Opportunities in Office Style

The Wall Street Journal's "Heard on the Runway" Work Wear series has been documenting office style around NYC. We've been tracking it with interest as firms from varying industries are profiled.

We wondered, how were these people chosen? Were they the best dressed in the whole office (aka "office hot")? Were they perhaps the best performing for the year to date? Or did everyone throw their business cards in to a fish bowl and 15 or so of them were picked? 

While many photos have been interesting and entertaining (like the very serious looking man with hot pink socks). We have to say that some of these were disappointing as examples of good office style and we just couldn't resist pointing out opportunities for improvement... So here goes.

Behold, Subject A:

• Sandals with a full on grey wool suit? They are totally out of context. Wear them with a floral sundress? Perfect. What about linen trousers? Lovely. But, not a classic grey suit.

Our suggestion: charcoal grey closed toe heels of any kind (like these)

• This brings us to another matter. Even in this shot, it's clear that inside the sandals are not just feet but feet inside white stockings. It makes us cringe on a number of levels. 1) Sandals are open and airy for your feet and feet alone 2) stockings inside sandals are so very grandma 3) WHITE stockings?!!

Our suggestion: If your office is too conservative to show your toes, just don't wear sandals. Even if it's not, wear charcoal grey closed toe heels with this (or at least please take the stockings off!).

• The cut of the jacket is a bit loose around the shoulders and waist. The most flattering jackets are where the arms are cut a bit higher in to the armpit. This makes arms look thinner, creating a smaller silhouette for the whole top half (like this one).

Our suggestion: This jacket could use some further tailoring, to make it a bit more fitted.

As a side note, the subject's pose is certainly interesting. They look as though they are warming up for ronde de jambes at the barre during ballet class.  Maybe they take classes in the evenings after a hard day's work? Ooh, that might explain the white stockings.

Figure Flattering Peplum

In a previous post we featured one of our favorite Spring trends: Peplum. And we can't seem to get enough of it.

We honestly couldn't walk out of Zara without this bright red skirt. Trust us, we tried but got as far as about a block down the street before that gnawing feeling beat us down. Like a moth to a flame, we promptly turned around and purchased.

What specifically did we love so much about it?

1. The peplum was actually assymetrical... and you know what little edgey details do to us.
2. The flaring is around your middle area which means it's a great piece for the not-so-skinny feeling days. It literally hides any bloat.
3. The bright orangey-red color and the stretchy linen fabric are perfect for summer.
4. Did we mention the location of the flaring covers up the pizza we ate too late last night?
5. The final detail: pretty gold buttons snap it together in the back (see below).

With a color this bright and design this pretty, all you need is a basic white button down and nude pumps. Be sure to tuck in the top so the peplum is kept in focus and enjoy!

The Summer Work Commute: You never know who you'll run in to

Commuting to work can range from easy to downright sh#tshow on any given day. Like when the train just won't move due to "train traffic ahead". What? In this day and internet age, train traffic can't be "planned ahead"? 

No matter how late you are running or how hot it is this summer, it remains important to look somewhat professional. We're not suggesting you always (or ever!) deck yourself out in full makeup and a dress everyday. But, in our experience following a few rules and resisting the temptation to be too summer casual can make the difference the next time you bump in to a fellow colleague, the head of your division, or even your CEO.

1) Don't wear flip flops, no matter how tempted you are to throw them on while running out the door. Ballet flats present a more polished look.

While it seems everyone has a pair of Tory Burch flats, we like this lower cost leopard print pair from Steve Madden.

Neutral enough for almost anything

2) No jean jackets, no fleeces. These should really be for weekends only. Only old school traders can get away with them at work. For cooler mornings, throw on a scarf, cardigan or blazer, like this one Ludlow just picked up from Zara.

We LOVE the button detail on the cuffs.

3) No messenger bags, backpacks or anything made of nylon. The bag you carry should be professional, but it doesn't have to be expensive.  We like this canvas and leather hobo from Madewell - neutral, summery and reasonable!

May your summer commute be happy and stress free!

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.

Brighten up your day

Nothing says it better than the song "Summertime" from DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, from 1991 (can you believe that was 21 years ago? the song is of drinking age now!):
"school is out and it's a sort of a buzz,
a back then I didn't really know what it was,
but now I see what have of this,
the way that people respond to summer madness".

Warmer weather generally makes us as humans happier. Even the air in NYC smells better as the weather improves. Weekdays can start to become something to look forward to with longer hours of light for outdoor workouts or dinners.

How we dress is often a reflection of our mood. With summer almost here, we wanted to share a great piece that reflects that higher level of cheeriness.

This tie dress from DVF does the trick.

The bateau neck and tie waist flatters any figure. And of course, we love the button detailing in the back (since we are suckers for detail). Wear it with a neutral pair of heels and a chunky bracelet.

This dress is reminiscent of 70's styling too - a remake if you will - just like the DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince song was a great remake of a 1974 Kool & the Gang song.