Happy Wednesday, dear readers! It’s time for our weekly dose of do’s and don’ts — are you as excited as I am? OK, let’s do this! Today I want to chat about a bold color that, time after time, remains a classic hue in fashion. I’m talking about red, my friends. It’s a daring color and a little intimidating to wear, but when done with these secret weapon tips, you will pull off this fiery shade like a pro. Plus, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it only makes sense to cover the do’s and don’ts of wearing red.

DO: Rev things up in red! Even if you have an inclination towards wearing muted or neutral tones, it’s fun to switch it up with a stand out color like red. From dresses to jackets, shoes to accessories, there are countless ways to incorporate a little bit of fiery red into your look. You’ll feel sassier, confident and super stylish. Go ahead, give it a try!

DON’T: Pucker up with the wrong red lip. Think you can’t pull off a red lip because you don’t have the complexion for it? Think again! Anyone can rock a red lip, but the key to do this successfully is to find the right shade for your skin tone. If the right red lip shade can make you look and feel like a million bucks, then why not give it a try? Read more about how to pull off a red lip here.

DO: Go for the classic red mani. In the last year, there has been a craze over DIY nail art which, don’t get me wrong, I think is totally cool. But let’s face it — we don’t all have the time or patience to create tiny little masterpieces on each individual fingernail we have. Want a bold mani, but without the extra time and effort? Red nails will never let you down. Plus, no other nail color says, “I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman!” better than red.

DON’T: Overlook the LRD. Yes, I love my “Little Black Dress” a lot too, but sometimes I want something a little more eye-catching. Enter the “Little Red Dress”. Not just for holiday parties anymore, red frocks can be a fresh alternative to their black counterpart when you’re feeling bold. Since the color alone will speak volumes, make sure the cut and design of your red dress are simple and streamlined, and keep your accessories minimal.

DO: Bring your look together with red. Even if the components of your outfit are simple, neutral or — dare I say it — even boring, you can really take things up a notch by pairing your outfit with a red-shoes-and-handbag combo. The perfect example of this? Pippa Middleton. This gal really knows how to pull a fabulous look together and, most recently, she’s been spotted rocking a pair of red nubuck flats and red Prada shoulder bag with several of her outfits — a great way to add instant color and polish. Love it!

What’s your favorite way to wear red? Share in the comments below!

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If there’s one thing that unites all women, it’s almost safe to say that it’s a love for shoes. Tall shoes, flat shoes, colorful shoes, simple shoes. All kinds of shoes. And what’s not to love about shoes? They’re fun and can really take an outfit from drab to fab instantly. But, for some reason, high heels seem to be the most beloved type of shoe out there. They can make a girl feel sassy, classy and just perfectly feminine. But even the most devoted shoe lover could use a few tips. Here are some do’s and don’ts for wearing high heels:

DO: Own a pair of classics. Even you’re not much of a shoe girl, especially not one who wears high heels, you should most definitely own a pair of classic black pumps. These are the shoes that will go with nearly everything and will come in handy for formal events and occasions. Wear them with an LBD and you’ll be golden.

DON’T: Suffer if you don’t have to. While high heels are pretty and a lot of fun to wear, they aren’t always comfortable. It’s important to consider the height of your heels and make sure that you will be comfortable wearing them for as long as you have to. If 4 inch heels are a little too much for you, then there’s nothing wrong with sticking to a smaller heel.

DO: Break them in. We’ve all made the mistake of buying a pair of heels the last minute before a major event and ended up suffering the entire night, or even tossed the shoes to the side before the end of the night. Best way to solve this? break your heels in! If you buy a pair of heels ahead of time, try to wear them around the house and let them mold to your feet. You’ll thank yourself when you’re cutting a rug at your cousin’s wedding.

DON’T: Forget a backup pair. Let’s face it. Sometimes even trying to break in a pair of new shoes before a major event won’t cut it. You may discover that the heels are too high after all, or the shoe isn’t really the best choice for dancing or even wearing for more than a couple of hours. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to bring a backup pair of shoes that you know will help alleviate your sore feet.

DO: Alternate between heels. While heels can help your posture and really add that perfect “final touch” to an outfit, it’s not advisable to wear heels every day. Your feet, ankles, knees and even back need a break from the stress heels can put on all of those places. Make it a habit to switch between heels and flats (or sandals and sneakers), every other day to let your feet rest.

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I love the sense of renewal New Year’s always brings. After reflecting on 2011 and the things we accomplished or need to improve upon, we now have the opportunity to recharge, redefine and move forward with new goals, dreams and opportunities. That said, there’s no better way to start the new year than with a fresh new outlook on style. Want to look your best in 2012? Here are the do’s and don’ts for 2012 style:

DO: Open Your Mind (and Closet). The only way to redefine your personal style is by letting yourself explore what is out there. Your old jeans, flats and cardigan ensemble may be your go-to for every day, but let’s face it, it’s getting a little boring. Try out something you wouldn’t normally wear; you may just end up liking the way it looks!

DON’T: Forget To Make Room For The New. Before you treat yourself to a new wardrobe, make sure you make room for it in your closet. It’s always good practice to clear out the old garments that no longer fit or are outdated, and donate them to your local charity, thift store or church.

DO: Rock The Color of The Year. Pantone, the color authority, has chosen Tangerine Tango as the color for 2012. You can expect to see this warm and energetic hue on everything from clothing and accessories to home decor. Get started this winter by sprucing up your ensemble with a scarf or handbag in this color, then graduate to breezy dresses and swimwear come spring.

DON’T: Be Late. OK, maybe you don’t have a problem with punctuality, but for many, “being on time” is a new year’s resolution. But regardless of either case, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t sport a snazzy timepiece on your wrist. This year it’s all about chunky watches, from white to wood, shiny metal to leather. So pick up some wrist candy and let your cellphone take a rest from the time-telling.

DO: Transition Your Faves from ’11. Look, just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean anything and everything from 2011 is completely irrelevant now. In fact, there will likely be trends from last year that will continue to trickle down into 2012. So, if you absolutely love that color-blocked blouse or highwaist jeans, don’t be afraid to keep them around. You can always reinvent last season’s pieces with this year’s trends.

What are you most excited about for 2012 in terms of style? Will you be reinventing your look this year?

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Happy Wednesday, fashion mavens! The week is half-way through and we’re less than one day until it’s officially winter, 4 days until Christmas (yikes!) and a little less than 2 weeks until the New Year. Where does the time go?! But at any rate, while the holidays are the most exciting part about winter, they are not the only exciting thing during this frosty season. I’m talking about weddings, folks. Winter weddings! There’s something magical about a winter wedding — whether it be set in a snow-covered venue or not. So, what’s the dress code for such an occasion? Now worries, read on and you’ll be ready for the next set of “I Do’s” on your winter agenda.

DO: Dress warmly. It’s winter, so you know you’re going to need protection from the cold. Consider the venue, location and anticipate weather conditions before choosing your outfit. Winter weddings are the perfect time to don fur wraps and coats, as well as thick and luxurious fabrics like velvet.

DON’T: Skimp on the fabric. Just because you are indoors at a wedding safe from the chilly temperatures outside, it doesn’t mean you ought to wear a more revealing dress. Even if this was a summer wedding, you have to remember that weddings are special occasions. So cover up properly and keep it classy at all times.

DO: Explore new color options. Winter tends to bring out the dreary, dark side in all of us, but that’s no excuse to go in head-to-toe black for a wedding. While black is a classic choice and always elegant, you can also look just as elegant and appropriate in color. Rich jewel tones — like emerald, sapphire and amethyst — are great winter wedding alternatives to black, as well as cool and bright colors (think fuchsia, cobalt, etc.).

DON’T: Be the extra bridesmaid. Before you pick out a dress, try and find out what color dresses the bridesmaids will be wearing. Avoid choosing a dress in the same color (or even similar) to what they will be wearing. You’re a guest, after all, and don’t want to show up looking like you were left-out of the wedding party.

DO: Cover up your gams. You can never go wrong with a pretty dress for a wedding, but considering cold weather, you may want to pair up your frock with some tights. Black tights (sheer or opaque) are always chic, and if you’re feeling a little more trendy, go with some simple patterned tights, such as these.

DON’T: Be afraid to wear pants. For many of us gals, our first choice for wedding attire is nothing less than a fabulous dress. But if the weather is too much to handle, then a pair of dress pants is a great option. With options like wide leg pants, high waists and sleek slacks, there is no reason why you can’t rock a pair of nice bottoms with a pretty top (sparkles, maybe?) to a wedding.

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Can it really be that Christmas is already next week? Oh, how the time surely flies! I love holiday parties — everything from the festive cocktails and sweets, to the silly white elephant gift exchanges — but it’s the getting-dressed-up part that’s the best. So, on that note, I thought today would be a perfect day to chat about the do’s and don’ts of holiday fashion. So read on and get ready to dazzle the crowds with a knock-out holiday ensemble!

DO: Get Your Sparkle On. If there’s one time of year you can completely get away with a full-on sequined dress, it’s now. Sure, you can get sparkly any other time of year, but when it comes to holiday fashion, sequins are a must. Black, gold and silver are classic colors, but blue, green or burgundy are fun and chic.

DON’T: Drench Yourself In Sparkles. I know, this seems counter-intuitive to the above, but the key to rocking the perfect holiday sparkle look is to do it in moderation. Don’t pair a sequined dress with matching sequin shoes and a coordinating sequin clutch. Pick one fabulous sequined piece and let it be the center of attention or let it be the boost to your outfit. Never all at once.

DO: Mix Luxe Fabrics. What I love most about holiday fashion is the option to wear a variety of luxurious fabrics. Velvet, satin, shantung, lace, and cashmere, among others, are perfect for wearing to holiday parties and, when mixed and matched, can add dimension and contrast to an outfit. I personally love velvet with satin, or sequins, especially when they’re in the jewel tone palette.

DON’T: Show Off Too Much Leg. Aside from the fact that it’s mighty cold this time of year, when it comes to holiday party style, classy is better. Avoid wearing short hemlines without properly covering up top (3/4 or long-sleeves, no plunging necklines). Also, add some extra sophistication (and warmth!) to your ensemble by wearing some black opaque, patterned or sheer tights.

DO: Reinvent Your Basics. Don’t want to invest in a sequined frock or velvet blazer for the holidays? No problem! Take your classic basics (LBD, blazer, pencil skirt, etc.) and spruce them up for the holidays with new accessories and jewelry. Wreath or bib necklaces, chandelier earrings, and bangles can give you the right amount of holiday sparkle, as well as holiday-hued (jewel tones, red, greens, gold and silver) handbags, shoes, belts and other accessories.

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Happy Holidays….Happy Holidays…Ahhhh, I can’t believe it’s here. That festive and merry time of year. Where did all the time go?! But continuing with our mid-week dose of do’s and don’ts, today I thought it’d be fun to cover some holiday beauty. I know you have a party or two to attend, so let’s chat about this so you can charm the crowds this holiday season!

DO: Get Festive. The days of bare faces and sun-kissed cheeks are long over (but don’t worry, summer will be back again). Winter, and especially the holiday season, is the perfect time to experiment with bolder, richer shades of makeup. Don’t be afraid to pucker up with a red lip, or go for a shimmery, smoky eye look. It’s the holidays. Have fun!

DON’T: Get Get Too Color-Happy. I know, a little contradictory to the above point, but here me out. While I say, “Yes, go for the bold lip and stand-out eyes!”, I don’t necessarily mean all at once. Emphasizing on the fact that moderation is key, choose one or the other, but never both at the same time. Red lip OR Shimmery, Smoky Eye. Pick one.

DO: Go for the Glow. We all lose our summer glow during winter, but there’s no reason why you still can’t shine during the holidays! However, rather than go straight for your warm summer bronzer, choose an illuminating powder or liquid that will give your winter skin that perfect radiance. Benefit’s Girl Meets Pearl is perfect for achieving this!

DON’T: Succumb to Hat Hair. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t escape from the wrath of hat hair. And let’s be real, you can’t go without cover when it’s freezing outside. So what to do? Dry shampoo! Keep a bottle of dry shampoo, like Oscar Blandi’s Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo spray, to give the roots of your hair a little oomph after you take of your hat.

DO: Have Fun with Your Hair. For most of us, the holidays are the only time of year where we have more than one party to attend, which means you constantly have to look your best. This is the perfect time to try out that pretty hair tutorial you found on YouTube or your favorite blog, or simply to try out your own styles!

DON’T: Forget to Smile. The best trick to always look beautiful? Smile! It doesn’t matter if you have a flawlessly done face or perfectly coiffed hair, if you’re not showing of your pretty smile, then there’s no way you can look your best. People will notice you and remember you if you’re happy, smiling and having a great time!

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Happy Wednesday and last day of November, friends! It’s hard to believe that we’ll be entering December tomorrow, let alone the fact that Christmas is just 3 weeks away! Yikes! Where did the time go? At any rate, December also means that we’ll soon officially be in winter, and before you dust off your heavy-duty winter attire, here are some do’s and don’ts to get you through the cold season in style…

DO: Stay Warm! I know, duh. But it’s surprising how many girls I’ve seen (at least here in my neck of the woods) sacrifice their comfort for style. They make cute winter wear precisely for that reason! Grab a chic wool coat, slip into some sassy tall boots and do not be afraid of winter accessories! You can be warm AND stylish, too!

DON’T: Forget to layer. The strategy behind keeping warm and comfortable during the winter months is to layer your garments. Start with the thinnest layer first then work your way up to the heaviest, warmest layer last. This also gives you an opportunity to add dimension to your ensemble buy mixing colors, patterns and fabrics.

DO: Match your accessories to the occasion. Those heavy duty North Face gloves are phenomenal when you’re out playing in the snow, but they won’t look so phenomenal when you’re headed to a fancy holiday party. Switch those bulky athletic gloves (as well as fleece scarves and snow beanies) out for some sleek, lined leather gloves, a wool winter hat and a stylish scarf, instead.

DON’T: Let drab get the best of you. Breezy, floral dresses are long out of sight by now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear color during winter! Liven up your dark winter garments with bold accessories, such as a brightly colored or bold print scarf, a stand-out red wool coat, or even a pair of colorful winter boots. The sun may not be shining, but that’s no excuse for you not to.

DO: Take advantage of leather and fur. Leather can be worn year-round, but winter is the perfect time to rock a heavy leather coat, jacket or even pants. Just be sure you properly care for your leather (if it’s the real deal) to get more mileage from your pieces.

DON’T: Be afraid to show some leg. If you’re not knee-deep in snow where you are, there’s no reason why you can’t show of some leg in the winter. Some covered leg, that is. Just as you would layer the top portion of your outfit, leggings or thick tights are great for wearing under a skirt or dress, and should be combined with socks and tall boots for extra warmth.

Here’s to a fabulous winter start, friends. Stay warm, comfy and stylish!

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Don’t you just love Wednesdays? Not only are we already half-way through the week, but it also means it’s time for our weekly dose of do’s and don’ts! That said, today I thought we could cover some basic rules of thumb in fashion since we normally talk about very specific trends. So, without further ado, I give you what you should know before you dress yourself…

DO: Wear what fits you. The key to looking great in your clothes — regardless of trend, style, etc. — is to wear properly fitted garments. Clothes that are too big and baggy will make you appear heavier than you are and won’t flatter your figure. Just as well, clothes that are too tight can also make you look bigger and will accentuate your figure in an unflattering manner.

DON’T: Wear it if you don’t like it. It’s so easy to follow trends and become a victim of fashion. But just because it’s “in” doesn’t mean you have to wear it. Wear what you truly like (even if it’s from last season, or the one before) and own your look. As my grandmother always says, “Wear what suits you“. And Grandma is always right.

DO: Keep things balanced. Great style can be achieved by the simple act of balancing. For instance, if you’re wearing an elaborate dress with prints or stand-out frills, keep your accessories subdued. Let the dress do the talking. Vice versa, a simple, monochromatic ensemble is the perfect canvas for statement accessories such as hot pink pumps, a chunky, sparkly necklace, or a wildly printed handbag.

DON’T: Succumb to over-coordination. No one wants to look like they tried too hard to be stylish. Rather, you want to achieve an effortless look and make people think you’re naturally stylish (although I know you really are). Go easy on matching your accessories to your garments to a T. While you want a cohesive, polished look, don’t think you have to match every single piece in your ensemble by color, print, or what-have-you.

DO: Look to others for inspiration. Stuck in a fashion rut? No problem! Everyone goes through it at some point. The next time you’re feeling the fashion blues and not sure what to wear, grab a mag, browse the web, turn on the TV or, heck — just people watch! You may just end up finding something that sparks that interest — that fashion fire — in you and gets you back on your stylish feet again!

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There is a time and place for everything, beauty routines included. And while you may be the type of gal who loves a good dose of makeup, there is a line of appropriateness to consider when it comes to the office. In this case, as a general rule, less is more. But there are a few things you can get away with — but only when done in moderation. So to fill you in on your weekly dose of faux pas’, check out these Office Makeup Do’s & Don’ts:

DO: Pride Yourself In Your Appearance. This is not the same as saying that your looks are the only thing that matters (because your smarts and capabilities are priority in your career!), but you do want to make yourself presentable. Don’t be afraid to enhance some of your best features with just a little bit of makeup and a polished ‘do.

DON’T: Go Overboard. Moderation is key when it comes to everyday beauty and style, and this especially holds true in the workplace. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look pretty at work, but not overly done. Save the heavy makeup for nighttime and weekend outings or, in my case, Halloween.

DO: Add Some Color To Your Face. You can still play around with color on your face without going overboard. A little bit of blush can really brighten up your look, and a subtle lip stain in pink, soft coral or red are acceptable, but only when paired with natural-looking eyes, and vice-versa.

DON’T: Get Too Shimmery. Office makeup should be subtle and as natural as possible, so try to avoid glittery lip glosses or frosty eye shadows and blushes. Also, skip shimmering body lotions and sprays. When it comes to office makeup, matte and sheer colors are a great option.

DO: Maintain a Neat Mani. The best manicure for the office is a simple, short, natural nail, but if you like acrylics or color on your nails, keep things tame. Acrylic nails shouldn’t be distractingly long or impair your day-to-day tasks and look as natural as possible. As for color, stick to basics like red, pink, and nude, or, for an on-trend yet still appropriate look, a deep plum nail color.

DON’T: Wear Falsies. As fun as they may be to wear, false eyelashes are not appropriate for the workplace (unless, of course, you have none of your own). Going back to the “going overboard” don’t, this will definitely take you over the top. Natural lashes with a few coats of mascara are more than enough for the office. If you want a fuller-looking eyelash, use a little bit of charcoal or dark brown eyeliner.

What’s your office beauty routine? Any tips you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Halloween isn’t until Monday, but for the majority of us Halloween goers, this weekend will be the real celebration. I’m talking Friday and Saturday night Halloween bashes, friends! So dust off your party shoes, have some fun with your costumes and get ready for this year’s Halloween festivities. But before you get caught up in your costume, there are some things you should keep in mind. Here are the Do’s & Don’ts of Halloween Fashion…

DO: Dress Up! If you plan on heading out for a night of Halloween fun with your friends, costumes and all, make sure you do it right. Get into the spirit of the holiday and dress up. Let your inner kid come out and relive that superhero or princess fantasy! It doesn’t have to be intricate — something simple and easy can be just as fun!

DON’T: Be Lazy. There’s a difference between easy and lazy, and when you toss on that shirt that says “This Is My Costume”, then you’ve crossed over to the lazy side. Put a little bit of effort into your costume and have fun with it. This will be the only day of the year you can be whatever you want to be, and have it be acceptable.

DO: Go Sexy Chic. Halloween is known to be the one day when girls can dress, uh…well, scantily — for lack of a better word — but that’s not necessarily the case. You can be sexy in a fully-covered ensemble just as well — if not more! If you’re showing off a lot of leg, cover up top, and vice versa. They key is to balance, wear what flatters you, and be your naturally sexy self!

DON’T: Leave Little to the Imagination. True, girls can get away with showing off a little more skin than usual on Halloween (it’s almost expected these days), but that’s not really an excuse to prance around in lingerie and sky-high heels (leave that to the Victoria’s Secret Angels). You still have your dignity to consider and you probably may not  want half-naked pictures of you on Facebook for people to see. Just saying.

DO: Dress in Unison. One great way to get attention is to get your friends involved in a  theme. You can do characters from a movie, TV show, a musical act or even cartoons. The same goes for couples’ costumes, which can be lots of fun to do with your significant other.

DON’T: Wear That Costume. Again. As tempting as it may be to wear your mummy costume that won you the “Best Costume” Award once, don’t do it. You’ve worn it for three years in a row and it’s not award-winning anymore. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a new costume, either. Just get creative and come up with something fresh — it can even come right out of your closet!

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