Suede Moto Jacket (also available here) | Denim: Topshop | Turtleneck: Halogen | Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Bag: Chanel

You might remember from this post, me mentioning a burgundy suede moto that my best friend got me for my birthday. It's been quite the popular piece both online and on instagram and I totally get why. In person (and hopefully in photos..) it looks way more luxe than it's $188 price tag.

The other pieces, a pair of my favorite jeans, a simple black turtleneck and my trusty over the knee boots, are some of my closet staples from last year.

Happy Halloween!

photos by Keith Hodne

The post Burgundy Suede Moto appeared first on Brooklyn Blonde.

Just a few short years ago, I avoided sweater dresses like the plague. I hated how tight they were and how they clung to every part of the body. And then there was always the question of how appropriate they would look with just tights. You know, the age old "does it cover your butt?" rule. 

Well, sweater dresses have come a long way since then. Case and point, this light and cozy dress shift dress from Catch Bliss. I knew I was in for a treat from the second I pulled it out of the bag. See that shit grin on my face in the pic below? It's because I was so excited that I couldn't stop smiling about it all day. I had a super busy day and this dress let me move and and be comfortable without getting overheated. It's warm, but not too warm-- and super versatile, to boot. For reference, I'm wearing a small. But it comes is sizes S-XL. Check out the dress for yourself here. I guarantee you'll love it just as much as I do!

FULL OUTFIT DETAILS below //

DRESS // c/o Catch Bliss Boutique [exact] DENIM JACKET [Forever21] // Almost exact here / Super cute ones here / Budget-friendly versions here: dark denim & distressed denim / Cute Plus size here BOOTIES [Clarks (exact)] // Love these Clarks here and this more affordable pair here NECKLACE // E-mail me or leave your e-mail in the comments TIGHTS [Target (exact)] // Similar here & here

When it comes to perfumes, I'm very picky. So many fragrances make my head hurt, so when I find a smell I love, I become loyal to it.

Earlier this month, rag & bone released a collection of eight unisex scents. I had the opportunity to sample all before deciding which was my favorite. Typically, when I'm sampling a fragrance, I'll wear it around all day to see how it performs with my body chemistry. Does it wear well? Does it give me a headache? Does Keith like it?

I have to say, all eight of these rag & bone fragrances are truly unique in their own way, but out of the collection, Cypress was my favorite. The top notes are Cypress, Grapefruit Zest and Caradamom, all of which blend beautifully to create a scent that's fresh, with a hint of spice and woodiness (Cedar Wood is one of the middle notes).

Side note, I've always been somewhat partial to unisex scents. There's just something sexy about a woman wearing a fragrance that could also be worn by a man.

All eight scents are available in select stores and at rag-bone.com.

 

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The post Cypress appeared first on Brooklyn Blonde.

Hey guys! Notice anything a little...different? Does the blog look crisper? A little more polished?

That's because after five years of blogging on the same site that I painstakingly cobbled together on my own, I finally had my blog professionally redesigned. Hallelujah!! 

I actually began looking into a redesign site about this time last year, but we slowly picked things back up a few months ago and voila! 

I also thought that it would be the perfect time to switch over the blog URL from the painfully long http://ift.tt/2ebZ33F to a much simpler hellogorgblog.com. Although the old blog address will always get you to this site, this one might be easier to remember. :)

I hope that you like the blog makeover as much as I do and that it makes viewing my blog more enjoyable. And last, but not least, I have to send out a big shout out to Aubrey Kinch for being so patient with my ever-present Type A tendencies as I figured out exactly what I wanted the final product to look like. Thanks so much, Aubrey. You are amazing!

THE OUTFIT //

Many of you asked about the details of this outfit when I posted it to Instagram a few days ago and were bummed to find out that I got both the jacket and the scarf in Italy. But never fear! I found almost identical versions of them for you and linked below.

LEATHER JACKET [From Italy] // Similar here, here, & here / More affordable version here SWEATER [Forever21] // Almost exact here / Similar: with buttons, edgy, relaxed fit SCARF [From Italy] // Similar here (in lilac) / Cute ones here & here JEANS [Express] // Very similar here / Budget-friendly version here NECKLACE // E-mail me or leave your e-mail in comments below BOOTIES [Clarks (exact)] // Love these pairs here & here







Confession: I've been living in sweats at home and easy-to-style dresses at work since we got back from our trip last week.  
I'm sure it's just a mixture of exhaustion, weather change, and some viral bug that I picked up somewhere along the way. 
But I'm ready to feel better already.

Since my outfits lately haven't been too blog-worthy, I thought I would share one from last month. 
I absolutely love this striped blazer that I bought from H&M a couple of years ago. It's turned out to be a staple in my work wardrobe. I can throw it on over any solid top and it instantly jazzes up the outfit. 
So if you don't have a striped blazer already, I highly recommend adding one to your closet.

I've linked a few of my favorites below! :)

Sleeveless top- Forever21 | Almost exact | Love these other styles: peplum,  bow neck, ruffled, cowl neck Pencil skirt- Forever 21 | Similar here, here, and here Striped blazer- H&M | Great versions here, here, & here | Love these in petites and plus Pumps- Target | Similar here, here, here, & here  Pearls c/o Blossom Jewelry Design

Shop Striped Blazers //

_________________________________
Follow along on:

 Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

I've always been a huge fan of the signature Veronica Lake curls. It's even a hairstyle that I debated getting from my wedding, but in the end, I opted to wear my hair up. However, on many occasions, I've wanted that vibe, but in a slightly looser, modern way. To achieve this look, I've partnered with Nexxus New York Salon Care and called in Erica from Pin Me Up Hair, to help me out!

Products Used:

*Nexxus Promend Heat Protecting Mist

*Nexxus Mousse + Volumizing Foam

*Nexxus Maxximum Finishing Mist

*Soft Bristle Brush

*1″ curling iron

The Steps:

1. On slightly damp hair, apply a handful of Nexxus Mousse + Volumizing Foam from roots to ends. This will give your hair body and help hold the style.

2. Lightly blow dry. Once hair is dry, part it to the side that you prefer and spritz with Heat Protecting Mist. Since this style requires lots of heat from the curling iron, this will serve as a protective barrier for your hair.

3. Start with the front piece and using the curling iron, taking 1″ pieces, curl away from your face.

4. The key to this style is to curl each piece in the same exact direction. Normally, when I curl my hair, I curl some pieces towards my face and some away, but with this look, all the same exact direction. 

5. Get the curls somewhat tight and don't brush them out just yet. We want to wait until the very end  so the curl takes shape.

6. Now, once you have your entire hair curled, use a soft bristled brush to lightly brush them out.

7. Once they're brushed out, you should be left with a soft, modern take on the Hollywood glam look.

8. Spray with Maxximum Hold Finishing Mist for long lasting control that's soft to the touch and you're done!

 

This post was sponsored by Nexxus New York Salon Care

photos by Keiko

The post Modern Hollywood Glam Hair Tutorial appeared first on Brooklyn Blonde.

Sweater: Club Monaco | Denim: Topshop | Shoes: Aquazzura (great budget friendly alternative)

"When I like something, I tend to overwear it…" I'm quoting myself from instagram, but it's true. Case in point, this ruffled sleeve sweater. Not only that, but when I really love  a new piece of clothing or accessory, I'll feel the need to wear that piece immediately.

I bring this up as a bit of a reminder to myself. Last week, I got a new pair of shoes. They were't cheap and for about a week, I was debating whether I should keep them (typical) and what I'd wear them with. After a weeks worth of deliberating,they went back. I knew they'd end up being a pair that looked pretty on my shelf rather than on my foot. I can't have that anymore and thankfully, I've learned from past mistakes.

photos by Keith Hodne

The post Take Two appeared first on Brooklyn Blonde.

Jacket: Veda Jayne (but an amazing alternative) | Dickey Sweater: Veronica Beard | Leather Pants: J Brand | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Ring: Sole Society 

Happy Friday! Two things I'm excited to tell you all about:

1) As some of you might know, I'm a big fan of the Manolo Blahnik BB pump. I love that they're a timeless classic and as far as a heel is concerned, very comfortable. BUT, last year, my best friend told me about these and they're the perfect replica on all accounts. I highly recommend!

Tip: Go for the suede. They look way more luxe than the leather version.

2) I love a layered sweater look and there are times I want to wear it just for "the look" rather than for temperature purposes. Meet the dickey. Veronica Beard has a series of them that are really meant to be intertwined with (and zipped into) her blazers. Since I don't own any, I opted to wear it with this jacket. I love that i get the same layered look without the unattractive, bulky sweater arms.

If you're the creative, DIYer type (I so wish I was), this could be a good one!

3) I know I promised a retinol post this week, but finishing that up, so that will be up on Wednesday.

Have a great weekend!

xo,

Helena

photos by Keith Hodne

The post Fall Textures & Layers appeared first on Brooklyn Blonde.

One of my very favorite styles during the winter is the winter white trend. It's easiest to start with white jeans as your base, so pull them back out of storage and try these tips for wearing this chic and cozy combination!

1. Wear obvious winter pieces. If you're wearing cotton or linen, your outfit feels summery. Choose white pieces that are obviously winter pieces, like sweaters, coats, scarves, cardigans, wool hats, and turtlenecks. They'll automatically make your outfit feel cozy. I chose this pretty oversized sweater from Nordstrom, and I love the button details on the back.

2. Play with various shades of white. Cream, gray, camel, tan, blush....these are all good choices that pair well with crisp white and make them feel more winter-y.

3. Keep your accessories and shoes in the same color family. I like to wear darker shoes, like these gorgeous brown ankle boots from Nordstrom, because the dark piece helps ground the outfit. A pair of gray or brown over the knee boots would look gorgeous with this outfit too.

4. Play with texture. I have a knitted sweater, button details, raw hemmed jeans, a leather bag, and shoes with perforation details. You don't have to go overboard, but if you have a variety of texture in a monochromatic outfit, it has a lot more interested.

SWEATER (wearing size small)  ||  SIMILAR JEANS  ||  ANKLE BOOTS  ||  BAG  ||  SUNGLASSES 

For a dressier look, you could start with a white dress or skirt as a base and add cozy neutral layers like an oversized cardigan or a cream wool coat.

There are so many possibilities with this style. Think you can wear it??

Also I've rounded up some of my favorite cozy neutral pieces that would be perfect for those winter white outfits!

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thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post
photos by rad and happy 

Confession: I've been living in sweats at home and easy-to-style dresses at work since we got back from our trip last week.  
I'm sure it's just a mixture of exhaustion, weather change, and some viral bug that I picked up somewhere along the way. 
But I'm ready to feel better already.

Since my outfits lately haven't been too blog-worthy, I thought I would share one from last month. 
I absolutely love this striped blazer that I bought from H&M a couple of years ago. It's turned out to be a staple in my work wardrobe. I can throw it on over any solid top and it instantly jazzes up the outfit. 
So if you don't have a striped blazer already, I highly recommend adding one to your closet.

I've linked a few of my favorites below! :)

Sleeveless top- Forever21 | Almost exact | Love these other styles: peplum,  bow neck, ruffled, cowl neck Pencil skirt- Forever 21 | Similar here, here, and here Striped blazer- H&M | Great versions here, here, & here | Love these in petites and plus Pumps- Target | Similar here, here, here, & here  Pearls c/o Blossom Jewelry Design

Shop The Look:

Shop Striped Blazers:

_________________________________
Follow along on:

 Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

At last, I'm finally sharing this highly requested sleek low bun hair tutorial with Nexxus New York Salon Care. This is my go-to look when I want something sleek, but super easy. I also love this style for a night out, paired with a red lip and and I'm good to go. Lets jump right into it!

 

Products Used:

*Nexxus Humectress Luxe Lightweight Conditioning Mist

*Nexxus Exxtra Defining Gel

*Nexxus Maxximum Finshing Mist

*Soft Bristle Brush. I love the one from Mason Pearson – it's the best for gripping and smoothing the hair. Here's a less expensive alternative.

*Ponytail Holder

*Bobby Pins

The Steps:

1. Start with your hair down, parted in the way you like it. Second or third day hair works best with this style.

2. Spritz with a conditioning mist to give it a bit more grip and sheen. I love this one from Nexxus New York. It's works well to condition the hair surface but never feels too heavy.

2. After I spray in some product, I use a soft bristle brush to smooth down my hair and I brush it into a low ponytail.

3. Once it's in the ponytail, I use a bit of gel to smooth out any flyways and give it a bit of hold. You can use a little now and then a bit more at the end.

4. This is the key part. I use my finger to hold the bun in place and keep twisting my hair around the base. Twist, twist twist, while using your pointer to hold the base. If it takes you a few tries, don't get discouraged! Practice makes perfect.

5. I then secure with a ponytail holder. There might be a few hairs that are sticking out, but don't worry about that.

6. To further secure and clean up the miscellaneous pieces of hair,  I use a couple of bobby pins around my bun. The bun doesn't have to be perfect!

7. If the bun looks like it's tilted a bit to the right or left, you can gently shift it to the middle.

8. Finish with a strong finish hairspray. Done!

This post is sponsored by Nexxus, a product of Unilever

The post Sleek Low Bun Hair Tutorial appeared first on Brooklyn Blonde.

sponsored by zappos

LOOK 1:  SIMILAR SHIRT  ||  JEANS  ||  BAG  ||  SUNGLASSES  ||  HEELS

LOOK 2:  DRESS  ||  SIMILAR LEATHER JACKET  ||  SNEAKERS  ||  BAG c/o GIGI NEW YORK

One of the biggest styles that I saw over and over at New York Fashion Week this year was menswear inspired. I think it's such a fun style for any woman to try, and today I've teamed up with Zappos to share two ways to wear it.

1. Boyfriend jeans and heels. I love the look of boyfriend jeans paired with heels, and for this look I took it a step farther and wore them with a white button up -- another piece that feels a little masculine.  I've tried a lot of boyfriend jeans over the years, and this pair is my absolute favorite. They're so comfortable and are perfectly distressed (I have a tutorial on how to patch the thigh hole if you need it).

I paired them with these velvet heels that I had to have the second I laid eyes on them. They're stunning and so great for fall, and make a statement with this very basic look. I added a large, simple bag and some funky sunglasses, and feminine/masculine outfit number one is complete.

2. Sneakers and a dress. If you've read my blog or followed me on instagram for the last year or two, you know how obsessed I've become with sneakers. They're an absolute closet staple for me. I wear them with everything, including dresses, because I love the mix of masculine and feminine that it creates.

Typically I choose shorter dresses to pair with my sneaks, but this midi dress looked so great with my velvet superga's that I just couldn't say no. Add a leather jacket for a little bit of edge, and you have one of my favorite outfits ever.


Zappos has such a huge selection of sneakers, dresses, jackets, accessories -- you name it. They're definitely my go-to for great pieces in my closet. And now with their new free VIP rewards program, you can earn points every time you shop. Check out the program and sign up right here!

photos by rad and happy