trending 2.9.2017

Here's your #Trending report for this chilly Thursday!

[1.0]  This periwinkle shirt dress with the pleated bottom and ikat details. OMG!
First of all, don't worry if you don't know what ikat is. I totally didn't know how to define it, so here is a nice definition for you, compliments of the Googles: fabric made using an Indonesian decorative technique in which warp or weft threads, or both, are tie-dyed before weaving.
Now, more importantly, how beautiful is that dress for the transitional temperatures leading us into spring?

[2.0] Do you have spring break on the brain? If so, this sweatshirt has your name on it.
We are going to Florida for spring break to visit my mom and Gary, and we are finally getting to go at the same time as my sister and Shawn (and FINN!!!!!). A week of Finn, family and the sun is going to be heavenly.

[3.0] Are you a teacher? Do you love ruffles?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, you. need. these. khaks! I just ordered them when there was a 20% off and free shipping deal (plus, I had $25 off!), and they just arrived yesterday! LOOK AT THAT RUFFLE DETAIL! They're high-waisted and amazing. I got a 6 because I read that they ran a little small. I am so glad I did! If you're in between sizes, size up.  I cannot tell you how hard it is to find a nice pair of khakis. It seems so silly, but I SEARCH for khakis every fall. I currently have 1 pair, and there's a big bleach spot on one leg. CLASSY! Currently on sale for 25% off with code HEARTYOU. 

[4.0] I am loving this beautiful yellow floral top!
Old Navy is totally my go-to for trends. They do not disappoint when it comes to work-to-weekend styles (I see this yellow peplum with navy capris and a nude wedge for work). And, their pricepoint is fabulous. You always get a steal at Old Navy.

[5.0] Old Navy is getting me so pumped for spring with these pixie pants.
Look at the golden yellow, large floral or black floral options. Helloooooo teacher pants!!!! Pants under $30 are definitely my jam, too. Plain collared shirt on top (white or chambray), statement necklace and you're good to go.

[6.0] This lightweight wool bow sweater is beautiful!
I know we will have cold temps in Illinois for a few more weeks months, so I better get used to it. What better to ease the pain of the doldrums of February than this adorable sweater? BOWS on everything! Loving the blush color best. Currently on sale for 25% off with code HEARTYOU.

[7.0] I will entitle this one, "when I'm rich".
Talk about the mother load of bow-tiful amazingness. That pricepoint is RIDICULOUS, obvi, but, seriously, that is a thing of beauty. Or, should I say, bow-ty. LOL, cool puns, Mar. On the other hand, it IS cashmere, so keep that in mind. SWOON.

[8.0] This ruffle top, at the most reasonable pricepoint.
My good friend and fellow fashionista, Krista, sent me two items she found that reminded her of me. Numbers 8 and 9 are all thanks to Krista! She works for Kohls and is seriously my blog-inspo. I would have never started Belle On Trend if it weren't for her original blog, Fit for Fargo. Love you, girl!

[9.0] A bow neck coat that resembles the Kate Spade stunner.
Thanks to Krista for another Kohls find! Seriously, I have wanted the Kate Spade bow neck coat for approximately 6  years. I try it on EVERY time I go to the outlets, but I always talk myself out of it. Now, I can purchase the Kohls version for a fraction of the price. Plus, I am loving this cobalt! It's gorg!

[10.0] This ruffle top from J. Crew.
Do you guys sense a theme here? Bows, ruffles and glitter? Hahaha!! I guess I have a signature style. But seriously, this shirt!!!!!! J. Crew has made me sooooooo mad lately with overcharging me and messing up a return, in two separate circumstances, but dang, they have the best clothes ever. Like, even as I say this, there was a J. Crew package on my front porch (and a Factory one hahahaha, but that was from Mike to me for Vday). So, clearly even though they make me mad, I still can't stop shopping there. UGH. For the record, they have fixed the issues both times, but it's been a real pain. I should definitely boycott. However, I physically cannot. bahahah. Currently on sale for 25% off with code HEARTYOU. 

[11.0] I can't stop at 10 this week because there are too many good finds! These fringe Miller sandals will be perfect for spring break in Florida!
My favorite of the three colors is the magenta and beige. Beauty!

[12.0] Okay, last one I promise. This floral bomber jacket!
I am obsessed! And, get this, IT'S FROM TARGET!  $29, you guys! -5% with my Red Card. Plus, I can get our groceries and just hide this underneath the produce so Mike doesn't notice hahahah! Pshhhh. It's my Target card anyway. #idowhatiwant #justkiddingirunitbymike #becausenowwesharemoney



I hope you're having an awesome week. I have had the busiest week with my last formal observations, starting a new tutoring gig and a Barre Besties challenge at Pure Barre. Oh, and teaching my SAT prep classes! This girl needs a little break!

Looking soooooooo forward to Valentine's Day celebrations with my hubs this weekend and seeing the second most important man in my life... FINN!

xxoo
Mary

Dressing for a Job Interview

I have been on my fair share of interviews both for my teaching career and my past retail experience through college (fortunately there were no interviews for my high school summer job at the fruit stand... bahaha!).  Additionally, I have been on the other side of the interview: the interview committee. Of course, no legitimate interviewer should judge his or her prospective employee by his or her outfit, but clothes are the certainly first piece of the presentation in any interview; it's just an inevitable fact.

Thanks to the suggestion of our dear friend, Maggie, I've decided to write about some fashionable options for any job interview. Let's get started!

Black dress:

You can never go wrong with a classic black dress. I own this sheath by Ann Taylor. I bought it last spring for 50% off. Hint: always wait for Loft or Ann Taylor sales-- I have never paid full price for an item from either store! A polished LBD (watch the length-- be sure it's "school appropriate" as we say in the education world-- this sheath hits right at my knee; I am 5'6 for reference and bought a size six) impresses your potential employers because you look put together and quite refined.  You can add a cardigan and tights to complete your look (and perhaps your pearls?) if it's colder. Fun cardigans/jackets that are also interview appropriate: here, here (with this navy skirt) and here with this navy sheath dress (an updated version of the LBD).

This Cabi cardigan is last season's from my dear friend, Caitlin, but this would be an appropriate option for on top of your LBD. 

Fitted Black Pencil Skirt:

Another ideal option would be a pencil skirt with a crisp collared shirt tucked into it. I own this Ponte Pencil Skirt from Ann Taylor. The black is versatile and will be on heavy rotation once you nail your interview and secure the job. Again, in colder climates (cough, ILLINOIS, cough), you can add black tights and sophisticated black pumps (of a respectable height) like these by Born.


Blazer/tailored shirt:

While I am an advocate of the LBD and black pencil skirt, I do think you have some options when it comes to blazers and button down shirts. Here, here, here (my fave!) and here are some great colored blazers that would pair nicely over an elegant black dress or with a black pencil skirt.

If you feel more comfortable in a black blazer (I adore this one from J. Crew Factory), by all means, stay monochromatic. But I do encourage you to add a pop of color or pattern (try this from Loft!) to your collared shirt beneath the blazer. The J. Crew Factory Classic Button Down in any of the three colors would be perfect for an interview! The incorporation of a bit of color will make you even more memorable to your interviewers! Or, try this Embroidered Dot Perfect Shirt from Ann Taylor. I have it in yellow, and it's truly chic under a blazer.

I love this navy and gold striped blazer from Ann Taylor (it's about two years old). See above for several options if you're ready to branch out into stripes or patterns on top. 

I adore this chambray and pink striped blazer from Gap a few seasons ago. It was $16 on clearance! Such a steal. 

My mug: Ashley Brooke Designs from my bestie, Amanda! 

This jewel-collared sleeveless shirt (that I wear QUITE regularly under cardigans, blazers, sweaters and crewnecks or just as a stand-alone piece), is another option for an interview, underneath a black or navy blazer. It is about 3 or 4 seasons old from J. Crew Factory, but here and here are some other fabulous options for under $30.  This is a beautiful silk option from Nordies, if you have the means for a splurge. Check out this top and its variety of adorable, bright colors! 

Above: me, Fran and Angela (congrats to Ange on her recent marriage!) in downtown Indy! 

Another use of the jewel-collared sleeveless shirt. My only regret about this shirt is that I didn't buy it in the navy and white, too! 

Celebrating Mike's 31st birthday last April at Bien Trucha (amazing! You MUST go!). 

Above: the night before my wedding shower in Geneva last summer, paired with white denim.

My sister, Fran (came all the way from Indy!), me and Mandy. 

The reason I love this sleeveless shirt under blazers is because sometimes blazers can be tight or stuffy in the arms/body. This let's you feel a little "freer" inside a fitted blazer. 

Any interviews on your horizon? What will you be rocking for the 'view?
xxoo
Mary