We have all done it, forgotten to put the cap back on a pen. Jostled a stack of papers and ran a line of ink down our sleeve. Scratched our back with the wrong end of the pen. Well there is a solution when your traditional stain remover is not up to the task. Hair spray! Generously spray the area marked until it soaks through the fabric. Then immediatly launder the item before the spray has a chance to dry. Your ink mark should have disappeared when the wash is finished.

Does your wardrobe consist of sweats, hoodies, and tattered jeans? Have you been told by your boss that you take the meaning of casual friday to the next level? Do you fall into the daily routine of racing around your bedroom and throwing anything on? Does this happen without a glance in the mirror before heading out the door? You may be officially classified as a shlumpadinka. What is a shlumpadinka exactly? The phrase was first created by Oprah. As she states on oprah.com : “I made this word up a long time ago. It represents, for me, a woman who dresses like she has completely given up..and it shows.” Our workchic team doesn’t want you to fall into that category. Each month we’ll feature ideas that will instantly take you from frumpy slumpadinka to workchic diva!

September tips:

A pop of color in anything you wear- whether it is a scarf, trench, sweater, necklace, or handbag- is bound to pull together an outfit plus give you that extra oomph that you need. Here are some our favorite finds below:
Juicy Couture Trench Coat, Bop Basics Cashmere Dolman Sweater, Blu Gold & Rust Crystal Drop Necklace , solid square shawl from Esprit and the budget eco-friendly printed Envirosax bag. At $8-$10, we couldn’t resist posting two of them!

A dress is an instant way to look workchic without thinking about how to create an entire outfit. Here are some of our faves that will bring you instantly out of the frump zone:

A steal at $88-how can you resist this Soda Blu Dress ? Or how about this Diane von Furstenberg Jersey Dress? Throw a grey cardigan over both of them and you have a second look!

Stay tuned at workchic for more instant de-shlumper wardrobe tips!

Over the last few years organic or “green” clothing has been a big conversation. While many designers have upped the style quotent for this market, it’s generally still considered casual. We’re here to tell say you can wear organic and still look professional. Here are three business casual outfits from our newest partner, NIMLI .

This wrap top is Bamboo and made in the United States, available in Black, Taupe, and White. It is perfect for a business casual office. To complete the look pick up a pair of black twill pants and this Garnet and Citrine necklace made of recycled metals. Have a casual workplace? Instead of black pants, go for dark wash denim.

Next we have a classic buttoned up style with a twist. Who would have thought you could get these tuxedo details in Bamboo jersey? Pair with a trendy striped vest and a fitted pencil skirt for a sophisticated Business Casual outfit in organic fabrics. The skirt is Hemp and Wool, preorder with code PREORDER08 to save 20%.

Check out this skirt, how chic! Made with wool and silk trim, it has a beautiful A-line shape accentuated with soft pleats. Also available in an orange curry color perfect for fall. Pair it with a simple black tee to keep the attention on the skirt. If that wasn’t enough, these sleek heels are 100% vegan and handmade.

Start shopping now and go green with Workchic.com!

Two weeks ago we started our series on updating your basics. We showed you classic white shirt options and some styles with a fashion twist. Now we need to talk about what you are wearing these shirts with. Regardless if you went classic, updated, or picked up one of each, black pants are the easiest solution.

Black pants are your ultimate office staple. While you may need to make more of an investment here, the amount of use will make them well worth the price. Keep reading to find a pair in your size and some useful coupons to help keep them in your budget. As you browse you will notice that we have avoided pants with flair legs and pleated waists. We tried to suggest styles that are most flattering for the majority of body types and basic enough to carry you through many seasons. Let’s get started!

Contemporary Sizes: When looking for professional trousers in black, the first store we thought of was Brooks Brothers. Here is a pair of slim fit Wool Gabardine Catherine™ Trousers. We also found a pair of Plain-Front Fluid Stretch Dress Trousers in a wide leg, also available in Petite. These Margaret M Cuffed Pants are from Dilliards as well this Sleek Straight Leg style. Any of these styles will make an excellent building block for your work wardrobe.
Shopping on a budget? Try Gap, their pants are also available in Petite and Tall. Women: Straight leg pants - black or Women: Demi boot cut pants - black are two of our favorite choices.

Petite Sizes: As we mentioned both of the Gap styles shown above are available in petite sizes; as well as the Brooks Brothers wide leg pant. With a contoured waistband and straight leg, these Petite Wool Trousers are another great Brooks Brothers style.
These next pieces are on sale, so don’t hesitate, great sales items sell out quickly. Petite Sophisticate has a fully lined side zip trouser; the 7th Avenue Pant is from New York and Company; and save big on this Atelier Beason Straight Leg Pantfrom SmartBargains.

Plus Sizes: We’ve gone back to Dillards for plus sizes and found these Nygard Wide-Leg Pantsand fully lined Jones New York Pants. This Textured Pantfrom Bedford Fair lifestyles not only has a matching jacket, it is also available in regular and petite sizes. Visit Lane Bryant and pick up a universally flattering Houston Pant finished with a cuffed hem.

We hope you found the perfect black pants to update your work wardrobe. Wear these with you new white blouse and a beaded necklace and show up at the office looking Workchic!
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Brooks Brothers has two different sales happening right now. First, Save $10 when you register at Brooksbrothers.com. Then Save up to $200 on women’s clothing & accessories at Brooks Brothers - Offer Code WWFA08. This discounts ends in a few days, so shop now!
New York and company is offering buy one get one 1/2 off on select pants plus free shipping on orders over $75. We also have discounts from Eddie Bauer, Bedford Fair, and Lane Bryant. Shop now to take advantage of these sales!

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We will be discussing cardigans in two weeks. Be sure to check back or sign up for our RSS feed and stay up to date on everything discussed at Workchic.com!

A girl can never have too many shoes right? Now you can wear the latest trends no matter what your budget! Here are three top trends in shoes for the Fall season:

Menswear inspired: Oxfords

Pair the hottest trend this fall with cable knit tights and your floral dress. This will create an instant workchic look:

The first grey suede oxford is a steal for $89 from Aerosoles . The second eggplant laced oxford is a happy medium at $180 from Max Studio. The third pair is a splurge at $445 from designer Anyi Lu Eloise. All of the styles above and more can be found at piperlime.com.

Cut out Pointy Toe flats-

The Round toe ballet flat is beginning to feel last season. Try these pointy toe flats with cutout in a wide range of colors.

What a steal! The first burgundy pair is only $36.82 from NY LA. The second-the Fiona Flat from Hollywould- is still worth every penny at $129.22. Want more detail? Then try the Modern Vintage Carolina Flat which at $165.71 you can wear these all year round. Find these flats and more at endless.com.

Embellishment

It is all about a mix of tough vibe plus feminine appeal this season. Whether it is a zipper, buckle, stitch, or chunky grommet-The hardware on the shoes can bring your outfit to a whole new level.

You can wear these black suede “Sally” loafers by Dolce Vita all year round. The price is affordable at $127 and the white contrast stitching gives them a perfect update from the standard loafer. What is not to love about these rich chocolate “Tessa” boots with brass buckle details from Dolce Vita? They are perfectly priced at $242. Just a small zipper detail adds that special touch to these luscious cognac “Seema” booties from Twelfth Street by Cythina Vincent. They are a splurge at $426 but how can you resist? All shoes courtesy of pinkmascara.com.

We always want to have you stay on budget while remaining workchic. Stay tuned for more Splurge vs. Steal finds next month!

The Spring 09 collection from Tory Burch is so workchic! Tory was able to target all age ranges with her use of graphic prints, color, and layering details. She used accessories-from handbag to scarves- to tie the outfits together. Here are some of our favorite looks below courtesy of style.com.

We found a great selection of Tory Burch’s Fall 08 Handbags and Shoes at Shopbop.com. They will be the perfect complement to any outfit!

Use Code SAVETHEPIG to Save an Extra 20% on Items marked 50-70% Off only at shopbop!

We are loving the Nanette Lepore collection for Spring 2009. The floral prints are fun and feminine-perfect to incorporate into your Spring wardrobe. Take a look at how she uses the chunky enamel necklace to make a statement! Photos courtesy of Elle.com.

Can’t wait until Spring 2009? Check out some of the Fall 2008 collection below!

Use Code SAVETHEPIG to Save an Extra 20% on Items marked 50-70% Off only at shopbop!

DKNY is showing some great silhouettes this Fashion Week. Large bows and high waists look like they will continue right through Fall into Spring. Here are some of our favorite looks, courtesy of Elle.com, that walked down the Runway.

Create your own runway inspired look from DKNY.

New York’s fashion week is in full swing for Spring 2009. All weekend we have been monitoring the runways just for you. Here are some of our favorite looks from Diane Von Furstenberg courtesy of Elle.com

Diane Von Furstenberg
We love her style and sensibility. With a little twist these prints can walk right off the runway into your closet. We can’t wait to see how she will translate them into the Spring ready-to-wear collection. The orange and coral shades help keep the looks sophisticated.

Score your own look from Diane Von Furstenberg now! Get Free U.S. Ground Shipping at Shopbop.

All week Workchic.com will feature designer collections that have the sophistication to translate into your office wardrobe. Check back daily or add us to your RSS feed now!

For those of you who received our newsletter, you already know that we are making updating your basics a top priority at Workchic.com. If you pick up any book on style, fashion magazine, or watch makeover shows; one thing always stressed is having a solid framework in your wardrobe consisting of key basics. We cannot express how important this is when it comes to your work clothes. So, for the next few months we will be blogging about these office staples. We suggest you take inventory. Pull out your go to pieces and check for missing buttons, frayed seams, stains, and most importantly make sure they fit properly. Then come shop with us to replace, update, or fill in any holes in your wardrobe. Let’s get started!

White Dress Shirt
This should be a key staple in your work wardrobe. A white dress shirt can be simple, traditional, or updated. We suggest having at least one classic silhouette, then adding a new version with a fashion twist. Whether your office is business, business casual, or casual you will find many ways to wear these blouses. Try layering one under your new vest. Or simply tuck it into a pinstriped trouser, add a skinny belt, and beaded necklace to complete the look. These are a go to piece when you are in a hurry or not sure what to wear. Keep reading for our suggestions in every size, shape, and price range.

Contemporary Sizes, Classic Silhouettes: Old Navy Classic Button-Front Shirt, $20, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $59, Antonio Melanie Cotton/Lycra Blouse, $79

Contemporary Sizes, Updated Silhouettes: The detail on this first one is subtle, Robert Rodriguez Fan Pleat Shirt. The second shirt is from MaxStudio.com and on sale for $68. This EMBROIDERED SHIRT also has a mandarin collar, perfect for layering under jackets and vests. Since tuxedo detailing and tie necks are a hot trend right now, we couldn’t miss this frill shirt from Esprit. Unroll the sleeves for a more professional look, or keep them rolled up and pair with dark wash jeans on casual friday.

Petite Styles: GAP: Stretch fitted shirt, $39.50, Brooks Brothers Petite Non-Iron Fitted Club Stripe Dress Shirt with DOW XLA™, Pintucked Oxford Shirt, $48. We are very excited about the re-launch of Petite Sophisticate’s website. Pick up this Ruffled Button Front Shirt to celebrate. We also love this figure enhancing Empire Surplice Blouse on sale now!

Plus Size Styles: First we have two classic silhouettes; Old Navy Ruffle Dress Shirts, $29.50 and C.J. Banks Fitted Shirt. Then we have a looser style accessorized with a beaded necklace, Pintucked JMS Shirt. Lastly a classic blouse for the office, updated with a Double Collar.

We hope we found the perfect white blouse for you to update your wardrobe with. Check our fit guide for help with sizing, and our tailor list to achieve your perfect fit.
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Some of these great finds are from Old Navy and Gap. Did you know these site have one check out for all stores, including Piperlime? That makes there shipping one flat rate. We also have a discount from Esprit and Bedford Fair. Shop now to take advantage of these sales!

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We will be discussing black pants in two weeks. Be sure to check back or sign up for our RSS feed and stay up to date on everything discussed at Workchic.com!