How to Bring A Little Edge to the Office

How to Bring A Little Edge to the Office

Happy Monday! Thanks for bearing with me as blog posts have been a little lighter lately. I'm working on a few projects that I can't wait to share with you, but they've been taking my attention away from this page. My apologies!

Today I'm off to a work conference, and I'll be wearing a suit. However, that's a rarity for me these days. Mostly I wear business casual, as I know many of you do. A look that I love lately for work is a little bit rock 'n roll.

What if you started with a bad ass jacket, something with zippers, something a little boxy or even with leather sleeves? 

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Then, add a little bit of edge on the bottom, maybe cropped pants with a pattern?

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Now that you've balanced out the boxier on top with a narrower bottom, add a great heel or wedge for a little height, and maybe a bright t-shirt to add some color? Jcrew Factory has some incredible color this season, too!

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To recap: consider adding one piece (like a jacket with leather or zippers, a leather skirt, or edgy shoes) that feels rock and roll in with classic pieces, bright colors, and neutrals. I think it's a fun way to think about office wear this spring, don't you?

How to Make Mad Men Modern

I had a reader friend ask me a question the other day that really got me thinking: how can she make Mad Men-inspired fashion modern? For those unfamiliar with the show, it has so far focused on vintage looks with high waists, covered arms, and curve-hugging dresses. It's a fun style to play with because it's very flattering for curvy shapes while at the same time being fairly covered up. That makes it appropriate for a wide variety of settings, including work and date nights!

Here's my take on how to bring that Mad Men flair into the modern age.

Play with Unexpected Color

Take a classic shape, like a full skirt and a cropped jacket, but play with color. Try something from your closet that's the brightest thing you can see, and then build an outfit around it. Here, the skirts are the stars of the show, and the pieces they're paired with are much more modern in fit and color.

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Add an Edgy Touch to a Classic Shape

Simmi: Classic with a Twist

Simmi: Classic with a Twist

Last week, I have an incredibly fun personal styling session with Simmi. She works in a stylish office and also has two young children so she wanted some outfits that were ready to go to the office and come home for playtime.

When I work with clients, I start to think about an easy phrase or description in my head that helps me to define a consistent look with them. For example, I have clients whose closets and lifestyle strike me as Modern Prep or Vintage, Collected Ease, or Casual Comfy Chic.

These words help me to foster a cohesive look for my clients; if something does not fit at all within their style, I question whether it belongs with them. Of course, I go to great lengths to make sure everything they already own can be used, but sometimes we all fall into the trap of buying a perfect shirt or dress...that's perfect for someone else!

Here, what I found with Simmi was that she loves classic, clean lines that are kept young and modern with a twist. For example, a bright color or print or a snakeskin shoe. She also needed fresh, modern outfits that feel like spring is coming and can move into summer, but she also gets chilly easily. I understand that completely since I freeze in my office all summer long, but I don't want to continue to wear things that look like they're too wintery.