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?

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?

A Confession and a Gorgeous Pair of Black Pumps

A confession from Ludlow to her budget:
Forgive me budget, for I have sinned. It has been 2 months since my last confession (pretty good, no?). I recently splurged on a pair of black Louboutins.. and while I was originally going for a basic pair of pumps for work, I couldn't help but acquire these.

Yes, I am a shoe whore. I collect them, admire them from afar and up close too. I never tire of them. But, I adhere to one rule: if I am going to splurge, they need to be the coolest, most unique version of themselves. It's true, one can argue that basics are where one can justify spending more given the higher probability of overall use per pair.

But I argue that you can find a basic shoe anywhere, and spending more should only be for the special items. 

I love the cutout on the inside of the shoe, 
I love that they are shiny but not patent leather and of course, 
I love the flare of red that will peek out with my conservative black suits and dresses. After all, I can't not be me completely.

Fear not budget, as I will suffer for my sin. They are high in height and pointed in toe. I will carry them in their little red bag while walking in flats, and change in to them only when securely at my desk.

You're As Cold As Ice...

...You're willing to sacrifice"..style? No way! 

Sure, when I first get in to the office on a hot summer day, the cool corporate air is a welcome relief. But by the time I've settled in to my desk and begun my day, which usually entails very low levels of physical activity, I am on my way to freezetown. Hello goosebumps. 

If you are a hotblooded chick that reaches a sheen easily, then read no further. I envy you (particularly in the dead of winter).

But, if you are like me (and you could conceivably find a chill in the desert), here are ways to manage around the cold office during hot summer days: 

Blazer: May be obvious but a good blazer can make a trash bag dress from Project Runway look structured. Keep a black or white cotton one at the office for warmth, and that client meeting you didn't know you would have. Then leave it behind before heading to dinner or drinks for the evening.

Loving this linen blazer from Loft. The modern cut with no lapel means it should work with everything and the pushed up sleeves is a nice effect.

 

Structured Cardigan: somewhere in between a basic cardigan and a blazer... The most versatile thing you can own (ok, one of).

Zara has a number of these to choose from and all are reasonably priced. This one is cozy and neutral enough to match with almost anything.

Scarf: Well, not the one your grandma knitted. Think a thin cashmere or cotton/silk mix.

Like this one from ASOS.

Of course, these aren't mutually exclusive so layer up if it feels right.

Big props to Foreigner circa 1977.

A little detail indulgence

They say the devil is in the details. When it comes to fashion, we say the joy is in the details. Whether it's a skinny belt, well crafted shoulders on a jacket or some buttons going up the back of a dress, we love to find little added treats.

These Prada heels fit right in with that theme. 

The metal adds an edge we love, while the pinky beige shade keeps it sophisticated.. not to mention neutral enough to wear with anything at the office this summer.

Another reason we love these comes down to this detail: the shape of the heel. It's the same heel seen on many of the Prada Spring '12 Runway styles that are too crazy for the office but SO creative and fun. Check these out: jewel toe flame sandals. (Ludlow secretly hoped they lit up in the back, and you had to hide batteries in the heel.) 

So our featured, tamer pair, allows you have a little fashion cake, and eat it too. 

NB: These shoes were found directly at a Prada store, but can be found in red and black here.

How to work the neon trend into your office wardrobe

Following from blues, another trend for Spring '12 is neon. Very fun and nostalgic of the 80's, but not exactly the most office friendly. You are the best judge of what you can get away with at your office, but generally the level of stuffiness is negatively correlated to the amount of neon you can wear. Ludlow would love to wear this hot pink blazer to her office: Preen jacket, with the pants to match, but alas it would not add to her career (and also diminish her savings account!).

We think the best way to incorporate neon is through accessories:

We found these really great necklaces from Bloomingdale's with a hint of neon in three colors (pink, yellow and blue).  A nice price as well, $40! 

For the office we suggest a single strand, and love the pink with a navy blazer and white tank. 

For a weekend look, we doubled up the yellow and blue and grabbed a black blazer for a fun night out.

Accessories aren't just jewelry - we found this pink plastic pouch (from ASOS) perfect for your mini toiletries for the days you plan to hit the gym.

It fits easily into your purse and can double as a clutch, BUT only in a pinch.

This laptop case (from ASOS) adds a bright spot to your travels.

Patterned Tights in the Office

With winter in full swing finally, tights become an integral part of any work wardrobe.  

Firstly, it's another great accessory for the LBD. These pattern tights from Wolford (Ludlow's fav) dress up a simple LBD for the office and cocktails (or dinner). Notice the belt is black this time. Generally, other accessories should be toned down with patterned tights.

A couple of our other favorite tights, from Hue (Lex's fav):

Some tips when it comes to tights at the office:

• Fishnets are fine as long as they are small patterned.
• Personally, we don't love nude colored tights, but love nude colored fishnets (again small patterned) which are also great in trouser socks.
• For plain black tights, we tend to do them a bit cheaper and go for Leggs from our local drugstore.
• Colored tights are really tough to pass off at the office. We suggest sticking to blacks and grays.

What a difference a belt makes.

Both Lex and Ludlow believe in the LBD as a staple piece for work and beyond. But, without the right accessories, it's really just a black dress. This one sat in Ludlow's closet for a year before she figured out what it needed for work.

 

The missing link: a skinny belt like the patterned one below from J.Crew  

 

Voila!: a cute dress, with a touch of a trend. Grab a blazer or jacket and you are good to go for that client meeting....or just cool weather. Add black tights for the winter.

The LBD is also a good companion for patterned tights. Just make sure the rest of the accessories are simple (aka, we wouldn't wear the belt above and patterned tights).

Because, when it comes to the office, there is room for only one major 'value add'.....for your outfit, that is.