We all know that black pants are an essential work wardrobe builder. But what about black skirts? Ladies, these are just as important. Even as it gets cold, you can still look Workchic any day of the week with a classic or stylized black skirt. Here are some of our favorites.

Contemporary Sizes: Brooks Brothers has a, Wool Flannel Skirt with contoured waistband and front pleats. This skirt is classic and will be a reliable piece in your wardrobe for years. At Gap we found a Slim pencil skirt and a very seasonable Belted high-waist skirt. Both cost under $50 and are machine washable cotton. Looking for something inbetween? Check out this A-line Skirtfrom French Connection in a cotton and wool blend. The Old Navy skirt shown in Petite’s is also available in regular sizing, High Waist Pleated Skirts. Any of these options can be dressed up or dressed down to fit your office dress code.

Petite Sizes: You can also pick up the above skirt from Brooks Brothers, Petite Wool Flannel Skirt. At Old Navy we found a High Waist Pleated Skirts. The A-line and inverted pleats are sophisticated and fashionable. Petite Sophisticate is having a BOGO sale on their skirts. Try the stretch twill pencil skirt and the fully lined bias cut skirt to maximize your budget. Pair these with a classic white shirt and chic heels and you will be on your way to serious Business Casual Style.

Plus Sizes: At Avenue we found a chic and sophisticated Ponte Pencil Skirt and a stylish Satiny Box Pleat Skirt. Both at great prices and a perfect update to your existing office attire. Try this t-length Venezia Trumpet Skirt from Lane Bryant. It will chic with a burgundy cardigan or wrap shirt. Don’t forget to accessorize.

Hopefully you found a skirt that will update your wardrobe and keep you looking Workchic. Pair them with tights and boots to stay warm this season.

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We have discounts and shipping offers from Brooks Brothers, Avenue, Gap, Old Navy, and Lane Bryant. Shop now to take advantage of these sales!

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Check back in two weeks as we continue to update the basics in your wardrobe.

Wow what an action packed episode of Stylista this week! Want to know who just isn’t a fit for Elle magazine? Here’s a quick summary of tonight’s episode first- The fashion mavens were given a project to select items from the coveted Elle fashion closet that fit certain stylista requirements: pintuck, woven, knit, empire waist, dart, set in sleeve and funnel collar. They then were to style these items on a mannequin. Most of the mavens struggled with the fashion terminology and the mannequin and didn’t even get close to styling an outfit. Megan, the team villain, was the ultimate winner.

Their second project was to go out to find a hidden gem in Chinatown. Personally I wasn’t impressed with any of their results but I ultimately agreed with the judges decision. Team Cologne had the best layout. Of course drama occured-911 had to be called. Someone goes to the hospital. I don’t want to spoil it in case you have this episode on Tivo. For all of you that did watch tonight..do you agree with the judges decision who to send home?

(photo of Jason courtesy of cwtv.com)

I have been hearing rumblings at the deli, coffee shop, and office hallways about people’s Halloween costumes. These conversations always scare me because someone inevitable asks the question, “are you going to wear it to work?” I just want to speak up and say, “Please Don’t!” It’s just not professional. Are you ever going to be able to look at your co-worker the same after she shows up in a pink bunny costume, or worse? Please don’t lose your co-workers, bosses, or assistants respect for one day of fun. You can never go wrong just bringing in treats.

Some of you may work at an office where dressing-up is not only acceptable but expected. We don’t want you to be considered anti-social so we have put together some Workchic rules to navigate office Halloween costumes.

1) Don’t show any more skin then you would on a regular work day.
2) Consider your position and level of authority when choosing your outfit.
3) Bring a change of clothes. Chances are people will not stay dressed up all day. Don’t be the only one still in your get-up.
4) Less is More. Save the head to toe ensemble for your evening costume party. Dress up in a skirt and add a tiara or wear all black with a witch’s hat or cat ears, no face paint required.

We hope you have fun this Halloween. And hey, it’s on a Friday so there will be plenty of parties to rock that naughty nurses uniform, after work hours.

Can you remember the very first day of your job? The anticipation of the job yet alone what to wear to make that first impression is enough to keep you up at night. Our dear friend-Mallory- is starting a new job this week. She contributes her thoughts on choosing that first day outfit and how’ll she dress to impress. We would love to hear what you think of her first day outfit! Keep reading below…

“I have started about a million jobs over my college career (or what feels like anyway) and the night before you first day of your new job is always a little nerve wracking. Tomorrow, I am starting another new job and there’s a difference because this is the night before the first day of my first REAL job. Yes the real job that will pay the bills. This is the real deal. I have a million things going through my head, but one of the main thoughts running through my mind is WHAT DO I WEAR? How should I present myself on this day? Working in a medical office setting, it is all business casual. The way I chose my first day outfit was based off of what I observed in my new workplace, for example what the person wore who interviewed me or what the people wore that I will be working with. My idea of the perfect outfit for this day is to feel comfortable yet office appropriate. That outfit for me is a nice pair of maroon pants which were super afffordable from Old Navy, a black poplin shirt with collar that ties to the side (which gives the shirt a bit more style rather than just a typical plain black work shirt) from H & M, and black flats that have a little buckle at the toe. This completes my comfortable yet sophisticated look that I feel is appropriate for the day. To finish off the outfit, I will wear a simple silver necklace and of course my watch. I wouldn’t add too much else to this outfit. I think I would be overdoing it. If I chose a shirt that was a bit more simple, such as a plain button down, I would have tucked in the shirt and worn a black belt to complete the look. In this outfit, I feel that I will fit the dress policy my new company is looking for, yet still feel comfortable in my own clothes. I’ll update you in a week or so on my progress! ”

We wish you the best of luck on your first day Mallory! Remeber to keep shopping workchic.com for all of your work wardrobe needs!

Did anyone watch the new reality show “Stylista” on the CW channel. Listen it is no Project Runway but I just had to watch it. In case you have it in on Tivo here is a quick summary. Think Devil Meets Prada on a reality show. Eleven fashion mavens compete to win the coveted junior editorial job at Elle Magazine. In the meantime they experience the life of a fashion editorial assistant to Elle’s fashion news director, Anne Slowey.

Their first task of the day was to design a breakfast tray for Anne Slowey. Ok that was ridiculous. Then they split into teams and hit the local H&M to gather new outfits for a runway show. The team then had to prepare an editorial spread showcasing each of the team member’s outfits. Let’s face it..it’s fashion. You can push the envelope. However I liked how Anne and Joe Zee pointed out some the outfits-whether it be shoes, hats, gloves were not office appropriate! I must say it always pay off to be workchic! I don’t know about you but I personally think they made the wrong decision in letting the the first stylista, Arnaldo go. He played it safe in his outfits and still looked professional. There were others that looked far worse than he did. I guess they need the drama though after all it is a reality show!

What did you think of the show?

(Arnaldo photo courtesy of cwtv.com)

While we have written about Maternity in the past, today we have officially added collections to the main product assortment of our site. This is an exciting time for you and we are here to help you look professional and fashionable throughout your pregnancy. Whether your office is casual, business corporate, or business casual we have items marked for you. So get shopping!

Tops, Bottoms, Dresses and Sweaters are waiting for you!

We would love your feedback on this new portion of our site, so be sure to add comments or send us an e-mail to info@workchic.com.

While the LBD is important, the Little Black Pumps will complete many more outfits. As we talk about updating your basics we couldn’t miss black pumps; and flats, and boots while we’re at it. If you always wear flats, make sure all of your pants are hemmed accordingly. If you are more likely to mix things up, your pants should be hemmed at different lengths to accommodate all of your shoe options. The general rule is that the back hem of your pants should hit 1/2″ to 1″ above the ground. Visit our tailor list to find a seamstress in your area.

Now that you have received our lesson in pant lengths, let’s get to the fun part- New Shoes!

If you have been reading our blog series on basics you know that we generally cover contemporary, petite, and plus sizes. Since shoes are a little more all encompassing we decided to give you some suggestions in Heels, Flats, and Boots. So go ahead and pick up your favorite new basic today.

Heels: Whether you prefer a sleek point, softly rounded toe, or something in between; each of these styles can take you from the office to dinner and back again. Kenneth Cole New York Women’s All Day Long Pump will live up to it’s name with a gel-padded insole for under $100. This Nine West Women’s Nuncio Pump has a sleek point and slightly lower heel. With cut out details this Charles by Charles David Women’s Contour Pump will look so chic with a pencil skirt. The Corso Como Comfort system is a key feature in the Cameo Pump in Black. Soft feminine pleats are all over the runways, pick up these Crowd Pumps in Black to complete the look. We also found a Geox spectator pump at Piperlime.

Flats: While pumps are generally what we think of when we want great shoes for work, there is no reason flats can’t look just as chic. Check out this first style at Payless ShoeSource©, American Eagle Kash Kitten Heel. Then from 6pm.com we found the next 3 styles in the $30 price range. Yellow Box - Alpine (Black) - Footwear tailored flats are perfect for the office. Or try Exchange by Charles David - Accept (Black Patent) - Footwear with a comfortable rubber sole. American Eagle - Plea (Black) - Footwear have an elastic band at the heel. Want something more unique? Kenzo - Black Flat have zipper details at the seams of these suede flats.

Boots: Since we are in the middle of fall, we simply cannot forget Workchic boots. Ankle boots are great for those of us with larger calves. Some of our favorites are from www.Heels.com. Like this Boston Heel in Black with fantastic cuff details, Cadillac Ant Lea - Black with a sharp pointy toe, or splurge on a pair of Charles David killer Brooklyn Bootie - Black. For those of you that prefer the versatility of a knee high boot, we found the rest of these at Piperlime. Not only do they have a great selection they supply boot height and opening circumference. Our favorites include Women’s shoes: Tahari Minna - Black calf, Women’s shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Thrill-iant - Black, and Women’s shoes: Guess Footwear Hula - Black.

The shoes shown above are from www.endless.com, www.Heels.com, Piperlime, Payless ShoeSource©, and 6pm.com. Be sure to take advantage of these sales, coupons, and free shipping offers when making your purchase.

Save $25 on $125 orders when you choose from 80 women’s fashion brands at Endless.com

Save $15 off any order over $125 at Heels.com with code HEELQ4AFF from 10/1/08 - 12/31/08

Payless $5 off $60 - Code: PSS5OFF60

As always, check back in two weeks for your next wardrobe update.

Did anyone watch the season finale of Project Runway tonight? I have to admit that I had already planned in my mind that Leanne was the winner. However when I saw Korto’s runway collection I was so torn. Her collection was the most wearable to the average woman. She had the most cohesive silhouettes that would look flattering on everyone. I liked how she incorporated her heritage into the design of the collection. Leanne’s collection was meticulously done and showed her sophisticated workmanship but honestly I got a little bored with all those petals. Kenley has a distinctive charm of all her own with her use of detail and color but can her designs translate to the outside world?

However the winner was… Leanne!

(photo courtesy of projectrunway.com)

Do you agree with the judges decision? Let us know who you thought the winner should be!

Fall is right around the corner. You know what that means-coat shopping! A coat can make or break an outfit. It can be the first impression you make when you walk into your office or even on your first interview. Whether the coat is dressed up or down, a great coat can complete your entire outfit. Our team at Workchic.com made it easier for you by scouring the web to find the perfect coat in two of the latest coat trends.

Belted Classic Coats


Whether short or long, a classic belted coat can go a long way. We found a stylish steal at the Gap for $128. This
Belted coat in vineyard takes it to another level with the button detail and high waist sash. Also how can you resist this color? Also on trend for this Fall season! The next pick was found at SHOP.COM and priced right at $298- it is a DKNY Wrap Coat with Leather Belt .The asymmetrical collar gives it just the perfect update to have in your wardrobe for years to come. The third coat is definitely a splurge at $798-
Gryphon Funnel Coat but you can be sure to make an impression wearing this coat! The velvet funnel collar, cuffs and the belt detail makes this coat one of a kind. Find this style and many more at shopbop.com.

Plaid

Plaid is the hottest trend this season. Why not incorporate it into your wardobe beginning with your winter coat? We found these three picks below:

We found this first coat at tobi.com. A steal for only $95 the-BB Dakota Malory Coat combines retro chic and classic in a black and white windowpane plaid. The next plaid coat we found at shop.com, has rich color and texture and is perfect for those chilly mornings. This Cardinal Plaid Duster Coat is moderately priced at $179. Our third option- found at shopbop.com priced at $568- is a Marc by Marc Jacobs Domino Plaid Coat . What a fun way to bring plaid into your wardrobe! Your wallet won’t mind the splurge!

Whatever coat trend you choose to purchase this season make sure it is Workchic! Happy Shopping!

Our team at Workchic.com believes the fight against breast cancer is something to talk about! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month many of our partners are lending their support towards the fight for the cure. Our friends at shopbop.com, have partnered with six celebrities to design a small collection of tees. 50% of the proceeds from each sale will benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. This is an organization whose mission is to ensure, through education and peer support, that no one faces this disease alone. Click on the link below to find your favorite!

Edressme.com is also leading the fight for the cure. During the month of October if you purchase any of their promotional pink dresses, 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Click on the link below to lend your support!

Fortunoff.com has created their own Pink Ribbon shop. A portion of the sales through this shop is donated to Breast Cancer research. Here are a few of the products featured in the Pink Ribbon shop.

Shopping and supporting a worthwhile cause..now that is workchic!