Bows and ruffles whether they are placed on handbags, blouses, or shoes are the latest trend that are coming back in style.  They aren’t just for schoolgirls anymore.  How do you incorporate the latest trends into your work wardrobe without feeling a tad bit adolescent? 

If you just want to add a touch of a ruffle or bow detail just do it in a simple way.  Ruffle or bow accents on shoes and handbags can give that plain bag or flat just an extra edge. 

Ruffle Front Handbag in Purple- $19.99    DV by Dolce Vita Prissy style in Gray for $100.00.

How about wearing one of these tie blouses to work?  Worried about it looking too Mary Tyler Moore?  The tie new blouses that are a former fashion trend now come in modern fabrics and prints.   Layer a cardigan or blazer on top during the colder winter months that we are still stuck in! We found these two below at shopflick.com.

A ruffle shirt or  blouse can bring a feminine touch to any outfit.   Here are three examples found below that just have a touch of ruffle details

We just fell in love with this Silk tulip-sleeve printed ruffle blouse in Lavender for $69.00 at bananarepublic.com.   You also can’t go wrong in this lightweight  Ruffle-placket blouse in a blue slate color for only $44.00 at the Gap.  It just has the right amount of ruffle detail.  The next shirt has a fun print and ruffle detail around the collar and sleeves. This Dotted Ruffle-Trim Blouse is a steal for $24.99.

You can even add the bow trend into your accessories.  Why not tie together one of the blouses above with the Black Tie Affair Belt found at modcloth.com.  It is also a workchic find for $25.99.
 Want to make a statement? We found this bow ring at shop.com.   The Gabriela Artigas Vintage Bow Bracelet found at tobi.com is a perfect accent with any outfit.

You see with a little guidance you too can wear the latest trends  without being nominated for the office fashion victim award!  Stay tuned for more workchic trend alerts!

If you have a pic of you wearing any of the trends above send it to us!  We would love to see it!

We all gravitate towards certain colors.  Whether it is your favorite color, a shade you always get compliments in, or just something you gravitate towards; it’s time to break your color routine.  If your not sure what this color is, or are about to dismiss the idea entirely, go visit your closet.  Sort all your tops by color.  When you find your pattern follow these tips.

Shy to change?  Slide along the color wheel.  If you have a lot of red try pink, wine or a burnt orange.  Hooked on Blue?  Pick up a top in purple or lavender. 

Now that we’ve given you a color wheel of choices, jump across and pick up a shirt in a complimentary shade.  Or be adventurous and pick up a style in every color!  Your coworkers will be surprised and impressed when you walk in.  Make your purchase count and truly update your work wardrobe with an item that will stand out in your closet.  Break your color Routine today!

Our friend Mallory is already into her 13th week of her new job and late on all Sunday nights is wondering what to wear to work tomorrow..she writes the below:

“It’s kind of funny, because growing up when I thought of myself out in the working world maybe actually working.  I only pictured myself wearing chic and super stylish clothing. I have four older sisters who were out in the working world long before I was and they always looked really great going to work. Everything they wore and still wear today always looks new, professional, and stylish-it sort of makes me a little jealous that I don’t look like that yet. But I keep telling myself that in 5 years that’s what I will look like. I just have to get a little more settled and financially stable in my life and then I will really be the chic looking sister!  Another person who always looks really stylish is Jennifer Aniston.  I am kind of a FRIENDS tv show fanatic and the way Jennifer Aniston always looked (and still looks) really inspires me for the future.  I have a goal to go buy nice boots with a great dress or skirt to go with it, without spending my  entire paycheck.  Afterall, I do need to pay for things like food and rent before buying clothes!  Obviously, you can see from my other blogs I have found some great affordable buys, but it would be really nice to treat myself to nice leather boots that are just a little out of my price range (if you can’t tell, I really want boots)! I just need to figure keep my eyes open and find a look that I can find for less . I am not saying copy your co-worker on their latest attire but take some ideas and make them your own!”

(photos courtesy of Google images)

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com !

We are nearing the end of January.  While time flies, the cold weather and wardrobe of sweaters seems to drag.  Our goal today is to spruce up your Wardrobe for less than $100.  We want to you feel like you have a weeks worth of new clothing without spending your entire weeks or months paycheck.  We have identified 5 categories, necklaces, sweater, skirt, blouse, and shoes, by adding one of these pieces into your outfit, the whole thing will feel new.  Don’t believe we can achieve that for under $100?  Take a look.

Wearing a beaded necklace over a solid sweater, makes the sweater slide into the background and the necklaces becomes everyone’s focal point.  You will get so many compliments on your new jewels you’ll forget you have been wearing that sweater for the last 3 months.  Pick up this one up for only $6.99.  Also comes in a silver and teal version.

This sweater knit top with geometric details looks like two shirts in one with it’s chiffon sleeves and satin bow at the collar.  Would you believe it’s only $21.49?

This blouse will take you right through Spring, but make your outfit feel fresh today.  Throw a cardigan on over it if your office is a little chilly.  On sale for $19.99.

Ebony and Grey skirt by Thakoon for Target is effortlessly chic.  Add this to your work wardrobe for $26.99.

Sometimes all an outfit needs is a new pair of shoes.  This tuxedo style, $19.99, can be worn any day of the week with black pants or add some kick to your casual Friday style with dark denim.

You said it couldn’t be done.  Not only did we accomplish a week’s worth of work wardrobe updates, we came in under $100.  Wait for it… your grand total is $95.45.  So, what are you waitting for?  Start shopping!!!

We couldn’t help notice that Michelle Obama’s inaugural celebration outfit on Sunday at the We are One concert in Washington, D.C.  was especially workchic.  She wore a camel coat with black lining and a matching camel skirt from one of her fave designers:  Narcisco Rodriguez. Will she choose to wear the same designer for the Inaugural ball?  Stay tuned!

Black and camel is such a chic color combination.  Here are some of the finds we found that could help recreate this classic look:

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com!

Our friend Mallory just achieved the 3 month mark in her new job.  Congrats Mallory!  During these past 12 weeks we have seen her transform from college student to hard working professional.  A little shy when it came to the shopping experience, Mallory has conquered her fears and can tell us all a thing or two about bargain shopping.  Here are her thoughts.. 

What bargains have you found this month?  We would love to hear about them!

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com! 

You just can’t help it when browsing through your latest magazine you wish you could find a celeb’s outfit at a price that you can actually afford.  You know you don’t have your own personal stylist so where do you even begin?  Workchic can help you find the latest celeb outfit inspirations for a fraction of the price.   We started with two outfits below. Photos of celebs courtesy of peoplestylewatch.com.

 What is not to love about Lauren Conrad’s outfit?   It is perfect from going to the office to grabbing cocktails with your girlfriends later that evening.   Plus you can mix and match these pieces with the rest of your wardrobe.  We scoured the web and found similar pieces that would re-create this look.

We found the Metallic cropped jacket in Black for $175 at bananarepublic.com.   Pair it with
Da Nang Silk White Cami, add the Linea Pelle Women’s Studded Cluster Stud Belt – Black (which is a steal for $56.25 by the way) to your Black High-Waist Wide-Legs Pants. Throw on your black heels and voila- instantly celebrity chic!

This next look from the budding fashion icon, Katie Holmes aka Mrs Tom Cruise, is a perfect look for either a business or business casual office environment.  We found the RVCA Penny Cardigan in White for only $58.  We settled on the Black Halo Pleated Bodice Dress in Black
 which at $372 is more a splurge but it will gain so much usage you’ll forget the price tag.  It’s an investment piece for your wardrobe!  You can use the wide black belt that comes with the dress to save $ or you can always find a double skinny belt to add a different option to the outfit.  Last but not least we discovered these Black and White Snakeskin Heels on modcloth.com for only $32.99.  You can have this entire celebrity inspired outfit for only $462.99!  Since the items are classic and not overly trendy you can have these items in your wardrobe for years to come.

You see how it easy it was to take your favorite celebrity’s outfit and put together an identical outfit just for you?  Stay tuned for more outfit inspirations on the celebrity look for less blog series on Workchic.com!

Our friends at Ideeli are having a Marc by Marc Jacobs sale today- 1/13 that starts at 11am EST.   Prices start at just $49!  Just go to ideeli.com and use personal invite code: workchic.  Here is some more info below:

With a resume that rivals those of the world’s top designers and a cult following to match, Jacobs is known for his edgy-yet-elegant creations. He designs not only to dress, but also to delight, and his accessories collections are no exception.  Each watch straddles the line between playful and powerful, commanding attention without demanding it. Every piece reflects both the spirit of the label and the sophistication of high-quality timepieces.

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com!

Whether you made a New Year’s resolution to stay in shape or already have a great program you are keeping up with, we want to talk to you about your workout clothes.  Don’t worry we’re not talking full make-up at the gym.  What we are really concerned about is those of you that have gyms at your offices, or work out with your co-workers.  Do you go from your suit to your sweatpants and expect to keep your professional image intact?  Being able to workout at the office is great.  Just remember to dress respectably.  We’ve put two looks together for you.

We found a knit jacket at Puma with contrast details that have an amazing slimming effect.  Graphic T-shirts like this one will also keep you looking pulled together and still ready to workout.  Pair these black pants and a sporty suede sneakers to complete the look.

Go for scoop neck tanks, they will be less revealing.  This red tank from BEBE Sport has mesh details and a back pocket perfect for a locker key or extra pony tail holder.  This tank has matching pants and a great jacket also. 

Keep your professional image intact whether you are in a meeting or at the office gym.  And keep at that Workout Program, you look great!

Our friends ar Ideeli.com are having a Hype Handbag sale that starts tomorrow Monday, 1/12/09 at 11am EST.  Save up to 67%!  Prices start at just $42!  Just go to ideeli.com and use personal invite code: workchic.

Hype is an up-and-coming clothing and accessories brand worth watching for its smart and stylish designs. Designer Elizabeth Angleton, who trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, is the mastermind behind these pieces and she certainly knows how we like our totes. Using the best Italian leathers, Angleton produces some knockout designs, yet never forgets that a bag also needs to be functional, spacious and versatile if it’s going to get much play on our shoulders.

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com!