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!

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.

039

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.

Travel: Bare Necessities

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

When I tell people I travel for work they always say, “You’re so lucky!” Having a job that required travel was always a dream of mine, so when I heard that my current position would mean traveling several times a year I was ecstatic. Since working at this company I have traveled to Vegas, New York, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, and next month New Orleans. While I have loved getting to experience new cities and states, I have to say there are certain elements of traveling for work that can ware on you.

Airport security is one element of travel that deflates my excitement bubble. The long lines, the need to remove practically everything you’re wearing, the pat downs in private places. Then there is the boarding process. I always have to remember to check in as soon as possible to ensure that my bag gets on the plane. One lost bag is all it takes to make you never want to check your luggage again.

Since travel is such a big part of my life, taking trips on the weekends in addition to my continuous work trips, I have learned to pack lightly. I titled this blog “Bare Necessities”, because I have learned to only pack only the things I absolutely need, things that have multiple uses, and items that meet airport regulations. It’s much easier to lift that big, and fit it in the overhead compartment of the plane if it’s light. Traveling light can be hard for women, what with all of our shoe options, but it’s a necessity when you travel frequently.

I have mastered the art of packing light, and made traveling much more convenient. When I pack for a trip I consider how many days I will be there, how much time I will be spending on my feet, and weather conditions. It’s a lot easier to pack light during the warmer months. Here is a list of my travel bare necessities:

Conditioner

While I can make use of hotel shampoo, my hair is too dry for hotel conditioner. My strands need moisture and protection, so I always pack a travel size conditioner. You can find travel sized conditioner at your local pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens. Many super markets also sell travel sized options. My favorite travel conditioner right now is Nexxus Humectress. This conditioner makes even my dry and brittle hair soft. You can purchase it here for $4.99.

Flats

I have made the mistake of packing heels to conferences. I will take what is normally an incredibly comfortable pair of heels, knowing that I can last hours in them. Hours yes, days no. By the middle of the second day of a conference I am always wishing I had packed flats. Note that not all flats are more comfortable than heels. The wrong flat can be just as painful as your highest heel. It’s important to look for support in a flat, and to make sure it’s not fitting you tightly or rubbing against the skin of your feet. The last thing you need is a blister during a conference. My favorite pair of flats where actually purchased during a conference when I could stand my high heels no longer. I bought them for $99, but they are now on sale at Guess for $69. View them here.

Comfortable Work Dress

I like a pencil skirt just as much as the next girl, but packing all of those layers can take up space. Every conference going woman should have at least one conference dress. Sticking to basic colors will help you vary the look, and it won’t stand out enough to be remembered. If you like to stand out like me, pick a dress that can go from the office to dinner. Adding a blazer to a dress during the day can provide the professional look you’re looking for, while adding accessories and cute heels at night will dress up the look. Comfort is important as well. You should be able to travel in this dress, eat in the dress, and wear it for hours. There are plenty of places to purchase this type of dress, so it will depend on your personal style. Stores where you can find professional work attire include Ann Taylor where I found the dress pictured. You can get it here for $88.

Undergarments

We often pay more attention to what we wear on the outside than on what’s underneath, but this could be a big mistake. Wearing the wrong bra can either create too much cleavage or create a painful situation. A bra that’s too tight can create creases and indentations. The same is true for the wrong pair of stockings. Have an outfit that shows off every little imperfection? Don’t forget to pack shape wear. Dress liners, tummy hiders, and other shape wear can help you feel confident in any outfit. You never know when you’ll experience bloating or the after effects of a heavy meal. I always pack my Hanes Shapewear just in case. You can find them at Target between $15 and $30.

Before you pack for your next trip think about what items you really need. Pick items you can mix and match, items that you can wear day and night, and don’t pack too many pairs of high heels ladies!

Modern Twists

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I have often felt like I was born in the wrong era. I love everything about the fashion of the 1950s. Women in beautiful dresses, hair and make-up so perfect. Whether it was to have lunch with your friends, or enjoy a romantic night out, women like my grandmother looked so eligant. What I love most about the dresses of the 1950s is the way they cinched at the waist, and then flowed outward. The design is perfect for someone with a pear shape.

This H & M dress at just $40 is very similar in cut and design to dresses from that era. It accentuates your tiny waste, and is forgiving in the hip area. The bright pink color gives the dress a modern touch, and will make you stand out in any crowd. It worked out great for my trip to Disneyland with my best friend.

Dress Ideas: Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

There’s no better way to spark up an evening of romance than with the right dress. In order to send your date the right signals, you’ll need the perfect outfit. Body language, conversation, demeanor they all contribute to the success of the date, but nothing communicated your feelings better than what you’re wearing. Men are visual creatures, so wear something he’ll remember you for. Not concerned with impressing him? Dress up for yourself! Picking the right ensemble will give you confidence, treat yourself to an evening of feeling great about yourself and the way you look. Going out with your girls? There’s no reason why you can’t dress in the holiday spirit, even if you are single! Here are some of my favorite romantic dresses, and where you can find them.