OFFICE OUTFITS AND WORK WEAR SALES

With the Holidays in full swing, It's been tough getting some outfit posts together, but, we moved into our new office space recently and I snapped these photos of my office looks. Check them out and let me know which one is your favorite. 

Wearing: 

Banana Republic Sloan side-zip pant: the fit on these is amazing. I buy them in "Long" (I'm 5'7,) and they fit like a glove. The difference between these and the regular Sloan pant is that that they zip on the side. Trust me, it makes all the difference. I have the front zip version and they do nothing compared to these. I love them so much that I bought another plaid version.  They retail for $98 but regularly go on sale where you can snag them for under $50.  Tomorrow, for Cyber Monday, they go on sale for 50% off. 

My blouse is the Banana Republic Riley Fit Ruffle Shirt. Also a great fit for tall girls because it's long enough where it does not untuck from your skirts or pants (pet peeve). The sleeves are just the right length. 

Shoes: Mila Suede pumps by Ann Taylor. These took forever to wear in. I wouldn't recommend them for that reason alone, but, there is a nice color range  to this particular line, and they do have a classic silhouette that pairs well with everything for work. 

Wearing: 
J.Crew No.2 Pencil Skirt: I've written about this style skirt on TFE for years. It's an absolute classic, fits like a glove, and comes in over 8 colors. This is not a flattering photo; it sits higher on the waist than it appears here, and is slimming. It also has a little bit of stretch in the cotton that makes for a perfect fit.

Shoes: my go-to work pump - the Skyler Patent Pump by Ann Taylor. My feet are difficult to fit - I have narrow, skinny feet with a high arch. All shoes are uncomfortable for me, but these are the better fitting pair in my closet. As you probably already guessed, I have them in multiple colors. They have an almond toe, which which gives a sense of elongating and lengthening to your legs. Tomorrow, they're also 50% off on Ann Taylor with the code 'GoPink.' I'm waiting for tomorrow's sale so that I can snag them up in this beautiful, red suede.

Wearing:
Ann Taylor Leopard print skirt: I remember hunting this down a few years ago. It's got copper, metallic thread that forms the spots on the skirt. It was my favorite piece in my closet for a long time, despite the fact that it doesn't fit my perfectly, because I settled on buying a petite version, since everything else was sold out.  Ha! I needed to have it.

Carrie Cammie by J.Crew: the BEST silk cami for work and play. It is spaghetti strap, racer back, and super flattering. Can be worn with jeans, or paired with suits. It never disappoints, and is constantly sold out. You need this for your closet, so watch out for the re-stocks. Currently in in stock on J.Crew, and 40% off with online code 'Thanku.' I have them in black, and white. They are almost identical to Tibi's Silk Cami, which is double the price.

Shoes: the perfect suede pump by Banana Republic. The inside of the heel is gold plated, adding the prettiest effect. The rounded toe and wide, stacked heel, makes these the most comfortable pair of work pumps in my closet. This version is sold out but they still have this version and this pair available.

Jacket: old BR but similar to their current tie-sleeve jacket or this beautiful moto style version. How gorgeous is the Banana Republic Life in Moto jacket!? Again, tomorrow it will be on sale for 50% off, no code needed. No brainer.

Cute Baby Shower Outfit l Cute Work Outfit

A few weeks ago, we celebrated my friend's baby, Amelie. This is what I wore to her baby shower.

This high-waisted skirt, that flares, can be tough to style because you have to ensure you define your waist. The option of a cropped jacket, that falls just above the waist is the ideal option. The length of my jacket was a tad too long, but still helped pull the look together. 

The bold, floral print of the A-line definitely called for a solid pairing on top.  The black jacket is interesting because of the texture of the fabric, and the detailed sequined collar.

Shop some floral skirt options here:

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2016: Workwear Edit

Nordstrom Anniversary SALE is upon us next week.  I love Nordstorm because it's close to where I live, has a great return policy (also free shipping and returns), and has a wonderful selection of workwear pieces. My hope this year, with this guide, is to show you how you can easily navigate the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale when you're looking for workwear.

I do have some favorite workwear brands that Nordstrom carries, like Chelsea 28 for blouses and wide leg trousers. Another brand that does not get much credit but that does have good staples is Eileen Fisher, who has a great casual, long cardigan, and a slim ankle pant. Sometimes these ankle pants are a good option for casual office days, but many like J.Crew's Minnie Pant and the Banana Republic Sloan can be way too spandexy and tight for the office.  Many women end up looking like they're wrapped up in a sausage casing when they wear them, so, to avoid that, try something with a more relaxed fit.

The Best Sheath Dress for Work: is not too tight, hits on or below the knee, and preferably has a higher (modest) neckline.  My pick is this dress by Lafayette 148. It has a traditional silhouette and is so classic. The addition of the contrasting piping is perfect.

The Perfect Pencil Skirt For Work: Nordstrom carries Anne Klein, Tahari and Ellen Tracy - basically all workwear masters.  AK makes the Suit Pencil Skirt which pairs with this blazer. The quality is good, it's lightweight fabric despite the material, it's lined, and not too fitted through the hips.  It also has pintucking in the back, parallel to the zipper, which makes for a great fit.  I also like this pencil skirt by Ellen Tracy because the slit is off to the side, and isn't too high. A reasonably priced option can be found here, by Halogen.

I also manage a workwear page on Google+ and would love it if you joined and contributed by posting your chic office style!

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

Style File: Casual Fridays + Flats For The Office

Although I rarely wear them, ballet flats can be a good option for the office on casual office days.  I personally do not like how I look in flats, but I have recently suffered a back injury and have been forced to temporarily retire my heels.  Switching gears and introducing flats into my work wardrobe was a welcomed change of pace.  That's why I was so happy when Mia Shoes sent over these adorable snakeprint ballet flats, the Mia Ballerina. Flats also pair well with denim - especially skinny jeans. 

9 to 5 Workwear: Top Online Workwear Retailers

Did you know that a lot of your favorite contemporary brands have recently begun to offer workwear sections online?

Ann Taylor Tropical Wool One Button Jacket

I love this! Now us working women have a much wider range of fashionable options for the office.  I've listed my favorites below - broken down into categories.  Something to keep in mind when shopping online is the height of the individual modeling the clothes. For example, in some photos in this post, hemlines may appear short because most models are 5"10 - 5"11. If you're going to make an online purchase, always remember to check out the "size and fit" section of the item so that you can see how tall the model is.  Click the link below to see what brands made my list of the Top Online Workwear Retailers. 

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.

Style File: JCrew Work Wear Pieces

Sometimes, the easiest thing to throw on for the office is a good work-wear dress topped with a blazer or cardigan. It's a basic, feminine outfit for the office that requires minimal thought on those mornings were you're feeling nervous because you've got a big presentation or just four seconds to get out the door.

I like J.Crew dresses because they're well tailored/ constructed, the length is always appropriate, and they have a little bit of an extra design element that sets them apart from the basic corporate shift dress.

Tipped Dress, Petal Sleeve Dress,  Kelsey Dress

25% off with code: TGIFALL (Additional 30% off sale items)

Pinstriped Dress, Glen Plaid Cap-Sleeve Dress  (my favorite)

25% off with code: TGIFALL (Additional 30% off sale items)

Sorry for the lack of outfit posts lately. What a slump!

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