We are always on the lookout for a great pair of pants that fit well and have some detail. This Spring there are three pant silhouettes you can easily incorporate into your work wardrobe-Drawstring, Utilitarian, and Menswear inspired.  So how do you wear these and still look professional and chic?  We show you how below:

Drawstring

Generally this type of pant silhouette will be constructed in more of a casual fabrication such as cotton or linen. Stay away from jersey or fleece! Choose a slimmer fit that way you can pair with a blazer for an office appropriate look.

Haute Hippie Drapey Drawstring Pants
Madewell Cotton Garcon Blazer
Juicy Couture Drama Beaded Necklace
KORS Michael Kors Famous Cutout Platform Sandals

Utilitarian

The Utility pant is right on trend this season whether it is a cuffed or cargo pant.  These are perfect to wear on the weekend with a casual t-shirt but you can easily dress them up with a fitted blazer and a statement necklace for the office.

Juicy Couture Slim Cargo Pants
Rag & Bone Skinny Piped Blazer
DANNIJO Sydney Necklace
Loeffler Randall Esther Hidden Platform Pumps

Menswear Inspired

Generally when we speak of Menswear inspired we think of pleated and relaxed wide leg pants.  Balance that out with a fitted cardigan or blazer.  Add some feminine details with the use of accessories or a snakeskin platform heel. 

Alice + Olivia Eric Front Pleat Wide Leg Pant
Thayer Little Boy Blazer
Fiona Paxton Dott Necklace
Loeffler Randall Esther Hidden Platform Pumps

Stay tuned for more of our How Do I Wear This series!  Happy shopping from Workchic.com!

As an entrepreneur, you may not have the typical office. Today we are going to show you a few looks that will take you from the coffeehouse to a big corporate pitch in style. There are two pieces of advice we repeat on a regular basis. One is, dress for the job you want. The second applies to you even more; you never know who will behind you in line at Starbucks. Following this stream of thought, it’s important to always dress in a way that best represents your brand. Keep reading to find our suggestions for Workchic Entrepreneurial looks.

To create a Coffeehouse Chic look we combined elements from both casual and business casual offices. By starting with trouser style denim you maintain a casual atmosphere about yourself. The printed tunic continues this feel, yet we reign it in with a safari inspired jacket. Tailored sandals aid in balancing the look while a golden yellow laptop tote adds another touch of personal style. Have fun with a chunky embroidered cuff and chandelier earrings.

Banana Republic Dark wash trouser jean
Sheer Print Tunic
Banana Republic Safari shirt jacket
Banana Republic Ramona strappy high heel platform
Moonsus Cosmopolitan Laptop Satchel
Stella & Dot Nadia Embroidered Cuff
Stella & Dot Garden Party Chandelier Earring
 

We love a chic dress for lunch with clients. It’s easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. A style like this Anne Klein wrap dress has a simple sophistication. This wedge shoe has an architectural grace that compliments the geometric print in the dress. We also recommend keeping a structured tote bag on hand. This ensures you always have room for important documents. Our selection of a warm grey linear tote is versatile and less cumbersome. Of course this outfit needed some pops of color to make sure you are the center of attention. To achieve this we added a coral glass bead necklace with removable brooch, hinged bracelet, and simple hoop earrings.

Printed Wrap Dress
Banana Republic Renee peep-toe wedge
Jessica Jensen Linear Tote
Stella & Dot Boca Necklace with Bee Brooch
Kenneth Jay Lane Enamel Hinged Bracelet
Diaz, Hoop Earring, Ships 3/8
 

The Big Pitch is an important milestone for your business. Dress the part! Since we are going into Spring, we love the idea of a neutral business suit. This style has a subtle herringbone texture and will stand out against the sea of navy and black. We kept the blouse simple and made a statement with a silk abstract print scarf in shades of aqua and yellow.

Two Tone Herringbone Stripe Jacket
Two Tone Herringbone Striped Pant
Banana Republic Petite french cuff shirt
Banana Republic Silk-blend abstract-print scarf
Marietta Camel Pumps
Sage, Button Post Earring

From each of these looks apply the parts that make the most sense for you and your business. For example, if you’re pitching a new shoe company you better being wearing those shoes! If on the other hand your business is in finance, you may always need to wear more tailored and professional outfits. Make sure you represent your brand and can pitch in every outfit you walk out of the house in. Good luck in your endeavors and remember to keep it Workchic!

I met my dear friend Lia last Saturday for lunch and she was the epitome of Weekend chic.  What is Weekend Chic you ask? She created a workchic look that transferred to the weekend.  Just because you want to feel comfortable doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style!  We loved how she wore a cardigan and ruffled button down blouse while pairing it with a statement necklace and skinny black jeans. Just the right touch of casual with sophistication.

Want to create your own Weekend Chic look?  We created an example for you in Polyvore.  

Weekend Chic by Workchic featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs tops

Items in this set:
Marc by marc jacobs knitwear, 220 GBP
French Connection Promenade Ruffle Sleeve T-Shirt, Black/Off-White, XS, 40 GBP
Black Mod Straight Slim Mid Rise Jean by Nobody Denim, 165 GBP
Giuseppe Zanotti Ballet flats with chain detail, 440 GBP
Bulga Handbags - De Mar (Red) - Bags and Luggage, $315

We would love to see your favorite Weekend chic look! Send us a photo of yourself, friend, or celeb wearing that coveted  look!

Have a good weekend from Workchic.com!

These days it is not uncommon for one to think about changing careers.  We asked Ilona Vanderwoude, MRW owner of Career Branches how to transition successfully!

Career changers and renaissance folks alike always ask me: “How do I change paths without having to begin at the bottom all over again?”
Annoyingly, as with most things careers related; it depends.
Clearly, if you want to become a doctor, you’ll have to go to med school and start from scratch. A lawyer: back to law school, my friend.
But in most fields, there isn’t just one ticket to enter. Even though your preferred field asks for a specific educational background, chances are you may be able to bypass that.

Meet Maria

Last week I spoke with Maria, who is also a “renaissance woman,” meaning she loves variety and is one of those people trying to fit a million passions into one lifetime.
She majored in computer science and started her career in technology; coding, programming, etc.
Several years into her first job, her employer facilitated a lunch hour volunteer program through which Maria got to teach career-related workshops to young adults.
It wasn’t long before working with people had become Maria’s main interest.
Maria also volunteered trough Chicago Cares, which connects volunteers to 200+ opportunities in various areas (http://chicagocares.org/about.asp). They offer one-time volunteer opportunities. No weekly or monthly commitment. She joined field trips with seniors, did art activities with children, helped create resumes for homeless adults, tutored in the lab, helped prepare food that was being donated to an event, and helped serve meals at a Salvation’s Army.

Tip: Chicago Cares is a great way to test out non-profit or social services work for anyone living in the Chicago area. Some other cities have similar programs (i.e.: www. NewYorkCares.com).

From Science to Social Services
When the company she worked for folded two years later, she saw it as an opportunity to pursue her new passion.
Her goal: moving into social services – without the ‘right’ academic background. Make that: without a ‘remotely related’ academic background!
Maria was very organized about her transition. She even leveraged her analytical abilities that she used in her technology career (in which, btw, she flourished) to plan the next chapter.
She considered her options, talked to people, and saved up her money.
A few months later, she landed a training position at a for-profit university that specializes in technology. Maria trained homeless and at-risk adults (18 - 60+ yrs old) in soft skills and hard skills needed in the workplace.
Here, she leveraged her technology background and volunteer experience with young adults.
How did she get this job?
Networking without realizing she was doing it! She sort of sheepishly mentioned her plans to a college friend over dinner. His wife happened to know someone who was looking for a trainer.
Within two years, she had become the director of training; she managed the entire career development department and she even created a new workforce center.

Another Change of Direction
After another few years, Maria was getting restless again and shifted to a non-profit function in higher education – working with college students and alumni on career development.
Here are some pointers you can take away from Maria’s story if you want to pull off a similar transition:

Put It Out There
• Share your story, ask for help, and do some soul searching to make sure your desire for change comes from positive motivation to want to do something new, not from wanting to escape something old.It’s important to talk with others about your dreams. Not just to get the mental and moral support, but also because when you do, you’re apt to receive valuable input. People may have ideas you hadn’t thought of, or connections you weren’t aware of – just as in Maria’s example. And, as Barbara Sher says “isolation is a dream killer.” So get it out into the world – even if it seems an unattainable goal to you right now! Others can help you realize your dream.

Use a Phased Approach
• If your new field or position is quite a stretch and you’re sure you can’t enter it directly, do a phased approach – just like Maria did.
Look at your transition as a multi-step plan. First into the area that offers you the easiest entry. Once you’re in; get some experience under your belt, acquire some new skills along the way, and then move on to the area you really want to be in.
Volunteering or doing an internship is often a successful entryway into a new field. This may require a financial step back, so plan ahead, or do this on a part-time basis, if at all possible.

Zigzag Into New Territory
• Not keen on starting all over again? You don’t have to! As Maria put it; renaissance folks should take a “zig-zag” approach to their career. Each time you move on to the next field, you may have to take a small step back, but not all the way to entry level the way someone fresh out of college would. Then you’ll work your way up again, zig-zagging your way through different careers.
How do you do this? By leveraging your experience and skill set and quickly acquiring new abilities. Figuring out how to promote your transferable skills and experience (on your resume, in conversations and interviews) will take some effort. If needed, work with a career coach.
Then there’s this nice side effect of being a renaissance person; you’re probably very passionate about your new professional focus and you’re quick to learn new skills. Don’t underestimate your passion; people notice it and are drawn to it.
More often than not, the combination of transferrable skills, the ability to quickly learn new ones, and noticeable passion for this new field will get you there.

© Copyright 2010 – CareerBranches, Ilona Vanderwoude

Ilona (“rhymes with Fiona”) Vanderwoude is a nationally published resume expert and New York City’s only Master Resume Writer (1 of only 28 worldwide). Her specialty is working with multi-talented professionals who simply can’t pick one passion or career.
As a Career Designer, she guides her clients in crafting unusual life and career plans, helps them fit a million passions into one lifetime, and provides the tactical support to actually make it happen.
Please visit www.CareerBranches.com to claim your 3 free gifts, read her blog at www.blog.CareerBranches.com and follow her on twitter @CareerBranches and www.FaceBook.com/Ilona.Vanderwoude to keep up with the latest discussions and developments.

FOR 24 HOURS ONLY, Jones New York is offering a selection of suits and suit separates all under $100! Do not miss this opportunity to get the perfect career look for less! From classic pant suits to chic skirts and blazers - JNY has every woman’s career wardrobe covered! Plus receive free shipping on all orders over $75.00. 3/3  12PM EST  to 3/4 EST 12PM.

Trends come and go. You don’t need to splurge on each new style to keep your work wardrobe fresh. Instead, turn to Avelle.com and borrow your favorite trend for the season. 

Avelle, the new Bag Borrow or Steal, is home to thousands of designer handbags and accessories waiting for you to take them home for a week, a month, or a season. Once you’ve had your fun, items can be returned with no shipping charges. What happens if you fall in love with your rental? You can use rental equity to buy the style and keep it forever. There are so many ways to make Avelle work for you. You can become a member or rent as a guest, sign up for private sale alerts, or work with a personal style consultant. We love how easy it is to use Avelle!

So what trends do we recommend you borrow? Here are a few of our top picks for Spring.

Denim. We are not talking about your favorite 5 pocket jeans here. Denim will be showing up on everything from shoes to handbags and everything in between. This season test the waters in couture style. The Louis Vuitton Limited Edition XLarge Denim Hobo Handbag will make a statement with your label conscious coworkers. For a more subtle take look no further then Chanel Quilted Denim Handbag. Want the feel of denim in a more luxe fabric? Then the Valentino Histoire Pearlized Tote is perfect for you.

A Drawstring Bag has an easy feel for Spring and Summer. Since it is more casual, it’s a great place to play with color and incorporate some of the other trends such as global market inspiration, fringe, and ruffles. Isabella Fiore Blossom Hobo Handbag has a vibrant floral motif and touch of fringe on the braided tassels. Keep ruffles fresh by moving them to your handbag like on this Moschino ‘Bubble’ Ruffle Shoulder Handbag. Furla ‘Aster Metal’ Bucket Tote feels exotic with ostrich embossed leather.

The last style we would like to touch on is Vintage. While this trend is not necessarily a must for Spring, we’ve noticed it continuing to infiltrate mainstream markets. If you’re still hesitant to delve into the world of vintage, borrowing accessories is the perfect place to start. Gucci Vintage Flap Front Handbag hasa classic shape with an unexpected pop of red twill insets. Vintage jewelry will allow you to play with the trend towards oversized styles. Late 60’s Coppola e Toppo Vintage Baguette Four Row Bracelet is instant arm candy peeking out under the cuff of a blazer. While this Miraim Haskell Vintage Beaded Necklace could wake up any little black dress or basic cardigan. Each of these looks will add personal style to your work wardrobe.

Both the trend toward denim and drawstring bags can come across more casual, so keep that in mind when dressing for the office.  We hope you’ll visit Avelle.com and borrow your way to beautiful Spring style. Stay tuned as we show you more ways to get the trends right for your office this season.

Did you ever go into a store and just love the item on the hanger but put it back because you just didn’t know how to wear it or what to wear it with? This Spring season there are various trends from soft blush tones to digital prints to utilitarian chic.  We are going to take the trends from one classification and show how you can incorporate them into your work wardrobe. This week we will focus on jackets and blazers.   The three types of jackets to have in your wardrobe are tuxedo, collarless, and the boyfriend jacket.

Tuxedo Jacket

Tuxedo Jackets aren’t just for special occasions or evening attire. This classic  jacket can be worn simply with a chiffon or silk blouse. Here is an example how you can update the jacket by simply pairing it with a metallic blouse, ruffle booties, and a braided chunky bracelet. It is an instant chic work outfit that goes from the office to dinner with clients.

Satin Lapel Tuxedo Jacket
Banana Republic heritage shimmer-print blouse
Snake Braid Bracelet
BCBGirls Dania Platform Pumps

Collarless Jacket

Collarless jackets are all the rage this season.  Whether it is trimmed in chain, beading or embellished detail, the jacket looks best when paired with a simple white shirt or camisole worn underneath.  Make an impact with accessories like this statement necklace shown below.

Nygard Collection Woman Boucle Jacket
Double Button Placket Shirt
Statement Knots Necklace
Elizabeth and James Lola

Boyfriend Jacket-

This jacket was certainly a hot item last Fall but it continues to prove itself as a main staple to have in your work wardrobe regardless of the season.  Add delicate earrings or laser cutout peep toe heels for a feminine touch.

Elastic Sleeve Fitted Jacket

Pleat Neckline Tee
Fringed Interlock Earring
Bandolino Pump

Stay tuned next week when we focus on Dresses for the Workchic How to Wear it with Style Series!

Do you have an item that you didn’t buy because you didn’t know how to wear it?  We would love to hear about it!  Just email info@workchic.com or leave a comment on this post. 

Throughout fashion week we wrote alot about mixing different patterns and textures into one outfit. Today we want to show you how to make this trend work for the office. 

Monochromatic colors make mixing patterns simple. In this business casual style outfit we kept the palette to neutral shades and lavender. Together these soft tones allow a bold plaid pattern to look chic against a floral blouse. Since the pencil skirt and boyfriend cardigan are classic silhouettes, we were also able to play with ruffle accents on the blouse and t-strap pumps without overwhelming the outfit. All pieces used to create this outfit were found at Banana Republic and Dillard’s. Follow the below links to recreate this look.

Banana Republic Cotton/silk ruffle printed blouse
Antonio Melani “Berta” Skirt
Banana Republic Sweetheart exposed-seam cardi
Gianni Bini “Razzle”
Banana Republic Rose dew hinge bracelet
 

Mix Floral and Stripes for a chic and fresh business casual look. Stripes do not need to be bold- we used a classic pinstripe trouser in this example. Then we layered a vintage inspired floral tank and cardigan with rosette details along the neckline to mix both pattern and texture. The accessories are simple and sophisticated. This allows your experiment in pattern to get all the attention.  We turned to Lord & Taylor and Modcloth for the push and pull of vintage and classic happening in this look. These links will take you to each piece used to create the look.

CALVIN KLEIN Madison Pinstriped Pants
SWEATERWORKS Rosette Detail Cardigan
Morisot Top
COLE HAAN “Village Soft” North/South Satchel
ARTURO CHIANG “Driane” Peep-Toe Patent Leather Stiletto Pumps
AK ANNE KLEIN Goldtone Circle Link Stretch Bracelet
Edie Earrings in Socialite
 

Fossil.com shows us how to make bold and graphic patterns combine for a casual day in the office. Here polka dots are the focus in a yellow cardigan. Layered underneath is a simple yet graphic gingham plaid. These patterns are tied together with white so we added a white belt to compliment the look. Wearing it around your waist will slim the silhouette against flare leg denim. For a final touch we pulled a patterned crossbody bag and deep cocoa wedges.

Fossil Iris Cardigan
Fossil Lucy Shirt
Fossil Center Cording Belt
Fossil Flare Denim
Fossil Maddox Wedge Pump

When mixing patterns into one outfit the key is to watch the balance. Make sure colors play harmoniously and that silhouettes are simple. For the office, anchor your look in a classic style such as a pinstripe trouser. You’ll notice we completed each of these outfits with a cardigan. It’s a work wardrobe staple and adds a touch of professionalism by covering up bare arms. The more contemporary your office the more you can push trends in print and pattern. We encourage you to use this daring trend to showcase your personal style. Follow our tips to keep your look professional, feminine, and chic. Happy Shopping!

We made the cut for this week’s Links a la mode.  Read our post and lots of others below!  

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

Posted by Julia • February 25th, 2010 • Printer-friendly

Project Beyond the Runway

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily

Reading through the links this week, I realized that fashion week or no fashion week, fashion will most certainly go on! A winter snowstorm couldn’t even slow down New York Fashion Week, and the links below are testament to the wonderful style that exists beyond the runway, such as Ode to Awe’s jewelry discovery, how to look chic while lounging by Cafe Fashionista, and tips for vintage shoe shopping by Wicked Whimsy. Don’t get me wrong, I love being ‘in the know’ on runway looks and trends, but how you interpret them and work them into your personal style is so much more important than remembering which designers showed one-shoulder looks this season!

As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode : February 25th

39th and Broadway – A Side of the Industry Unknown by Most: Life as a Corporate Fashion Designer
British Style Bloggers – Cherish forever what makes you unique, ‘cos you’re a yawn once it’s gone
Cafe Fashionista - A step-by-step guide to looking luxurious even when lounging
Clutch22 -Up close and personal with Vivienne Tam as she expands her fashion+tech innovations to a new category
CMYKaboom – Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) ‘Tweet Up in the Tents’ event
Debutante Clothing - Vintage Jewelry: Q&A with Lucite line Circa Sixty Three
Fabulous Finds Gal – Moonstuck at the opera with photographer Bersa
Fashion Pulse Daily – Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M; the debut and the review
Holier Than Now – New Take on Florals (5 Under $50)
Idiosyncratic Style - A Girl’s Guide to Maternity Style
Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence Recap : Part One
Individual Chic: – Would you have wanted a Computer Engineer Barbie when you were smaller? Or would you love one now?
Night Watch – 10 Questions with Model Clara Zapffe
Ode to Awe - Denmark based Alidra Alic’s Alice-inspired jewelry
Oranges and Apples – Rules for advertising and sponsorship on blogs
Retro Chick - The Ethics of Blogging
Smiles Go with Everything -10 Tips for Shopping on Ebay:  How to find great deals on awesome duds.
The Coveted – Visits Nine West HQ for a sneak peak of  AW10 shoe collections!
The Style PA – Gives Henry Holland a grilling ahead of his House of Holland show.
The Sunday Best – Do men get better service when they shop?
Wicked Whimsy -What to look for when buying vintage shoes
Workchic – Fall 2010 NY Fashion week collections: recreated runway to the office outfits

PLEASE READ IF YOU’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE:

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

We know you love your knee high boots, but are tired of your pants riding up all winter. We have found the solution- Jean Straps! They are removable stirrups that will keep your jeans or pants neatly tucked into your boots.

Designed in San Francisco, Jean Straps clip-on removable stirrups minimize bunching and make pulling on your boots over your jeans a breeze. Eminently flexible, Jean Straps are easily swapped out from one pair of jeans to another with just a flick of a garter clip. Currently Jean Straps are available in brick red with a camel accent and are manufactured with high-quality elastic. Sold as a pair, they are available for purchase online for $9.99.

We asked Erin Tocalino, co-founder of Jean Straps, what inspired her and Tni Newhoff to create Jean Straps. Here’s what she had to say.

“My business partner and I had both just bought some fabulous new boots last year. While we were at a concert with our husbands, we started to discuss how much trouble we’d had getting the boots to play well with all of our jeans. Bunching knees, hard to pull on, riding up as the day went on — all the problems that can arise. We both remembered wearing stirrup pants back in the eighties, but figured there was a more flexible — and fashionable –solution. Basically, we wanted the convenience without having to revisit that chapter of our fashion history.”

After this revelation, development started almost immediately. Months of trial and error and many prototypes later, Jean Straps were born!

When we saw this product we were amazed by the simplicity and effectiveness. Great products are usually born out of necessity and these are no exception. We recommend every women add Jean Straps to her accessories drawer. End the bunchy knees and walk through the rest of winter with ease.

While these are recommended for your denim, we tried them with trousers and found they were just as effective. So don’t save Jean Straps for Casual Friday. Wear them all week with your favorite boots. 

Let’s recap the top reasons to buy:
   • Hold jeans down when putting on boots.
   • Keep jeans taut, minimizing bunching.
   • Attach to any pair of jeans.
   • Wear comfortably; no bulky metal clips.

Visit www.jeanstraps.com to pick up your new pair today!