Fashionably Charming At The Office

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Meshell McKinley

A girl’s got to look professional at the office, but that doesn’t mean she can’t also look stylish or even cute. While work can be stressful, fashion is fun. The right outfit can give you a reason to get excited about heading to the office. Whether you call them button ups or collared shirts, I fell in love with them this season.

Express came out with a wide variety of prints, just enough to empty my bank account. My favorite of the large batch of shirts I purchased, is this white and black one. I paired it with a bell shaped skirt I also purchased at Express, and shoes from Aldo.

Looking to purchase a similar look? Sign up to receive offers from Express.com. They’re always sending great offers like 60% off site and store-wide. You can also sign up for their membership program, Express Next, which allows you to earn points redeemable for coupons worth up to $25 off a single purchase.

How do you like to dress for the office?

Halloween: Create Your Own Look

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I love Halloween, because it gives me a reason to be creative. Sure you can buy a costume in a bag at any local Halloween shop, but the results are always the same. A baggy, ill-fitting, too short costume is not the way to go. After a few disastrous Halloweens during my early 20s I decided to start adding my own personal touch to costumes. If you can’t sew like me, you can create an easy costume using items in your closet. With the right dress all you really need are some Halloween accessories, which won’t cost you much at all. In need of costume accessories? I found mine here.

Each year I put together two costumes, a different costume for each of the nights I go out. This year the theme was good vs. evil. For my first look, I decided on the evil queen. I drew my inspiration from the hit TV series Once Upon a Time. In the show Regina plays an evil queen with killer style. With each episode I watched I grew ever more jealous that I couldn’t wear her outfits in my day to day life, but on Halloween we can be as glamorous and sexy as we want to be.

To recreate Regina’s look I went for a black laced halter corset found here. Next, I searched for a skirt that would be fun and sexy, but still fit in with the theme. I knew I could do better than a typical tutu, and found this high-low fairy tale skirt in black online here. The crown would be the most important part of the costume, without it people would have trouble figuring out what I was supposed to be. I found this amazing crown at Amazon.com here. The crown is definitely my favorite part of this costume. Wish I could wear it every day lol!

Every little girl dreams of being a Disney Princess. Cinderella was one of my favorite movies as a little girl, and still is to this day, so for my second look I chose to recreate Cinderella’s iconic look. My boyfriend had purchased the crown for me from Disneyland several months back, and Halloween gave me an opportunity to wear it out in public without seeming like a lunatic. To recreate the rest of the look I started with this white corset from Frederick’s of Hollywood. Although Cinderella’s dress is often depicted as blue, it always looked white, and glittery to me. The shine in this corset was perfect. I paired it with a white maxi skirt I had in my closet purchased at Foreign Exchange for less than $40. To complete the look I’ll be wearing full length white gloves, and a black choker similar to the one found here.

No matter what your fairy tale dreams are you can make them come true on Halloween. You don’t have to look unshapely in a costume from a bag just because you can’t sew. Putting together a costume isn’t as hard as you might think, and the results are always better.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Halloween!

-Meeshme

Bye Bye Summer?

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

The media is saying good bye to summer with tons of articles, blogs, and TV specials, but I say hold on! It’s still over 85 degrees in many parts of the US. It’s 88 degrees here in Glendale, and 85 by the beaches. In fact we typically don’t see a cool down in Los Angeles until closer to Halloween. Meanwhile department and online stores have cleared out mini skirts and tank tops to make room for wool sweaters and jeans.

Dear Department Store,

We can’t wear wool in California. Just stop it!

While finding summer clothing in September can prove to be challenging, the good news is that many summer items are already on sale. If you’re in need of items to stay cool in, visit the sale section of your favorite online retailer. It’s also a great time to buy a swim suit for the rest of this season, or for next season. Can’t find what you’re looking for online? Visit the nearest outlet mall. Many stores send last season’s items off to the outlet locations, and mark them down sometimes up to 70%.

Don’t know where to start? These online retailers are offering great deals on summer fashions now:

Express: 40% off Clearance

J Crew: Extra 25% off Sale Items

Victoria’s Secret: Swim Suit Sale & Clearance Items

Forever 21: Tons of trendy styles on sale now

Zumiez: 60% off Labor Day Sale

LuLu’s: Plenty of summer dresses under $30

You can save on more than just clothing in September. There is still plenty of time to have that summer BBQ you never got around to throwing. Target and Walmart are both offering great deals on patio furniture, and plastic dishware, everything you need to have a great outdoor party with friends.

Target: Up to 50% off Patio Clearance Items

Walmart: Patio Clearance

Don’t be fooled by the media. There is still plenty of time to enjoy your backyard, take a dip in the pool, and rock a mini dress. Take advantage of these great deals, and enjoy the heat while you can.

Black Tie

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I love a good black tie event, it means that I can dress up in formal attire. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many black tie events these days.

While online shopping at Lulus.com I got inspired by this cute black bow tie top. I love a good bodysuit, so I knew I had to have it. Body suits stays in place, unlike when attempting to tuck a regular top into your skirt or pants. It also smooths out your look, no special shapewear or undies needed. The fabric is pretty stretchy, so when ordering keep that in mind. It’s a comfortable top, and the fit is great.

I wore my bow tie bodysuit for the first time this weekend in Vegas. I paired it with the faux leather fit and flare Express skirt featured on my blog here. You can purchase this sweet heart neckline, bow bodysuit at Lulus.com for just $37 plus shipping. To view this top on their website or to order a top of your very own visit the site here.

Summer:Fashion Finds Lately

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Looking at my wardrobe last week, I realized I’m lacking some bright summer colors. With another trip to Palm Springs in my immediate future, I knew I needed to seek out some fun and flirty summer dresses. Check out my summer fashion finds from Lulus.com below.

Each of these dresses is comfortable and flowy, perfect for the hot summer months. What’s even better about each of these lovely dresses is that you can get them from Lulus.com for $50 or less. Spend $100 and get free shipping as well! Click on the images below to be redirected to the item’s details page. Happy shopping!

Friendship: My Best Friend’s Wedding

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

One of my best friends Vladimir Paniouchkine got married this past weekend in a beautiful ceremony to his girl friend of six years Victoria Sutherlen. Whenever a close friend or family member gets married it stirs up emotions, and makes you think about your relationship with that person. I was no exception to that.

Vlad and I met way back in 2002 at Glendale High School. I was the chubby girl back then, and he was the big football star. Vlad never cared about being popular or about high school politics. He was a good student, and great athlete, but didn’t care which click he was a part of or who he hung out with at lunch. I on the other hand spent a lot of time caring what others thought, planning big parties, and being everyone’s biggest cheerleader.

We met for the first time in my Biology classroom. He stayed late to talk with my teacher, and I came in to ask her a few questions. He followed my friend and I out to the quad afterwards. I thought to myself, “What a random guy.” We were close friends for two years, until he graduated and went off to college. We lost touch, when his new girl friend sent me an IM calling me a few choice words and asking me never to message him again, but in the summer of 2006 we reconnected.

It’s difficult to keep guy friends. When I was in high school I had two best female friends, the rest were guys. Growing up spending a lot of time with my dad, I played sports, watched sports, camped, and enjoyed the outdoors. Basically, I knew how to speak guy. When I graduated, and lost a lot of weight, a lot of my friendships with men changed. Boys grow up, and get girl friends, and those girl friends don’t always want another girl hanging around their man. I’m not the type to stir up drama, so I gave them space and made new friends.

But when it came to Vlad nothing changed. We always remained friends, and always made time for one another. We were supportive of each other, and never jealous. When we hung out it was always fun. When he found Victoria I was happy for him. When he announced they were getting engaged over dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, I was excited. When I heard the proposal story, I was proud, and when I saw him kiss the bride I was emotional.

When a friend gets married you think, “I wonder if things will change,” but if your good enough friends they won’t. If you respect their relationship, things won’t change. If their successes are yours, you’ll always be a part of them. If their happiness is yours, you’ll always be happy for them. Vlad and I will always be friends, and I’m thankful for that.

Dress Me: Fit and Flare

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

When you go shopping for something new what factors do you consider? While some look for specific colors or tones, others look for items on trend or for embellishments. However, one thing we all look for is an item that makes us look thin. Whether it’s the right pair of jeans, the right dress, or the right underwear we want to look good in what we wear.

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The best way to look good in clothing is to shop for your size and body shape. There are styles that fit your body type best, highlighting your best features while concealing problem areas. Through years of trial and error I have realized that I can’t go wrong with a good fit and flare dress or skirt. An item with a “fit and flare” cut fits tightly at the waist and flares at the thighs.

Many women have trouble losing weight in their thighs. Targeting your inner thighs is difficult, and training can take time. While you work to get yourself in shape, a good fit and flare skirt or dress can accent your small waste while concealing your problem area. Express.com has several fit and flare skirts and dresses to choose from. Find them here. Lulus.com also provides fit and flare styles in many colors. Shop for them here.

My fit and flare fav right now comes from Victoria’s Secret. Find this dress, and similar styles here.

Featured Look: Cutouts

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I have to admit, I love a good cut out. It’s important to feel sexy, and confident in your sexuality. You don’t have to show a lot of skin to be sexy, and that’s what I love about cut outs. Showing just a peek of skin in an otherwise classy outfit, let’s people know you’re not all business.

I found this cut out dress at Foreign Exchange. The high neckline and knee length hemline allow the wearer to get away with the cutout that runs along the back of the dress. I like the flowy skirt of this dress, which also makes it a dress for any body type. The top half of the back of this dress features buttons for an extra detail. The emerald green color of the dress also makes it fun and flirty.

My headband was purchased at Juicy Couture. Sometimes my hair just doesn’t want to cooperate. A good headband can save a bad hair day.

Don’t be intimidated or afraid of a cutout dress, especially with summer approaching. They are hot, trendy, and worn the right way, sexy.

Dress Me: Basic Black

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

As much as I love color and prints in fashion, not everyone can pull off wearing them. On the other hand, anyone can pull of black and look amazing in it. Countless fashion sites and stylists insist that every girl needs a “little black dress,” but I don’t believe you should stop there.

On days where you’re not feeling as confident, black pieces can cover up and conceal any insecurities; meanwhile, highlighting your best features. Here are some great staple black pieces that you can wear to work, for cocktails, or on date night:

: Nastygal.com

: Express.com

: Express.com Faux Leather Skirt

: Sears-Kardashian Leggings

: Express.com Lace Fit and Flare

Crop tops have been in for a while now. I love wearing high waisted skirts, so a crop top is perfect. This criss crossed crop top from Nastygal.com works perfectly with a maxi skirt or any high waisted skirt in your wardrobe. Believe it or not, lace is actually very flattering. This long sleeved lace shirt from Express hides imperfections, and creates a romantic look without much work at all. Next, I have found that fit and flare is the most flattering for my body type. If you have thicker thighs, fit and flare can highlight your waist while concealing your thighs. I love the faux leather and lace fit and flare skirts from Express. A good pair of leggings are a necessity, but a good pair can be hard to find. I was shocked to find that the Kardashian line of leggings worked best for me. They do know how to dress a curvy girl.

These images should work to inspire your next shopping trip. Try some new black pieces, but mix them with color or accent pieces that pop. If you carry most your weight on the lower half of your body, try one of these black skirts or leggings. If you are heavier on top, a cute black top can conceal arms or tummy bulge.

My top can be found at Foreign Exchange, and the skirt is the fit and flare faux leather legging found at Express.com.

Fashion Finds Lately

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Shopping brings me so much happiness, wait is that healthy? When you lose weight there’s no better way to celebrate then by buying a new outfit in a smaller size. A wedding, birthday, or first date are just a few events that excuse a trip to the mall. This month I’ve picked up a few more fashion favorites.

This month I was feeling the black and white look. Buying basics means that you have endless opportunities for mixing and matching using your current wardrobe. With that said, here are my fashion finds for April:

MeeshMe

Category Archives: Dress Me