How to dress from Work to Play

Every truly gathered woman knows the motto "work hard/play hard" and embodies that to some extent. Playing hard is about self-care, not partying recklessly and destroying your youthful glow.  We all need down time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. So when it's time for happy hour, a casual date, a social event, or other enjoyable after work function, how do we transition our outfits to save time, money and clothes? See our go to ideas on how to change work outfits from day to night.

To Do

• Use accessories to elevate the style of your work basics. Adding bracelets, cocktail rings, dramatic earring and statement necklaces works wonders.
• Use a fierce and dramatic shoe to increase the sexiness of your outfit without changing your hemline or lowering your collar.
• Add a waist belt to loose dresses to give shape and chicness
• Switch from a bulky tote to a chic clutch
• Increase the drama of your make-up. Highlight your cheekbones, add mascara/liner, try a dark lipstick.
• Don't forget your favorite perfume
• Let your hair down or switch the part. 

Great Pieces to Build from

• Use fitted pants rather than traditional slacks
• Pay attention to fabric. It's easier to move from day to night with more luxurious fabrics  (silk, leather, satin, beading, etc)
• Use colorful jackets and blazers rather than cardigans
• Keep killer high heels in your car
• Have a Fashion Emergency Kit in your car (read our post on this here)

Work to Play #2 by bree-jenkins featuring Yellow Jacket

From Work to Play by bree-jenkins featuring short tops

Work to Play #3 by bree-jenkins featuring white shoes

Have you rocked a work hard, play hard outfit? Share it with us at The Gathered Lady on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and if we love it, we'll share it!

She Rocked It: Leather Trend

Happy Monday Fashionistas! We hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving. We certainly did. What did you wear? We'd love for you to share it by emailing thegatheredlady@gmail.com or tagging us on Instagram @ TheGatheredLady.

As for today, I'll share a personal style victory- Rocking Leather. I've always loved leather for it's expensive appeal and ability to be hard and feminine at the same time. Sometimes it can be hot and bulky, but because of the flood of leather designs, I was able to take a classic skater-cut leather skirt and make it chic and classy.  I accessorized with a leather hand-clutch purse and a vintage white blouse. Do you like? Then show me how you can rock it too!

Leather Trend from Fall 2013 Runway

What to Wear When You Have "Nothing to Wear"

Happy Monday Fashionistas! We've all been there: room full of clothes, closet packed with options, impending deadline to be dressed, overwhlemed and saying "I have Nothing to Wear!"

"Where is my collarless White Fred Segal Shirt?!" (Clueless)This happens to be best of us. Even The Gathered Lady Bree gets lost in a sea of options and personal frustrations. I've outlined a few problem scenarios and handy go to outfit ideas to take the frustration out of these moments. Here are some suggestions:

To Do: 

• Keep wardrobe basics clean and buy multiples if necessary (I have 3 basic white and gray T's and several black shirts with different collars).
• Use shoes to create trend power and give your outfit a style lift
• Accessories are everything. Using them makes people think your outfit took lots of effort.
• Don't skimp on hair and make-up finishing touches. A ponytail can be sophisticated if groomed properly. Mascara, a wisp of blush, and lip gloss makes a world of different versus a plain dry looking face. A bold lipstick can create the illusion of dramtic timely make-up.

 Dont's: 

• Resort to walking around in sportswear/gym clothes all day
• Haphazardly throw on wrinkled and dirty clothing
• Wear oversized mounds of clothing to cover and avoid your body. It's beautiful in all it's shapes and sizes and there is always something you can accentuate

 Basics to Buy & Keep: 

• A pair of dark denim jeans that fit properly
• A white, gray, and black basic T-shirt
• A nice blouse in a print and solid color
• A pair of black pants that fit properly
• A colorful pair of shoes, purse, clutch, and necklace/earrings/cocktail ring for accents
• A little black dress
• A blazer 

Here are 4 scenarios that I hear women struggle with the most. 

Problem #1 I am lazy/sick/too tired to put in effort. This outfit is ideal for casual shopping, errands, possibly running into someone at Target.

What to wear when you have Nothing to Wear 1 by bree-jenkins featuring a blue rose lipstick

Problem #2: "I feel fat/bloated and none of my clothes fit!" This outfit is ideal for a casual date, movies, lunch or dinner with friends.

What to wear when you have Nothing to Wear 2 by bree-jenkins featuring enamel jewelry

Problem #3: "I have NOTHING-- No time--- & Must look Nice for this event!" This outfit is ideal for a date, nice dinner, mixer, cocktails, business casual dinner or event. The tights can be exchanged for black jeans or pants. The power of this look is in your grooming, make-up, shoe, hand-bag, and accessories game. Looking "expensive" is a powerful default to fall to. Show off your face, hair, eyes, and accents and keep the clothes very simple.

What to wear when you have "Nothing to Wear" 3 by bree-jenkins featuring dangle earrings

Problem #4: I've got no creative juices left. Only the little black dress remains! The little black dress can be worn to work, play, or casual activities. It's all about the accessories & shoe game!

What to Wear When You Have "Nothing to Wear" 4 by bree-jenkins featuring fishnet stockings

Boom! Now you've got options and all of the outfits can be assembled quickly, without specialized undergarments, and are comfy. Did I do a good job? Let us know in the comments below. If you rock one of these versions share it with us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter at The Gathered Lady. 

How to Rock Military Style

Happy Veterans Day! To all the Military personnel who serve our country, your service is priceless and appreciated. Not only do military protect our country, they also inspire pretty hot fashion  (and sometimes lust- yes, men in uniforms are hot!).

One of the major trends on the Fall 2013 runway is military inspired clothing. What I love about these looks, is that it's comprised of clean lines, dark colors (perfect for fall), and has tough androgynous appeal. You don't have to wear camouflage to be military chic (sorry, it just makes me feel very 'People Of Walmart'). Some of the key elements needed to pull of this look and stay sophisticated are: 

• Mix hard (military wear, leathers, metals) and soft components (satin fabrics, jewelry, make-up)
• Use an editing eye. Military aesthetic is clean and airy. Reduce the clutter of too many accessories
• Metallics go great with Navy, Army Green, Cream, and White colors found in military uniforms
• Purchase essential military style pieces that always come back in fashion (Army style jacket, sailor pants, striped shirts, dog tag necklace, aviator sunglasses)
• Keep your purse small to medium sized and structured. This isn't the time for Boho satchel bags.

Here are some of my favorite ways to rock the look and still stay chic! 

Military Look 1 by bree-jenkins featuring a green pleated dress

Military Fashion 2 by bree-jenkins featuring a red lipstick

Military Look #3 by bree-jenkins featuring an iphone cover case

Military Fashion #4 by bree-jenkins featuring wide rings

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. Have you rocked this trend and look fierce? Take a pic and share it with us on our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at TheGatheredLady. If we love it, we'll share it!

She Rocked It: Big Coats Trend

We love when one of our readers is caught bringing hot fashion to real life. Gathered Lady Deanna did a fabulous job with rocking one of the hottest trends this season  "Big Coats". We listed it in our 7 Heavenly Trends for Fall 2013 post, but have yet to see many women successfully pull of this look.  Check out our trend examples and the catchy way Deanna used color blocking and contrast for a eye-catching combination. Notice her coat is only a half size to one size larger than her frame. The structure of the coat balances the body conscience style of her chic pencil skirt. That's how it's done! Style. You have it. We Love it.

Big Coats from Fall 2013 Fashion Week Runway

 LA Fashionista Deanna

Have you rocked one of our style picks or the hottest trends? If so share your pics with us @ The Gathered Lady on facebook, twitter, or instagram. If we like it, we'll share it.