Love: Grey

As a lover a neutrals, my wardrobe, accessories, and color palettes contain a lot of grey. Grey by its very nature is incredibly versatile, it can be cozy-casual, professional, and sophisticated chic. Depending on your own style, grey can be the base for your look, but it is definitely strong enough to stand all on its own. Unlike black, which can be striking, the shades of grey lend themselves to an appealing softness. I suspect this is why I have just as many LGD's as LBD's!

These are all grey things that I own and use frequently:

1. She looks so happy to have this awesome shirt!
2. Essie - Master Plan
3. OPI - You Don't Know Jacque
4. ULTA - Finely Pruned
5. A Versatile Kohl Style Liner - Great for Everyday Wear
6. Budget Friendly Neutral Palette
7. Comfortable Shoe for Work & Casual Looks
8. (Similar) Flattering Classic Dress
9. So Great I Bought it in Both Colors!
10. (Similar) Soft, Chic, and Cozy Sweater
11. A Pant for Every Occasion - I Have These in Both Colors as Well
12. Great Tights at a Great Price

How To: Cuff a Sleeve

Being tall definitely comes with many advantages, however finding clothes with long enough sleeve and pant length isn't one of them. Some manufacturers have started coming out with Tall lines for women, but they seem to think that not only are our arms and legs longer, but so are our crotches and armpits?!? Oddly enough, when I do happen to find a shirt with freak sleeves long enough for my arms it feels so weird that I just roll them up, anyway. 

So, with years of sleeve rolling practice this is my tried and true way of getting the best results from a cuff. It holds firmly and looks a little mussed up and carefree, to boot! Bonus: if your inner cuff is a different color or pattern, this cuff helps display it instead of hiding it like most typical rolling does.

1. Start with your sleeve pulled straight down. No, that isn't a 3/4 sleeve shirt! That's just where most sleeves hit - above my wrist. 
2. Next, flip the sleeve inside out and pull the base of the shirt cuff to just below your elbow.
3. Finally flip the bottom edge up to about halfway across the exposed inner shirt cuff, and give it a little tszujs, VOILA!

This cuff works great under sweater as well and gives the cuff a little substance and decorative flair.

*Disclaimer, no shirts were ironed for the making of this blog post.

Wardrobe Staples: Chambray Shirts

This one is for all the readers out there, ladies and gentlemen! A chambray shirt is a closet staple, dress it up or down - it will be one of the most versatile pieces in your closet. Being in the denim family, it looks great with any color or texture and is pretty foolproof. It lends itself to a laid back vibe that is approachable and comfortable even with dressy attire and its durability offers a casual ruggedness. 

1. J.Crew Classic Ladies
2. J.Crew Factory Chambray Camp
3. BDG Vintage Beauty
4. Womens Levi's Classic
5. Lands End Plus Size Ladies
6. Old Navy Wallet Friendly
7. American Apparel Unisex

1. Lands End Work Shirt
2. American Apparel Unisex
3. Old Navy Regular Fit
4. Mens Levi's Classic

Chambray also comes in a variety of colors, so once you cross the basic blue off of your list, go ahead and pick up a black, grey, red, or whatever and know it is guaranteed to look great!

How To: Ballerina Bun

This quick, easy, and chic hairstyle is pretty popular in many variations and incredibly easy to do. I use a roll I bought in a blonde color at a local beauty supply store, there are many variations all over the internet and in drug stores. Another option is to cut off the toe of a sock that is similar to your hair color and roll it into a donut. I made my bun kind of big and messy but you can easily adjust the size depending on how tight you roll it up or how big of roll you start with.

Bun Helper

1. Start with a ponytail placed where you want the center of your bun to be, then pull your pony through the center of your donut.
2. Next, pull the donut to the end of your ponytail and wrap the end around it.
3. Roll the donut down the full length of your ponytail, it will naturally spread itself out.
4. Once at the base of your pony spread your hair evenly around and adjust it to make sure everything is covered underneath.
5. Pin it down to secure, and lightly hairspray.
6. Voila!

Ask Fancy Fox: (N)o Grease Lighting

Dear Fancy Fox,

I am a normal woman in her 30's, not a Pat Benatar impersonator or a daredevil biker. And yet! I really, really want a pair of (p)leather leggings. For now, I have my eye on these: Kick A$$ Pants since H&M pants fit me really well. IF I buy them, what do I pair them with? A chunky sweater? I get it, but I hate those. Please advise on shirt and shoes. 

Me: 5'4", 120lbs, lives in the city, is not cool anymore (but apparently is still trying, oh bless your heart), can wear whatever I want all day because I am my own boss

Halp!

Sincerely,

Doesn't want to look like Sandy at the end of Grease

Dears Sans Sandy, 

No need for chunky sweaters here, there are a ton of great options whether you are feeling casual, ultra feminine, romantic, chic, or super trendy. Also for the sake of cheap shipping or ease of getting in and out of the store as quickly as possible I found you a bunch of options right there in H&M (This post is not sponsored by H&M, but I would happy to accept their sponsorship at anytime!)

Each of these tops can be worn alone with the pants, of course the jackets need a base layer...unless you are feeling extra brave. The U-shaped hem of the denim shirt (2), the drape-y  T-shirt (9) and the tank top (6) are incredibly flattering to the female shape. Tank #6 is one of my wardrobe staples, choose whatever colors work best for you and mix and match accordingly it is a great and flattering base layer.

1. Simple Chic
2. Lose the Leather Belt
3. Tux Lux
4. Flattering Floral
5. Going Batty
6. BUY THIS IN EVERY COLOR!
7. Classic
8. Hopeful Romantic
9. Cute and Casual

A. Burgundy Beauty

B. Black Ballet Basics

C. Glam Glitter

Keep the great questions coming!