Work Advice | 5 Reasons to Shut Down When You Leave The Office

Dress - Joie on sale | 30% off

Bag - Zara

Heels - Zara (similar save & splurge)

Sunglasses - Karen Walker

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! 

The last week of each month is always busy and this month wasn't any different. On Tuesday and Wednesday I was in DC for customer meetings and on Friday I had a strong close to the month. Needless to say, at 5pm on Friday, I was ready for a massage and a glass of wine. 

I'm a true believer in "work hard, play hard". So when the day comes to an end and I have everything completed, I shut down my work phone, computer and texts till the following workday. With everyone being mobile, it's expected that you're always available. Don't let yourself fall into that habit. Make it known that you work during normal hours. When I started my new position, I made it a point to co-workers and customers that I'm available during normal business hours. Obviously there are some exceptions, but 99% of the time I shut down and leave the office. Here are 5 reasons you should do the same...

1. Your need to mentally and emotionally recharge. You'll eventually burn out if you're always working. 

2. Cooler heads will prevail. We've all had frustrating days at work. Give yourself time to reflect on the work day. When you return to work, tackle those problems with a less emotional point-of-view.

3. Stop ruining your days off. Most of us have received an email from your boss while at dinner or early on a Saturday morning. It ruins our day. You immediately jump into work mode and the rest of the day you're worrying about that one email. 

4. Give your attention to your family, friends and hobbies. We spend 40+ hours a week at work. After taking into consideration the time we're sleeping, it doesn't leave us much time for all the other important things in life. Enjoy your time away from the office, because we don't have a lot of it. 

5. Because we deserve it. We work our tail offs at the office and we deserve time away doing the things we love and with the people we love. Take back your time away!

Here are a few more of my favorite striped shirtdresses

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Memorial Day | Spring Whites + Sales

One of my favorite things about spring is wearing white. There's a 99% chance that I'll spill something on myself, but it's worth it. I love the fresh clean look of an all white outfit. I mixed blush and nude tones to this outfit, with a pop of red. The eyelet skirt from J.Crew is one of my favorite pieces. I tend to reach for it most day when I don't know what to wear. All of these pieces can also be work to work. I wouldn't recommend reaching a cami to work, but you could easily throw a blush cardigan over this outfit and you're ready for the office.

In honor of all those who severed, this video really shows how much you're missed when you're gone. Thank you for your service!

Top - J.Crew Factory

Skirt - J.Crew (similar here & here) 

Sweater - J.Crew 

Heels - DvF Bethany heels

Bag - Zara 

Sunglasses - House of Harlow

Lipstick - MAC Ruby Woo

I've rounded up some of my favorite Memorial Day sales. 

Amazon // 20% off fashion with code FUN20SUN

ASOS // 20% off everything with code LONGWKND

Banana Republic // 40% off your order with code BRSUMMER

Club Monaco // Extra 30% off all sale & clearance with code MEMORIALDAY

GAP // 40% off all regular price items with code MONDAY

J.Crew // 25% off your order with code SUMMERLOVE

J. Crew Factory // 50% off your order

Nordstrom // The half yearly sale is here!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

3 Tips To Get Dressed Faster In The Morning

For most of us, our mornings start the same way. We hit the snooze button a few times, jump out of bed, head straight to the kitchen to start coffee and start our morning routine. I've found when I do a few things throughout the week, it makes my mornings a little less hectic and my days more organized.

1. Plan Your Outfit - this seems obvious, but take the pieces out of your closet and put them aside. Everything from your shoes to jewelry. This will cut out 5-10 minutes and you'll have a clear mind on what you want to wear to work.

2. Iron & Dry Clean Key Pieces - after you do laundry, iron your work pieces. Nothing more frustrating than having to iron something in the morning. Take your dresses and slacks by the cleaners. This will give you more options when picking out your outfit for the week.

3. Look at Your Schedule - before you head to bed, take one last look at your schedule for the next day. This will help you plan on what to pack in your bag for the day. If you have to run errands after work, pack a pair of flat, etc.

 For those of us who have busy mornings, today's outfit is a great option for you. The slacks and light sweater don't require dry cleaning and/or ironing. Both pieces are professional, yet practical for busy working women. What's so great about the pants, they can be folded or hung and they'll be ready to wear the following day. The sweater is a great pieces for colder days in the office. The sweater can also be worn with a shirt underneath for more coverage around your waist when you wear it to work. Both pieces currently 40% at Banana Republic with code BRSUMMER.

Top - Banana Republic 40% off 

Pants - Banana Republic 40% off

Bag - Fendi

Heels - DvF Bethany Heels (similar style here & here)

Sunglasses - Karen Walker
Ring - Banana Republic 40% off 

Necklace - Fringe Necklace 40% off

Earrings - Henri Bendel (love the entire selection of earrings)

Lipstick - MAC Ruby Woo

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

What to Wear to Work | Whites & Stripes

Although this is a simple outfit, it's an easy look to wear at the office. If you're like me, white pants probably scare you, especially at the work place.  To cover the bases, I always make sure my pants are not too tight, made of thicker material and wear nude underneath.  If you don't wear heels to the office, try these perfect office flats. This look can easily be changed from office chic to casual weekend with a pair of nude sandals. Have good rest of the work week! 

Shirt - Zara (love this style here & here)

Pants - White White Trousers at Zara 

Bag - City Bag at Zara 

Heels - DvF Bethany Heels

Sunglasses - Nordstrom

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Spring Look | Pink Vest + Cateye Sunglasses

Last week I picked up this Nanette Lepore dress/vest with their friends and family discount at Lord & Taylor. I love that this piece can be worn as a dress or as a vest. The blush color is a great piece for the office or to wear when out with friends. 

I've been stocking up on a few summer pieces, so wanted to pass along a few sales that are happening this week! 

Macy's: Receive up to 20% off now through May 17 using code: USA

Maison Jules Dress | Summer Tote | Pom Pom Shorts 

Lord & Taylor: Get 15% off select items now through May 18 when you use code: FASHION

Michael Kors flats | Steve Madden Fringe Heels | 1 STATE pink dress 

ULTA: Receive 40% off 1 item through May 30 using code: 306084

Anastasia Contour Kit | Sexy Hair Dry Shampoo | Urban Decay Palette 

Dress - Nanette Lepore (available in white)

Shirt - Ann Taylor

Bag - Saint Laurent Sac de Jour

Sunglasses - House of Harlow 1960

Watch - 

Bracelet - Kate Spade

Earrings  - Capwell & Co.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Black and White Skirt + Red Heels

We had an eventful weekend, so this morning it wasn't easy to get out of bed. Friday night we enjoyed cocktails with friends on the Refinery Rooftop and then headed downstairs to Parker & Quinn. This is a big statement, but one of the best hamburgers and mac & cheese we've had in NYC. On Saturday morning we took Batman to the doggie park, did some gardening and started painting our bedroom. Later in the night we met friends for cocktails at the Jimmy rooftop. This place has amazing views of the city. If you live in NYC, be sure to check it out this summer. On Sunday, Matt surprised me with brunch at the Kitchenette in TriBeCa. This little brunch spot is adorable and has the most delicious bake french toast.

Skirt - Piperlime (similar here)

Cami - J.Crew

Heels - DvF Bethany heels (similar here)

Bag - Clare V Foldover Clutch (similar here)

Earrings - Banana Republic old (similar at Bauble Bar)

Sunglasses - Prada (similar at TopShop)

Watch - Guess

Lipstick - MAC Ruby Woo

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Color of the Wind | Maxi + Fringe

Hope everyone is ready for the weekend! The rooftops are finally open in NYC and couldn't be more excited. This weekend we're going to meet friends for drinks, head out to brunch and bike around NYC...with Batman. Looking forward to getting a lot of sun this weekend.

Today I'm sharing a new brand I discovered through Revolve Clothing. The brand is called, Eight Sixty. They offer a variety of pieces from off the shoulder tops to colorful rompers. Below I've included a few of my favorite pieces from the collection. Oh yes, I paired this 'Color of the Wind' maxi with my fringe Schutz Kija heels and fringe Zara bag.

Dress - Eight Sixty

Bag - Zara

Heels - Schutz Shoes
Bracelet - Kendra Scott on sale

Sunglasses - RayBan 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens