We all carry around so many electronics, chargers, and various other gadgets that our bags are exploding at the seams. The most cumbersome of all is a laptop. With many of the traditional options looking a little manly, we sought out some of the hottest bags largest enough to carry our laptop.

Let’s start with Totes that keep it professional. All of these styles are at least 14″ wide. Outside pockets are great for cell phones, keys, and business cards. The blue one is our favorite because it folds down into a smaller satchel when your laptop is not in tow.

And here are some that are actually padded and stylish.

Lastly, lets not forget the ladies with the luxury of a casual office. Here you can go for technical fabrics and fun prints.

Our bags can be more than just gadget holders, makeup totes, and a way to schlep paperwork. These are some great options that will safely hold your laptop and keep you looking work chic!

Today we are talking with Pamela Gregory, who has had over 20 years of experience in staffing. She will give us insight as to what companies look for when hiring new employees and some funny stories too. Pamela worked at a major employment company for fifteen years before stepping out on her own and launching a highly successful organization. She has worked with all professional industries and specialized in clerical/office needs including paralegals and law clerks. Read on for Pamela’s experiences and tips: When an applicant first contacted you and an interview was set up, what were the top three things you looked for?
The initial phone call was our first insight as to their character, posture and personality. Based on that initial phone screening, we would make an appt. for them to come into our office. Upon their initial appt. we would make sure that they arrived on time, they had a resume and that they were dressed in appropriate office attire. If they failed in those three categories, we would sit them down and discuss why they might not be a suitable candidate to represent our service. If there attire was inappropriate, how would you handle discussing this sensitive issue?
We would explain that they have certain dress codes in our client’s office environments and that if they didn’t comply, they would be sent home making us, and them, look bad. We would sit down with them and show them a book of business attire do’s and don’ts. If their clothes smelled, we would discuss this matter with them (a very delicate and sensitive subject, but definitely needs to be addressed). If it was a money issue, and they couldn’t afford more than one suit, then we would discuss going to re-sale shops and other places they could get some inexpensive business attire.
Obviously, there was a lot to this and it was addressed on a case by case basis. If someone had it mostly together, for example, they came in, in a suit with fish net stockings, then we would discuss that one particular aspect with them. We always told them that we were doing it for their own benefit. We felt honesty was the best policy. If they were coming to us for placement and they kept being turned down, interview after interview, we felt it was our obligation and duty to tell them the truth on how they were being perceived by others. We understood that something could be fashionable out in public, maybe a model would wear a certain kind of attire, but we would explain that it was not suitable for an office. We knew our clients and their expectations. If we didn’t address these matters with our employees, then the clients would just send them home without explanation and it could be brutal and create bad feelings. If the applicants wanted to work with us and our clients, they needed to abide by our rules/judgments. What steps did you take to make sure applicants did not show up to an interview under or over dressed?
I would always go to the client’s office myself, in person, before I sent any of our employees out, to make sure that I understood the environment. If I didn’t do that, I could be setting myself and my employees up for failure. With all the diversified office environments out there these days, it is critical to make sure we all have a clear understanding of the expectations. Some offices had casual days on Fridays, with business attire on every other day. Some had strictly business attire every day, etc. Generally, I took a look around to see what everyone else was wearing, so I could tell my employees how to dress. I also asked about the dress code policies of the company. Interviewing tips always say learn the office’s dress code so you can show up for an interview dressed appropriately. Can you give us some tips how to realistically find this out? Can you really just call the receptionist?
My advice would be yes you can simply call the company to get that information. I would call the human resources department if it is a large company rather than the receptionist. They normally find it conscientious that the individual was astute enough to inquire. It is a plus! I would also make other efforts like trying to look it up on their company website, or by doing research on the internet. Sometimes, even the local chambers of commerce have this information. Local chambers make it their business to be involved with businesses in the community. You obviously had a great policy in place to deal with inappropriate attire during the interview process. How about with your staff, how did you handle missteps here?
Oh, there were never any missteps with my staff. But, my office was small and I had a hands-on approach and an excellent handle over the situation at all times. We wore suits, dresses, or a blazer with slacks or a skirt, and that’s it period. I explained to my staff that we were the role models for everyone who walked into our office. The applicants would take their cues from us. If they saw us in a professional light, they were willing to listen to our advice. However, when I worked for the major employment agency in the 80’s they had a very, very strict dress code policy. If your hair was longer than shoulder length it had to be tied back, or put into a bun. Your skirts could be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee. You absolutely could not have a run in your nylons (which were mandatory at that time with a skirt or dress) they made you keep an extra pair in your desk, should that happen. You also absolutely could not have chips in your nail polish; they would make you go in the back lunch room to paint over the chip. Also, they didn’t want any flashy jewelry. If you wore costume jewelry, you had to tone it down, or you would be “counseled” on it for sure. For them at that time, it was also suits, blazers, skirts dress or pantsuits. Anyone who did not adhere to this strict dress code policy was sent home to change or sent home for the day (I think in some instances they deducted pay for the day, too!)
Bottom line is that you were made to pay much attention to the way you were presenting yourself. Certainly, no rolling out of bed and putting your hair into a pony tail and hitting the road! Do you have a go-to outfit for interviews or initial business meetings?
Yes, I always did. I couldn’t go wrong with a navy blue suit. I had a couple to choose from. Some with skirts and some with pinstriped pants. It always looked best on me and I always felt authoritative in it. In fact, here’s another funny story for you. When I first met my husband, I was in my early 30’s. I was working at the corporate offices and we weren’t seeing any direct applicants there. Therefore, the “dress code” was a little more lax. So, I used to wear some cutesy little fashionable zippered jackets. When I met my husband, and started Staff Net, Inc., he absolutely told me straight out that I could not visit any potential clients with those kinds of clothes. He took me straight out to some nice women’s clothing stores and helped me purchase some great looking pinstripes and various other suits. It was his firm opinion that I had to have a stature about me when I walked into a client’s office. An image that said, “I’m the business owner and I know what I’m doing” when I walked through the doors of an office where I was making a first impression. He told me to get rid of those cute, flimsy little zippered up jackets that were popular at the time in exchange for “power suits” — it was hard for me at the time, because I wanted to be cute rather than a powerhouse woman. BUT, he was right! It was definitely a huge growth step for me! We look back and laugh about it now. I think many, many women have a huge problem with this transition. Going from cute and boppy attire to mature and sophisticated attire, especially women first entering the workplace in their 20’s and 30’s. Making the transition from what worked in high school, college and “the local scene” to the workplace, where you need to be taken seriously as an educated professional. You can never go wrong with some of the traditional well made suits in basic solid colors. Give us one more funny story before we go!
One funny story comes to mind right away. We had an applicant come in to do some computer evaluations. She was taking the data entry evaluation which measures speed and accuracy. She was coming up short on her speed levels. I noticed she had really long fingernails, so I suggested she trim them down and then come back and take the test again. She said, oh no problem, I can take care of that right now. She proceeded to bite down her fingernails with her mouth and spit the fragments of her nails right onto our floor! YUCK! Needless to say, this sort of thing required immediate counseling! What have we learned from Pamela?
1) It really is important to research the dress code at an office before showing up for an interview.
2) While the 80’s power suit is gone, we should all still have a highly professional look in our wardrobes. A suit might not be right for every office environment but a well fitting, structured, button-up blazer is a must!
3) Listen to your boss, husband, best friend when they give you hard to hear advice on that not so chic work attire you’ve been sporting.
4) Make sure your attire and appearance do not hinder your ability to complete your job. (fingernails anyone!) Now, start shopping for your go-to look!

It’s the middle of summer, and you have been wearing those white Tees and Tanks for a few months now. Make sure they last you through the rest of the season. Try soaking them in lukewarm water with color safe bleach for 24 hours. Then rinse them in vinegar and water, one tablespoon vinegar to one quart of water. This will restore them to bright white without destroying the fabrics.

Ready to re-plenish your layering pieces? Here are some of our suggestions:

The week’s forecast shows 90 degree temps and 90% humidity. How do you possibly stay cool and Workchic at the same time? Even though your office dress code policy may be casual or even business casual- it is important to not cross over what you wore to the beach or the club this weekend into the workplace. I assure you that wearing anything that displays your cleavage or belly button will get you noticed for all of the wrong reasons. Keep the tube tops, message t-shirts, denim cutoffs, silver chainmail halter, or the backless dress you wore to your friends wedding last weekend at home. Here are some tips to get you noticed for looking Workchic instead of getting noticed for your “girls”.

1. Layer- A simple shell or tank with spaghetti straps can often be seen as too revealing in the workplace. Just because it is hot outside doesn’t mean you have to bare all. It is best to layer a light cotton or silk cardigan or blazer on top of that tank or cami. You can even wear one of your more sheer chiffon shirts that you love on top. It will appear more polished if you have a last minute meeting with your boss or clients. Plus it can help with those drastic temperature changes you have in your office. We all know that air conditioning can make it feel it considerably cooler than outside.
   

2. Sheer fabrics- if you can see through it then so can everyone else in your office. Be careful with lightweight fabrics such as linen or chiffon. Make sure you check your reflection in a brighter light before you leave for work. If you can see the color or brand of your undergarments in the mirror then the garment you are wearing is too sheer. Wear the appropriate undergarments such as a slip or tank under these items.
   
   

3. Flip flops- We are not against wearing flip flops to walk or commute to work. However it is best to change into some cute flats or polished sandals once you arrive at the office. It will help pull your look together. Flip flops tend to convey casual or beachy image. Plus everyone can hear you a mile away coming down the hall.
   
   

4. Skirts- the problem is how can you tell if your skirt is too short for work? Well if you sit down and your underwear shows from underneath the skirt it is definitely too short for the office. If bend over and flash your thong to the office-your skirt is too short. The ideal skirt length to avoid any mishaps is one that reaches your fingertips or hovers right above the knee.
   
   

5. Dresses- keep the summery strapless dresses at home. Go with a more refined sheath or wrap dress in a solid or print. You can always pop the outfit with a great necklace, bracelet or handbag.
   
   
   With these tips you can stay cool and still have a fabulous Workchic summer!

While some of you may have been visiting our beta site for some time, Workchic.com is officially live!

Take some time to look around, sign-up for a workchic faves account, and start recieving our monthly newsletter. You can also:
1- Shop for outfits by business look
2- Browse by category or brand
3- Visit our custom fit guides
4- Find a tailor through our recommended listings
5- Read our blog entries and newsletter

Check back often to keep up with everything happening at Workchic.com.