5 Reasons to stop wearing bummy clothes around the house

cute + comfy //wearing basics, gold accessories, stylish flats and statement handbag

It's the weekend, and you've made plans to chill out at home, catching up on your favorite shows or browsing through fashion magazines.  Maybe you'll even get some decluttering in or knock a few other chores off your list.  Staying in typically means throwing on a pair of comfy loose fitting pants and a t-shirt.  The only people you'll probably come in contact with are those who don't care how you look.  No problem, right?

I'm here to make the case for why you should give up the habit of wearing unattractive house clothes, even if you have no where to go.  Let me first start off by saying that I've violated this rule ever since I began working from home full time.  And I've suffered major consequences because of it.  At first, I thought it was cool not to have to get up and get ready for work. But, as time passed, I realized that not doing so was not beneficial.  Learn from my mistakes so you don't fall into the trap of looking like a house-bum.

Reason #1: Undetected Weight Gain.
There a  couple indicators of weight gain.  The first is what your bathroom scale tells you.  But, if you've decided not to weigh yourself on a regular basis (like I have), you have to rely on other signs, like how your clothes feel.  Typically, the clothes you change into when you're at home are much more casual and loose fitting.  This allows you to gain a little here and there without causing much alarm.  I didn't really realize the couple of pounds I put on until, I started working in my "normal clothes."  And, the more weight you put on, the more you are likely to reach for loose fitting clothes.  Then the vicious cycle begins.   Wearing my nicer close raises the level of awareness of my body.  Comfy house clothes are designed to feel effortless and undetected.  This could work against you if you spend a lot of time at home.

Reason #2:  You slowly turn into a home body.
When you automatically change into house clothes, you send yourself a signal that you're gonna be home for the day (or weekend).  Your mind goes into "sleep mode."  It's the complete opposite when you dress up.  Especially if you go all out and apply minimal make up and wear your favorite scent.  After you're done with your household stuff, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and think to yourself "I'm looking good, maybe I go visit friends, or attend an event."

Reason #3: You're less likely to dress up when you leave the house.
Once I got comfortable wearing house clothes as a daily affair, I'd put very little effort to put myself together whenever I left the house.  Sure I'd dress up if I had somewhere special to go, but if I was making a quick trip to the store, I made little additional effort to look presentable (thank God, I didn't run into anyone from the past).  But, on the other hand, if I invested a few extra minutes, each morning, to execute my signature casual look, I found myself doing even more before leaving the house.  By then, I really looked like I had put in more effort than I actually did.  The absolute best way to practice looking your best on a daily basis is to look presentable even when you're at home.

Reason #4:  You walk around the house feeling uninspired.
Your life consists of (a) the time you spend at work (b) the time you spend at home (c) the time doing outside activities.  You're probably the most productive while you're at work.  The time at home, is likely on the other end of the productivity scale.  You might be thinking that your time at home should be for decompressing and not necessarily for productivity.  But I'd like to challenge your thinking for a minute.  If there are aspects of your life that you want to alter, the only time you can really affect this is when you're at home.  Work time is already accounted for by your employer. So if want to change your life, you've got to use your personal time to do that.  But if you're in "lounge mode" whenever you're at home, you aren't using the time to create your new future.

If you dress well, even while at home, you raise your level of awareness about all the additional time you have available to you.  If you're at home dressed, with freshly painted nails, while wearing your favorite scent, you might think to yourself "let me check out ideas to launch my business" instead of "I wonder what reality shows are on."

Reason #5. Dressing well alters your life.
I have a theory that people who present their best selves (physically) actually have different experiences from others who don't.  I think human beings are drawn to attractive people.  Attractive doesn't just mean being born with the perfect features.  I define attractive as (a)someone who invests time in their personal appearance and (2) someone with a charismatic personality.  People respond to others who present themselves as "attractive."  I've experienced this myself. When I nurture my appearance, strangers are more friendly and attentive. Opportunities seem to present themselves to me.

You've had this experience too.  If not, I urge you to test this theory for yourself.  Imagine what happens when you multiply those small benefits day after day.  Our lives are comprised of what happens to us every day.  Why not experience a life of feeling good about how you look, day in and day out.  Walking around in full confidence and positive anticipation of what's ahead absolutely has an effect on how you lead your day.

When I talk about looking presentable, even at home, I don't necessarily mean that you have to wear formal clothes on your days off.  It's up to you decide what works best for you.  Just try to avoid defaulting to t-shirts and sweats.   Start with the basics like wearing minimal makeup, a light fragrance an your favorite accessories.  From there, you'll find it easy to elevate your personal appearance, even if you have no where to go.

Shop the Look | Fitted Cargos.

After sharing the "what to wear this weekend post," I received a couple of comments from some of you who are also on the hunt for a pair of olive green fitted cargo pants.  I took the opportunity to do a little searching for affordable options to share with you.  I hope you find the perfect pair.

Gap Factory Cargo  Pants:  ($39. 99) 

Forever 21 Woven Cargo Joggers ($24.90)

Almost Famous Womens Twill Women's Jogger ($24.99)

Moda Express Woven Cargo Joggers- Dark Grey ($27.00)

Misguided Silky Cargo Joggers-$36.00

Style Inspo | What to wear (or buy) this weekend

Happy Friday! Today's roundup features simple pieces that make for perfect weekend wear.

Want to create a sleek, simple silhouette, then go for the bodysuit.  They look great with a pair of slightly loose fitting jeans or shorts.  It screams effortless and put together at the same time.  I'm glad the bodysuit has made a comeback.

Rarely do you see a woman walking around with a clutch bag.  But a clutch is such a statement piece. It requires to you pay attention, to hold it a certain way, and to be more aware of who you are. Wearing a clutch during the day is impractical which is why no one does it.  Which is why you should grab your clutch this weekend and be that one woman who dares.

Cargo pants typically have a masculine silhouette. But when you add feminine touches like the cropping the length, a curve flattering fit,  and nude heels, you have an amazingly stylish (and sexy) pant.

If I could own as many denim skirts as I do jeans, I'd be a happy girl.  I've got a couple in my closet, but I'm still on the hunt for the perfect skirt. The one that fits just as flawlessly on the waist as they do the hips.  The one that's just the right length and makes you look absolutely effortless.

Style Obsession | The Kimono

June is coming to an end and soon we'll be in the throws of summer.  Although I love warmer weather, I always seem to have an issue with attire.  It gets crazy hot/humid here which means that it's not uncommon to find young ladies wearing low cut tops and super skimpy shorts.  That's never been my thing 'cause I never felt comfortable wearing shorts in public (weird, I know).  I just don't want to attract any unwanted attention so I choose to cover up as much as possible.

But I think I've found the answer to how to look stylish and modest while wearing cute shorts and camis.  Ladies, I present to you, the kimono.

Charlotte Russe Kimono size S 

First, they make for amazing beach cover ups on your summer getaway.  A lightweight, stylish cover up is what will set you apart from other beach babes.  Even when you're not laying by crystal clear waters, the kimono is versatile enough to be worn pretty much anywhere.

What I love about cooler weather is how easy it is to amp up your look by simply throwing on a leather jacket or whatever cute jacket you have in your closet.  In the summer, things get a little more complicated, especially when you're trying to stay as cool as possible.  That why I adore this as a viable option.  Notice how it transformed my basic cotton dress into something special.

The best thing about these kimonos is how it feels like you barely have anything on. If fact, they generate a cool breeze as you move.  Flowy kimonos make you feel all glamourous like you've got your own personal wind machine.  Oh and I love this full length to add a little bit of coverage when I'm wearing more revealing attire.  I definitely have plans to pick up a couple more. One that stops around mid thigh and maybe another full length.  I'm deciding between this one from Nasty Gal or this one from ASOS.

Style Obession | Dressed in Denim

If I could fill my entire closet with only one type of outfit, it would be the denim dress.  I've owned nearly a dozen denim dresses over my life. Each one unique and special in their own perfect way.  A dress made of denim gives you the same casual, comfortable feel as your favorite pair of jeans but with a feminine feel.  Jeans are fun, but essentially, they're just a pair of pants.

The denim dress however, can quickly go from ultra casual loungewear to a fabulous, night out dress.  Just as Rihanna who recently attended an event wearing a tailored dark denim a-line dress. Notice how easily the dress accentuates her crimson nails and printed chain bag.  If you love to showcase colorful accessories, the denim dress provides the perfect backdrop.

I've already picked up a couple of denim dresses to wear during this summer. Now, I'm inspired to grab a dark denim structured dress thanks to Rihanna.  Dark denim is perfect because it pairs well with gold or silver jewelry.  I think the best think about a dress made of denim is that it's pretty timeless.  Heck, I was wearing a jean dress when I met my husband 10 years ago.  A dress that can be worn for over a decade is a fashion staple that everyone should have one their closet.

How to look amazing every day without fail.

After doing a little reflecting on past practices that have worked really well, I realized that I've neglected one ritual that transformed my life.  It was early on in my career and, in an effort to get noticed for future promotions, I wanted to put into practice one piece of advice that I heard repeated many times in career success books---"dress the part!"  At the time, I wasn't earning much so I had to use a different method.  I set aside a little time on Sundays to put together various looks for the week ahead.

Making outfit choice selections on a laid back Sunday afternoon is nothing like the experience of having to throw something together just minutes before you have to flee to work.  Without the immediate sense of urgency, your level of creativity heightens.  Suddenly you are able to see new combinations that weren't nearly as obvious before.  It's like shopping at a small boutique, except everything in the "store" already fits.  On Sunday nights, there's enough time to try on outfits that you haven't worn in a while. The goal is to have an entire week of outfits (head to toe) prepared before the session is over (accessories and all).  Put on some groovy music, and play with the infinite number of combinations based on what you currently own.  I got in the grove, I was like "what if I wore this jacket with these jeans?" or "what if I pair this skirt with these heels?" Ideas just flow out of me.  And this was years ago, way before inspiration boards and fashion blogs.  If you are overwhelmed with the process, you have an infinite amount of sources to turn to for inspiration.

The result.  First of all, I felt really prepared heading in to the new week.  I freed up quite a bit of time and mental energy in having to decide what you need to wear the morning of.  There's no more wondering "did I just wear this last week?"  Or finding a cute top but realizing (too late) that the perfect pair of slacks are buried deep in the laundry basket.  It also gets rid of that "I have nothing to wear feeling" which is just another way of expressing overwhelm.

Beyond the mental benefits, it also allowed me additional time, before work, to squeeze in a pre-work activities (like building the blog, meditating or enjoying a brief yoga session). Since I didn't have to worry about deciding what to wear, I could dedicate a little more time to makeup application and other beauty rituals.   A little bit of extra time each morning will compound in a powerful way, when put to good use and can change the course of your life.

The last benefit took me by surprise.  Suddenly, I was injected with a boost of confidence because.  I'd put a little time and effort in what I wore.  My mood was great.  Others noticed and reacted to me differently.  Then one day, the woman who held the highest position at the company stopped by my desk to say hello.  We engaged in polite conversation and suddenly, out of no where, she says "you dress so nice."  Mind you, she was earning over six figures a year in base salary and I was still earning a small hourly wage.  We'd worked together for a while and she never once made a comment on my clothing.  But, when I invested time & effort in my garments, everyone took note.

And yeah, I did receive promotions. Eventually, I landed a job at a company that required us to wear branded uniforms.  Getting dressed in the morning consisted of deciding what color polo shirt I felt like wearing that day.  Years passed and wearing the same thing everyday eventually made me lazy.  I realize how invaluable this outfit planning process was and I'm determined to bring it back into play.  First on the agenda, is to procure one of these neat little closet racks on wheels.   This way I can easily separate my outfits for the week ahead.   I don't want the mobile closet to become a place of clutter, just a means to remind myself of my commitment to always appear presentable.  Going through your closet on a regular basis creates the perfect opportunity for you to decide which clothing items compliment you best and which ones need to be thrown away or donated.

Even though I may be working from home everyday next week, one thing I know for sure is that I'll look and feel great.  Best of all, it'll be an easy process that leaves me with zero excuses.  I urge everyone reading this to try this tonight and see what impact if makes for you in the week ahead.

What to wear when you have nowhere to go.

Spending a lot of time at home typically means throwing on the most comfortable thing I own.  And doing the absolute minimum required to get ready for the day.  Time flies and, before you know it, you've spent the entire day in a tank top and the most unflattering pair of shorts you own.

I'm falling into that trap of looking like a totally different person when I'm at home versus when I'm out in public.  Getting out of that habit of "looking bummy" around the house has now become a top priority. It's one thing pray that you don't run into someone you know when you look less than presentable at the grocery store, but I knew things had gone too far when I dreaded opening the front door for the delivery guy because I looked a mess.

 From past experience, I know that if present my best self (even at home), I'm motivated to transform my environment.  Suddenly I want to buy fresh flowers every week, I light luxurious candles to fill the room with alluring scents and I feel a sense of abundance in all I have.

I've made a few new simple rules to follow. The goal is not to invest too much time upfront otherwise, I'll default to not doing anything at all. Just a few small changes to make a big impact on my current routine.

Even if I refuse to give up wearing tank tops, I can certainly chose to adorn my body with simple, striking jewelry.  I have loads of it, and you probably do to.  The problem is that I only put them on if I'm leaving the house. We buy these pieces because they speak to our personality, they flatter us and we think they're beautiful.  Why not enjoy them in the comfort of our own homes?  By just lipping on my rings a cute bracelet, and my favorite earrings, everything changes.  Suddenly, I feel "made up."  But in an easy and effortless way.

What lifts your mood faster than flooding your sense with your most loved fragrance?  Between all the samples I've received and the department store impulse purchases, I have enough fragrance to least me for years.  But do I wear them?  Not unless I'm going out to dinner or somewhere I deem as "special."

The new me will indulge in a daily fragrance application ritual taught to me by a worldly woman with a charming English accent.  I'll also break the habit of classifying my perfume as for "everyday" or for "special nights out."   I mean, if Marilyn Monroe can wear Chanel NO. 5 to bed, why can't I?

The other day hubby and I were doing this "how well do you know your partner" quiz?  One of the questions prompted me to ask him which of my body was his favorite.  His response took me by complete surprise.  "Your lips."

In all honesty, I do absolutely nothing to care for my lips.  And when I say nothing, I mean it.  Suddenly the level of neglect I have for my lips became excruciatingly clear.  I can only imagine how many extra kisses I'd get in return for making sure my lips were always moist, exfoliated and well cared for.  First priority is to ensure I drink enough water to provide natural moisture from the inside out.  Once that's taken care of, I'm making sure to include lips to my daily exfoliation routine.

Then I'll adorn my lips with one of my favorite glosses or lip pencils.  Even when I'm wearing a bare lip, I can always do a little something to make them even more attractive.

Not too long ago, I visited a local Marshall's store to pick up a pair of house sandals.  I knew that I wanted a simple pair of plain black thong sandals to wear around the house on a daily basis.  While there, I saw a pair from Tommy Hilfiger with straps of gold.  "These are different," I thought, I can wear them if I want to look cute and stylish when I go shopping."  So they stayed in my closet, tags and all.  Months went by and I forgot all about them.  Why? Because I continued to wear the same (comfort zone) black sandals that I've always worn.

Today, I'm wearing the golden-strapped sandals with no where to go.  They aren't that fancy, but I was stuck in this mindset that, when I'm at home, I have permission to completely let myself go. Golden strapped sandals were meant to be displayed outside of the home.  I now commit to fill my closet will comfy embellished sandals for lounging.  I'm sure that, as a side effect, I'll have more incentive to take even better care of my feet.

This is just a start.  Next I'll be seeking inspiration for comfy stylish outfit choices for those days when you're lounging spending time at home.  More posts, on this topic, to come.

Style Obsession | Off the Shoulder (+ how to)

...a hint of understated sensuality with minimal effort.

You know how everyone has their favorite and most flattering body part?  It could be your ultra toned legs, curvaceous back, or tiny waist.  Or, maybe you're going through that phase in life where you favorite parts aren't as show stopping as they used to be.  No worries, there's one part on everyone's body that is undeniably feminine yet rarely gets it's props.

I'm referring to the oh so subtle "off the shoulder." I've always stayed away from wearing this look because, to me, peek a boo shoulders were even more risque than a tiny skirt.  A woman with an exposed shoulder is confident in herself while appearing ultra casual and nonchalant.  She's not trying to be sexy.....she just is.

In my dresser lies a heap of old, unattractive t-shirts.  In their present form, they instantly rob me of any sex appeal or style.  But, if I were to get a little creative, those homely t-shirts can easily be transformed to stylish casual wear that I'd actually want to wear even in public.

Now, I know for some of us, walking around with shoulders exposed might feel a bit much. I'm one of those people who's always wearing a bra 24/7.  In order to partake in the shoulder revealing trend, I've amassed a small collection of bandeaus for added support without having to worry about cumbersome straps.  But, in all honestly, the "off the shoulder" can also be executed with a little peak-a-boo strap.  Just make sure it's not an actual bra strap.  Your other options are a bathing suit strap (for those hot summer days) or a super cute cami.

One of my weekend projects will be to transform several of my frumpy tees into flattering tops.  I'm looking forward to accessorizing my exposed neck and shoulders with dainty necklaces and finishing off with a flirty fragrance.

Style Obsession | Denim upon Denim.

By far, the favorite items in the closet are my denim.  I have jeans from years ago that I still rock even today.  I love my flared jeans, boot cut, skinny, shredded, all of it!  I am patiently awaiting for denim dresses to make a come back. But until then, I'll layer my denim to achieve that head to toe look.

Pairing a denim top with your favorite pair of jeans seems like a no brainer.  The option are limitless. You can opt to match the shades of denim or you can go for contrast.  We typically consider jeans to be the ultimate in dressing down but when you pair your denim with nude heels and a statement bag, all of that dressing down stuff goes out the window.

To me, double denim is the perfect outfit that allows your accessories to shine.  On it's own, a pair of jeans is a pair of jeans. But when paired with a denim top, suddenly you've got a striking and stylish look.  The double denim outfit transitions from casual to night time chic simply by tucking in the top and opting for a more overstated handbag.  Everyone  reading this who haven't experimented with double denim has some homework to do.

What JLO has taught us about dressing down and being fabulous

I'd like to be honest with you.  I've struggled a little with presenting the best version of myself to the world.  Working from home isn't helping this situation at all. So I devoted a little time to reflect on what could be the root cause of why I'm not putting the level of effort I'd like into dressing well. Finally,  I think I've had a breakthrough.

My theory is that I don't put much effort when I'm out and about because I don't put much effort in how I look when I'm lounging around the house.  Comfy lounge clothes are the norm for me and, if I'm headed to the store, or to run errands, I pretty much grab my handbag and go.  But what if I did a small series of rituals that allowed me to be both comfortable and presentable while I'm spending time at home? Then, if I had to quickly run out to complete a few tasks, I wouldn't have to invest much time in getting prepared.  Or, better yet, I could step out and still look pulled together.  Since I tend to wear a lot of basics around the house, I came to the conclusion one of the most effective actions I can do daily, is to accessorize well.  It's such a simple gesture that offers a great level of return.

Jennifer Lopez has executed this flawlessly as she heads out from ice cream.  A pair of jeans, a black top, and flip flops, comprise her entire outfit.  That's something not unlike what one would wear around the house.

But when you add a pair of diamond earrings, a chunky cuff bracelet and the perfect pair of shades, the entire look is pulled together flawlessly.  Honorable mention goes to her manicured nails and statement pinky ring.  To me, this is how one does "dressed down." And it doesn't hurt that her hair is in a neat top knot and her figure is enviable.  Another thing to note is how perfect skin serves a great purpose in mastering being fabulous while dressing down.  She does a great job of highlighting her skin by keeping the makeup ultra simple.  Great skin will make you look amazing no matter what you're wearing.  Don't forget to pamper your skin.

I'm now letting go of the idea that my accessories should only be worn when I'm going somewhere "special,"  Instead, I'll invest in simple pieces that I can enjoy even if I'm not stepping foot outside. The right accessory can make a simple tank top look sexy and polished.

necklace | necklace

Simple + perfectly styled accessories can have us looking our best no matter what we're wearing.  No more excuses.

There will be more posts in this series as I share inspiration on looking great while dressing down.

Style Inspo | Spring Outerwear

I don't know about you but it's pretty warm in my neck of the woods.  Feels like we went from winter to summer in the blink of an eye.  I'm quite sad because this winter, I had the most fun in adding a few really cute jackets to my collection.  The right outwear is pretty much the easiest way to transform an simple tee and jeans into a stylish and complete outfit.

Typically, warmer weather means no to outerwear, but I refuse to give into that notion and I'm determined to find pieces appropriate for warmer weather.  Here's what I'm inspired by.

One thing I'd like to do differently this spring/summer is to experiment with vests.  This leather vest is pretty flawless and takes her jeans and tee to the next level.  Last year, I wore my demin vest pretty much daily.  This summer, I'm adding a few additional vest to create more variety.

I'm also inspired by the idea of rocking your winter jackets around the waist as an accessory to your spring look. 

Will be on the lookout of lighter versions of my favorite winter coats.  The more lightweight the better.

I love the idea of wearing long sleeve shirts as outerwear. Demin shirts are the most obvious choice but we can also get creative with printed/patterned shirts layered casually over solid, basic tops.

Style Obsession | Shoulder Length.

With spring being just around the corner, I thought it would be good idea to do a quick trim of my ends.  Just a simple dusting, I thought, to freshen up my hair in preparation of a new season.  But with every snip, I found myself fighting back the urge to create thick, blunt ends landing at just past my shoulders.  

I know the purpose of a hair journey is to reach new lengths and retain every inch possible.  Shoulder length is supposed to be just a milestone to reached on the way brastrap or mid-back.  But, now I'm starting to rethink how I look at shoulder length.  It's such a flirty hair style that pretty much looks amazing on anyone, especially if you've got well maintained ends.  Shoulder length just so easy and care free.  Rub in a little light oil for shine and you're ready to head out.

If you're currently at shoulder length, take some time to enjoy this wonderful time in your hair journey.  Experiment with parting your hair in different ways.  Try wearing it straight, wavy, curly.  Trim a 1/4 inch off to thicken those ends and rock your shoulder length hair proudly.

Style Obsession// TWO CHAINS

A signature style should appear like it took little effort to create your finished look.  And it's the smallest of details which make all the difference in the world.

The only way to take a basic tee from boring lounge wear to stylish + effortless is to accent the look with simple accessories that change everything.  That, and pairing it with quality outwear (see above).  I'm loving minimalist chains and how they give the neckline a wonderful hint of femininity.  They're sleek, they're sexy and they bring balance to the  tomboyish look of an oversized tee (or tank).

Don't get me wrong, I love a good chunky chain (I mean, who doesn't), but they don't provide the same level of allure. Statement necklaces are meant to do just that.....make a statement!  But sometimes a statements can be more subtle....more mysterious.

Style Inspo | Fitted to a Tee

In less than three weeks, spring will be upon us.  Although I dressed for  the cooler weather, yesterday happened to be one of those unseasonable warm days that served as a stark reminder that warm weather is coming.  Immediately, I reflected on the change in wardrobe and quickly devised a strategy for the months ahead.

In keeping with my promise to create a signature style, I decided to start with what's easiest.  If it wasn't simple, I wouldn't carry it out.  For me, the simplest style choice is wearing a dress.  You just slip it on, find matching shoes and you're done.  Dresses also set you apart from the crowd, surrounding you with vibes of being an international woman of mystery.  Donning a dress is definitely something I want to experiment with on a regular this spring.

But also on my agenda, is mastering the art of wearing basics.  I own a handful of tees.  But they're the kind of t-shirts you get for signing up for 5k runs or are given to you as a gift when a family member comes back from vacation.  None of them are what I would call stylish.

But all of that is about to change.  I'm chucking all of the faded, oversized t-shirts and replacing them them with quality, stylish tees.  You know what's so great about a well fitted tee?  It's like a blank slate upon which to create your masterpiece.  Tees can easily compliment your favorite shredded jeans or A line skirt.  Like a dress, the tee allows you incredible amounts of styling options.   Your outerwear now becomes the focus and possibilities are limitless.

A well fitted tee is also timeless, which means spending less money on trendy pieces.  It pains me to look into my closet and see various peplums and other tops reminiscent of obsolete trends.  My closet isn't big enough to hold ruffled blouses and such.  It's all about keeping things stylish and simple.

Oh, and I found the perfect accessory to pair with my basic tees.  That'll be our next topic.

Style Inspo | Oxblood.

It's been quite a while since I've been inspired to acquire any new clothing pieces.  But lately, I catch myself glimpsing a little longer whenever I come across style pieces in the deepest shades of red.  I love how oxblood can be worn as any part of the outfit (or as the entire look).