Because Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, it's a great day to do brunch. For this meal, it is refreshing to keep your color palette light (note Emily's summer brunch outfit); the blush pants also add a fun touch of pink for the holiday. A white button front shirt keeps the outfit clean and simple, and the combo makes a great outfit for a daytime date. To keep the outfit balanced she chose a light toned snakeskin pump. We definitely suggest a pointed toe as it is more feminine, especially if you choose to do a flat or low heel.
Shirt: Madewell, similar here / Pants: J.Crew / Shoes: Nine West, also love these / Watch: Anne Klein, similar here

Dinner

When going out for a romantic dinner, you don't have to wear the classic red and pink. Statistic from Rent the Runway have surprisingly shown that red and pink are actually out this year (WhoWhatWear article on the matter found here). Lexie chose to dress up her striped fitted dress. The tight fit allows it to be sexy while the neckline and length keep it classy. The midi length is also on trend, and the tight fit makes it more flattering for a wider range of body types. Add a clutch and a fun pair of pumps to dress it up, and you're ready to go.

Dress: Marshalls, I also like this midi dress / Heels: Kate Spade, another fun pair / Clutch: Target, similar here / Necklace: Old Navy, similar one here

GNO

Emily's look for a V-day girls night out is super fun. Her fringe top is more playful than romantic which makes it great for a night out. The tuxedo pants balance out the top to make the look more sophisticated. To add a pop to the black outfit she chose a leopard pair of kitten heels--kitten heels are a great way to stay comfy all night. She finished her look with a clutch and her everyday watch and rings.

Top: Banana Republic, good option here / Pants: Barney's, nice pair of tailored pants here
/ Heels: French Connection, similar / Clutch: Express, similar / Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive, found here



I absolutely love weddings. It's a chance to celebrate love not only between two people, but two sets of friends and family as well--not to mention the free food and champagne! However, trying to find the appropriate thing to wear can be difficult because it is so dependent on time, location, and the people getting married!
For a summer wedding, especially if you know you'll be outdoors, it can get pretty hot, so choose something breathable and not too clingy. If you aren't sure how formal to be, I always say it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. Heels and a clutch are an easy way to make a simple dress more formal; same goes for a statement necklace or earrings.
When it comes to color, have fun! You're going to a celebration, so feel free to play with color, prints, and texture. Just be sure not to overshadow the bride... and definitely stay away from white!

For me, shopping is really bargain hunting. Being a fashion business student we learn about how companies markup their garments to increase their profits, when it really costs them a fraction of the price to make. Therefore it is always good to buy items when they are on sale or through discounters so you can get the best value possible.

Shirt: Joe Fresh on sale $3

      Joe Fresh already sells moderately priced clothes but when it comes to their sales, you can get a great deal! Also, a little secret for any NYC Joe Fresh Shoppers, their store on 34th street is their clearance store so most of the time their sale items are an additional 40-50% off (this shirt for example). This shirt is a great basic to be cute and casual, I also purchased it in charcoal.

Clutch: Express via Gabriel Brothers $4 originally $40 

      Gabriel Brothers is an off-price store mostly in the Midwestern area. It, like Marshall's, is a great place to find brand name items at an unbeatable price!

Jeans: Dylan George via Gabriel Brothers $15 originally $150

      Again I found these great fitting Dylan George jeans at Gabe's for an incredible price. Gabriel Brothers is always one of my must go to stores whenever I go home in Ohio.

Suede Booties: White Mountain via Marshall's $20

      These real suede booties where a great find at Marshall's. They are one of my "go-to" pairs of shoes because I love having a bit of a heel but they are so comfortable for any walk around NYC!

Belt: Forever 21 sale $8

      Working at Forever 21 back home was like getting to shop everyday (that may or may not be a bad thing). A plus of working there was getting the first pick of new items that go on sale. This stretchy belt is so comfy and can add a little something to almost any outfit.

This whole outfit only cost me $49!

Jacket: H&M

Boyfriend Jeans: Forever 21

T-Shirt: Joe Fresh

Envelope Clutch: Target

Heels: Aldo

Sunglasses: Marshalls

 Blazer: Top Shop

T-shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: H&M

Booties: H&M

Clutch: Banana Republic

Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe

Blouse: Topshop

Jeans: Pac Sun

Fur Vest: Juicy Couture

Clutch: Secondhand

Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

Watch: Fossil

Shirt: H&M

Jeans: Hollister

Loafers: DITTO by Vaneli

Envelope Clutch: Target

Earrings: Nordstrom