Cracking the code on business professional dress

Today I’ll be cracking the code behind “business professional” dress, also known as “business formal.”

If you’re a fashionable girl working in a buttoned-up, ultra conservative world, dressing professionally is an absolute must. Unfortunately, professional settings are not exactly friendly to the fashion forward. Luckily, you can maintain a level of style by working in fashionable elements through subtle accessories and chic silhouettes.

Business professional attire for women is very similar to what men are expected to wear: The Power Suit. No, this doesn’t mean you have to wear a boxy jacket, pinstripe pants and a tie… Instead, opt for a slim cut pantsuit, a skirt and jacket combination, or a structured (and modest) dress.

While there are no rules in fashion, there are rules for fashion in the workplace. A few basic guidelines for business formal dressing include the following:

1. Wear colors based on a neutral color palette (black, navy, cream, charcoal or grey). Unfortunately lime green and bright pink won’t cut it in the boardroom.
2. Avoid gaudy accessories. Think simple, sleek and chic.
3. All suits and skirts should be tailored to fit close to the body (but not tight). Skirts should hit at the knee or below. And blouses should be conservative, freshly pressed and always tucked in.
4. Wear scuff-free heels or flats in a neutral color. If you go for the heels, don’t wear anything higher than 3 or 4 inches.
5. Hair and makeup should be groomed, neat, and simple. I think the ballerina bun is the perfect hairstyle for any female powerhouse. It’s feminine, yet strikingly authoritative.

Now, just because you work in a conservative workplace doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for the sake of your career, ladies. Update classic looks with these simple tricks:

1. Try cropped trousers paired with a sharp blazer.
2. Swap out your basic blazer for a lightly accented jacket or simply scrunch up your sleeves for a cooler and more modern vibe.
3. Instead of wearing a matching two-piece suit, mix it up and wear a black blazer with a charcoal or burgundy skirt or pant. As long as your colors are subdued, you should have the freedom to mix it up a bit. Traditionalists may argue that matching sets are a must, but let’s be honest here, there’s a new wave of professional women and times have changed. If you're really daring, throw in a few punchy colors here and there...
4. Cinch your waist with a thin, colored belt. It’s an easy way to add a fashionable pop to an otherwise basic or drab office outfit.
5. Swap out your pencil skirt for a high-waisted A-line skirt.

I hope this Gives you some tips for working in a professional world

5 healthy SKIN RULES

DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN BUYING A SQUILLION PRODUCTS TO MAKE YOUR SKIN LOOK FAB!

Try these five simple rules to keep your skin supple, glowing, and young-looking...

1. Make SPF Your BFF: Ward off future skin damage (think wrinkles and sun spots) by rubbing on a broad-spectrum formula that contains Helioplex, Mexoryl, or Active Photobarrier Complex—they offer the longest-acting protection—has an SPF of at least 30 and contains antioxidants.

2. Exfoliate often: Sad but true, cell turnover starts to slow down around age 30, which can leave skin dull, so it's key to use products that speed up the process, like an at-home peel with alpha hydroxy acids.

3. Rely on retinol: It's the one anti-aging ingredient pretty much every dermatologist recommends. Why? When used correctly—applied nightly for two months straight—retinol builds collagen to smooth out wrinkles, and, by sloughing off the top layer of skin, it can help fade dark spots. Use a pearl-size dot to avoid irritation (you can also dab a mild cream on top). It's important to look for the word "retinol" on the ingredients panel—other versions aren't as effective.

4. Mix ingredients to fight acne: For the best results, take a combination approach to combatting acne by using a salicylic acid wash to unclog pores, and a benzoyl peroxide lotion to reduce inflammation and bacteria.

5. Get a checkup: See a dermatologist annually for a full-body examine; the doc will check any moles that have gotten darker, 

bigger, or more textured.

weekend hair: THE 2-MINUTE BUN

Week End Hair - 2 MINUTE BUN

MOVE OVER TOPKNOT, THE CHIC CHIGNON BUN IS 

THE 'NEW DO'...

Perfect for day or evening, it's instantly chic, works on pretty much everyone, regardless your face shape or hair texture ~ and it take 2 minutes to do ~ loving!

Here's the super-easy copy-cat guide:

1. To get this look right, you have to begin with dry hair. Run a brush through it to smooth out any tangles, then apply an anti-frizz serum.

2. Part hair down the centre, and brush it into a low ponytail. Secure it at the nape of your neck.

3. Wrap the ponytail around its base. Tie a second elastic around the bun.

4. Secure the sides of the bun with bobby pins, tucking them into the bun, to pull it closer to your head and conceal any elastic that may be showing.

5. Using your fingers, pull some small strands of hair out of bun, for a messy effect. To set, spray the bun lightly with hairspray.

Voila ~ hello gorgeous-nes