WORKWEAR WEDNESDAY NO. 2

WORK TOTE

Zara basic leather shopper - ASOS scallop edge shopper - Rebecca Minkoff Dylan tote

Clare Vivier simple tote - Gap leather neon tote - J.Crew biennial tote

Annabel Ingall small Isabella tote - Madewell transport tote - Ela Scandi weekend star tote

One thing that I have at the top of my need-to-get-ASAP list is a great work tote. I was given a work bag when I first started working with company's logo on it. As much as I love all the pockets and its durability, I really want something nicer and stylish. I know that I want something leather that I wouldn't mind wearing for other purposes (i.e. traveling). As much as I love a bright neon option or even red, I know that I will get more value out of a more neutral tote. 

What are you currently using to lug your stuff to work? 

WISE WORDS FROM WOMEN IN BUSINESS

INTERVIEW FASHION

Today I'm talking interview fashion. Although acceptable interview fashion depends on what industry you work in, I thought I would talk about fashion for a more conservative industry. As you can imagine, the dress code in a conservative working environment lends itself to a more strict interview dress code. If you are unsure of the environment of the company you are interviewing for, erring on the side of formality is best. I'd much rather be overdressed than underdressed. 

SUIT -  I honestly think that an interview in any field, except for a career in fashion or art, calls for a suit. You should opt for a suit in a dark, neutral color (i.e., black, gray, or navy). In more conservative environments, it is best to opt for a skirt suit over a pantsuit. The fit is very important. 

Your skirt should not be very form fitting. Skirts should hit right at the knees, give or take an inch. Skirts that hit two or more inches above your knees are too short. Make sure your blazer can be buttoned up without gaping open. 

[ blazer - skirt - trousers ]

BLOUSE - What you wear under your suit is also very important. A collared shirt or blouse with crew neck or high neckline is ideal. Your top should complement your suit. I generally like white or light blue. Nothing too bright, or too busy. You should also pay attention to fit. The space between buttons shouldn't open up because your top is too tight. Also be sure that no cleavage is showing and that you cannot see through your top. You should not see your bra. 

[ stripe - white - blue ]

SHOES - Your shoes should be simple. You should not wear open toed shoes or strappy sandals (or sandals at all really). Select shoes with low to moderately high heels. As with your suit and blouse choice, shoes should be neutral. Think black, brown, or nude for your shoes. These J.Crew pumps are a great choice. While pricey, they are a great investment and also come in black and a great deep wine color. 

Also, some people feel that pantyhose are part of the professional wardrobe. I hate pantyhose with a passion but I've worn a pair to every interview I've had. After you get the job and see how the other women dress at your company, then you can decide whether the toss them! 

[ pumps ]

JEWELRY - While there is little leeway with your clothing, jewelry offers you an opportunity to have a little fun (emphasis on "little"). Your jewelry should include simple earrings, gold, silver or leather band watch, and/or a simple bracelet. Always go for classic pieces. Don't wear large hoop earrings, statement necklaces, or an arm party. You don't want your jewelry to distract your interviewer. 

[ studs - watch ]

PERFUME - As someone who often forgets to wear perfume, this isn't really an issue for me.  If you wear perfume, think about going without or only wearing a light spritz. Some people have fragrance allergies or sensitivity to certain smells or odors. Rule of thumb: a person standing one to two feet away from you should not be able to smell your perfume.  This Dior perfume is my favorite because of its light scent. 

[ perfume ]

MAKEUP - Your interview is not the time to cake the makeup on. Makeup should enhance your looks and make you look polished and natural. Your routine should consist of concealer, a little blush a few shades from your skintone, nude eyeshadow and lipstick or gloss, and mascara. 

Also make sure your hair is kept simple. If you have the tendency to touch your hair when you talk, you should consider pulling it into a low chignon. Now is not the time to experiment with those milkmaid braids you saw on pinterest. 

[ concealer - mascara - eyeshadow - lipstick - blush (top) - blush (bottom) ]

THE PENCIL

 

I've written about pencil skirts so many times on this blog that I have lost count. But, I can't help it. A great pencil skirt is a staple that every woman should have in her closet. I of course have the neutral black, navy, and gray pencil skirts in my closet. However, after building a great foundation of pencil skirts, I love to find pencil skirts with unexpected details. I am drawn to great prints and bright colors. I always purchased the skirts for work but now I love to wear them on the weekends with a comfy t-shirt and sandals. 

l to r: 

Moschino Cheap & Chic - labworks for Target - Dorothy Perkins - Zara

Zara - Malene Birger - J.Crew Factory - Topshop

Zara - Madewell - J.Crew - ASOS 

J.Crew - Tibi - Topshop - Topshop 

Tory Burch - Dagmar - Clover Canyon - J.Crew

[images: lifeisaluxury, thefashionspot,  stockholmstreetstyle, allezxandra, unknown, icovet, refinery29,  madewithfashion, stockholmstreetstyle, stylespotting,  stockholmstreetstyle, French Voguettes]

WORK TO WEEKEND: NEON SILK SKIRT

Work // skirt - purse - blouse - ring - sunglasses - blazer - earrings - shoes

Weekend // skirt - blouse - earrings - cuff - sandals - clutch - sunglasses 

Remember the skirt I mentioned in yesterday's post? I thought it would be fun to use it in today's Work To Weekend post. I love a great pencil skirt as I may have mentioned only a thousand times on this blog. But they really are so versatile. Not only is this Madewell skirt under $30, it's bright color and light silk fabric make it anything but basic. With it's bright color I thought it best to pair with a neutral. The navy and white striped blouse and navy blazer really ground this outfit and make it more fitting for work. I love the touch of the leopard print flats. As much as I love heels, flats are often more practical. 

What are you waiting for? Get over to Madewell and snag this skirt (it also comes in neon pink!) before it's gone. Have a great holiday tomorrow for those of you celebrating. 

BRIGHT FLORALS

Gap dress, Forever 21 jacket (old. I love this similar jacket in leather), Nine West heels, Forever 21 clutch, Vintage watch and bracelets

We have had CRAZY weather the past few days here. There was a awful storm on Friday and it brought some cooler weather along with it. The cool breeze still hasn't stopped me from wearing my new spring favorites like this Gap dress. I love the bright floral pattern and I've already worn it work. The perfect spring dress in my book. 

WORK TO WEEKEND: MINT + PEACH

work // skirt, blouse, earrings, blazer, shoes

weekend // skirt, blouse, shoes, earrings, tote

Today's post is the first in a new series that I'm starting here on the blog, Work To Weekend. As I've said here plenty of times, when I shop, I try to find pieces that can do double duty. I buy clothes that I can wear not only to work, but to other events in life. I saw this Tara Jarmon skirt this past weekend when I was on Pinterest. I love the colors. Mint and peach create such a fresh color combo. This skirt screams Spring! 

CASUAL FRIDAY

So it's not Friday, but tomorrow is so close enough, right? I have to say while I love casual Friday, it can often be a challenge. The hardest part is trying to remain chic while still taking advantage of the more relaxed dress code. These street style photos offer the perfect inspiration if your in a casual Friday rut. 

Who says you can't wear sequins to work? Actually, your boss might. You should definitely get a feel for your office first. If you have an office that is already pretty laid back from M-T, sequins on Friday might be ok. I love this skirt paired with the silk button up blouse. I would without a doubt have a productive workday in sequins. You just have too! 

You can still wear a "suit." Patterned separates are easily polished with a great blouse and blazer or jacket in complementary colors. 

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Casual Friday is the perfect time to play with color. I love the mustard and burgundy in this look. The pieces are tailored so they still look professional enough. Leave the metallic strappy sandals in your bad for after work. Even those aren't appropriate in an office setting on a Friday. 

Let's be honest, on casual Friday we all just want to wear jeans. If you are going to wear jeans, make sure they don't have holes or too faded. The worn look isn't professional enough in some settings. A dark wash is always the best way to go. 

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What's your favorite thing to wear on Casual Friday? 

WEAR TO WORK: J.CREW

I'm sure you all know by now that I love me some J.Crew. Their clothes are made so well and they are trendy while remaining classic. Lucky for me, I work in a business casual workplace which allows me to have a little fun with my work wardrobe. I could see myself wearing all of these styles to work. 

What is your go-to when shopping for work clothes?