8 Key Pieces for a Summer Work Wardrobe

In these economic tough times, it’s more vital than ever to dress well for work, says Lloyd Boston, host of The Fine Living Network's "Closet Cases", author of Before You Put That On and Jones New York "Style Guy". “Your clothes tell your boss who you are,” says Lloyd. “It’s important to look like one of people who are irreplaceable.” You can look professional without spending a lot of time or money once you have these eight key pieces in your closet.

1. The White Shirt

A crisp, wrinkle-resistant white shirt can be worn alone, under a sweater or over a cami and left open like a jacket, suggests Lloyd. His choice is the Jones of New York No-Iron Easy Care French Cuff Shirt. Interested in more no-iron pieces?

2. Sheath Dress

Another great foundation piece is a sheath dress. You can wear it with a shirt underneath, or a jacket on top, says Lloyd.

3. Tailored Pants

If you’re not a dress person, tailored pants are another versatile option, says Lloyd. Wear them with your white blouse, a jacket or a cami and cardigan, depending on how formal your office is.

4. Tunic

Tunics are a flattering alternative to blouses. Tone a pattern or bright color down by wearing it under a jacket or cardi. Headed out after work? Take your topper off and show off the tunic.

5. White jacket

For summer, Lloyd recommends a white cropped jacket. Try wearing it over a longer tunic, for a modern downtown look that’s still work appropriate.

6. Belts

Accessories like belts help a woman look polished. Belts can be wide or slim—whichever works best for your outfit and figure, says Lloyd. The important thing is to wear it at your smallest point, be it your natural waist, higher up on your rib cage or lower slung on your hips.

7. Ballet Flat

Women look at each other shoes before their eyes, says Lloyd. When opting for a classic shoe, like a ballet flat, add a touch of spice to your outfit by selecting one in a conversational print.

8. Jewelry

Too many women wear emotional jewelry—pieces they got on vacation or were given as a gift—and frequently end up piling too much of it on, Lloyd says. Instead stick with one or two pieces that are more impactful, like a bold, classic cuff.

Recessed Ironing Center With Swivel Board

Hideaway your ironing board in this convenient Recessed Ironing Center that even has a spot for your hot iron. Imagine the convenience of opening the center's door to reveal a drop-down 42" ventilated metal ironing board, complete with a silicone-treated padded ironing board cover. The lighted rocker switch starts prepping your iron and you're ready to tackle all those shirts in the basket.

When you're done, raise the board upright, store the iron and close the center door. Electricity to the iron is automatically disconnected - a great safety feature for those of us that are always on the run.

This Recessed Ironing Center has approximate sizing of 14-3/8"W x 47"H x 4"D and should be installed 25" from the floor, between an interior wall's studding in a convenient location in your laundry area or anywhere else you like to do your ironing.

This unit comes fully assembled and ready for installation. Wiring is required if you want to utilize the handy electrical receptacle for the iron. Available in unfinished white oak or other finish.

A most convenient way to do your ironing and terrific storage for your iron and ironing board.

Iron a Button-Down Shirt and Pants

Unfortunately, it doesn't take a lot of effort to wrinkle clean clothes - but ironing them isn't very hard either. See how to iron a button-down shirt and pants.

Ironing Boards
First, set up your ironing board. I use a full size board because it is easier to work with, but small countertop boards will get the job done.

The Right Heat for Ironing
Plug in your iron and set the heat to the proper setting. For cotton or linen shirts you can use a steam iron, or a spray bottle to moisten the shirt. Don't use water with silk fabric because it will create spots.

Ironing Shirts
Once the iron is hot, spread the shirt across the ironing board. Start by ironing the collar of the shirt on both sides. Next iron the sleeves, paying close attention to the cuffs.

The body of the shirt should be ironed last starting with a front side and working around the back to the other side of the front. Be sure you have the fabric flat on the ironing board. If a crease or fold should occur, re-steam the crease and iron the area again.

Shirt-Ironing Cautions
Never leave the iron on the fabric too long or it might burn. Don't iron with small children around. Always leave iron facing up when you aren't using it.

Ironing Pants
Now let's iron the pants. Start on one of the front sides. Pull pants as far as they will go onto the ironing board by the waistband. Work your way around the back to the other side of the front.

Now iron the legs, laying them flat on the board. Flip over and repeat.

Top 10 No-Iron Pieces for Work

Between putting on your makeup, organizing your purse and gulping down coffee, the last thing you have time for in the morning is breaking out the iron and ironing board to press your clothes. And now you don’t have to. "No-iron pieces" used to be synonymous with polyester, but that’s changed; many attractive and versatile wrinkle-free clothes are now available in a range of fabrics and styles.

1. Brooks Brothers Miracle Shirt

This gold standard of no-iron pieces has been featured on Oprah more than once, and with good reason. This blouse comes in four different cuts, including tailored, fitted, semi-fitted and classic, several colors and patterns. Best of all, it really can be worn straight from the dryer—no kidding!

2. J. Crew Wool Crepe One-Button Blazer

This one-button blazer in a soft wool crepe is wrinkle-resistant and light enough to wear year round. It has a handy inside breast pocket for business cards or lipstick and is fully lined. No wonder this is one of Michelle Obama’s favorite stores.

3. J. Crew Wool Crepe Pencil Skirt

Pair this slim-fit skirt with the matching above blazer for the office then wear without for post-work cocktails. This skirt with back seams and a small coin pocket won’t wrinkle even when you wear it eight hours plus. Available in four colors.

4. Nies Lavi Silk Jersey Top

This line is designed with travel in mind—many pieces come with a matching travel bag—so every piece promises to be wrinkle-free. The silk jersey is soft, comfy and flirty and hugs your curves without being clingy. The patterned Rosetta top will look just as good under a suit jacket as it will with pants. Ready for a vacation? Slide it off the shoulder and pair with white jeans for a tropical look.

5. Coldwater Creek No-Iron Shirt

Just because something is no-iron, doesn’t mean it has to be boring. This yellow floral-print blouse is fitted at the waist and has French cuffs. Tip: The bold print will hide spills, making this number perfect for new moms. Wear it with khakis on Saturdays when you’re running errands.

6. Casual Living Knit Sleeveless Knit Dress

Destined to be your go-to piece: It doesn’t get any easier than this timeless black polyester/Spandex blend miracle dress. It’s machine-washable, too! Pair with a jacket or cardi and scarf to the office or with heels and costume jewelry for evening.

7. Ann Taylor Ribbed Cardigan

Speaking of a cardi, look for one with a small amount of nylon, so it won’t wrinkle as readily. The ribbing on this sweater helps hide crinkling, too, and the v-neck style is flattering for all figures. Push up the sleeves and sport a chunky necklace for a modern look.

8. Land’s End Original Boot Cut Fit Pant

You’ll want to buy these classic black pants in bulk! The polyester/wool/spandex blend pants sit low on the waist and are boot cut for a slimming fit. They come with a brilliant little secret: Elastic inserts at the waist allow for up to 3-inches of give, so you can wear them comfortably on even your most bloated of days.

9. Michael Stars Supima V-neck T-Shirt

The king of T-shirts, this one is long enough to wear with lower-rise pants and is made of wrinkle-resistant Supima cotton. It comes in nine colors, a variety of sleeve styles from cap to ¾ length and a scoop neck option. Layer it under jackets or sweaters or on top of a cami for an added pop of color.

10. Banana Republic Lightweight Jacket

A modern take on the classic trench, this jacket is waterproof, belted and has full, feminine, ¾ length sleeves. Because it’s shorter and polyester, wrinkling is less of an issue. Wear it indoors or out. Ideal for traveling, too since it won’t hog much space in your carry on bag.

The 6 Best Holiday Dresses

With these holiday dresses in your closet, you'll be ready for any party, from cocktails with your co-workers, to dinner with the family to hosting your own bash.

1. Day to Night Holiday Dress

Pair this Aqua combo dress with a black blazer and tights for your work day. When it's time to party, lose the jacket, pile on the pearls and trade the tights for a black lacy pair. While this looks like it's two pieces, it's actually a dress, so no worrying about your top coming untucked. The scoop neck is flirty without crossing the line into office inappropriate.

2. Dinner With the Family

When you're headed to dinner with the 'rents (yours or his), this classic Banana Republic sheath dress is a timeless choice. The red satin couldn't be more festive and the pleats at the waist flatter nearly every figure. You'll be wearing this dress for years to come.

3. Hostess Dress

Zip up this silk and metallic Jones New York jacquard dress when you're the one throwing the party. The pattern will help hide any cooking or drink spills, while the longer length lets you bend to remove the cookies from the oven or greet the little ones and stretch to reach the pitcher on a high shelf without putting on a show.

4. Little Black Holiday Party Dress

A LBD is always an easy choice — for the holidays, step it up a notch with festive layers and pleats like this J. Crew crinkle cascade dress. For added flair, remove the sash and replace with a brightly colored belt. Bonus: the crinkled fabric will hid wrinkles, so no need to iron this baby.

5. New Year's Eve Dress

If there's ever a night to sparkle, it's New Year's Eve. This Rachel Rachel Roy dress has vertical crinkles that will elongate and slenderize your figure and the racerback will show off toned shoulders. Like the J. Crew option, it will never need to be ironed.

6. Trendy Holiday Party Dress

If you're looking to make a bold statement, look no further than this Cynthia Rowley number. It has a number of trends in one: the bright pink is '80s inspired and the one shoulder couldn't be more in vogue this holiday season. You won't need to accessorize much, just slip on your fave black pumps and you're ready for anything.

Best Multi-Purpose Concealer

By Anne Fritz, About.com Guide

recently read that concealer is the beauty equivalent of a power nap. So true! There's no quicker way to fake a good night's sleep or cover up a blemish than with a good concealer. We all need a go-to one in our beauty arsenal. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector is mine. Read on to see if it's right for you.
How Does the Concealer Work?
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector is actually a highlighter and concealer in one handy tube. The light reflecting highlighter end has a brush for easy application, while the concealer end has a wand for spot coverage.
How Do I Use It?

Apply the highlighter under your eyes to cover dark circles or in the corner of eyes, along the brow bone, in the cupid's bow of your lip and along the sides of your nose to add luminous touches to your face. Blend with your fingers or a makeup sponge.

Dot the concealer on blemishes, age spots, broken capillaries or other areas you want to cover. Don't overblend, because you'll lose too much coverage. Let is set for 10 seconds before applying foundation or powder on top.
How Did it Perform?
I used the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector under my foundation and powder. The concealer didn't budge the entire day. I added a touch more highlighter in the afternoon to brighten up the dark circles under my eye. Even on a second application, it didn't settle into my fine lines, like other concealers I've used. The tube slipped easily into my purse for on the go touch ups.
Is It Right for You?
If both concealing and highlighting are part of your makeup routine, you can't beat Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector. It's unbelievably handy to have both in a single product. I particularly like the highlighter as it's similar to the far pricier cult favorites YSL Touche Eclat. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector comes in four shades from light to dark.

Easy Eyebrow Shaping

he first time I ever had my eyebrows professionally shaped, my mom took one look at me and said it was the best money I had ever spent. A well-groomed eyebrow is a shortcut to a pulled together look: it can balance out your features and make you look more polished and awake.

Finding the right shape for you, however, can be a little tricky. I checked in with the experts at the Shobha Salon in New York for advice:

* If you have a round face, a high-arched, angular brow will make your face look thinner.
* Conversely, if you have a long face, a more horizontal eyebrow with an arch that is further out towards your hair line will make your face appear fuller.
* A heart-shaped or square face is balanced out by round eyebrows.
* To minimize a large nose, aim for highly arched, dark or thick eyebrows.
* Eyes will look larger with thin, angled brows.
* Rounder brows will soften a sharp or pointy chin.
* Large eyes are more proportional with thicker, dark colored brows.
* If you wear glasses, pick a pair that matches the shape of your brow, instead of attempting to make your brow match the frames.

How to Make Nail Polish Dry Faster

Love the look of manicured nails, but hate waiting for nail polish to dry? Celebrity manicurist Erica Marton shares her advice.



Q. How do I get nail polish to dry faster?

A. The best tricks are: 1. Even coats of polish. 2. Wait at least a minute in between coats if you are doing multiples, including a base and top coat.

Q. Do you always recommend two coats of color?

A. It all depends on the person. If a client comes in and straight out asks me what will last longer I always go for one coat, plus it dries super fast. But some people love two coats because it last longer for them.

Q. What’s an option to nail polish?

A. For my clients who hate to wait for nail polish to dry, I always do a buff shine. It last for a month on toes and two weeks on fingernails. I use a buffer to “shine” the nails.

Q. How thick or thin should the layer of nail polish be?

A. A layer of polish should ALWAYS be even and thin and never. thick.

Q. Does drying nails with a fan work?

A. I prefer for my clients to wait and let nails air dry on their own. For the purple light fans to work, a nail technician has to use a special top coat that hardens to polish, butmost manicurist don’t use that top coat because its very expensive. If the salon isn’t the right temperature the fan can cause bubbles in the polish.

Q. Do you have any quick drying top coats or oils that you like?

A. My favorite quick dry in the world is Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. It’s amazing! I also have another favorite quick dry helper, I feel I would be lost without, QTICA Half Time Polish Drying Accelerator. It dries polish rock hard in 5 to 7 minutes. It’s a little pricey though. The closest thing to it is Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Speed Dry Drops.

5-Minute Face

smile :-)

I know, I know. You barely have time to eat breakfast in the morning, much less apply makeup. But these five key products are easy to apply, longwearing and will have you glowing and gorgeous in 5 minutes flat.


1. Best Concealer
I recently read that concealer is the beauty equivalent of a power nap. So true! There's no quicker way to fake a good night's sleep or cover up a blemish than with a good concealer. We all need a go-to one in our beauty arsenal.


2. Best Tinted Moisturizer
Whether your skin is uneven, blotchy or dull looking, we all can use a little help from time to time. A good tinted moisturizer or foundation can be an easy shortcut to looking rested and beautiful. Does the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 live up to the hype?


3. Best Cream Blush
You may have seen those new ads with Ellen DeGeneres touting the benefits of the new CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush. I put it to the longwearing test.


4. Best Longwearing Mascara
No woman's cosmetic bag can be complete without a longwearing mascara that doesn’t smudge. When I’m in a huge rush, as compared to just my usual, I’ll skip everything except mascara and gloss. I feel naked without it. How does Kiehl's Marvelous Mineral Mascara perform?


5. Best Long-Lasting Lip Gloss
I’m always on the lookout for a long-lasting lip gloss. I love the shine of gloss—it’s an instant way to make lips look plumper—but so many brands wear off before I’ve even finished my first cup of coffee. On the other end of the gloss spectrum, I find many so-call long-wearing glosses are overly sticky or end up forming unattractive lip crusties after a few hours. With that in mind, I put Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 to the test.

Smart Packing Tips

You’ll never have to check your luggage for a weekend trip again with these smart packing tips:

* Lay your clothes out on your bed to go over your selections. Select one outfit per day and one outfit per night out. Always bring a sweater, even if you’re headed to the beach, because the weather can be unpredictable, as can air conditioning levels.
* Limit the number of shoes you bring. Shoes are heavy and take up a lot of room in your suitcase. Try to keep it to no more than three pairs of shoes (daytime, evening and sneakers).
* Take the biggest bag you can carry on, currently that’s 24” x 16” x 10” for most domestic flights, like this Alpha bag from Tumi. You may not think you’ll need all the room, but you never know. You may end up shopping, have work folders to carry home or may even be in a rush when you repack to come home. If your bag is bigger, you can toss everything in easier.
* Roll your clothes first, before you pack anything, except for items that will wrinkle. Stuff smaller items like tanks, panties and socks in your shoes. Pack the shoes with the clothing in them at the bottom of your bag. This keeps your bag balanced. Fill in the space with the rolled clothes, making sure to fill every nook and cranny of the bag.
* Once you have all the rolled items in, place the items you don’t want to get wrinkled in a dry cleaning bag. Fold them carefully across the top.
* Pack all liquids and other toiletries in your purse, where you can easily retrieve them at the security line.

Little Black Dressses For Every Figure

There’s nothing easier for a cocktail party, special dinner out or wedding than a little black dress. All you need is a trusty pair of heels, a cocktail bag and a piece or two of your favorite jewelry and you're all set for any last minute invites that come your way. Find the perfect little black dress for your figure.


1. Balance a Pear Shape
A little black dress that's fitted on top with a fuller skirt or slimmer A-line will show off your narrow waist, while hiding a bigger bottom. Add a skinny belt or brightly colored sash to this dress for a stylish twist. This dress from Shopbop is a bargain, too.


2. Hide a Big Bust
A sleeveless sheath will help minimize your assets. The funnel neck on this Ann Taylor little black dress helps distract the eye upwards, visually slimming your bust. Skip the necklace and wear with a pair of chandelier earrings.


3. Enhance a Small Chest
The crisscrossed bodice on this dress creates the illusion of a larger chest. Pair it with your favorite push up bra for added cleavage. The Adrianna Papell dress also comes in blue and green.


4. Camouflage a Belly
Similar to a dress that while hide a large chest, look for a loose unstructured dress. Chances are, you have fab legs, so opt for a dress that hits at the knees or shorter. This Milly little black dress has a flattering key hole back. Wear it with a stack of bangles on one arm.


5. Show Off Your Shoulders
Hey—you spend hours at the gym getting those Michelle Obama-worthy arms, shoulders and back, so why not show your physique off? The halter neckline and open back on this La Femme dress sets off shoulders and backs sexily. Tone down the accessories, because this dress is a statement of its own!
Buy Direct


6. Best All Around
The Black Halo Jackie O little black dress magically transforms every woman who puts it on into an Audrey Hepburn ingenue. Something about the cut, the drape of the fabric and the skinny belt just works.

Best Flats for Fall

In opinion from Anne Fritz from About.com

I was inspired by a recent conversation with Lloyd Boston, host of The Fine Living Network's "Closet Cases", author of Before You Buy That and Jones of New York "Style Guy," to reconsider my collection of flats. He suggests breaking away from the tried and true black and instead opting for a bright, metallic or patterned pair of flats. “It spices up a conservative outfit and makes it younger and more stylish and fun.” Not to mention flats are super-comfy!

Here’s a selection of colorful, patterned and fashionable flats to add to your fall closet.

1. Gold Flats
Photo © Piperlime
Gold goes with everything and adds a fun touch of glam to your daytime outfits. Try these Cynthia Vincent Belle Flats with skinny jeans, A-line skirts, even your favorite little black dress.


2. Red and Black Plaid Flats
Photo © DSW
Plaid is the pattern for fall. While a plaid flannel probably isn’t appropriate for your office and you may be past the age where you can get away with a plaid school girl jumper, these Rocket Dog flats are an easy way to wear the trend.


3. Leopard Print Flats
Photo © Steve Madden
These shoes are the right way to wear leopard print: the sexy pattern is used on a traditional style of shoe, it’s unexpected and sexy, without crossing the line to overly risqué. Try these Steve Madden Snipp pony hair shoes with jeans, black leggings or anything red.


4. Embellished Gray Flats
Photo © Piperlime
Snake-embossed flats with grommets have a punk-rock edge but are still totally work-appropriate in gray. Wear them with suits, red, navy, even black. These Coconuts Eddie flats are vegan, so they’re eco-conscious to boot.


5. Classic Croc Print Flats
Photo © Aerosoles
If you work in a very conservative office, try these brown crocodile print flats with your suit. They’re ultra-comfy Aerosoles so you can wear them on the subway or race around the office without getting blisters.


6. Pink Tweed Flats
Photo © Kate Spade
These Kate Spade Newbury flats are the classic Chanel jacket reinterpreted for your feet. Wear them with jeans and a blazer, gray slacks or a simple shirt dress.


7. Yellow Jeweled Flats
Photo ©: Zappos
You’ll be surprised about how much use you get out of these Juicy Couture Annette yellow patent shoes. When you wear them, just go easy on the rest of your accessories: Pair with a winter white or tan handbag.


8. Black Patent Flats
Photo © Zappos
If you can’t bear to part with basic black, opt for a patent pair of flats; the shine is more elegant than regular leather. The turn lock adds an element of sophistication.