Mother’s Day is right around the corner (May 10th for all those that are wondering the actual date) so we’re giving some advice on some gift ideas for the workchic mom from target.com.

If you are looking for a gift that brings out the inner corporate or techie diva…..here are our suggestions:

Ipod Nano-$199.99
Platronics Explorer Bluetooth Headset in Pink- $49.99
Franklin Covey Organizer- $19.99
Mango Tango Leopard Print Laptop Bag- 18″-$44.99
Nespresso Essenza-$249.99

The next set of gifts will certainly unleash that inner fashionista!

Modern Jewelry Box- $47.49
Henry Koenig 3 pc Vanity Set- $43.99
Sonia Kashuk Extra Large Duffel-$39.99
Wigo Leopard Flat Iron-$99.99
Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Pendant Necklace-$19.54

If all else fails then try the:

Target Gift Card- You set the $ amount!

Happy Mother’s Day from Workchic.com!

Some of us consider a statement bag an investment; others of us prefer to look for a similar trendy piece; and still others prefer to borrow their “it” bag for the week or season. Whatever your plan of attack, we’ve got you covered.  Go from the office to the weekend with any one of these styles.

It’s Spring, and that means color. This season citrus yellow and orange hues have been making a bold impact.  We found these similar totes to satisfy your lust for Spring colors and justify any budget.  Borrow the Gustto ‘Parina’ Tote for as little as $16 a week (members anniversary price expires May 14th).  Splurge on this Andrew Marc hobo for $395, or pick up a casual canvas style for $16.99.

Next we found a few sophisticated satchels for your polished professional look.  Blue has been another top color this spring, and these shades will transition nicely between your black, charcoal, and navy suits while still looking perfect with your denim on the weekend.  Plus the pleats are feminine without being over the top.  You can borrow this Botkier Satchel for $30-45 a week, depending on your member status.  Currently on sale for $399.99, this 7 for all Mankind satchel is originally $575.  Our third option is a relative steal at $88, and we just love the pleated bow.

Our third look plays on embellishment in a work appropriate way. These styles have bold graphic designs that will highlight your style and personality.  Gucci ‘Hysteria’ Handbag is also part of the members anniversary special, cost range from $59-91 per week.  The second bag featured is from Lucky Brand and available for $269. Lastly steal this graphic printed Merona tote for $32.99.

For those of you who are not familiar with the idea of borrowing your handbags, it is the genius creation of Avelle.com, otherwise known as Bag, Borrow, or Steal.  You can sign up for an account and start borrowing your favorite handbags. Many of these prices are anniversary sales and specials, so we recommend shopping, or borrowing, right away!

Ends at midnight: 25% Off Full-Priced Handbags with Code ARMCANDY at shopbop.com

 Can you wear Blue and Black together? We are constantly getting asked this question from our readers.  Will it look like you got dressed in the dark?  Gone colorblind? You can wear this color combination! Just take a look how the Blue and Black color combination keeps popping up all over from the runways and even on your favorite celebrity. Runway images courtesy of style.com and Rachel Bilson photo courtesy of Google images.

I can remember when I accidentally bought dark navy tights and wore them with a black dress.  I felt self conscious the entire day even though it was hardly noticeable to the average eye.  If you are not thrilled with the whole navy blue and black combo- Why not try a color blue that has slightly more contrast than navy such as cornflower or electric blue? It can really bring some oopmh to black.  Here we stated with one black short sleeve dress and layered on some shades of blue:

Black Woven Yoke Dress- Kohl’s- $33.99

 

Gentle Fawn S/S Jacket (Black/True Blue Stripe)- 6pm.com- $37.25

Nine West Metropop (Dark Blue/Black Fabric) Peeptoe heels- 6pm.com-$37.95

Turquoise Blue With Black Waves Glass Pendant- Shop.com-$19.99

Black & Blue Swarovski Crystal Bracelet -Buy.com- $46.98

Penny Loves Kenny Collette Flats- 6pm.com- $28.18

So what do you think?  As you can see above one can really pull off this color combination in a chic way!

Stay tuned for more workchic trend alerts!

We know the last few months have been exhausting for you, and we have given you a slight pass on your work wardrobe. But the rush is over and it’s time to get back to your professional image.  We also understand that your office may be more conservative then most but that you still want to be fashionable.  These looks will help you rediscover your professional, feminine, and chic financial style.

Business Professional offices are more prevalent in your field then others. Instead of going with a basic suit we selected separates and put together your own chic suit.  This jacket has nice details and a crisp look. We paired it with basic black trousers. We would generally wear the jacket closed to keep it more professional. We like the idea of a little color popping out around the neckline, so we found a light weight knit top to wear underneath.  Play up the black grosgrain details on the jacket with a black pearl necklace and ring. Finish the look with a low heeled sling back pumps. This style has a unique woven detail at the toe.

Alex Marie “Tasha” Jacket, $139

Ellen Tracy “Linda” Doubleweave Pants, $278

Women: Women’s Slub-Knit Puff-Sleeve Tees - Bright Coral, $14.50
Lauren Ralph Lauren 14mm Pearl Necklace, $58

Dillard´s Sterling Collection Pearl Ring, $36

Matisse Women’s Slice Slingback Pump, Originally $95.95, currently on sale for $42.

Our second look is for business casual offices. We started with a pleated skirt in a sophisticated print and paired it with a button down ruffled blouse.  Tuck the blouse in and belt the look.  We went with a dark brown belt and wedges.  Then added a navy satchel and sand colored watch. So, while you are stepping out a little in a printed skirt, all the other pieces keep the look toned down and professional. 

Dana Buchman Pleated Silk Skirt, Original price $56, currently on sale for $28
City Style Shadow Stripe Ruffle Shirt, Original price $36.95, on sale for $22.17
City Style Wide Buckle Belt, $19.95
Nine West Women’s Tuffy Tailored Wedge, $78.95, current sale price $59.57
DKNY Chronograph Watch, $165

MAXX NEW YORK Babbo Tote, $136.40

We hope this inspires you to reach a little deeper into your closet tomorrow and start doing some Spring shopping.  For more business casual skirts, in petite, tall and plus sizes, check out our Apparel & Skirt section.  Your our hard working financial advisor and times are tough right now. Make sure your associates and customers know you mean business as soon as you walk in the door. Showing yourself in this professional and chic light will build their confidence and trust in your advice.

Tell us how you plan to keep it Workchic, and send any work style questions to info@workchic.com.

Wondering what they have in common beside killer fashion? They teamed up to offer you a free subscription to Marie Claire. Not to mention they are both friends of Workchic!

To celebrate the season finale of Marie Claire’s new reality series Running in Heels, they are giving away a one year subscription to the magazine.  They teamed up with Shop It To Me and initiated a fun contest.  Visit their blog and share the biggest office faux-pas you have witnessed or heard about.  These stories are hilarious to read, a lesson to not repeat, and an easy way to earn a free magazine subscription. Five winners will be chosen on May 1st.  So go now and enter!

Final episode of Running in Heels airs this Sunday on the Style Channel.

We have had the opportunity to participate on both Marie Claire’s and Shop It To Me’s sites over the past few months.  If you missed these posts check them out here:
ShopItToMe.com: Nail your Interview Outfit
ShopItToMe.com: On the Job Style
MarieClaire.com: How to Spend your Tax Refund

Good Luck!

Did you ever notice that when you visit your local mall or your favorite boutique you wind up blowing your budget you had in mind? We get alot of emails asking us how to keep on budget when shopping for work clothes. Did you ever think it might be your shopping habits that is veering you off course?  I don’t know about you but I tend to blow my budget every time I go shopping at Target.  Why am I completely lured to a markdown item when I didn’t plan on buying it or I just don’t need it?  Is it the thrill of finding that item on sale?  Here are some Workchic suggestions that will help you on track if you are shopping on a specific budget.  Images courtesy of Google images.

Budget Buster:  Shopping carts and baskets

I admit when I see my gigantic  shopping cart empty  I feel a need to fill it up. I also wonder if there was something I forgot to buy and wind up buying items I didn’t necessarily need. My budget is blown out of the water.  We suggest using a small basket or skipping the gigantic cart/basket altogether.  That way you will be forced to carry the items that you had budgeted for on your shopping list.

Budget Buster:  One Day Sale and Buy One Get One Free offers

Who doesn’t love a sale and the idea of saving money?  But the one day only or savings off clearance by a certain time frame creates a sense of urgency for the shopper.  It creates that need to find a deal that day or buy that item on sale before 1pm.  You might pick up an item that you don’t necessarily need just for the thrill of getting that special deal.  The Buy One Get One Free is also a great concept but again you might wind up with two items you would have never bought before.  You have to ask yourself would you normally buy this item if it weren’t on sale or had some type of incentive attached?  If your answer is no then put the item down and save the money for the item you came to buy.

Budget Buster:  Impulse items

Did you ever notice that the jewelry case is always midaisle or those expensive shoes are right at your eye level? Why aren’t they on the top shelf?  Why are those cute shoes paired with that adorable handbag?  There is a reason for that because of course you will stop and peer into that case to see what goodies are inside.  You’ll have to try on those cute shoes.  You will have to justify buying that handbag and shoe combination.

Stay on course with your shopping list or budget . The lower priced items are often located on the bottom shelves.   Don’t wander around the aisles.  Go straight to looking for the items you came to the store for. Try to set a time limit of no more than 1 hour in the store.  That means from walking in the front door, finding the items, trying on the items, and checking out at the cash register.  It will create less time to wander and pick up those extra purchases you just don’t need.

Keep these tips in mind on your next shopping trip!  Good luck!

It’s earth day and we all want to support the planet and improve our environment, but that doesn’t mean you have to look like a tree hugger.  You can dress to impress with our Eco-Chic finds!  We decided to focus in on Business Casual clothing since this is the most common and least understood office environment.  If your office is more casual swap the dress pants for denim.  Work in a Business Office? Try layering one of this plum blouse under your suit jacket.  Let’s save the planet and dress like we mean Business!

This first outfit is from Nimli.com, a website dedicated to a natural, organic, and green lifestyle.

Truly Organic Smarty Pants, All-Natural Dyes
Topo Ranch Daisy Blouse, 100% Organic Cotton
Nugaard Designs 2 Jequitiba Leaf Necklace, Handmade
Jill Italiano Zizza Ring, Recycled Sterling Silver
Cri De Coeur Sierra Sandal with Elastic Band, produced entirely green

This second Business Casual outfit is from a few of our favorite shops taking on an eco-conscious attitude.

Lara Miller Cooper Skirt, Bamboo
Beau Soleil Beau Wrap Cardigan
Petites: Petite braided camisole - Sarong red
Neuaura Caiman Shoes
Hovey Lee Dedra Bracelet
Nashelle Designs Lucky Cluster Hoop Earring

You’ve got two new Business Casual looks and have committed to pay more attention to the types of clothing you buy.  Especially now that you know how chic organic styles can be.  We have one more area for you to consider.  You see people carrying the reusable grocery bags, but those are not exactly Workchic.  Instead try an Envirosax found at Tobi.com. They come in sophisticated prints that won’t deter from your polished Business Casual look. 

Keep one in your car or throw it in your tote.  Great for when you run out to pick up lunch!

We hope you learned about some places you never thought to look for organic clothing and that you can put together work outfits while maintaining a green lifestyle. Happy Earth Day!

Our friend Mallory had to share her thoughts on a timeless trend-Denim Jackets.  Here is what she had to say below: 

“A few months ago I was out to dinner with a few friends and there was this guy that joined our group that rubbed me the wrong way from the minute he sat down. You know that kind of person that seemed a bit judgmental on just about everything?   After we started talking for a bit he asked me where I grew up.  I told him I grew up on Long Island, New York and right away he came out with the most puzzling comment that I have heard in a while. He said in a very sarcastic tone “So do you own a jean jacket?”  I wasn’t aware that Long Islanders were lumped into I only wear denim/jean jackets category!  Then again I thought what is wrong with them?  I even found a pic of Elizabeth Banks in this month’s Lucky magazine wearing one.  I had to write this blog post. 

                                                                 (pic courtesy of Luckymag.com)

 I think if you wear it the right way, denim looks great! First of all wearing a jean or denim jacket with a pair of black pants, skirt, dress or even khakis looks really cute and is acceptable at work. It doesn’t have to be just blue denim they also come in white or beige.  Now I wouldn’t suggest wearing your old acid washed jean jacket from the 80’s, or wearing denim head to toe but I found some jackets at the Gap and Old Navy that have a modern and comfortable feel. I also just bought a denim skirt from Ann Taylor Loft. I got it on sale for $20-who can beat that?! It’s pretty lightweight  too so I will definitely be wearing it throughout the summer.  So go out and and buy that denim jacket or skirt.  They will never go out of style!  I found the following at Workchic from Old Navy for only $ 29.50 each!”

                                         Here’s a pic of my new denim skirt find at Ann Taylor!

Our friends at Polyvore have already covered work-wear for apples, boyish, and pear shapes. We are jumping in to help with hourglass figures.  Your friends are probably jealous of your figure, but when getting dressed for work it may be easy to stumble. We want to show you how to keep the sexy secretary at bay and play up your polished professional look.

Hourglass-Business Casual Office by Workchic featuring Dorothy Perkins cardigans

For a Business Casual office, go with a printed A-line skirt. We selected a knit top with a ribbed waistband so it will accentuate your smallest part. Both the drapey cardigan and skirt will float away from your body.  The necklace should hit above the neckline of your top.  This combination is sweet and sophisticated all at once. You will be ready for any event thrown your way since this outfit creates such a balanced look.

Hourglass-Business Office by Workchic featuring K Karl Lagerfeld jackets

For a Business Professional office, keep the garments simple and play with accessories. This dress is perfect for your hourglass figure, the pleats along the skirt will provide a softening effect and the jacket keeps things all business. The simple nature is begging for a statement necklace. Depending on your office environment, pick the shoes that will work best for you.

Hourglass-Casual Office by Workchic featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs clutches

For a casual day at the office, try wide leg trouser jeans and a loose printed blouse. Tuck in the blouse and add a belt for a polished look.  Also plan on wearing a cami underneath this light weight fabric.  We paired it with fun aqua and green accessories to bring out the colors in the print. 

Learning how to dress your figure will move you in the right direction to polishing your professional image. Remember that every body type is different, a tailor will always be your best friend!  Here are a few more blouses perfect for your figure and the office.

Special thanks to Lori at Prim ‘n Purdy for awarding us with the Attitude of Gratitude award yesterday. We were in shock and awe with appreciation. Be sure to head over to her blog to see all of her nominations!

Like Lori we have also met so many wonderful people on twitter. Fellow bloggers, designers, entrepreneurial, and professional women all are impacting our lives and business everyday.  We are grateful for their feedback, advice, comments, and Retweets. 

Part of accepting this award and continuing in the spirit of Attitude of Gratitude is nominating ten other bloggers.  Narrowing it down was not easy! So we are calling out these 10, but check our blogroll and #FollowFriday (on twitter) recs for more of our favorites.

1- Vintage Shopping Guide: Not only is she the premiere site for Vintage Store listings, she blogs about the latest trends and how to find them in vintage pieces.

2- Style Amor: A veteran in the fashion industry with a unique style, she always has a fun take on emerging and under the radar trends.

3- Luvin’ My Curves: One of our favorite curvy fashionistas! A light hearted view on dressing a curvy body with tips, suggestions, and designer interviews.

4- Fab Finds Under $50: The name says it all! Kimberly can put an entire outfit together for less then $50 and does it often. We are also loving her traveling scarf series.

5- Fashion Under $100: Yes, she puts outfits together for under $100. It gets even better, they are celebrity outfits and many of them will translate into your work wardrobe.

6-Budget Chic: We have a soft spot for all things chic and budget friendly that she got our attention.  Many of her finds are under $20 and she often has inspirational shots to highlight the trend.

7- Coco+Kelley: Sharing everything from fashion to interiors, and always with beautiful inspirational pictures.

8- Color My Closet: Someone who loves color more than we do! Read her blogs to learn about mixing colors, how they can affect your mood and others, and most importantly make you look younger and thinner.

9- Million Looks: They know how to do a trend report!  You will see more pictures and eye candy then you can fit in your virtual shopping cart.

10- Working Girl: Hardworking ladies in major metropolitan area sharing their work stories with you. Everything from office politics to office wardrobes served up in one place.

Take some time to read these blogs and add them to your readers. We would love to hear what you think and anything new you learned from them. Be sure to leave us a comment!

The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude.
3. Link to your nominees within your post.
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they’ve received this award.
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award. Tell us how you’ve come to have an attitude of gratitude.