
There are two things fashion girls can count on every September: huge bargains at Labor Day sales and top-notch fall outfit inspiration from the crowd at New York Fashion Week. The style tips we get from bloggers, editors and It girls running from show to show are nothing but next level, a mix of precise POV and go-with-your-gut instincts that make outfits truly great. While there are more chances than ever to see the shows first hand this season (did you nab a free ticket to the Givenchy show or DL the app for Rebecca Minkoff’s virtual runway headset?) you don’t have to have an invite to dress like a fashion darling this fall. Just shop this hand-picked list of under-$100 gems from your favorite retailers to get the Insta-worthy looks.
1. A Common Space Black Lace-Up Bodysuit ($58): Channel your inner Stevie Nicks for this badass take on the ‘70s revival trend. With a neckline down to there, it’s undoubtedly sexy without trying too hard and one of the easiest ways to elevate the most basic of bottoms.
2. & Other Stories Wide-Brimmed Wool Hat ($65): We all know that second-day hair is a fashion girl’s best friend, but as for days three and four – you’re pushing it. This season, a colorful wool hat is the key to giving your roots a day or two off, not to mention it’ll add a romantic touch to any look.
3. ASOS First & I Belted Waterfall Duster Coat ($63): Your statement coat should look like your most effortless layer. Nail that vibe with this waterfall duster. Plus, its crisp peachy color is so versatile, it’ll look on-point whether you pair it with an army green jumpsuit, a little black dress or your most colorful French-girl striped top.
4. ASOS Casual Maxi Shirt Dress ($86): We’re calling this *the* lazy girl style hack of the season: It’s casual, polished, figure-flattering (love you, drawstring waist) and has pockets. Toss your moto jacket over your shoulders and you’re good to go whether you’re rocking sneaks or not.
5. COS Triangle Leather Clutch ($89): Step up your clutch game with this sculptural gem that’s the perfect backdrop for a fresh mani.
6. Forever 21 Turtleneck Tunic ($25): Beat the cold in the most babely way possible with this chunky turtleneck tunic. Keep things playfully covered up with flow-y culottes and over-the-knee boots.
7. Front Row Shop Red Crinkled Layered Midi Dress ($52): While everyone else is rocking fringe, turn heads in the cooles ruffled dress we’ve ever seen. Keep all eyes on the texture of the dress with minimalist flats and barely-done straight hair.
8. H&M Necklace With Tassels ($25): You’ve proven your allegiance to minimalist jewelry, but a special occasion calls for something much more statement making, like this tiered rope necklace with gemstones and ombre fringe. Throw it over a boxy white tee and colorful wide-legged trousers and you’re practically ready for your #OOTD.
9. Lisa Says Gah Clare Vivier Fin Tee ($99): When it comes to graphic tees, you can’t go wrong with these guidelines: Keep it simple and keep it French.
10. Mango Pleated Palazzo Trousers ($100): Amp up the drama of your wide-legged trousers with these pleated pants that would look so cozy-cool paired with a bright, oversized sweater and lace-up flats.
11. Need Supply Gemma Bangle ($28): You can count on this green bangle as your go-to pop of color, but don’t let it fly solo — stacking bracelets are a big trend this fall, so mix and match it with your arm candy collection to add an instantly eclectic twist to any outfit.
12. River Island Orange A-Line Zip Front Skirt ($64): Stand out in the sea of denim and suede A-Line minis with this mod-inspired front-zip skirt that will look as cute with loafers and and a billowy collared shirt as it would with booties and a trucker jacket.
13. Topshop Java Buckle Mid Shoes ($75): Crush two shoe trends — snakeskin print and a clunky block heel — with one pair in these slingbacks. Your outfit won’t be the only one happy about the choice — because of the heel size, your feet will thank you too :)
14. Urban Outfitters BDG Suede Tote Bag ($79): If you can’t live without a trusty tote, period, then here’s the trick to making it feel as luxe as any designer bag — upgrade to suede. This emerald color is rich and goes with nearly any other trendy fall color.
15. Zara Long Necklace With Circular Detail ($16): Minimalist jewelry doesn’t have to be so teeny you can hardly see. Sport this two-tiered geometric necklace to elevate a boyfriend cardigan or update your chambray top.
What do you wear to amp up your wardrobe on a budget? Tell us in the comments below.
Welcome to Selfmade Finance School, our new money series with Block Advisors to help small business owners with their tax, bookkeeping, and payroll needs year-round. This week, we explore the tax implications of bringing family members into your business.
The question for today is this: Does hiring your family members make sense for your business? Let me be clear. This is not a piece about whether hiring your family members makes sense for your relationships with those family members. As someone who is part of a family business, I could fill up a lot more than 600 words on my opinions about that. For today's purposes, we focus on whether it makes sense from an overall "good business and tax implication" perspective. As it turns out, there is a decent amount of tax nuance when it comes to employing your family. Let's break it down based on relationship to the employee:
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Spouses Who Are In Business Together
Personally, if I had to be in business with my husband, it would not go well. However, many couples build viable, strong businesses together and I say, good for them! Depending on how you have your business entity structured, it will make a big difference on the tax treatment of you and your spouse working as partners. Because a business jointly owned and operated by a married couple is generally treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes, the spouses must comply with filing and record keeping requirements imposed on partnerships and their partners. The election to file two Schedule C (Form 1040) forms, (one for each spouse) permits certain married co-owners to avoid filing partnership returns, provided that each spouse separately reports a share of all the businesses' items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. Under the election, both spouses will be subject to self-employment tax and on net earnings from self-employment and receive credit for Social Security earnings.
One Spouse Employs Another
If you have a dynamic where your spouse is an employee of your business, then your spouse's wages are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you are self-employed (not a corporation or a partnership), your spouse's pay does not have to be included in your federal unemployment tax account (FUTA) contributions and payments. However, if your business is a corporation or a partnership you must include that spouse's pay in your unemployment tax contribution calculation.
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You Employ Your Child
First, let's be clear. I work in my family business, but I am an adult, so I am treated just like a normal employee. However, if you, for example, run a family restaurant and want to hire your children under 18 to work for you, there are some tax benefits. But first, you should check with your state for rules on how many hours minors can work (in non-agricultural jobs) and reference the Fair Labor Standards Act for information on limitations on the kinds of work children can perform.
"This is an often overlooked or under-utilized strategy. Paying your children for true services they provide in your business can be a powerful tax-saving tool," says Cathi Reed, Block Advisors Regional Director. "If you are a sole-proprietorship or single member LLC, and the child is less than 18 years of age, the business is not required to withhold FICA or payroll taxes. The child can use his or her standard deduction against income you pay."
You Hire Your Parent
Oh dear. If you are brave enough to do this, know that you will need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your parent's wages and make the appropriate withholdings, but you don't have to pay unemployment taxes. Now all you have to do is convince your parent that you are the boss. Have fun with that!
Is Hiring Family Members Worth It For The Tax Benefits?
"There are some positive tax advantages to hiring family members. It's important to treat a family member like any other employee. Hiring your children can result in substantial savings for businesses. Make sure your child has real, age-appropriate work to do and a reasonable pay rate, comparable to other employees. Consult with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to ensure that you are complying with all requirements," advises Reed. "Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com."
In my opinion, you should not hire a family member solely because of the tax benefits. You should always hire based on whether that person is right for the job and keep in mind how this hire could materially impact your relationship with that person and others in your family. Finally, as I mentioned, make sure you have a tax professional on your team when making these determinations. As you can see, things can get a little tricky!
*All details were sourced from IRS.gov and blockadvisors.com
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. O'Keeffe Financial Partners and any other entity listed herein is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures