Nylons? Closed Toe Shoes? Oh you have one of THOSE jobs...

So I have traded in my waitress job for a new "big girl" desk job. Although it has its ups and downs, I am really loving what I am doing.  But with every "big girl" job comes a couple more trades. The attire: business professional dress code. Traded in the short khaki shorts, polka dot matching tank tops, and t-shirts I once wore while waiting tables at the beach and adopted high heels, pencil skirts, and nylons (yes, I said nylons). At some point in your life you will have that one day where you have an interview, an internship, a business meeting or like me, a new job. You want people to take you seriously so where do you start? Your appearance. 


At first I will admit I was not looking forward to my new wardrobe. No tank tops, no capris or shorts, if I wear a dress, nylons must be worn, no open toed shoes, and the list continues forever. One lady even told me, "Oh you have one of THOSE jobs." Yes, yes I do. But slowly each day I am finding trendy ways to still be young, fashionable and expressive while still maintaining the business professional look. So I am going to provide you some helpful suggestions to being professional while still remaining stylish while you prepare for your next interview, internship or "big girl" job!


1. Blazers and suits are in and they are cute!
We've seen them on the runways and celebrities have been wearing them more frequently to achieve a sharp professional look. There are so many options when it comes to suits and blazers. The color, the cut, and the style can all make a complete difference in making you look trendy and not... well, old lady. But one thing about suits are that sometimes purchasing one is just as expensive as paying your rent! Advice? Mix and match your pieces. Take a blazer and match it with something you already have; a pair of slacks, a cute printed skirt or even some fun shorts (of appropriate length of course).

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1. Rock & Republic Embellished Linen Blazer Kohl's $56.00

2. 212 Collection Solid Blazer Kohl's $38.99

3. Rib Panel Bodycon Skirt Forever 21 $13.80

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4. Aqua Blazer - Shirred Sleeves Bloomingdale's $98.00

5. ULTIMATE DOUBLE WEAVE COLUMNIST PANT  Express $79.90

The Professional Dress
For me it has been a challenge. All of my dresses are above my knees, strapless, or cut a little too low for dress code standards. My first thought was that I was never going to wear a dress to work. It just wasn't going to happen especially when I have to wear nylons. But then that one sunny day came around and there was not a chance I was leaving in pants. I have even worn my strapless dresses with a cute cardigan or sweater. And I found they actually do make cute, fashionable, professional dresses. 


First, the dresses. 

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1. Sweet As Can Be Dress ModCloth $49.99

2. Floridian Flirtation Dress ModCloth $44.99

3. LC Lauren Conrad Butterfly Shirtdress Set Kohl's $47.60

4.  Eye to Eyelet Dress ModCloth $49.99

5. Belted Colorblock Dress Forever 21 $24.80

6. Sleeveless Patch Pocket Shirtdress Forever 21 $27.80

Now if you are like me and cannot wear strapless or have to have some sort of sleeve there are alternatives while still being able to be you!

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1. Mossimo® Womens Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater - Assorted Colors Target $22.95

2. Mossimo Womens Lightweight Cardigan- Assorted Colors Target $24.99

3. Cardigan H&M $17.95

Now onto the shoes. This is the one area that allows you some creativity and fun, especially if you have a very strict dress code policy. First suggestion, invest in a comfortable pair of both black heels, and brown/nude as they can go with any outfit without much thought. If you are like me and have to do any kind of walking during the day you want to be comfortable but still look all business. Occasionally if I have a meeting or have to see someone important I wear heels, (makes you look more professional), but for the most part it is flats or low heels all the way.

Flats

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Mossimo® Womens Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater - Assorted Color$22.9

1. Womens Mossimo Suopply Co. Ballet Flats Target $14.99

2. Peep Toe Flat Target $19.99

3. Petal Grosgrain Women's Classics TOM's $54.00

Heels

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1. Patent Pointed Toe Pump GoJane $14.95

2. JustFab Women’s Stefania - Taupe $59.99 

3. COLOR BLOCK SATIN PLATFORM PUMP Charlotte Russe $35.50

As much as everyone loves wearing their skinny jeans, hooded sweatshirts, and t-shirts sometimes life requires you to to dress for the real adult world. Your first impression is going to be the one to make the mark. Remember you can still look professional and liven up your business attire in a trendy, conservative manner. 

Stay classy,
<3 Elizabeth

Is that for the 'Tacky Sweater' themed party? Oh its not? My bad.

While we have still been getting lucky with mid 60 degree weather in early November, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And while Thanksgiving may bring lots of food, fall colors and families together, one thing it also brings is colder weather. I am still having a hard time parting from my wedges, bikinis and sundresses but I am looking forward to new winter boots, trendy new hats, and of course pumpkin spiced lattes from Starbucks. 

Much like many fashion trends, everything at one point in time comes back around. For example; holiday sweaters. Oh yes, the ones that your parents made you wear, that not only were itchy and matched your younger siblings, but had a giant reindeer or snowman plastered on the front. Here let me remind you.

Do I even need to tell you how awful that is? This is one trend I never thought would come back around, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised by anything. I mean how are you supposed to have a tacky sweater themed party when someone is showing up in these things on a regular basis? And not only are these sweaters a popular trend, the price of a piece of clothing you thought escaped your past, is even more ridiculous in some cases. Take a look.

Moncler Shawl Collar Reindeer Cardigan featured at Nordstrom.com $600.00

$600.00?!!! I know you gasped for air just like I did when I saw that. I honestly don't think I would be able to take my guy seriously or any other guy for that matter in this reindeer infested cardigan. Could you? No. Next up is a holiday sweater from American Eagle.

AE Reindeer Sweater $49.50

Not nearly as expensive, but almost equally as awful. I really think if my mom were to have kept my clothes when I was little a smaller version of this sweater would be discovered.

Now what kind of fashion blogger would I be if I didn't offer a more socially acceptable alternative? Certainly not a good one. But luckily I am here to help you around the holidays to pick a sweater where someone is not going to think you are on a dare to wear. 

Acceptable printed sweaters- So you want to be a little bit festive with your choice of sweater picking this season? You don't have to have little snowmen covering your sleeves or reindeer flying from left to right to get the point across that you dressed for the holidays. There are several prints that will still do the job. 

MALACHITE SWEATER $69.50 roxy.com

The colors in this sweater pretty much cover all of the holiday colors without all the tackiness. It is also available in many other color combinations.

ALPINE SWEATER $59.50 roxy.com

 What is that? Oh why yes it is a snowflake, but notice that it is the center of the sweater and it doesn't look like you just walked through a blizzard.

Holiday Hues-The colors red, green, black and winter white are very festive colors that winter brings.

Off-the-shoulder Tunic Sweater $49.50

Angel Bouclé Cowlneck Sweater $59.50

The Flirty Cardi Sweater $39.50

All sweaters available at www.victoriassecret.com

Glitz and Glam- The big trend this season is bling and lots of it, but sometimes people tend to get carried away covering themselves in sequin dresses, matching sequin shoes and a sequin hat. Way overboard. Here are some cardigans and sweaters that dress up the holiday season with a little glitz. 

Miss Me V-Neck Wool Blend Sweater $88.00 www.buckle.com

Long Sleeve Sequin Sweater $59.50 www.express.com

Some more helpful sweater tips? Certainly. 

1. My biggest fear when trying on sweaters is that I think they make me look bigger than I really am. But if you pair your bulky sweater with some skinny leg pants and some trendy boots you will be sure to make a positive fashion statement. 

2. You don't have to look like a trashbag that just stepped out of your mom's closet. Throw on some accessories to give your solid color sweater some personality. Try a sparkly chunky bracelet or even a headband to make your outfit more girly. 

3. Try a sweater over top of a dress for a different style than just pants. If it is too cold out throw on a pair of tights. 

4. If you are wearing a printed sweater make sure you wear a solid color bottom. You don't want to look like an explosion of textures and prints. 

5. Scarves and hats can be your best friends when trying to accessorize your sweater. 

Hope this helps this holiday season when you venture out to go sweater shopping.




Stay classy,
<3 Elizabeth