Sparkly Metals Made My Work Outfit Fun & Amazing!

What's up everyone!

I am super excited to check-in and talk about some #WERKFashion!

As you know, being present and being true to myself is a high priority for me in 2016. Hustlapreneur life can get crazy busy, and it's easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of everyday life, and forget to relish your accomplishments and success. I'm all about celebrating me and you in 2016! 

I'm also working on getting to know myself and sharing my authentic self with others. Fashion is a huge part of my everyday life. From me stressing over what to wear each morning, to falling asleep online shopping, I spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear. As a curvy, millennial, woman of color, working in corporate america, I'm conscious of how I represent myself and my community in the workplace. I want to have that reputation of being a compassionate, business-savvy, impeccably-dressed power woman at work. 

I usually get my fashion faves at TJ Maxx, Old Navy and H&M. Their clothes are good quality, affordable and really cute (don't go in there on pay day and mess up your life!). 

This past week, I knew it was going to be cray at work; so I made sure my business casual clothes were clean and ready to wear (yea, I did about 5 load of laundry on Sunday). One day, I wore a fashion tee from TJ Maxx, black skinny jeans, suede booties and a navy blue blazer. I wanted to dress it up, so I brought out my brand new Stella Dot accessories. Small disclaimer - I'm still mastering the full body shot so you get an up close and personal view my accessories. 

I love me some big, shiny jewelry (sue me). I'm in love with this necklace that looks great with a basic tee, from SD. I'm also wearing my new studs from S&D. The studs are awesome because they're classic. They go with so many different looks. Plus, it's just enough sparkle to make it pop.

I can't wait to share more #WERKfashion with you! I'd love to see yours too! Share your outfits on instagram and tag @thecolormeb and #WERKfashion. 

Here's some more #WERKfashion for you on our YouTube channel. Watch fashion designer and entrepreneur, Ari Takata-Vasquez tell us about transitioning from daytime to nighttime wear. Sign-up for our mailing list here and get connected with other fashionistas and hustlapreneurs.

Super FLY CMB Item of the Week!

Hellooooooo!

Happy 2016, everyone! 

In 2016, we're switching things up at @TheColorMeB! In 2016, a big goal for me is to be more present. I want to learn how to seize the day and every beautiful moment within it - the good, the bad and the ratchet. (I like a little ratch in my life from time to time.) I also want to learn more about myself and express it to the world. 

Let's start with how I love regal things and will save my money to buy one FABULOUS fashion piece. I'm not ashamed to admit it either! More regularly, I'm looking for a good deal/bargain, but every once in a while, I will splurge. This first CMB Item of the Week is dedicated to my audacious alter ego (need to name her in 2016). 

Photo credit: Who What Wear

She is soooooo fly! So many hot items in this picture - sunglasses, her flawless natural hair, the super cute purse - I want everything!

Since it's finally feeling like winter in New York City, I'm going for the coat! You can get this coat at Nordstrom. It's really well-made and will keep you warm and stylish in the winter time. You could pair this coat with all types of scarves and boots for the perfect work fashion outfit!

Photo credit: Nordstrom.com

Details about the entire outfit are on WhoWhatWear.com. Do you like the coat? Tell us about it in the comments or on our IG @TheColorMeB!

Join our mailing list so we can keep in touch and talk more work fashion :)!

CMB 10 #WorkFashion Picks for Fall - Under $50!

I love fall. 

As it finally starts to cool down in NYC, and I smell pumpkin spice everywhere, I'm excited about the season. I'm especially excited about revamping my work wardrobe with these fun #workfashion picks!

Work fashion is a lot more fun in fall because you can play with lots of layers and accessories; and, the weather is a lot kinder to your shoes. I spent an afternoon going through my favorite stores and picking cute, comfortable and professional pieces for the millennial woman's wardrobe. Each piece is under $50 so it fits the college student's budget too. 

Do you have any of these #workfashion finds? Tag us when you wear it! We want to shout you out on instagram @TheColorMeB !

1. Window Pane Infinity Scarf from NordstromRack.com
I'm loving this fly pink scarf from Nordstrom Rack! Their scarves are so beautiful and affordable. This pink scarf would look great with black, browns, greys, brighter colors, skirts, pants, blazer or no blazer. Cost: $12.97 ! I like it for work because it's one of those scarves you can leave at the office and it matches with everything!

Window Pane Infinity Scarf from NordstromRack.com

2. H&M Sleeveless Dress
This style of dress is great for the working millennial woman because it looks great at work and transitions nicely to after-work fun. This rich navy blue is flattering to many skin tones and body types. The blue also matches well with different accessories. I'd wear it with some big stud earrings and a power watch. And big hair of course. 

H&M Sleeveless Dress

3. Express Studs, Online Exclusive - 3 for $30!

Check out the spectacular earrings! They're glamorous! Express has a lovely assortment of fashion earrings. There are studs, jackets, hoops and more included in this promotion. 

Black Stone Ear Jacket

Gold Cut-Out Hoop Earring

Gold Fireball Post Earrings

4. H&M Ankle Boots
I love this style shoe for work. It's so comfortable and it gives you the extra height you get with high heels - but way less pain! I'd like a pair in black, brown, grey, and navy blue and in leather. I'll be getting these next for my fall wardrobe. They're also super affordable - $34.99!

H&M Ankle Boots

5. Old Navy V-Neck Sweater
Every store has fall sweaters. I chose this v-neck from Old Navy because it is on sale for $16. When it comes to #workfashion, I try not to spend too much money on sweaters, blouses and skirts because I get sooo many of them! It doesn't make much sense to splurge on $50+ sweaters when I'm trying to get one every color! Go for something comparable and less expensive like these comfortable, cute sweaters.

Old Navy Lightweight V-Neck Sweater

6. Old Navy Blazer to match!I also suggest a lightweight sweater because it's easy to layer and match with weather changes. I want this blazer so I can wear the sweater and some cute booties with it to work, on 5th Avenue (seems like the perfect outfit for it right?!). 

Old Navy Jersey Blazers

7. A cute watch!

Target always delivers. If you're looking for a fashionably chic watch, under $50, check out Target's accessories. I like this watch, and they have a bunch more affordable styles. If you recall from our Work Wardrobe Essential post, I mentioned how having a watch, at work, is important because it shows you "have the time" and you're on a schedule. Invest in a power watch today. I'm eyeing this one at Vince Camuto.

Peugeot gold-tone watch, $49.99

8. Pencil Skirts from NY & Co. - $21.97 - $49.99

Yessssssss! NY & Co! You know every fashionista loves a good sale! They have select pencil skirts with 50% off right now, including the skirt pictured below! Again, skirts are great because they're comfortable in the cold + warm fall weather. You can also add a pair of cute tights if it gets really chilly. I would wear this skirts with a simple black top and some poppin jewelry.

NY & Co Pencil Skirts

9. Hair Accessories from Nordstrom Rack

Year-around, I have those mornings where my hair will not do anything besides fall neatly (kinda) into a bun. I need these fun ponytail holders to keep it cute (and lazy)!

France Luxe Bow Ponytail Holder

France Luxe Bow Ponytail Holder

10. Cute Rainboots!Here's an affordable option for your rainboots! Living in NYC, the weather can be pretty cruel to rainboots and shoes in general. Sperry is a great brand, and their rainboots are $49.99 at Nordstrom Rack. I really like these because they don't look like rainboots. I'm always searching for a pattern that makes the shoe look less rubbery and more like a chic boot. Aren't these fabulous?!

I love talking about affordable #workfashion for millennial women! Do you have anything to add to our top 10 list? Tweet us at @thecolormeb !

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

CMB Item of the Week - Cute Booties for Fall!

Hello everyone!!!

Now that Labor Day is over and the pumpkin spice lattes are available, it's time to start buying new #workfashion for the fall! I'm so excited to rack up on autumn-colored booties, scarves and sweaters. This week's CMB Item of the Week is from Nordstrom Rack!

Ladies, Nordstrom Rack has so many nice booties, UNDER $90! I chose these 14th & Union booties to feature because they're super versatile and easy to match with a myriad of outfits. These booties look great with tights, leggings and skinny jeans, as well as just about any and every color!

Nordstrom Rack also has really nice scarves and matching hats for under $15. If you want an affordable, professionally-chic wardrobe this fall, I highly recommend looking at Nordstrom Rack's site. I'll also share the fun finds I pick up from there. 

Check back tomorrow for pictures of my new #workfashion finds from Old Navy! I'll post them here and wear them on my Periscope broadcasts. Download the app and follow me @courtney_ball6 so you don't miss it! 

Have a wonderful week!

-Courtney

Click here to join the CMB mailing list and receive career advice, #workfashion tips and more!

14th & Union, Kimber Bootie

Even cuter in grey!

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

CMB Item of the Week: Perfect little green dress :)

Happy Monday everyone!
I got this dress last week and had to share this excellent find! I spent my lunch break perusing the H&M sales rack, looking for a couple cheap dresses that paired well with a cardigan and were just long enough to wear to the office. It's still sooooo hot in NYC, and finding weather-appropriate and work-appropriate clothes has been hard.

Thankfully, the rich green in this dress caught my eye immediately. It's fun but also professional and chic. 

H&M Textured-knit dress

Let's be clear. The dress looked much longer hanging up. I bought it without trying it on because it was only $17.99! Can't beat that. The color is also super versatile. This is cool for a summer evening out for drinks with friends, followed by more cocktails at a chill lounge. 

But this green! It's perfect for a brisk fall day. I'll take these booties, or maybe some brown booties. If I'm feeling really jazzy, I'd grab some patterned tights too. 

(That's really living on the wild side for me. TWO patterned pieces in one outfit?! #yolo)

After I bought this dress, I hung it up and was so excited to wear it the next day. I got up that morning and put it on. Yup, just as I suspected. The front was long enough but the back was losing a fight with my backside. It was too short to wear to the office. Dammit.

What was I to do? I had 5 minutes left before I needed to leave home for the subway. I still had to make lunch, get my hair together and pack my purse. I grabbed a pair of long leggings (Target) and this necklace from Stella & Dot. I really like this necklace because it's a 3-in-1. I decided to wear one necklace and these studs.

When I finally put everything together, I liked it! Once I got to the office, I switched to some black leather flats (not pictured). 

Outfit plus a twist-out :)

Great pic of the Fortuna necklace.

Fun because I'm living for taking pics in cute outfits for yall!

What's your favorite new item of the week?

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

CMB Item of the Week - Stackable Rings for $19!

Happy Monday! 

This week's item of the week is super versatile and perfect for your wardrobe as we transition to fall. 

I LOVE these Stella & Dot stackable rings. These rings are sterling silver. Yes, I said ringSSS. When you purchase this set for $19, you get three rings! Another reason I love it! I like to wear super cute rings when my outfit is a bit more dressed down/plain. 

Ann stacked rings by Stella & Dot. Only $19! 

Stella & Dot has tons of really cute and trendy jewelry. These rings are great for many work environments. You can also dress them up with a pearl bracelet or a nice statement necklace. 

I also wanted to feature this piece because Stella & Dot is all about women empowerment through business. S&D hires women to sell their products while also building their own empire. Check them out!

Also, I hope you LOVE our new blog and website as much as I do! Tweet us @thecolormeb with suggestions and feedback. 

We'd love to hear from you :)

Super cute as one ring too!!

Work Fashion - CMB Item of the Week!

Hey friends!

First, thank you for supporting our social media efforts! 

Every "like" and comment make my heart smile. You show us soooo much love on Instagram, twitter and facebook - and I really appreciate it! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To show my appreciation, I want to do more for you! Many of you love seeing our posts that spotlight women of color, in professional attire. People ask me, "it's cute but where can I find it?!" Great question. Starting this week, we'll start posting an "Item of the Week." It will be a work wardrobe essential and under $50! 

H&M Satin Dress ($34.99)

Check out the first CMB Item of the Week! This cute dress is a new arrival at H&M this week. I chose this piece because it's good for the last couple weeks of summer, AND you could continue to wear this style and color in the fall. When wearing it to work in the fall, I'd add some tights and cute booties. It can get chilly in NYC!

H&M Satin Dress - YESSS! I love it!

Check out more #workfashion, #careeradvice and #professionaldev opportunities on our website www.thecolormeb.com!

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

10 Work Wardrobe Essentials!

When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do better work. I feel exponentially more confident at work when I look fly. From my hair, to my accessories, to my outfit and of course, my shoes, I like to look suited and booted at work. I am dressing for the position I want, a potential networking opportunity; and, as Papa Pope would say, because "we have to be twice as good."

Building a full-blown, all seasons, flawless work wardrobe can be daunting and costly. I want to open my closet and see Ann Taylor and Banana Republic pieces. I also want to pay my student loans in a timely fashion; so I have learned to balance my financial priorities with my love for over-priced blouses.

To build your wardrobe, you should start with the essentials and slowly add your personal favorites. Here are our 10 favorite work wardrobe essentials. You probably already have some of these pieces. Great! If you’re wearing one this week, post it and tag us in it @thecolormeb!

1. WORKING watch

This is the watch I wear to work every day. It matches pretty much anything I wear. It is fashionable and professional. Wearing a working watch also let’s your colleagues and supervisors know that you are aware of time and (hopefully) punctual! MK and other designer watches can be pricey. You don’t have to buy one a month, but maybe consider splurging. Until then, you can fake it until make it or buy a similar style watch from a less expensive brand.

2. Wool scarf

A nice scarf can add a pop of color to a work outfit and keep you warm in a chilly office.

3. Blazers

Blazers can easily “dress up” an outfit. I like to wear a blazer with a plain dresses. Depending on the accessories and shoes, I could be in training for the day or meeting with external clients. I’ll add a big necklace, comfy shoes and I’m ready for anything.

4. Ballet flats

If you know me, you know I LOVE flats. They’re easy, comfortable, fancy, versatile, all of the above. You can find flats at any apparel store but finding cute and professional flats are clutch. I love Tory Burch’s signature flats.

5. Nice fitting slacks     

Sigh, my favorite – not. When you have a butt, hips and thighs, it is hard to find pants period. For the office, it is almost impossible to find pants that fit AND the fit is appropriate for work (not hugging your goodies). For well-fitting pants, you have to go to the grown women stores. I like buying Banana Republic’s tailored pants. H&M and Forever 21 have cute work clothes and if you can fit them, go for it. However, if you’re thicker than snicker, go ahead and upgrade.

6. Tights/Stockings      

Stockings and tights are essential because they keep you warm and they help you pull off skirts that are just a bit too short for work. I recently started wearing more patterned tights. I usually pair them with a very plain dress and cardigan and add pearl/stud earrings.

7. Black pencil skirts

Black pencil skirts are flattering, super cute and really easy to match and dress up. Keep in mind, your black pencil skirt should fit loose enough that it is appropriate for work. When I wear a pencil skirt, and it’s too tight on my bottom half, I wear a longer top and/or a blazer. J.Lo always looks flawless. In this pic, the skirt is too tight to wear to work (perfect everywhere #werk), however. If it's your only option, definitely consider wearing a long blazer.

8. Pearl/gold/diamond stud earrings

Accessories are great for dressing up you work wardrobe. However, sometimes we can’t use the same accessories at work that we use at brunch with friends. You can wear colorful jewelry but it should never be distracting or too flashy. Stud earrings are classic and chic. I like wearing oversized studs to compliment my toned down outfits.

9. Comfy Pumps          

A nice, reliable, comfortable pair of black pumps are also essential. Actually, you can get them in every color. Comfort isn’t a requirement either. When it comes to shoes, the more you have, the better. They can be fun – just not distracting. Please please please make sure you know how to walk in them #noshade.

10. A smile

:)

Follow @thecolormeb for more #workfashion tips. When you post a pic, wearing one of these work wardrobe essentials, tag us! 

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB