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. 

Forever Colors: Colorful Stackable Bracelets

Charriol Forever Colors bangles.

Charriol is synonymous with luxury and high quality jewelry.  This famous Swiss jewelry house has been around a long time.  To me, a brand's ability to adapt in the marketplace is what defines its longevity. Charriol has achieved that in the jewelry business.  Throughout the years, Charriol has been able to maintain a sense of timeless elegance while also continuing to evolve.  Some of their more traditional and better known styles are  cable rings and bracelets.  

Basic Black Suit

A basic black skirt suit is a must for the office.  Although I love black, it can get boring.  Pairing a black suit with a bright red or berry lip and a fun blouse can make a statement without interfering with the sophisticated look that wearing all black can give.  If you don't have a cool, patterned blouse, you could opt for a tie-neck blouse like the one I'm wearing, although if I'm being honest, they're not too practical.  They have a tendency to untie throughout the day, or sometimes the bow lays funny, like in these shots.  If you can get it right though, they look elegant and classy.  If you're not sure where to buy your work suits or office attire, check out this post from last week, listing my favorite online workwear retailers.

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. 

Boho Weekend

Do you have a lot of yellow in your wardrobe? I know a lot of you shy away from the color but I think it's perfect for the spring and summer months.  If you're still not ready to take the all yellow plunge, begin by incorporating it in small doses, like the ikat print of my tunic.  Some great summer options are this dress and this dress. No matter what your skintone, yellow will help illuminate and brighten your complexion. While we're on the topic, how cute is this one piece lightning bolt bathing suit by Wildfox?