Looking like you splurged for work

We came across this perfect example of looking like you spent a few thousand dollars on your clothes for work without actually doing it. 

The keys to this example:

- lovely neutral color palette, 

- a vintage piece (the blouse is her friend's grandmother's), 

- the skirt and bag are basics from commercial brands like Anne Klein (=cost savings)

Notice the booties (Calvin Klein, so the mixed-in expensive piece) have a cutout, elongating the leg, just like we featured last fall. 

You're bound to get the question "Love that, where did you get it?". Whether you want to reveal the secret is entirely up to you.

What Not Not to Wear

...or said another way, what TO wear. While perusing the WSJ series "Work Wear" again, we came across a well put together lady and some sage advice. We thought it worthy to share both.


From lady of style Rachel Roy to women dressing for work, we couldn't have said it better ourselves: "Dress for the job you'd like to have, not for the job you currently have. Dress for the story that you'd like to have people know about you before you even open your mouth. And dress so that your taste level comes across, because people with impeccable taste also have impeccable intelligence."


Loving her outfit too. If you can't wear sandals to your office, black pumps are an easy replacements.

All items from, of course, Rachel Roy, except that necklace. That's Givenchy.

Preppy and Proud

If you've ever spent time in Nantucket, you may have heard of a local watering hole called the Chicken Box. What Ludlow saw there, as her first experience on this quaint island, is forever burned in her brain. Every single man in the bar, except maybe the large bouncer, must have received a text earlier in the day: 
'dudes: chicken box, 10pm, pink or blue shirts and khakis or seersuckers, no exceptions. cya there' 
Her jaw hung low as she looked around in awe at the homogeneous sausage party. How does one tell any of these guys apart? 


She did eventually find an appreciation for the preppy look and how to work the vibrant prints, and stripes that come with it. So while we'll probably never be huge Lily Pulitzer fans, the prep in us wants to work this look at the office. Drawing inspiration from Ludlow's most recent weekend trip to the island, here's how we like to rock the preppy look at work:

The classic seersucker jacket is styled with a popped collar and rolled sleeves to make it a bit more modern. (The piece is old, but similar can be found here (at Brooks Brothers).) The trousers we've showed you before - solid J.Crew pleated ankle length. Perfect for summer and stretchy for your off days. (Similar here)

We added gold accessories and shoes, but you could easily do a bright pink shoe for  an extra preppy take. 


So prep it up at the office on a Friday before you head out for "the Tuck" and you'll fit right in starting from the plane ride. We hear Rusted Root is playing at the Chicken Box at the end of July. 

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.

She's Shifty

......she's just my type! 

(a little sidebar tribute to the beastie boys, may Adam "MCA" Yauch rest in peace)

Something easily forgotten these days is that fashion is not only a product of creativity, but also of function and social change. Bet you didn't know (or probably ponder) that bermuda shorts came in to existence because of a shortage of clothing during World War II in Bermuda!

A historical and functional fashion reference for women is the shift dress. In 1920, women in the US earned the right to vote, equally to men. Women were empowered to break social norms and flappers started wearing shift dresses. They found them comfortable, easy to dance in and a rebellion against the cinched waists that had been in style in the previous decades. Shift dresses were also popular during the mod fashion era of the 60's - arguably another decade of social change.

We love what they represent!

The chic French brand Sandro has an amazing shift dress for this summer, complete with pockets and fun color (and their sale is going on now!). It's a classic piece, flattering for every shape and for any part of your life, including the office:

(The shoes are Louboutin Summer '11)

Plus it has a bow detail in the back that we went crazy for:

So celebrate the shift dress for the freedom it symbolizes - after all it was created so we could dance to the Beastie Boys if we wanted to!