Pencil Skirt-How to Transform a Skirt into Multiple Fashion Looks

A black pencil skirt is arguably one of the most versatile items in any lady's closet, and accordingly, should be a mandatory part of any style arsenal. It may have started as an office essential, but that doesn't mean this knee-length sheath is strictly business. Don't believe me? Watch as I put this basic to the test and style it out seven different ways — from work presentations to date-night and Sunday strolling, you'll be covered every day of the week.

You can dress it up for work or parties, or dress it down for casual everyday wear. Just put on your sophisticated dress shirt at daytime and take it off and put on a slouchy tee and you're good to go to the movies later that evening! You can also wear it with a basic tank top and a long cardigan for a cool and casual look.

It has (almost) everything you can ever wish in a skirt, and that's why I consider a pencil skirt to be one of your most important. 

It suits most body shapes. However, if you have a hourglass you must be careful with how you style it for formal occasions because of the tapered hemline It can really, reaaaally accentuate your curves. Just take a look at Beyoncé ;-) 

No matter how luscious your curves are it might not be appropriate for the occasion. My tip is to try to balance it out by adding more volume to your upper part with a bright or light-colored blouse and add an extra inch to your shoewear. 

Tip: If you want your hips and legs to appear leaner, go for a pencil skirt with two darts in the front.

Tuck or Untuck?

So should you tuck or leave it? 

Courtesy of John Kopaloff/Film Magic

If you're wearing a high waist skirt or a skirt with a thick waistband, then you should tuck it in as it complements the look a lot better than wearing it untucked. 

Tucking it in:

• Adds a more sophisticated (looks cuter, in my opinion) touch to your look
• Elongates your legs if they're short
• Creates a trimmer looking waist

The drawback is that it can chop up your torso, making your waist look shorter (not good if you already have a short waist) and make you look stumpy, especially if you're Petite.But you can still tuck it in without shortening your torso by wearing a top in a similar color as the skirt. Eg. Black skirt dark blue top. Or white skirt with a light yellow blouse.

 Tip: If you want to conceal your tummy - look for skirts with a wide waistband to help tuck in a larger part of your stomach.

However... 

Courtesy of Bauer-Griffin

If you wear the top untucked, it will give a completely different feel to your skirt outfit. 

Keeping it untucked:

• Creates a more relaxed and fun look
• Elongates your torso

Leaving the top untucked is more fail-safe than tucking it in, because usually, people look at tucking as a fashion statement. 

 Tip: If you're wearing a slightly loose top the outfit might lose definition. So to look more pulled together, define your waist with a skinny belt either around your hips or your waist depending on what looks good on your body frame. Continue reading for more tips on how to belt it.

How to Multiply Outfits with a Basic Pencil Skirt?

The beauty of a basic black pencil skirt is its flexibility in creating multiple outfits and fashion looks. Take a look at how Hayden Panettiere does it with the same black skirt! 

 
Courtesy of Gettyimages, Wireimages and Celebutopia
But you don't have to limit yourself to classy and dressy outfits. By adding the right accessories and mixing it with the right top, you can turn it into a sassy and trendy outfit.Let's have a look at 10 different pencil skirt outfits that you can put together yourself:

Sexy and Sleek

Perfect for: Formal to semi-formal office settings, cocktail parties and if you want to exude sex appeal without overdoing it. 



1. Dress shirt: A pretty classic and plain look by Jessica Alba. Just tuck in the shirt and top it off with a belt and voila. However, I prefer.. 

2. Dressy blouse: A cute blouse adds that little extra something. Hayden Panettiere looks classy and feminine at the same time. 

3. Floral top: For a cheerful zest of color during the warmer months, a floral top will spice it up a little. 

4. Black from top to toe: A very basic monochromatic outfit. But make sure you add something interesting-different textures 

5. Light colors: Achieve a light and airy outfit - just take a look at this bright pencil skirt combination on Reese Witherspoon. White and creams will definitely enhance a nice tan. 

Now let's take a look at more casual and fun outfits with pencil skirts:

Trendy and Simple

Perfect for: Casual office work, parties, everyday daywear anything casual really. 



1. Tee with miniskirt: This is a basic casual yet sexy party look. Combine the skirt and top with a wide belt - and top it off with a leather jacket and a pair of strappy high heels. If you want something glitzier try a.. 

2. Sequin skirt with a plain tee:Whitney Port does it perfectly with a basic white tee tucked in with a beautiful black sequin skirt - highlighting her long, lean and tanned legs. Simple and chic. Any type of trendy skirt will do. 

3. Flats and cardigan: For a laid-back everyday look, wear a dark navy blue (less serious than black) pencil skirt with cute flats and casual cardigan. Alexa Chung combines it perfectly with a mix of feminine silk top, short pencil skirt, belt and toning it down with a cardigan and girly ballerina flats. 

4. Black t-shirt: A very sleek and trendy outfit worn by Eva Mendes. Team up a basic black t-shirt with a red hot, eye-catching skirt. Keep the jewelry very simple. 

5. Leather pencil skirt and blazer jacket: I love this look on Gwyneth Paltrow. For a little edge swap up your regular black cotton skirt with leather. Tone down on the biker look with a basic tee and tights. And to smoothen the edges, top it off with a sophisticated blazer. 


Thank you for reading-please leave feedback, and any questions below

Visit me
turbolexy.com 

GET Stronger Nails & Beautiful Hair NOW!

Good nutrition naturally improves healthy, glowing skin to help keep it free of acne. That's why many skin-nurturing beauty products on the market have ingredients like citrus, acai berries, camu-camu and other potent superfoods in them; these ingredients are as good for your insides as they are for your exterior.

Good nutrition also can do wonders for strengthening your hair from heating products you may use every day and it also supports healthy growth and texture. Finally, when you're eating right you may also notice your nails become stronger, grow faster and maybe don't crack and break as often.

Good nutrition naturally improves healthy, glowing skin to help keep it free of acne. That's why many skin-nurturing beauty products on the market have ingredients like citrus, acai berries, camu-camu and other potent superfoods in them; these ingredients are as good for your insides as they are for your exterior.

Good nutrition also can do wonders for strengthening your hair from heating products you may use every day and it also supports healthy growth and texture. Finally, when you're eating right you may also notice your nails become stronger, grow faster and maybe don't crack and break as often.

This is all thanks to good nutrition! So what should you be eating to enrich your hair, skin and nails? Here are a few ingredients that are great for all of the above. You can find these ingredients in many foods at your local grocery store and you can find all of them all collectively and conveniently in Shakeology! I definitely noticed my hair growing faster! When I would have highlights put in, I could see a different in how fast my roots started showing. My hair was getting thicker and more shiny. My nails are no longer brittle. I've heard countless stories from people in my online fitness challenge groups talking about their hair growth and skin clearing up. 


I have had the most AMAZING improvements in overall health are experienced by many people after replacing one meal per day with Shakeology. 

After drinking the chocolate shake once a day for a week, I had improved digestion and no sugar cravings. Within one month, I noticed tremendous energy and stamina, a happier mood, and clearer mental focus. 

Here are some of the beauty-boosting ingredients in Shakeology:

It's no wonder why many people are experiencing beautiful advantages while drinking chocolate or greenberry Shakeology. The ingredient list contains vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, prebiotics, protein and amino acids, fiber, phytonutrients, and digestive enzymes found from all over the world. These 70 whole food ingredients support optimal brain function and mental clarity, improve mood, boost immunity, slow down aging process and protect from stress along with many other benefits not listed. I couldn’t imagine traveling across the world to find these ingredients. Thankfully, I can go to my kitchen to get my daily Shakeology fix. Containing only 140 calories, 17 grams protein, 1g sat fat, 19 g carbs, 9 gr sugars and 3 g fiber all for $4.00/serving, it doesn't come close to comparing to anything else on the market to provide its nutritional content and health benefits.

Biotin: for healthy hair and skin.

Amaranth (sprouted): has shown promise in the prevention of premature graying of the hair.

Bilberry fruit powder: a strong antioxidant and an excellent free radical scavenger. Helps combat the cell damage that leads to premature aging and disease.

Goji berries: one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits; helps prevent premature aging of skin; contains heavy doses of vitamin C and also linoleic acid, which help to promote collagen growth and keep your skin looking plump and youthful.

Grape seed extract: a natural anti-inflammatory shown to improve elasticity of the skin.

Iodine (as kelp): wonderful for nail growth and healthy hair.

Pantothenic acid: known to reduce toxins and assist with clearing acne.

Vitamin E: protects and helps to repair skin.

I'm not alone in thinking beauty benefits, along with many other advantages, came out of drinking Shakeology! I love this shake more and more each day! You can receive improvements in the way you look and feel without spending a lot time and money on beauty products and other supplements. Drink this delicious shake for at least a week once a day and you'll believe it. 

If you’d like, you can order yours at www.shakeology.com/alexismann and have it delivered right to your door. To find out more about Shakeology, visit my website at www.turbolexy.com. 

IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Full-Coverage Anti-Aging Foundation Review

My NEW favorite obsession.. IT Cosmetics (Innovative Technology Cosmetics by Jamie Kern). I have seen very few bloggers and YouTube Gurus talk about IT Cosmetics and NO ONE talk about IT Cosmetics new foundation: Celebration Foundation. Celebration Foundation is a Full-Coverage Anti-Aging Foundation which is IT Cosmetics very FIRST foundation and has been 3 years in the making with leading plastic surgeons. Since I am getting older, I am becoming more and more aware of the things I put on my skin, and try to choose products that have skin benefiting ingredients and less harmful chemicals. Obviously I am not perfect when it comes to EVERYTHING I put on my skin, but I am trying to be more aware as time goes on. 

"3 years in development with leading plastic surgeons, and hundred of lab samples later, IT Cosmetics is proud to announce the launch of their very first foundation! Celebration Foundation is a luxurious multi-tasking medium to full coverage powder foundation infused with cutting edge anti-agin technology!"

"Celebration Foundation is infused with High-science Peptides and Hydrolyzed Collagen providing powerful anti-aging actives while Hyaluronic acid works to give skin a boost of healthy hydration. Celebration Foundation utilizes IT Cosmetics' patent pending Drops of Light Technology, incorporating liquid crystals infused into light-reflecting pigments that not only allow skin to take on a more even tone and radiant youthful look, they also acts as a powerful delivery system for the infused actives. Niacinamide improves skin's elasticity, helps erase discolouration, and revives your skin's healthy tone and texture. A healthy dose of anti-aging anti-oxidants including Vitamins A, C, E, protect and ward off free-radiacals plus Rose and Aloe work together to heal and harmonize your skin. A powerful combination of Hydrolyzed Collagen and real silk restores your skins suppleness by smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making this cutting edge foundation a true anti-aging powerhouse!"

Made in the USA / Natural / Paraben-free / Talc Free / Sulfate Free / Fragrance Free, Cruelty Free

To Use: Using the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Airbrush Foundation Brush or enclosed sponge, swirl circles in the powder then dust onto your skin in circular motions for a naturally flawless, soft-focus, skin-perfecting finish. A small amount of this ultra-luxe, full coverage foundation goes a long way, buildable for your desired amount of coverage. 

Available in 5 Shades: Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, and Rich

Retail Price: $35 for 9.0 g / 0.30 oz. at QVC (US Residents) or The Shopping Channel (Canadian Residents)

The packaging is black with silver lettering. It is very sleek and appealing to the eye. As for practicality, the compact does open up to a dual compartment: one with a mirror and powder, the other with a sponge. The packaging gets an A+ with me.

As for the formula, it does not feel powdery in the slightest. I can see a full coverage being easily achieved with the use of a sponge. I personally like using a flat top powder brush and buffing the product into my skin to achieve a medium-full coverage. I love using the IT Cosmetics Flat Top Brush in conjunction with the powder foundation because it is  very soft, yet dense and can buff the product into the skin well to achieve my desired medium-full coverage appearance. The product itself is smooth to the touch, and that smoothness translates to my skin VERY well. This does not accentuate my pores or any fine lines. In fact, my skin looks more even, airbrushed and not the slightest bit cakey. My skin looks almost poreless due to the soft focus effect of the formula. For reference, I have normal/dry sensitive skin and typically I have to use a setting spray or fix + to lessen the powdery appearance of powders, but with this powder foundation, I don't need to add any moisture! I am unsure as to how this product would hold up for those with oily skin types, but I can sense that you would need to bring it along for touch ups and oil control as even with my normal/dry skin, I appear slightly shiny at the end of the day. I also have sensitive skin and this product did not irritate me at all or cause a breakout. 

I can't wait to try this foundation out in the colder months as I think it will be the perfect powder/foundation for when my skin is in need of hydration. Though this product was sent to me for consideration to review, I would repurchase it with my own money as I am that impressed with the formulation and effect it gives my skin!

Have you tried anything from IT Cosmetics?

Is Beachbody Coaching a Scam????

So you've been considering being a Beachbody coach, but like a normal person you are wondering where the catch is. I mean, to sign-up it only costs $40, it's hard to find negative reviews anywhere online, and doesn't it seem like you have to be a crafty salesman or internet marketer to be successful?
Let me help you rethink exactly what Beachbody Coaching is and why you should consider it as an at-home business. BUT to be completely fair, I will be setting this up like a somewhat untraditional pros and cons section, so get ready for some honestly!

5 Reasons Team Beachbody Differs from Other MLMs

1. Beachbody still makes a lot of money from infomercial sales, not all income is from direct selling.They are also an A+ Better Business Bureau company and are doing great, and not going anywhere for a while. 

2. They have a huge catalog of great products that work.They work because they aren't miracle solutions - customers are given the tools but must work for their results. Classic pyramid schemes have a bogus product and only focus on recruitment. Coaches do more than provide you with the product, they give you peer support and motivation afterwards to help you be successful!

3. You get ZERO compensation just for bringing in warm bodies in this biz.If you recruit a rockstar coach however, the company will reward you. A classic pyramid scheme asks you to recruit anybody and their brother.

4. You can out earn your upline.
5. There are amazing lead generation programs for qualified coachesThe company rewards qualified coaches by assigning their infomercial and non-directed customers to coaches so the customer gets the best experience through peer support. The company rewards coaches by giving them 25% commissions of the purchases of these customers, so they obviously value peer support over net revenue.

The Good News (The Stuff Everyone Else Has Told You)

1. Very little overheadYou have $40 in your pocket.  You can go to Kohl's and buy a shirt, or you can start your own business today.

2. No inventory, no shipping, no customer service, no advertisingBeachbody does it all for you. Coaching simply rewards YOU for your referrals, which occur completely online. You are probably already referring people to the products and not collecting your check!

3. You don't have to do it alone.Sign up with me, you have a very dedicated leader and successful coach to help you get where you want to get. Also, the income you make is not solely on commissions, but also on bonuses based on how your team does. Ultimately, you are not in this alone!

4. It's like having a Sam's Club card.Pay $15 a month, you get 25% off all of Beachbody's products. Even if you don't work your business, it's worth a shot to commit to your health by using Beachbody's nutrition and fitness products monthly and SAVING!

5. You are in the business of making other people's lives better.

Help others live happier, healthier, longer lives.

The Even Better News (The Good Stuff Other People Don't Tell You)

1. You will grow as a person.If you work this business, you will become more outgoing, be more accountable for your own workouts, and can become financially independent.

2. Mega rewards and incentivesYou can win a trip to some place tropical every year, tons of free t-shirts and other gifts like shoulder bags, apparel, even iPads are always being distributed, you get to workout with celebrity trainers, and be the first to know when new products are being developed. If you like recognition, get your name on a leader board or announced on a national conference call when you advance in rank or go above and beyond.

3. You will meet the COOLEST people on the planet.Are you in the minority when it comes to prioritizing your health? As soon as you are a coach you are making a decision to ignore negative people and surround yourself with great people who you can share with and learn from.

What People Don't Tell You, but You Need to Know!1. This is not a get rich quick business.Your first six months are like a stipend-paid internship. You won't make much, and it takes some legwork to get going. Some people are happy to make $100 a week after 6 months, and stay at that level.  Others are already making $500 a week. But you are that much closer to making $1,000 a week and beyond - just trust it!

2. This is not Farmville - it's actually a business.Coaching is a business. Even though it only cost $40 to sign-up, you have to treat it like you just went in 1/2 million for a restaurant and EVERYTHING is at stake, because if you run your Beachbody business like this it will become more than a video game and more like you becoming independently wealthy.

3. You might fail.It's true. Many coaches never get a single paycheck. But it is likely because they are in it to "just try it out" and see if it works, or that they believe it is #1 or #2 from above. If you dive in, I will give you all the training you need to follow in my footsteps and be successful. But I won't do the work for you. You just have to believe in yourself and do the work. Can you adjust your mind to make it happen?

Some Cons1. An ever changing product lineI guess that is a pro for your customers, but it means you have to always be plugged in to know when a new product or promotion is out! Other companies focus on one "miracle" product that might be easier to market than a huge catalog, while Beachbody is ever evolving.

2. People Will Say "No" to You.Not everyone is ready to step up and take control of their life. It isn't ever a reflection of you if somebody says "no" to you when you are offering them an opportunity, like being a coach on your team, or joining your challenge group - perhaps they aren't ready now.

3. At first, you definitely work harder than the paycheck you earn.Like I said above, this isn't a get rich quick scheme. But think of it as a 6-month low-pay internship that has potential to grow to a six-figure income in 2-3 years. That is the truth right there.

So - I hope that helps! I'd love for you to join my team www.beachbodycoach.com/alexismann

Book Review by Sheena Pearson "Born to Run"

I only ran when someone was chasing me.  I made excuses for my lack of running prowess.

            “My legs are too short!  My boobs are too big!” I lamented.  “My body is just not made for running!”

            Made for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Yes!  Made for long distance running?  Hell no!

            But in my quest to become healthier by my 30^th birthday, I vowed to conquer running.  No, I vowed to make running my bitch!

            So, I bought a pair of cute (and surprisingly comfy) running shoes and signed up for a couple of 5ks with my running friends.  I even completed an eight mile mud.  But, I couldn’t finish a single race without moaning, wanting to die or walking part of it.

            What was I doing wrong?

            “You need to regulate your breathing,” said one crazy marathoning friend.  “Once you figure that out, you can run for days.”

            So, I tried counting my breaths which only made me obsess over them which led to me hyperventilating every time I got off count! 

            “Try slowing down,” said another multi-race finisher.

            So, I slowed down.  I mean I slowed waaaaaaaaaay down.  But then, I was just going along at a snail’s pace, prolonging the monotonous, dreadful task even longer.  I just wanted to get done and over with!

            As I was lamenting about all this to my non-running gym owner, she said, “You have to read Born to Run!  It’s soooooooo good!  It’s such a riveting story with great scientific research to back up his claims.  When I finished, even I wanted to start running.”

            I grabbed the book, and boy, she was right.

            Written by journalist, Christopher McDougall, Born to Run is the story of a group of ultra-marathoners (50+ miles per race), who travel to Mexico to compete against the world’s greatest runners, the Tarahumara.  How were the Tarahumara such fantastic runners, despite the fact they lived in a harsh climate, drank too much, ran practically shoeless and (gasp!) never stretched?  Their natural diet and running upright running style allowed them to run extreme distances, sometimes running a single race over the course of days! Days, people!

            McDougall, along with his cast, are unforgettable with nicknames like Bonehead, Caballo Blanco and Barefoot Ted.  He does an amazing job weaving his narrative, his characters’ backstories and supporting scientific research into a rich book that will amaze any reader, runner or not.

            Born to Run is a book that you just can’t stop talking about.  The colorful cast of characters, as well as their incredible feats, is larger than life.  You can’t make this stuff up!  When I was done, I closed the book, laced up my Nike Lunars and just ran.