Back to Business

Firstly, dear Reader - I know I left for a while.... I could bore you with the reasons but trust that over this time, I have absorbed many a good story and ideas to share with you. My quest for a happy and well-dressed work life remains steadfast! I hope you have been well. And now for my first topic...

As I revealed in my very last post, I moved further away from the office this year. The new commute got me thinking about bags. I love a good bag, but between the daily haul and poor posture while sitting at the computer, my shoulders and neck bear an eternal kink. Not to mention that most bags use a full hand, leaving only one free to do important things like hold on to a subway pole.

Since I can't just carry a wallet and phone (lucky men!), I found that a conscious bag switch has made things more comfortable. Calling on the days of longer strapped purses of the 80's, I now use a cross body bag. It is naturally a bit smaller so you can't load it up as much and offers:

- Hands free commuting - leaving them to be used for anything else (coffee, iPod/iPad). 

- The ability to switch shoulders without always favoring one side
- Easier access to grab pertinent items out of your bag quickly - like your metrocard or work ID

Any old bag won't do so here are some suggestions.... it should still be structured enough to be suitable for work.

This one has cute colors for summer and not too light to have to clean too often:
Designer: Botkier

This canvas number is perfect for summer (if we ever get one).
Designer: Liebeskind

This mixed material bag is sophisticated and unique.
Designer: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Now to deal with my posture at work - maybe I should get an exercise ball instead of a chair?

Changing Locations

Ironically, a move to a new floor at the office has coincided with a move to a new home for me. From this, I have concluded:

• The universe decided I needed a change of scenery in the two places I frequent the most... I rather agree.

• I really don't mean to be, but I might be a pack rat. I am sentimental about items from the past (like keeping a few of my old business cards and some very old sorority t-shirts).

• Moving is so not fun - stressful and painstaking - yet as soon as I am unpacked, the experience wipes clean from my brain like it never happened. Now if I can just get to those boxes of files I've hidden near the windows at my office.

In honor of this physical transition, I have picked out a delicious piece from Milly. It can change its location in your wardrobe - wear it as either a work dress with a navy blazer or a cocktail dress. Let's hope Spring comes soon so I can wear it!

Going Deeper

I thought I was the only one who was more than ready to see 2012 end until my casual "good riddance" comment on NYE was met with a resounding "cheers" at the dinner table. Since then, many people I've crossed paths with so far this year have said the same thing.  So on to a new year! 

I kicked off the new year reading a couple of books with more spiritual biases: Proof of Heaven and Unbroken (highly recommended). While they are both very different yet true stories, their messages were similar: love, patience and positive thinking can help you get through anything and allow you to enjoy your life despite adversity. It's a message that probably a lot of people already know. But like many things, you need to learn it on your own to know it.

To maintain this inner learning, I plan to do more yoga and take up acupuncture. I am on a mission to not stress from work as much as I did last year too. I have adopted a new work mantra: be patient with yourself, you are doing the best you absolutely can and if you can't get to it today, tomorrow will have to be ok. I have a theory that the less you 'care' about work, the more success you have.  I'll let you know how that goes.

2013 is the year of the snake (same as my birth-year - and I'm going to take it as a sign that it's going to be a good year)... More specifically, the black snake. No wonder I've been so focused on black. I picked up a versatile black cami from Madewell - perfect for slithering around the office under jackets at work, but flattering tucked in to a skirt or over skinny jeans for weekend.

2013 will be a year of rebalancing and learning for me... What will it be for you?

Dressing for 3 More Months of Winter

I've been accused of being that kid that was already anticipating the end of summer vacation in June. I'd be lying if I completely denied it... So I was already thinking about the dull period that comes post New Year's, where the weather is colder and there's no major holidays for a while. Planning weekend trips and finding different pieces for my wardrobe to jazz up the days are how I get through them. Here are some ideas on the latter:

-Try different nail polish colors for the office: having one nail a different color than the rest is a current trend. While I think it's generally a no-no for the office, the right color combo that's a shade darker or lighter could work. Here's one I tried that I think does and it's prettier in person:

Essie 'Carry On' and 'Leading Lady'

-Experiment with different tights in color and pattern. Wolford is having a sale! Recall our post from earlier this year on the topic. 

- Skip winter and peruse the upcoming spring clothing... I've already found a warmer weather obsession to save for from RED Valentino:

The shoes are so pretty too!

So Parisian and pretty... Ooh, Paris in the Spring sounds like a great idea. 

Adopting Holiday Spirit

Some years can feel super holiday - where you've had ample time to think about it, have fun parties and get-together's planned and generally happy to hear Christmas songs when walking in to a crowded Gap. Other years, the holiday period seems to have snuck up on you. All of sudden there are small white lights everywhere, your getting cards from people and charities in your mailbox and all you can think is, wasn't it just August?

This year I am in the latter camp. But instead of maintaining a deer in headlights stance, I've decided to combat it head on. I will get in the holiday mood! I will not be annoyed by the music and the crowds and the forced office party! Here is my 5 step action plan:

• Buy a Christmas tree. I will withstand the pine needle mess and soak in the natural pine fragrance like an aromatherapy treatment.
• Ignore the Scrooge in me and organize my calendar, RSVPing yes to most holiday invitations.
• Buy a great day to night dress for the office party and actually dress it up after 6pm: 

Click here for sources.

Some other options here at refinery29.


• Be a secret santa and give to charity - with all the people in need right here in NYC, this is easy.
• Write out my blessings this year. Everyday includes a running list of all things I still need to do or all the things I wish I had (time, money). My soul will be reminded of all the things I am blessed with!

I'll let you know how it goes...