dressing for your environment.

Source

The New York Times had a great article last week on a number of high level female executives in Silicon Valley who are not afraid to dress well, despite their style barren workplaces (think Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg). This led me to a really interesting internal conversation about dressing for your work environment. There's always been this notion of dressing like your colleagues so you can fit in, because the person that fits in will get the promotion. It's a terrible concept, but it's often true in many workplaces. So what do you do if you're in an office where hoodies rule and frumpy outfits are the standard?

I say: Do your thing! I've never seen a stylish women that wasn't respected in the workplace. Dressing up makes you feel more confident and illustrates your ability to keep it together. I've said it before on this blog. My only limiting rule is that your outfit should not speak louder than your abilities. If you focus on dressing for yourself (in a work-appropriate manner), rather than dressing for others, you'll feel so much more fulfilled.

And on that note, look out for an interview with Tamra Feldman, VP of Marketing of Shop It To Me, in the near future. She'll be sharing some of her career insights and fashion tips.

ciao!

curly hair at work.

Hello Everyone!

As most of you probably don't know, I have very curly hair. I've struggled with my curls for many years, until I finally learned to love and adore them for who they are. However, it took me a while to come up with work-appropriate curly hairstyles for those days when I don't have time to completely style my curls.

So, I'd like to share with you all my favorite work-appropriate curly hairstyle tutorial videos to help my curly girls out:

veep.

My recent tv obsession is Veep. Maybe it's because I live in DC and see the executive building on my way to work every day, but I just love the sticky situations the Veep (aka Vice President, Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) gets into. It's really a hillarious show.

So today, my inspiration comes from the ladies of Veep: Selina Meyer, Amy Brookheimer (played by Ann Chlumsky from My Girl!), and the oh so funny Sue Wilson.

The Veep

ASOS pencil dress, $47; Zara shopping tote, $80; Forever 21 jewelry, $5.80; Kenneth Jay Lane drop earrings, $40; Forever 21 chain necklace, $5.80; Belt, $33; BareMinerals lip gloss, $18; LAUREN by Ralph Lauren, $55


The Veep is all about style. In fact, stylists on the show modeled the veep's style off none other than Michelle Obama. She loves her  statement jewelry and has a classic DC style, with a twist. That's why I chose this red shift dress with the added touch of a scalloped neckline. 


Amy

Nine West plaid suit, $129; city pocket shirt, $40; Zara shoes, $50; Longchamp tote, $98; Charter Club pink jewelry, $25; Beaded brooch, $39


The Chief of Staff on the other hand is all about the power suit. The great thing about her, though, is that she'll pick a great suit with an unexpected element -- like the plaid print on this gray suit. Amy is very practical. So I could definitely see her owning about 5 different pairs of these pumps in brown, nude, and black. I think Amy is one of those women that doesn't want her clothes to distract from the powerful, intelligent woman she is, and I totally agree with that. (but I had to add a little brooch just to satisfy my need for bling)


Sue

Print dress, $35; Dorothy Perkins strappy sandals, $49; Hurley tote handbag, $40; Drop earrings, $32; Dorothy Perkins peach jewelry, $17; Kenneth jay lane jewelry, $30; Forever 21 lip gloss, $1.80


Veep: Has the president called?
Sue: No.


I love Sue. She is so sassy, and her style reflects that quality. She tends to wear prints and statement earrings. So, I feel like she would absolutely love this outfit, minus the random bow on the dress. She'd get rid of that asap.


My absolute favorite thing about this show are its powerful women characters with leading roles. It really is an inspiration, and I hope it continues to be an ongoing theme on HBO and other major networks. 


Readers: What are your thoughts?

carolina herrera in the summer.

The Limited Skirt, $69.90; Old Navy Shirt, $27; Ellen Tracy Shoes, $47; DSW Handbag, $50; JCPenneys Earrings, $10; Endless Watch, $34; JCPenney's Necklace, $12; Forever 21 Belt, $5.80


It is getting so sticky lately. Summer hasn't started and I already feel like I need to take 3 showers a day. Once the weather gets warmer, I see pencil skirts all over the place. But pencil skirts naturally stick to your body, making for a number of women walking down the streets with sweat marks where there just shouldn't be any! So, today I'm pulling out the airy, breezy a-line skirt. It's a great staple for summer, and doesn't feel restrictive like a pencil skirt often does.


I was inspired by Carolina Herrera's trademark white dress shirt and long, black a-line skirt. It's so classic. I hope you enjoy it!

trina turk for banana republic.

Trina Turk and Banana Republic collaborated on a new line that was just released last week. The looks scream summer with Turk's signature Palms Springs-esque, flirtatious prints. My favorite part of this collection is that they sell for about half of what they usually do at department stores ($34.50 - $150). Here are a few of my favorite pieces:



Trina Turk Swirl cowl-neck knit dress $120



Trina Turk silk bow top $69.50



Trina Turk sateen pencil skirt $79.50



Trina Turk orange swirl bracelet $45



Trina Turk pinking shears tote $120



Trina Turk turquoise swirl scarf $69.50


Did you know that, after Trina Turk's mother taught her to sew, she made a halter top and knew, from then on, that she wanted to study apparel design? Sometimes it's those little things that can make a huge impact on the world.


Readers: What do you think about the collection? 




**I'm updating this post and adding the Zazzy Zebra Sateen Skirt because I just saw it on the blogger at Alterations Needed, and this skirt looks awesome on her!

Trina Turk zazzy zebra sateen skirt $79.50

flower power.

Old Navy Scoop Neck Top, $9.50; Aldo Handbag, $40; Urban Outfitters Top, $39;  Talbots Canvas Pants, $80; Amrita Singh Earrings, $20; Forever 21 Ring, $3.80; Nordstrom Enamel Bracelet, $42 Chinese Laundry Shoes, $50;   




Happy Friday Everyone!!!


Today I was inspired by orange and teal. These colors remind of classy parties on the beach with white tents and the wind blowing in my hair. I'm seriously dreaming about this while drinking my rather strong coffee in front of a glaring computer screen. 


I love how this purse's little petal cut-outs remind me of the lace cut-outs on this super cute top. I went for a scoop neck t-shirt underneath rather than a tank top, as is featured on the Urban Outfitters site, because it would really be too close to a bare shoulder top which, in my opinion, is a no-no for work. 


On another note, tomorrow is my town's annual yard sale. The whole town gets together to sell all their used items on their front lawns, and I get to rummage through all of it! I'm so excited. On my wish-list:


1. Vintage mirrors for a fun mirror collage for my new apartment, like this


2. Old maps


3. A small dinette set (because I don't want to trek all the way to ikea)


4. Belts and purses -- my favorite vintage fashion finds


5. Vintage dressing table to house my makeup, perfume, and jewelry...loooove all of these. 


But, I know my favorites will be those I never expected to find. Can't wait! 

green with envy.

Zara collared shirt, $79.99; Modcloth Green Trousers, $67.99; Chinese Laundry Wedges, $39.99; DSW Bag, $29.94; Romwe Earrings, $11.99; J Crew Gold Bangle Set, $29.50; Dorothy Perkins Ring, $11; Oasis genuine leather belt, $7




I love love love this Zara top. The stud details on the collar are amazing. They're just the right size to be work appropriate. 


Enjoy your Thursday!

prim and proper stripes.

Knit jacket, $37; H M clutch handbag, $20; Pim Larkin Colette Dress, $69; Heart earrings, $18; Forever 21 stone necklace, Tinley Road pearl jewelry, $19; $8.80; H&M flat shoes, $24.95

I present to you the fourth blazer week post, and I hope you love it as much as I do. My favorite item in the collection are the flats. There's something so luxe about them, and they're only $24.95.   

One note about wearing dresses to work: Any dress, or skirt for that matter, should not be shorter than 1 inch above the knee, or longer than 1 inch below. 

It's a great idea to take a look at the measurements posted on the website. The Piperlime website claims this dress is 38 inches. To make sure this fits, I measure from my adam's apple down to my knee to see that 38 inches works. I'm 5'4", and I tend to find that anything at the 36 inch range is ideal. However, if you're curvier, 36 inches may be too short. It all depends on your body type, which is why everyone should learn to measure themselves in order to make the most of their online shopping. 

Dummies has a great description on how to measure your own body: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-get-your-body-measurements.html

ciao!

a psychedelic dream.

Peplum shirt, $17; Apt 9 cropped jacket, $35; ASOS high waisted skirt, $35; Zara shoes, $50; ALDO metallic clutch, $35; Adrienne Vittadini faux pearl jewelry, $38; Plastic jewelry, $13; Dogeared cultured pearl jewelry, $44




Don't you just love this skirt? It's such a fun print -- very psychedelic. Now let's figure out how to make it work-appropriate:


Paired with classic neutrals, this skirt stands out in an unexpected way. I really like the look of  this skirt with a peek-a-boo peplum underneath this short, fitted blazer. I think it's a great way to spice it up at work while keeping it very classy. It's definitely pulling off that Victoria Beckham look.


This is my third blazer post for blazer week (which has really turned into blazer weeks due to the holiday), and I hope you've enjoyed my pairings. 


Well, I hope you all have a great Monday! In the meantime, I want to leave you all with a special quote that will hopefully brighten up your day and take you through the rest of the week:


"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." -- Harriet Tubman

the professor.

Quiksilver jacket, $38 Blue Label Megan Solid Oxford Shirt, $90 LOFT slimming pants, $55 Zara patent shoes, $50 Aldo handbag, $28 Chain necklace, $21 ASOS oval earrings, $6.96 Full Tilt bracelet, $7.99 Belt, $14


Isn't this jacket begging for some elbow patches? I was perusing the fabsugar site (which I've always been secretly obssessed with) and found this great video on how to add elbow patches to any kind of clothing:

Cute, huh? Do you have any other great diy ideas for updating an outfit?

lady in red (and pink).

Worthington collarless jacket, $35; Cotton vest, $12; J.Crew skinny capri pants, $90; ASOS patent pumps, $38; ALDO printed bag, $35; Juicy Couture stacking bangle, $34; Ring, $28; Metal jewelry, $11; Chain necklace, $9.99


I present to you my first blazer week outfit! I was inspired by an awesome picture of Sarah Jessica Parker I saw today wearing a flowy bright red top with wide leg neon pink trousers. What a wonderfully unexpected color combo! This is my take on that. The high-end item of the day are these J.Crew skinnies. I love them because they almost touch the ankles - my favorite length for summer work pants.


Enjoy!

winter white.

Zara blouse, $60 Mango reversible skirt, $44.99 Zara cap toe shoes, $90 ASOS envelope clutch, $31 ASOS plastic jewelry, $14 Carole flower stud earrings, $2.90 Forever 21 ring, $5.80

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner! I hope you all have wonderful vacation plans -- or plans to just stay home and sleep in, which is just as wonderful. 

Memorial day always makes me think of that horrible "no white after labor day" fashion myth. I'll always remember the day a family friend said "wow, you're so brave for wearing white in January," which I followed with an immediate mental note that I would wear white whenever I darn well please. Hey, fashion's all about breaking the rules, isn't it? 

Musings aside, today I was inspired by the white pencil skirt. I hope you like the outfit I put together. My high-end item of the day is the Zara court shoe in pink goat leather. It's a great color and has a comfortable heel height, making it a go-to item in anyone's closet. I actually looked for a budget-friendly skirt, as most people consider white skirts a seasonal item. And if you are one of those people, you'll want to stay away from a high-end pencil skirt when you're on a budget because it's simply not getting as much wear-time as your other items.

My observations: 

Please keep in mind that white skirts, especially if they're not lined, should be worn with neutral, panty-line-free underwear and a slip, if necessary. Another great tip is to make sure nothing white is too tight, as it's less forgiving than most other colors. And keep some tide-to-go in your purse. The worst thing is finding a stain on your white clothing just before a business presentation when all eyes are on you. Do you have any other tips for wearing white?