Work Wardrobe 102

And now here's the second part of my work wardrobe post: what to get when you've got basics and want to liven things up or look a little more authoritative in your new job, like Ashley.

When you're first starting out, you want to get clothes that you can wear as much as possible, which means neutrals and classic pieces.  However, once you've got all the basics you need, you get to have a little fun with color and outfits that are too memorable to wear every other week.  Here are a few things to consider when you're looking to supplement your business casual collection:

Mad Men Dresses
I love the knee-length fitted dresses that started popping up when Mad Men got popular.  There's a reason that the silhouette has been around since the days of Sterling Cooper - it works for an office and on lots of body types.  Fit is super important here, there should be no bunching, and it may take some tailoring to get it right.   The fabric should also have some weight to it so that you don't have to wear spanx to keep the lines away.  If you get a black or gray dress, I'd pair it with jewelry that has some color and fun shoes (note that I said fun, and not sexy).  If you're lucky enough to find a jewel tone, pounce on it.  You can also use these dresses as base layers under your cardigans when it gets cooler.

The Limited Sleep Scoop Sheath Dress
Banana Republic V-Neck Stretch Sheath
Style & Co Sleeveless Belted Sheath ($40!)
AGB Sleeveless Belted Sheath ($40!)

The Non-Suit Jacket
Stacy and Clinton aren't lying when they say a fitted jacket works wonders.  I only have two, but I like them as a top layer over a white tank with my dress pants or a skirt.  It still says business, but not in a stuffy way.  I like the short sleeve and 3/4 sleeve versions best since they are less job interview outfit-ey and let you show off a cool bracelet.  These jackets always end up on sale at The Limited, so keep an eye on that sale page (or rack) and you may walk away with some unique jackets for about $45. 

The Limited Two Button Swing Jacket
The Limited Ruched Neckline Jacket
Express Belted Military Blazer
Express Essential Stretch Belted Shirt Jacket

Embellished Shirts
Once you've got all the white/black/blue shirts you need, you can start looking for bright colored button downs with special detailing like pleats or a ruffle.  Most all will look great tucked into one of your pencil skirts, and you can pair with trouser jeans on Friday (if that's allowed) if you'll be seeing clients or leading a meeting.  However, don't go overboard with frilly details or overly sheer/floaty fabric.

Banana Republic Ruffle Placket Shirt
The Limited Pleated Button Front Shirt
LOFT Cascading Ruffle Button Down

Stylish Coat
Yes, I know you don't sit at your desk in a coat, but people see you coming in or at the airport.  You need to have a chic coat that you wouldn't wear to build snowmen. 

Via Spiga Cashmere Blend Wool Walker Coat
DKNY Long Coat
Lands End Canvas Heritage Trench Coat

Colored/Patterned Skirts
Though you may not wear them all the time, a patterned skirt is a nice option to have with your basic tops.  I see a lot of these on sale racks, so you can probably find some good deals.  My hunch is that women (like me) don't want to drop $70 on something they can wear maybe every three weeks without people going "is that the only skirt she has?" because it's so memorable.

The Limited Dart Waistband Pencil Skirt
Express High Waist Plaid Pencil Skirt
Tommy Hilfiger Ikat A-Line Skirt

Of course there will always be great things that I didn't mention that you can integrate into your work wardrobe (I didn't even try to cover shoes and jewelry and purses) but this should be a good start.  If I missed something you find to be super wearable, let me know.  Happy shopping!

Work Wardrobe 101

This week I got two very similar requests about building a business casual work wardrobe that conveys capability and sophistication.  The first was from Kelly, who needs a wardrobe that will take her through a year of pharmacy school rotations in all kinds of weather (she lives in Maryland).  She needs to look like she's in a position to offer medical advice, but still be herself and not try to look older than she is.  The second request is from Ashley, who already has staple pieces from her five years of working full time, but wants to work in some new items that will impress her new boss in a conservative office.

Rather than write two similar posts this week, or make one of them wait a while, I'm going to first go through ideas for basics for Kelly and then tomorrow I will add in some more items for people like Ashley who want more options.

The Basics
When you're just starting out, you need to identify what kind of items will get the most mileage and invest in good fit and quality.  Until you've got the money for items you'll wear occasionally, stick to neutral colors for your pants and skirts.  In a conservative setting, black and gray trousers will always be appropriate.  When you're first starting out, you can wear them on alternate days during the week and then wash both on the weekend.  Once you get a few paychecks under your belt, you can branch out and add a pair of camel colored trousers (it's dressier than light khaki) and a nice black pencil skirt (or A-line if it suits you better). 

You're going to see a lot of $80-90 options, but if you watch for markdowns you should be able to get  well-made pants and skirts for around $50-60.  Look for thick, sturdy  fabric and a hem that is more than barely attached.  In my experience, trousers from The Limited hold up very well.  The wider-leg styles are universally flattering and look nice with a low heel.  Right now, The Limited is offering a buy one, get one half off special on their pants so I would take advantage (don't forget they offer free hemming!). 

Cassidy Wrap Waistband Fit & Flare
Exact Stretch Classic Flare Pant

To break things up a bit, you should add a flattering skirt into the mix.  I think black and khaki would both get a lot of wear year round. I'm not a huge fan of the high waisted skirts unless you're tall, and prefer a wide waistband like the one below.  Again, go for thick fabric that isn't going to show every line and curve you have. 

 The Limited Sunbeam Pencil Skirt
Gap New Pencil Skirt

Once you've got your pants and skirts in hand, you'll need to find tops that work for more than one season (and preferably all of them).   I'm a big fan of the 3/4 sleeve button down shirt.  You can wear it year round and layer under knits to keep from looking like a banker.  And of course, long sleeve button downs will always work when you want to look business-like (and you can roll the sleeves when you don't).  I think you need white (of course), black, blue, and at least one more fun color.  If you can only buy a couple at first, go with black and a fun color.


Banana Republic Elbow Sleeve Stretch Skirt
Lands End Canvas Heritage Poplin Shirt
The Limited Multi Button Classic Shirt

At this point, you will have about two weeks of outfits just by combining your 2 pairs of trousers and 2 skirts with your 4 shirts (just avoid the black pants/shirt look).  Now, you get to work in some knitwear for even more options.  As I said in my clothes for mom post, the timeless v-neck sweaters from The Limited are the best affordable knit I've found in a while.  These can be worn alone or over one of your 3/4 sleeve button down shirts. And don't be afraid of a saturated color in the office - as long as the silhouette is conservative you'll be fine.

Of course, I wouldn't be me if I didn't recommend a cardigan or two.   A black cardigan can dress up even a plain white tank top, and a jewel tone option will get lots of wear with your neutral pants and skirts.  However, for a conservative office, make sure you can button your cardigan without any gaping and stay away from the long, slouchy styles.  These sweaters can be worn over tank tops (get black and white, non-ribbed) or your 3/4 sleeve button downs. 


Lands End Canvas Heritage Cardigan
Ann Taylor LOFT V-Neck Cardigan
The Limited Timeless Vee

At this point, you've got at least 3 weeks of outfits by combining your button downs and knits with the neutral bottoms.   You can slowly acquire more tops (short sleeve button downs and sknits) and additional colors of trousers or skirts, but you'll have enough options that people won't start to notice repeating outfits.  Everything above can be worn pretty much year round since most offices are a steady 72 degrees whether it's snowing or not.

For shoes, I think you need to buy once and wear them for a long time.  I've never had good luck with bargain pairs from Payless or Target, and am now a firm believer in well made shoes.  You have one set of feet, and blisters make you grouchy.  You'll need a great pair of black pumps in the 2.5 inch range if you'll be doing lots of walking.   Then, add a similar pair in brown to wear with your khaki and brown bottoms.  Don't go too sexy with patent leather and toe cleavage, but there's no need to look like an old woman.  Then, invest in a nice pair of knee-high boots when you can afford them.  Don't go PVC... there's too much of it on a boot and it won't look as good.

Nine West Nuncio Pump
Nine West Quilliam Pump
Rockport Pierce Place Boot

That covers work wear basics - you should be well on your way to taking over the hospital or board room without spending a fortune.   If you have any other suggestions, let everyone know in comments.  Tomorrow I'll cover how to jazz things up if you've already got basics but want more variety.

Things every girl needs: Heels you can wear all day

I have lots of heels.  They fill up the back of my bedroom door.  Unfortunately, if I'm going to be doing a lot of walking, I have only 5 choices.  In my opinion, 2.5 inches is the perfect all-day heel height because your weight is still pretty evenly distributed.  I prefer wedges for even more stability, but if you don't like them, go for heels at least as thick as your thumb.

If you're in the market for chic, all-day long shoes, here are some options I liked:

AK Anne Klein Frolic Pump - $71
I have this shoe in a similar style without the buckle and I love them.  They've help up really well and I can walk all day without pain

AK Anne Klein Christa Pump - $68.95

Naturalizer Princeton Sandal - $39

Beyond Mom jeans

My friend Lynsey (The Sassy Southerner) has asked for help revamping her stay at home wardrobe.  She says:

I have three (young) kids and haven't gotten out much, so just about all I have in my closet are jeans, shorts, sweats, and t-shirts. As my oldest daughter is in school now, I need ideas for casual, comfortable outfits that don't scream "I am a stay at home mom", but I don't need a corporate wardrobe, either, as that is impractical for my current lifestyle.  Oh, and I don't want "mom jeans" either!!

Given that Ms. Lynsey was plenty stylish during our days at Texas A&M, I think she'll be just fine with a few new basics.   Here is my criteria for the stylish mom wardrobe:

• Wash and wear clothes that require little ironing and no dry cleaning
• You can bend over and pick up a small child in every outfit
• Outfits are easy to put together, but still look like you chose them and didn't just throw something on
• Nice enough to chat with your daughter's teacher without wishing you wore something else

For tops, I chose casual pieces that can be layered and paired with jewelry to get a lot of wear.  I think that everyone needs a selection of solid tees and tanks that can be paired with a big necklace when you're in a hurry or layered under cardigans when it gets cooler.  Don't be afraid of colors or tone-on-tone pattern, but be sure you've got a black, white and navy top in the mix.


Old Navy Crochet Hem V-Neck Tee - $19.50
Lands End Canvas Pleat Front Tank - $24.50
Lands End Canvas Rib Tank Top - $14.50
Lands End Canvas Heritage Crewneck Tee - $14.50
The Limited Knot Collar Tank - $24.99
Down East Basics Empress Top - $26.99

Next, you need to have a few of these Timeless Vee sweaters from The Limited in your closet.  The range of colors is great, the material isn't too thick for spring time in Texas (or anywhere else for that matter) and you can wear them with tailored shorts, dark jeans, dress pants or skirts.  Plus, they can go in the dryer and still come out without pilling or shrinking.  It's like wearing a t-shirt, just a little more polished. (And only $19.99!)

And of course, you'll need a couple of cardigans.  I recommend black, blue and at least one jewel tone.  Ann Taylor LOFT has great options for under $40 and they hold up well in the washer and dryer.

For bottoms, make sure your jeans have a uniform dark wash (you all know I recommend Gap's Long & Lean jeans) and then find a knee length denim pencil skirt to work into the rotation along with some dark khaki/brown, gray and black knee length shorts, which are more flattering than you may think. (If I can wear them, so can you!)  You can mix and match pretty much any of the items above with dark jeans or the bottoms below.  When it gets cold, substitute the long shorts for cotton trousers in the same neutral colors.  Just beware of the cargo and yoga pant...

Down East Basics Hot to Trot Skirt - $44.99 
Old Navy Perfect Khaki Bermudas - $24.50
Lands End Canvas Womens Boot Cut Chinos - $39.50

Finally, I think the most important part of looking pulled together and not too casual is the accessories.  Even the most basic pair of khaki shorts and navy tee shirt becomes a cute outfit when you add the large turquoise necklace.  You should also consider a long, chunky silver necklace and another in gold tones.  Grab cuff bracelets and fun earrings as well.

Hopefully this has been helpful and will help Lynsey navigate through a busy spring and summer looking like the stylish mom that she is.  If you'd like some help picking an outfit (or a new wardrobe) let me know and I'll give it a shot!

I'm gonna be ok

As you may know, the upcoming closure of my beloved Martin & Osa chain has left me without a go-to retailer for inexpensive (but not cheaply made) clothing.  I planned to rely on a mix of sale items from LOFT and The Limited with a splash of Gap and jewelry from Etsy to keep my regular person-chic wardrobe up to date.  Luckily, I happened to read fellow blogger KDot's review of Land's End Canvas and I think I'm going to be just fine.

The Canvas line is aimed at a younger customer than the regular Land's End line (no mom jeans here) and the prices are reasonable.  There are lots of semi-preppy basics that can be made to look special with jewelry and worked into your existing wardrobe.  If you wish you could shop at J.Crew but laugh at the prices, you'll find some similar pieces for under $50 here (yay!)  I can't find a sale page, but I'll be on the lookout to see how they mark down the items (it may end up on the Overstock page of landsend.com)

I was going to point out specific pieces for you, but there is so much that I like, I just made some Polyvore collages... check them out for yourself!

Comments and Requests

This weekend I got to meet up with a lot of friends at mine and N's engagement party (so fun!) and ended up talking about this blog and how I get lots of page hits but hardly any comments.  I learned that for some, the default setting requiring registration keeps you from sharing your thoughts, so I've changed it to allow anyone to comment. So, if you agree or disagree with what I write, or know of other great items that we'd all like, let everyone know!

Plus, I've now set up a Cardigan Junkie email account if you've got a request that you don't feel like sharing with the world, or you don't know me personally.  Feel free to let me know if there's some kind of outfit you'd like me to scout out for you.  I really do enjoy it!   Send emails to cardiganjunkie@gmail.com