Work Wednesday: Make a Statement

So it only took me literally two years to commit to investing in s few statement necklaces, but I finally took the plunge. Isn't it funny how a weekend of studying for a CPA exam can really get you to dig deep into that to-do list?

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This past weekend I took one of my study breaks at the Beverly Center (which I seriously visit once a year, usually for Bed Bath and Beyond) and found myself some pretty awesome accessories. And the best part? I only spent $65 on FIVE pieces of jewelry. How did I do this? I stepped inside a Forever 21. I usually avoid Forever 21 at all costs - most of them are so unorganized and overwhelming that I just cannot bring myself to spend more than 20 minutes browsing. However, if you live in Los Angeles, I definitely recommend the Beverly Center store. Things are actually (on average) in some type of order and they have a designated jewelry section that's maneuverable! The other option is to shop online - the only problem being that all of their jewelry is final sale, so you won't be able to try it on or see it in person before you commit. Considering 90% of the necklaces I looked at were under $10, you might not have a problem with that.

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As I mentioned, I've been meaning to find statement necklaces for a while now. Usually when I find one I like, it's at J. Crew and costs $200 so I can't bring myself to buy it. This is a much cheaper alternative, and chances are that you're not going to keep these pieces forever anyway! A statement necklace is a great way to pull together or spice up an outfit. It makes even the simplest ensembles look instantly polished and planned. I am the QUEEN of wearing nice black pants and a tucked-in t-shirt to work, so the addition of a bright and shiny statement piece has certainly been helping me look more put together lately (especially with the summer temperatures about to heat up)!

Here are a couple more treasures I found (and I'm loving them all!):   

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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

THE WORKING BITCH & Bright Colors

In yet another effort to avoid dressing like the dull, drab color scheme often associated with offices (i.e. black, white and a multitude of grays), I have drastically broadened my color horizons for work apparel. Typically, I am a serious proponent of black--it's slimming, matches with everything, helps highlight accessories and looks good whether you have a sun-kissed tan or wore SPF 100 your entire Cabo trip. While there are lots of cute neutral options for regular and night life, this isn't exactly the case for work life (at least for those of us subject to business professional and casual). Yes, everyone needs neutral, classic pieces for a work wardrobe.  You should definitely have a black or gray (or both) suit, but let's try not to look like every other office clone out there in a plain suit. For day to day wear, I recommend incorporating pops of color. This doesn't mean dress like a rainbow....and you obviously have to read your work environment. If you work at an extremely professional and conservative corporate law firm, you may have to use subtle hints of color (so maybe the orange pants are a no).

If you can do it, a colored pant (like these by Vince Camuto) can be so cute and eye catching. There are lots of great colors in tops, of course. This silk button down by Trouve comes in coral too! Maybe you're just trying to catch the attention of the cute guy four cubicles down as you take the scenic route to the restroom four times a day, but being noticed is important beyond this purpose. Appropriate pieces in rich colors (not necessarily bright) can set you apart from the sea of black, white, gray and basic blue that surrounds you. It never hurts to have a conversation (compliment) piece. Sometimes all you need is the right introduction, and poof! You've made the right connection. Another plus? It's easier to transition your outfit for happy hour at the bar....


One more way to incorporate this trend is with jewelry. There are so many eye-catching, unique ways to wear jewelry in the workplace. Plus, it's perfect for a more color-subtle style. Jewelry is appropriate for every season and you can find great deals and prices for different types of fashion pieces (H&M often has great options!). I'll also be zeroing in on my favorite type of statement jewelry of the moment in my next post....

xoxo

THE WORKING BITCH & Animal Print

I've recently decided two things about the real world. First, I need a work wardrobe. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with 85% of my current closet contents a few months from now, when I won't be able to wear jeans and cotton tees to work on a daily basis. Only two days a week available for casualwear? How am I supposed to get any use out of my clothing? On one hand, this is tragedy for all of my super cute sheer tops, rompers and maxi dresses. On the other, it's an opportunity to SHOP.

This brings me to my second realization. Upon revelation #1, I was neither happy nor enthused about this type of shopping. I don't want to regress to my high school closet, which was 90% JCrew. However, thanks primarily to Pinterest, there is hope. I decided that I refuse to dress like a stuffy librarian just because I'm going into an accounting firm every day (yes, accounting). Luckily, there are options for those of us attempting to avoid boringness. Thank God.

Option one? Animal print. Please, one piece at a time people. Let's not get carried away trying to look like those bitches in magazines who wear a bunch of stuff that doesn't match and end up matching. It's not going to work for you.



 
Snakeprint and Leopard print blouses, Zara
Shoes, Delman at Nordstrom
Dress, Charlie Jade

Congratulations, Nordstrom Bank. You are the direct beneficiary of my logic.