Fashion for the full-time job
ModCloth is speaking my language today! This week’s Weekly Wow email featured an entire stylebook of “Profresh” outfits.
The pattered blazer, heels and vintage hair combo is clutch – though I would choose a more conservative dress to keep it office appropriate.
I’ve been wearing my glasses to work for the past few months and I hope that I look this adorable at 2:30pm. That post-lunch slump is no joke!
I’m just under seven months into my transition and my hair has become so monotonous, I feel like the intro to that Katt Williams standup – everyday I’m bunnin’ it, everyday I’m bunnin’ it, everyday I’m – everyday I’m – everyday I’m bunnin’ it!
Sigh…Again?
Don’t get me wrong I will bust out a cute braidout on the weekends, but when it comes to work I won’t let my curls out unless they are just right.
The CharyJay “Twisted to the Side” tutorial, posted on Curly Nikki, was just what I needed! She inspired me to find more cute styles to wear to work.
See more kinky-curly looks for work after the jump!
About as chic as a TPS report.
I’ve done it, you’ve done it, everyone has committed this particular office wear crime. One day you wake up and you just can’t make the effort to style yourself, so you fall back on the nine-to-five uniform – the plain button-down and slacks. This ultra bland ensemble (if you can even call it that) has plagued our cubicles for too long. We must take action before we ourselves blend into the dull grey fabric walls!
The solution? A closet stocked with non-basic blouses. You’ll be exerting the same effort (you’re still only throwing together two pieces) but you will look way more put-together.
One big tip: choose blouses with sleeves to cut out the extra step of matching a cardigan or jacket.
via Cupcakes and Cashmere
See six beautiful non-basic blouses after the jump!
Textured mint blazer from Honestlywtf.com
Grab a tictac – it’s time to get minty! The pale green color is one of the biggest trends this spring and there are so many ways to weave it into your professional wardrobe.
Add some visual chill to your outfit when you top it off with a mint blazer or sweater (click the pics to shop).
Topshop Pointe Shrunken Blazer - $70
J. Crew Mint Wynter Sweater - $34.99
Embrace fresh texture with this mint lace blouse.
ASOS PETITE Lace Blouse With Double Collar - $44.76
This blouse is made for petites, but unless you have a very long torso don’t let that stop you. One of my favorite Banana Republic blouses is petite and I simply wear it with high-waisted slacks.
Make a bold move with these cool mint trousers. I would go super sweet and wear them with a white blouse and yellow sweater.
Cotton Ankle Grazer Trousers - $64
Now…what hair to wear with these sleek and sweet mint items? My instinct is to keep the polish all the way turnt up with a chic low bun.
Mint sweater from Trendmill.com
But then again…
Mint coat and fro from honestlywtf.com
For more inspiration check out my Minty Fresh pinboard!
Three Natural Beauties
LA’s natural-haired beauties gathered Saturday for the K is for Kinky natural hair meetup, Curly Kinky Fly! I’ve been transitioning for six months and I’ve been feeling the frustration big time, so I was THRILLED to walk into a room full of fantastic fros, spiraled curls and intricate updo’s. The meetup was sponsored by Beautiful Textures and featured manicures by the KLEUR Collective, a Mahogany Hair Revolution trim and blowout bar, and hair product demonstrations by celebrity natural hair stylist, Felicia Leatherwood!
Of course I had to get all dapper and dandy for the occasion. Ralph Lauren ruffled blouse (styled with blazer and Joie boots here), Rugby belt and shorts, and Preview leather oxfords. Thanks to Gabrielle Utsey for the fun photos of me!
My full outfit
Our lovely host, Angel, Editor-in-Chief of K is for Kinky!
Angel with her Halo
I got to meet the talented Felicia Leatherwood – Felicia has done natural styles on stars such as Jill Scott, Kim Coles, Will Smith, Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Hill Harper(to name a few)
…no biggie.
Me and Felicia!
See my new professional muse and many more after the jump!
Cause we like to par-tay! This week I made it to Destinations, the 3.1 Phillip Lim event celebrating his spring/summer accessories collection. Refinery 29 co-hosted this blogger night featuring Fashion Toast, Sincerely Jules, and Late Afternoon. Walking in I noticed the boutique’s textured walls and way the rooms oozed into each other.
The concept of the ’31 Hour Bag’ is perfect for a cubicle cutie.
Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day. You plan what you can, throw the rest in your bag and let the day unfold. You need an effortless bag that carries you through the day and transforms you into the night.
The 31 Hour bag is just that – the leather is so soft to the touch, the handles and zipper close are unique, and the style remains simple enough to carry every day. The orange bag was my favorite at first glance, but after flipping through the souvenir newspaper I am now sold on the black and white version.
I love how this collection finishes simple pastel outfits with metallic and textured accessories. The mannequins had bright pops of color and leopard print added in the most unexpected places.
See my favorite ‘workable’ outfits of the evening plus more party ensembles after the jump!
The trench coat is the ultimate classic piece. With this one timeless garment you can be cool and mysterious, yet polished and effortless. In addition the trench is (depending on the length) seasonless. It looks just as good over autumn’s slacks as it does over spring’s sheath dresses.
I am a huge fan of the mid-length trench that falls at just above the knee. Tie them up tight a la Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, or drape them loosely over the shoulders for an instant dose of casual chic. Notice that there are warmer and cooler shades of beige and pick one that flatters your skin tone.
For a dash of personality, switch out the buttons on a classic trench or grab one with a fun detail like ruffles. If you’re a fan of the bolder trench – one with a bright color or statement sleeves – I would suggest getting a cheaper option first. Sure there’s a chance you’ll fall in love and wear your neon green polka dot trench with everything, but make sure you are being honest with yourself before you shell out a couple hundred dollars on a style that might not last.
Get inspired by more trenched looks on my pinboard, Private Eye!
Calling all cuties – there is a great sale happening on Jcrew.com and it ends tonight! Take an extra 30% off all final sale items with the code OURTREAT.
Now is the perfect time to pick up those great transitional pieces. Many of the discounted items are warm enough to wear in layers today and they’re right in line with upcoming spring trends. Check out my top picks and click the pictures to shop.
Fanfare Jacket – $168 $99
Big, beautiful prints are popular this season and this jacket is a perfect execution of the trend. It’s full of motion and the simple structure keeps the print from being too overwhelming. I’m inspired by Eva, featured in The Sartorialist, to pair this jacket with an orange or rust-colored top.
Image source: The Sartorialist
Jardin Skirt – $88 $69.50
Comic book guy from The Simpsons called – “Could this be any more on trend?” The length, the fullness, the pleats…so hot right now! Go basic with the dark pewter or pump up the color with the gorgeous rich purple option.
Bateau Button Sweater - $88 $24.99
A quality basic at a price you can’t beat. Pair this with either of the first two items. Shoot, pair it with anything.
Biella high-heel loafers – $265 $99, Greer Platform Heels – $250 $99
I’m loving the discounts on these shoes! They each have elements similar to other iconic heels, but without the iconic prices. The Biella loafers are a simpler version of the Tommy Hilfiger loafer pumps. The Greer platform has a silhouette that is reminiscent of Jeffrey Campbell’s Darian sandal, but it is streamlined and work appropriate.
There are plenty of great options in today’s sale. Happy shopping!
The Nicola Chiffon Blouse in Rust is an excellent seasonal transition piece. The rich color works well with winter corduroys and slacks, while the bow and sheer fabric will be light enough to match a light spring skirt when the weather turns.
Balance the billowing shape of the blouse with a slim black pant. These BCBG slacks are a steal at $35!
The Asos bow pumps add even more sophistication – plus the Mary Jane strap and sturdy block heel will make it easier to walk in this 3” pump.
Finally, add the perfect pop of color with these delicate blue-grey earrings, also from Shop Ruche. Wear your hair up in a loose bun or ponytail to show them off!
Image Source: Ny.Racked.com
According to my coworkers Super Bowl Monday the most skipped day of the entire work year. Whether you’re at your desk or “out sick”, ruminating or celebrating, I hope my shopping tale entertains you.
Twas the night before Wu-day and all through Google Chrome
I decided which items would become my own
The Target was chosen through the store locator with care
In hopes that other fashionistas would not be there.
*RECORD SCRATCH* Fast forward to Sunday morning when I slept through my alarm – delay of game, awesome! I arrived at Target ten minutes before the doors opened and I saw about 30 people already in line. A man with a bullhorn explained the rules (no pushing, only one of each item per person…ok ref I got it) and the doors opened!
It was a clean match and within 15 minutes the racks were bone dry. I got my game-winning trophy: the Sleeveless Pleated Shift Dress in Blush Stripes with Black Belt.
Lace & Ruffle Ankle Boots – Moda
Tights – Hue
Stud Earrings – Nordstrom Rack
Flower Necklace – Forever 21
Charm Bracelet – Juicy Couture
The other item I really wanted was the light blue canvas pleated skirt, but this location didn’t carry it so I had to bench that thought. Instead I subbed in a casual cute piece, the Milu tee.
Cardigan – Banana Republic
Skirt- H&M
Spectacles Necklace – Forever 21
Flats – Tahari
Milu probably won’t be coming to the cubicle with me, but I’ll gladly wear her to the next big game!
Did you score any Jason Wu for Target or were you watching the fray from the sidelines?
