Fashion

Inspired by… Stockholm Street Style

by Emma / September 29, 2011 / 3 comments

Here’s what I’ve pinned to my Workwear Board… and here’s how to make it yours.

Inspired by... Stockholm Street Style

I love this look. The billowy, wide leg trousers set in the simplicity of just black and white. You don’t need a ton of bells and whistles to look put together. For this look, you really can just shop your closet (if you have the wide leg pants, which make this look), but you can also see my suggestions below. I’m drooling over the Chloe pants.

Inspired by... Stockholm Street Style

Floral shirt, $70
Chloé flannel pants, $595
Zara leather pumps, $20
Ivanka Trump flap bag, $120
Vanessa Mooney wire bangle bracelet, $250

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Inspired by… Olivia Palermo

by Emma / September 20, 2011 / 2 comments

Here’s what I’ve pinned to my Workwear Board… and here’s how to make it yours.

Inspired by... Olivia Palermo

Navy and gold is such a classic combination, and Olivia P. looks tres sophisticated pairing the colors with two more neutrals — tan and caramel. The leather paneling on her skirt gives it an edge. I managed to find a navy skirt with leather detailing that you could actually wear to the office.

There are tons of options if you want to replicate Olivia’s collar necklace, but I like this one: geometric and very art deco.

Inspired by... Olivia Palermo

Oasis sparkly top, $65
Raoul leather skirt, $335
Jigsaw satin flat, £119
Tory Burch tote handbag, £227
G by Guess gold tone jewelry, $90
TopShop necklace, $30
Bex Rox vintage cuff bracelet, $240

Psst… P.S. Follow me on Pinterest!

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Blogger Lookbook: Shannon of The Modern Grad

Shannon blogs at The Modern Grad about life after school — she provides great insights into the current job market and work options for recent grads, chronicles her own job search, and shares fun doses of art and style. Here, she presents her ideal work outfit, inspired by her former internship at the International Interior Design Assocation.

Job Description

Summer 2010, I had the opportunity to intern at International Interior Design Association headquarters in Chicago. The vivacious atmosphere made this internship far from ordinary. The women in the office always had fun with their business attire. They were not afraid to add color and an extra inch to their heels (but we always remembered our ballet flats and rain boots for the commute home). If I were to step into the office tomorrow, here’s what I would wear…

If you’re curious, here’s a photo of IIDA’s headquarters.

Why I Chose These Pieces

Limited Bow-front Shirt ($28 on sale). The brighter the better! The bow-front style works perfectly with the 60′s inspired skirt.

[Emma's note: My amateur Photoshop skills couldn't merge this image and the skirt in one picture, so I cheated and added this shirt as a stand-in. It's a bit more expensive...]

Banana Republic Mad Men Skirt ($110). IIDA introduced me to Mad Men. We used to watch it during out lunch breaks in the boardroom. So when I first laid eyes on the Mad Men collection by Banana Republic, it really made me miss IIDA.

Coach Organizer ($198). I finally have one of my own and I absolutely love it. For now, I carry my resumes in it for interviews. This would have been perfect for taking notes during meetings.

Urban Outfitters Earrings ($14). I like how simple they are. I have a tendency to play with my earrings when I’m nervous. These leave an impression, but not a distraction.

Aldo Pumps ($80). I’m a very petite girl, so I’m not afraid to add some height. Although, being the size I am, some pumps look way to bulky when I wear them. These give the perfect balance, I gain height with sophistication.

I’m currently looking for a writing gig in museums, art galleries, and studios. In those types of industries, it’s important to let your personality shine through what you’re wearing. Because of IIDA’s modern sense of fashion at work, I always keep IIDA in mind when dressing for the job.

Thanks Shannon!

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Here’s what I’ve pinned to my Workwear Board… and here’s how to make it yours.

Inspired by... Dsquared2 Resort 2012 Collection

From Dsquared2′s 2012 resort collection. Sure, Labor Day has come and gone (barely). But if you’re feeling like you don’t want to lose summer just yet, try this on for size. And, fall technically doesn’t come until the end of September.

Inspired by... Dsquared2 Resort 2012 CollectionJoie silk top, $188
J Crew linen cardigan, $80
Knee length pencil skirt, £50
By Larin patent leather shoes, $239
Miami Watch, $30
J Crew long necklace, $50
TopShop orange belt, $25

Psst… P.S. Follow me on Pinterest!

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Blogger Lookbook: Monica of Our Designed Life

Monica blogs about design and style at Our Designed Life. I love her finds and style picks — particularly the amazing art she unearths from Etsy. Here she presents an outfit that transitions from working at home to meetings with clients.

Job Description

I like to think of myself as a do it all designer. I have a background in interior design, creating spaces for high end residential interiors, commercial art galleries, trade show exhibits and have even served as set designer for indie films. I also work with clients on a smaller scale creating customized design guides, a do it yourself style booklet filled with ideas on creating a new look on tight budgets, though there are talks of me designing a bathroom renovation in a downtown skyscraper. Aside from designing spaces, I’ve also been known to dabble in graphic design creating logos and marketing materials to fit each client’s needs. Being a flexible designer has been wonderful and has given me the ability to truly embrace my creative side through different mediums. When I am not working on a design project, I also am in charge of running a vegetarian household, maintaining the blog Our Designed Life and am responsible for keeping this dog of mine entertained. Sometimes a full time job in itself.

Why I Chose These Pieces

Since I work from home, my clothing needs to be comfortable enough for running errands but still transition to the occasional networking event or client meeting. Since moving, I have discovered the joys of layering pieces, not only for a more interesting look but to keep warm when the pesky fog rolls in. I’ve also learned flats are a girl’s best friend when it comes to tackling some of the hills around here. When selecting new finds, each piece needs to blend well with other items in my closet and also fit within a realistic budget. However, throw in a vintage piece and I am one happy camper! The outfit I chose today is a little casual with a comfortable jean and basic stripped tee, but add in a few layers of jewelry and a blazer style coat and its ready for a fun night out.

Alloy Shoes ($43). With a faux leather finish, these shoes are the perfect girly accessory to spruce up any old pair of jeans.

Levi’s Jeans ($118). I just love the relaxed fit of these and the straight ankle is perfect to show off a flashy pair of heels or in my case, adorable flats.

Anthropologie Tee ($68). You really can’t go wrong with a basic stripped tee, you can dress it up or down and grey is just so versatile.

Urban Outfitters Lace Blouse ($59, not pictured). To give the look a little more color and fun, I would add a contrasting hue like this raspberry lace blouse.

J.Crew Jacket ($198). If there is one color I am really into these days it’s mustard yellow. And I know I’m not the only one. There is something about this color and style of jacket that just makes me feel fancy.

ASOS Satchel ($60). Made from polyurethane but with a look like leather, this Pieces Dertan small flap satchel is perfect for day or night. I find the best bags for me these days must have a long adjustable strap.

And because no outfit is done without a few layers of necklaces, here are three I would love to mix together. I am a big fan of combining gold and silver, and well that squirrel, he’s to bring in the fun. All from Etsy: Gold Spotlight Necklace ($30), Turquoise Pendant Necklace ($22, not pictured), and Squirrel Silhouette Necklace ($43, not pictured).

Thanks Monica!

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One of the stranger trends I’m seeing this fall is taking the slippers that belong to traditional men’s formal wear and making casual versions for women.

I’m not opposed to a pair of these for weekends with some cropped jeans. I dig the tomboy feel of it. But what about for the office?

If I were to wear them to work, I’d probably opt for a pair in a conservative color and wear them with tights, a pencil skirt, and a button down.

What about you? Would you rock these at work, or ever? (Click the image for purchasing information.)

Gentlemens Loafers for Women: Would You Wear It?

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In my mind, I am literally jumping out of my seat with excitement over Club Monaco’s fall line. In reality, it’s my lunch break, and to actually be jumping out of my seat over clothes would be madness.

I’m a little confused by Club Monaco’s stated inspiration for the line; looks like they’re saying it’s 50s, 60s, and 70s… all wrapped up in one? It looks mainly 70s to me. Whatever it is, I want it all!

Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line
Obsession with Club Monacos Fall 2011 Line

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Oversize Clutches as Work Bags

by Emma / August 24, 2011 / 5 comments

You know I’m a sucker for Vogue’s 5 Days, 5 Looks, 1 Girl series.

When I spotted a mini-trend appearing in the series — oversize clutches for work bags — I thought I’d present it to you guys for observation and comment.

Oversize Clutches as Work Bags

From left, Esther Adams remarks:

I’m training myself to downsize from a large tote full of maybe-I’ll-need-them-maybe-I-won’t items to manageable handbags. This Surface to Air envelope clutch just about fits all of my essentials and although I constantly feel like I’m forgetting something, my back is thanking me!

And Jessica Sailer says:

Also, I’m addicted to this oversize clutch for day; I feel so much more put together when I carry a clutch as opposed to lugging a big bag around. And it’s a good exercise in editing: Only bring exactly what is needed.

Here’s a round up of some roomier clutch options:

Oversize Clutches as Work Bags
Miss Selfridge / Windsmoor / ASOS / ASOS / Capulet London / MICHAEL Michael Kors

 

So what do you think: Feel like an oversize clutch would be liberating, or restricting? I’d like to try it. I accumulate so much random junk in my large purse, that a clutch would be a good lesson in pruning. Plus, the new crop of clutches are just right for daytime.

*In other news, I’m having a minor freak out about all the things I need to get done. My job ends this week, so I’m working hard to tie up loose ends. Then I’m moving in with my fiance, then leaving for a month abroad! I’d like to keep up the level of posting while I’m traveling, and to that end — if any of you would like to contribute a guest post, let me know!

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Back to School Cool

by Emma / August 15, 2011 / 5 comments

I always loved back to school season. I even love it now, despite the fact that I will probably never attend school again. (Late-in-life career change?)

Even though I’m not heading to the bookstore with a class list or gathering new supplies, I can at least incorporate a little back to school flair into my wardrobe.

Back to School Cool

Asos Midi Skirt / J.Crew Cashmere Cable Sweater / J.Crew Biella Patent Leather Loafers / Rebecca Minkoff Embrace Satchel / Madewell Silk Printmaker Shirt / J.Crew Herringbone Hacking Jacket / Topshop Suede Slipper Loafers / Uncommon Goods Theory of Relativity and War and Peace iPad Cases

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Ditch the Pearls

by Emma / August 12, 2011 / 3 comments

I always fall into a jewelry rut. I grab the same pearl or silver studs every morning, and wear no other jewelry other than my engagement ring.

I need to spice up my bling. These pieces caught my eye. They’re appropriate for work, but they’re still edgy. So if you’re looking to pull yourself out of a pearls rut as well, check them out. Some of these pieces require more of an investment than others, but it can be a good thing to treat yourself to something nice once in awhile.

The Made Her Think bird cuff is my favorite.

(Bonus: These gold pieces were priced before the economic collapse! The price of gold has since risen astronomically. So they must be good values, right? Wink.)

The monogram pendant is for particularly high rollers. At $960, it better become an heirloom piece.

Ditch the Pearls

Elizabeth and James Earrings / Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings / Ginette NY Necklace / Mociun Bracelet / Gorjana Bracelet / Lulu Frost Necklace / Made Her Think Cuff / Bluma Project Necklace

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