Basic is Best: Maxi Style

Hey pretty lady! I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. This week is my birthday week and I will turn 29 on Friday. My last year in my twenties! It is crazy to think about since I feel forever 22. I am starting to understand when people say "age is just a number". I don't have any plans yet, I am hoping my hubby takes care of that part! :)

So this month, I am so excited to kick off the series "Basic is Best". I came up with the idea when I realized my entire closet was turning into a giant floral party and all the basic essentials were dwindling down. I love florals, they are super trending right now but sometimes they can be hard to match with other outfits. I felt like I was buying more accessories and pieces to make an outfit, rather than utilizing what I already had. 

So each week I will be showcasing one must have item in every woman's closet, multiple ways to style it and how to shop for the perfect fit. This week I am featuring the Maxi.

Maxis are a must, hands down! First off they can be incredibly comfortable (if you have the right fabric) are easy to style and can be worn to every occasion. A Maxi can be worn through almost every season (not sure how they would look in winter boots though) and are flattering on every body type. 

How to Find the Perfect Maxi

1.) Finding the right fabric: We all know some material is forgiving and some material makes us look like we just ate a whole pizza. 100% cotton is not going to be your best friend in this situation. Unless you are 5'7 and 100 pounds with no hips, a tight fitting 100% cotton dress is not going to be comfortable, may not be flattering, and could possibly show all the dimples that were once cute on your baby bottom but not so much anymore. (Ugh they are so annoying, am I right?!) Look for a material that is labeled Viscose or Rayon. This material has a soft silk like feel while still being a thicker material. It also has a little bit of stretch to it as well, allowing a more flattering shape. Also look for a small percentage of spandex in the material. This adds a little bit of stretch to the material allowing the dress to flow and not lay so stiff on ones body. This dress I have featured here from PinkBlush is 94% Viscose 6% Spandex. It is perfection! So amazingly comfy and thick material, but not to thick for the warm weather.

2.) Finding the perfect color: So you have a maxi that can be worn to every occasion: church, wedding, date night, girls night, shopping, etc. What color works best? I love bright pops of color, however a bright coral dress is not a color that can be worn multiple times over and over again without being noticeable. White is always a classic look but white is not an all year round color so I would not advise that. When picking an article of clothing you would want to wear multiple times a month even week, always go neutral. Neutrals never go out of style and are the best color choice for pairing and accessorizing outfits. Personally I prefer a taupe color like I have featured. Taupe is a trending color right now and can be paired with almost every other color and is also a flattering color for every skin type. If you prefer dark colors black is always a good choice as well, but black dresses in the summer get so hot. That is the only downside to going with a full length black dress.

3.) Finding the perfect fit: Ok so this may be the most important part. When looking for a perfect maxi, DO NOT buy a dress with no shape to it. That is the quickest way to make a dress look unflattering on a woman .I have seen so many cute dresses in the store, but once I try them on they lay awkwardly because the material just sits on my hips. Look for a dress that has some type of cinching below the bust but above the hips. Make sure the cinching does not sit at the hips, as this could possibly make the hips appear larger. The cinching should lay right at the middle of your ribs so that the remainder of the dress can flow outward. Since each individual has a different sized torso then the next it is important to find the perfect fit for your body, so look for cinching that lays about 2-3 inches above your belly button.  

 

Styling your Maxi

3 simple ways to style:

// Pair it with a jean jacket ( as in above) for a casual look or give it an edgy look with a fitted leather jacket. It is important that the jacket is fitted since Maxi dresses have flow to them. Pairing the dress with a loose jacket can make the overall look appear unfinished and unpolished. //

// This is where color comes in, think color wheel! Find accessories that add some pop to the dress! You can add so many fun colors with a neutral dress (scarfs, hats, statement necklace). The possibilities are endless! //

// Knot the bottom! Interested in a different look? Knot the bottom of your dress to better showcase your shoes. This will add some diversity to the look and keep your dress from looking like the average maxi. //

                                  Stealing smooches from the babe!

                                  Stealing smooches from the babe!

I hope this gave you some new ideas and helpful hints for the next time you venture out to go shopping! If you have any questions feel free to email me or leave a comment. If you saw an item that caught your eye, I have linked all my items featured below. Also don't forget if you post on Insta or Facebook, tag @savvygirlsstyle so I can see how stunning you are! Happy May 1st!

 

XOXO,

Brianna Lynne

 

Shop the Look

// Dress: Pink Blush // Jacket: Nordstorm Rack // Shoes: Charlotte Russe // Necklace: Bauble Bar// Watch: Timex //

 

Monday Inspiration

Happy Monday! I do not know about you but I woke up this morning and could not get out of bed. My eyes would not open and my body fought me every inch of the way. However, duty calls and my children were not feeding themselves. Anyone else have that kind of morning? 

Well if you feel like Monday hit you hard and you need some inspiration for work attire or school or everyday I have you covered. Leave the fashion to me! This week I teamed up with Ruthie Grace Boutique and I LOVE, LOVE their clothes. They have so many cute options for every event in your life. Today I am sharing three of my favorite articles of clothing from their site.

This beautiful dress from Shein is so versatile and can also be worn as a top, like I have pictured above. I love the embroidered trend right now and these vibrant colors are so perfect for spring! 

Lets talk Leggings! If you do not own a pair of moto leggings you are truly missing out! I love the texture to them and the unique style they have. This pair from RG has the appearance of a thicker material but in reality are so, so soft. They have a stretch waistband and a zipper at the bottom of the pants that can be worn zipped all the way down or left a little undone. I think a pair of converse sneakers with a white tee and chambray button down top would look super cute paired with these pants. I think I would leave it a little unzipped with that particular outfit. < Just throwing some ideas your way :) >

If you are looking for the perfect LBD for spring or summer I have found the one for you!. This dress has beautiful detailing adding class and sophistication. The material is slightly thinner so it perfect for warmer weather and wont leave you sweating, for all my southern friends. I am 5'3 and it fell right above my knees, making it the perfect and appropriate dress for church and the work office. The sleeves had a slight bell detail but not so much that I was getting them caught on everything. Does that happen to you? Bell sleeve wiplash syndrome. I love the trend but I am ALWAYS getting them caught on drawers, handles, you name it. Not with this dress. I believe that is called...#winning? :) This particluar dress is sold out in black, so you can either go on the waitlist or you can buy it in a blush color. The blush is gorgeous!!

So I saved the best for last! My current favorite top in my closet, the "mary". This shirt is everything trending right now. Florals, bell sleeves, detailed neckline, I just LOVE it! This shirt material is soft and flowy and is perfect for every body type. I have yet to find a shirt exactly like this one, which always makes me happy because I love having my own unique style. I received so many compliments on this top already and I know you will too! The mauve color is flattering on every hair and skin color as well. For reference I am wearing size small. I could ramble on but we all have important stuff to do this Monday so I will leave the links for you to visit the site below. If you happen to snag one of these beauties or another, tag me in your picture on insta! I would love to see how beautiful you look! Happy Monday!!

Mary-Top

Ireland-Black Dress

The Chloe-Moto Leggings

Dress-Shein

XOXO,

Brianna Lynne

*Shop The Rest Of the Outfits Below*

Spring Dresses and White Tees

Happy Tuesday! If you live anywhere in the North east and along the East coast you are probably getting hit with a crazy snow storm. I am currently sitting in my office typing away while a winter wonderland is blowing through the town. It is actually kind of cozy, at least while we still have power. :)

 

Paperback Boutique is where my two outfits are from and can I just say how much I love, love this floral dress? The fit is perfect and lays just at the perfect length. It has a little choker detail on the dress, adding some more creative details and of course the floral trend is so hot right now. I just happen to be obsessed with florals (if you haven't noticed) so I am elated that they are currently trending. The dress also has a cinched waist which is always flattering on every body type. I will link the outfit details below, but you can also find the dress located here.

 

The white shirt was also complimentary from Paperback. The fit of this top is very flattering. It is fitted by the bust and slightly flares out at the bottom. The sleeves also have a little bit of a belle sleeve shape. Bell sleeves are another trend that is hot right now. I love that the top had a bit of a flow to the shape without losing the complimentary form. Sometimes I forget just how much I love white tops until I add accessories to them. A white top and jeans have endless possibilities to them.  The white top is currently sold out, but there is a white sweater listed on the site with a little bit of a similar shape to it.

 

XOXO,

Brianna

 

Shop The Look

Dress: Floral Dress | Shoes: Lace Up Wedge | Bag: CocoVann Official | Pants: Skinny Jeans | Necklace: BaubleBar | Shoes: Lace Up Block Heel

Tuesday Shoesday

It's Tuesday which means I am sharing all things shoes! I have been struggling staying healthy this week so todays post will be short and sweet if that is okay with you, so I can get back to resting. This virus/bug sure is kicking my butt, any tips on how to shake it off? Vitamin C is not working as fast as I would like it...

Both of these pairs of boots are from the brand Corkys. I have seen the brand several times in retail stores and was so excited to be able to have a pair of my own to try. Let me just say these boots are hands down some of the most comfortable shoes I own. The inserts inside the shoe are super soft and made them comfortable to wear even without socks. The wedge boots were perfect in the snow and never left my feet feeling cold, something that can be hard to accomplish on a shoes without being a snow or rain boot.  I wore the booties to a conference recently at my church that lasted all day and I had no issues at all.

Now that the warm air is slowly starting to come through I can't wait to wear these booties with maxis and sun dresses. I even wore them without socks and they didn't make my feet sweat like crazy. If you haven't heard of Corkys before, jump over to their site and browse around. Find something you love? Use Coupon Code: BRIANNA30 for 30% off all purchases. How about that for a great deal?! Shop the Shoes below:

 

ZOO BOOTIES

EDGE WEDGES

There is also a great BOGO sale going on now as well! Stock up on all those spring and summer trends you have been eyeing!

 

XOXO,

Brianna

How to Choose a Makeup Brush Set

Brushes Galore! So if you are a makeup guru or a newbie we all have to start at the same place, finding a brush that works best for you! Makeup brushes play such a vital role in apply those beauty products we all spend so much money on. You don’t ever see a painter using their fingers to paint a wall, same reason why you should always use a brush or some type of applicator when apply your makeup.

There are many benefits to using brushes instead of your fingers when applying makeup. You'll get a more of an even coverage using a brush, and a better polished finish. It's also more sanitary to use a brush, especially if you have problematic skin that breaks out easily. I unfortunately fall in that category, so I have to make sure I wash my brushes weekly. Side Tip: There are many wonderful brush cleansers out there, however if you do not feel like shelling out the extra money you can always use baby shampoo. Cheaper and just as safe to cleanse with.

So how to pick a brush: Start with the basics. A foundation brush, blush brush, and eye shadow brush. A foundation brush should be your first purchase. A clean, even complexion will make the rest of your makeup look cleaner and appear brighter. I have been using this oval brush set from Sammy dress and I really like the way they apply. For the price point I think they do a really great job. It takes a few tries to get the hang of holding them, and at times I feel like I should be brushing my teeth with them however they are conviently sized and perfect for on the go. After your foundation choose a blush brush. Blush brushes can be used for multiple different purposes, so if I need to highlight or contour I can always use the same brush. I like to keep them all separate so the makeup does not all mix together.

When buying your set, youtube some makeup tutorials to show how to properly use them. Ever wonder why some sets come with 5 different angled eyeshadow brushes? They actually ALL have a purpose. Plus you can receive some great how-to’s on some easy everyday looks.

I also have listed some additional favorite sets below. I linked all different price points, but keeping them all under $50.

                 CLICK ANY PICTURE ABOVE TO TAKE YOU TO THE OVAL BRUSH SET

 XOXO,
Brianna

 

 

 

Tuesday Shoesday

Back to life and back to reality! The Holidays have been wonderful but I am ready to get back into the swing of life and work on these new goals I have made. If you are back into the work force and need a few minutes to break away I put together some of my favorite shoes from TJ MAXX for you. All are less than $39!! I received a few gift cards from the store and I think I may just have to pick up a few of these beauties! Click through the photos and see if you find a pair you like...Each picture takes you right to the site!

XOXO,

Brianna