Who said you can’t wear stripes?  Stripes are in this season no matter whether horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.  They are popping up everywhere this Spring from pencil skirts to wedges.  Here we found the trend on the runway from the Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 collection.  Photo courtesy of style.com.

 Here are some great examples of this hot Spring trend below that would be great for those casual Fridays or if you work in a casual office environment.  Remember the accessories (scarves and bracelet shown below) can cross over and pop that business casual outfit of yours!

Have fun incorporating this trend into your wardrobe!  Happy Shopping from Workchic.com!

As you know we are very passionate about you looking your best for your interviews and everyday in the office. Well we are not the only ones.  Dress to Success has been focused on this mission for years and recently www.Heels.com got in on the initiative. We’re here to tell you more and what you can do to help.

Melissa and I have been helping out as Personal Shoppers at Dress For Success for the last year.  Many of you may know them as an organization that gives suits to women.  They do that and so much more.  As personal shoppers, we help women who have interviews scheduled find a suit that fits them and is appropriate for their job market.  This personalized experience helps build their confidence in preparation for their pending interview.  After we get them “suited” they speak to a career counselor that helps them further prepare for questions they may be asked and educate them on their rights.

Once they get the job they are invited back to Dress for Success.  At this time we help them select a weeks worth of clothing for their new office environment.  One weekend we helped a women who’s job required a week of training on the other side of the country.  It was very rewarding to virtually pack her suitcase for this business trip. We could see her confidence build knowing this was one less thing she needed to worry about. After this second suiting they speak with the career counselor again and are signed up for The Professional Women’s Group.  This group meets monthly and focuses on building a career, enhancing professional skills, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

What can you do to help? Have you been considering Spring cleaning? Clean out your closet and donate any professional clothing to your local Dress for Success office. They take more then suits.  You can donate separates, shoes, handbags, even jewelry. Anything that would be appropriate to wear to work.  Volunteering or making a monetary donations are more options. Visit their website and decide what works for you.

Heels.com helped by donating shoes to women in Charlotte, NC preparing for their interviews. Shoes for Every Woman at Heels.com! They have also decided to donate in a couple additional locations in North Carolina.  Help Heels.com continue the ability to give back by doing some shopping for yourself.

Then when you are ready to clean out your closet again, you’ll have more professional shoes to donate.  We love when giving back comes full circle!

Our friend Mallory can now be officially classified as the working professional.  She has contributed her thoughts on how to dress for work on a major budget.  Here are some suggestions on how you can take what is in your closet and update it on the cheap:

I have definitely been one to talk up accessories, but I have to admit I should really use them more! Scarves were great additions to outfits for the winter, but I was trying to figure out what could replace them for the summer. The first thing I came up with were headbands.  I even found that some of my favorite celebrities were wearing their own interpretation of this trend.  Photos courtesy of Google Images.

Headbands come in different designs and fabrics and could add some much color to a basic outfit. Also, they are so affordable! Check out these fun headbands that I found right on workchic.com below!

The three headbands are from oldnavy.com and at $4.50 each you can afford all three!

I found the next set at shopbop.com for $35 each. They are great for those casual days at the office.

We are a huge fan of Shop it to me!  We even contributed to their weekly blog http://tinyurl.com/dmbg2m.  If you are not already familiar with the website shopittome.com now is the time to go and sign up!  Best of all it is FREE!   Who has the time these days to scour the web to find that perfect black skirt in size 6 or black sweater in size Small?  Shop it to me delivers a personal online shopping experience right at your very own fingertips.  You can select your favorite brands such as BCBG, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Theory and some of your favorite retailers- Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gap- to name a few.  The list is huge so have no fear your favorite store or brand should be on there.

In addition to the brands and retailers, you can also select the sizing and price that you would like to receive sale information for.  They deliver this information through Salemail  (see example below) via a daily, weekly, or semi-weekly delivery so you can take advantage of those sale discounts!

PROFILE LOG OUT HOW IT WORKS ABOUT US CONTACT US

A sample Shop It To Me email:

 There were 1814 sale items in our own salemail today alone.  It even displayed additional discounts or promotions from our preferred retailers. We then wanted to filter down that information since we didn’t have time to look through all the items.  That is where Sale Spot comes in (see short example below).  Using this new feature we can now shop all of our sales and filter our preferences by price, clothing, retailer, and brand. Just think of it like a command center for all of your important sale information!  Today we decided to just look at the skirts from Ann Taylor for under $50. A click of a few buttons and voila instant information that makes it simple for us to make up our mind and make a purchase. How easy is that? 

You have 1814 items on sale today

All My Sales (4) Last Salemail Include expired deals: Current Filter: Skirts, Ann Taylor, $10 - $50   Clear all filters Your matches from anntaylor.com 25% off all full price items! Use code 104023207 at checkout. Petite Window Pane Pencil Skirt Reg: $109.00 Now: $49.99 Mini Textured Tulip Skirt Reg: $89.00 Now: $39.99

Now why wouldn’t you sign up?  Click on  http://www.shopittome.com/howitworks if you should have any questions. 

Now get shopping and take advantage of those discounts! Happy shopping from Workchic!

Now that Spring is officially here you are itching to buy some new clothes.   However now  is not the time to blow your entire paycheck on a runway outfit.  We want to educate you on how to take a runway outfit and make it runway inspired for less!  We used the Spring 09 collection from Tory Burch for our inspiration.  She always knows how to create chic business casual outfits for the office.  Photos from the Tory Burch collection courtesy of style.com.

Our first outfit  takes one of the hottest trends this season- florals- and pairs it with a long cardigan, belt, and also another hot trend -chain crossbody bag.  If we had to take a guess the price tag for this entire outfit would be close to $700.

Here is our interpretation on the outfit above for less.  We found the Orange Draped Floral Dress with Belt  at edressme.com for only $92.00.  It saves some extra money with the belt already attached!  Add the Long Deep Cardigan Sweater by Original Penguin over the dress for $76, Nine West Black Patent Sandals for $38.61, and theHandbag Lab New Envelope Clutch in Black  for $140.  This brings out total on our runway inspired outfit to $346.61. Half the price of the original outfit!   

We liked the next outfit because it works for those casual fridays at the office.  It uses khaki pants as an alternative to denim, paired with a striped shirt, floral jacket in the same color family, and statement necklace.  Again we can assume this outfit is over the $500 price tag.

Here’s our interpretation for less:  We found the Splendid Navy/White Stripe Tank for $47, paired with
Navy Floral jacket for $79.50, Khaki pants from Old Navy for $32.50, Silver Coin bib necklace for $69, and
Report Portia Tan Leather Sandals for $37.44.  Total outfit cost:  $265.44!  What a steal! 

 You see you can get the same runway look for less!  Get inspired with Workchic.com!

We are always mentioning the basics you have in your work wardrobe. If you missed it, we even wrote a whole blog series on the subject.  You know you need to have them, but do you know why? We wanted to show you some ways to wear these wardrobe staples that aren’t basic at all!  Let’s take a look at the white blouse.

You know you can simply wear this blouse with your basic trousers or with denim on Fridays.  Accessorize it with a necklace as above or wear it alone. But, what else do you do with it? How do you wear this blouse to the office with other pieces?  Would you ever consider wearing it with a printed skirt?

Tuck the blouse into the skirt and wear it high waisted.  Just make sure the length is appropriate for your office environment.  Finish off the look with a wide belt and necklace. The necklace should be worn under the top not over, so leave a button or two open without being overly revealing.  If your feeling uncomfortable wear a white cami underneath the blouse.  Finish the look with black peep toe pumps.
Narcissus-Print Pleated Skirt

Barse “Nouveau” Teardrop Necklace

Gianni Bini Leather Belt

J Vincent Pump

What about layering it under a scoop neck dress? Make sure the blouse you choose is fitted through the body and sleeve. This option ties back to our Colorblocking post from Thursday and our Wear Spring Dresses Now and Later post from a few weeks ago. Be sure to read those articles for even more ideas.

The nice feature on this dress is the tie back empire waist which will help keep the layered look clean and tailored.  Try wearing your hair up or pulled back with larger earrings.  Finish up this fresh Spring look with comfortable ballet flats.
London Times Colorblock Dress

Lucky Brand Teardrop Hoop Earrings

MICHAEL Michael Kors “Astor” Large Drawstring Satchel

Gianni Bini “Rylann” Flat

While we’re sure you know you can layer a blouse underneath a sweater or vest in the winter months, when the weather is a little warmer or uncertain you can also layer a blouse underneath a t-shirt or light printed top.

Of course you can wear this look with jeans for a casual office, but for business casual follow this outfit through with all of our instructions. With a lighter more flowy top like this, tuck in the blouse. If you chose a more casual t-shirt you can leave the shirt tails hanging down. Accessorize with a chic and distinctive watch. This look is also a great opportunity to start wearing your new Sandals.
Karen Kane Floral-Print Mesh Top

ABS by Allen Schwartz Wide-Leg Pants

Emporio Armani Leather-Strap Watch

Antonio Melani “Daniela” Sandals

You can wear your basics in more ways then you think. Try adding these looks from Dillard’s into your work wardrobe and build your outfits around that basic white blouse.  For more professional offices add a blazer to the first two looks.  As we said the last look can be worn with denim for casual offices.  Otherwise you should have some pretty solid Business Casual looks lined up.  So Start Shopping!

Ok call it a comeback from the 80’s but the use of colorblock in clothing, shoes, and accessories is a huge trend this Spring season.   Just remember not to wear all of your colorblock items at once!  For example if you want to wear that new colorblock blouse of yours, don’t wear a colorblock skirt with it.   You’ll then be nominated for fashion victim at the office!  Keep it simple. We found the following colorblock items below that we just had to share with you:

This sweater will get attention alert! The Cynthia Rowley Colorblock Cardigan makes a bold graphic statement this Spring and is such a perfect way to use all of those primary colors in a playful way. However it is best to keep your bottoms whether skirt, pants, or denim very neutral.  We found the Color Block Suede Tote at ebags.com which used a soft neutral palette in the colorblock trend.  The Twist Neck Color Block Dress is perfect for that business casual outfit and can be paired with a black cardigan or jacket.  We love Old Navy’s Color-Block Skirts which are ideal for those casual office days. Color Block Aqua Dress by ecoSkin, is also a casual way to express the colorblock trend.  Add a white cardigan or jacket and you are set for the office.  These Sterling Silver Tri Color Amber Block Earrings are very simple and can be worn with any outfit. The Vince Camuto “Hester” Color Block Peep Toe Platform blends muted tones of bronze metallics into a fun colorblock pattern.  They are perfect with denim.  We liked this next tote since it is so versatile for Spring and Summer the London Fog Saville Color block tote and can be worn with those new wide leg white pants of yours.  Last but not least we had to add these fun
L’Autre Chose Colorblock Platform Wedges they are the perfect way to pop that black dress of yours!

Spring is here so why not warm up to the latest colorblock trend!

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com!

Call it curvy, plus size, or well endowed just make sure your look is Workchic before you walk out the door to the office.  It’s Spring and this season we want to see you in hot new shades of yellow, blue, and coral; lots of fun prints; and utilizing your accessories.  Your work wardrobe should be kicked up and more vibrant this season.  Since you can read our other posts to find great accessories in this segment we are going to look exclusively at Plus Size Clothing for Spring.  Whether your office is casual, business casual, or business professional we have new Spring looks for you.

Dresses are a must have! If you office is on the conservative side wear a blazer or cardigan to stay covered up.  This is helpful for offices that can’t control the temps too.  We love these three styles from Lane Bryant.  They are all belted at the waist, accentuating your smallest part, then gently float out in a flattering A-line silhouette.  Pair these with black pumps or neutral sling-backs and stack on some bracelets to complete the look.

 

What better to go with a dress then a trench coat?  We love this coral shade from Old Navy, though it is also available in Black.  Either way they are under $50!  White and Navy plaid trench from CJ Banks is fun and sophisticated.  You can feel comfortable wearing this into most office environments.  Steel Blue microfiber trench is a true raincoat.  We found it at Lane Bryant Catalog for only $44.99, but please note all sales are final on this item.

Blouses are another simple way to update your work wardrobe for Spring.  You can work them in with your basics and existing pieces easily.  Take this printed blouse from Avenue with yellow accents.  Pair it with black or charcoal pants for a business casual office or wear with your dark wash denim for a more casual style.  For a truly casual office try this tie waist blouse.  Dress it up with a denim pencil skirt and sophisticated sandals.  The colors in this chiffon blouse from Dillards are easy to work back to black.  Pair with your basic trousers or layer under a suit jacket for a business look.

Old Navy’s Plus Size collection is only available on-line, but they do have a nice selection.  We found a few more Springy tops for you to check out for work.  We love the embroidered yoke details on this orange top.  No need for a necklace with this solid. I don’t think we need to tell you what makes this pink floral top one of our favorites.  It’s so sweet and feminine; plus it is another easy option to layer under a jacket especially in warmer months.  Our last option leans more toward Casual Friday but we just love the pin tucking details at the shoulder.

For more plus size options use our filters under apparel.  You can also sort by office type, price, and brand.  Become a fan and share your Workchic Spring style with us on Facebook. Happy Shopping!

Spring is almost here and you know what that means..it’s time to clean out your closet!  Do you have your business casual basics in your wardrobe that we are always telling you should have?   White shirt, black skirt, black pumps,  trenchcoat, jeans..just for starters?

Ok good- so you are set on basics.  However as you dive deeper into your closet you discover unworn items.  How many times can you keep purchasing trendy items only to have them sit in your closet waiting for the day when you lose ten pounds or when you have a suntan?   Well we came up with a perfect solution when you get the urge to satisfy those trendy item cravings.

 We came across  via our twitter friend Marie Thacker and thought it was a brilliant idea. A new addition to the website sparkleshelf.com , Sparkleswap offers fashionistas a cheap way to recycle their unused clothing and get new items. They can swap or buy clothing from each other.  Did we mention it is free?  No listing fees. Of course we had to find out more info on this from Marie.  Here is what we asked her..

1.     What was your inspiration to develop sparkleswap.com  ?
Like most women out there, I have a closet full of clothes I don’t wear.  There’s a statistic from allthingsfrugal.com that says “women wear 20% of their clothing 80% of the time”.  That is absolutely true for me as well as most of the gals I know. I actually have stuff hanging with tags still on that I’ll never wear, but at the time I had to have it (a bad bad habit). I know I’m not the only one who does this!  We were brainstorming new features for SparkleShelf, and it hit us, why not bring the old school swap parties online?  It’s a cheap way to refresh your wardrobe, recycle your fashion and makeup, and keep things eco-friendly.  It’s really easy to upload your stuff (and it’s free),  then start browsing or wait until someone contacts you. Basically with the economy in the dumps and no extra money around, it’s a fun, guilt-free way to “shop” online and get that shopping high we all love.

2.  Have you seen an increase in members utilizing the swap feature of your site? Are the majority of the members buying or just swapping items?

The feature is still fairly new, but we have seen an increase in the past couple months, probably coinciding with the downturn in the economy. Members seem to be equally swapping and buying, and it depends on the item as well.  Things probably skew more towards swapping, but there are plenty of members buying things directly from each other.

3.  What would you say is the most popular swap item?  Buy item?
Clothing & jewelry seem to be the most popular swap items, while unused or lightly used makeup are the sellers (such as samples, makeup used once, etc).  If you can get your hands on a fabulous new shadow or fragrance used 3 times, for a few bucks, how can you resist!?

And a few more things to add…
We’re very committed to building an honest and friendly community, so members feel comfortable and safe swapping or buying from each other. No scams or bad attitudes allowed!  Our most active members have already built some great connections which helps support our trusted community.  No bad attitudes, just a fun group of like-minded fashion & makeup addicted divas. Oh… And becoming a member and swapping is absolutely free.
Look what we found!
 



Go ahead and clear out that clutter!  In person or on-line, Have fun swapping without all of the guilt!

In honor of St. Patty’s Day, Charlotte Russe is extending 25% off  their entire website on Tuesday, March 17th.  This is a one day only promotion .  Find some of the Charlotte Russe items below (they are all under $50) on workchic.com .

Have fun saving at Charlotte Russe!