Downtime at the office (Phew) - Take advantage of the slower week

The last week of the year, between Christmas and New Years, is one of our favorites to work. Since it tends to be much quieter, you can get yourself organized for the craziness January will certainly bring.

Both Lex and Ludlow consistently take their year end vacations the week prior, volunteering to work this week in order to get ahead of the new year.

Here is our top 10 list (ok, maybe 6), to take advantage of the downtime:

1. Organize! Your desk. Your client lists. The reference materials you always keep close by. Upcoming meetings will need some prep - you can get started. Also, get a handle on any future business trips so you know what you'll need well in advance.

Use the downtime at work to get home a bit earlier than normal, and organize your closet. Ludlow is hitting up the Container Store to FINALLY complete that project. Her poor clothes have been crammed for way too long.

2. Pamper yourself: book a massage and facial. It will be likely be a while before you get one of these in your schedule again.

3. Shop for food and cook dinner. Go food shopping (or order Fresh Direct, our favorite in NYC) and actually make yourself a proper meal.... for once. Shop for the week too so you can kick start your post December diet -- a week early. You won't feel so guilty about your calorie intake on NYE if you eat healthy the week before!

4. After Christmas Sales! There will be some good after Christmas bargains to be had - the best way to put designer pieces in your wardrobe without the sticker shock. You can stay away from the crowds and go online. Here are a couple of good links: Bergdorf's up to 60% off, J.Crew additional 20%, Net A Porter up to 70% off

5. Plan a trip, especially if you stayed local for the holidays. You will be itching for a break soon. Even if it's a long weekend, get something booked within the first 3 months of the year to look forward to. Jetsetter is the perfect site to get this done.

6. Thank you notes for the gifts you received from co-workers, family and friends. Call us old fashioned but hand written notes can come across more thoughtful than an email or text (if you can swing it timewise).

***We want to hear from you! What will you do this week, when you actually have a bit of downtime at work?

Timesaver for work, with an edge

Ludlow is a sucker for details. Since this Carven jacket and combo dress are full of them, she absolutely had to have them!

The designer just so happened to have earned his stripes in true couture, where details are the most important thing. Lucky for us, he's applied this same approach to his ready-to-wear collection.

Not only is the ensemble stylish, but also very warm.... the coldest months of the year are still ahead of us (ugh).

Details to point out:

1) The jacket's zip closure and leotard shape at the lower half. This is less noticeable from far away, like this shot, making it still appropriate for even the most stuffy of offices.

2) The grosgrain belt, seen again below, is attached to the jacket. That's right, attached to the inside of the jacket. This makes the jacket stay closed, without being zipped shut. 

3) The shoulders are cool and edgy. Reminiscent of Lady Gaga and also nicely balancing for those with broader hips. 

And the last detail (promise!): the interlacing on the back of the dress.. so cute. The jacket actually has the same detailed interlacing at the back.

For accesories, we'd keep it simple and recommend black stockings, a simple pair of gold earrings and a watch... let all the details make the statement.

Click here to shop the jacket, and here to shop the matching combo dress.

One stop dressing for work

Continuing on our theme of 'timesavers for work', the combo dress (dresses that look like two pieces in one) certainly have their interests aligned with ours.

Lex finds this combo dress from L'Agence (click here to shop it!) to be an easy transition from office to cocktails, so you really get bang for your buck. Also great for those holiday cocktails after work. Use your accessories, such as a bracelet, ring or pair of heels to add a pop of color.

Work Holiday Party Dressing

It's that time of year again! Holiday parties at work are here. Often these events carry only left tail risk, depending on the number of drinks you take on (can you tell we may have worked in finance at least once? OK, only downside). During her time in London, Ludlow's first holiday party included: 1) an actual fist fight that a senior manager had to physically stop and 2) a scandalous office hookup. Thankfully she wasn't involved in either. You can blame it on Europe, but we know of similar stories domestically.

With that in mind, here are some tips and recommendations for that upcoming holiday bash.

Do:
1) Take a few minutes to brush your hair, and even jazz up your makeup with some eyeliner and mascara. 

2) Take off the jacket or blazer, add some fun earrings or a bracelet.

Ludlow had a client meeting the day of her party,
so she added these pieces for the evening.

3) Don't be afraid to wear something cute, especially if it's more formal. Ludlow just picked this Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress up for a black tie charity event.

Lex will wear this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress to her holiday party - stylish and fun without being too risque. Notice the pretty detail on the back.

Don't:

1) Put on something short, tight or low cut. This rule applies at all times for work, holiday party or not. You are, after all, still in the same room as your boss.

2) Overdo the makeup- loads of eyeshadow might look like a costume to your co-workers, especially if you are still under the harsh lighting of the office.

3) Drink too much. You may be in the company of work friends and having a really good time but, you want to remember the juicy details for the next day and know you are in the clear from any bad gossip. Plus, you probably still have to work the next day. We're not trying to be moms, but make sure you eat and drink water.

Happy holidays!