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Archives for August 2008

Fall Trends on a Major Budget

With September right around the corner, do you often open up your closet and dream of a Fall shopping spree? Are you then brought back into reality when you remember that you are on a major budget? How do you keep up with some of the latest Fall trends on a budget? We decided to list a few of the major trends that will keep you up to date but can also remain in your wardrobe for years to come.

 

.Women's handbags: Big Buddha Olivia - BlueL.A.M.B Handbags Ombre Patent Manchester BagPlaid Ruffle BlouseTarina Tarantino Mod Necklace SapphireMatt and Nat Japanese Paper Small Jorja BagDiba Hippie 101024 - Women's Riding BootKNIT BUBBLE SLEEVE SWEATER DRESSMiss Sixty Women's Aura Ankle Boot



Jewel Tone Handbags- deep shades of purple, blue,reds, and greens are so hot right now for fall. What a perfect way to update that little black dress of yours. Why wear that same old boring black bag?

Ankle Booties- These are so hot right now and would look perfect with that floral dress (another fall trend!) from your summer wardrobe. Add some tights, a long cardigan, skinny belt, and you are set. Voilà instant outfit!

Riding Boots- You don’t have to go out and buy jodhpurs to sport these boots. Just pair them with another fall trend- the sweaterdress- and you are set. Or how about wearing them with that cute full skirt that is already in your closet? These boots will always remain in style. What is not to love about a flat boot when walking to work? You can remain workchic and comfortable at the same time. Ok back on the subject of the sweaterdress- the word clingy may come to mind. Just remember to pick the silhouette that is going to be flattering on you. Wear it with a wide belt to pull the look together.


Plaid- Who can go wrong with Plaid? This trend seems to never go out of style. Wrap that plaid scarf around your neck from last year or wear a new plaid shirt under that black blazer you found in the closet. This will keep you on trend for the fall season.
Jewelry- It is all about the dramatic for fall . Wear that chunky necklace or layer multiple necklaces together. You want to make a statement.
You will find that you utilized the items in your closet, kept on budget, and will look workchic this fall!

Happy Shopping!

Makeup Stain Ruin your Favorite Shirt?

We have a quick and simple solution for you today. Have you ever gotten a make-up stain on your shirt that just won’t come out? This could be due to the ingredients in make-up. Try using a grease cutting soap such as shampoo or dish detergent. Simply rub it on the stain and wash as usual. Remember to check to make sure the stain is gone before drying! If the dish detergent hasn’t worked, try your make-up remover. It is a little more harsh and could damage the fabric, so only use this as a last resort!

Liven up any old outfit with accessories!

All this talk about our economy is enough to make anyone depressed. Don’t let this talk get you down. You don’t have to drain your bank account to stay workchic for Fall. Accessories are the hottest category right now that can instantly liven up any outfit whether new or old. In fact, your co-workers will never remember you are wearing the same black dress from last year when you slip on a chunky necklace or a colorful bracelet. Add a lightweight linen scarf for a touch of color. How about carrying the hottest color in handbags this season-Purple. Here are some ideas below that will liven up any outfit. Happy Shopping!
tuleste market Solid Petal NecklaceRachel Leigh Ring w/ EmeraldLove Quotes Italian Linen Scarf in Raspberry Moussewide waist beltLapis Bracelet-Coil-Wrap Bracelet of Opaque Blue Lapis and Sterling Silver BeadsWomen's handbags: Latico Soft Top Zip Satchel - Purple





Project Runway Continued with Outfits

Yesterday we shared our personal opinions on the Project Runway outfits created for Brooke Shields character on Lipstick Jungle. Today we are going to show you how to recreate these top three looks in business appropriate styles.

Keith and Kenley’s winning Design:
Project RunwayAs we said, this style was a bit too much of a cocktail dress for work on most days. Also the light chiffon layers do not lend themselves to a cardigan or blazer to help bring this dress up to a true business look. Here is how we would style a similar outfit.

Our version is very simplified, we lose the light chiffon layers and print. What we kept is the shape, proportion, and one piece ensemble. This dress would look chic and professional under a black blazer.
Bubble Sleeve Dresses from Laundry by Design

The next look is a personal favorite:
Jarell’s Design
This outfit is created with separates, which we love, because you can mix and match. We started with a printed skirt, only $30, then layered a tank with a wide contoured belt. The second tank option is for the more adventurous who want to keep that mustard color in the outfit. Depending on the tank you chose, add a black or brown blazer for business offices or a cardigan for business casual.
iconicon iconicon iconicon Sculpted Waist Belt in Iron

Last but not least our Business Casual outfit:
Koto’s Look

Koto’s jacket is exquisite and has so many great details, it was hard to decide what direction to go. So we picket two. Our first option is a great coral jacket with a tied waist for that nipped in look. Wear this over a simple jersey dress. The one below also comes in a softer stone color. Our second option is inspired by the placket details and larger sleeves. Try this tunic with a chic and refined pencil skirt.

iconicon Velvet Kelyn Dress iconicon Women: Slim pencil skirt - terrain

We hope you enjoyed recreating these styles. Week after week we see great ideas walk down the runway. Now you know how to reinterpret your favorite looks into wearable outfits. Remember when it’s business make sure you are covered up, a simple black blazer goes a long way. Try out these Workchic solutions to your Project Runway inspiration.

Project Runway & Brooke Shields

Did you catch last night’s Project Runway? For all of you who have it patiently waiting in your DVR – huge spoiler alert coming. We are going to take a look at the outfits these designers thought a high powered executive should be wearing to work. Rock star husband or not, get it together people. Where to begin…

Let’s take a look at the winning Design.
Project RunwayThis was designed by Keith and chosen by Brooke Shields as one of the top 6 designs. Then he partnered with Kenley to pull this look off. While it does have a lot of great details, I do have to agree with Michael Kors’ comment about it being a little to much of a cocktail dress for work. I wouldn’t wear this on a day you have a big board meeting, on a more low key day you could might get away with it. At least if you work in a major metropolitan area. Unfortunately the light chiffon layers do not lend themselves to a cardigan or blazer to help bring this dress up to a true business look.

In second place, and my personal favorite, Jarell’s design. Last week he floundered a little, but this week he teamed up with Stella and they pulled off a killer look.
Jarell’s Design
The top three reason I am so in love this this combo:
1- I like separates
2- You can add a blazer to this outfit to look more professional
3- The belt combination really added personal style

The next look was great with the jacket on. Once the model took it off, some major fit details appeared. I could see this dress and jacket combination in a Business Casual office any day of the week.
Koto’s Look

That leaves us with the looks we didn’t like, and the what were you thinking? Have these guys ever been to an office? First Blane’s bohemian chic. I’m sorry, she looked like she was going to the beach not the board room. And don’t even get me started with where Kelli’s model was going. The third look here was just to much skin for the office and not professional. The first two were the biggest misses!
Blane’s Look Kelli’s outfit Terri’s Look

Did you watch the show last night? Tell us your thoughts and if you would wear any of these outfits to work. Then check back tomorrow and we will show you how to recreate these top three looks with true Workchic style!