee or you can do this Scoop Neck Cami in the nude color and layer this Navy/Red Varsity Boyfriend Cardigan. For shoes and accessories just do a black sandal or flat and a pair of large gold hoops.

Lastly...Look 4...Colorblock for the summer. 

     

     Color-blocking your outfits is really in this summer and is always a cute look for the summer because the mix of bright summer colors. 

     To get a casual colorblock look, look to the right..you can do that pair of Rust Colored Cuffed Skinny Pants. For a top you can do this V-Neck Cotton Tee in the teal color color. Now for shoes and accessories..try this pair of Cream Canvas Wingtips, a pair of gold hoops, and Yellow Rose Print Bangle to pop against the teal and the rust colors. 

     To get a dressy colorblock look for the summer...start with this Red Solid Bandage Skirt and pair it with this Solid Scoop Neck Cami in the JADE color. This definitely pops against the red skirt. Now instead of throw a cardigan or blazer on top of the cami...try this Destroyed Denim Jacket in the DARK DENIM color. For shoes, try a pair of these Platform Pumps in the NUDE color. As far as accessories go.. just do a pair of large gold hoops and a plain yellow bangle to add another pop of color. 

Like we stated before...we did a special post on Blazers for the ladies last Saturday and we're going to show you a blazer below you can dress up or down and tell you how. 

     Okay so to dress this Heather Grey/Black Striped Blazer casually...you can start with this pair of Woven Skinny Pants in the Eggplant color and pair this White Patch Pocket Tank Top with them. For shoes you can do a pair of Black Perforated Leatherette Oxfords. To accessorize this outfit just do a simple pair of silver studs and maybe a necklace similar to this Silver Lighting Bolt Necklace. 

     To dress this blazer up pair this Solid Bandage Skirt in YELLOW with this Solid Scoop Neck Cami in the Magenta color. For shoes and accessories just to this pair of Suede Covered Platform Pumps and you can do the same silver studs and silver lightning bolt necklace!

Well ladies...we hope that we gave you some great outfit ideas for our Summer Series 2 looks that you can go out and buy!! Forever21 has a fashionable line that they call Faith21 that is for "plus-sized" women. That is where we got the clothing items from...Here is the link for that -----> Faith/ Forever21+

 Don't forget to leave any questions or comments you may have. 

Saturday Special Post: Blazers for the Ladies!!

Well judging from the title of today's post...it will be over blazers!! We will be showing you some you can wear in the office and then transform them. Plus, some you can wear for special events. So...sit back, get ready to take some notes, and then go out and buy, buy, buy!! 

Okay ladies...first we're going to start out with a couple of blazers you can wear in the office and then transform to wear casually or to a party!

Black Classic Career Blazer from Forever21 for $24.80

Okay....so it's 8am and you're getting dressed for the office, start with this Black Classic Career Blazer from Forever21 for $24.80. Then you can put on this Rust Flounce Front Chiffon Cami (to add some color) underneath and pair both with this pair of Grey Slacks with Black Pinstripes. For shoes, just do a pair of black pumps that are appropriate for the office! 

     5pm and you're finally off...you know you have plans with the girls but you don't know what to wear. Simple, keep the same blazer on, cuff the sleeves, and switch a few pieces! For instance you can simply put on a Basic Knit Cami in the orchid color and tuck it in this Black/Cream Abstract Animal Print Skirt. For shoes...do another pop of color and try these Green Faux-Suede Platform Pumps! As far as accessories go, try this pair of Gold/Cream Bohemian Drop Earrings and this Gold/Clear Shine and Glamour Bracelet and you're set! As far as wearing the blazer casually, you can keep the same orchid colored camisole and green pumps on, but put on these Fab Skinny Black Jeans. Lose the dressy accessories and just put a pair of large gold hoop earrings!

Cream Classic Career Blazer from Forever 21 for $24.80

   

     If you wanted to do another color besides the typical black blazer, try the same blazer in Cream. For another office look, put a brown camisole underneath and tuck it into this Charcoal Grey Textured Pencil Skirt. For shoes just do something simple like a pair of nude/cream office-appropriate pumps. 

     To transform this blazer into a night look, cuff the sleeves and throw on a Basic Knit Camisole in the mustard-orange color and tuck it into this Cheetah Mini Skirt. For shoes and accessories you can do something similar to this pair of Brown Ruffle Peep Toe Booties, a pair of large gold hoops, and this Brown/Gold Tribal Bangle Set. 

     As far as wearing this blazer casually, keep the sleeves rolled and do a charcoal grey camisole instead of the mustard one. Then throw on a pair of jeans like these Coral Vibrant Skinny Ankle Jeans and do a pair of Black Perforated Leatherette Oxfords. For accessories, keep it simple and do something similar to these Black/Silver Basic Metal Hoops.

Moving along to blazers you can wear to an event...

Coral Longline Blazer from Forever21 for $28.90

     Seen to the left is a Coral Longline Open Blazer from Forever21 for $28.90. If you wanted to casually wear this blazer to an event like Show-N-Tell (Boomer Sooner), try this pair of Denim Washed Ripped Straight Leg Jeans or do another pop of bright color and do these Purple Vibrant Skinny Ankle Jeans. Whichever pants you choose they both can be paired with a White Basic Tank and this pair of Brown/Black Herringbone & Leatherette Oxfords (LOVE THESE SHOES). For accessories, just do a simple pair of hoops like these Gold Large Hoop Earrings. 

     Now..if you had a party to go to...let's say...PHresh Start 3.0 (Shoutout to OU AlphaZZ) ...keep on the same blazer and put on this Black Fitted Matelasse Dress or if you wanted to do a skirt look try something similar to this Royal Puckered Stripes Skirt with a black camisole. For shoes...you can do this pair of Faux-Suede Leopard Print Platform Pumps (keeping the animal print theme in mind). Accessories wise, do the same of large gold hoops and a bangle like this Black/Gold Basketweave Bracelet. 

Navy Linen-Blend Blazer from Forever21 for $27.80

     Okay...to wear this Navy Linen-Blend Blazer casually cuff the sleeves even though they are scrunched and do a pair of these Fab Grey Signature Skinnies. For a top to layer underneath the blazer, try a screen tee/tank like this Red/White Graphic Tank. Then for shoes you can wear a pair of flats like these Suedette Leopard Print Flats or a pair of sandals like these Tan Leatherette Cut-Out Sandals. Accessorize the outfit with a pair of large silver hoops and a ring like this Silver Curved Rhinestone Knuckle Ring. 

     To dress this blazer up...try something like this Cocoa Fitted Matelasse Dress underneath. Then for shoes you can do that pair of Leopard Print Platform Pumps that were listed above. To accessorize the outfit do something like a pair of large silver hoops and this Silver/Gold Textured Pyramid Bracelet and you're set! 

Well ladies....we hope that we gave you a few ideas on how to dress a blazer for the office, casually, and dressy. If you have any questions or comments...feel free to leave some!!! :-) #Shoutout to our blog supporter/follower Brittany for requesting this post!