Business Capsule Wardrobe: 2014 Edition

As fun as shopping can be, the whole paying for it part can be a real drag.  When you're starting a new job after college, wearing a new size of clothing, or adapting to an office with a different dress code, it's even worse because you need lots of things all at once.

Although my office is as casual as they come (Converse + dog sleeping under my desk today), I haven't forgotten how hard it was to buy a work wardrobe on a limited budget.  I have done several posts on this topic, and as I prepare to facilitate a style workshop later this week, I wanted to share this year's version of the capsule wardrobe:

Avant garde, it is not.  However, if you need to make two weeks worth of outfits (or more) you only need a handful of pieces that fit well and can multi-task:

Pants that Fit: I think you need both a black and gray pair, but you can get buy with just one at first if you're willing to wash them often.  A slim, straight leg hemmed to where it doesn't drag the floor will work with most shoes and is universally flattering - much more so than flared cuts!

A Black Sheath Dress: Look for a close-fitting cut that can be layered under blazers and cardigans - bonus points if it has sleeves and can be worn alone in an office setting.  This can double as your funeral dress and a blank canvas for festive accessories, so go ahead and get the best version you can afford.

Two Skirts:  At least one of these should be a fun, but not too seasonal color (I vote for a saturated blue or burgundy).  Pick the cut that makes you feel prettiest, and keep the length somewhere from 2 inches above to an inch below your kneecap.

Two Button-down Shirts:  At least one should be white, and fit you perfectly with a proper bra.  No gaping buttons!  The other can be colored or black - whichever you're more likely to wear as a base layer.

A Blazer (Optional):  Depending on your needs, a well cut black or gray blazer could get loads of wear both in and out of the office.  I prefer closely fitted, semi cropped cuts as opposed to longer hip length versions, but try on several styles and see what flatters your shape.  It will be obvious! However, you can skip this if you don't think it is needed.

At Least Three Completer Pieces:  These are cardigans or more casual blazers that you'll pair with your base pieces to add color to your outfits.  I highly recommend a few jewel tone cardigans, plus a more structured piece like a sweater blazer that is a little dressier. 

One Pair of Friday Jeans:  These should be a dark wash in either a trouser or slim straight cut.  This is not the time for jeggings, or anything too distressed.

Quality Accessories:  I recommend a skinny black belt, and preferably a leopard print one as well.  These will add interest to your cardigan combinations, and define your waist.  You'll also need a well-made pair of black pumps that aren't going to kill your feet - I highly recommend the Cole Haan/Nike collaboration.  Finally, invest in a purse that isn't coming unstitched and doesn't look cheap.  I'm not saying you need a designer bag by any means, but a well made thrift store purse is a better choice than most $14 versions that start to reek of vinyl after a few weeks.

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Wow, that's a lot of information!  What do you think are the most important starter pieces for a business wardrobe?

Going to Extremes: Getting the Most Out of Your Wardrobe

Happy Tuesday!  So it turns out that I needed a long weekend even more than I realized, and decided to spend Monday taking two impromptu naps, watching a Drunk History marathon, and getting a much needed pedicure.  Clearly, blogging had to take a back seat to that kind of productivity.

However, if you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I love getting extra mileage out of my wardrobe.  I try not to buy things that I can only wear one way, and choosing versatile pieces  makes investing in what you love a lot less painful. 

I know not every garment can go from the board room to the farmers market, or be worn year round, but there is tons of potential in the right pair of trousers and a great-fitting dress. 

Here's what I mean:

If you want to find something to wear to a variety of events year-round, be sure you pick a fabric that's not prominent in just one season.  That means no heavy wools or floaty chiffon, but mid-weight options that will work as the weather shifts from warm to cool. 

You should also be very particular about the fit, as you'll need to be able to add layers or go without.  Not to mention that fact that the right cut makes you look slimmer and more put together!

Finally, try to stick with neutral colors that you can jazz up with playful or sexy accessories.  Think of your investment piece as a chameleon - it should blend in with the rest of your outfit and not necessarily take center stage. 

Got it?  Now go take advantage of those pre-spring sales! 

Business Casual Doesn't Mean Boring!

Oh hey, internet.  Sorry I ended up taking a little unplanned break, but I am back after a fantastic weekend with my family and some really busy work days that didn't leave time for blogging.

Speaking of work, I have been browsing on Pinterest in hopes of being inspired to create some new outfits with my very limited, 8-months pregnant, maternity wardrobe.  I didn't see much to help me, but I did see lots of the same old basic work outfits.  /sad trombone

I know that some offices won't take kindly to those who push the envelope (which sounds terrible to me!) but for the most part, I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with injecting some personality into your wardrobe and wearing classic silhouettes in unexpected colors and prints.  Unless you are required to wear suits in a conservative setting, you probably have a little more freedom than you realize!

Here's what I mean:

In my opinion, wearing a black striped dress instead of a solid one does not suggest that you're any less capable, especially when you pair it with a ladylike wedge.  You can also make your bright dresses work at the office (if the fabric is right) by wearing them under a blazer or cardigan.

Also, basic slim black slacks suddenly feel more Deschanel-esque when paired with a printed flat and creamy blouse, as do a subtly patterned pair that can get down to business with a sleek sweater as well as your favorite evening top and heels. 

Isn't that more fun than a plain white button-down?  I agree.

Reader Request: Teaching Wardrobe on a Budget

Good morning, internet!  I feel like I have to apologize at the beginning of every post because I'm not able to keep up my usual cadence.  However, this is just my hobby and I decided that you all will understand that life gets busy sometimes.  I hope you'll stick with me until I have the time and inspiration that I usually share with you.

That said, today I have a great topic thanks to an email from Lindsey, who is a high school teacher and grad student looking some budget friendly outfit ideas that are versatile and school-appropriate.  I think that teachers have such an amazing opportunity to model what it means to dress with class for girls who need to be reminded that showing as much skin as possible isn't a good idea.  (Even when you live amid stifling humidity in Houston!)

Here are my ideas for a capsule wardrobe that's not void of color and style, and where to find those pieces at a good price:

basics on a budget by cardiganjunkie featuring loft pants

Colorful cardigans and/or ponte blazers:  These pieces are key, because they'll add lots of color to your outfits, and can be purchased on the cheap at Old Navy, Target, and with coupon codes at LOFT or J.Crew Factory.  I've gotten some great ones for under $10, and usually just peel them off when I go outside in the heat.  The blazers will be a bit more of an investment, but if you are persistent and check Gap sale racks often, you'll find some for under $50!  I'm a fan of the Academy Blazer, myself, and it's currently 40% off!

Basic dresses that fit like a glove:  Think of these as a blank canvas over which to layer great necklaces, cardigans, blazers, or even wear over a button-down shirt.  You can find deals everywhere, but first you should focus on the fit.  I have a $21 Mossimo dress that looks more expensive than an $88 version from J.Crew simply because it fits me perfectly.  As you build out your wardrobe, consider a pattern like stripes or a floral print to mix things up a bit.

Statement necklaces:  Big bold necklaces make existing outfits feel fresh, especially when you wear them over a button down or dress.  Plus, you can find beautiful options for a song thanks to stores like Forever 21 and H&M. 

Printed button-down shirts:  I love the look of a black or navy gingham or polka dotted shirt and a pencil skirt.  It's a little unexpected, but still perfectly appropriate.  You can also pair it with trousers or jeans, of course, and one of your new statement necklaces.  I wear mine with shorts in the summer, as well.  As for stores, I've had great luck with J.Crew Factory and the Joe Fresh line at JCPenney.  However, like with the dress, you'll be at the mercy of the cut of the shirt.  I think $40 or less is a good price, and you will definitely get your money's worth!

A dressy blouse you love:  Every woman, even teachers, need that one top that makes them feel pretty (but still covered).  I think something in a bold color, but conservative cut, will liven up your basic skirts and pants, and transition well to your life after school too.  Target is actually a great place to look for dressy tops, as is H&M, LOFT, and J.Crew Factory.

Sexy but chic pencil skirts:  These skirts are universally flattering, and widely available in a host of prints and fabrics.  I'm a big fan of the printed stretch cotton versions at J.Crew Factory, and you can score them for under $40 when they're having a sale (as they always seem to be).  These will look great with your collection of cardigans and blouses, and the cotton versions are breathable and won't make your thighs sweat when you walk out to the parking lot (a Houston problem, trust me).

Pants that fit:  Again, focus on fit then stalk your chosen style in hopes of a sale.  Since most teachers spend the day standing in flats, I recommend a slim cut or straight leg as opposed to a flare that tends to look sloppy puddled on the ground.  I've had great luck at Gap (don't get hung up on the sizes - they're wildly inconsistent) and gotten a few styles for under $30!

Hopefully this was a good idea-starter for Lindsey.  If there are any other teachers or bargain shoppers out there, please chime in!

P.S. I still need guest bloggers while I'm in Europe!  Let me know if you're interested!

Lookin like a fool with your pants on the ground...

Excuse the title, but I just couldn't resist.

Today's post will be short and sweet.  And it may offend a few people, but please know that I come from a place of kindness and wanting to help.  That said, I'm going to go ahead and declare:

It looks really sloppy when you wear flats with pants hemmed for heels.  Seriously.  It's even worse when the pants are flared. 

I completely understand that wearing heels all the time is not practical.  I don't do it either.  I also understand that not everyone is comfortable wearing slim cut pants (you should try it anyway - if they fit right, they're so flattering!), but wearing a flared or boot cut pant that drags the floor makes for a very strange body shape.  Your feet should not be one of the wider points of your silhouette, which is what happens when you stand in a puddle of fabric.

And don't get me started on frayed hems with holes in them... the horror!

That said, here are a few examples of how to mix flat shoes and trousers without resorting to a super skinny style.  Think cropped or cuffed styles, or simply hemming a pair of pants to keep them off the floor.

I hope I didn't upset anyone, but tough love is necessary sometimes.  If you need help finding the right style for you, shoot me and email and I'll be happy to assist!

What to Wear: Interviewing at Marketing Agencies

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend.  Mine was good, though I mostly watched my husband and his friend work really hard on our bathroom renovation.

I don't have time for much of a post today, but wanted to share a quick set of outfits that I put together to address a pretty specific situation - interviewing at marketing agencies, and other creative companies.

I've worked in client service at agencies for over 8 years now, and it's definitely not a conservative environment.  On any given day in my office, you may see someone in shorts, various dogs, and definitely not many (if any) people wearing business attire.  And since interviewing is mostly about proving that you will fit in, showing up dressed like a boring banker suggests that you don't really understand the industry.

So, if you're looking to make the switch to a more creative environment, here are a few ideas that will still suggest that you take things seriously, but are unique enough to convey some taste and personality.

interviewing at agencies by cardiganjunkie featuring l k bennett

J Crew j crew dress
jcrew.com

J Crew dot blouse
jcrew.com

EAST silk blouse
$65 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Topshop
topshop.com

Mango jacket
mango.com

Yves saint laurent
mytheresa.com

L K Bennett l k bennett
$92 - johnlewis.com

Ivanka trump shoes
zappos.com

Sigerson Morrison high heel pumps
piperlime.gap.com

Worthington high heel pumps
jcpenney.com

Clare vivier
seevivier.com

Zara leather handbag
zara.com

J Crew leather handbag
jcrew.com

Kate spade jewelry
nordstrom.com

Aurélie Bidermann cuff bracelet
net-a-porter.com

Kenneth jay lane
shopbop.com

Warby parker
warbyparker.com

Generally, I like the concept of a suit but not necessarily a traditional set.  That's why I tend to layer a jacket over a dress, or substitute a pattern for a basic white shirt.  I also like wearing at least one unique piece of jewelry that's not too crazy (or noisy!) but interesting.  Basically, you should look put together but with an edge.  

However, if the HR person tells you to dress (business) casually, you need to do it.  It's pretty awkward to sit down in front of a person wearing a suit when you are wearing shorts.  I have seen it happen, and then people wondered why that guy didn't listen to the recruiter.

Good luck!

Reader Request: Business Lady Bags

Good morning!  Sorry for the silence yesterday, but after an eventful weekend and a night of HBO, I just forgot to blog.  Oops.

However, I'm excited to be back today so that I can help Catie, a reader looking for a classic, chic bag that will take her and her laptop on airplanes all over the country.  Her budget is reasonable (durable leather bags aren't cheap, people) and she needs to be able to take it from under the seat in front of her to a meeting with clients without damage.

In my personal experience, I've learned that bags intended for carrying laptops are generally much more comfortable to carry around and have straps that were made to support about 15 pounds of computer and other stuff.  I daresay many a large purse has been ruined by women (like me) insistent that a large purse can do the job of luggage.  So, I've put together some options for Catie that will do the job and look good for years to come:

First, my top choice (again) is the Alesya laptop bag.  It comes in two colors (black and gunmetal gray) and looks super comfortable with a wide strap and lots of compartments.  It's also much less expensive than many other designer options!

Some other contenders:

Do you have a bag that serves you well?  Let Catie know where to find it!

Refresher Course: Accessories Make the Outfit

Hello!  I don't have time for much of a post today, thanks to an impromptu dinner with clients who are in town without anyone to entertain them.  As I rushed to convert my usual casual outfit into something more befitting the occasion, I was reminded of just how important accessories can be in the business world.

If, like me, your company sells your time and expertise then looking nice and fitting in is super important.  However, nobody needs to run out and buy all new outfits for every meeting because you can completely change the tone of your look with shoes, jewelry and a purse.

Don't believe me?  Look:

Style Sessions: Accessories Set the Tone by cardiganjunkie featuring crystal jewelry

The look on the left screams "business time", while the other suggests that you're a bit more creative and relaxed without being dressed down.  Even if you're not dressing for clients, the same philosophy also helps you get lots of wear out of your staple pieces.

What's your favorite way to jazz up an outfit?