Style Resolutions: How to Wear a Sleeveless Blazer

May 01, 2015

Blazers are high on our list of must-haves, but sometimes you need a break from the sartorial heavy-hitter — especially during those warmer months. Enter the sleeveless blazer. They pack just as must polish, but keep things on the lighter side. And even though we’ve been seeing celebs rock this powerful piece with LBDs and the like, they make a mean addition to a kicked-back tee-shirt-and-sweatpants combo too. From redefining the power suit to putting an unexpected twist on streetwear, here are three new ways to rock that no-sleeves number.

On-Duty

The office is the most obvious place to wear this modern twist on a classic jacket. The sleeveless blazer allows you to maintain a certain level of polish during warmer weather, while keeping you cool and 100% on top of your sartorial game. Metallic-heeled wedge mules, a tribal-inspired collar and a black leather backpack play off traditional work-week standbys, redefining the concept of nine-to-five style.

Mango Linen-Blend Pocket Vest ($100) + Warehouse Tile Print Shift Dress ($82), Charles Keith Open-Toe Slingback Wedges ($93), Lizzie Fortunato Red Double Take Necklace ($290), NARS Audacious Lipstick in Poppy Red ($32), Kelsi Dagger Assembly Leather Backpack ($232)

Party On

You probably have a pretty solid lineup of night-out outfits going, but this is just one more fab option to throw into the mix. Send your go-to outerwear the way of the dodo this season, opting instead for lightened-up versions that pack a punch. A sleeveless blazer infuses even the most understated ensemble with a little “It Girl” factor. And those leather shorts aren’t just for hitting the dance floor — they’ll make a mean addition to your day-to-day wardrobe.

Mango Linen-Blend Pocket Vest ($100) + Luv AJ Classique Bracelet ($105), Flynn Grayson Crossbody Bag ($180), Mango High-Waist Leather Shorts ($90), Jeffrey Campbell Allude Sandals ($135)

Weekend Retreat

Instantly add polish to a laid-back look by layering on that sleek tailored topper. Joggers, bright trainers and a boxy chambray shirt create the base for this effortlessly cool getup, and are just as ready to take on the city streets as they are for an afternoon lounge session with your ladies. An arsenal of unexpected accessories elevates the separates into sports luxe (read: seriously chic) territory.

Mango Linen-Blend Pocket Vest ($100) + River Island Gray Jersey Leather Look Trim Joggers ($70), & Other Stories Graphic Leather Bag ($120), Komono Dreyfuss Sunglasses in Tortoise ($50), Lionette Assi Bracelet ($125), Toast Riva Top ($105), Nike Air Max 1 Ultra Moire ($130)

What pieces in your closet deserve more attention, but stump your style game? Tell us about your trickiest wear-again garments in the comments below and we might feature them in our next Style Resolutions post!

3 Celebrity-Inspired Ways to Incorporate Leopard into Your Next #OOTD

If there’s one pattern with more staying power than plaid, stripes, and polka dots combined, it’s definitely leopard. As you look ahead to the upcoming ho-ho-holidays, this feline-inspired print will be the strategic piece in shaking up your winter wardrobe for everything from the office Christmas party to a blowout NYE bash. Practice moderation this season with pieces that deliver just the right amount of “rawr” without entering OTT territory. Ahead, we’re sharing three non-intimidating ways to pull off leopard, according to your fave celebrities.

How to Rock a Leopard Shift

Former SNL cast member Sasheer Zamata’s shimmery leopard shift dress was the real MVP at Kate Spade New York’s most recent fashion week presentation. Pair this long-sleeved cheetah print frock with a sleek red-orange coat and mink fur loafers that deserve a double take. Last but not least, a floral embroidered ladylike satchel and celestial-inspired drop earrings will have you channeling your inner Hollywood starlet before you know it. (Photo via Robin Marchant/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Essentiel Antwerp Leopard Print Shift Dress ($218), French Connection Platform Felt Long Sleeved Smart Fit Coat ($298), Banana Republic Celestial Linear Earring ($58), Rebecca Minkoff Amelie Flat ($250), Mango Floral Embroidery Bag ($80)

How to Rock a Leopard coat

Start taking notes, bad betches. Bella Hadid’s DGAF style is yours for the taking. Peep this textured faux fur topper that’s easy on the eyes — and wallet. Adopt a rocker ‘tude with a Nirvana t-shirt, faded black frayed-hem jeans, and scene-stealing star ankle boots from style influencer Danielle Bernstein’s debut footwear line, Archive Shoes. Transition your getup from day to night with a hands-free belt bag, a layered Bing Bang pendant necklace, and a pair of Le Specs’ now ubiquitous cat-eye frames. (Photo via Alo Ceballos/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: H&M T-Shirt With Printed Design ($18), Bing Bang Bad Bitch Necklace Set ($150), H&M Faux Fur Coat ($80), Le Specs The Last Lolita in White Marble ($119), Zara Crossbody Belt Bag ($30), Archive Shoes The Madison Boot in Black With Silver Stars ($298), RE/DONE Stove Pipe in Washed Black ($240)

How to Rock a Leopard Mini

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander successfully demonstrates how to incorporate leopard into your day-to-day uniform. On the prowl or off, this jacquard weave wrap-over skirt will always do you right. Teamed with a mini pebbled leather saddle bag and effortless Breton stripes, the result is more Kate Middleton, less tough-girl-in-training. But perhaps we spoke too soon? The addition of a denim jacket, contemporary hoops, and towering lace-up booties, and you’re ready for a night out on the town. (Photo via Pierre Suu/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: Alexa Chung Breton Stripe Top ($180), Tictail Linkage Hoop Earrings ($72), Zara Jacket With Eyelets ($70), Cuyana Mini Saddle Bag ($195), Jeffrey Campbell Legion Heeled Lace-Up Booties ($165), H&M Textured Skirt ($35)

Which of these celebrity-approved getups will you be rocking this winter? Follow us on Pinterest for more styling inspo for the season!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

9 “Gross” Cooking Habits You May Not Realize You’re Making

Everyone has their own unique way of doing things in the kitchen, but some habits are certainly more cringe-worthy than you might think – especially ones that may be considered gross, unhygienic, or unsafe. There are quite a few cooking missteps that could put you and others at risk, or simply make ‘em squeamish. If you’ve ever wondered whether your cooking habits are flawless or low-key gross, it’s time for a quick reality check.

Scroll on for 8 “gross” cooking habits to avoid in the kitchen to retain a clean, safe space to enjoy your most favorite meals!

Burst / PEXELS

1. Not washing your hands before handling food.

Your hands touch all sorts of things throughout the day, all of which carry tons of bacteria and germs you may not even realize are there. If you don’t wash your hands before cooking, you risk transferring dirt, bacteria, and even viruses onto your food, increasing the chances of contamination and foodborne illnesses.

Vanessa Loring / PEXELS

2. Handling raw meat and then immediately touching other ingredients or surfaces.

Raw meat – especially poultry and seafood – carries bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. If you touch the raw meat you're cooking with and then handle various vegetables, seasonings, or kitchen surfaces without washing your hands, you could spread harmful bacteria, leading to dangerous cross-contamination and potential food poisoning.

Dapur Melodi / PEXELS

3. Licking your fingers and continuing to cook.

Licking your fingers while cooking might seem harmless (especially if you’re just cooking for yourself or one other person), but it can introduce bacteria from your mouth onto the food and other kitchen surfaces. This is especially unhygienic if you're cooking for others, as it spreads germs and increases the risk of contamination!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

4. Not washing your produce properly.

Nowadays, fruits and vegetables can carry pesticides, dirt, and bacteria from the handling, shipping, and storage processes. If you don’t rinse them thoroughly before eating or cooking ‘em, you risk ingesting harmful chemicals or bacteria like Listeria. Yikes.

Kristina Snowasp / PEXELS

5. Using the same knife + cutting board for raw meat and other foods without washing.

When you cut up raw meat and then immediately use the same knife or cutting board for the rest of the ingredients in your meals, you can totally transfer bacteria. This is especially important to avoid for items that may not be cooked further! It’s simply essential to wash your utensils and tools between uses or use separate ones for raw meat and other foods.

Juan Pablo Serrano / PEXELS

6. Using the same spoon for stirring and tasting.

Dipping a spoon into food, tasting it (even if it’s quick!), and then putting it back in the pot can potentially transfer bacteria from your mouth to the entire dish. This is wildly unsanitary when you’re cooking for a group, as it introduces germs or bacteria that others may not be immune to. The best practice here is to use a separate spoon for tasting or wash it briefly before using it again.

Mojca J / PEXELS

7. Sneezing or coughing near your food.

When you sneeze or cough, tiny droplets of bacteria or viruses can land on everything around your kitchen: food, utensils, and cooking surfaces. If you don’t cover your mouth properly or sneeze directly over food, you risk contaminating the meal, which is both unsanitary (and unappetizing) for anyone eating it.

PNW Production / PEXELS

8. Using the same towel for drying your hands, wiping surfaces, and drying dishes.

It’s crazy how quickly kitchen towels can become breeding grounds for bacteria when they’re used for multiple tasks. If you use the same towel to dry your hands, clean up spills, and dry dishes, you risk spreading germs from raw food particles or dirty hands onto clean surfaces and dishes, making it an easy way to spread bacteria… unknowingly.

RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS

9. Letting your pets near cooking surfaces.

Pets, no matter how clean they seem, carry bacteria, dirt, and even fur with them that can easily contaminate food and kitchen surfaces. Allowing them on countertops or near food prep areas (looking at you, kitties!) increases the risk of spreading germs, especially since pets can’t wash their paws after using the litter box or walking outside.

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How to Wear Power Red, According to Your Fave Celebs

Power red has been dubbed the official color of fall 2017. (Millennial pink, you’ve finally met your match.) Perhaps it’s the rise of a new #girlboss, feminist-empowered era, or maybe it’s the ‘round-the-clock styling potential of this ubiquitous hue that’s keeping it around for longer than a season. Either way, this feisty and fiery shade packs no shortage of sass. Knowing how to successfully rock a kick-butt head-to-toe red lewk? Now that’s another story. We look to regional It girls, including Gigi Hadid, Olivia Palermo, and Chrissy Teigen, for tips on mastering power red like a boss.

Pantsuit Nation

You need not be the first lady or a model like Gigi Hadid to rock a power red pantsuit when out and about town like a true HBIC. The key here is to introduce non-red statement pieces — like an ivory bow-blouse and fringy yellow drop earrings — that work to counterbalance the pool of red. Working gals: Ditch the corporate schmorporate guise with one of OAD’s geometric satchels and some noir pointy-toe pumps that were made for the nine-to-five and five-to-nine grind. (Photo via Sonia Recchia/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Cuyana Silk Bow Blouse ($185), BaubleBar Bonita Drop Earrings ($42), H&M Blazer ($50), H&M Suit Pants ($35), OAD New York Mini Kit Zip Satchel in True Black ($350), La Canadienne Montreal Falone ($395)

Power Red Accessories

Bad betches everywhere, look what you made us do. Yes, power red can be intimidating, but a little bit of this mighty hue can work wonders in the sartorial department. Olivia Palermo’s style chops aside, it’s her showstopping strappy red steppers that are the real MVP here. A crazy bachelorette weekend is as good of a time as any to show off your sartorial prowess, starting with a silk mini dress and a textured leopard print topper. Enter hot-to-trot territory with a pair of trend-right OTK boots, a set of red and gold u-shaped earrings, and a slogan tote that will fo’ sure turn some heads. (Photo via Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Scotch & Soda Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat ($298), Topshop Oversized U Shape Earrings ($28), Réalisation Par The Emilie in Shibuya ($160),Zara Tall Elastic Boots ($90), Skinnydip London Bitchin Tote Bag ($13)

NIGHTTIME Frills

Take it from Chrissy Teigen, the queen of date night dressing: Frills aplenty will always do you right. Our favorite Hollywood starlet (and red haute mama) doesn’t shy away from embracing power red to the max — she brings the drama en route to dinner with her slinky red top and flowy trousers. For your next GNO, style this femme red blouse from & Other Stories alongside streamlined black culottes for instant boardroom-to-bar appeal. Allow a pair of VERAMEAT’s celestial-inspired gold half-moon earrings and some crimson-soled pumps to lend just the right amount of zhoosh to your look. Last, but not least, we recommend Madewell’s fuss-free compact leather crossbody bag that’s made to fit just the essentials. (Photo via Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: & Other Stories Ruffle Blouse ($85), VERAMEAT Lunar Face Wire Art Earring ($140), Madewell The Chain Crossbody Bag ($88), COS Chunky Heel Pumps ($133), The Group by Babaton Beecroft Pant ($98)

Will you be test-driving power red this fall? Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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15 "Gorgeous" Kitchen Banquette Designs To Cozy Up Your Dining Nook

I'm currently obsessed with kitchen banquettes and on a mission to find the perfect nook for one in my own space. Right now, we have an IKEA island with two wooden stools, which is great for busy mornings before I rush my kiddo to school. But when guests come over or we want to slow down and get cozy on weekend mornings, stools just don’t cut it. Enter banquettes: the kitchen trend everyone’s loving, and for good reason. They create a relaxed, inviting space (the ultimate “stay a while” vibe) and come in styles to suit any aesthetic, from cottage to modern. Here are ones from West Elm, Pottery Barn, McGee & Co., Target and more that I'm eyeing right now, plus cool custom inspiration!

Scroll to see the 15 gorgeous kitchen banquette designs we love right now!

West Elm

West Elm Novak Banquette

This sleek, curved unit offers customizable designs to perfectly fit your space — whether compact or spacious. With its vertical tufted backrest, it gives off a subtle '60s Bond-era sophistication. Plus, you can choose from a wide range of fabrics and even add built-in power to charge your devices before starting, or ending, the day!

Studio McGee

McGee & Co. Olivier Slipcover Dining Bench

Talk about comfort — this slipcovered dining bench has cushions filled with a dreamy feather-and-down blend, making every meal feel extra cozy. Plus, the linen cover gives it that perfect mix of laid-back and refined style.

Target

Threshold Cora Dining Banquette

This budget-friendly banquette from Target features a sturdy wooden frame and upholstered fabric in a charming cottage stripe. The corner unit is a great space saver and the fabric complements a range of styles, from modern to farmhouse.

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily Belgian Club Loveseat

This petite loveseat doubles as a space-saving banquette. With its gently rolled arms and inviting curves, it creates a cozy, relaxed spot for dining — perfect for lingering over a delicious meal.

West Elm

West Elm Shelter Storage Banquette

A banquette with built-in storage? Game changer. The pillow-soft seats make it a cozy spot to gather, while its modular design makes it perfect for most spaces. Bonus: it's made from sustainably sourced wood.

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Layton Upholstered Banquette

This banquette is the perfect mix of relaxed and refined, combining cozy upholstered seating with the rustic charm of exposed wood. It has a curved design (love) so you can make the most of your space, whether it's a breakfast nook or an open dining area — perfect for laid-back meals and long, cozy gatherings.

West Elm

West Elm Hargrove Banquette

This similar banquette is a fresh take on modern farmhouse style, or even coastal California design with its oak wood frame.

Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma Dining Upholstered Banquette

This customizable banquette in a French-inspired ticking is the perfect nook to sip coffee in the morning, enjoy a casual lunch, or gather with friends for a laid-back dinner. Plus, its space-saving design means you get extra seating without taking up too much room!

Banquette Inspiration

Cordonné Paint

Cordonné Príncipe Paint

I adore this built-in curvy banquette with a pop-of-red cushion. It really feels so French and lovely. The checkered floor is another detail that charms the space. The pretty green paint color ties it all together!

Lulu & Georgia

Lulu & Georgia Florent Dining Chair

Swooning over this floral upholstered banquette that isn't afraid to show its curves. Paired with these cute wavy-back chairs, this setup is divine in my book.

Nickey Kehoe

Nickey Kehoe Banquette Inspiration

A rich, reddish leather in a sleek design gives this piece a modern twist on a traditional look.

The LifeStyledCo

The LifeStyledCo Kian Dining Chair

I love how this banquette wraps around both sides, creating plenty of space to gather. Paired with the Kian dining chair and a pile of cozy pillows, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny breakfast with your favorite people.

AYR Barns

AYR Barns Coates Dining Table

A reclaimed pine table paired with a tufted upholstered banquette strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and refined elegance — an elevated look I absolutely love.

Le Maé

Le Maé Roxie Dining Table

This geometric table pairs beautifully with the corner banquette, which features a unique fluted wood detail at the base. Not only does the banquette maximize seating in a cozy, space-saving way, but it also adds a stylish focal point that elevates the entire dining area.

Brook & Lou

Brook & Lou Sloane Chandelier

This wood-framed banquette is a refined take on the classic cottage-style design, bringing warmth and charm with an elevated touch. Paired with a bold natural-fiber chandelier and cottage-inspired plates on the wall, it creates a cozy-yet-stylish dining nook that I admire.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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11 Under-$20 Spring Shoes On Amazon That Are Total Hidden Gems

It’s finally time to swap out your heavy winter boots for something a bit lighter, brighter, and budget-friendly. Amazon has quite the stylish lineup of spring shoes, and I scoured their site for the cutest picks – all under $20! From chic sandals to ballet flats that make any spring outfit feel fresh, these 11 Amazon shoes are here to refresh your shoe game, all without forgoing your budget.

Scroll on for 11 comfy and cute Amazon spring shoes, all shoppable for $20 or less!

Amazon

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