THE WORKING BITCH STRIKES AGAIN: In Color.

I know, you think I lost my shit. I went from black/white/gray to freaking neon brights in a matter of days. It's okay, I'm feeling fine and I'm wearing a neutral-toned outfit as I sit writing this. I also shouldn't be given too much credit for originality when it comes to this outfit because I definitely stole it from a Facebook post by L*Space last week, in which they highlight the berry/paprika combo for summer swim. Buuut they include clothing ensembles as their inspiration, which is what caught my eye. 

At a few points in my life, I have expressed my absolute, unwavering distaste for red/pink, pink/purple and purple red combinations. Somehow, this is different. It's like the chic version of purple with a brighter version of red and I really love the way they play together. I also didn't expect black to work in this instance, but it totally does--especially accented with gold. I wore this on a Wednesday, and I think it helped me break up the week a little; add a little spice in the midst of monotony. You might say that I've taken Brad Goreski's "pop of color" theory a bit too far. Reversed even. This might qualify as a "pop of black" situation. Either way, I'm obsessed.

Before you think to yourself that this is way too much for you to pull of in your serious office environment, think again. Keep in mind that I'm an accountant--a first year accountant even--at a huge firm. Granted, it's in LA, so we're a little less serious, but still. I got compliments all day (and a few confused looks from the older partners-not bad though, confused). The only profession I would label this "inappropriate" for is law. So sorry lawyer friends. But at least you have the weekends (unlike me right now).

Toodles. 
 

Viva Vena retro shirt / Juicy Couture slim pants, $155 / Michael Kors gold bangle jewelry / Fendi , $335

MAY I SUGGEST...Nars.

So everyone knows that NARS Laguna bronzer and Orgasm blush are like the best two makeup products ever made. Well let me introduce you to the third: NARS "Pure Radiant" tinted moisturizer.

Let me start by saying that I am NOT a big makeup person. First of all, it's expensive. Second, one of my biggest fears is looking like one of those crazy cake-faced girls that wears way too much of it. If you're not good at makeup and you wear a lot of it, you typically end up looking cake-faced...and I am not very "good" at makeup. I wear bronzer, blush, a little eyeliner and mascara. Oh and I dye my eyebrows darker because they're blonde,  but I let someone do that for me. Messed up eyebrows are impossible to fix so I leave it to the pros.

Anyway, I went to order my night-time moisturizer last week and a free sample of this new NARS product came with my purchase (from Nordstom, and the promotion is still going on). I am pretty light-skinned (luck of the Irish) and somehow I ended up with the medium shade "St. Moritz" as the sample. The shade did actually work for my skin once I let it soak in a little bit, but I ended up going back to the store and buying the lighter "Alaska" shade for keeps. 

I don't normally use any foundation because I'm afraid of it causing breakouts--in addition to the cake phenomenon--so I was skeptical about using something so "make-up-y." What did attract me to it is the SPF 30 protection it offers. I used to use a Mario Bedescu daily moisturizer with SPF 15, but they changed their formula and only offer an SPF 30 product that is specifically sunscreen (and smells like it). The NARS tinted moisturizer offers (non-smelly) sunscreen protection as well as a little tint/coverage to smooth out my complexion, without that obvious make-up look that I hate fear to see on women. It's really lightweight and blends perfectly. Best of all, you can apply it just like you would any daily moisturizer--no brushes, sponges, makeup pads, etc. It might be one of the only makeup products I feel compelled to post about (I feel a post about the Laguna/Orgasm combo has been done one too many times)...so it MUST be good, right? Obviously. 
  

Black is the New Pink. Still.

I know, again with the black and white. I can't help it. Someone at work today told me that I seem "more like a pink person" when I explained that I would exclusively wear black to the office everyday if I didn't think I might get labeled "that goth looking first-year." I almost threw up. I mean, I'll wear pink sometimes, but I picture a really tacky Barbie driving that bubble gum pink convertible when someone is described as a "pink kind of person". 

In order to cleanse myself of that blasphemous comment, I obviously had to choose one of my "shades of black" ensembles. It doesn't hurt that this also incorporates one of my recent obsessions...ombre. These pants are by Rag and Bone (and I got them at Nordstrom, like I did 75% of my current wearable wardrobe) and they are incredibly soft. They're somewhere between a jean and a legging, but they don't have that obvious "jegging" look to them, which is refreshing.  

In general, I like the versatility that each of these pieces offers. The Rebecca Minkoff bag is a must (as you know) and a black and silver Marc Jacobs watch won't ever go out of style--not to mention you can wear it almost anywhere (maybe not to all those award shows you're invited to, but you know). I own the MM6 boots and I wear them ALL the time. They were expensive (I bought them on sale...), but I wear them on the weekends with outfits like this, or to work with a skirt/dress and tights. Or for my favorite day of the week...CASUAL FRIDAY. I think what I'm really trying to say is that I like the versatility of neutrals...? Shocking, I know. 
 

RETURN OF THE WORKING BITCH

LADIES, ladies. I introduce to you maybe my favorite work look ever. Now, I know it probably doesn't scream at you or jump off the page at first glance. But that's okay. I like to think of myself as a subtly fashionable person and this ensemble is definitely in line with my philosophy. 

Despite previous posts about incorporating color into a modern girl's work wardrobe, neutrals are my jam. My favorite color? Black. My second favorite color? Gray. After that, nude/blush and white (I'm pale, so I try not to do tooooo much white). I won't continue any further, as I'm sure you get the picture here. 

This Equipment top (available at Nordstrom- my favorite place- and Piperlime) is insane. On top of being both neutral (the body of the shirt is a very light blush color), it has a trendy touch of python print and it's incredibly soft, light and comfortable. If you're anything like me and you sit in an office all day, you want this look for two reasons: comfort and hotness. Like, hello, if you can look super cute AND be comfortable, why would you wear anything else? 

In addition, I HIGHLY recommend learning how to rock the power bun. When you just don't feel like washing and drying that crazy mane of yours (or you just feel extra bitch-tastic), this is the solution you've been looking for. Yes, I know the sock bun thing has been around for a while, but you need to start taking it seriously. I haven't seen anyone look heinous in a power bun yet (unless they let it fall out all over the place), it's easy and it makes you look sexy without exposing any cleavage. Add some studded shoes-smoking loafers are also a great comfort choice- and you're borderline guaranteed to be "the cute girl" in the office. 

Work/Python by themackenz featuring equipment tops

OBSESSION AS OF LATELY: Ombre & Chambray

Annnnnnd it's basically March. When did that happen? After spending a little time in NYC and Chicago, I have a new appreciation for you people that spend an entire winter actually having to wear winter clothes and deal with snow all whilst keeping track of two mittens and a pair of earmuffs. After what I would describe as a hiatus from life as I knew it (probably more of a permanent change), I'mmmm BACK. Well, not really. Gave up my social life for lent...or tax busy season gave it up for me, so these posts will more than likely be few and far between until post-April 15th. 

Regardless, I've been meaning to share my obsession with ombre (on anything) and chambray shirts. Remember, in middle school, when tie-dye was cool/acceptable? Maybe it was just me, but I'm pretty sure I still own a rainbow tie-dyed skirt from 8th grade that literally EVERYONE wanted. Don't worry--I've only saved it for theme-party purposes. Anyway, ombre is like the tie-dye's classier, more sophisticated older sister. Paired with a strong solid (black is typically my color of choice), it's eye-catching and edgy even in a neutral. It looks great in a pant, a shirt, swimwear, dresses, skirts AND accessories--assuming it's done tastefully. But, unlike a lot of trends, I haven't seen it executed in an unforgivable manner...yet. Shit, even Target figured it out!

Obviously I love this look because of the shirt. After all, it incorporates the my two favorite things right now. But on top of everything, it's incredibly comfortable. Leggings, an over sized infinity scarf and some comfy booties and you're set. For lunch, shopping, class, casual Friday--whatever you're up to. I think I wore this exact outfit on at least four different flights over the past two months....hopefully the flight attendants weren't keeping tabs...

xoxo

Denim/Chambray by themackenz featuring a knit shawl

Maison martin margiela
$110 - farfetch.com

Maison Martin Margiela leather boots
shopbop.com

Paula Bianco knit shawl
boutiquetoyou.com

Michael Kors MK5630 Women's Chronograph Brown Dial Leather Strap...
$320 - johnlewis.com

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt - Ombre Wash
target.com