Question from Angela:

I will be graduating from college in May and have found a job in Boston at an insurance company... Where can I go to find cute work clothes that aren't too pricey but also aren't too old looking for me?  I am 22 years old and this is my first real job.

Beauty Squad Answer:

Not to fret

Boston has a plethora of choices to get you suited for success in the workplace- even on a budget!

Start with smart office chic  staples as your foundations.

Pencil skirts

Little black dress

Crop jackets

Opt for tri-seasonal fabrics that give longevity to your investments.

Check out CRUSH on Newbury for well- priced options

ZARA and REISS for trendy little numbers

Remember, to make polished & professional choices.

At 22 its okay to pick out figure flattering silhouettes in fresh colors that keep you on trend…

But be mindful of hemlines & plunging neckline that might distract from the image you’re trying to project.

…….
Personalize and refresh key pieces with accessories.

Layer on gemstone collar necklaces that bring focus to the face or stack enamel bracelets as arm candy. These are classic and work appropriate options that add an instant pop.

Find them at knock off price points at Lou Lou, Bobbles and Lace, and Macy's if you cant splurge at Kate Spade, Cynthia Rowley & J.Crew

…….

Now if you're a girl that loves the hunt, shop thrift and consignment stores like Artifaktori and Rescue.

You can find lux and designer labels with a little bit of love, no one in the office will ever have to know.

 Be confident in your wardrobe and ultimately yourself…you'll shine

 -Lydia Santangelo, Founder TESstylist

Question from Melissa:

What can I do to prevent split ends?

Beauty Squad Answer:

While there are things you can do to prevent split ends unfortunately once you have then they can't disappear. My suggestion to prevent them are a couple of things...over brushing your hair can actually cause them. What you can do is be careful while brushing by starting at the ends and work your way up the shaft toward your roots, once you can detangle from the ends up you can prevent breakage. Also be aware not to brush your hair while you have a lot of product in it, some styling products tend to make hair less pliable which can cause some split ends by tearing through the hair. Wrapping your hair up in a towel is harmless, vigorously towel drying your hair can cause unecessary tangles.Also if you tend to wear your hair tied back try a lower tail, this holds less tension, and when you do take hair down don't tear off elastic....undo it where it's secured the way you put it up. To address the already split ends my suggestion would be to first get regular trims every 4-6 weeks. This doesn't mean you have to cut length but merely let your stylist know your goal for preferred length and they should take your request and truly just get rid of the damaged ends only. It isn't a one 4-6 cycle that will repair but being diligent with trims over the course of 6 months should get you great results. As far as managing to keep your hair looking good there are many products (oribe's hair care line has 2 leave in hydraters and a smoothing serum , bumble has a great pre-blow dry oil) that you can use in the meantime to keep frizzies at bay. Finally if you have somewhat of long hair, don't be hard on yourself for having some spot ends, speaking personally you have to take into consideration how old hair is if it's long. It means you've weathered many seasons (sun, wind, dry air) and perhaps you have color...all these things inevitably will create some split ends but it's the price we pay for wanting, keeping and enjoying long hair. Good luck!!!

-Rossana Casale, Senior Stylist at Salon Mario Russo  

If you're looking for a high end look with an affordable price tag.. splurge on one item and surround it with less expensive pieces.. For example: Michelle Obama was wearing a J.Crew belt with a Thom Browne jacket and gloves.. 

Jenna Dewan-Tatum shows off her growing bare baby bump in the May issue of GLAMOUR - in nothing but a red bra top and blue-and-white striped dress shirt, snuggled up against a giant stuffed panda toy.

Question from Dina:

I'm not the slimmest girl out there, I'm about 30lbs overweight (5'8" and a size 14) and working to get it off, but I have no idea how to dress.  I always buy clothes that make me look so frumpy.  I tried the overweight woman's stores and those clothes are too big, but everywhere else they are still too small.  Do you have any suggestions?

Beauty Squad Answer:

Dina,

Step One – do not be discouraged or down on yourself in anyway.  There are loads of solutions available for you to feel good about what you wear.

Step Two - simplify your quest by one-stop shopping with built in services.

I would recommend shopping at one of the major department stores to start for several advantages - It often allows for one–stop-shopping, offers a range of sizes from missy to plus, accessories, shoes and undergarments all under one roof and most provide a free personal shopping services.  Try Macy's, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue,  Neiman Marcus.  They all offer the amenities that make shopping easier. I always suggest dressing from the inside out, seek out a specialist in the lingerie department for a good uplifting bra that offers seamless support and invest in a tummy/bottom controlling spanx (or similar brand) for your undergarments. Next head over to the Collection floor in the missy area for some great basics. Depending on your lifestyle or needs, you should focus on key items like pencil skirts, cropped blazers, v-neck cross body tops that are figure flattering silhouettes for all body types as work staples.  Hit the trend/contemporary floor for some straight leg dark denim jeans (try Not Your Daughters Jeans  – specializing in higher waistlines, and slightly fuller legs, or Style & Co. Brand at Macy's).  Mix the core jean with empire wast tops, crisp bottom downs and light weight sweaters that take your from season-to-season.  You may want to consider scanning the Plus department for some 0x options or 14W  for a fuller fit.  You are way too small for a 1x or regular Plus department items, but cross shopping on occasion may provide you with a few more options.  

Step Three - Experiment with accessories.  

Try a statement necklace that offers a color pop, and keeps focus to your face. Play with a mix of heel heights and styles in shoes.  Shop some for day (kitten heels, embellished ballet flats, classic peep toe pumps) and for night opt for a  t-strap sandal, wedges or metallic tones to kick things up. Try an oversized clutch big enough for all the essentials for day and still works well as you transition to night/social events. 

Step Four – why not take some help?

If all of this seems overwhelming to do on your own, take advantage of the FREE personal shopper service that these stores offer.  Simply call a location near you and ask to speak with a consultant.  The will provide you with a one-one consultation, pre pull looks for you, and even help you cash in on insider coupons and sales.  I recommend working with a few, allowing you to get comfortable and have more choices from store to store.

Step Five – feel good about yourself

After spending your valuable time, money and efforts the goal is to feel confident and comfortable in the pieces you select.  Rely on the experts to help you achieve some great go-to looks that you feel great in! 

Lydia Santangelo, Founder/Stylist for TESstylist

...So it's official... the results are in -- we are all in agreement, that this disgusting!

In a new interview with the Huff Post Live, Jada Pinkett Smith said that she and Will have an open marriage, and that she "allows him to do whatever he wants, as long as he can look himself in the mirror afterwards"...