Express yourself: Pearls & a classic pinstripe suit

Since my Interview Suit posting, I have received questions via blog comments and e-mails about suiting. Those questions inspired this post about suiting color, pricing, and interview etiquette. 

   

Suit Color

Question: Is coordinating separates of different colors good for standing out?

Answer: I love seeing separates mixed in daily workwear but for an interview this is as much of a no to me as patterned or bright stockings (unless you are in a creative field). This way you do not risk turning off a more conservative interviewer.

Price

Question: Is splurging on one pricey suit better than getting a few for the same price?

Answer: A classic well-made suit is a great investment but price tags are not necessarily telling of good quality. Shop smart: I constantly track store discounts and sales or visit outlets for closet staples instead of shopping when I need them so that I do not compromise.

Interview etiquette

Question: Should I button my suit jacket when I have an interview?

Answer: It depends, but generally: 1 button=fasten it. 2 buttons=fasten only the top one (this avoids unfortunate draping when you sit). 3 buttons=Middle one or top two. Double breasted=fasten all.

Question: Nude stockings make my legs a different color than my face so can I go without them?

Answer: Pantyhose/stockings/hosiery are appropriate for professional interviews. It sounds as if you just have not found the right stocking color yet. Do not base your selection on the color listed on the packaging. Test whether a stocking is "nude" for you by finding your neutral shade. If you are stuck between colors it may help to opt for a color that is slightly darker since your face likely gets more exposure to the sun. Black, gray, or navy are good options too.

Express Pinstripe Suit, Ann Taylor Silk blouse, J Crew Necklace, 

Ann Taylor exotic perfect skinny belt, Chanel heels

♥ Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! ♥

Fashion mayHEM

My last year of law school is starting out fun but my workload is heavier than I expected. I appreciate all of my new and continuing followers and commenters and want you to know that I have not lost my fire for blogging. 

I found the picture below and I found it sadly representative of the omnipresent lack of styling of women's career fashion in the legal field. Does your workplace or career field seemingly funnel out the same looks?

Recent swearing in of Assistant District Attorneys of NY County
Picture taken from: http://manhattanda.org/careers-training

Style does not have to be reserved for when you are off the clock. There are stylish ways to follow even the most strict business dress codes. I cannot help but imagine these ladies in different hairstyles, statement jewelry, scarves, belts, and broaches. I also wish these skirt hems were more varied.

---

Here is my review of the Bebe vest I had ordered. I like the idea behind this design but again, Bebe's execution missed the target.

Facts: Poor fit, bad material, loose cut in the bust

Verdict: Return

Case: clothes; Bebe tweed suiting review

What do you think of Bebe producing a "girl at work" vs. "working girl" look?

The look

The good

• The skirt passes the fingertip test 
• Jacket length is good (imagine it a bit shorter since the jacket is one size too large)
• The jacket's shawl collar is perfect for a brooch.

The bad

• This suit looks darker online. 
• The pink threads in the suit are bright and give it a fun Legally Blonde look but sadly it is no Devil Wears Prada. 
• The material is thin and the large tags on the clothes read "Fabric Imported from Europe" -Cotton, acetate, polyester, rayon, and nylon blends are not special because they are imported.

 

The ugly

• Shoulder pads
• This jacket was the last in petite sizing but it is 1 size too large. If my feelings towards this suit had to be summed up in a relationship facebook status it would be "complicated"

Bottega Veneta long knot clutch, Chanel shoes (both pairs used),  Express opaque stockings,
J Crew tank top, Datejust Rolex

The verdict

The jury is still out. I am not convinced fully either way yet. If the suit cost less I would be fine with it in the right size. But at $98 for the skirt and $159 for the jacket, my money may be better saved to use towards a vintage Chanel suit.

Update: Being returned. You should not have to convince yourself into buying something. I gave it a try but this Bebe suit did not work for me because it will never compete with the Chanel suit I have my heart set on.

What is your take on Bebe suiting?

♥ Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! ♥

God Bless America

As most of America and others think back to the events that transpired ten years ago on September 11th, I thought back to the beautiful patriotic America that followed. I thought of how lucky I am to have grown up in a place where I was afforded many liberties and freedoms. A place where I can talk and blog freely about my thoughts and opinions.* I also indulged in some American comfort food.

Smoked gouda and cheddar mac & cheese.
My first time using a cocotte!

Yesterday I bought my first mini round cocotte. I dream of hosting dinner parties a la Monica in Friends with personal cocottes for all. I bought the cherry red color because I think it is the most appropriate color for most festive occasions.

Mini round cocotte by Le Creuset

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

♥ Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! ♥

*Those who know me irl know that like Gertrude Stein, "America is my country, but Paris is my hometown." That being said, I feel I should note that John Galliano being found guilty of making public insults for his anti-Semetic comments to people at cafes in Paris and being fined 6,000 euros should not come as such a surprise. Even in America where we have free speech, there are situations when one's speech--oral or written--can lead to a successful civil lawsuit. 

60s style Friday: work day and date night look

Have a casual dinner date after work and no time or place to change clothes? Be fun and feminine for night but still work appropriate by opting for an a line skirt with a blouse. Tip: Find clothes that balance your body shape. This skirt helps balance wide shoulders. The vertical lines on the skirt along with nude legs help elongate your frame.

Fold a cardigan into your purse to wear at the office and at night.

Tie neck blouses will be everywhere Autumn/Winter 2011. I prefer investing in classic pieces instead of trends but I consider these blouses closet staples. Opt for a solid or a print that works with your body size: prints on tops or dresses look better when matched in proportion to your body.

Smaller women may get lost in big prints but look good in small prints. Get this Gap blouse here.

For which A/W trend are you excited?

What do you wear to work if you can't go home before a night out?

Gap blouse & tank, Chanel shoes & purse, Club Monaco skirt, Hermès lizard ombre bracelet, Datejust Rolex

♥ Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! ♥

To Bebe or not to Bebe?

When I think of Bebe, I think of club goers in stretchy shiny fabrics. When I heard Bebe makes work appropriate clothing I assumed that the type of work was one where provocative/form-fitting clothing is appropriate. Maybe I was wrong or Bebe is changing? 

[Enter Bebe's new campaign]
There are pieces that are seemingly good separates.

Flipping through the pages of Vogue I saw an ad for Bebe's (dare I say, Chanel inspired) tweed suit. A Chanel suit is on my sartorial bucket list but after crazily passing on a classic NWT one at Depot-Vente de Passy, I cannot imagine bringing myself to pay MSRP. I have a couple of Theory gratian blazers but they are missing that certain je ne sais quoi.

 

The Bebe suit seems like it may be by quick fix for now. Tweed: check; Slim cut: check; Multicolor: check; Metallic accents: check; Fringed ends: check; Wide collar to feature brooch: check!!! I still fear that the suit will not pass my inspection but the suit comes in petite sizing and can be returned at any of their brick and mortar stores.

Have you found Bebe items that are wearable for work?

I will report back when I receive the vest and tweed suit pictured above!

♥ Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! ♥

How to take Linen from work day to play

Linen is lightweight and breathable so it is perfect for sunny days but it can be a nightmare to keep a polished professional look in linen clothes. Tip: Instead of wearing 100% linen for a full work day, opt for a linen blend for less wrinkling.

Do you wear linen to work? Share how or why not.

Depending on how casual your work environment is, a linen dress with flats is perfect for a half day. You can belt it for shape add a white linen blazer for a more professional look.

Your belt can be swapped for a more festive look and a contrasting purse can turn a casual conservative look into a bold fun look. If your weight can normally range between five or ten pounds, adjustable belts are a great addition to your closet! The one pictured here is an Ellen Tracy one with a lizard print. Other good options: here, here, and here.

I hope you enjoyed my first set of outside pictures! I took advantage of a coffee break to give my tripod a break and get a friend behind the lens ;)

Banana Republic 100% linen dress (top verson here), Purple ombre Prada flats, Mandarin Balenciaga, Hermès scarf
Datejust Rolex, Starbucks White Mocha

♥ Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! ♥

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Good party dresses for an office holiday party

It is never too soon to think ahead for an office party dress. Buying one ahead of time is a good way to make sure you have time to make any necessary alterations and to have a better chance of not showing up as someone's outfit twin.

You can take advantage of the current 35% off Labor Day sale at Banana Republic to pick up these options, which are great for parties hosted in your office right after work.

Dress 1:
This one from the Mad Men collection was too large on me (tip: size down from your usual BR size). The material quality and silhouette are worth the price. I think this dress would look great with pearls and can even double as a bride's maid dress ;) 

Here I am holding the extra fabric

Dress 2:
This is another dress that would look great with pearls. I added the gold belt so that you could see the separation of the 'skirt' and 'top' of the dress.

---

How to dress for your office holiday party:

Although holiday parties bring about a more relaxed atmosphere, do not sacrifice your professional image for a party dress. A business party dress is not like shopping for prom. 

Things to keep in mind when holiday dress shopping for an office party:

• buy pieces that you can wear to more places than a holiday party
• choosing dresses of good quality with a muted palette like the 2 above will allow you to change looks with different accessories
• to stand out, do not opt for the traditional holiday colors
• it is better to go with what flatters your skin tone
• play with textures
• festive dresses do not have to have glitter or metallic colors
• rather than looking like a piece of foil, leave the fun glitz for your accessories, here is where you can play up your jewelry and shoe choices
• do not show too much skin
• if you opt for a short skirt: your top should have long sleeves and you should wear opaque stockings
• if you opt for a sleeveless look with a high neck you can do your usual office skirt length
• if you go with a lower cut neck line you should opt for a longer dress hem and wear a shorter necklace to not add attention to your breasts
• go for a classy and polished look

♥ Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! ♥