A New York Girl: Work clothing

Showing posts with label Work clothing. Show all posts

April 09, 2009

Nina Garcia's The 100

Miz Garcia's book has been on shelves for some time now, and I haven't bought it because I prefer lists in digital, free form, rather than paying $25 for a book that has much of the information I can read in a magazine instead, for less. For the unaware, Nina Garcia is the fashion editor at the fabulous Marie Claire, and she has published a few books about style and fashion. The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own is, in her opinion, a compilation of necessary items. Supposedly, the inclusion of all of these will make for a complete, versatile, stylish closet.

For the record, I don't think all of these items are necessities, nor do I think that they will all fit into everyone's personal style. However, I thought it would be interesting to post the list, and figure out how many I already have. The ones I don't, I'll decide if they are necessary, would be nice to have, or are items I will never own.

Nina Garcia's The 100:

A-line Dress. I have three, for different seasons. Definitely essential.
Animal Print. Leopard round-toe pumps, but that's it. Can look trashy.
Ankle Bootie. Too trendy and unflattering on legs.
Aviators. YES. I've gone through many pairs of this wise-ass item.
Ballet flat. Brown, black, yellow, red, tweed... yes.
Bangles. A few enamel ones, but haven't worn them lately.
Belts. Two for dresses and tops. Hardly ever worn on pants.
Bikini. Yes, but won't be wearing them again until I lose my winter 5lbs.
Blackberry. Technology is not style. Ask the French.
Black Opaque Tights. Yes - flattering and chic!
Blazer. Several. No shoulder pads.
Boyfriend Cardigan. Yes, a white toggle L.L. Bean cardigan.
Brooch. Yes, but I haven't worn them for a few years.
Cable-Knit Sweater. Too too many!!
Caftan. No. part of me wonders if only J.Lo can pull these off.
Camel Coat. No, because it doesn't suit my coloring, but looks great on others.
Cape. Seriously Nina?
Cashmere Sweater. Can't get enough.
Charm Bracelet. Pretty, but I don't have one because they annoy me.
Clutch. Crucial for cocktail wear.
Cocktail Ring. LOVE!
Converse. Not since 9th grade. Can be cute on guys.
Cosmetics Bag. I go through about 4 a year.
Cowboy Boots. Don't have, but have considered buying. Probably won't.
Cuff. Elegant and tough, love them.
Denim Jacket. Nothing goes better with a sundress.
Diamond Studs. They're a yes, but not in my jewelry box just yet.
Driving Shoe. I'm counting my Sperry mocs for this one.
Espadrilles. Don't really care for them. Prefer a wedge.
Evening Gown. Yes, for the day when a man takes me to the opera.
Exotic Skin Bag. Beyond leather, not important to me.
Fishnets. I would wear beige ones in a vintagey way...
Frye Harness Boot. Yes! Love my Frye boots!
Fur. No.
Gentleman's Hat. I don't look good in hats, so no.
Gloves. Leather, cashmere-lined.
Havaianas. Vineyard Vines flops are my favorite.
Hobo Bag. My Sequoia bag from Au Printemps is my favorite ever.
Hoop Earrings. Yes - silver, small, medium and large.
Investment Bag. Young, single professional women have other investments to make.
iPod. Otherwise I wouldn't work out.
Jeans. In as many styles and colors as you can afford.
Jewelry Pouches. I use my felt-lined jewelry box instead.
Khakis. A casual classic.
Knee Boots. Knee boots and a wool skirt are what one wears in the winter. Period.
Leather Pants. I'm not Axl Rose, so, no.
Lingerie. But of course ;-)
Little Black Dress. Who doesn't?
Little White Dress. Also key.
L.L. Bean Tote. Monogrammed, with long handles.
Luggage. Black and on wheels, in varying sizes.
Mad Money. Oh come on.
Men's White Shirt. A classic Oxford is something everyone should own.
Mary Janes. Not for everyone, but I have a pair.
Minnetonka Moccasin. My Sperry ones are just fine, thank you.
Missoni Knit. Never been a fan of Missoni.
Monogrammed Stationery. Have had it in the past, but not at the moment.
Motorcycle jacket. Too tough-chick for me.
Nail Polish. OPI.
Old Concert T-Shirt. Too tough-chick for me.
One-Piece Swimsuit. Yes - black can look so chic!
Pajamas. Tanks and lounge pants.
Peacoat. Yep.
Pearl Necklace. What Connecticut girl doesn't have one?
Pencil Skirt. Yes, especially in tweed.
Perfume. Miss Dior Cherie - amour.
Plain White Tee. They got their hanes on me.
Polo Shirt. I'm from Connecticut. I probably have 50.
Pucci. One scarf.
Pushup Bra. Don't need it with my girls.
Quality Champagne. Just drank the Moet last weekend!
Red Lipstick. Yes, but I save it for really glam looks.
Robe. One flannel, one satin. I'm such a fox ;-)
Safari Jacket. Yup, I love a good military look.
Sandals. So many! Heels and flats and colors!
Sarong. Anyone who's gone to the Caribbean should have one.
Signet Ring. My college ring.
Silk Scarf. Several, from Paris.
Slippers. Yes, but they're not sexy.
Spanx. Yes, bought them for a wedding last year. Haven't used them again, yet.
Statement Necklace. Several. My favorite is a big tortoiseshell pendant.
Stilettos. And how.
Striped Sailor Shirt. No, because horizontal stripes aren't flattering on anyone.
Suit. Ah, the interview suit.
Sunhat. No, but I probably should get one.
Trench. Yes!
Turquoise and Coral Jewelry. Yes, brings out the hippie in me.
Tuxedo Jacket. Never found a good time to wear it, except New Year's Even.
Umbrella. Clear, with a wooden handle.
Underwear. Some practical, some pretty. Know your audience (or lack thereof).
Valid Passport. Stamped in several places.
Vans. See #22.
Vintage. Not so much, except for jewelry and bags. I guess that counts.
Watch. Silver Seiko with a white face.
Wayfarers. Not good on my face shape.
Wellington Boot. Yes, in hunter green. So English.
Wide-leg Trousers. Yes, in twill, khaki, tweed, wool...
Wrap Dress. I have 6!
Yoga Gear. Not everyone does yoga. Cute gym clothes count.
Zippered Hoodie. Lucky Brand Jeans, circa 1998.

My score: 72 out of 100.

Some of the items on this list are clearly not essential. Some don't even go in the closet. I think if you're scoring a 50 on this list, you're doing just fine. How many do you have?

December 19, 2008

Chic and Actually Cheap: Gap

Doesn't it bother you when you read magazine titles like "Fabulous Finds Under $100!" only to find $85 belts, $99 clutches and $70 rings on the list? Don't get me wrong - I love a great accessory. But $100 for something that don't cover you hoo-ha's does not a bargain make.

Another example: Moschino Cheap and Chic. $1,000 dresses and $600 might be cheap for Anna Wintour, but for many stylish young women, those pieces are not only financially impossible but also impossible to justify.

So I'm doing my own Chic and Actually Cheap hot list, in the season of Best-ofs and Top Tens. For each of my regular shopping watering holes, I'll provide a list of great finds under $50. Almost everything is on sale now, and you can trust there will be even greater markdowns after Christmas. But what's really great is that stuff you'll continue to wear for the next three months are on sale: sweaters, jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses, and even outerwear. No need to buy out of season.

Enjoy!

Chic and Actually Cheap: Gap

European Shift Dress, $49.99
Rock the sexy secretary look by pairing this with tall, open-toe Mary Janes and a cardigan, or rock the contrasts with knee-high leather boots and a cropped leather bomber jacket.

Cropped Textured Jacket, $44.99
Wear it to work with a full skirt, wear it to happy hour with jeans, or wear it to the Met with wide-leg trousers and wire-rim glasses.

Striped Sweater Dress, $43.99
This is best worn with knee-high riding boots and teeny accessories. Let the stripes (and your beauteous curves) be the focal point.

Sheer Ruffled Blouse, $42.99
You absolutely must rock a cami under this or a sweater over this to make it work appropriate, but it'll look Paris-inspired when the blousy top is paired with a structured skirt and black tights.

Tie Neck Tank, $18.99
Beautiful and work-safe with winter-white trousers, or play it safe with black. Bare arms in winter mean you can't pull off a skirt with this top, but it's great for your company Christmas party or for the bar afterwards. Ladylike but sexy.

Button-Closure Sweater, $48
Get it done preppy-style by wearing a polo or Oxford underneath, and letting a button or two go at the bottom. I love the idea of this with a wool pencil skirt.

October 03, 2008

If you like basic sweaters...

... try some solid sweaters with details.

When I'm feeling tired and hurried in the morning, and I don't feel up to rocking the easy dress because of the necessary heels, I love the 1-2-3 punch of cami-cardigan-slacks, with flats if I want to be comfy. I also love to wear glen plaid, pinstriped and houndstooth pants, so I often purchase solid cardigans to keep the pattern under control and offer maximum combinations with pants and skirts, not to mention jeans.

But here's the rub: a solid, button-down cardigan, while classic, can get redundant. Plus, they demand more intense jewelry, a scarf or other accessory, and if you need to think a lot about accessorizing, the morning gettin'-ready ritual will slow down and muddle your pre-coffee mind.

For the purposes of this post, I'll suggest some great sweater looks to be paired with slacks. Skirts, because of the delicacies of volume and hem, are another topic altogether. Besides, if you're pairing a sweater with a dress or skirt, it's easier to look more dressed up than with pants, even if you're wearing flats. I'll also only offer solid or mostly solid options, so these pieces can become staples of your wardrobe, and easily rotated. A black cardigan with a ruffled neckline is something you can wear more often because of its subtlety. But an orange argyle sweater vest is a bit more... conspicuous.

JCrew Cashmere, $398
Pocket placement creates curves, and the large buttons and collar dress it up.

NY & Co., $25.86
Mixed textures and an open structure make this a great addition to dark, straight pants.

NY & Co., $23.06
The shirring and tie add femininity.

Banana Republic, $79*
The ruffle draws attention to the neck and face, and the wrap style flatters the waist.

Banana Republic, $130
The funnel neck is an unexpected pair with cropped sleeves. Because of the volume, keep the paints well-fitted.

JCrew, $118
The crystal buttons and color blocking add character to a classically shaped cardigan.

JCrew, $168*
The tie front adds a sweet detail. Dress it up with heels and a statement necklace.

JCrew, $188
The dark buttons and pockets balance out a full chest, and this is still basic enough to get a wear a week, even in a bright color.

Cheers,
Hayley

* - a layering piece underneath is necessary for work-appropriateness. With solid cardigans, try patterned or embellished camis.

September 27, 2008

If you like (sigh) khakis...

... try neutral trousers instead.

Khakis... there is nothing inherently wrong with them. In fact, set them up with a polo and some flops and you've got a classic outfit. However, you'll also end up looking like you're still in college, going to your only class at 2pm on Friday, and heading straight to Happy Hour after, and it's a special $2 HH and you know you'll get so drunk you'll spill on yourself, or get spilt on, so you don't want to ruin your nice clothes.

When it comes to wearing trousers at work, khakis just don't cut it any more. Khakis are for unpaid interns. Trousers are for the women who they try to emulate. There is a casual quality to the dimpled hems, rivets, ubiquitous stone color and (shudder) cargo and/or painter's pockets they may have.

Ladies, you can do better.

Below are some neutral, lightweight trousers in lighter colors. They will match literally everything in your wardrobe, and are easily dressed up with black, jewelry, a jacket or a great cardigan. They will serve the same function as khakis (comfortable pants that match a lot and aren't hot), but will look a helluva lot more sophisticated.

When your pants are a lighter color than your top, it can be easy for your legs to look thick. Extending your leg line with long hems and heels skinnies you out. Pairing light trousers with flats makes you look stumpy, and the same goes for cuffs, unless you are already long-n-lean.

Finally, my favorite trick with light-colored trousers: if you normally wear average length pants, go for the long length, and throw on some huge platforms or tall heels underneath. The heels give the pants smooth, long lines, straightens your posture, and serves as a nice surprise when you cross your legs or stride down the hall. In certain cuts, it's also a less extreme way to participate in the wide-leg pants trend.

Viva las Trousers!

Arden B, $78

Banana Republic, $78

Gap, $44.50

Gap, $54.50

JCrew, $89

September 24, 2008

If you like low, chunky heels...

...try a kitten heel. Without the square toe.

That 1" heel might make you feel like your posture is better, but the fact is they're not even that comfortable, and will put a good 20 years on you.

I completely understand the desire for mobility, especially if you walk to and from work. But your heels don't need to be four-inchers to sophisticate your look. I stay away from flats at work because I feel zero confidence or authority in flats. But even a small kitten heel looks dainty and pretty, and makes your feel look much more ladylike than the rowboats you were clunking around in.

You can do better.

I don't usually use this blog as a rant-n-rave kinda thang, but my frustration with my female coworkers has been mounting in the past few weeks. Now that the temperatures are dropping, wardrobes are changing. And perhaps it's my more crisp, diligent attitude that crops up around mid-September, which had been easygoing and hippie-esque since late April, but something has to be done about the way women are dressing in the office.

As a professional woman who spends much of her day on her feet, and running to the occasional meeting, I completely get why people like to feel comfortable at work. 8-to-5 seems a lot longer when your feet ache and your button-down top feels constrictive. But comfort doesn't have to look like this...

I remember a time in high school, and parts of college, when I relished going to class in jeans, flops and a sweatshirt. I was cozy, I was happy, and I got to sleep until 8:40 for a 9:00 class. Across campus. But I soon realized, mid-freshman year, that my work ethic matched my outfit. On days that I put more effort into my appearance, I was more alert, more outgoing and more productive.

Could be a coincidence, you say, but it was no coincidence that when I looked in the mirror during a bathroom break between classes, I either felt my energy plummet (no makeup and bags under the eyes makes you want to go back to bed), or get a boost (ooh, look how the light catches my CHId hair! Pretty jewelry!).

Doesn't hurt when you're chillin' at the law school coffee shop, eyeing the future JDs, either.

My point is that the way you look outside, no matter when, has a tremendous affect on the way you feel inside. Confidence, energy, productivity and success are all intermingled, and it's very hard to be confident when you're panicked about VPLs, mismatched foundation, or wrinkled khakis. And as a woman who still loves to sleep until noon when she has the time, I too enjoy a quick-n-not-so-dirty morning routine that I can bang out in 20 minutes if necessary, and still look better than half the women in my office.

So below are some of the biggest offenses in my office, in terms of hair, face and clothing/accessories. I'll create a post for each, suggesting comfortable, professional alternatives for the young professional woman.

1. clunky, low heels
2. stone khakis
3. boring cardigans
4. polo shirts
5. polyester suit components
6. inappropriate hose
7. lots of little, inconsequential jewelry
8. ashy, sallow complexions
9. "naturally textured" hair (unstyled)
10. overpowering and/or unattractive scents

March 26, 2008

Spring Wardrobe Rules

Now that March 20 is truly behind us, as well as the spring red-letter days of Easter and Opening Day, we'll really start to see more lightweight clothing in brighter colors sneak from their holding spots in catalogs and store fronts out to the streets, out on the town, and of course, in the office.

As I've already given several suggestions for spring wardrobe pieces to acquire this year, I'm now going to share with the population what exactly you should not do with spring/summer wear. When you are a professional woman, your spring/summer wardrobe can no longer subsist on polos, denim minis and flip flops. Yes, the warmer months are inherently less wardrobe-formal, and for sure a lot less stuffy. But with freedom comes the responsibility to make choices. And many a Casual Friday was taken away from employees who abused it, probably in the summer by committing one of the faux pas below.

1. Know your environment and audience.
This is the most important rule that should govern the rest of your decisions. A school teacher can certainly wear more casual spring clothing than a corporate lawyer. Also be aware of the environment and its changes (ie, meetings with clients, traveling to CHQ, etc).

2. Seersucker is Easter through Labor Day.
And the decision should be variable by unseasonably warm or cold weather. Seersucker would certainly look ridiculous during an Easter egg hunt if it's 45 out. And by the way, unless you're at the Derby, stick to one piece at a time.

3. Leave the jeans at home.
Ordinarily, for certain offices, I advocate a dark trouser jean with a jacket and blouse as a great casual outfit. But truly dark denim looks off in the spring, to me, and medium-wash denim is just too casual. Goes for jeans, skirts and (heaven forbid) shorts.

4. Be careful with khaki.
A great wide-leg khaki trouser looks very trendy right now, and when kept clean and wrinkle-free, khaki pants, skirts and Bermuda shorts can definitely be pulled off in the office. But if they have cargo pockets, drawstring anything, are stained or have detachable hems to create clam-diggers, save them for the lake. And please, ladies, no khaki capris in the office.

5. Outerwear counts.
Appropriate: trenches (classic! chic!), tailored canvas in some cases. No jean jackets, vests, quilted jackets, anoraks, outdoor exploring gear or anything with a hood.

6. Hemlines don't rise with the mercury.
The absolute limit is 2in above your kneecaps. This rule goes for shorts as well. Not only are mini-skirts in the office distracting and unprofessional, but the error factor goes way up when pale, jiggly thighs are added to the problem. Even if your gams are long, lean and bronze, cover them up at work.

7. Nothing on your feet should flop.
The following are never, in any shape or form, considered appropriate for the office: flip flops, Birkenstocks, Tevas, Chacos, Sperrys, sky-high cork wedges, and any sandal that exposes a lot of top and side skin. And no incarnation of the flip flop is OK. No amount of rhinestones, leather or even those weird heels make flip flops at the office OK. And use your good judgment when deciding on tricky stuff like a gladiator sandal or wedge.

8. Check your mirror.
Breezy skirts in pale colors are sometimes more see-through than we think, especially with the wrong undergarments. Same goes for linen pants. Make sure skirts are lined, and check your butt on the way out.

9. Keep nails, hair and makeup under control.
Nails shouldn't go too Miami, hair shouldn't go too beachy, and makeup shouldn't go too bright. Gold shades on the face are great, and manicured bare nails look great on tan skin. Hair can certainly be a little wind-blown or pinned up in a loose twist, but please don't look like you just ran out of the Atlantic to grab a towel.

10. Keep shoulders under control as well.
3/4, short, and cap sleeves work. A sleeveless sheath dress works with small arm holes, ample shoulder covering and a high neckline, like the dress at top.

11. Don't mix the seasons.
Finally, my biggest spring/summer mistake: wearing blatantly summery/wintry pieces together. If you're wearing linen pants and an Oxford with flats, don't carry around a black leather studded tote or don a Patagonia fleece.

Here are some great spring/summer outfit combinations that are tried and true.

Oxford/cardigan/pencil skirt
Oxford/vest/shorts
Embellished tank/cardigan/full skirt
Tank/blazer/shorts
Belted tunic/shorts or pencil skirt
Sundress/cardigan
Oxford/linen pants/flats
Silk scarf/short-sleeved sweater/slacks
3/4 sleeve wrap dress
Shirtdress

And I leave you with this: Accessories make the outfit. Wear one of the combinations above and it'll cross from pleasantly lightweight to positively ditzy when paired with the wrong accessories. Avoid anything that says "hippie," "boho," "Florida," or "barbeque." I love pearls in the summer especially, and simple silver or gold jewelry is enough.

So we're no longer in the carefree days where a summer wardrobe had limitations which included pleasing people twice our age. But it's in your career's best interest, and your self-esteem, to keep those strong, tanned legs to yourself at work, and save them for the night and weekend, where they will not only be appropriate, but appreciated the way they should.

Cheers,
Hayley

February 26, 2008

The Best of the Loft

As a young professional woman, it's a continuous effort for me to acquire sophisticated wardrobe components that are both stylish and work-appropriate, as well as age-appropriate. Nothing bothers me more than seeing 20-something coworkers looking like they're on their way to a sorority chapter meeting, or like they spent a delightful Saturday pillaging the JC Penney suit sale after a few rounds of bridge.

All it takes to acquire a working wardrobe are following a few requirements for most clothing and shoe purchases related to work. Quality material, modest neck and hemlines, and cuts and colors that mix well with other pieces in your closet are all good guidelines to follow. A few retailers are reliable sources for career clothing (Express, JCrew, select pieces in department stores), but for ladylike, sophisticated fare that you can carry off at work and the occasional happy hour, Ann Taylor Loft is an affordable and classically-minded store. Translation: you can buy pieces that will still look great in a couple of years, and that won't break the bank at your undoubtedly six-figure paying first (or second) job.

Here are my favorite pieces from their spring collection.