LIKE A BOSS | Your Fail-Proof Guide to a Chic Summer Work Wardrobe

via RW&CO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

I've worked in many different jobs over the years. And while I'm now the Director of my own company, I never quite reached boss status before Real Life Runway. In my adult life, I've been an Editorial Assistant, a Public Relations Coordinator and a Sales Representative. But when it comes to dressing for work, I've always been a boss. Sure, nobody's ever given me private jets or bottomless expense accounts, but I've always known that when it comes to dressing for work, I can roll with the best of them. I mean, if they gave promotions based on Footwear Focus and Accessory Deliverables, my raises would be totally epic.

Summer is a tricky time when it comes to dressing for 9-to-5. You want to be on vacation but you still have to get dressed every morning. Summer is the perfect season to loosen up at work but you walk that fine line between poor judgement and professional. Spaghetti straps are a no. Exposed bras are a no. Shorts can be a yes but only in a strict private school uniform kind of way. Plus, you have to contend with sweltering temps outside and freezing A/C blasting directly at your desk. The struggle is real. 

I've put together a list of fail-proof finds that will help you navigate your workplace in seriously chic style this summer. There, my work here is done. No, really, is it too early for sangria? 

SEE MY SUMMER WORK WARDROBE PICKS HERE...

Last-Minute Gifts for the Dapper Dad

Forget tried-and-true tool kits and perfunctory cases of beer—this Father’s Day, it’s all about raising your gift-giving game. In my latest story for W Dish, I've sussed out the raddest gifts for dad, from a coffee maker that will blow his mind to an 'anti-stink' running shirt that will change his workouts (and your post-workout hugs) forever. If you're still searching for the perfect gift, look no further...

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WORK IT | Spring's Most Stylish Workout Gear

Karlie Kloss via Nike

Originally posted in The LOOK

I don't know about you but it's really easy for me to get to the gym. It's the staying at the gym that's a problem. Every year around this time - you know the time where you see ads everywhere for beautiful girls in bikinis - I realize how badly I need to get my butt in gear. But this year, it feels different somehow. 

From Instagram to Snapchat, fitness fanatics are everywhere right now. And while getting fit is an especially huge trend at the moment, it feels less like a passing fad and more like a movement. Women I follow on social media not only look amazing in their bright workout gear but they look strong, powerful and crazy confident as they run marathons, hit the boxing ring and do mind-blowing yoga balances. Instead of models simply posing in pretty workout gear, you get the sense that they're actually doing the workouts in their daily downtime, too. Since having kids, I've never been so inspired to get fit.

While I think personal trainers are great, nothing motivates me to get my body moving more than cute workout gear. Luckily this season, the stores are loaded with the prettiest printed sports bras, bright tanks and sleek bottoms that will make you envy of any fitness class. As they say, looking good is half the battle ;)

Scroll through the slideshow for my top spring workout gear picks. You can do it!

 

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DAD'S DAY | 15 Gifts to Get Him Up-to-Date

Oh, hey David Beckham. via Pinterest

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

While we make fun of guys for having it easy, dads have a lot to handle - from work to endless weekend to-do's. And while they manage to stay profesh at work and handy at home, they're still expected to be super romantic and a super fun dad, too. Is it any wonder that staying stylish isn't at the top of the list for most over-scheduled dads? Whether he lives in his Crocs or has tragically fallen victim to Dad jeans, we can help. From a forever cool tee to the must-have shades of summer, these 15 gifts will bring Dad right up-to-date this Father's Day. Easy! 

Check out our fashionable Father's Day Gift Guide below, then be sure to check out the hilarious video below (the dad with the baritone kills me). I know my husband can totally relate to this one. Happy (almost) Father's Day!

READ MORE...

SMOOTH OPERATOR | My Top DIY Tricks for Summer Smooth Skin

 

After months hiding out under parkas and pants, my skin always comes out pale, dry, and sullen-looking in the spring. And so, like a good spring cleaning, I always need to coax my skin back into shape once the warm weather hits. Since I’ve been lucky to work with editors, beauty bloggers and models in my career, I’ve picked up loads of useful tips along the way. Some of my fave go-to tips hardly cost anything but are super effective all the same.

While I’m loaded with ideas for smooth skin, my hair removal M.O. is as basic as it gets. Men’s razor. Done. Nair asked me to test out their new Nair Cire Divine formula and share my verdict. I’ll be honest - I was skeptical. I mean, that scene of Steve Carrell in The 40 Year-Old Virgin is enough to make anyone sprint screaming from wax. I was assured that this new formula is next-gen, designed to adhere to the hair and less to the skin, making it less painful and more effective than the old formulations. Plus, argan oil and orange blossom makes skin soft and smell pretty, too. I tried it. I liked it. Yes, even my sensitive bikini line is smooth, soft and ready for the beach.

Ready to get your body beach-ready, too? Give Nair Cire Divine a go, then try these summer smooth skin tricks:

 

1)    WALK | From my face to my body, my skin just feels way better when I sweat a little. If you can’t get motivated to hit the gym, take advantage of the spring weather and head outside. I get my 10,000 steps a day by walking my kids to school and back each day and jumping around my house at night to make up the rest. My skin has improved and my body has toned up in a surprisingly short amount of time. The surprising side effect? Movement makes you thirsty which makes you actually crave…

2)    WATER | I normally have the hardest time drinking enough water. I mean, I’m lucky if I get 3 glasses of water a day, even though it’s the #1 beauty tip on every list out there. But since I started walking more, I’m easily getting my 8 glasses.

3)    DIY GOMMAGE | After experiencing a Hammam Gommage Treatment, I realized that while I always thought my skin was soft, I had NO idea of my skin’s true potential. I now make my own gommage at home. After waxing, mix honey & sea salt into a paste, spread it on, then use it to exfoliate your skin in the shower. The result? Impossible baby softness, even on rough places like feet, knees and elbows. 

4)    BABY OIL | When I used to model scout, I’d often hit up models for beauty advice. One trick I still swear by? Use a little baby oil all over at the end of your shower, then give your body a quick rinse. I used to use regular baby oil but now opt for more natural version from Burt’s Bees. Game-changing.

5)    SLEEP WITH YOUR SOCKS ON | Stubborn dry feet messing with your perfect pedicure? Slather coconut oil on feet then sleep with little sport socks on. Bonus points if they’re white because white socks are SO hot.  

New Nair Cire Divine Moroccan Argan Oil Wax’s unique ‘Bye-Bye Ouch’ formulation adheres perfectly to the hair, and less to the skin reducing the uncomfortable sensation (discomfort) associated with waxing. Learn more at: http://naircare.ca 

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Church & Dwight via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Church & Dwight.