Office to Office Party Style

The Holiday season is almost upon us and no matter how you celebrate, everyone will be attending parties and impromptu gatherings. For me, lots of these events may be planned for the hours immediately after work and involve coworkers. There’s no time to go home and change and because my coworkers are involved, I want to look festive and professional. A great dress fits that bill. By changing up a few accessories and my shoes, I can go from office professional to holiday festive, in a flash.

Printed Mesh Dress

 

I love this dress from Roaman’s. The fitted top and flared skirt are flattering on all body types. The silhouette is especially flattering on my pear shaped frame. The colors of the dress are versatile and mean that it could work year round. You know I’m all about the multi-seasonal clothes. The pattern and piping give it some visual interest. For the office, I would add a blazer, some classic pumps, simple but pretty stud earrings, bracelets, a watch, and a colorful tote to carry my daytime essentials.

Dress/Blazer/Pumps/Bag/Watch/Bracelets/Earrings

 

I’m all about simple, after a long work day. I’d just swap my pumps for some metallic sandals and the blazer for a bolero sweater, (a wrap, or go without a topper,) add a sparkly necklace and a statement bracelet, and swap out my day tote for an evening bag. As you know the sparkly jewelry from Stella and Dot is a regular part of my wardrobe and I’m in love with this evening bag from Zara. You could carry it hands free with the shoulder strap (easier to juggle a cocktail) or tuck in the strap and carry it as a clutch. It would be easy to throw all of the items into a small tote bag and carry them with me. I could make this quick change in my office (or cubicle). To lend additional evening flare, I’d go for a more dramatic lip color, add an extra coat of mascara and I’d be set.

Dress/Bolero Sweater/Heeled Sandals/Bag/Watch/Bracelet/Earrings/Necklace

 

This same method could work on the weekend, with a casual day outfit. Just dress up your jeans and t-shirt with a fancy jacket, heels, and some statement jewelry. The Holidays are a busy time for everyone, simplifying your wardrobe changes will take a bit of the stress away.

 

Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this post are my own. This is a sponsored post.

 

Maximize Holiday Savings - The Math

I can't believe that I'm helping you with math. It's definitely not my strong suit. But when it comes to saving money on the things I want to buy, I'm all about it. Stores will be full of amazing deals this holiday season. You don't have to stop at the sale price. By stacking deals and rebates you can save even more.



Click photos above for buying information.

As a birthday present to myself (my birthday is Saturday), I made a purchase from Asos. I've had my eye on the hooded biker parka for sometime.  First I waited for the price to come down a bit and then when I saw the great discounts for Cyber Monday I knew I was ready to snatch this coat up before it was gone. In the process I picked up a couple of other items I had on my list and a little splurge (the faux fur collar).

Some of the items purchased (the coat and short sleeve top) were on sale. In addition to the sale prices and Cyber Monday discount (30%), I also used Ebates before I went to the Asos site and I used a credit card that also provided a store rebate for Asos. If you shop online and you aren't using Ebates, you should be.  It's easy, all you need to do is to register for an account and before you shop, go to Ebates. Search for the store name and click to shop. Ebates creates a tracking ticket and you'll recieve a cash rebate based on the percentage displayed for that store. Every quarter ebates will send you a check (or a direct deposit) that is total for all of your ebates. There are no strings other than going through ebates first. Many credit card companies and banks have also begun negotiating cash back deals with specific retailers.  If you use their card to make your purchase, you'll recieve a credit to your card, based on the rebate for that merchant. The percentage will vary per retailer and credit card company. For my card, I just had to log into their site and my account, go to the deals section of the site.  Then I selected the deals I wanted to use. New deals are issued on a regular basis. Each time I check my account, I check for new rebate deals. Check with your card issuer for details.

Here is how my savings breaks down.

Full Price (no discounts): $241.39

Total with Sale Prices:                      $169.69
Cyber Monday Discount 30%:          ($50.91)
Free shipping from Asos                      $0.00
Total paid to Asos at check out:        $118.79
Ebates rebate (5%):                               $5.94
Credit Card rebate (10%):                    $11.88
_____________________________________
Final Total:                                         $100.97

Just by going to Ebates first and using a specific credit card, I will get an additional $17.82 in cash back!  That is more than the cost of the short sleeve top.  My final total with all of my discounts and rebates is less than the full price cost of the coat! I got some great items for a bargain. Even with my scarf splurge, my total was just a little over $100. The 30% Cyber Monday discount at Asos is good until December 4th.

I hope you'll start using Ebates and check your own credit and debit cards for rebates.  It's worth it to take a minute to get those rebates. You can use the extra money to buy more gifts for loved ones or even yourself.

Asos Plus Outerwear · Big Chill Plus Sizes · Asos Outerwear

NOTE: The opinions expressed here are my own. I was not provided compensation from Asos or any credit card company. If you sign up for Ebates through the links above, I will earn referral credits.

Inspiration - Halloween Decorating and Party Ideas

For years now, {msL} and I have thought about hosting a Halloween party. It never seemed to work out, due to schedules or other obligations. This year we have worked things out early and we'll be hosting a small evening. I've already started thinking about my costume but I want to have some great decorations. A spooky, Gothic, Victorian vibe will be the aesthetic.

 

While shopping at Target the other day, I found bleeding skull candles. They will be the perfect compliment to candelabras and candle holders. I'm planning to repaint some of the candle holders I've used in my holiday decor from years past. I have black glitter skulls that I used in decor last year and cake stands from our wedding that can be used for decor and to display food. I love the idea of using cleavers and large knives to accent and cut food. I could create some vintage looking labels for bottles. I'll also be checking local thrift stores for bird cages.

I think with some planning, I will be able to reuse or upcycle many items for the decor. I'll use candles and simple items like apples for impact.

Do you decorate for Halloween?

DIY - Impressive (and Easy) Holiday Goodies

Over the last week, when I haven't been thinking about the wedding, I've been working on our Holiday Gift baskets.  The last few years we have given our friends and family boxes and baskets of homemade goodies. It takes work but I love giving homemade gifts. I gravitate toward the impressive but easy recipes.  Cooking come easy for me but baking goes against my grain.  I'm not a rule follower.  When making candy and dessert (especially baking), recipes must be followed exactly.  They are a chemical balance and precision is key.  When I cook, I rarely follow a recipe.  So you can understand why this isn't easy for me.  Thanks to fantastic blogs (like Brown Eyed Baker, lots of great recipes and tips) and great TV chefs, I have found some great recipes that turn out fantastic but aren't difficult.

Click on the photo above for links to the recipes.

Toffee is delicious and tastes so rich.  You can make it with or without chocolate and nuts.  The biggest drawback is that you need a candy thermometer to make it.  If you follow the recipe and steps exactly, you'll have toffee that tastes like you purchased it at a candy store.  It also keeps for a long period of time, if you store it in an air tight container. My mom and soon to be daughter in law can't get enough.

Cranberry Nut (Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate)bark is ridiculously easy.  You just melt the white chocolate in the microwave, mix in dried cranberries (like Craisins) and your favorite nuts (pistachios look pretty but you can use any kind you like). Then spread the mixture onto a cookie sheet and let it cool.  Once it's cool, break it apart and package this yummy treat.  It's delicious and looks beautiful in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. Check out more great bark recipes on Brown Eyed Baker.

Marshmallows... Yes, you can make homemade marshmallows.  I didn't know that either until I found this recipe.  This version calls for peppermint but I substitute vanilla.  You can substitute any flavor you like.  The most difficult part is the mixing. It takes a while.  I'm sure you can use a stand mixer but I always use a hand (electric) mixer.  The final product yields the freshest and most delicious marshmallows you've ever tasted.  Last year, I didn't make these and my family almost started a riot.  They love them so much. I usually make hot chocolate mix to go with these but you could get a tin of store bought mix and attach these yummy goodies to the can for a quick gift.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a two ingredient recipe. Yes only two!  A box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin.  You can add icing if you like but it's not mandatory.  Mix the cake mix and pumpkin together, drop small scoops on a cookie sheet and bake.   In the world of high calorie Holiday treats it's great to find a recipe that's delicious and won't wreck your diet.  I've also made these with chocolate cake mix and some Hershey's chocolate syrup.  This year I'm going to try making them with caramel cake mix. I will let you know how they turn out.

I told you that I'm all about the easy. Your friends and family will think you've spent tons of time and sweat on these treats.  Homemade gifts are thoughtful and always appreciated.  Check out this Pinterest board for more candy and cookie ideas.


photo credit (Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Bark): Brown Eyed Baker

My Holiday Must Haves - Every Year

The Holidays for me are about memories and spending time with those I love.  I'm not usually super sentimental and mushy but the Holidays bring back some of that out in me.  We have some family traditions that have existed since I was a child. Some of those have changed because of our lives as adults but {msL} and I have created some of our own traditions.  There are a few things that are must haves for me during this time of year.

I love Holiday decorations but I hate spending tons of time to put them up, just to have to take them down a couple of weeks later.  Because of this, my decorations have become more simple over the years.  I create easy to put up and take down displays that are festive but no stress.  I use lots of glittery ornaments and candles and lights.

A few nights before Christmas every year, {msL} and I hop in the car and drive around drinking coffee or hot cocoa.  We listen to Holiday music and look for the most tacky and over the top Holiday lights we can find.  It's so much fun and really puts me in the Holiday mood. Tacky Light Tour can help you locate displays in your neighborhood. If you live in the DC area check out Holly's Tacky Christmas Lights and don't miss Christmas on 34th St. in Baltimore.  Make a fun evening out of your drive to Baltimore. It's fantastic.

Christmas and Holiday movies are a must have for me.  The nostalgic childhood cartoons like Rudolph and Frosty are fun.  Classics like Holiday Inn and It's a Wonderful Life always top the list.  Over the years I've added some favorites.  The Holidays aren't complete without watching A Christmas Story, Elf or Christmas Vacation.  I also have to throw in a dysfunctional family movie like Home for the Holidays or The Family Stone.  These movies are fun and always make me smile.

The Holidays aren't complete without music. There are so many great ways to get free Holiday music, no matter what type you love.  You can create your own channel on Pandora. Amazon is giving away free Holiday music downloads for 25 days in December.  Just check here every 5 days for the new downloads. Check out a list of ways to get free Holiday music, here.

How do you celebrate the Holidays?

Long Weekend Rewind via Instagram - Memorial Day

I took a few days off last week to extend the Holiday Weekend.  We had lots to do around the house since we are hosting a grad party for some close family friends.  There was a little fun time squeezed into the days, in the form of shopping, eating and laughing.  A bit of sickness hit on Friday and it wasn't pretty but we rallied on Saturday for some power washing and deck painting.

The Sidewinder ring is one of my favorite Stella & Dot pieces and I tried out a new confetti mani.  My neon cap toe shoes turned out better than I'd hoped.  Check out the easy DIY here. I managed to do a little thrift store shopping for wedding DIY glass and I hit the Talbots Outlet on Monday and grabbed some fun summer pieces for 75% off! I had fun wearing some summer colors via a Stella & Dot arm party.  I've been testing out some new hair do's, including this side swept, bobby pinned bang with waves.  Summer heat always makes me want a short and easy hair cut.  I'm fighting that urge. So I'm trying some ways to keep my hair out of my face and off my neck.  We spent Sunday and Monday afternoon painting our deck.  It wasn't fun but it does look good and I'm glad it's done.

What did you do over the weekend?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Last Minute Gifts for a Bargain

Have you ever gotten a gift from someone you didn't expect and felt the need to return the favor?  Or left someone off your Holiday list? Or just waited until the last minute to buy a gift and had to scramble? I have and it can throw even the most seasoned shopper into a panic. The thought of running to the store at the last minute, giving a terrible gift or going empty handed is the worst.  Gift cards can be a good solution. They are sold in every grocery and drugstore. But I think that with a little creativity a quick trip to the grocery or drugstore can yield a more personal gift. .

Clockwise from Top Left - For the Reader, For the Wine Lover, For the Traveler,  For the Movie Lover, For the Beauty Girl

• For the Reader - A Subscription to a Magazine: Pick up a magazine they will love from the store. Fill out the pre-paid card and drop it in the mailbox.  Wrap the magazine and attach a little card letting them know they will getting a gift subscription.
• For the Wine Lover - A Great Bottle of Wine and a Corkscrew: Pick their favorite bottle, red or white and grab a corkscrew.  Even grocery stores sell corkscrews.  
• For the Traveler - A Travel Case and Travel Size Toiletries:  Every drugstore has a nice selection of travel bags and sample size shampoos, lotions, and fragrances. Pick a pretty bag and pack it with all of their favorite items or new things they could try. Then the next time they hop on a flight, they'll think of you.
• For the Movie Lover - A Bag Filled with a DVD, Popcorn, Candy and Sodas: Grab a container or gift bag and pack it with a fun cult movie, like Rocky Horror, microwave popcorn, their favorite candy, and their favorite sodas.  
• For the Beauty Girl - A Container Filled with Everything they Need for a Manicure: Grab a cute bag or bin and fill it with fun nail polish, nail files, cuticle cream, polish remover, clippers, and any other manicure goodies you can think of. 

All of these items can be found at your corner grocery or drugstore.  With just a little thought, you can come up with a fun gift for anyone.  It will be a personal gift and you won't spend a fortune.

Happy Holidays and Happy Last Minute Shopping

Real Girls!!

Holiday Giveaway! - Sparkle for the Season - CLOSED

 This giveaway has closed. Thanks for reading.

There is nothing I love more than a sparkling new bauble to brighten a party.  As part of their Holiday generosity, my friends at JewelMint are giving one of you Real Girls a beautiful piece of JewelMint jewelry!

My December Favorites
Cascade Earrings, Starlet Set, Rose Palace Dome Ring, Bombshell Bracelet

The contest will end on Friday, December 30. It's easy to enter. Just follow the Real Girl Runway facebook page or follow the blog here.

1. Click on this link: Real Girl Runway facebook page and Like the page.   OR   Click the Join This Site button on the right column of this blog and enter your info to follow the blog.
2. Once you've done one of these things, then leave me a comment below with your name and how you follow me.

I'll drawing of all of the entries on Friday December 30 and announce the winner.

HAPPY HOLIDAY REAL GIRLS!!

One For You and One For Me

I don't know about you but when I'm shopping for Holiday gifts it can be so hard not to by for myself.  I've been saving to buy gifts and haven't been shopping much.  Now I have some extra cash and I see so many cute things.  Does that happen to you?  Well my friends, the folks at JewelMint and StyleMint understand our pain.  They want to make sure that we have great gifts to give and get something cute for ourselves too! When you purchase gift cards for your loved ones, you can get up to two free items for yourself!  Fabulous! In addition to free loot with your purchase, 10 people will win a Kindle Fire and five will win a year of free jewelry from JewelMint! If that weren't enough, I'll also be running a little giveaway too!  Details coming soon.

I love that these are instant gifts.  Your recipients will be notified of their gift via email.  So there is no shipping and you can get it to them right away. If you're like me there are last minute gifts that still have to be crossed off your list. Better yet, their gift cards never expire!  Click on the links below to purchase your gift card right away.

I'll be posting details soon about my giveaway.  Stay tuned and Happy Shopping Real Girls!

Frugal Fashion Friday - My Recent Thrift Store Haul

My love of thrifting is no secret.  I think it's an amazing way to find one of a kind items without breaking the bank. You know the old saying, "One girl's trash is another girl's treasure."  Yeah I know the original saying used "man" but this is Real Girl Runway. I have hit the jackpot lately on my thrift store runs.

For the last few years, My Honey and I have been giving homemade gift baskets to friends and family for the Holidays.  We spend the week before Christmas making all sorts of goodies and then assemble decorated baskets to give.  This year, all of the baskets we are using came from the thrift store!  We got unique baskets and bins for just a few dollars a piece.

The first weekend in December my sister and I went to a fun event at Goodwill in Maryland.  My friend the DC Goodwill Fashionista hosted a Holiday get together. We got to shop the store before it was open to the public. My sister got a pair of suede pants for only $7!  I found a lavender boucle jacket (so Chanel) for $6 and  a vintage leather and suede Coach bag (80's vintage) for only $19!! It's a style that they don't make any longer, which makes the find even more exciting.

When decorating for the Holidays this year, I decided to change it up a bit.  We don't have a large tree. We use a fun table top, silver and fiber optic tree.  It's perfect for us and we love the colors.  The colorful tree inspired me to decorate the house in a blue and silver palette this year.  I went to Goodwill and found a bunch of mismatched candlesticks and a tray that I'm going to paint silver.

Once I'm finished with the decorating, I'll do a little post to show you how I've incorporated all of my Goodwill finds.

Happy Friday Real Girls!!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Holiday Shopping Strategies

I always start with the best intentions. I plan to shop early and avoid the last minute rush. I thought this year I would actually accomplish that goal. I started a list early and collected links for gift ideas. Well it's December second and I have only bought a few items.

Shopping is one of my favorite activities but not during the crush and rush of the Holidays. Because of this I gravitate toward the internet. My strategy for finding unique gifts at a good price is pretty simple.

Go to Unique Sites
Sites like museum stores (MoMA,The Met, and Smithsonian), charities, and etsy are great places to find unexpected and exciting gifts. If you become a museum member you can get items at a member discount. Gifts from a charity site are different and the proceeds go to a good cause. Etsy is full of one of a kind gifts and vintage items for everyone on your list.

Give a Handmade Gift
Make your sister's favorite cookies. Knit your Mom a scarf. Create a babysitting certificate for your best friend and offer to sit so she and her significant other can have a night out. A handmade gift is always special because of the time and care that goes into them.

Visit Thrift, Vintage and Consignment Shops
These shops have unexpected pieces that in many cases can't be found in mass retail stores. Vintage jewelry, colorful scarves, and great handbags would be a welcome gift.

I hope you have a great Holiday shopping season. Happy Friday Real Girls!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Easy Holiday Party Staples

It's really hard for me to believe that next week is Thanksgiving.  The year seems to have flown by and the Holidays are upon us.  That means Holiday parties and events for work, family and friends. There is a party or event happening almost every weekend from Thanksgiving through New Years.  I love Holiday parties, getting together with friends and dressing up.  At lots of these occasions I will see the same faces.  It sounds a bit Hollywood but I don't want to show up in the same outfit twice. Even more important, I want to feel stylish, confident, and at ease. There are also those impromtu and last minute events where I'll need a quick outfit that will look great.

Over the years I've come up with some strategies for these events. I've bought some stand by items that have served me well and they are my go to party items. I feel polished and confident in them and they are easy to mix and match with great tops and accessories to create an easy to throw together party outfit.

My Go To Party Items

• Tuxedo Jacket - They are available in all sizes, styles and price points. You can wear it with a skirt or a pair of jeans and look polished.
• White Dress Shirt - Pair it with your tuxedo jacke or your satin skirt, ala Sharon Stone (see below).
• Great Tee - A simple, well fitting t shirt in a neutral color can dress down your maxi skirt or be a blank canvas for your tuxedo jacket and statement necklace.
• Stand Out Shoes - Choose a pair that fit your personal style, taste and comfort level. I have a pair of heels and a pair of flats, I choose based on my mood and need for comfort.
• Statement Necklaces - I have several but if you only want one, pick a version that suits your personality.  You can wear it to a party or to dress up your jeans and tee.
• Satin Maxi Skirt - I love my satin maxi skirt. I have worn it so many times to different events and it's my go to for evening weddings. If satin isn't your style, try chiffon, or silk.

I found all of the items listed above at a bargain.  By checking department store outlets like Saks Off 5th and Nordstrom Rack, I scored the satin skirt ($40) and tuxedo jacket (Gianfranco Ferre, $60) for a steal. I also own a men's tuxedo jacket that I bought at Goodwill for $6. My white dress shirt is a no iron shirt. It makes it easy to wash and care for. A t shirt with stretch in a fabric like Tencel or Modal will keep its shape and drape beautifully.  I used to select party shoes just for their looks but after suffering through many parties in pain, I've changed my way of thinking.  I now own a few pairs that look great but feel great as well. I even own a pair of party shoes that are flats. Statement Necklaces can be found in every price point.  Check out discount retailers like Target and Kohl's for amazing bargains.  A satin or dressy maxi skirt can be your go to for many fancy events and parties.  I've worn my to fundraising dinners as well as evening weddings.  It's a simple palette that can be dressed up or down. In searching the web I found them in every color (mine is black) at bridal retailers for less than $50!

I mix and match my tuxedo jacket with jeans, skinny pants, and skirts.  I've worn the skirt with a white dress shirt, t shirt, chiffon blouse and more.  Pairing them with a statement necklace, stand out shoes and a fun bag can take these basic staples to the next level.

Many celebs have mastered the art of amazing party outfits.  My favorites are those that mix the fancy with the simple. Here are a few of my favorites.

Sharon Stone in her GAP t shirt
at the 1996 Academy Awards

Sharon Stone wearing
her husband's white dress shirt and a Vera Wang skirt
at the 1998 Academy Awards 

Olivia Palermo wearing a tuxedo jacket, flats and cigarette pants

Basic go to pieces are the key for me when dressing for parties.  It takes the stress out of deciding what to wear or buying a new outfit every time.  New outfits are fun but my budget doesn't always allow for that extra purchase, especially during the holidays.

Tuxedo Jacket, $10 Sequin Skirt, Bargain Stand Out Shoes (Details Here)

T Shirt and Statement Necklace
(also wearing my satin maxi skirt, not pictured)

What's your go to party ensemble?

My Memorial Day Weekend in Photos

I had a fun and relaxing weekend with my family. We took a little road trip and then had a cook out, including my special margaritas. Lots of fun and happy times.

Fun and Sunny Manicure like The Looks for Less

Road Trip!



Vintage Shopping - An antique ostrich fan I spotted (but didn't buy)



Friday Night at the Drive-In



Saturday Wine Tasting at Three Fox Vineyards



Great Music for our Little Rocker Chick



Margaritas on a Hot Day



Shiny Purple Manicure