Category Archives: STYLE

fashion, style, beauty, interior design, and all things glam and chic

Check, Mate: Chess Gets its Sexy Back

Stop swiping randomly right and left on your smartphone for just a second. Why not try a new twist on an ancient concept of conquest instead?

There’s a niche for everyone to embrace chess at its purest or self-expressive forms. Critics say two recent screen gems – Pawn Sacrifice, starring Tobey Maguire and Liev Schreiber, and The Dark Horse, starring Cliff Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead) – should spark major interest in this game of strategy that has literally torn families and nations apart and driven prodigal geniuses crazy. At the cutting edge of virtual reality, chess fanatics compile and share lists of the world’s sexiest chess players. Sites for chess singles who only date their own kind are mushrooming.

A nice chess set can serve as a conversation piece or an aphrodisiac these days. Go head-to-head, eye-to-eye and hand-to-hand over a chess board if you really want to feel intimate and empowered with somebody. Here are seven chess sets that could take your game up another notch.

Glowing Chess Set

glow chess set

Cue up the Teddy Pendergrass soundtrack, dim the lights and get busy with this LED Glow set. The pieces don’t stop glowing until they’re captured. The polished playing board is powered by a plug-adapter or AA batteries, so there’s always a flicker of hope that events will unfold in your favor.

 

Sets From King-Sized to Micro

life size chess setAwe your opponent with the expanse of your devotion to the game with a King-Sized Lawn Set. Pieces as tall as 12 feet are hoisted and moved across boards landscaped to wide open space perfection. Or, make them green with envy through subtle or grand gestures on a Micro Planter set  – where seeds cunningly sprout from  3D-printed pieces. Players must maneuver pieces planted with tiny herbs and succulents around the board.

 

Shot Glass Chess

shot glass chess

Play on a Shot Glass set to ease the pain of getting out-witted at every move. On this tempered glass set, players make opponents pay not only with the loss of a captured piece but with a jolt of libation as well. Each piece’s volume is measured by its value in the game: Pity the fool who loses the queen. With 16 pieces per side at risk, losers should probably think twice about demanding a rematch.

 

African Challenge

african chess set

Tame the other “player” in the midst with an African Challenge set. The pieces are hand-carved from soft sese wood to mimic monuments in Ghana; and the board is covered in tooled leather. The rules of the game remain the same, but sets like this offer a home field advantage in terms of style points.

Wobble Set

wobble chess set

Note the difference between your queen getting tipsy versus getting toppled with the Wobble set from Umbra. The round-bottomed walnut and maple wood pieces are cupped by concave squares on the board.  As players waiver and waffle over their next moves, the pieces wiggle it just a little bit. Blame it on the board, in case it seems like your playing hand’s trembling.

Wood Travel Set

wooden magnetic chess setBring your A-game everywhere you go with a folding, Magnetized Wood Travel Set from The House of Staunton. This self-contained set made of rosewood and maple tucks away as easily as an airport newsstand paperback. Turbulence? No problem: The board and pieces are so highly magnetized you can play upside down.

 

Minimalist Chess

bauhaus chess set

Apply your basic instincts with a block-shaped Bauhaus set. The pieces’ minimalist design dates back to the austere 1920s. stressing function over ornate forms. This set makes the simplest of statements: Like any other game, chess is more mental than physical. And yes, size does matter.

 

5 Thrifted Items you MUST Own

Take a look around. What do you see? Bell bottoms? Fringe? Moto Jackets? All are being sold in stores in 2015. And are we to be daft enough to believe that this is the first time these styles have graced store windows? No!  We, my friends, are the style gifted! And if you’re not, you will be after today. That is to say, not only do we know that these styles have come and gone and come again, but we also happen to be filled with the wisdom of where to snag these boomerang style items for much, much less.

So where does our sartorial treasure map lead?

The Thrift Shop!

Much like Macklemore aptly reminds us, we sometimes find ourselves “being tricked by a business.” Sure, sometimes there are items that we just want, and, doggone it, we deserve them solely because of our desire to have them. But other times, we are blinded by brand names and the popularity of the item. The bottom line is that the exact same item exists elsewhere, possibly even a better quality version and certainly with a better story. There is a way to enjoy both the feeling of starting your own style story and continuing someone else’s. Here is a list of vintage thrift shop items that you can add to your clothing repertoire while adding a unique spin to your look.

 

Fedoras

A well-made hat can cost a pretty penny. If you’re looking to add to your hat collection, a thrift shop is the frugal way to go. You’ll find that a vintage fedora originally sold by a hatter will last much longer than a hat that has been made by a machine. These old school fedoras have been made with love by a milliner whose aesthetic calling is to fashion a hat that will look good and last.  And don’t be deterred by a slightly beaten up fedora, this can add character to your look.

 

Photo Credit: R/DV Flossy’s Suitcase, Highland Park MI

 

Bags

Boy, has the fashion industry outdone themselves with such a diverse array of bags. So many of these bags are colorful, bold and can add just the right touch of historical meaning and beauty to your outfit. These days a bag’s job is twofold. On one hand, it acts a vessel to transport items like phones, keys and money. But on the other–much more fashion forward–hand, it acts as an additional element with which to tell your personal story. Bag thrift shopping gives you a chance to take some style risks by allowing you to mix and match from different fashion eras with more current pieces.

 

Photo Credit: Feathers Boutique Vintage 

 

Oversized Sweaters

An oversized sweater is a wardrobe staple. Any thrift store in a place that experiences winter will have rows and rows of women’s and men’s sweaters for a fraction of the price that retailers are selling them for today. Mohair, wool, cashmere are typically all available for the taking and usually with a sub ten-dollar price tag. Give yourself some time to try each sweater on. Give it a good once over to check for fading, missing buttons and irreversible damage. All it takes is one or two trips to the thrift store to rack up on light and heavy sweaters for the fall and winter seasons.

 

 

 Photo Credit: Sarah Collins Photography for Highway Robbery Vintage

 

Denim

Even the fashion inept understand that denim will never go out of style. And it is for this very reason that thrift stores provide an inordinate amount of value where denim is involved. Styles come and go, but denim sticks around like a stalwart sartorial soldier. A really good thrift shop will offer up racks upon racks of denim from the 70s, 80s and 90s all riddled with a host of distressed features. Give yourself an hour and go home with a denim piece from every decade.

 

A photo posted by Pink Suede (@pink_._suede) on

Photo Credit: pink_._suede

 

T-Shirts

Oversized and over-worn are the two characteristics to look for when you pick out your t-shirts. A funny saying or an old school band is always preferable to plain, but the feel and versatility of the t-shirt is just as important. In order to be a successful vintage tee shopper, flip through the t-shirt rack relentlessly asking yourself if you can see yourself wearing the t-shirt with everything. Would you be cool with wearing this t-shirt with your favorite pair of jeans? How about that black tulle skirt you own? And those overalls? If you can say yes to pairing this t-shirt with most items in your wardrobe, it’s a keeper. Move on to the next t-shirt in line and repeat. You’re sure to acquire a hefty collection of vintage tees in no time.  

Photo Credit: Penny Lane Vintage

 

So, get out there and start thrifting! Once you’ve acquired pieces that you absolutely love, you can begin pairing them with the rest of your wardrobe. Then take your thrift store fashion to the streets. And when a stranger taps you on the shoulder, compliments your distressed Levis and asks you where you got them, you can respond apologetically, “Oh these old things? They’re thrifted!”

 

11 Chic Ways to Bring Copper into Your Home Décor

Copper is the black blazer of home décor. Put it against anything and it instantly adds a touch of polish and sophistication. Less gaudy than the brass of the 80s and more inviting than the chrome of the early 2000s, copper is the metallic of the moment. Dulux, the British paint brand, named Copper Blush the Colour of the Year 2015. Its popularity shows no signs of waning, and with good reason. The warmth and grace of rosy copper, along with its reflective properties, add a little shimmer to any situation.

Whatever your budget or style, we’ve got ideas for how you can bring some sophisticated bling into your interior spaces.

 

1. Bright Lights. Big Impact.

Copper is at its most elegant, most potent and most electric when in the form of an elegant globe lampshade. Emanating light from within and reflecting it on the outside, a copper lamp puts the material on full display. No one does it better than Tom Dixon. The British designer is the visionary behind some of the chicest restaurants, lobbies and interiors of the world. If one of his pieces isn’t in your budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of odes to his work at more approachable prices elsewhere.

 

Amanda Nisbet Design
Image Courtesy: Amanda Nisbet, author of Dazzling Design | Designer: Tom Dixon

 

2. Functional Copper

In our eyes, beautiful objects are even more beautiful when they serve a purpose. Sure, there are some gorgeous tabletop sculptures and decorative balls out there, but many of us live in small spaces where we have to make every inch count. Enter: copper accents with a function.

 

Copper Paul Leobach
Image Courtesy: Kontextur via Kenneth Schiller

 

Copper Candles
Image Courtesy: Target

 

3. A Copper Wall

A little sheen goes a long way, but a lot goes even farther. If you’re ready to make a long-term commitment to copper, an entire wall of the shimmery material is the way to go. Architect Jeff Sherman, of Delson or Sherman Architects, outfitted the two-story wall of his master bedroom in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn with multiple copper panels. He chose copper because he knew that “it would improve from contact with skin over time, rather than smudge like a painted surface.” He did the installation himself, which was no small feat. Because it’s heavy and very ductile, working with the ribbons of copper was like working with “a 25 pound fettuccine.” The effort was clearly worth it. We love the way the copper is reflected in the mirrors across the room and knowing that it will only look better over time makes it even more appealing.

 

Copper Wall
Image Courtesy: Jeff Sherman of Delson or Sherman Architects PC

4. Copper Prints

If an entire accent wall isn’t in the cards, you can still enliven your walls with a copper print. This ethereal moon phase calendar is available from Little Lark’s shop on Etsy. Once 2016 has come and gone, you can cut off the bottom portion and keep the upper square as a timeless portrait of the moon on its own. If you’re not as inspired by celestial bodies as we are, check out other sources for affordable prints online like 20×200  and Society 6 .

 

Moon Print
Image Courtesy: Christy Nyboer of A Little Lark 

 

5. Charger It Up

Do you know about chargers? They’re purely decorative plates that peek out flirtatiously from beneath dinner plates, protecting the tablecloth from spills. Perhaps you remember a version of them in brass on your aunt’s Thanksgiving table in the 90s when they became popular. In reality, they’ve been around since Biblical times, and they’re an easy, affordable way of dressing up your table without investing in a whole new set of tableware.

 

Williams Sonoma
Photo Courtesy: Williams Sonoma

 

6. DIY Copper Ladder

An elegant copper ladder is no farther away than the plumbing aisle of your local hardware store and a weekend afternoon. Brittany Cramer, the mastermind behind the blog Brittany Makes, pulled together this beautiful piece to occupy an awkward wall space in her newly renovated kitchen. The result is stunning, but functional. Even the staunch non-DIYers among us will be inspired by her ingenuity. For instructions and more photos, visit her blog.

 

Copper Ladder
Photo Courtesy: Brittany  Cramer of Brittany Makes 

 

7. Bling-y Books

While we don’t advocate judging a book by its cover, we’re willing to make an exception for those that are truly beautiful. A big book with a copper foil cover makes an intellectual statement for your coffee table. This cheeky leather notebook by Nuuna pushes the envelope with its message that “You Are So F**** Special.” If you don’t care to leave your inner thoughts out for all to see, you could turn the journal into a guest book, asking visitors to leave a favorite quote or musing.

 

Nuuna Book
Photo Courtesy: Nuuna

 

8. Copper-colored Window Treatments

What better way to enjoy a rosy-fingered dawn than through a rosy copper curtain? This semi-transparent copper-hued fabric from the legendary Création Baumann catches and refracts the light as it enters. We would also love to see the cocktail dress Maria von Trapp would fashion out of these.

 

Copper Window
Photo Courtesy: Création Baumann

 

9. Copper Throw Pillows

Embrace the softer side of copper with metallic throw pillows. It’s another way to explore the copper trend with minimal commitment and expense.

 

 

 

10. Don’t Forget the Bathroom

A copper accessories set is an instant facelift for your bathroom. No demolition required. The beautiful thing about copper with a rosy hue is that it plays well with other metallic colors, so whatever fixtures you have now, a copper soap dispenser will most likely only enhance it. We love the sleek simplicity of this set from Anthropologie.

 

11. In The Closet

If you’re not ready to take the copper plunge in the more public rooms of your home, then opt for sleek hangers in your closet. Like wearing beautiful lingerie, only you and your loved one will know they’re there. Ooh la la.

 

Copper Hangers
Photo Courtesy: The Modern Shop 

How to Bring Autumn into Your Home

The chill of autumn is in the air even while the warmer tones of fall are here to cozy up our living spaces. Here’s a list of simple ways to bring the season indoors and spruce up your home with the accents of fall.

 

Make an Autumn Simmer Pot

Immerse your surroundings in the scents of the season by tossing some apples and cinnamon into a pot of hot water and simmering to create an inviting olfactory atmosphere. Periodically add water and feel free to experiment with fruits and spices of your choice for a warm welcome at every entrance.

 

apples and cinnamon

 


 

Wrap Your Favorite Candles

A super easy décor treat that can double as a hostess gift: scented candles. Well, sort of. Start with bought candles in thick, column shapes and use a ribbon and glue to surround them with cinnamon sticks for a fresh scent at every flame. The results are lovely to look at and sweet to the senses.

 

candle and cinnamon sticks

 


 

Press Flowers and Leaves

Stroll your yard or the local park to collect interesting fall foliage, berries, twigs, and flowers. Almost anything can be pressed if you stack enough heavy books, so get out those dictionaries and delicately place your flowers in the middle sections. Close, stack with more heavy books, and wait at least a week. Arrange your pressed treats on canvas, or board with a little glue, and you’ve made lovely objets-de art to decorate on an autumnal theme.

 

pressed flowers in a frame


 

Adjust Your Color Scheme

To switch up your home for autumn in the easiest way possible, simply add textiles in fall colors. This season’s interiors are going beyond the burnt oranges and espresso browns of past trends to add mauves, crisp whites, greys, and yellows to the palette.

Experiment!

 

colorful leaves

 

Most of the fun of interior design is to indulge your own personal visions about the spaces you inhabit. So just remember to keep it simple and use these basic guidelines to get your home into fashion in a weekend.

How to Create the Perfect Reading Nook

Curling up with a good book becomes heavenly when you have a great place to curl up. The best part of a “nook” is that it’s literally all you need space-wise. Use what you have and see how easy it is to create your very own imagination station, aka reading nook.

 


 

1. Spot the spot

Take a look around your living area for any of the following: a window, an alcove, a corner, extra closet, space under the stairs. All count as excellent choices for a reading nook. Move around a few things to uncover tucked away spots. Ideally, you want a space away from TVs. If possible, use natural light as your focal point.

 

reading nook
Photo by: flickr/Wicker Paradise under license CC BY 2.0


 

2. Brighten it up

Nothing beats sunlight for daytime reading but you definitely want a good reading light for all the pages consumed after dark. Keeping your reading space uncluttered is best, so keep things minimal with a book light or a serpentine lamp (the ones with long, flexible necks). Clamped lights also offer versatility for limited options because you can affix them almost anywhere.

 

Cory Doctorow reading monkey lamp
Photo by: flickr/Cory Doctorow under license CC BY-SA 2.0

 

3. Have a seat

This might be the most important part of creating your perfect reading spot. A cozy, fluffy place to sink into, like an oversized chair, a beanbag, or even a spare mattress (with some modification) can offer a relaxing place to soak up your stories. Work with your space. Sometimes, cushions might be all you really need.

 

reading nook
Photo by: flickr/Peter Alfred Hess under license CC BY 2.0

 

4. Secure a surface

A small end table or upturned crate can give you just the space you need for a mug of hot chocolate or glass of Malbec. Some readers like to have pens and a notepad to jot down ideas while they read. If you have the space, consider a DIY bookshelf to include within your nook.

 

reading table
Photo by: flickr/Wicker Paradise under license CC BY 2.0

 

5. Remove yourself

If you need privacy or like to feel enswathed in a cocoon, consider curtains, wall dividers, or Japanese screens to partition yourself off from the rest of the room. These simple solutions can really carve out a space where you thought there was none.

 

wicker chair nook
Photo by: flickr/Peter Alfred Hess under license CC BY 2.0

 

Remember, you might need to experiment with a few spots to see what works well. That’s part of the fun. Raid the linens and hit vintage shops for more ideas about how to decorate your nook. A few interesting textiles can take you on a journey of room decorating ideas.

And, of course, now it’s time to get busy on your home library.

Dressing “Outside of the Box” When You Work in One

Many of us work in a stale, dank, bordering on depressing, office. Every day, we drag ourselves into work hoping for a glimpse of excitement, an ounce of dynamism, a tidbit of color. But instead, we’re met with a cubicle that feels more like solitary confinement and an underwhelming outfit that fits right in with the dull surroundings. It’s easy to feel like you have to act and, ultimately, dress like the people you work with in order to be taken seriously.

It’s actually the opposite. Expressing yourself differently in an environment where the majority dresses the same can be a great way to start a conversation and break the ice. It’s even possible that, through your style bravery, you may be giving someone else the courage to express themselves as well.

Here are some ways to liven up your wardrobe and feel confident in your work environment:

Get Lippie

Maybe you’re not quite ready to wow your colleagues with your pattern mixing abilities, so instead opt for a neon-colored lipstick. There’s no need to showcase a full face of make-up if that’s just not for you. A simple touch of mascara and a bright lip color is more than enough to add some color into your wardrobe for the day. In the winter, instead of a dark red lip color, grab a dark green, or a dark gold color. These lip colors will keep your colleagues guessing and give you a reason to talk more at meetings.

Get Lippy blue lipstick

Shun the Boring Shoe

There is no better conversation piece than a funky shoe! Shoes have been known to start lasting friendships and spark newfound obsessions. Slipping on a pair of fun and attention-getting shoes will immediately give you a pep in your step. Just make sure you feel good in them. Wearing a pair of six-inch stiletto heels that you can’t walk in may be attention-getting, but it won’t act as a confidence booster and will absolutely become fodder for the naysayers.

fun and funky shoes
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

Dress to Shock

For those of you that just want to blow your colleagues out of the water, this is the phase for you! No more beating around the bush. You love turquoise lipstick, patterns, feathers, fringe, lace, and emoji shaped purses. And you’ll be damned if any workplace inhibits you from shouting it from the rooftops. If you fall comfortably into this category, then you know about the naysayers and couldn’t give a flying Fendi monster baguette about them. But for those of you who have just gained free admission to the “Express Yourself” cruise, sailing daily you should know that there are petty, passive-aggressive piranhas in your midst…

Dress to shock
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

Beware of The Naysayers

Most people are too afraid to represent themselves honestly because they are worried about the repercussions, and rightly so. It’s scary to show yourself so openly, to then receive what feels like a vicious verbal attack solely because you chose to express yourself. Just be aware that these reactions are inevitable and have nothing to do with you. Any snide, passive-aggressive, or blatantly obnoxious remark flung your way is really just the flinger’s way of repositioning their understanding of the “normative.” In other words, you’ve just blown their minds and they’re trying to make sense of it all. Unfortunately, something as simple as a neon pink lipstick can lead to demeaning comments being hurled your way. My advice is to come up with a sound bite that you use in these situations like,” I can see that my [insert fashion-forward item here] makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, but when I wear it, I feel like a million bucks! “ Then execute your best catwalk strut back to your cubicle. They’ll get the point. And you’ll be standing up for what you believe in– freedom of style!

Beware of naysayers
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

Encourage the Style Curious Colleague

Although you may hear some negative responses, you may also hear some that exhibit an eagerness to follow in your footsteps. These feelings can be disguised in comments like, “I love that on you, but I could NEVER pull it off.” These are the moments when you can help your colleagues build their own style confidence. Recommend some items they may feel comfortable trying and if they are brave enough to try them, shower them with compliments as soon as you see them. Your workplace, although maybe not your happy place, should at least be a place where you can be yourself and feel happy doing so.

Style and Fashion

Maybe Ombré Just Isn’t for You, And That’s OK

If you walked down the street in the West Village or perused the feeds of style bloggers on Instagram Pinterest or Tumblr, you would notice one, inarguable thing: the ombré hair color trend. It’s everywhere. Your best friend is sporting this look, your sister is about to sport this look and your coworkers are deciding if they want to take the plunge. This is one of the “it” hair color trends of the year.

Young girl with ombre hair

For the more daring lady, the lavender gray color trend has been gracing the boxes of instagram. Every other selfie displays long billows of silvery purple hair with a caption like “yay or nay?” Well it’s clear that the answer is a resounding “Yaaaas!” from the throngs of other IGers sporting the exact same hair color.  So, you ask yourself, am I next? Do I like these looks? Are they me? And the answer is, strangely, unclear, simply because you’ve seen the look on so many women that even if you originally believed it to be the ugliest trend you’d ever laid eyes upon, the mere frequency of it has allowed it to grow on you.

Kelly Osbourne Hair

Now, rather than professing your opinions about how downright ugly this trend is, you begin to hear yourself saying, “it’s not so bad,” and then “it’s pretty fashion-forward, actually,” and then there you are sitting in the salon requesting, “One ombré hairstyle, please!” Somehow the most intelligent of us, gets pulled into letting trends make style decisions for us. These “everybody’s doing it” moments conjure up the age-old question that a parent used to put to you when you had already made a terrible decision that had been influenced by a friend’s: “if she jumps off a bridge would you do it too?”

Unfortunately (or fortunately), their wisdom has followed you into adulthood and how appropriate this universal question still is.

So how do you stay true to what you truly love and get rid of all the trend-crazy noise?

Listen to your gut, ladies and gentlemen.

Get in tune with yourself and ask yourself some soul-seeking hair trend questions:

1. Would I feel proud with this haircut/hair color?
2. Do I feel “un-chic” if I am not sporting this hair color trend?
3. Do I enjoy having the same hairstyle as everyone and their mothers?
4. Would I make this decision if I hadn’t seen thousands of pictures of the same look on thousands of other women?
5. Is this look even a possibility for my hair?

Sometimes checking in with yourself is a great way to learn what works for you and what truly doesn’t. And don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with following a trend. Trends can provide structure and ease for the person that loves style, but doesn’t know where to begin. A trend can act as a much needed starting point in a world where there are an absurdly large number of style choices.

So what will it be? Ombré? Or a jet black pixie cut? The beauty of it all is that nothing is forever in the word of hair. You can choose emerald green today, and don an auburn bowl-cut tomorrow.

How to be Glamfordable: Tips from a Wardrobe Stylist

It’s just past sunrise on a blustery day at a New Jersey beach and wardrobe stylist, Kristen Robertiello, finds herself crouching in the sand at Steve Buscemi’s feet. He’s wearing custom-made Italian leather loafers that must be kept perfectly dry. This is no small feat considering the shot the director is trying to capture for the Boardwalk Empire show open involves waves washing over Buscemi’s shoes over and over again. It’s a challenge, but for a seasoned wardrobe stylist, it’s just another day at the office. With nine years of styling celebrities under her belt, she’s learned a thing or two. Here are some fashion tips, shared from the trenches:

 Fashion and Style tips Infographic


  Follow Kristen on Facebook KR Wardrobe Design and Instagram krwardrobedesign.

Last-Minute Celebrity Halloween Costumes 2018

We can’t all totally slay Halloween like Heidi Klum does, but you can still gather inspiration from celebrities and throw together a killer last-minute costume that won’t break the bank or require a ton of effort (all puns intended). Here are some of our favorite celebrity Halloween costumes.

 

Beyoncé as Barbie

 

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

You can never go wrong with a classic Barbie costume. To copy Beyoncé’s Barbie look, simply pull your hair into a tight and high updo, throw on your favorite girly outfit, put on a bold lip (preferably hot pink or red), and accessorize with your best earrings and sunglass combo! If you have a little extra time, grab the biggest box you can find and deck it out with everything pink and Barbie-esque and hop inside!

 

Kate Upton as Sandy

 

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#Repost @justinverlander with @repostapp ・・・ #happyhalloween everyone!! From Sandy and Danny.

A post shared by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on

A classic couples costume that just about anyone can pull off is Danny and Sandy from Grease. To get the Sandy look, make your hair as big and curly as possible, throw on a red lip, and pull out your sexiest, figure-hugging, all-black outfit and you’re good to go. If your man isn’t totally game for a full-on Halloween costume, Danny is the perfect option because all he needs is a black-on-black outfit and a leather jacket!

 

Vanessa Hudgens as a Skeleton

Heidi Klum is known as the queen of Halloween, but Vanessa Hudgens is a close second (her Instagram has been a Halloween tribute all month long)! Take a cue from Vanessa and try your hand at skeleton makeup. All you need is black and white face paint, or even light foundation and a black eyeliner if you’re in a pinch.

 

Martha Hunt as Elvira in Scarface

 

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Don’t call me baby 📸@j_mcd

A post shared by Martha Hunt (@marthahunt) on

Another super easy costume to throw together last minute is Elvira from Scarface. Martha Hunt wore this costume and looked absolutely amazing, and you can too with a sexy white dress, red lipstick, and glittery earrings.

 

Jenna Dewan as a Unicorn

 

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Ok last one I promise 🦄🦄🦄🦄

A post shared by Jenna Dewan (@jennadewan) on

Probably the easiest costume idea of our entire Halloween roundup – the unicorn! To achieve the unicorn look all you need is a horn – hello, Amazon prime – lots of pink glittery makeup, and a high, slicked back ponytail. The best part about the unicorn look is that the colors and options are limitless – go wild!

 

Irina Shayk as a Cat

 

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The cat is out and about.. 🐱🖤 #HappyHalloween

A post shared by irinashayk (@irinashayk) on

Irina Shayk is undoubtedly the most beautiful kitty we’ve ever seen and you can copy her look with just a few items you likely already have. You’ll need cat ears and black eyeliner (for the perfect cat eye plus whiskers and a kitty nose).

 

Lauren Conrad as Cruella Deville

 

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If she doesn’t scare you no evil thing will… I’m sharing this years halloween costume on laurenconrad.com today 👻🎃🕷

A post shared by Lauren Conrad (@laurenconrad) on

There’s nothing quite like a Disney villain is there? Steal Lauren Conrad’s 2017 Halloween look by throwing on a bold red lipstick, a little black dress, a white faux-fur coat, red gloves, and some green eyeshadow! You can pick up a black and white wig or use temporary black and white hairspray.

5 Workplace Fashion Rules You Should Never Break

It’s been said that you should dress for the job you want and not the job you have, but working nine to five is hard enough without having to stress over what to wear each and every day. Whether your office dress code is pretty laid-back or super strict, there are some general guidelines you’ll want to follow in order to look and feel your best. We’ve got you covered with five workplace fashion rules you should never break (plus suggestions on how to give your work wardrobe the promotion it so deserves).

5 Workplace Fashion Rules to Follow

Rule #1: Wear sheer fabrics very strategically.

A see-through mesh panel along the neckline or sheer sleeves on an otherwise modest blouse? A-Okay. A semi-sheer top that reveals your bra in direct sunlight? Not so much. Sheer fabrics are a challenge to pull off in the workplace, so it’s best to always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, layer the garment in question with a camisole or slip for foolproof coverage.

Try:

workplace fashion blouse

Pixie Market Mimi Organza Polka Dot Top, $99

Rule #2: Re-work backless styles to make them more appropriate.

Backless tops and dresses are modern essentials that show off just a hint of skin, but it’s usually a good idea to save them for your weekend outings. One exception? A reversible sweater. Choose one that you can wear as a cardigan at the office or flipped around as an open-back statement when you’re off the clock.

Try:

sweater for workplace fashion

J.Crew Point Sur Open Back Sweater, $98

Rule #3: Short skirts aren’t so good for climbing the ladder.

Midi skirts are a dream come true for modern working women thanks to their versatile style and overall professionalism. Skip the minis in favor of these longer (and more practical) wardrobe essentials — and wear them year-round with blazers, sweaters, and blouses alike.

Try:

midi skirt for workplace fashion

J.Crew Pleated Midi Skirt in Party Dot, $99.99

Rule #4: Leggings are like vacation days. Use them wisely.

Leggings aren’t exactly a workplace no-no, but they’re a little risky for the corporate environment. A basic pair may look fine at home but reveal way more than you ever imagined in the light of day. Ponte-knit designs are a safer option (especially when paired with tunics), but your best bet is to stick with dress pants instead. Many of today’s styles are surprisingly fashion-forward and figure-flattering with high waists and slim silhouettes.

Try:

dress pants for workplace fashion

Pixie Market Oslo Double-Waist Pants, $106

Rule #5: Don’t go too casual on Casual Fridays.

Fri-yay is cause for celebration, no doubt. But it’s easy to take the casual thing a little too far. If your go-to Friday jeans have rips and tears or embroidery and bedazzling on the butt pockets, then I’m talking to you. Reach for basic denim in dark blue washes for the most sophisticated take on TGIF.

Try:

jeans for workplace fashion

H&M Skinny High Ankle Jeans, $9.99

 

Which workplace fashion rules do you live by, and which ones do you think are outdated? Sound off in the comments section below!