First Office Trend Challenge!

According to Glamour, Spring 2012's most wearable fashion trend is color blocking.  I love this look for the office.  This particular color combination would look gorgeous with both dark and light coloring! 

I know it looks cold, but it was in the upper 60's today!  In this photo, I'm actually looking at a guy wearing flip-flops walking down the street (It should be noted that he was looking at me thinking I was a weirdo...so it's okay that I was thinking the same thing about him!)

For Fall/Winter, I like to pair a pencil skirt with a long sleeved blouse.  

In the warmer months, I prefer to go sleeveless for a stream-lined look.  

Pencil Skirt - Express (Purchase HERE)

Blouse -  NEXX (Purchase similar HERE)

Clutch - Nordstrom

Heels - BCBG

Belt - Nordstrom (Purchase HERE)

Earrings - Gift from Honduras 

Style TIP: 

For the office, stick to a maximum of three colors.  Keep the intoxicated-rainbow-bright look for the weekends.

Here is another color block color combination I am loving for the office as the weather gets warmer:

1) Chloe Blouse (Purchase HERE)

2) Ally Fashion Peplum Skirt (Purchase similar HERE)

3) Jimmy Choo (Purchase HERE)

You probably notice that I like to pair a nude heel to balance the color-party happening up top.  That is just my preference for an office day with a lot of meetings.  Should you celebrate color at work?  Yes...but in moderation.  You want people to judge you by your professionalism and your body of work...not your color palette.

FIrst Office Trend Challenge:

Very excited to introduce the first Office Trend Challenge: Color Blocking!

1) email me a photo of you wearing your best color-blocking style for the office (if you work from home, are a student, or are a full-time mom, etc. please join in!!)  Please email only quality photos (visit vmac + cheese for tips).

2) Include your name, blog URL if you have one, and your occupation.  Also include any interesting thoughts about your style (limitations at your workplace, feelings about color blocking, anything amusing about you, etc.)  

3) Send all entries by Tuesday, February 14 at 5pm MTN time.

Email me at Marionberry3@gmail.com to join in the fun!  All photos will be posted on Wednesday, February 15.

So do you celebrate color at work?   

XO - Marion

PS - Are you a blogger?  If yes, be sure to check back tomorrow! :-)

Linking up today with The Pleated Poppy and Rolled Up Pretty

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Three Ways to get Beautiful Lashes

via

So I am going to tell you something that is going to shock most of you.  I apologize if what I am about to say is disappointing...but here goes:

Kim Kardashian's lashes are not real.
I know I know!  Crazy, isn't it? 

Beautiful lashes are our gender's holy grail - we never stop searching for products, tricks or tools to lengthen and add fullness.  Even if you were born with a pair of sunglass-ticklers, you may still find yourself looking for ways to make them even longer because we are women and that is what we do.  

Three options for creating beautiful lashes: 

1) Velour Lashes

Visit Velour Lashes to see their various styles. 

The model here is wearing "Strike a Pose"

Seriously the most beautiful and realistic false eyelashes I have ever seen!  Founded by two best friends, this Toronto-based company produces high-end 100% mink fur lashes perfect for a special event or for everyday wear.  They have numerous styles on sale right now plus shipping is always free!  Click here to browse.

2) Xtreme Lashes

This image shows a before/after with Xtreme Lashes.



Extreme lashes are worn by nearly every female celebrity including the Kardashian sisters (no surprise that they sport the longest length available).  A trained professional applies individual eyelashes to your eye for a natural look.  The initial procedure can take around 2 hours and you'll need to return for "re-lashing" about once a month to replace the lashes which have shed.

If you want to keep up with the Kardashians: apply 60-80 eyelashes per lid

If you are happy with being slightly more demure: apply 40 eyelashes per lid

This is a little spendy but the results truly are amazing.  One word of caution: you aren't able to wear mascara as the oils break-down the surgical adhesive used to affix the lashes. 

Find an Extreme Lash Stylist in your area by searching here.

3) Latisse

Week 0

Week 16

This image shows a real-life example of regular and proper product use.

Latisse is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes as well as make them longer, thicker and darker.  I should start off by saying that I have not tried Latisse.  This inclusion is merely because I have heard from so many reputable beauty experts and fellow bloggers that this product is effective.  Although I was (and still am slightly) horrified at the thought of putting anything resembling a chemical compound near my eye, the testimonials as to the value of Latisse is overwhelming.  Visit their site for more information.

Have you tried any of these options and if so, what was your experience?   

XO - Marion

How to Wear a Black Blazer for Date Night

I love it when you email me with style questions!  
This week, Sara wrote me:
"I wondering if you had an idea of how I can dress up a simple black blazer for a date night?!  I LOVE the look that you posted of a cream / tan blazer from banana republic.   Any ideas how I can make that kind of look with a black blazer?"


The look Sara is referring to is this one I posted back when I first started my blog:

Random fact:  Apparently this photo has been pinned 2,000+ times on Pinterest!  

  

Black blazers are classic and chic.  You can dress them up or down depending on the type of date you are going on (and how much you like your date!)

Blazer - Gibson (Purchase HERE)

Earrings - Nordstrom

Purple lace top - Poleci via Nordstrom

Black skinny jeans - Jolt (Purchase HERE)

Heels - Guess

Clutch - Urban Expressions (Purchase HERE)

4 Style TIPS for wearing a blazer on date night:

1) Always go with a v-neck underneath.  It creates a beautiful neckline for the blazer to frame.  Plus you can easily control the cleavage story (again...depending on how much you like this guy!)

2) Stay fitted down below.  A pair of skinny jeans is always safe.

3)  If your blazer falls below your waistline (like mine does here), always wear a shoe with a heel.  A longer blazer and flats will only serve to make you appear shorter and thicker.  No bueno.

4) Save the long-sleeved blazers for the office!  A three-quarter sleeve is ideal or just simply roll up the sleeves (as I did with the camel blazer above).  

Casual Date?  

Just throw on a simple white v-neck t-shirt and some colorful heels!  

Thank you Sara for the email!

So tell me, would you wear a black blazer for date night?

XO - Marion

PS - Do you have a style question?  If so, please email me marionberry3 (at) gmail (dot) com and I'd be happy to produce a post on your topic.

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

The goofy/happy look here is due to my new t+j Designs layered necklace!

Chambray Blouse - Express (Purchase HERE)

Blazer - Forever 21 (available in stores only)

Skinny Jeans - Jolt (Purchase HERE)

Necklace - t+j Designs (Purchase on sale HERE)

Ring - vintage

Watch - Michael Kors (Purchase HERE)

Heels - Nine West

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Style TIP:  When you're in a rush OR can't decide what to wear, just throw these four pieces on and you're good to go:

- Heels

- Tailored jeans

- Blouse 

- Blazer

The Top 5 Moments of the Week:

Ouch Moment - This is embarrassing.  I was skiing down Vail mountain with the cheesiest smile on my face...until I noticed that my husband had stopped at the base to watch me.  I know it's weird, but I suddenly got nervous.  Next thing I know, a mogul jumped out at me I hit a mogul the wrong way and I'm instantly airborne.  

It was a complete yard sale...skiis and poles went one way while my knees and shoulders went another.  I laid there with my head buried 5 inches deep and remembered muttering into the snow (despite my slight concussion) one little word..."ouch."

This photo was taken about one hour before the mogul jumped me. Stupid mogul.

Comment of the Week: 5th grade student (in front of the entire class), "I'm experiencing some pain in my lower intestine.  Do you think this could be caused by constipation?  Because I can't seem to go to the bathroom."

Umm, okay...?

Annoying Moment: Okay, so I'm sorry to reference "The Bachelor" for the 3rd week in a row, but I am SO annoyed by Courtney.  If she says, "Winning!" one more time, I am going to scream.

Kinda Funny Moment: I found this sentence in a notebook of a student who left our school.  It just made me kinda chuckle.  I work in a fairly impacted school and being called "meanies" is the least offensive name I think I've heard in a very, very long time!  lol! 

That said, I labeled this only a "kinda funny" moment because part of me is sad that any child can look at school so negatively.  I love school. I love school so much that I work with kids who hate school to try to make them love school.  Ha!

Heartbreaking Moment: I spoke with one of my best friends on the phone this week.  Her mom just died.  My heart broke listening to her complete and utter despair as she talked about the emptiness left behind...  There is no greater heartache then listening to someone you love hurt so badly and you know there is nothing you can do to ease her pain.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Know that I appreciate each and every one of you that stop by my lil' blog :-)

XO - Marion

"Are you wearing pajamas or are those your normal clothes?"

So this question came from the mouth of one of my favorite 1st graders.  What could I possibly be wearing to warrant such confusion?  Well ...see for yourself:

Dress and Belt - Forever 21 (Available in-stores only)

Shoes - Nine West

Bag and Tights - Target
Watch - Michael Kors (Purchase HERE)

The worst part?  He wasn't the only student who asked if I was wearing my pajamas!  Considering that a large number of my kid's parents are wearing their ACTUAL pajamas when they drop them off at school, I am not too sure how to respond to these questions except to just laugh :-)

So honestly - do I need to put this dress in the back corner of my closet?!

XO - Marion


Linking up today at The Pleated Poppy and Rolled Up Pretty

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Two Products That'll Give You That J.Lo Glow

Dull - A word that means boring.  Things described as "dull" include filing papers, waiting at the DMV with no Wi-Fi, and being stuck in a meeting led by someone who tends to bloviate about every little tangent which may or may not include their affection for cats and cheese.

Glowing -  Radiant.  Luminescent and enhanced.  Things described as "glowing" include light bulbs, Jennifer Lopez, and new moms. 

Which face would you prefer? *If you said "Glowing" then please continue to read!

Two products I love for creating incredible light

and a luminescent complexion: 

Benefit High Beam - Purchase HERE

Benefit High Beam
Pink liquid highlighter that accents your cheeks and brow bones. 
PROS - The pink color works well with many skin tones (I use in both winter and summer).  The results are very natural if you apply where the light naturally hits.
CONS - A little pricey at $26.  Also, the applicator can take some getting used to...I most often use my fingers to apply.

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer - Purchase HERE

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer

A skin brightener with a kiss of bronzer...creating a more "lit-from-within" glow.
PROS - So great to use when I feel exhausted as it helps erase the appearance of tired eyes.  Also, this product seriously lasts all day!
CONS - Spendy at $28.  Also, it may appear a little too glittery at first.  Just use a tiny bit and blend carefully.

via

I dot highlighter very lightly in a semi-circle around my eye just above my cheekbone.  I do the same on my brow line and then carefully blend.

Highlighter TIPS:
- Be ultra conservative when using these types of products.  You want to achieve a slight glowing appearance as opposed to turning your face into a giant sequin.  Less is more!
- Use the Argan Illuminizer alone or mixed with your foundation for an all-over boost of radiance!

Do you wear highlighter?  Any favorite products to share?!

XO - Marion

*If you said "dull" then email me your contact information as I have someone you might want to meet.  How do you feel about cheese?

Trend Watch: T-Straps

You only have to glance at the feet of many of the most stylish celebs to spot the next big trend in shoes: The T-strap!  

via

A few lovely options:

These Victoria's Secret heels are perfect for a girls-night-out uniform!  

Purchase here.

Badgley Mischka = serious jewelry for your feet!

Purchase here.  

This simple suede t-strap by Pelle Moda would be gorgeous with a knee-length skirt or tailored shorts.  Purchase here at 50% off!

Everything old is new again!  This vintage inspired t-strap is perfect for both work and weekend.  Purchase similar here.

Leave it to Gucci to combine two of the seasons hot shoe trends: t-straps and ankle straps.  

I can't think of a sexier heel to pair with your LBD!  Purchase here.

TREND QUESTION:

Do t-straps work as well with flats?  

via

Leave a comment below telling me what you think!  

I'll share my honest opinion on on Twitter Monday afternoon!  

Join me on Twitter HERE :-)

Happy Monday friends!

XO - Marion

Casual Friday + Moments of the Week

Do you own a pair of jeans? 
This week, I'm sharing three different looks for Casual Friday each featuring jeans.  


Super Casual:

via

Casual:

via

Dressy Casual:

via

Which is your favorite?

And now...because I lead the most interesting life ever <insert just a tad of sarcasm>: 

MY MOMENTS OF THE WEEK:

"Maybe He's Right?" Moment: 1st grade boy sits in my office for a counseling session.  But before I can say anything, he starts to look me up and down.  And then with this look of pure judgement dripping off his face he asks, "Are you wearing pajamas or are those your normal clothes?"


I had worn a dress that day that I thought was kinda cute...guess not!

"I Love Kids" Moment:  5th grade boy comes to a session with me and is immediately squirmy.  I don't think much of it.  10 minutes in and on a whim I ask, "Do you have to go to the bathroom?"  He replies yes and gets up and races out of the room.  Five minutes later he returns.  "Why didn't you go before you came to meet with me?" I ask.  His reply?  "Because I wanted to get here as fast as I could to see you."
Umm, sweetest comment of the day winner!! (Sorry husband)


"Uh Oh" Moment: So it snowed about 6 inches the other night.  I have a little sportscar that is about as inappropriate as it gets for Colorado weather.  
Picture Marion getting into sportscar, determined to get to work.
Picture Marion pulling out into the street.
Picture Marion trying to stop at the first intersection and begin 360 turn.

via

Some people think this is okay to drive in 

(I'm talking to YOU Mr. School District Superintendent!)

As I'm turning, all I'm thinking is "oh no bueno."  Then I hear hear this guy who stopped walking his dog to watch me shout loudly, "WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!"  Needless to say it was a little dramatic and annoying.  I gave him the stink-eye before drifting to the curb.


It Works Moment: This kindergarten student LOVES ranch dressing.  He is a pudgy little fellow and eats ranch by the gallon at lunch.  My intervention for his behavior issues?  Withhold the ranch!   And guess what?  It works!!  Yay me!  


I Love You Moment: Tonight I talked with a dear girlfriend whom I love and who is going through a difficult time.  I live so far away and as we talked, I felt my heart yearning to be close to her.  Sometimes love between friends is as strong as anything I've ever felt.


So which outfit would you wear?  Any moments this week worth sharing?


XO and THANK YOU for reading,
Marion






  

Starlet or Streetwalker?

When wearing fishnet stockings, you need to ask yourself one question:

Do I look more Starlet or Streetwalker?

Blouse - Lily White via Nordstrom
Shorts - Trouve

Clutch - Urban Expressions (Purchase HERE)

Fishnet Stockings - Victoria's Secret (Purchase HERE)

Knee-High Socks - Jessica Simpson (Purchase similar HERE)

Shoes - Via Spiga

Earrings - ALDO

I love fishnet stockings!  Perhaps it's the naughty Catholic school girl in me (12 years of Catholic school will influence a girl!) or perhaps it's just the part of me that wants to add a little bit of interest to an otherwise boring outfit. 

Where to buy beautiful fishnet stockings:

Victoria's Secret Fishnet Thigh-high (med/large net)

Forever 21 Fishnet Tights (smaller net)

DKNY Fishnet Tights (larger net)

I prefer a larger net to a smaller one... 

How do you feel about fishnet?  Would you/do you wear it?

XO - Marion

Color Obsession: Solar Power

What color is strong, fun and commands your attention?
Why yellow of course!


Each season, Pantone releases a color palette forecasting the "hot" colors for the fashion season.  For Spring 2012, we are presented with a gorgeous and inspiring mix of colors, one of which is Solar Power.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hobo

2. Denimology Super Skinny Jeans

3. A-Line Flannel Shift Dress

4. ASOS Suede Platform

5. Kate Spade Sweet Zinnia Earrings

STYLE TIP: Not every will look fabulous with yellow near their face.  If yellow does not compliment your skin tone, just feature this gorgeous hue on the lower half of your body. 

So how do you feel about wearing this hue of yellow? 

XO - Marion

OOTD: Casual Weekend Wear

I like this picture because it's my face and then this giant cow face.    

 Yellow Ruffled Blouse - Forever 21 (Purchase HERE)

Striped Cardigan - Forever 21 (Purchase similar HERE)

Gray Jeans - Paige Denim

Boots - DSW

Bag - Target

Scarf - Gift

Earrings - Nordstrom

Belt - Nordstrom

I'm starting to realize that I wear more cardigans than Mr. Rogers.  Seriously.  

Now cardigans aren't exactly sexy...nor are they particularly interesting!  But they ARE comfortable and functional.  In addition, they have this strange ability to make a girl looked pulled together without really trying hard.  

Fun fact: the top half of my body costs approximately $40!  Oh geez...I just re-read that sentence and it sounds bad.  I'm referring to the blouse + cardigan of course!

Do you find yourself reaching for cardigans this time of year?!

XO - Marion

PS - Excited to have a post published over at The FashioniStyle titled "Move Over Sequins...There's a New Sexy Style in Town!"   If you have time, zip on over and leave a little comment-love! XO

       

What I Wear on Casual Fridays + Moments of the Week

Blouse - J.Crew (Purchase HERE)
Orange Cardi - Forever 21 (Similar HERE and HERE)
Jeans - Hudson (Purchase HERE)
Fishnet Stockings - Victoria's Secret
Shoes - Guess
Earrings - Nordstrom
Bracelets - Nordstrom
Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs (Purchase similar HERE)
Belt - Forever 21 (Similar HERE)
Leopard scarf - Nordstrom
Palmer the Puppy - the pound :-)




5 Moments of the Week:

Gross Moment: Have you ever walked a puppy?  Then you know they love to vacuum the sidewalks with their mouth.  Every little piece of garbage, gum, cigarette butt ends up in his mouth.  Since we live downtown Denver, the sidewalks are slathered with garbage.  


Well...Palmer picked up a new piece of garbage on the walk the other day.  Imagine my horrified face as I watch him suck up a used condom.  Yes...a used condom.  And it was green.  I mean...who uses a green condom?  No woman in their right mind wants a pickle coming after her.  Am I right or am I right?


Super Gross Moment: My shaking BAREHAND removing said green condom from Palmer's mouth.  I keep telling myself the wetness was from his mouth and not something else.


Giddy Moment: This is embarrassing.  But my giddy moment of the week was while watching The Bachelor.  I'm smiling the whole episode.  My husband and I watch it together and we always pause it to talk about a scene, "Who wears overall shorts with their ta-tas hanging out?  Seriously?" 


Embarrassing Moment: Many bloggers know what it's like to take photos in public and feel a little embarrassed when people walk by and stare at you.  Awkward!  I am extremely shy by nature, so I try to use this situation as a character-building exercise.  :-)


Anyway, I was taking these photos above when a man crawled out of the bushes next to the wall.  Apparently, his home was in these bushes and I was entertaining enough that he awoke from his nap to come out and watch me.  I looked over at him, waved and said hi in a super shy voice and in the form of a question more than a statement.  


When I was done, he spoke and said one sentence, "Are those for your boyfriend?"  


Um, no...


Did-That-Just-Happen? Moment:  Those of you who follow me on Twitter heard me whine about this!  I do lunch-duty every day...which means I walk around a cafeteria full of rowdy elementary kids and keep them in-line*.  So it was sloppy joe day on Monday and Marion decided to wear white that day.  


In the words of Ron Burgundy, "White was a bad choice."  Kids like to reach out and hug me during lunch.  At the end of the half hour, I seriously looked like I had been stabbed a few times.  


Have you had any moments this week worth sharing?!


XO - Marion


* Well, usually I just walk around and try not to step on food and fall down.  Yeah...it's happened. haha!