A woman's dirty little secret for the business casually confused

 

Hello Ladies.  So now that I've enlightened you with my words of wisdom on getting the job and how to pull it off on your first day, let's get down to the meat and potatoes of the situation..what to wear. I see fashion offenders everyday marching their sad little selves into the office. Be it ugly shoes in the wrong color or something my grandma would wear, unflattering tops or inappropriate cleavage bearing ensembles, and clueless cover girls in disguise. I have to admit, I myself thought I was going to become one of these black and white dressed people the rest of my life, reduced to neutral colors in the corporate world because standing out isn't always accepted in business.

Image courtesy of Google: Film still from Beauty and the Briefcase(2010)

Then I had an epiphany when I saw for the first time Beauty and the Briefcase (Junger, 2010) you can watch for free through Netflix instant or Youtube. Great movie by the way if you're into chick flicks starring Hilary Duff. In the film, Hilary is an executive admin for an investment banking institution. Despite this boring outer appearance, she dresses very chic and amazing in the film. My favorite outfit she nailed to this day, is the teal silk blouse, thick red belt, purple structured tote, and leopard pencil skirt and pumps she wore to work. After seeing the new realm of possibilities, I quickly began scouring  Ebay, Amazon, Forever 21, Express, Burlington..you name it, for these pieces I saw and wanted. After a killer trip to Ross, I can say my bargainista senses led me to a Jones New York silk blouse similar to the one she wore in the film I scored for $12 that retails for $100! Oh yes. Shut the front door. I also recently found a leopard pencil skirt for $15 at Forever 21. Does this give you ideas? Now, not every boss or work environment is going to take kindly to cat lady walking the floor or pink,yellow, and red being a staple in your wardrobe. Feel out the appropriate colors and attire you can get away with, and when in doubt, check with Human Resources, since they will know if it will fly for sure or not.

Mary of The Classy Cubicle in Fall Brights

Another form of inspiration I've been using lately is this woman from the Midwest or East Coast, forgive me Mary I forget, called The Classy Cubicle who Instagrams and blogs her daily outfits for work I can't get enough of. When I got a stuffy office gig, I turned to the internet for ideas on how to keep my unique style and be work appropriate. Then I found her. My work attire angel. I subscribed the day she posted this outfit on the left, I was shocked you could wear to the office. Those red pants and sailor stripes were my eye candy I had to have. Warning for those young professionals with limited budgets and student loan debt, her selections are more for Macy's minded ladies than working girls in terms of price and brand. Don't let that stop you, I have personally found most of her pieces at middle class retailers for a fraction of what she paid that look as good.

For instance, a while back she had this post of a stiletto like shoe with an adorable plaid pencil skirt. I was in love with the skirt and shoes at hello. Then I saw the sticker shock and was taken a back, but never fear, Just Fab is here! I found those exact heels for $40 in black and mint. Cha-ching!

 So there you have it ladies. Some weekend inspiration for you all to go out and blossom. My dream one day is to post Youtube videos and Instagram photos of my outfits like her to share with you all on how you can afford to look good at work. You can even be my shopping buddy for the day.

So some food for thought. When putting together a new work wardrobe follow my rules of success:

• own a black pencil skirt
• Plan on buying fabric softener, color safe bleach, and dryer sheets
•  buy outfits  by the piece
• Purchase things that can be worn with many different looks
• shop around online to check for specials, clearance items, and deals
• look at films starring career minded women or look at fashion magazines for inspiration. Some of my personal favorites are Sex and the City, Bride Wars,The Devil Wears Prada,101 Dalmations starring Glen Close, and Beauty and the Briefcase.
• Think of current trends and your favorite looks and tailor them to the workplace
• Avoid " Stripper heels" meaning anything over 3 inches is excessive.
• Don't show your buns or sweater puppies off to the world. Think of things you could wear to an event or to your mother and grandmother's home
• When buying jewelry, small is best. You are not Lady Gaga and this is not the Grammy Awards.
• Get properly fitted bras and underwear. Your appearance will change dramatically if these are done right. My dear friend Victoria can help you with that.
• Keep a lint roller, Tide to-go stick, and Wet Ones handy at work. You never know what might go wrong
• Follow the care instructions on garments
• For the love of all that is holy iron your pieces please! Wrinkles are not a good look.
• You can be a string bean or size sassy and still look fabulous!

Be on the lookout for Instagram and Youtube links in the future and have a beautiful day ladies!

-Kate