"Going Bright" for the Holidays

Dress: Rachel by Rachel Roy (similar here), Shoes: Christian Louboutin (here), Clutch: Aldo, Belt: Express, Cuff: Ralph Lauren, Watch: Bulova, Sunglasses: Edward Beiner 

To add some more detailing to this otherwise basic clutch. I slipped it through one of my bangles. I have never met a bow that I did not like and this helps turn any basic clutch into a gigantic bow. I also use tassels sometimes to create a similar look.

Sometimes I wear my belts backwards. The front of this dress has amazing details and the buckle on this belt was just too much. Wearing the belt backwards allows the buckle to add some detailing to the back of the dress while keeping the front clutter free.

Hey Sophisticates! Holiday party season is officially in full swing and this year, like every other year, I found myself standing in front of my closet and wondering out loud - "what am I going to wear?" As I began the mental checklist of what I wore last year and who'd seen me wear it :), I began to realize that every time I enter a holiday party, I'm overwhelmed by a sea of black. As much as I would like to say that I've never contributed to this black-out, I'd be lying. Let's face it, wearing black is a quick way to look instantly pulled together and chic. Though black is an easy choice, why not stand out from the crowd? For holiday season 2011, I'm "going bright," and I'm hoping that some of you gorgeous sophisticates will do the same!

"Going Bright" is a dangerous game here people. Who wants to run the risk of looking like a clown at a holiday party where you might run into that cutie co-worker or childhood crush. So here are my rules:

RULE #1
Do choose a color that complements your complexion. Mahogany sweeties, like myself, look great in pinks, purples and oranges. Porcelain sophisticates look great in pink and green, but may want to stay away from chartreuse, which may wash them out. Bottom line is try a plethora of brighter colors on and see which you feel complements your complexion.

RULE #2
Do know your office environment and try not to stray too far away from your office norm at office related functions. In too conservative environments, going bright can lead to you going all wrong.

RULE #3
Do choose a classic silouhette and keep accessories neutral. Let the color be your statement in the outfit.

So, the rules were laid and this is what I wore to my first holiday party of the season.




QUICK THOUGHT/ GREAT DEAL
Though my dress is out of stock, there is a similar dress available on both the Rachel Roy website and at Macy's. At Macy's the dress is on sale for ONLY $44.99. Check it out here.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Are you going bright?

Work-Ing

Blouse: Ben Sherman, Skirt: Ann Taylor, Shoes: Aldo, Bag: Michael Kors "Hamilton" Tote, Earrings: Thrifted, Watch: Rolex, Bracelet: Ralph Lauren

 

Ben Sherman is most famous for menswear, which explains why this blouse has so many amazing menswear elements. The mixture of masculine and feminine elements is always something that I find attractive in clothes. Unfortunately, Ben Sherman no longer makes womenswear, but I feel super lucky to have snagged this shirt when I did. Because of its sheerness, I would definitely wear a camisole underneath this shirt for work; but for after hours drinks, the sheerness of this blouse adds an unexpected sexiness that you've gotta love!


QUICK THOUGHT
Although I can't go too crazy with my work-drobe, I try to jazz it up as much as I can. For me, the recipe for being fashionable and  work appropriate lies in picking one item with an unconventional element (i.e. color, structure, detailing etc.) and keeping the rest of the outfit very traditional.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What do you guys do to keep it fab at work?

Follow Nusophisticate on Bloglovin'

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3202965/nusophisticate?claim=v3snhkm5gt4">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Layer-ing

Shirt: Gap, Jeans: 7 for All Mankind, Shoes: Bebe, Belt: Husband's old belt,Sweater: Banana Republic, Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana, Jacket: Super old

These Bebe Liza pumps are pretty comfortable for 6" heels. Heels this height definitely take some practice but I've found that the right inserts and breaking-in technique works wonders. 

If the temperature is anywhere below 80 degrees farenheit, I am definitely the person shivering in the back of the room begging SOMEONE, ANYONE to turn the thermostat up. Since I know that the rest of the world doesn't like to be quite as toasty, I've become a master at layering. 

Layering works best when you pair different textures and complimentary colors together. Not only does layering give an outfit visual interest, it's also very practical when combating the unpredictable Miami weather.

QUICK THOUGHT
The layering of the sweater underneath this old leather jacket actually updates the look by creating a sportier and more modern sleeve. This is a great way to give old jackets new life. The right sweater or light jacket can really update things.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
How do you combat unpredictable weather?

Brunch-Ing

Dress: BCBG Max Azria, Shoes: Aldo,  Bag: Fendi 'spy bag', Bangles: Banana Republic, Cuff: Vintage, Earrings: Vintage

I wore this outfit to the most amazing brunch on Sunday. Carving stations galore, live band, ceviche, oysters, unlimited mimosas, unlimited bellinis, unlimited caipirinhas, chocolate fountain and an entire room dedicated to desserts - I was in heaven!!!

I LOVE stripes, so this dress is one of my absolute favorites. The unexpected changes in the stripe pattern is something that I cannot get enough of.

Blue Crush

Dress: BCBG, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Bracelet: Miami Boutique, Necklace: JC Penney 

I wore this outfit to a charity dinner over the weekend. But, don't be fooled by the sunshine in the pictures. The rain was coming down pretty bad that day. So, I decided to go with a shorter length dress to save myself the hassle of stepping on a sopping wet dress the entire night.

Double Duty

Shirt - Zara; Jeans - Zara; Jacket - old; Scarf - Ross; Sunglasses - Edward Beiner; Bag - Coach; Shoes - Christian Louboutin "Jenny"

Started off the day with these cute Michael Kors flats.

Alright ladies! For a long time my weekends consisted of running tons of errands, running out of time and running myself ragged to get ready in 10 minutes or less. That's until I started double duty dressing.

I usually throw on some comfy seperates, like jeans and a tee shirt, and slip into some comfy flats. Then, I throw a saucy pair of heels,a solid blazer and my make up essentials into the trunk of my car. When I'm done with the 101 things I have to do, I pop the trunk and get ready to make an entrance.

These Christian Louboutin "Jenny" pumps are the MOST dangerous pair of shoes I own. Definitely not for the faint at heart. The hand on the wall in this pic is absolutely necessary lol

I love this Coach bag! I'm not really into signatures, so the subtlety and versatility of this bag is right up my alley.

QUICK THOUGHT
With all the things that us ladies have to do and all the people we have to take care of, double duty dressing is a must.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Do you guys double duty dress? If so, care to share any tips?

Jilly Fierce

Shirt: vintage/thrift find, Vest: Sean Jean, Jeans: Levi's, Shoes: Aldo

I threw this outfit together in literally 10 minutes to grab some drinks with friends. I bought this faux fur vest a year ago for about 12 bucks - so imagine my excitement now that faux fur is all over the runways and magazines. I'm definitely not about chasing every single trend but, in this case, the trend found me :).

A QUICK THOUGHT
In my opinion, a faux fur vest or scarf can add a bit of sophistication or interest to the most basic of outfits. I kid you not. One minute I'm plain old Jillian, trudging around the house in my boyfriend jeans and a denim button down shirt. Throw on a faux fur vest and some pumps and, all of sudden, I'm Jilly Fierce.

WHAT DO YOU THINK
Faux fur is definitely in. Are you feeling it as much as I am?

Summer!! Don't go

Dress: Zara, Shoes: Christian Louboutin "Altadama", Bag: Fendi, Jewelry: Vintage, Sunglasses: Forever 21

I know that I sound absolutely crazy lamenting the end of summer from sunny South Beach :) but, for the past couple of days, the weather in Miami's been pretty dreary. So, in an effort to brighten things up, I  decided to post this outfit. I wore this outfit to a lunch date with my husband a couple of weeks ago. I love mixing brightly colored pieces and do so all year round. Maybe it's the Miami in me, but I really don't think that fall/winter should mean dark. I think you should always wear what makes you happy so, I will proudly be that girl rocking the fluorescent orange dress in the middle of December.

A QUICK THOUGHT

This dress was an absolute steal at Zara. It had a slight zipper issue so I picked it up at a deeply discounted price, fixed the zipper and voila. Sometimes a slight snag in fabric, unraveling of  material or zipper issue can mean big savings. My advice  would be to go to your tailor and have a conversation about which repairs are easy fixes. Usually, zipper issues that do not run into the fabric are a quick fix. Also, certain snags or fabric irregularities are easily hidden with brooches, belts, etc.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

How do you guys feel about rocking brightly colored clothes during fall/winter? Am I guilty of a big fashion don't?

Welcome to NuSophisticate

Hi all and welcome to my blog - NuSophisticate. I've been talking about starting this blog for a long time and finally decided to (in the wise words of Nike) Just Do It. I am a young, recently married, professional who loves fashion and all things fabulous. Being fashionable means different things to different people and that is A-OK in my book. Hopefully, I can share my opinion on fashion and encourage all of you to use this blog to share your opinions as well. Hopefully, we can make each other more fabulous day by day. 

J