The Secret is in the Point

In a pretty stark contrast with my outfit in the previous post, this outfit is all about the structure. The cut of the jacket, the fit of the skirt - they all balance each other out both in color tones - dark vs. light - as well as a rounded cut of the jacket with a pretty streamlined pencil skirt.

I went off the neutral play on this outfit once again - neutrals juxtaposed against a nice, solid black is so sharp this season, and it's a great way to adopt some summer into your wardrobe. I had a neutral-toned boxy top that I found in my mother's closet with a fun paint splatter design across the front in pastel colors. The colors on the blouse are light enough to not throw off the balance of the rest of the outfit. The jacket hits right below the waist with a rounded finish on the bottom, as you can see. It's an interesting cut, because the rounded cut offsets the slightly structured shoulders. The business air of the jacket seems to necessitate heels - I opted for a pair of pointy-toed shoes, but a pair of round-toe pumps would work just as well.

Pointy-toed shoes take a while to adjust to - not in the fit but rather in the idea. It took me to longest time before I was brave enough to go for a pair of pointy-toes. They just seemed so severe. They definitely mean business; you wouldn't really wear pointy-toed shoes to a dinner party (unless they were a slightly taller heel and slingbacks, possibly in patent leather. Then we could talk.) As I've come to own multiple pairs of such heels, I've come to appreciate them. Not only are they crisp (almost violently so, at times), they also help to visually elongate the leg with its shape, making you look taller. When you try pointy-toed shoes for the first time, though, be aware that they do extend a bit further than a normal round-toe should would: hence, the "pointy-toe." I definitely had some "toe-and-wall" contact a couple of times before I could better estimate the slight extension on my toes. Pointy-toed shoes can be great with trousers if done correctly - and don't be afraid to stray from black! A nude pointy-toed shoe can be one of the most flattering pieces for your legs.

Jacket: AnnTaylorLoft | Blouse: hand-me-down (mother's) | Skirt: AnnTaylor | Shoes: Ralph Lauren

Just go with the flow

This really simple airy black dress was different from most other black dresses for the office. While the knee-grazing length and the thick straps were dress-code appropriate, it was made of a lighter material and had some interesting pleating around the neckline. It's a great kind of dress that can stand alone without other accessories, such as a dramatic necklace or a belt. Additionally, with a dress this relaxed, avoid other articles of clothing that are structured or severe. For instance, I wouldn't recommend wearing pointy-toed heels - or even high heels, for that matter. It would seem to ruin the otherwise fluid flow of the dress with something that, in contrast, seems contrived and overdone.

The dress itself has some nice navy chiffon detailing on the shoulder. Navy and black are both base colors - you can pretty much wear any color with it. It is interesting, then, that they go so well together. Except for the risk of having a very dark outfit, the fact that navy and black are both so similar as well as normal base colors does not preclude them from matching. I paired the outfit with a layered navy headband for a polished and yet relaxed look.

Dress: Banana Republic | Headband: Banana Republic

Pomp & Circumstance

I've been dying to try out this new scarf that my mom got me for a while now, and today I finally mustered up the courage to go for it. Due to poor planning, though, I ended up having to google "how do i tie a scarf wtf" at 6 AM. Not fun. Thank goodness for Google. And thank goodness for the lovely people at Brooks Brothers, who posted not one but SEVEN (7) elegant, timeless, classic options for tying scarves! Too bad my scarf was one of the smaller square kinds, not that large ones that they were using in their demonstrations (sorry my scarf is so inferior, people!) .... so that failed pretty quickly.

Nonetheless, their professionally photographed step-by-step directions on how to tie their ginormouse head-scarf-things (for real? I want one of those!) gave me faith that I would be able to make something happen with my training wheels version. So, I continued googling, and I came upon this site, which was equally as helpful (though less well-photographed) and featured scarves that normal plebs like myself can afford. I went with the #7, the Butterfly Knot, because it looked relatively easy, and I like bows and miniature things like that. I had to try it a couple of times because the tag on my scarf kept sticking out (am I supposed to cut that off?), but it ultimately came out quite nicely! Here's a closeup:
I like the Butterfly Knot because (a) it was already 6:37 AM and I needed to catch a 7 AM train, and it only had three steps FTW and (b) it has a little twist from the regular "tie-and-go" kind of a style that seems to be most frequent with these kinds of scarves. When trying out these small, square scarves, you want to avoid looking too flight-attendant-y, and the way to do this is by picking unique colors and/or prints and going for a slightly different tie style. So google around (because google is awesome, like, a google times over), try out some different styles, and let me know if you find some that you like and that I should try out! I would have loved to fan out the scarf a little more and show off the print of this scarf (it's light pink with pale seagreen lining and white bicycles printed all over it! So fun!), but it looks so very bib-ish on me, and knowing my hand-eye coordination, it would probably eventually serve that very function at lunchtime, as well. But I've seen many a stylish lady rock that trend, so try it out for yourself and see if you like it!

I went with a lacy shift with a tan/neutral underlay and then a pale, baby blue cardigan and pale pink pointy-toe pumps. I was a little nervous to rock the scarf because it's pretty different, and I did end up taking it off halfway through the day - not because the scarf itself was a problem, but rather on further reflection, the scarf + lacy dress combo was just a bit too frou frou for my taste/for the workplace. I think if I had worn a plain black shift, the scarf would have worked out quite well - so, for now, scarves are still definitely a GO!

The pale blue cardigan still ended up working out quite well with just the lace shift sans scarf (the shift in itself is overpoweringly girly, so in retrospect it really didn't need dainty little scarf with it). Nonetheless, the dress is a bit short, and shift dresses have more give when you sit down, so unfortunately I will not be wearing this dress to the office again, but I'll save it for a day out with the girls!

Lacy Shift Dress: AnnTaylor Loft | Bicycle Print Scarf: Talbots | Silk Blend Cardigan: The Limited | Pale pink pointy-toed pumps: Cole Haan | Bag: Coach

Give Me Liberty

The day before the 4th of July holiday weekend - uh, of course I have to dress up and show my love for America! I mean, does it matter that I'm the only one in the whole office decked out in red, white, & blue, and three days early, at that? Of course not! America's awesome, people. George Washington was totally the man.

I promise the red stripes were a coincidence, though (and no, I didn't count out that there were thirteen. And white stars on a navy jacket would have been totally tacky. Seriously). The tank top is from a sweater set that my very fashionable aunt gave me, and it's made of this glorious stretchy summer-friendly material. It looks very Parisian vintage bathing suit chic, no? (I mean, the French supported the Americans in the revolution, right? So this is totally legit.) I think everything with red/white stripes is so Parisian - love it. I threw on a cropped navy jacket with oversized buttons for my "blue" - though my navy cardigan would have worked just as well. I like where this jacket hits - right at my waist, as it tops off pencil skirts quite nicely! With a boxy jacket such as this, avoid full skirts or pants. The boxy cut itself is a bit wider and shapeless, so make sure that your skirt or pants are well-defined - otherwise, your body will get lost underneath all that shapelessness! A well-planned touch of boxy, though, can be just the thing to offset some more curve-hugging pieces, so you can draw people's attention to just one area - after all, an ADD admirer is no admirer at all.

My red-toned metallic flats topped off the patriotic look! Yay America!

Tank top: hand-me-down (aunt's: Anne Klein) | Skirt: Banana Republic | Jacket: New York & Company | Flats: J. Crew | Bag: Coach

The Flora Expo

It was a beautiful day out, so I decided to add a bright splash of color to the office with this psuedo-psychedelic floral print T-shirt from Mango. I got it in Manhattan two summers ago when I lived in Union Square, New York, within walking distance of SoHo (which was an exceedingly dangerous setup for my bank account). I'm making an effort to explore the various neighborhoods of Chicago, some of which are quite fashionable, but I still don't think there is anywhere else in the country that is quite as chaotically soothing - or soothingly chaotic, depending on how you think of it - as that stroll (READ: frantic hustle) down Broadway south of Houston ("How-ston," as my friend patiently explained to me on the phone). (On a sidenote, I am VERY excited that TopShop is opening on Michigan Ave. in Chicago this summer/fall. I just hope that it opens while I'm still in Chicago, though I'm sure my parents are hoping for just the opposite...)

Because this top is so loud, I definitely had to keep the rest of the outfit understated. For some reason - maybe because the shirt had so much personality - I felt that a pencil skirt wouldn't do it justice, it just somehow wouldn't contain the loudness of the shirt. Instead, I paired it with this flowy, A-Line skirt that was my mother's in college. When my mom was in college, she was TINY. My hands could probably fit around her waist. (Kind of gross, if you really think about it ... Okay, now stop thinking about my mother's waist, please.) I love this skirt, but I definitely have to wear it high-waisted because the waist is so incredibly small. The good thing, I guess, is that the waistline is the only constricting part about it - this skirt is exactly one of those that flares out when you twirl around. When it lies flat, it makes the most beautiful hourglass shape - even if you don't have one! They really just don't make em like this anymore!

Top: Mango | Skirt: Hand-me-down (mother's)

New Heights

As per the last post, here are the four-inchers I was telling you about. They're slightly angled round-toe pumps (from Target!), with a small platform and then a four-inch heel. The black patent-leather is a very young look, and it's a pretty strong statement when combined with the killer heel, so just be careful. The small platform is subtle, but it makes SUCH a difference in a shoe, so if you go for four-inch heels, try to go for ones with a little platform under the toes, as your feet will be thanking you afterwards. The reason for this is because you get the extra height, but the incline between your toes and your heel is not a true four inches but rather, say, three and a half inches. This makes a difference on the balls of your feet (the little padded area in between your arches and your toes - ladies, it's the part of your foot that kills after a night out dancing in heels). So, if you're short and need the extra height like me, try a small (0.5-inch or less) platform under your toes for a little bonus height boost! Anything more than a 0.5-inch heel is too Spice Girls - and there's a reason why they didn't go for a desk job. (Sporty Spice was always my favorite, I was never a big fan of those 1-inch platform shoes ... I always wondered if they would be able to walk on water with those things, considering the foam-to-weight-ratio. idk.)

In debuting these shoes, I opted for pants (!). (This is actually kind of a big deal because I went all last summer without wearing one pair of pants to work. Not one. This was due to two factors: one, the heat in the summer, which just makes pants unbearable - boys, I don't know how you do it! and with a tie! - and two, because they say that the power suit for women is the skirt suit, NOT the pant suit. I'm not sure why this is, but it's a curious thought, because it seems to go opposite the notion that women have to be more "masculine" to succeed in the workforce, something which I dislike deeply but have trouble totally rejecting. For an interesting commentary by Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook on women in the workforce, check out this inspirational Ted Talk that another very inspirational and successful woman told me about. Ms. Sandberg was also this year's commencement speaker for Barnard College.)

Instead of going for full-length dress pants, say, from my suit, I went with these cropped pants for a couple of reasons: (1) they're more casual than the dress pants and more in line with the dress code at my company, although there are plenty of women who do wear full-length pants, (2) to emphasize the shoes in a subtle and appropriate manner, and (3) to further play up height and make it seem like I'm taller than I am. The trickiest thing about a pair of dress pants is that, if they happen to be just the wrong length, it can wreak havoc on your outfit. Dress pants that are even a half an inch too long look frumpy and are also a hazard to walking. Pants that are slightly too short simply look like you've outgrown them. These cropped pants are great for the summer but still completely appropriate for a business casual workplace.

Cropped pants: Tommy Hilfiger | Blouse: Brooks Brothers | Shoes: Target

these rules were made to be broken

The weather out today was so beautiful, I couldn't help but take advantage of it by dressing in happy pastels! When people think of pastels, they usually think light blue, a silky lavender, or maybe a pale yellow. Easter colors, basically. This pale, pastel green is so fresh, and the soft ruffles complement the color. The cardigan is made of a light, silky knit material, so it was comfortable and not too bulky, leading to a polished office look. When buying a cardigan for the office, make sure to check the fabric to make sure that it's not scratchy and that it doesn't pill easily (those annoying little furballs that crop up on some cardigans ... yes, I know the cardigan might look GREAT in the store, but I've seen one girl's mustard-yellow cardigan end up in little wool balls all across her black dress. Unless you're okay with carrying around a lintroller at all times, stay away!)

I knew that, if paired with other complicated pieces, the ruffles on the cardigan could be a bit overpowering and frilly, so I went for a simple and crisp rest of the outfit with a white pencil skirt and white tank top. Dressing monochromatically also makes you look taller. It presents a cohesiveness and elongation based on the repeating colors. You can simulate this effect by just throwing a cardigan over a full shift dress or, in my case today, wearing a simple skirt and matching tank top or T-shirt in the same color.

I paired this outfit with a pair of pale pink pointy-toed kitten heels. Because this pencil skirt is just a little bit on the shorter side, I didn't want heels that were too high. I usually say that the skirt should not be more than one inch above the knees, but there can be some give. For example, if you're short, you can get away with a bit of a higher hemline, as sometimes skirts that hit exactly at the knees look a bit dowdy on you. For taller girls, on the other hand, sometimes even an inch above the knees is too short. Because your basically have more physical leg that is showing because you're taller to begin with (damn you), be very mindful of your hemline, and it's best to stick as close to the knees as possible.

There can be some give and take with the shoe pairings, as well - for instance, in the case of my outfit today, my skirt was a bit on the shorter side, so I offset it with smaller heels. If I had a skirt that hit a bit lower (right at the knees), I might have opted for higher heels. I usually say 2-3 inches is an appropriate height for the workplace, maybe 3.5 inches. However, as always, read the signals from your own office. In my office, for example, I've seen many a women who have sported the 4-inch stiletto in a tasteful way. I even bought a pair of 4-inch heels for myself (!). So, while I used to hold steadfastly to the 3.5-inch-and-below-only rule, my perceptions are changing based on what I've seen to work for others in my office setting. I think that, as long as you wear them like a businesswoman and not a stripper, you can get away with it. This is achieved by being especially conscious of not pairing it with skirts that are slightly shorter (even by a centimeter!) or tight clothing. I *do* hold steadfastly to the 4-inch rule, though ... any heels that are more than 4 inches belongs in the Red Light District, not Wall Street.

Cardigan: Ann Taylor | Skirt: Banana Republic | Tank top: Banana Republic | Kitten Heels: Cole Haan

Bet on the Trifecta

Today, my office took us out for a day at the races - so of course I had to take advantage of this dress-up opportunity! I've had this dress for a while, and I've been waiting for just the perfect moment to debut it. Racetracks are all about classic fits, fresh colors, and, most importantly, a great hat. While today's normal horserace-goers don't exactly deck themselves out to the extent of My Fair Lady, the girls decided to go all-out on this occasion.

I went with this floral print dress with a high collar and an A-Line skirt. This dress actually hit me below the knees originally, so I had it altered to raise the hemline just slightly. I am in love with the print of this dress - I actually bought it because it reminds of a dress from the movie An Education, which is one of my favorite movies of all time. In it, Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is wooed by an older man, David (Peter Sarsgaard) in a beautiful and tastefully done plotline. The movie presents a thought-provoking commentary about the value of an education as opposed to a life of carefree frivolity. When I saw this dress in the store, it reminded me specifically of the instance when Jenny and David go to Paris, and this dress is, incidentally, in the still chosen as the promotional cover of the film. Here's a visual.

This dress came with a matching belt in the same print, but I decided to go with a classic brown leather belt to let it pop against the colored print of the dress. Finally, I didn't have a hat on me, but I did have this headband with a mini hat delicately sitting atop:

I found this headband in a vintage shop in the shopping district of Amsterdam early last summer. I am obsessed with headbands, so I knew I just had to have it, despite the fact that I didn't foresee any instance in which I could reasonably wear it without looking totally ridiculous. But, the opportunity will always come around sooner or later! This headband and a set of pearls completed my look for a day at the races.

Dress: Talbots | Belt: Hand-me-down | Headband: vintage (found in Amsterdam)

Snow White

Another neutral-tone outfit! This is one of my favorite dresses because it's both elegant and comfortable. It has a beautiful tulle overlay to the ribboning at the top, making for an interesting neckline without being revealing or extravagant. The dress itself is a darker tan color, almost a faded metallic gray-brown (does that exist?). Because it was a darker shade with some highlights at the neckline and the waistline with the ribboning, I was able to pair it with a lighter neutral cardigan. The different variations on the same theme provide for a cohesive ensemble. I also could have paired with this dress the navy cardigan from two posts prior, with the solid navy offsetting the calm neutral of the dress. However, by keeping it to earthy colors, I was able to make the outfit pop with one key accessory. This accessory could be anything, really - special earrings or maybe a bright bracelet (in this instance, I wouldn't recommend a complicated necklace, just because the neckline is already pretty intricate). In my case, I went with a bright red headband. It's understated enough that it goes with the simple cut of the dress and the cardigan, but the bright pop of color adds freshness. Additionally, the dress itself (and the ribboning) has some very subtle red undertones, and this headband is able to play it up. I ultimately paired it with my reddish-brown metallic J. Crew flats that I've worn in many previous posts (not pictured here) for what was an extremely hassle-free outfit!

Dress: AnnTaylor Loft | Cardigan: AnnTaylor Loft | Headband: Express

Easy A-Line

I love the shape of this A-Line skirt, which is narrower at the top and then flares out at the bottom. The dip-dye coloring paired with the slightly high waist makes for a dramatic effect and a very feminine silhouette. Think of those little figurines that distinguish the ladies' room from the gentlemen's with the flared-out skirt. The figurines fail to factor in gravity, but it's a pretty close portrayal of the shape the A-Line skirt provides. The length, too, is perfect for office purposes, just grazing the knees.

The A-Line skirt is an interesting comparison with the pencil skirt. The pencil skirt is snug throughout, and it is seen as a staple of women's business attire. It is also the skirt of choice for women's suits. The biggest problem I see with women and pencil skirts is fit. The skirt should just hug your curves lightly - the worst is when a pencil skirt is just too snug. I won't elaborate further than saying that is is unpleasant for all, including the wearer. Don't be afraid to buy a size larger than you normally would if the fit is better; after all, you are the only one who will see the size printed on the tag, but everyone will see how well (or not well) it fits you. Buying a size that is too small for you- even if the numerical size is what you usually get - will only highlight how ill-fitting is that size. Also note that a lot of stores have different sizing schemes - don't be discouraged if you suddenly "jump" a couple of sizes when you shop at a new store. The size that I purchase at different stores can range from 4-6 different sizes. As long as you feel great, you're going to look great, so don't worry about what size is printed on the label. Oh, and if you shop at European stores (ie., Mango, Zara, etc.) .... Europeans are really skinny. Just a heads-up.

In contrast with the pencil skirt, the A-Line skirt is much more free-flowing. It's that skirt that we all think about when we're young girls, where we'll twirl and the wind will catch it and flare it out, Sound-of-Music-style. Maybe that's just me. But it is much more relaxed than the pencil skirt, and has a fun kind of "swish" when you walk in it. I wouldn't recommend an A-Line skirt for a skirt suit set, but such a skirt on its own is perfectly appropriate for the workplace, as long as it is long enough. For the work place specifically, I would recommend an A-Line skirt that sits a little higher, somewhere above the hips and around the navel. A slightly higher, defined waistline makes the A-Line skirt look polished and not dowdy. Since the construction of the A-Line provides more attention to the bottom half, try to keep your top relatively simple and clean, or else the outfit might seem too cluttered. A simple cardigan over a tank top or T-shirt works well, but be careful about pairing blazers with this skirt, as it might weigh down the outfit.

Skirt: Express | T-shirt: New York & Company

Collar ID

One of the easiest ways to look put-together is to wear varying shades of the same color. As long as they're complimentary shades, you can't go wrong by pairing the ensemble with a neutral color (black, gray, white, tan). Wearing varying shades of the same color (ie., a hot pink and a pale pink, a deep purple with a lavender, even an emerald green with a subdued lime green) offers an immediate element of cohesion. Here, I paired a light blue blouse with a darker blue cardigan.

Perhaps my favorite color to wear is navy. It has the same calm collectedness as black, but it's so much less harsh. Think about it: you would like to have a crisp and fresh black suit but a comfortable and well-fitting navy blazer. Whereas black is corporate, navy is more ... academic. Today, I paired it with a white pencil skirt. To avoid looking like a glorified flight attendant or ship captain with the trademark navy and white, I paired it with a periwinkle blouse with pleated collar.

I am absolutely in love with this blouse. It is a light silk material with subdued pinstripes running vertically and the most delicate collar pleats, reminiscent of the age of Queen Elizabeth I (but less costume-y).

A pleated collar is such an elegant way of making an outfit more interesting, and the pleats of this blouse go quite well with the equally delicate cap sleeves!

Blouse: Talbots | Cardigan: Brooks Brothers | Skirt: Banana Republic

Switzerland

Neutrals are a summer trademark. It's fun to pair neutrals with bright colors to balance out an otherwise loud outfit, but pairing neutrals together is so Parisian-chic!

One word of caution with neutrals is to avoid shades that are too close to your skin tone. Unless you want people to do a double-take in a bad way, declare your lack of nudity loud and clear by choosing neutral shades that are exaggerated. While this sounds counterintuitive - after all, "neutral" means you aren't extreme in any particular direction - go for a shade of tan or a pale pink, light nude, or off-white eggshell or cream so that none can be mistaken for your skin tone.

As simple as the color white might seem, choosing different shades of white (yes, there are shades of white) can mean different things. A subdued, creamier white (that almost has golden undertones) is a bit warmer and is so elegant! It's perfect for a more formal evening out, and it goes quite will with a short strand of pearls. A starker white, like that of white-out or computer paper (you can tell I work in an office), is a bolder statement. It contrasts sharply with every other color in your outfit, giving a "pop" and freshness that is great for the workday. Think starched collars, pointy-toe black pumps, and corner offices. Also, depending on the article of clothing (say, a stark white suit), your outfit might scream "Miami Vice" instead of NYPD. On the other hand, I think a starched white cotton button-up long-sleeved collared blouse is a must for any woman in the workplace - and in life! (Just a note from my not-so-graceful self: a stark white is not so forgiving to spills or other mishaps as is an off-white, though both are not ideal.)

I paired an off-white shell blouse with a neutral tan shrunken cardigan and brown suede platform heels. I went with a comfortable black pencil skirt, but if you have a skirt or pants in a neutral tone, totally go for it! Because neutrals are so light, it's easy to layer them and mix and match.

Cardigan: AnnTaylor Loft | Shell Blouse: Talbots | Pencil Skirt: AnnTaylor | Heels: AnnTaylor Loft

Summer Shorts

My office is a big proponent of casual Fridays (which include jeans!), and it's a great opportunity to mix things up a little bit from the normal pencil skirts and cardigans. I played around with a couple of floral dresses before I decided on these floral dress shorts from my mother's college days, which I paired with a retro button-up cotton blouse with a peter pan collar. To keep it polished, I threw on a navy blue blazer with golden buttons and a crimson vintage belt from my mom. I love the juxtaposition of the loose dress shorts with the constructed blazer, the dusty florals with the severe navy. It's all about balancing something more casual with something more serious - light vs. dark.

Shorts in the workplace are a bit of a slippery slope, and I was a little nervous at first about wearing them. I have had a number of conversations with people on this topic, especially given the recent weekend special in the Wall Street Journal featuring shorts suits combos: Short and Sweet.


While I love the look presented in the article, I had to take a moment and consider whether this trend was a serious option for the workplace. I absolutely love the light summer colors of the suit sets they featured in this article, but I found that some of the shorts were just a bit too short for the workplace. Workplace attire should not end more than an inch above the knees, and it definitely cannot end more than halfway up your upper legs. I liked the idea of it, though, especially for a casual Friday as opposed to a normal, business casual workday, and I found these shorts that are the same length as the skirts I normally wear to work. The blazer topping it off helped add an air of professionalism to what might have been a less appropriate outfit for the workplace.

One of my coworkers noted, "I've never seen anyone pull off shorts at the workplace - I think you did a good job!" I guess I'll take that as a compliment! I did get a couple of turned heads, though, so I'm not sure if that was because it was just a different ensemble people hadn't seen before, or if they saw "shorts" and had a huge warning sign flash up in their heads. What do you guys think? Shorts in the workplace? A good seasonal decision or professional suicide? (Regardless, I do have to mention that this was, by far, the most comfortable outfit I've worn all week!)

Dress shorts: hand-me-down (mother's) | Blouse: hand-me-down (mother's) | Blazer: Brooks Brothers | Belt: hand-me-down (mother's: Balenciaga) | Flats: J. Crew

Trapezin'

I had such fun with this floral Trapeze jacket today! A lot of Trapeze jackets are popular in heavier materials, like wool, but I love that this particular jacket is light and airy - it goes along with the more aerodynamic fit of the jacket (and by aerodynamic, I mean something that picks up the air and is affected by movement of the air, which, incidentally, happens to be quite the opposite of what "aerodynamic" in itself actually means, right?, for trapeze artists are aerodynamic in the sense that they take advantage of the resistance of air, otherwise, they'd just swing around at the same - or increasing! - velocity, unaffected by the friction of air. Think aerodynamic like a trapeze artist, not aerodynamic like planes/Lance Armstrong/a bullet. Like a feather, not like a bowling ball.)

I belted my Trapeze jacket, but trapeze jackets are a ton of fun not belted, too! Throw on a skinny belt around your waistline (a little more than halfway down the trapeze jacket) if you want some more definition and structure to the outfit to fit in a work setting. Definitely only stick to skinny belts with trapeze jackets, though, as chunky belts would weigh down the jacket too much (especially since trapeze jackets tend to be a little thicker and shorter to begin with). I used this skinny silver belt that I have from Gap, but it's actually meant to be worn slung lower around the hips - thus, there weren't enough holes in the belt. When this happens you can either take a push pin and whittle in some holes for yourself, or you can get creative! I once saw a celebrity who took and belt and wove it in around her waist - not only does it look great, it makes your belts so much more versatile, so you're no longer just constrained (literally) by the number of holes punched in. Here's a visual:

Sorry for the rather poor quality, but if you can't see, you basically wrap the belt around your waist as you normally would, take the two ends, which should have plenty of length left over on either side, and kind of weave the ends into each other around the front of your waist. Try not to just wrap one end around the other one, because not only does it loosen up pretty quickly because it's not truly "woven" in, it also just doesn't look great. Try to weave it in a couple of times - as many as you can manage while still being able to breathe, so that it stays put. Voila!

True to my promise, I incorporated some gray/silver tights into my ensemble - much needed in the intense air conditioning of the office!

Trapeze jacket: hand-me-down (aunt's: Noa Noa) | skirt: Ann Taylor Loft | Tights: hand-me-down (sister's) | shoes: Ralph Lauren

Jackie O meets 80s jazzercise

I have an ongoing love affair with the shift dress. You really can't go wrong with its simple lines and clean fit that just barely skims over the body - it provides definition in the most flattering but subtle way. So very Jackie O. So very essentially classy. (The shift dress was/is additionally popular with Audrey Hepburn, Michelle Obama, and the Lilly Pulitzer collections.)

While shift dresses come in a variety of styles, the most common form that I have encountered - and the most office-friendly form - tends to be a sleeveless, high-necked (or boatneck) dress with definition at the bust but not at the waist. It follows the lines of the body at a relatively uniform width (there is very little to no flare in the skirt) until it hits right above the knee. In my opinion, a shift dress that fits you well is as essential to a business wardrobe as a basic suit.

When shopping for a shift, make sure that your arms can move with ease and aren't constricted by the sides of the dress. Additionally, it is very important to check that the bust is appropriately sized - typically, if you wave your arms from front-to-back, you will not only look ridiculous and frighten the dressing room staff, but you can also test out the bust to make sure it isn't too tight. You will feel the strain if the bust sizing is inappropriate. It doesn't matter if the dress looks great - if you are constricted by the bust or arm holes, it's going to be a real pain in the armpit during the workday and detract from your true responsibilities (and performance!) in the office.

Finally, make sure you try sitting down in the dress before deciding that a shift is perfect for you. Because it is a dress instead of a skirt that is independent of a blouse, there is a little less give in the waist when you sit down, and so it has a tendency to ride up a little further than would a normal pencil or A-line skirt. It's fine if it rides up a few inches (that happens to everybody), just watch out when more than half of your upper legs are exposed upon sitting down - I know there might be some ladies out there looking to obtain their M-R-S degree while in the workplace, but I assure you - this is not a sustainable way of doing it!

Some places that offer great options for shift dresses include (but are not limited to): Ann Taylor/Loft, Brooks Brothers, Talbots, The Limited, Banana Republic, and J. Crew.

After you have picked out a shift dress that fits you perfectly, the rest is easy! Because the shift is so structured (but yet simple) on its own, you can either wear it on its own (understated), or spruce it up with some carefully chosen accessories. In my case, I went with a silk-blend baby-blue cardigan and a stretchy hot pink belt with a golden buckle. I like the juxtaposition of the soft tone of the cardi with the adolescent hue of this belt that is reminiscent of the high-waisted elastic neon belts popular amongst aerobic instructors in the 80s (not surprisingly, this belt was borrowed from the early days of my childhood - its usefulness has certainly been augmented by its stretchiness).

Two last quick notes:
(1) When accessorizing the shift dress, make sure you use *carefully chosen* accessories. Today, I chose to go with a cardigan and a belt - I considered adding a more dramatic necklace, but if I had gone with that option, I would have had to eliminate either the cardigan or the belt (leading to either a cardigan + necklace OR belt + necklace combo); otherwise, the outfit would have been too busy.

(2) Another great thing I love about the shift dress (other than its effortless style) is its comfort. Because it is a dress without a particularly defined waist, you get the benefit of having simple, flattering lines without having to deal with constricting waistbands. Let me just say that constricting waistbands don't play well with my fear/hatred/dread/allergy/moral objection of going to the gym and/or working out in general. (Life's just so much better not sweaty!)

Speaking of not sweaty - I have another full day of training ahead of me tomorrow, and the room where we've been training is FREEZING. Even though it's technically summer (I love you Chicago, but this whole bipolar-season thing has GOT to stop), I'm going to try to work some tights into my outfits to help ward off some of this extreme air-conditioning.

Shift Dress: Ann Taylor | Cardigan: The Limited | Belt: hand-me-downs (sister's) | Heels: Ralph Lauren

All Tied Up

With training in full swing, I opted for a comfortable mix-and-match ensemble with a fitted pencil skirt, blouse, and simple cardigan with tiny chiffon ruffles. The blouse is light-colored and airy - perfect for the summer both. I wanted to add something extra to my outfit, though - I knew that, with a gray cardigan and a black pencil skirt, my color palette was a little dark for the summer season. I'm a big fan of bows and ribbons, so I found a white sash that I usually use for belting purposes, and I made a loose bow. It brings the outfit together a bit like a tie, but it's much more free-flowing - not to mention feminine! - than an actual tie.

The blouse I'm wearing actually comes with a necktie in the same color and fabric, but the tie is much thinner and shorter. It made a tighter bow closer to the neck, which had a bit of a severe effect on the outfit - a little too spinster schoolteacher (think rulers as punishment weapons) for my liking. Additionally, by improvising with your own sashes or scarves, you can further mix and match colors and textures.

Additionally, I paired the outfit with platform pumps made in a dark brown suede-ish fabric. Usually people don't recommend brown and black together, and I agree that it's not an optimal combination, but I knew that I was going out for lunch and that I might be walking a bit, and these were my most comfortable pumps. I love the fact that they have a small platform, because I get the height I need (it's tough being short!) without a large degree of elevation of the heel in comparison to the ball of my foot - therefore: less pain.

Blouse: Express | Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor | Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft | Cardigan: Splendid by Ella Moss | Sash: hand-me-down (mother's)

The New Kid

The first day is always a little tough. No matter how socially adept you might be, it's always going to be a little awkward and out of your comfort zone to show up at a totally new place with a bunch of new people and start conversing right away. I think some people call it networking. Whatever it is, it's torturous. This whole situation, of course, is compounded by the fact that you're trying to make as good of a first impression as possible.

I'll admit it: Dressing for the first day is tricky. Perhaps you've had a chance to scope out the office beforehand when you were applying and interviewing for the job - perhaps not. Regardless, one of the perennial rites of passage for new interns is that uncomfortable realization that ... you're not dressed like anybody else.

Luckily, I was forewarned that my office is a business casual setting and we even get to wear jeans (!) on Fridays.

Typically, if you're not completely certain of your office dress code, you want to err on the side of slightly formal instead of slightly informal. This is the rule of thumb I usually go by, but because I was given a (very well-appreciated) heads-up about my office being business casual as opposed to business formal, I also didn't want to be too formal and seem stuffy. It's truly a gray area of wanting to be professional but then also wanting to fit in to the office culture - sometimes, they seem to lean in the same direction, and sometimes not.

Because there was a little ambiguity as to what would be appropriate in the office, I tried for something that was professional enough to pass as business formal if needed but that wasn't a full skirt suit set - the matching black (or navy) pencil skirt and suit jacket screams, "Corporate America, take me now!" Definitely a no-no, especially if I was being told that the rest of the office was in business casual. I went with a gray sheath dress that I belted for some color, and then added a black blazer - just in case people ended up being on the more formal side of "business casual" (there are a lot of variations between business "formal" vs. "casual" that I will decipher in a later post). With the jacket, I could fit easily in an official business meeting, but without it, I still looked professional but less formal and, frankly, not quite so self-important. While it's bad to be under-dressed for a formal occasion, it can be equally uncomfortable to be overdressed in a casual situation. It's like that kid that still had her mom dress her for junior high school, with the frilly dresses and ribbons and bows when everyone else was wearing oversized T-shirts and jeans. It sucks. I know. I've been there.

The blazer still ended up being more formal than what most people were wearing, but the dress was a great midpoint between super formal and then totally casual. I love the extra detailing on the short sleeves of the dress - definitely some more personality than just cap sleeves. If you're in a similar situation where you're not sure to what degree you should be business formal or business casual, I would recommend to go for a formal cut and style but play around more with the colors. For example, the cut of my dress is pretty structured - if I had it in black, it would be more formal, but because it's gray, it gives a little more leeway and seems a little less boardroom while still staying professional with its built-in sharp, clean lines.

And, of course, I have my flats at the ready just in case the heels become unbearable!

Dress: Banana Republic | Suit Jacket: Anne Klein | Belt: hand-me-down (mother's: Balenciaga) | Black Heels: Ralph Lauren | Flats: J. Crew | Bag: Coach

Classification

So. I've decided to start a blog. Why? I'm not travelling anywhere particularly interesting, like some people I know (example: http://zekemoves.tumblr.com/), nor am I particularly artsy (http://youngclaws.wordpress.com/), philosophical, creative, etc. etc. Instead, I'm spending the summer interning at the job of my dreams in the wonderful city of Chicago.

One of the things I'm most excited about when it comes to internships (other than the great learning experiences I'm hopefully going to get and the people I am going to meet, etc. etc.) is the opportunity to dress for work. While some people grimace - either with disgust or in fear - at the thought of dressing in business attire, I've always enjoyed dressing for a work occasion, whether it's a full-on suit with shiny pumps or a more casual (but still sharp) outfit for a regular day at the office. It's a strange passion, I know. For those of you who grimace with disgust : I can't help you. But for you who hear "business attire" and shudder with fear because you don't know how to dress for certain business occasions or because business attire seems just so boring, I hope to show you that dressing in business attire can be both easy and fun. Even if you have to wear a suit to work doesn't mean you have to lose some of your personality when dressing yourself in the morning.

Most of my wardrobe is drawn from three sources: (1) normal women's midrange clothing stores that you will find at pretty much any shopping mall in America, including but not limited to: Banana Republic, The Limited, Ann Taylor/Loft, J. Crew, and sometimes Talbots; (2) vintage or resale/consignment stores; and (3) my mother's college wardrobe. For the most part, everything I own is affordable and reasonably easy to find if you have the right eye and sense of purpose when shopping. Looking good doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune!

I think one of the biggest concerns that people have about dressing in work attire is that it seems inherently cold and devoid of personality, creativity, emotion, etc. (ie., A SOUL). An indoctrination into the corporate machine. But just as our choice in jobs and work lifestyles should reflect who we are as people - our education, our experiences, our values, our passions - the way that we choose to dress should also be such a reflection: The way that we choose to dress is the way that we choose to present ourselves to our bosses, to our colleagues, and to the world. So, if you're going to be a suit, you might as well be a well-tailored one!

Tomorrow is my first day of work, and, as they say, first impressions are everything. Until then, keep it classy, Chicago!

-FGC