blushandbashfulliving-blog

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This is the perfect date night outfit. Top is from the @loft and they have a bunch of cutie tops on sale right now! More to come! 😃 . . #wiw #ootd #instantbossmob #instantbossclub #fashionblogger #blushandbashfulliving #datenight

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  You may have seen my post on instagram about the complimentary Maybelline products* I recently received for being part of the Influenster network.  I’ll be honest in saying that I’m somewhat skeptical of new beauty products.  Considering I’ve been using the same brand of make-up and products for a very long time, that should tell you a lot!

I have always loved primer, but I’ve never taken the…

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Looking forward to the weekend! 👀 . . It turned cold again in Indiana, so I put together my favorite striped sweater dress from @Nordstrom and tall boots for the day 😍 . Check out my latest blog post to get a sense of my overall style and some tips for your closet! . . #fashionblogger #style #wiw #ootd #blushandbashfulliving #instantbossclub

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You may have figured out by now that my style is fairly classic and/or conservative.  I have never really been someone that wears revealing clothing; instead, I’m always making sure that my top isn’t “too” low cut for the office.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t own any shorter cut dress, but there’s a time and a place for that.  My office is pretty casual, meaning I can wear jeans and my favorite pair of chucks on any given day.  That being said, I tend to lean towards the dressier side of the spectrum – jeans and heals, dress and tall boots, jeans and a blazer with heels – hence the classic style.

As a rule of thumb, I tend to shop for pieces that will be around for more than one season.  A great sweater or flowy dress, for example.  I try to go through my closet each year and let go of the stuff that just doesn’t fit or is really just out of style.

Here’s my final thought before we get into outfits.  You NEED staple items in your closet, and sometimes those items cost a bit more, but it’s worth it in the long run.  It’s also fun to pick up inexpensive items that may only last one season, but it’s even better to find inexpensive items that are timeless (shirts, cardigans, jackets, boots, heels).

So with that, I’m sharing some of my recent outfits in a bit more detail.

  1/2.  This is the same outfit – one with the moto jacket and one with out.  I LOVE the Express Portofino Shirt (buy 1, get 1 50% currently).  In my opinion, they are timeless.  They are also comfy and can be dressed up or dressed down to fit the occasion.  I’ve had this moto jacket from Express for probably 3 years as well, and it’s a great addition to take an outfit from day to night.  I fact, I have it in another color and also in leather.  Something important to keep in mind – it’s to splurge on staple items for your closet – this jacket, for example!  I only buy clothing from Express when it’s on sale, but I’m sure this jacket was still $60-$70.  Considering the number of time I’ve worn it, WELL WORTH that cost.

Shirt: Exact Jacket: Similar, Similar Jeans: Exact Heels: Exact

3. This outfit is one of my absolute favorites and my go-to in the winter!  Grab a cute shirt and pair it with your favorite vest and scarf.  Old Navy always has inexpensive vests, and on occasion, you can find them at J.Crew Factory.  Some of my favorite scarfs are legitimately from groupon, this one included.  You don’t have to break the bank to have cute outfit options.  I know you’re thinking those boots must have cost a fortune… wrong again… I got them for $50 at DSW.  And I also got them in chocolate!  🙂

Shirt: Exact (Shop Small BIZ!!) Vest: Exact (On Sale), Similar (I snagged a few) Jeans: Exact Boots: Similar

4. One of the quickest, easiest outfits that make you still looked pulled together, and even somewhat dressed up, is to pair a cardigan with basically any shirt.  I’m back to my favorite Express Portofino shirt with this outfit… I may have went on a spree in 2015!  Target & Old Navy are great places to find inexpensive cardigans that stand the test of time.  I wash mine like normal, and they’ve really stood up through the years.

Shirt: Exact Cardigan: Similar Jeans: Exact Heels: Exact

5. This outfit is more about the blazer.  The dress is circa 2014 probably from Old Navy.  Not all dress from Old Navy hold up through the changing fashion trends, but this one is chambray and is simple enough to still work for me.  I had a work meeting this day, so I grabbed the blazer to dress myself up a bit and to add some warmth.  This blazer is something I grabbed from Express, and at the time, I’m sure I spent way too much money on it, but again, classic/staple pieces are more expensive, but can basically be worn forever.  I easily have 8-10 blazers that I rotate through the cooler seasons.  Same boots from outfit #3!

Blazer: Similar, Similar

6. Find a soft, lighter weight, comfy sweater and buy it all the colors!  I have this in grey and black, and I could live in it.  I honestly feel like you throw a scarf with any outfit, and you’ve immediately added some interest to an outfit.  Shop Old Navy, Target, Groupon for scarfs!  Don’t buy the expensive ones – you absolutely can find scarfs fro $10-$15.  I have a few totes full of ones I’ve acquired over the years, from solids to patterns to blanket scarfs.  See scarf video here if you’re needing help with how to wear!

Pants: Exact Sweater: Exact Heels: Exact

  xoxo-emmy

What’s your style? You may have figured out by now that my style is fairly classic and/or conservative.  I have never really been someone that wears revealing clothing; instead, I'm always making sure that my top isn't "too" low cut for the office.

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Valentine's Schmalentine's

Valentine’s Schmalentine’s

Calling all my single ladies!  Listen, gals, I’ve been single for longer than I’d care to admit, but that’s life.  Let’s not sit around and feel sorry for ourselves… I definitely will not be.  🙂

Instead, let’s laugh about all those first date horror stories, or the online dating creepers that are far too old to be on a dating website, but yet they’re still contacting your 30+ year old self.  Hard…

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How to Wear a Scarf

How to Wear a Scarf

Since it’s still really cold, I thought I would record a quick-ish video on a few different ways to tie/wear a scarf.  I get a lot of comments from people, and so hopefully, my video will help you find some new ways to wear that scarf!  I’d love to hear about any other ways I’m missing as well!  I’ll be adding on to this with a video about blanket scarfs.

Enjoy!

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  xoxo, -e

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Everyone needs a pair of...

Everyone needs a pair of…

Black & Red Heels!

You need basic black patent leather, because they are great for a lot of occasions. Date night, work, church….and they are beautiful and classic.

You also need a fun pair of black heels, because, well.. why not!? Classic black heels are great, but you also need something to spice up an outfit.

Every gal also needs a pair of red heels. Yes, ladies, I said red heels! Here’s the…

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Valentine's Day is Near!

Valentine’s Day is Near!

Here’s a few of my favorite items.  Happy Shopping! 🙂

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If you ever thought it would be awesome to own you’re own boutique, you were definitely correct. If you thought owning your own boutique was easy, then you’re in for a real shock.

As you may know, my friend, Shivaughn, has her own online boutique. Let me be the first to tell you that she makes it look easy and fun. While there are many things that I’m sure she does enjoy and find to be truly fun and exciting, there is a LOT of work that goes into what she does.

I got a behind the scenes look when she invited me to go with her to StyleMax in Chicago. This is where boutique owners can go to purchase their inventory for the upcoming months/seasons.

First of all, let’s stop for a second and recognize what a shoppers paradise this place is.  For anyone unfamiliar, it’s held at Merchandise Mart. This place is massive, and StyleMax was on one entire floor.

Vendors brought their merchandise in, and you could browse or they would try it on for you. There were also accessories…. Really, just a lot to choose from.

What I didn’t know, is that these retailers and vendors have their own language – from placing an order to shipping to what the labels and color tags mean. Shivaughn was kind enough to walk me through what everything meant.

I had a lot of fun shopping with her, but the planning behind what she has to do is immensely important. From knowing her cash flow to the styles she needs, timing of delivery, and ultimately just not overspending beyond her budget. It’s a lot of pressure to make sure you have enough styles, sizes and inventory on hand to to keep your customers coming back to shop.

Obviously, the bigger box stores do this as well, just on a much larger scale. This is why they have “buyers,” which frankly, I should have thought about THAT career post-college. Accounting or buying clothes…. Seems like a tough choice!

In any case, I certainly have a much deeper appreciation for what small business owners have to think about all the time to ensure they have a successful business. You will see me shopping at Nordstrom, but you’ll always find me supporting small businesses whenever possible.

Here are a few photos from the trip (these don’t even do do the amount of clothing available any justice.. lol)

If you want to support as well, these are a few of my favorite boutiques:

Joyfully Yours Whiskey&Grace Closet Candy Kiki La Rue

xoxo, -e

Behind the Scenes If you ever thought it would be awesome to own you’re own boutique, you were definitely correct.

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Check out today’s blog post for the details on my Chicago trip! Link in bio. . . #blogger #fashionblogger #blushandbashfulliving #stylemax

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Can I get an amen!? 😂💜 . . #blog #blogger #tgif #instabossmob #blushandbashfulliving

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This shirt gives just a little edge to your closet, and is currently on sale! Head over to @shopjoyfullyyours for the details on this and much more 👀❤️ . . #blog #blogger #fashion #shopsmallbusiness #ootd #fashionblog #blushandbashfulliving #instabossmob

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Put love into the world. Be kind today. ❤️ . . #blog #blogger #bloggers #styleblog #fashion #fashionblogger #instablog #instafashion #outfitoftheday #instabossmob #instantbossclub #quotestoliveby #spreadlove

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Shop Thursday's Outfit

Shop Thursday’s Outfit

It’s Friday – we made it!!  I wanted to post the details of my outfit from Thursday – so simple, but comfy and still a great classic look for the office or date night.

Outfit Details Here

Ladies – I can’t express enough how often I wear this similar outfit during the colder temps.  I own this dress in probably 4 different colors, including some fun stripes!  These boots are gorgeous, and I also…

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I have a special treat today! My friend at @shopjoyfullyyours is offering all of you 10% off! ❤️ . Swipe left to see a couple of things I added to my closet. She has options for all sizes, everything fits great, and you’ll leave looking and feeling fabulous! . . #fashionblogger #blushandbashfulliving #ootd #joyfullyyoursboutique #hawthorn #promo

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Dear Thursday-I need a nap! 😂 . When I need something quick to throw on and still look put together, my go to are these @oldnavy swing dresses! . . #fashionblogger #oldnavy #ninewestboots #blushandbashfulliving

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Shop My Instagram

#OOTD

Whiskey & Grace Floral Empire Top

Nine West Pumps (similar)

Kensie Jeans [amazon_link asins=’B071S16MYQ’ template=’PriceLink’ store=’Default’ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5b88e557-00bc-11e8-928b-4503fc8fa32f’]

  This was on my instagram story, but I also found this beauty at Nordstrom!  This jacket fits great, and is true to size, and is currently on sale.  Definitely a solid add to my closet.