Simply Swanky: 3 Date Night Looks He'll Love

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Getting ready for date night has become a fun theater pop-up in my head! I get so much pleasure with the details of creating a look!

I get it! Every date is not all about a production. I also get that not everyone even cares. For those who do, this is for you. For those who don’t, you just may want to save this one in file #2 (the “I’ll come back to it later” drawer)…I’m just saying!

I LOVE getting dressed to go out with my husband. He seems to think that I have a rendering of theater going on in my head about the entire date (that’s another story for another post). Ha! I do! I love the anticipation of a date. I love the details. I love the thought put into it. I love playing it out in my head before it happens. Am I going too far? LOL. Am I the only one? I think at least my fellow creatives can attest to some part of the process. Yes? Maybe? *fingers crossed*

Below, I’ve featured THREE date night ensembles (or for solo endeavors or “I just want to do me” endeavors) that I’ve worn on dates with my love. For the record, again, if you could care less about a date night, fine! Wear these outfits or a variation wherever you please, whenever for yourself by yourself! It’s all good.

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Maxi dresses aren’t just for the summer! Neither is a good off the shoulder number! This outfits screams sexy, chic, and effortless. I am a girl who loves to layer, so by all means never mind the sweater if you want to show off those curves! I encourage that too! I also love a good color combo of (MY) colors! From a swank coffee cafe,’ to a mod museum visit, this ensemble offers simplicity, movement, texture and a brightness to a Fall day. Pair with a nice boot/bootie or with a funky sneaker.

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A jumpsuit will always be one of my favorites! Especially if it fits like this one does (I’m shorter but have long legs so the fit is not always easy). Some of you are probably saying, “But it’s cold and this doesn’t have sleeves.” Two options for ya: 1.) Outerwear! With cooler temps, you’re going to have some form of coat on anyway, right? Right. Check your coat and be fabulous. 2.) Try layering a sheer, mesh, or lace long sleeve top underneath. You can also pair your jumpsuit with a duster or shawl. This look is great for an evening dinner or performance. Or go dancing with your date and watch how he gazes at you (please report your findings LOL). Jumpsuits are so versatile and flirty all at once!

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Ah, shoulder action! I LOVE my shoulders and I love to bare them often! LOL. It gives just enough sexy coupled with a sweetness that’s undeniable! I’m a distressed jeans gal too! Sorry. Not sorry. If you’re not, the look is just as good with skinnies or fitted jeans. I like the great balance of this funky peplum sweater that I scored from a Resale Pop Up and the slim fit of my jeans. Whatever you do, please be sure that your outfit displays harmony (a mix of fitted and chunky or flowy). Variations of this outfit include an oversized, off the shoulder sweater and jeans or a cute tunic sweater and liquid leggings. Destination: Casual dinner or a relaxed, but still dashing event. The last thing I’ll mention is the miracle of a well-made peplum top! For those who have mid-section concerns, this top is on the “miracle worker” list. Period.

Fall Beauty Faves!

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Fall is here!


It’s one of my favorite seasons for sure, but with cooler temperatures come skin changes, duller looking skies, and a slower pace. I have some beauty faves that are part of my self-care routine that I’d like to share that are sure to provide a pick-me-up as well as other benefits. Thank me later when you fall in love with these little pretties also!

Facial Cleanser: Shea Moisture Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub is wondrous! I use this twice weekly in place of my regular cleanser, followed by toner and moisturizer. I generally use it on Sunday and Wednesday. I discovered it from a Target Beauty Box this past Winter and have never parted. I have combination skin and it works perfectly with my existing skincare regime. The tea tree oil does the job to balance my skin and the tamarind extract provides gentle exfoliation to keep my skin smooth and glowy!

Moisturizer: I discovered Monie Naturals Skincare Green Tea & Vitamin E Facial Moisturizer through a friend on Instagram. This moisturizer is the truth! It doesn’t leave my skin oily like most moisturizers and provides the perfect canvas for makeup application.

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Eye Cream: Listen, if you are over 25 and do not use an eye cream, please start! As early as 20s you can start to notice a few little creases, and as subtle as they may be, prevention is key! Now, I don’t believe in the term anti-aging (there is no such thing…), BUT I do believe in preservation! Most people don’t need a targeted eye cream (e.g. for dark circles), so a gentle and moisturizing one will do! My go to is Eve Organics Eye Cream. Due to the delicate skin under your eye, be sure to be gentle and apply with your your ring or baby finger. Secret: I use my eye cream as a lip moisturizer also!

Bright Matte Liquid: In the last few years, I’ve opted for a brighter lip in the fall. I still rock my deeper hues, but I’m not putting my bright lippies away! First of all, Boy Trouble by The Lip Bar is EVERYTHING!!! Secondly, it brightens my skin and my day! This is a brown girl’s dream lip color. TRUST. ME. You’ll also get a good laugh at their shade description.

Liquid Foundation: Clinique Even Better Broad Spectrum (Ginger) has worked for me for years. I had the hardest time color-matching a foundation that allowed my skin to breathe…because that’s important! It’s the perfect neutral brown girl shade and provides light-medium coverage. Clinique does it with this formula! It keeps my skin smooth and flawless without hiding ME. I wear this on Sundays and for occasions when I want a more even tone and a tad more coverage than a pressed powder.

Mineral Dual Foundation: Aveda did right by brown girls a few years ago by adding deeper hues. This is a pressed powder formula (Cream Caramel) but can be worn wet for lighter coverage. I wear this wet when I want a natural look that blurs imperfections. It also provides radiance on a gray, fall day. When I want a more dramatic look, I use this to provide a bit of contour to my liquid foundation.

BONUS: Drink. Your. Water. Babes.

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These are just a few of my favorite Fall beauty jewels and as you can tell from the organic photos, I USE THEM generously! LOL. Of course I’m a product junkie, so I’ll probably share a few more for Winter! Stay tuned.

Please share some of your favorite beauty products! I’d love to hear from you!