Work That Look. Part One: Tops

Fashion at work can be a tricky thing to master if you are of the fortunate ones who do not have to wear some insidiously awful uniform to your job everyday. There's no doubt that you work hard for your money and maybe you want to be taken a tad bit more seriously. Here's a major tip, my little fashion cougar, leave the leopard print skinny jeans and slashed black tank at home. Unless of course you work at Hot Topic, for whatever absurd reason. I know, I've abandoned you for awhile what with school work and being a full time fashionista bogging me down but I'm back and with a vengeance no less. Today, I'm hear full of helpful do's, don'ts and tricks of the trade that will help you advance to up the company ladder and look fabulous doing it.

I'd like to preface all of my tricks by reminding you of the golden rule: No matter what size, shape or color you happen to be, in the long run it's all about FIT. If it doesn't fit right, put it back on the rack and try again. 

To start us off I'd like to talk about TOPS.

So, for those of you who are just venturing out into the workforce in a job where you don't ask if you'd like to "Upsize your combo for .50 more" I'd say try and start with some basics when building a work wardrobe.
Button Downs: Safest bet for a young professional.
1.) They're versatile.

Perfect example of a well fitted blouse in a good color.

             -- You can dress them up or down with accessories.
             -- They can be paired with just about any kind of bottom
2.) They come in every color under the sun.

Tucked into a chic skirt. Very put together!

            -- No matter your skin tone you're sure to find one in a great color
3.) They range in prices.
           -- Great for any budget.



Jackets. Yes, I'm talking suit jackets.A surprisingly good investment even if you don't purchase the entire suit. A suit jacket can be paired with a skirt or pants and make the entire look more PUT TOGETHER!  It's great for those days when you're trying to pull off trouser jeans in the office, too. By adding a suit jacket you're definitely giving off a much more professional outward appearance.
Now if a traditional suit jacket just really isn't for you try a blazer, the suit jacket's fun and feisty younger sister. I am absolutely in love with the idea of a bright pink satin blazer paired with black wide leg trousers, which we'll talk more about later, and a pair of pumps for work. It's professional with a younger edge... It's just so....profesh.

Tuxedo Jacket.

If I still haven't sold you on the idea of a jacket here's one more to try before you write it off all together... The tuxedo/menswear jacket trend. Yes, for the most part we see this trend paired with the minidress on the model who's legs go on for ages but surprisingly the tuxedo jacket is something I approve of for work... if done correctly. Here's how I suggest you do this look. Start with skinny black pants and a pair of funky colored platform stilettos add a fitted black or white t-shirt and a chunky necklace. Top with a tuxedo jacket, preferably in a neutral color add an armful of bangles and voila! The trick to menswear is making sure to add feminine accessories to keep you looking like your gender. 







 

Fashion Police

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning I sit on the same bench in the same hallway at the same time patiently awaiting my Shakespeare class to start. And on these days I often find myself watching the students and professors that walk by on their ways to class. As a consequence of my people watching fascination I often find myself noticing what people are wearing, not surprising, I'm sure. Oh the fashion I witness on this lovely campus, I must preface by saying it's not ALL bad, but let's be honest what my fellow co-eds have in brains they lack for in FASHION sense. So, as a new part of this blog each week I'll be picking one of the many people I witness wandering this hallway alone and tell you about their outfit and why their choice was a bad one. If I'm sneaky perhaps I'll be able to post pictures of the fashion violation. No promises, though.
So, who's this weeks victim? Well, she's a repeat offender with bad hair, horrid shoes and a lumpy look that isn't camouflaged well by her fashion choices. I'm not sure of her name but I am sure she's a professor, I'll endeavor to find her name so those of you who also attend this campus can check out fashion faux pas. I'm sure she's a fabulous professor but if you're going to be standing in front of groups of students everyday. How can you feel confident in your abilities when you look that bad?!
 However, I've failed to tell you about why she's being 'ticketed.' Let's talk about her outfit.
Hair- poofy, dark brown on top, yellowy orange on the bottom. I'll buy her some hairdye. There's nothing worse than two toned hair.
Outfit- Generally a large lumpy black sweater that makes her look bulky. Even on the nice days when it's gorgeous outside she has a different black sweater for each day. And always, always, always, a long polyester skirt that does nothing for the bottom half of her body. Generally about mid calf length in a hideous pattern in strange colors. Despite the fact that her skirt is generally rather long she is ALWAYS wearing black tights and black boots. God forbid she show some skin. I'm surprised she doesn't wear gloves and a ski mask as well. A little skin and less black would really brighten up the woman's wardrobe and probably her life as well.
And that's this weeks fashion criminal. Stay stylish my fellow fashionistas. Until next time.

April showers bring 1970's flowers

As we usher in the beautiful weather and delightfully warm, rainy nights we also usher in new fashion trends. Looks like the fashion cycle has brought back the 1970's. I have to admit I'm going to go against the fashion Gods with this trend. I just can't understand the need to bring back the 1970's. Can't we just let it rest in peace with Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison.

Yes, I'll admit it, the '70's were a liberating time for us fabulous females but honestly, it's 2011 we're liberated, we can wear what we please so why oh why must we bring back these trends? However, as always I feel the need to share the ugly side of fashion with you. So here we go with the 1970's trends to try. Hopefully after a few unsuccessful trips to the dressing room to try on these trends you'll see my point.
TREND 1: HOT PANTS
Okay, let's face it, the younger you are the shorter your shorts can be. However, in the '70's every woman and some men, from the looks of it, did the hot pants trend. Not sure 

of what I mean by hot pants? Well my friends, I'm talking about those legitimately short shorts, the ones your mother would be appalled if you left the house in them? Except, in the '70's they were high waisted and SHORT. Apparently, the higher fashion powers want to see more leg this season.
TREND 2: FLARE PANTS
Strangely enough, the next trend definitely lacks sex appeal. I'm talking about those pants that have a HUGE flare to them. The pants will definitely be the star of the show so if you're going to try this particular trend pair it with a simple top, a fitted tshirt or tank top, tucked in with a skinny belt to modernize the trend.
TREND 3: MAXI DRESSES
Okay, I'll give the '70's this, J'adore sheer maxi dresses. There's a certain air of romance that accompanies this particular trend. The soft sway of the skirt around your ankles, the light material, the vibrant colors. Everything about it makes me want to lay on the grass and watch the clouds float by on a sunday afternoon. The other fabulous trait of this particular trend is, just about anyone no matter your shape or size can wear this trend without fear. Its definitely one of the more flattering trends that are being resurrected this season.


ACCESSORIES:

Not only am I a slave to fashion but I am an accessory hound, to say the least. I'm completely obsessed with accessorizing. There's something about those long beaded earrings, with that flower embossed belt, and wide brim straw hat that really pulls any of the '70's revival looks together.

All in all I'm not loving the '70's revival as much as my fellow fashion superstars but I will give the this, some of these trends can be adorable if done properly.
READ CAREFULLY:  I am NOT encouraging you to borrow your mother's tiger print jumpsuit and platform clogs. Don't do it. You know who you are, as do I. I will hunt you down and burn your jumpsuit. Sorry, dahhhhliinghk. Ta Ta for now.

Laura Ingalls Wilder invaded my closet

Hello fellow fashionistas! It's been awhile, I know. But I'm back and with a vengeance, no less. What you may ask has got my la perla's in a twist? PRAIRIE, that's what. Laura Ingalls Wilder has invaded my closet and taken my short, sleek, black cocktail dress and replaced it with a flowing, floral frock with crocheted back. WHAT THE HELL?!
The innocent, sweet look is sweeping the fashion nation like wildfire. I love floral, I love crochet, and I love little house on the prairie but... that's where those fashions belong back on the PRAIRIE with Laura and Almanzo. You look like you're wearing a bad halloween costume.
However, like every trend there's the bad and the good. Let's take a second to talk about how to do the prairy look in a good way, if you choose to do so against your better judgment and my advice....

FLORAL SUNDRESS- YES! There is however a difference between a regular floral frock and a PRAIRIE floral frock. The prairie frock has more of the tiny flowers all over in navy blues, pinks, and browns.
How to wear it so you don't look like you ripped of a cast member of little house: Caramel colored slouch boots and a headband with a large flower on it in a color that matches the dress. Just because prairie is hideous doesn't mean you shouldn't match.
FLORAL SHORTS- ABSOLUTELY! What can I say this is the one prairie trend that I adore. There's something utterly fabulous about floral shorts. However, let's keep this trend modern, ladies. Pair your shorts with a slouchy belted top and cork wedge sandals. OR try an asymmetrical top and slingback flats. However, I vote for wedge sandals, what can I say? I am a woman obsessed.
CROCHET- To knit or not to knit? I personally hate crochet. But unfortunately no matter where I go I see crocheted backs on tops... and what am I if not a slave to fashion? So yes, I'll just admit it, this fashionista has succumbed to the pressures of modern style and bought a few tops with crocheted backs. However, I would advise against owning more than 3 tops with crocheted backs. It gets to be too much after a while. Repetition is never a good thing.

On that note my fellow fashion lovers, I'm off to work on my first novel Diary of a Closet fashionista.

It's time to spring forward into some spectacular spring fashions but beware because Laura's on the loose and she might hit your closet next.