Cold Weather Chic - Favorite Fashion Friday Link up + Giveaway

Here are four pieces to help you look chic yet cozy as the weather gets colder. You can never go wrong with a striped top worn with a down vest, skinny jeans and over the knee boots. How do you stay chic in the cold weather?

Striped Tee / Vest / Skinny Cords / Over the Knee Boots  

I am excited to co host this week's Favorite Fashion Friday link up with Tara and Bonnie. Come on and link up your favorite outfits for the week and oh, there's a giveaway too!

 

(Please follow all the rules.  If you don't we'll have to delete your post from the link up...and we really don't want to have to do that)

1. Follow your hosts

Follow your hosts via GFC or Bloglovin' and leave us a comment letting us know so that we can return the favor! 

2. Grab a button

<a border="0" href="http://pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com/search/label/Favorite%20Fashion%20Friday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag84/Penniless_S/FavoriteFashionButton_zps3d308d81.jpg" height="200" width="200"/></a>

Grab a button, put it at the bottom of your post, on your sidebar or in your linky list.  (or a text link works fine too!)

3. Link up

Link up your favorite outfit post of the week.  Please only link up outfit posts from the current week.  Posts that don't fit these guidelines (such as giveaways or old posts) will be deleted from the link up.

4. Comment & Hop Around

Comment on your host's blog and on at least one other linked up post.  Visit as many of the lovely blogs that are linked up. Comment and let them know you found them from Favorite Fashion Friday!

 

Tara @ Penniless Socialite

Kemi @ Beauty Style Growth

Bonnie @ Delusions of Grandeur

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link ups: Fashion Friday, Style Elixir, Long Distance Loving, Simply Lulu Style

Thanks for Reading

Bloglovin / Facebook / Twitter / Avon

Engineer Style: Yellow with Navy Khakis

Some of you have asked to see more of my more casual work outfits, particularly ones to wear in the engineering or dirty work environment. Here's another way I'm wearing khakis for work. Instead of wearing regular brown khaki pants, I opted for these navy blue ones and wore them with a yellow sweater for a color blocking effect. I added the grey scarf to complete the outfit. This is a color combo I love and would do again.  A grey sweater or polo will also look nice with the navy pants. I also own the pants in brown and blush. They are great for days I have to walk around the lab and shop floor at work.

Sweater - Kohls Similar / Similar /  Option
Khaki pants - Gap  (40% off now) / Brown / Orange
Scarf - mark via Avon / Similar / Similar / Similar
Oxford Boots - Nine West / Option / Love this / Wedge Option
Nail Polish - Avon (Grey Flash)

Gap khakis

Link ups: Look what I Got, What I Wore to Work

Enter to win $50 VISA card and $50 Avon Credit here

Thanks for Reading

Bloglovin / Facebook / Twitter / Avon

Printed Trench

I'm linking up for the Bloggers do it Better Coat challenge. Add one or two printed coats to your collection for added interest. And you don't have to break the bank doing so. I got this trench from Target for $29.99. It's the Jacket from the Kirna Zabete for Target line. Anyone remember Kirna Zabete or the other Target collabs? I usually get one item from each collaboration after the prices have been slashed. The dress I'm wearing is also from Target. I got it way before I knew anything about blogging or Target collaborations. The dress is from Isaac Mizrahi. I also own a suit from that line. I remember asking in a previous blog post why the Isaac Mizrahi line was no longer at Target. I didn't realize it may have been a collaboration.

Trench Coat - Target / Option / This one is similar but "far fetched"
Dress - Target / Similar
Pumps - Gift ($10) / Similar / Similar / Love this
Necklace - Avon / Similar

Link ups: Bloggers do it Better, Style Elixir, Totally Posted, Get your Pretty on, The Pleated Poppy 

Enter to win cool beauty products and a makeup brush set here

Enter to win $50 VISA card and $50 Avon Credit here

Thanks for Reading

Bloglovin / Facebook / Twitter / Avon

Red Blue and White + a $100 Giveaway

I know we are no where near July 4th but this is how my outfit came together. I wanted to wear my white pants one more time before putting them away till next summer.

If your pants give you a muffin top and on days you don't feel like sucking in your stomach or wearing spanx, choose a flowy, non clingy cotton, silk or polyester top like I did here. It's flowy yet not too baggy. This is what I did with another top when I wore the same pants here.

At church on Sunday, we learnt about getting unstuck and moving forward. Do not stay where you are. How long have you been doing the same thing over and over again? Doing the same old same old? Do something new and move to the next level. This takes courage. The message actually confirmed what I've been feeling lately. I tweeted the other day how I've been an engineer for so long but wished I had gone into marketing instead. I'm really praying for courage to move in the direction of my dreams....soon.

Cardigan: The Limited / Similar / Similar 

Shell - Old Navy / Option

White Pants: Old Navy (previously worn here) / Similar / Similar

Bag - Franklin Covey

Sandals - Style and Co via Macy's 

And a giveaway for you. Enter Here

Link ups: Monday Mingle, Fun day Monday, Inspiration Monday

Burgundy and Dots and Finally Wearing Boots

I finally caved in and wore my boots today and I'm glad I did because it was cold. They made me feel so comfortable and ready to brave the weather. These are the boots I've worn almost everyday for the past two winters. They go with everything. I'm also wearing burgundy again (I've wanted everything burgundy since the fall began). This is the cardigan I showcased here. I bought it in tall so I could wear it as a boyfriend cardi. I've decided to stick with Old Navy and Gap and Target when buying my sweaters and cardigans. I was at JCrew Factory the other day thinking I wanted to be cool and buy expensive better quality clothing but quickly found out that the cut of their clothes do not fit my body type. So I end up going back to the above mentioned stores because the clothes fit better.

Polka Dot Tee - Gap / Similar / Option
Cardigan - Old Navy / Similar
Jeggings - Style and Co via Macy's / Similar
Cognac Boots - Nine West / Similar / Similar (30% off now)
Necklace - Avon

Link ups: Favorite Fashion Friday, Style Elixir, Simply Lulu Style, What we Wore

Have a lovely weekend and don't forget to eneter my giveaway here to win some cool beauty products and a makeup brush set

Blazer and Jeans

Here's a quick way to dress up your jeans; add a colorful blazer. I love the way burgundy pairs with grey. I had worn my work polo shirt with my jeans and changed into the blazer for a church event on Friday (if you have been following my posts this week, you can tell I'm posting backwards). I always like to match at least two things in my outfits so I opted for these grey pumps. 

I rarely wear blazers because they never fit right because of my big chest, so I have very few. The ones cut for my heavy top and big mid section are hard to find. If you have problems wearing blazers like I do, opt for single breasted, single button. For a slimmer look, go for a fitted cut and fold the sleeves, or get the ones with 3/4 sleeves. 

Blazer - The Limited/ Similar / Option (Previously worn here)

Pumps - Nine West / Similar / Similar / Similar

Necklace - Avon (old)

Earrings - The Limited

Link ups: Glossy Blonde, The Pleated Poppy, Because Shana Said So, 

Don't forget to enter to win a Beauty Product Bundle and Make up Brush Set here

How to Use and Care for Makeup Brushes

You gotta use the right tools for the job right? Here are tips on how to use and care for your make up brushes. If you don't use or have any, you could win the set shown or purchase here. Owning these five basic brushes will make your makeup application easier and help you achieve the perfect, flawless look.

mark Pro Brush Set - $28

1. Powder Brush - Use this to apply face powder, loose or compact. The brush helps spread the powder evenly and lightly over the entire face. You can also limit your application of powder to your forehead, cheeks and chin. By the way, powder helps control oil and set your makeup.

2. Blush / Bronzer Brush- Ditch the tiny brush that comes with your blush and use this instead to apply blush on your cheek bones. It helps provide more coverage and precise application. This brush can also be used to apply bronzer.

3. Eyeshadow Brush - Again, the little eyeshadow sponge that comes with your eyeshadow will not provide enough coverage and blendability you need. The eyeshadow brush helps prevent tugging of your eyelids and aids blending the shadow in so that no streaks or lines appear.

4. Concealer Brush - This is used to apply concealer under the eyes and on dark spots on the face. The brush is made of firm nylon bristles for flawless coverage. Use the specially-designed flat side for overall even blending, and the tapered point for precise spot application.

5. Eyeliner brush - This is used to apply eyeshadow on your lash line if you prefer not to use a pencil eyeliner. The eyeliner brush is also used to blend in your pencil eyeliner to give a smudged smoky eye effect. This brush can also be used for on the eyebrows.

Brush Care

Your make up brush can be a breeding ground for bacteria so they need to be washed regularly. You also need to wash your brushes for them to work well and so that product can go on your skin smoothly.
I care for my brushes in the simplest way. Fill a little container with handsoap, then with water and swish your brushes in the soap water. Do this a few times till no more residue is evident. Rinse by swishing in water and lay flat to dry for 24 hours on a paper towel.

Win your own set of brushes and other makeup products (Your color choice of Beauty Balm, Eyeshadow, Mega Effects mascara and gel nail polish) here.

Brought to you by Avon: Buy / Sell / Contact

Linking up with All Things Chic, My Thrifty Chic

Mint and Brown

Isn't it nice when you have two different items purchased at different times matching like my top and sandals? I had worn the top and realized I had shoes that matched exactly.
I attended a church conference this weekend and this is what I wore (without the shoes..I wore my navy blue flats) and changed into the sandals, because we had a birthday party to attend afterwards.

One of the things learnt from the conference is that we need to speak what we want. We always end up speaking and calling the obvious and the problems and issues. Speak your blessings and breakthroughs into existence. Never wake up in neutral mode hoping the day will go well or taking whatever comes your way. As you wake up in the morning, decide what your day is going to be like and stop declaring the obvious or complain like I always do. I'm going to change things up this week as far as my words go. Have a great week and expect great things!

Top - Gap / Different Color

Skinny Pants - Style and Co via Macy's

Color Blocked Wedge Sandals - The Limited / Seychelles / Black Option

Link ups: Visible Monday, DC in Style, Fun Day Monday, Monday Mingle, Style Elixir

Please enter my giveaway to win a Beauty Bundle (Four Beauty Innovation Products) and Makeup Brush Set

Avon Beauty Innovations + a Giveaway

Here are four relatively new and innovative Avon Products that I love and would love to share with you. I use all four products and I must say I'm really pleased with them (read more below). Two lucky winners will each receive all four products in the color of their choice and the first Place winner receive a set of brushes in addition.

1. Beauty Balm - I use this and love it. Read more about the benefits here

2. Mega Effects Mascara - I love how this mascara extends and curls my lashes. I have small eyes and I love how the mascara opens them up. Read my full review here

3. True Color Eyeshadow- This is an update from the older eyeshadows. The colors last all day and are more vivid. 

4. Gel Finish Nail Enamel - I wore the Berry color and it lasted for a week with one touch up. I wash my hands all the time. I currently have my toes painted also and it's been three weeks and counting.

Enter Giveaway Below:

First Place winner will win these brushes too!

mark Full Service 5-Piece Pro Brush Set - $28

Linking up with All Things Chic

and Simply Lulu Style

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Orange and Purple, a Maxi Remix

"The clothes in your closet are the cheapest to wear and fit best". This is what I told myself a few days ago. I've actually been shopping for a few items this fall but I end up returning everything... I have enough clothes. I've been leaning towards remixing rather than adding new items. If you notice from my last few posts, most of the outfits consist of items that have been worn a few times, but in a different way. There are probably up to 1000 remix possibilities with my wardrobe right now. Today, I'm remixing my purple maxi previously worn here in the summer.

`

A Line Maxi Dress - Old Navy / Same Color / Option / Option / Option

Cardigan - Gap / Similar

Sandals - Nine West / Similar / Similar

Scarf - Target / Similar

The Remix: I prefer the maxi dress with the longer cardigan. The longer cardigan conceals the mid section bulge and makes me look slimmer. What do you think? How do you try to dress slimmer?

1. Summer                                                                     2. Fall

Link ups: Style Elixir, Glossy Blonde, The Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On

Win $200 in Paypal Cash. Enter Here

Purple Bow and Edgy Sandals + a $200 Giveaway

I'm a big fan of bow blouses, although they are hard to find. I own three and they are all from The Limited. I started adding bow blouses to my blouse collection in order to change things up and keep from wearing a plain shirt as my choir uniform (you guessed it, this was choir uniform for Sunday). Bow blouses also look great layered with a sweater (as seen here) and with a jacket. 

This pencil skirt is the one I wear when I want to tuck in and when I don't want to wear any sort of body shaper. The fabric is the same as The Limited's exact stretch fabric. It stretches with your body and doesn't lose its shape. If you have a big midsection, or big hips, and you've stayed away from pencil skirts for those reasons, try the exact stretch....And these sandals..or sandal booties, I wore to add a little edge to the outfit. 

Have a lovely and blessed week and please enter the group giveaway below. 

Bow Blouse - The Limited / Option / Option

Skirt - Macy's / Similar

Sandals - Fergalicious / Similar / Option / Love this / Love this 

Clutch - New York and Co

Link ups: Monday Bloom, Monday Mingle, Fun Monday, Trend Spin

 Tiffany from The Dwelling Tree//Tina from Like Ordinary Life//Ashley from Leona Lovely//Kemi from Beauty Style Growth

Mikaela from Mikaela Rae//Megan from All That Glitters//Ady from When in Doubt Just Add Glitter//Mandi from All My Happy Endings

Chloe from Rainbows and Honeysuckle//Angie from My So Called Chaos//Mackenzie from Bell Bliss//Jen from Boone+Owl

Dee from Deecoded//Rachel from Sunshine and Sinatra//Lauren from The Albrecht's Blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note that ALL entries will be verified BEFORE a winner is chosen.
Open to those 18 or older.
Open WORLDWIDE to any Paypal account holder.
Prize to be distributed by A Beautiful Exchange Blog.