Do I look like a giant bruise? 🙂

I’ve never cared much for combining navy blue and black until I saw this lovely Lane Bryant blouse at my favorite 1/2 of 1/2 store.  I knew I could wear it with a basic black pant, but then I found this satin stretch skirt at TJ Maxx for $7.00 and couldn’t pass up a bargain!  The clearance shoe that brought this outfit together?  A lace pump with layered grosgrain ribbon bows on the back.  Yea DSW – I LOVE them!

*Many thanks to my girlfriends who created WEBB: Women Engaged in Building Business.  It’s an incredible FREE networking group in Plano that meets on the first Wednesday of each month.  If you’re interested in learning more, contact (left to right after MM) Cindy, Brenda or Minette. 🙂

What was the last item of clothing you purchased after initially saying, “No”?

MsMona

My fabulous friend, Ms. Erin, is one busy lady – she’s a full time business professional, wife, a mother of two, and keeps up with countless friends and family members.  We were talking makeovers at one of our networking events and she was all for it!  After discussing her business wardrobe wants and needs, my thoughts about colors and stretching her budget, it was time to make it happen…

Erin and I met early one Saturday morning at Macy’s Collin Creek and headed directly to the sale racks, where she found this sweet brown floral print top for an incredible price!  With discounts and credits in hand, off we went to Kohl’s (Erin’s FAV store). :)  We found her a simple chocolate pant to match her new blouse, and take a look at the awesome purple and gray jacket she found in the clearance section, made by Vera Wang’s “Simply Vera” line.  So cool, I had to get myself one, too. 🙂

To take it one step further, Erin treated herself to a make-up date at M·A·C in Plano’s Willow Bend mall.  My Girl is beautiful anyway, but I’m glad this Hot Mama saved some time for a little extra pampering. :)  Thank you, Erin, I had a blast shopping with you!

Dahling Sisters, how long has it been since your last makeover?

MsMona

What says “feminine” more than a rose colored lace skirt in the Spring?  Not much…except maybe a silver gray, or a black one. 🙂

OMG, I couldn’t help myself!  At only $4.24 each, these three skirts combined cost less than one of them at the regular price of $16.99.  What’s even crazier is that I saw the rose color at Goodwill (complete with Target tag) for $8.00!  So, shopping at the end of a season could still cost less than at a discount store later.  Who would have thought?!

What lace touches have you found for your wardrobe?

MsMona

P.S.  Make sure you check out the right side of this blog for tips I’ve discovered.  Monday is usually markdown day at Target! 🙂

I love Easter Sunday at church.  Everyone is dressed in their best Spring colors and floral patterns, which seem to brighten everyone’s smiles and highlight this glorious day!  The Husband is a fab example in one of my favorite shades of blue. 🙂

Ms. Mona couldn’t wait to put on this swingin’ $8.00 skirt, a consignment find at ReThreads in Dallas.  Add a classic white blazer from JC Penney’s end-of-season clearance and we’re set for a wonderful Easter celebration!

Wishing you a blessed day!

MsMona

Seriously, a DRAGGING pant hem?!

As a woman in business, I network in many circles, especially with other women in different communities.  I’ve seen fashion ranging from the good, the bad and the questionable, but when I see this I have to ask myself:  beside the fact that it’s a potential hazard, does she realize how this makes her look from a business perspective?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a long leg line.  Trust me – I’m a whole 5 feet tall and even the “Petite” length is several inches past my toes. :)  But this is just sloppy and, honestly, makes it look like she’s too lazy to go to her local tailor for a $10.00 hem job.  So what does your appearance say about you?

Research shows 60-90% of communication is non-verbal.  This includes eye contact, haptics (touch), body language and what we wear.  Remember the phrase, “Looks aren’t everything”?  Well, there might actually be more to that statement when it comes to dressing the part.

I totally get the cute jeans and flat sandals trend, with the intentional fraying of a hem line.  And if that’s what you’re selling, fantastic!  However, whether you are visiting an office environment to call on a client, or meeting a colleague for lunch, think about their first impression before you choose your wardrobe.  Will your pant hem communicate “mess” or “success”? 🙂

If you’d rather D-I-Y this project, a variety of snaps and bonding seam tapes are available in the fabric stores.  What others have you tried?

MsMona