Functional Fashion: Pencil Skirt

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The most versatile of the skirt family, the pencil can be serious at work or flirty in the evening. Available in a myriad of textures, patterns and colors, the pencil skirt is a functional wardrobe essential.

Work: Pair your pencil skirt with a dress shirt, button-up, silk blouse or plain/printed cardigan and cami.

Evening: Dress-up your pencil skirt with a simple tank or cami, killer shoes and accessories.

Weekend: Depending on the material and texture of your pencil skirt, try adding some Chuck Taylors or sandals, a plain tee and jean jacket.

A pencil skirt can be very figure-flattering. For additional slimming properties – look for skirts with color-blocking panels on the sides. These panels – especially when black – whittle the curves significantly.

Burberry London ~ Stretch-Twill Peplum Skirt: $495.00

Alice + Olivia ~ Sarah Suede Pencil Skirt: $298.50 (sale)

J.Crew ~ No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Geometric Print: $148.00

Vince ~ Leather Pencil Skirt: $1050.00

White House | Black Market ~ Colorblock Ponte Pencil Skirt: $49.99 (sale)

Festive Finds: Jumpsuits

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An ultra-modern alternative to the classic cocktail dress are jumpsuits. Easy and versatile, the jumpsuit is a fashion-forward option for a holiday event or New Years Eve. From casual to chic, there are a  plethora of cool iterations to this playful piece.

Choose solid colors and sophisticated fabrics for an evening-appropriate aesthetic. Available in straight leg or wide leg, the jumpsuit is comfortable and figure-flattering. Show off your best feature by choosing between halter top, tube top or one-shoulder options. With so many variations of this classic ensemble, it might be hard to choose just one:

Here are a few of my favorites:

BCBG MAX AZRIA: Beaute Lace Jumpsuit: $248.00

Catherine Malandrino:  Favorite Jersey Jumpsuit: $395.00

Rachel Pally: Heathcliff Jumpsuit: $242.00

BCBG MAX AZRIA: Leeo Draped One-Shoulder Jumpsuit: $248.00

Rachel Zoe: Edith Shawl Collar Jumpsuit: $197.97 (sale)

Season-less Staple: Rachel Roy 24 Hour Dress

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Transition from day to night / summer to fall with effortless style in Rachel Roy’s 24 Hour Dress. 

A conceptual design for 24 hour functionality, this comfortable dress works in the daytime, nighttime, work-time and party-time. The ruching at the waist and deep pockets provide a relaxed, unencumbered, figure-flattering style. Chic and impeccably tailored, the 24 Hour Dress is extremely affordable at around $89.00.

Strap on some sandals or flat boots, add a panama and gold bracelets for an easy daytime look. Take this dress into night with pumps or booties, pattern tights and jewels or a simple belt – any width, color, design.

Each season this dress is slighted altered in color and material, but never the style. In past collections, this dress has been made of velvet, splattered with paint and shined in metallics. Also sold at Macys, the 24 Hour Dress is available in black all-year-round.

Gym Gear: Lululemon Wunder Under Crop

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Bikini season is right around the corner. Getting fit for summer starts by feeling good about yourself. The best motivation technique I know of is purchasing gym clothes that make you look good.

This can be done simply by purchasing a pair of Lululemon workout pants. Yes, the cost is ridiculous but the quality is incomparable. The Wunder Under Crop is my current favorite. From the outside, they look like your run-of-the-mill workout wear. But when pulled on, they instantly hug the body and flatter the figure with ‘superhero-like’ strength.

The capri-cut and gusset-style design allows for maximum range of motion when working out. Lululemon’s custom Luon® fabric resists moisture and will keep the shape of the pants after washing (cold delicate cycle/no fabric softener/ hang to dry).

The Wunder Under Crop run a little bit small. If you live near a Lululemon store, it is worth going in and working with a sales associate. They will find the perfect pieces for your body type and lifestyle.