Lawyer Look: Marimekko for Casual Office Wear

Marimekko is a Finnish brand that has been around for 60 + years. They have traditionally put out strong, colorful patterns on their dresses, skirts and tops.  You can also find those prints transferred onto items for the home, like their trays, glasware and tableware.

For today's 9 to 5 Style File, I'm wearing the Marimekko Suvetar Dress.  The fabric of the dress is lightweight due to a blend of cotton and silk; the length and fit makes it office appropriate.  I like this bold, floral pattern for a more laid back office look.

Suvetar Dress // Margo Pump c/o Mia Shoes // Another Marimmeko dress (similar to DVF) // H&M necklace // Theory Obi Belt // BCBG Blazer // Whale Pillows - West Elm (Similar) (Similar)(Similar)

The dress is pretty conservative on it's own - 3/4 length sleeves, etc.  It does not really need much to be ready for your 9 to 5, but the addition of a black blazer or obi belt can bring some variety to the dress and can help create a more slim silhouette.  These designs are meant to be loose fitting and have more of a boxy feel.

The addition of the obi is something you could consider for after work events.  The blazer just adds a more conservative feel the the piece, but because of the high neck, some may shy away from a jacket altogether. 

I hope that you're enjoying the workwear posts.

Have a safe holiday weekend.  

xx

Little Black Dress for The Office: 9 to 5 Style File, Work Wear

Hi! My 9 to 5 Style File continues today (FRIDAY, YAY!!) with the classic LBD (little black dress).
The LBD will forever be a closet staple for every woman.  There are countless ways to style one, but maybe the best part about them is that they do not involve much thought...so if you really don't have the time or energy to put an entire outfit together, you can definitely still achieve an office-chic look without thinking by just hopping into a LBD.

For this look, I threw on a leopard cardigan over a little black dress, and cinched the waist with a gold belt. You can tone it down for the office by eliminating the red lipstick and the super large, sparkly earrings. Keep them in your work bag and add them when the clock strikes 5 ;)

Finding the right little black dress is easy once you have narrowed down the style that you're going for. For the office I like a classic high neck, shift or a wrap dress.  You can narrow it down further by deciding if you want sleeveless or a slight sleeve.  I like this pencil dress from Nordstrom.  It is a good office length, has a high neck and a little cap sleeve and is ultra classic.

You can achieve my favorite lazy girl bun (which was toppling over in these shots...great) by waiting until Friday night to wash your hair.
Just kidding.
Not really.

9 to 5 File: Navy Separates

Hi guys! I'm debuting my 9 to 5 Style series today! This series of workwear posts will feature more conservative, and traditional office styles on Monday.  On Friday, the outfits will be more office casual and fashion forward.

This concept is not new, but I personally developed it because of my full time job as an attorney in Miami.  I have been practicing for a little over 9 years now, and believe me when I tell you, I have seen some pretty scary outfits that people try to pass off as office appropriate.

Scooped necklines exposing cleavage? Check.  Hemlines 10 inches above the knees? Check. Sleeveless, tight dresses paraded into the courtroom? Check. Skintight leggings paired with long, untucked tunics? Check.

You would not believe what some women wear to work! 

My hope for this style series is that working women who have to go to and from the office all week, have a chance to get a bit of fashion inspiration from the posts and still dress professionally.  In between, I will still continue to show weekend outfits.

OOTD: Work Wear Fashionable ESQ Style + Razon Eyewear Launch

I attended the launch party for a socially conscious sunglasses brand called Razon.  They're based out Miami and inspired by other brands who target social awareness and responsibility (ie: TOMS). You will throw down $305 for each pair of sunglasses which are manufactured from different types of wood (rose wood, and bamboo, for example).  Be mindful of the fact that from each purchase, Razon donates three pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in third world countries who would otherwise be unable to afford prescription lenses.  They can do this because they partner with Eyejusters, a technology which allows people to literally correct or tweak their prescription eyeglasses by twisting an adjustable knob.

OOTD: Work Wear, Fashionable ESQ Style

Back on track next week with full outfit posts. Don't forget to hover your pointer above the picture.
 Enjoy your weekend.

xx

Take 40% off a full priced Banana Republic item with online code: BRCLUE40

Terrible iPhone photo, but awesome Banana Republic Sloan Fit Slim Pants. I have several of these in various colors and I wear them to work on days that I don't have to wear full suits. In this picture I'm wearing the navy color. I just recently bought them and love what a good alternative to black navy is. It's so much better than wearing black all the time, which I tend to do when I fall into a work clothes rut.

My blazer is just a basic tan blazer, from Banana as well, but I like how it has cute lining so that I can cuff the bottom of the sleeves and get some added style points.

My button down the natuical themed Banana Republic Soft Wash Nautical Print Shirt is under $30 and also anchor themed).  I'm wearing my most comfy pair of work pumps, the Ann Taylor Kenzie Pump in suede.
The work carry-all is the Longchamp Le Pliage (large one) in color 'Bilberry.'
Glasses are c/o Italia Independent.

Happy Friday <3