Black Friday Deal of the Day

Black Friday has evolved into one of every fashionista's favorite holidays. It is the opportunity to find things on sale, that normally never drop below a certain price. Although many critics are saying that it is a dying tradition, due to the popularity and convenience of Cyber Monday, I think physically shopping in a brick and mortar store will always hold a certain magic during the holiday season.

The best deal I got this year?

This forever 21 cream wrap skirt: $4.99

This will be perfect to pair with holiday sweaters as well as blouses for business casual class!

xx Lisa

Looks of the Week

The Perfect Outerwear

Well Bloomington-Normal residents, winter is officially on it's way! We are supposed to get snow by the end of this week. Make sure you're prepared with the perfect coat. Things to look for: deep purples and burgundy are awesome colors. Also look for straight, almost jagged edges that provide a modern touch. 

left available at: http://www.loft.com/

right available at:https://www.jcrew.com

xx Lisa

Meet Grace Masching - ISU Fashion Guru

Meet Grace Masching!

As one of my friends and fellow College of Business classmates, Grace has incorporated her love of fashion into the corporate world, making her looks more business casual for class. The fashion guru also interns as a Pink Campus Representative and HerCampus Writer at ISU!

See her blog at:

http://www.collegefashionista.com/author/gracemasching/

Looks of the Week

The Tunic
When it comes to tops in the business casual world, the button-up is no longer the only option. Tunics are a more modern version of a classy top because they allow one to feel more comfortable and even potentially be more confident in the work place. Plus, they can be dressed down for the weekend!

left: http://www.luckybrand.com
right: http://www.loft.com

The Power Purse
A girl on the go is not just keeping lip gloss and a wallet in her bag today. The typical COB collegette  is carrying a smartphone, tablet or laptop, lunch for the day and her Lilly Pulitzer planner on any given day. Bottom line- she needs a bag she can depend on. These are great because not only is the size perfect, but it has both a short and over-the-shoulder strap. Love it!

left:http://www.express.com
right: http://www.hm.com

xx Lisa

Winter Haul

With only a few options for retail in the Normal area, and winter quickly approaching, I have been looking for other avenues. The other day my friend, Emma, and I made a trip to Champaign, Il. There we found some of our favorites including Forever 21 and TJ Maxx. (Follow clockwise).

Here's the goods:

Cobalt Blue Cable-knit: the perfect color for this season; pair with black pants or neutral skirt

Charcoal Knee-length Cardigan: neatly ties together an entire outfit

Striped Cream-Burgandy Sweater Coat: the hood makes this perfect for when Normal weather pours; match with burgundy Lou & Grey top from The Loft

Lucky Brand Tan Booties: versatile and easy to pair; matches with other neutrals

Army-Green Frocket: This garment is perfect for layering; partner with blazer and/or statement necklace 

Ruby Leggings: these are a must-have for group project meetings and more casual settings

xx Lisa

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Enjoy

xx Lisa

TOBI 50% Off Sale

Happy Tuesday!

xx Lisa

Looks of the Week

The Bootie

Absolutely love this shoe for business casual. It works perfect with straight/skinny leg pants or skirts. Sometimes heels can be too over the top, but you want to still look professional. These are the happy-medium!

black: http://us.asos.com

tan: https://www.jcrew.com

grey: http://www.aldoshoes.com

Cobalt Blue

This color is SO fall! It is bending the stereotype that only warm colors belong in autumn. Incorporate in any part of your business casual outfits.

left:http://www.lulus.com

right: http://www.forever21.com

xx Lisa

The Loft 50% Off Sale

Happy Thursday!

The Loft is having a 50% Off EVERYTHING Sale.

Stop in to the College Hills location or Use code: ALLMINE

Enjoy!

http://www.loft.com

xx Lisa

Rest In Peace, Oscar de la Renta

In memory of genius Oscar de la Renta

1932-2014

Looks of the Week

The Army-Green Jacket

After last week's 7-straigh days of rain, (and getting drenched walking to class!) I started looking for a solution that would serve as functional, while still business casual. The answer- this perfect jacket! The reasons it works so well is because the Army-Green Jacket can easily be dressed up with a blouse or top and scarf. It can be done with either a dress or pant. It matches almost everything and can keeps you dry! 

Tip for ISU ladies: find one with a hood!

This jacket is trending right now in  colors Army-Green, as well as Navy, Dark Tan, and Crimson.

Left available at: http://www.lulus.com

Right available at: http://www.hm.com

The Statement Earring 

This is a great accessory for a business casual setting. Done with little or no other accessories, it really helps an outfit reach its full potential and gives off a polished, put together look. To maximize versatility: look for earrings in warm or neutral tones.

Left available at: http://www.loft.com

Right available at: http://www.baublebar.com

xx Lisa

Tory Burch - The Holiday Collection

Good morning, fashionistas! Need something to brighten up this gloomy week?

Tory Burch just announced her holiday collection. 

That's right- this is your personal invitation to start your christmas wish list. After all, you need it all for business-casual classes! ;)

Click me for everything you need for winter 

xx Lisa

Looks of the Week

Faux Leather

This trend has taken so many forms this Fall season. It can be so sophisticated when done correctly. The top (left) is great because it highlights faux leather trim. It is perfect tucked in to a high-waisted skirt or pants. The dress (right) would work perfect with black tights and a blazer to tone down the glam. Remember: less is more to keep it business-casual.

Top available at: http://www.loft.com
Dress available at: http://www.forever21.com

The Oxford Flat

This shoe is the ultimate business-casual go to. These examples are perfect ways to add personality to any outfit. Oxfords are also sleek in all black or other neutrals, to keep outfit creations low-maitnece.

left available at: http://www.aldoshoes.com

right available at: http://www.target.com

xx Lisa

LOL

Enjoy your weekend!

xx Lisa

TOBI 50% Of Sale

A great place to find tops (both for business casual environments, as well as the weekend!) is Tobi. And they are a sale- 50% off EVERYTHING. Just use code: SHOPTOBI . Ends tonight at midnight, so get there fast!

http://www.tobi.com

xx Lisa

Looks of the Week

Black & Navy

Until recently I followed just about every fashion rule agianst mixing colors- you should never wear gold and silver together, never wear too many neutrals together- but recently I have actually really caught on to this new trend, Black & Navy. Mix these two colors either in the same piece, or by wearing black pants with a navy top.

available at: http://www.loft.com/

The Wide-leg Suit Pant

This pant is a modern twist on the typical dress pant. It is perfect for the business casual setting as it can be work with flats, booties, or a low heel. Plus, they are super comfy!

available at: http://www.hm.com/us

xx Lisa

TGIF

TGIF! Enjoy your weekend and Happy Homecoming to ISU!

xx Lisa

Bauble Bar

Looking for a place to get statement necklaces without breaking the bank? I love Bauble Bar and they have a sale - 30% off when you use code COLLAR30. Enjoy!

xx Lisa

Click me to shop at Bauble Bar!

Looks of the Week

Happy Monday! At the beginning of each week, I will be posting Looks of the Week- a collection of rising styles that are perfect for a business casual setting.

This week's Looks of the Week:

The Jacket

The weather is cooling down, which means fashionistas everywhere are dressing a little warmer. As opposed to a blazer, which may feel a little too stiff at times, a tailored jacket gives off the same style while keeping things comfy.

available at www.LOFT.com

The Statement Necklace

Although many collegiettes work the statement necklace most commonly at Semi-Formals and Date Nights, it has every right to be a part of everyday life, in a business casual setting. The trick is to utilize neutral colors in an effort to avoid anything that might make you look at all unprofessional. 

available at http://www.target.com

Check back for next week's Looks of the Week!

xx Lisa

UNiDAYS Discount

As a college student fashionista, I am constantly trying to balance keeping up with the latest trends, while still ballin' on a budget. This week I came across a site called UNiDAYS, an organization devoted solely to getting discounts for college students! They partner with many labels such as ASOS, Lulu's and Misguided. Visit the link below to get your discount code and treat yourself to a shopping spree this weekend. You're Welcome.

xx Lisa

https://www.myunidays.com

The Essentials

I have always been a huge fan of classic styles. Simple A-line dresses, the color black, pearls- all right up my alley. Although my timeless sense of style has stayed true to form during my time at ISU, I have made some adjustments to my wardrobe to simplify things. Each season, my sister, Stephanie, and I discuss "The Essentials"- our list of the items we absolutely must have and could survive solely on wearing for the next three months. It is usually a tricky process to consider all of the garments on our wish-list and then narrow them down to the most practical, reasonably-priced, prettiest and most versatile. However, this progression is important in order to maintain classic, business casual looks. In figuring out what this season calls for, TSM has done a perfect job helping college women decipher The Essentials. Check out their article:

http://totalsororitymove.com/6-fall-fashion-items-that-you-absolutely-cannot-pumpkin-spice-up-your-life-without/

xx Lisa

Welcome

Hi! Welcome to Beautifully Business Casual. This blog will be your guide for how to dress when attending class at Illinois State University's College of business. I will be posting multiple times a week, so make sure to keep checking back for the latest updates!

xx Lisa