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 //

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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.