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?

Rainy day blues...and you have to get to work

With this weekend's out of season snow/rain storm in the Northeast, we thought it might be helpful to share how we dress for bad weather.

Nothing is worse than waking up to a gray rainy day......especially if it’s Monday.

By the time you arrive at the office, your shoes are soaked and the crease of your trousers has completely disappeared. Here’s how we’ve learned to dress for those rainy days, so you can still look presentable after you get to your desk.

• A skirt or a dress is always a better choice than trousers no matter what the season
• If you absolutely must wear pants on a rainy day, opt for a pair that are cropped with a flat front (no crease)
• Invest in a pair of wellies and carry your shoes in your purse or even a plastic shopping bag

Two 'investment' pieces for the rain, every working woman should have:

Wellies – these have become more high fashion (Jimmy Choo created a whole line for Hunter Boots) but we still prefer the classic tall boot which runs at about $125 and comes in a variety of colors (our suggestion, keep it basic with the color). Click here to take a look: Original Hunter Boot

Trench coat – a staple wardrobe piece that everyone should own. It's lightweight and will keep your clothes dry. Plus, it looks great on everyone. Like the wellies keep it basic with the color. Consider beige, navy or black only.

TIPS:

1)   If the belt of the trench comes with a buckle don’t use it. Tie the belt into a knot

2)   When not using the belt tuck the ends into the pockets of the coat. This way, the ends of the belt won’t flap around or get caught in a taxi door (like ours always do when we forget this trick!)

Where to find: Burberry carries the all time classic trench plus many really edgey styles that makes us drool....but the price tag can be hard to swallow (~$900-$1500)! So, below are links to couple of other choices we found, that won’t break the bank:

• Trench at Madewell

• Trench at JCrew