pencil skirt

Houndstooth on Houndstooth

It may be in the low 80’s here but it’s the last day of winter! Can’t say I’m disappointed, but I can say what I’ve been loving in late winter is lightweight blouses with everything from skirts to trousers to ankle pants, etc… My favorite being the Express Portofino blouse. It just fits and feels so right, especially when it’s in houndstooth. Portofino’s and pencil skirts are my absolute favorite go to for work wear.

Express Portofino Blouse

Portofino’s and Pencil Skirts: Express Portofino Blouse | Express Houndstooth Pencil Skirt

Portofino’s and Pencil Skirts

mark. Box Set Necklace | mark. On Point Earring Set | Kate Spade Idiom Bangle

Avon Matte Ruby Ultra Color Lipstick with mark. Jewelry

mark. In Black and White Tote | Altuzarra for Target Ankle Boots

What to wear to work: houndstooth

Copy Cat Look – Lucy Hale Street Style

Copy Catting Lucy Hale’s Street Style

You know who’s got some killer style, our mark. girl Lucy Hale! Spotted on her instagram was the above pic from her prepping for the CMA’s. It immediately caught my eye and I was like ooooh love her look, I totally should copy cat it!

Boucle and Pencil Skirt

Her statement boucle coat was really what got my attention and I immediately thought, “I have that mark. Instant Edge Blazer that’s similar!” I love the longer length on hers but my blazer is more appropriate for work.

mark. Twice As Nice Necklace

I don’t have a leather pencil skirt with a killer side slit, but I do have this black pencil skirt with slit from Altuzarra for Target! Close enough! Then just add a red top and some black pointed toe heels and I’ve recreated Lucy’s look! Her top has a really cute zipper detail but I just added the mark. Twice As Nice Necklace ($24) for a zig zag edgy detail. Totally Lucy Hale’s style and just happens to be a Lucy Hale favorite and top pick for holiday!

Copy Cat Look – Lucy Hale Street Style

Now if only I could of added a killer makeup artist and hair dresser by my side! At least Lucy Hale’s glam squad reveals some tips on mimicking her look, can’t wait to try her CMA makeup look this holiday! Check out more pics on Lucy Hale’s instagram! You can shop the mark. Twice As Nice necklace here and see more of Lucy Hale’s top picks for holiday!

Lucy’s Lucky 7

Trying To Channel My Inner Lucy Hale

Wear and Share Wednesday – mark. by Avon High Contrast Skirt

Wear And Share Wednesday with mark. High Contrast Skirt

My nephew once asked me if my work’s dress code was black and white. Completely confused since he’s very familiar with my software company, I was like, “Uh what? No, why?” His response. “oh well because you wear it every day”… it was then I realized I have a problem with my love for black and white. Let’s also add my favorite animal is a Zebra, my wedding colors are black and white, and I’m a sucker for anything houndstooth, b&w striped and/or chevron. No surprise when mark. released this High Contrast Skirt I HAD TO HAVE IT! Jackie and I also knew it HAD TO BE a Wear and Share Wednesday item! Jackie from Living After Midnite and I had no problem proving its versatility with 2 different looks around this killer skirt! Jackie wore it posh while my look is more laid back, wear it to work or wear it out, the mark. High Contrast Skirt has you covered.

mark. High Contrast Skirt

The mark. High Contrast skirt is super comfy, mainly because it’s a stretch knit, but its also lined and a perfect length, making it the perfect skirt! I wanted to keep with comfy vibe so I paired it with a loose tee (old, Express), but here’s where its versatility comes into play. You could also wear this with a graphic tee to keep it casual, a blouse to dress it up, a sweater when its cold, a tank when its hot, a leather jacket to make it edgey, a blazer to make it work friendly… the list goes on and on! Who knew a simple chevron skirt could work so many looks!

mark. Classic Hit Handbag and Deco Appeal Ring

I thought the Deco Jewelry Set ( a past wear and share item), was the perfect match for this look along with the mark. Classic Hit Handbag (also a past wear and share item) and the Studs and Style Belt, Straight Up Sassy Heels (in and out of sale at my eBoutique). The Deco Crescent necklace, Deco Drop Earrings and Deco Appeal ring adds just the right amount of glimmer against the chevron pattern. Plus I love the look of them against cobalt as well! (All available at http://www.youravon.com/aliciahessinger)

Pattern Play

I think my love for black and white comes from the contrast, its eye candy! The pattern actually plays as a neutral so you can pair more with it than you think. I guarantee you already have a handful of things in your wardrobe to wear with this skirt! The mark. High Contrast Skirt is a wardrobe staple for sure. For only $36 you can update your spring wardrobe with an item you can wear year round!

Zoya Cho + mark. Spring Arrivals

This is how Jackie and I wore our mark. High Contrast Skirt but be sure to check back for my next post on how it, and a few other key items, are all you need to update your wardrobe for spring!

BONUS! Now through Feb 22, 2014 get this look for less! Shop it: http://www.youravon.com/aliciahessinger use promo code SITEWIDE

Shop It: http://www.youravon.com/aliciahessinger use promo code SITEWIDE

Another #workinggirlwardrobe Look

Last Tuesday I gave you my easy formula for figuring out what to wear to work (check it here). I then applied that formula for my last Wear and Share Wednesday post (check it here) and now FINALLY here’s another look.

Formula = sheer sleeveless blouse + pencil skirt = #workinggirlwardrobe

#workinggirlwardrobe that shimmers!

Day sequins are never a bad idea! You just have to know how to wear them, like on this blouse from The Limited (holiday 2012). The embellishment is anchored in neutral colors; grey and white, simple enough to let those sequin shine! I paired it with my grey pencil skirt from Express, a blingy hematite cuff bracelet (mark. Cuff Link Bracelet), a white bag with hematite chain detailing (mark. High Style Convertible Bag) and and white nails with Kate from Julep.

mark. Statuesque Style Heels ($40)

My pencil skirt is a fuller cut and hits right under the knee so to make the look work for me I need to make sure I have on the right shoes. Ones that are open (no ankle straps) and have a decently tall heel are needed to elongate the leg. These Statuesque Style Heels ($40) are more than ideal with their glam d’Orsay style in a woven metallic fabric. These are one of those styles that will work year round, match a ton of things in your closet and have just enough detailing to keep them interesting! You can get them at my eBoutique.

#workinggirlwardrobe formula success!

I think today’s formula proved successfull:

Sequined Sheer Sleeveless Blouse + Light Grey Pencil Skirt + Metallic d’Orsay Pumps + Hematite Jewelry + White Nails + White Bag = success!

Trending Tuesday – Sheer Blouse + Pencil Skirt = #workinggirlwardrobe

If the world of alicia was the internet, then today the top trending search would be #workinggirlwardrobe It feels like everyday I’m late for work it’s because I can’t figure out what to wear. I have a ridiculous amount of clothes but yet I never feel like I have anything to wear, and I KNOW I’m not the only one who thinks this. With the recent organization of my closet and clothes I realized that working girl wardrobe needs to be reworked. I need to approach it with a more organized thought process. Start with a surefire formula, work it with pieces you have, and add accessories to complete the look.

#workinggirlwardrobe formula: sleeveless sheer blouse + pencil skirt = work wear winner!

Sheer Blouse + Pencil Skirt = #workinggirlwardrobe

Proof:

Step 1: Sleeveless Sheer Blouse

Sheer tops are really in right now and for good reason. They can be dressed up, down or somewhere in between. Come in solids, prints, colors, neutrals, detailed, simple, trendy or classic. For your working girl wardrobe I suggest a few of these. Start with a neutral color, a fun color and a print. Why sleeveless you say? Because you can stretch the use out of a sleeveless blouse! When its hot hot hot nothing will look more professional but still keep you cool. Then as it cools down you can add a sweater, jacket or vest. Maximize the most out of your investment.

I use the term sheer loosely because really this can mean any sort of delicate. lightweight fabric. To make sure its always office appropriate wear a cami and the right undergarments underneath. You then can stretch the use for weekend wear with a bold color bra underneath (if you dare!). Here are a few that I’m really loving:

Express

The Limited

mark. Hot Mix Blouse

Step 2: Pencil Skirt

The key to wearing a pencil skirt is finding a shape you like. I always felt I couldn’t wear them because they overwhelmed my frame and accentuated my cankles. Then I realized I just needed to find my right shape… fitted, hem hits right above the knee and always wear with heels. Experiment with the different shapes until you find one you like… try high waisted, fitted, longer length, ones with pockets/belt loops, looser cuts, etc… Try a bunch on and find which ones work for you. Once you find a style (or styles!) you like then try to pick up a few in your basic fabrics and colors. Start with a basic black in a year round fabric. In the summer I love white and light grey in the winter I tend to go for plaids, tweeds and wools in dark colors.

Pencil skirts aren’t just for the office. You can create fun desk to drink type of looks and if Ann Taylor has taught you anything, a good pencil skirt can even be your holiday party look! Here are a few that I’m loving for year round wear:

Charlotte Russe

Brooks Brothers

Banana Republic

Solution: Your what to wear to work questions solved! All week I’ll be bringing you examples of how to follow through with this formula or working girl wardrobe success! Here are a few celeb looks I’m loving who’s expensive stylist applied the same formula!

Kim Kardashian. (source)

Jordana Brewster (source)

Update: Check out my #workinggirlwardrobe looks applying this formula: Look 1, and Look 2!

word of alicia

word yo.

pencil skirt

Houndstooth on Houndstooth

Copy Cat Look – Lucy Hale Street Style