One black dress, two ways

It's true, I love getting dressed up and shopping for new clothes but sometimes I need to figure out how to wear things more than once.  I bought this black dress for under $30 and experimented with a couple of different ways I could wear it.

Casual

Dress: JCP (out of stock)

Jean Jacket: Express

Boots: Target (old, very old)

 Dressy

Dress: JCP (out of stock)

Belt: Target

Clutch: TJMaxx

Shoes: JCP (out of stock, check stores for clearance)

I prefer the dressed up look myself but I love the shoes I'm wearing - they go great with skinny and cropped jeans too!

A Lipstick Girl in a Gloss World

It's true.  I am a lipstick girl in a gloss world and my collection is quite extensive.  I carry all of them with me, in my purse, in a clear make up pouch.  This usually makes people laugh a little but the truth is I never really know what kind of lipstick mood I am in.  I love the rich color of lipstick and finished, polished look it gives and re-applying it throughout the day helps to make me feel fresh and pulled together.

Here is a sampling of my collection - as you can tell, I'm not brand loyal either! :)

Lately I've been playing favorites!  Here are my go-to lip colors.

Maraschino Cherry by MAKE is my favorite red.  I got this little sample in my Birchbox and this sample is lasting me quite a while.  This color stays on for a long time.  It's the perfect shade of red for me!

Sassy Mauve by REVLON is a color I wear day to day.  At first I wasn't sure if I liked it but it goes with nearly everything.  The lipstick itself feels soft on my lips and lasts quite a while.

Pink Quartz by MAYBELLINE is a great pink color and one that is easy to mix with any other lip color.  It doesn't have quite the lasting power of the other two but I still love it.

Caribbean Kiss by LAURA GELLER is another lipstick I got in a Birchbox.  This lipstick is actually two colors.  One side is a bronze color and the other is pink.  Because it's two-in-one you can get a soft subtle look or a bold look depending on how you apply it.  

When I want to freshen up or extend my lipstick wear I add this clear gloss lip shine by CO Bigelow.  It works like a charm and acts click a chap stick.  You can grab this one at Bath and Body Works. 

This is my color of choice today.  Even though I'm working from home, I still put on a little lipstick! :)

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect wedding day lip color.  I'm looking for a pink that is not too bright and not too dark.  Any suggestions?!

Rolled Jeans - Old School Style

I have a love-hate relationship with these jeans.  I love them because they fit so well but I hate them because they are too short.  (It was my first experience with a tailor and it was a fail) So to compromise, they are three season jeans - spring/summer/fall - so that I can roll them.

Instead of the typical pants roll, I gave the "old-school-folder-over-and-roll" a try.  The best part of fashion these days is that pretty much anything goes so this works for me!  I did a little research, this is called the Classic Peg Roll. You can thank me later for that bit of useless information... :)

Here's what you do: Fold your jeans sideways so they are tight around your ankle and roll!

Shirt: Target

Jeans: Citizen's of Humanity (old)

Shoes: Shoe Carnival

Jewelry: Lia Sophia

Here are 6 more ways to roll your jeans... if you're curious!

Mint Denim + Navy

Just a few weeks ago I was visiting with my mom and we got on the topic of fashion and current trends.  Her statement was, "You don't even have to match anymore, anything goes!"  She tells it like it is and she's right, our days of perfectly matching seem to be over and I'm doing my best to embrace the and all of the colors that go with it! Take a look at the example below - mint + navy + neon pink!  Ask any of my friends that knew me in college, you would have NEVER found this combo in my 100% neutral wardrobe. Oh how times have changed... I love it!  (even when my fiance questions my wardrobe and people in rural Iowa give me silly looks)

Mint Denim | Navy Sweater | Neon & Neutral Scarf (option) | Shoes (option)

Oh yeah, by the way, this entire outfit is from GAP (minus the shoes) - my absolute favorite store, they nearly always get it right for me!  And, FYI, the mint skinnies are now on sale!!

Polka Dot Denim

Happy Wednesday!  Last week I found these polka dot pants at Gap while I was on a mission to find mint skinnies. At first I was a little hesitant but once I tried them on I knew I needed to own them!  They are a regular denim color so they can literally be worn with anything just like you would wear jeans.  I wore them to work last Friday with a white tank and neutral sweater. They definitely got some looks like, "what is she wearing?!" but they also received a few compliments. Here's a quick look at how I plan to wear them!

Mint Shirt - Gap (similar)

Black Wedges - American Eagle for Payless

White shirt - JCP

Pink clutch - not sure!

Yellow Tank - Target

I primarily stuck with plain colored tops - mostly because I don't own many patterned ones - but I think a floral print top would look awesome!  Ok - got these pants - you know you want them! :) They are on sale for $39.99!!  

Happy Wednesday!  

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So, What I Wore Wednesday, Style Elixer!

Let's Talk Hair

Good Morning and Happy Monday! I thought I would kick off the week with a hair-related post.  Never did I think I would write a hair post but so many of you have left such nice comments and compliments on my blog posts and on my Facebook page asking about my hair that I thought I would put this one out there.  You all know how to make a girl feel pretty good - especially when I feel like I am having a bad hair day! :)


STRAIGHT HAIR} 

 WAVY HAIR}

90% of the time I wear my hair down and usually wavy but every once in awhile you will see me sporting a pony tail or messy bun. 

HOW I STYLE IT}

Straight Hair. I blow dry it and straighten my (already straight) hair with a straightener. Using a comb, I tease it around the crown of my head and finish it with Luxurious Volume hairspray.

Curly Hair. I use a 1.5 inch barrel curling iron and curl it similar to this tutorial from the Small Things Blog. I also tease it around the crown of my head and finish with Luxurious Volume hairpray. 

PRODUCTS}

I have had very good luck with John Frieda hair care products - they are my favorite and you can buy them all at my favorite store, Target or any drugstore! You can also purchase the TIGI Catwalk Root Booster there too!

Shampoo & Conditioner: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start

Smoothing Creme: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Straight Fixation

Root Booster: TIGI Catwalk Root Boost

Hair Spray: John Frieda Luxurious Volume

COLOR}

Seriously - who doesn't love Jennifer Aniston's hair?! I don't quite know how to get my actual style to look like hers so I don't attempt to try. However, I do really like the color of her hair in this picture.  I took it to my stylist and re-created the look by adding heavier ice-blonde highlights in the front an a few throughout the rest of my hair.  I really like it! 

Source

There you have it! My simple hair secrets. :)

I'm linking up for Monday Mingling, The GFC Collective Blog Hop, and YOLO Mondays!

Dark Wash Boot Cut Jeans

It is pretty rare that I do fashion posts but some of my readers have requested I do a few here and there.  I just happened to find this great pair of dark wash boot cut jeans from Gap that I had to own!  Boot cut jeans can be made to look dressy or casual and will go with just about anything.

I did a mini-fashion shoot in our entryway (yes the sign says "welcome to the Man Cave") to show you a few different looks you can create with dark wash boot cut jeans.  (Thank goodness for being home alone and owning a camera remote.  I consider this picture-practice for our wedding.  Except I wont be rushing to look at the back of the camera after every picture....)

Blazer: Gap outlet (really old)

Mint Shirt: Gap

Jeans: Perfect Boot Cut Gap

Necklace: Lia Sophia (discontinued)

Wedges: The Buckle

Shirt: JCP

Belt: Target

Shirt: Gap

Necklace: Lia Sophia

Shirt: Francesca's (in the store)

A rear view.  I was totally blessed with a Kim Kardashian butt.  I used to hate it but after nearly 30 years, I've realized it's not going away so I've learned to embrace it and do my best to keep it in shape.  So, when I find a pair of jeans that fit great, I need to own them. :)

What I love about these jeans is the sturdy denim.  I feel like they slim and lift in all the right places. Plus the seam on the inside of the jeans is flat which eliminates any puckering in your hips and thighs.  The jeans are pretty versatile and look good with pretty much any style of shirt you want to wear.   Way to go Gap!!

Whew... I survived my first fashion-related post.  If you like this type of post, let me know and I'll try to do more for you! :)

I'm linking up this post for Yolo Mondays!

Travel Make Up Bag

Tonight I am hanging out in Guelph, Canada for an over night work meeting at an awesome hotel.  Nothing beats having reservations in a King Suite when you travel for work!  Woohoo!

So, I have to say I am impressed with my packing for this trip - especially when it came to packing my make-up!  For some reason I usually think I need to bring all of my eye shadow colors with me.... this time I got by with just 6 things plus a couple make up brushes!  Here is what was in my travel make up bag!

1. Stila "Sensational in Sydney" Pallet

2. Aveda mineral tinted moisturizer in Sweet Tea (Aveda Salon)

3. Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes - travel size

4. Spearmint Mentha LipShine / Clear Gloss (Bath & Body Works)

5. Almay Wake Up Blush + Highlighter (Local Drug Store)

6. Mary Kay eyeliner in black

I can hardly believe I still had room in my make up bag.  The keys to making this happen for me were a great eye pallet, travel size mascara from the "free gift with purchase" specials and clear lip gloss that acts like chapstick.  I linked up a couple of my must-haves in case you want to purchase and shared where you can find the others.

What is your must-have make up for travel?

Favorite Colors: Blush & Sea Foam

Happy Monday!

I am well aware that it is fall and I should be thinking about fall colors but I am loving blush and sea foam green!  I like these colors for everything from decor to fashion and accessories. Here are some of my picks from Pinterest.

BLUSH

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

SEA FOAM 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

(The necklace and dress are no longer in stock (boo) but I you can still get to the source.)

The colors trimmed or accessorized in gold are especially beautiful!  I am planning a wedding for approximately a year from now and may have to incorporate these colors in some way! :)

What are your favorite all-around/use-for-anything, colors?

Nail Love - Essie Nail Polish

I am a girly-girl! Hair, make-up, clothes, jewelry - I love it all! Ok - I love sweat pants too but if I have a reason to get dressed up I do.

One of the things I've really gotten into lately is painting my nails. I definitely like having my nails professionally painted, but to work that into a weekly schedule is tough and expensive so of course I've had to rely on my own nail-painting skills.  I kept seeing Essie Nail Polish advertised so I thought I would give it a try and I have to say, it is the best nail polish I have ever used!

Via

My nails are pretty weak so for nail polish to stay on and not chip for more than two days is like a small miracle to me. I can go about 5 days (or longer if I put on their top coat) without the Essie nail polish chipping off.  My sisters used the Essie nail polish I brought home over Easter and they love it too - they said it stayed on longer than normal.

The other thing I love is that it only takes two coats of nail polish for rich, even-looking color and doesn't take hours to dry.  So, if you are convinced, you can find Essie nail polish at Target and they have a huge selection of colors!

Can you tell I'm excited about it?!

Oh and just so you know, this is an unsolicited product review, Essie Nail Polish has no idea who I am.  I just wanted to share one of my new found favorite products with you!

Pinterest Purchase - 'Naked 2'

Pinterest got me!  I found this pin on Pinterest via one of my friends, which lead me on a shopping excursion to Sephora to purchase this Urban Decay - Naked 2 eyeshadow palette.

Via

Seriously - who wouldn't want to look like Carrie Underwood?!

Even though this pin boasts the original Urban Decay Naked palette, I opted for the Naked 2 palette.  I loved the colors!

Urban Decy Naked 2 palette

The Naked 2 palette comes with 12 eyeshadows that are rich in color, go on easily and blend well.  I must say, I'm impressed!  Yeah, it was $50 but it came with a lip gloss and eyeshadow brush!  If you take your favorite eyeshadow x 12, the price is about the same or less!  (I usually wear Mary Kay eyeshadow, which is $6.50/eyeshadow x 12 = $78, that's how I justified my purchase)

If you want to check out my Fashion board on Pinterst click here!

So friends, I'm curious - what have you found on Pinterest that you had to go out and buy?! :)

What To Pack For A Warm Weather Getaway

Via



We are getting ready to go on a 6-day vacation to Mexico!!! We can't wait to spend our days on the beach and by the pool drinking fruity drinks (and maybe a couple of Corona's)!

There is a down side to this vacation - I hate packing.  Absolutely hate it.  It causes me stress just to think about it...

Luckily, I found this list for what to pack for a weekend getaway to somewhere warm in Lauren Conrad's book titled "Style." I modified the list to accomodate a week-long trip. Here is my version of the warm weather getaway packing list!

Packing List: Warm Weather Getaway

2 bathing suits

1 cover-up

1 pair of cheap sandals (to wear to the pool or beach)

1-2 sundresses

1 set of "beach bum" clothes (comfy shorts + t-shirt)

1 pair of jeans (I prefer straight leg jeans because you can roll them up to capris)

3 pairs of shorts

4-5 cute tops (t-shirts + tank tops)

1 jean jean jacket (they go with anything)

1 party dress

1 pair of going-out shoes

1 pair of "nice" sandals

2-3 necklaces (pick your favorites)

2-3 pairs of earrings (pick your favorites)

1 hat (cap or big hat)

1 beach bag

wristlet (don't leave home without one)

pajamas

undergarments

1 pair of sunglasses

make-up (your favorite look + waterproof mascara)

bathroom essentials

camera

ipod

book/magazine (any suggestions?!)

What did I miss?  Anything that is a "must have" for your warm weather vacations? 

Spring & Summer Jewelry Trends

One of my loves, besides home design, is style and fashion trends!  With spring right around the corner, I am ready to get my summer wardrobe out, or at least spice up my winter wardrobe.  One of the easiest ways to freshen up your wardrobe is with jewelry.  Here are a few jewelry trends to try as we roll in to spring and summer 2012. 

Since I'm a Lia Sophia jewelry adviser, I thought I would show off these trends with Lia Sophia Jewelry! :)

1} Statement Rings: Big rings get all of the attention!  This is an easy wardrobe addition, even if you just going to the grocery store.

Lia Sophia Confetti Ring



Lia Sophia Dahlia Ring



2} Color: Jewelry is going beyond gold and silver - color is all the rage!  This is a great trend, especially if you typically rock a pretty neutral color pallet like I do!

Lia Sophia Gloss Rings

Lia Sophia Laguna Necklace

Lia Sophia Verde Bracelet



Lia Sophia Capri Earrings



3} Stacked Bracelets: Can't decide which bracelet to wear?  Put all of your favorite bracelets on!  No need for them to match - just have fun!

4} Pendant Necklaces:  Pendant necklaces are another easy style that goes with anything!  To mix up the pendant necklace style and give it a new look, add a second long necklace or even a short one. 

Lia Sophia Empress Pendant

Lia Sophia Eden Necklace

Lia Sophia Mirage Necklace

Which is your favorite piece of jewelry or style trend for spring and summer?

For more jewelry styles, trends and ideas check out the Lia Sophia website at www.liasophia.com/bethlauwagie.

If you find a style that you love, you can order directly on-line (or host a show)!

Have a great weekend...

Look Trendy in Work Clothes

Since Monday I have been at our company's (Pioneer Hi-Bred) Agronomy Conference.  This means I have been stuck wearing company logo-d clothing.  For some reason I have never liked or felt comfortable in clothing that displays a company logo.  Maybe it's because It usually means wearing a polo shirt or button down oxford that never fits quite right because it was ordered for a guy (since the majority of our sales force is male).  This inspired me to write a quick blog post with ideas to make work clothes look trendy.

I will be the first to admit that I am 100% girl and love fashion.  It is rare to see me wear a t-shirt and jeans when I am out in public.  I prefer nice clothes; cute dresses, awesome shoes, expensive jeans and accessories!

This by no means is an awesome picture and I don't claim to be photogenic. :)

Today's conference attire is a blue long-sleeved t-shirt. The good news is that I could live in long-sleeved t-shirts so today is a no-stress day for me! :)

Here are a couple of ideas to look trendy in your "work" clothes...

1. Think beyond kahki pants

Skirts, wide-leg trousers or cropped pants are great alternatives to the standard khaki pant.

2. Cute Shoes

Unless you are working at a trade show for 8 hours straight, wear cute shoes.

Flats, peep-toe shoes, wedges or boots can complete an outfit.

(You can't see them very well in the picture, but I am sporting a cute pair of brown boots)

3. Jewelry

Chuncky necklaces, bracelets and earrings allow you to insert your style into any wardrobe

If you are looking for awesome jewelry check out the Lia Sophia website

4. Scarves or Belts

Add your favorite scarf to incorporate color or a wear colored belt

Most importantly OWN IT! Whatever you wear, own your style.  People are attracted to confidence and who knows...you may set the next fashion trend!

Beth



My Favorite Travel Accessory

My week started off with travel for work to Columbus, Ohio!  While I was sitting on the airplane, thinking about some upcoming blog posts, it came to mind that I should share my favorite travel accessory idea with you - an extra large scarf! I have them in a few colors and they have proven to come in handy often.  I don't leave home without one!

My favorite travel accessory!
(6' x 2' rayon scarf)

Not only do they look cute as an actual scraf to wear casually or paired with a nice jacket, but they work good as a blanket on the airplane or as a shawl to use during meetings at conference centers.  These are much easier to carry around than a jacket because you can wear it around your neck or put it in your bag!

Here is the other great thing about a scarf like this - you can use it to decorate!  In our spare bedroom, I am using one as a throw on the end of the bed or you tuck one over the back of a chair to change the look of a room!

The scarves I get are made of rayon fabric and measure about 6' long x 2' wide and can be found in pretty much any department store.  I've had the best luck finding them rather inexpensive at JC Penny, Herbergers and Younkers.

If you have other ideas for scarves, please leave a comment!  And let us know what your favorite travel accessory is - I am always looking for new ideas!

Repurpose a Vase

eweI love jewelry - especially Lia Sophia jewelry!  Two years ago my good friend and Lia Sophia Unit Manager, Melissa, introduced me to this beautiful jewelry and the Lia Sophia business opportunity. Since then, my jewelry collection has gotten a little out of control but the problem is that I love it all and wish it could be on display all of the time. 

I came up with this quick idea to corral my bracelets.  Find a square vase (any shape will work) and fill it up with bracelets.  Michael's and Hobby Lobby are great stores to find inexpensive vases.  This display of bracelets looks great on my dresser and serves a dual purpose as a jewelry holder and a decoration. 

If you see any of these bracelets that you like or if you would like to see more Lia Sophia jewelry, check out my website:  www.liasophia.com/bethlauwagie  I am always looking for stylish women to host shows and share the Lia Sophia opportunity with!  If you are interested in hosting your own jewelry show, please contact me via this blog or my Lia Sophia website - the hostess benefits are fabulous!

Become a follower of my blog between now and Friday to get your name in a drawing for a chance to receive a FREE piece of Lia Sophia Jewelry!  I will announce the winner in a post on Friday!