It’s that time again where we show you how to update your work wardrobe for the season with $100.  Five new pieces of clothing can transform a weeks worth of style. Let’s show you how.

A new floral skirt is ideal for fall. This beauty also comes in shades of cranberry and teal. Pick up New York & Company Women’s City Stretch Belted Print Pencil Skirt - Proudly Gold, while it’s on sale for $29.95.

Sweaters are important for fall. You never know when the weather will shift. This deep V-henley will layer perfectly over one of your summery camis. You can add Women: Women’s Boucle Henley Sweaters - Aphrodite Pink to your Casual Friday choices now while it’s on sale for $20.

Wrap a light weight scarf around your neck in orange and green shades for fall.  Shop SilkRoadSpirit.com today and receive an additional 25% off this scarf, currently already on sale for $12.95. Just enter code WC25SEP at checkout and also get free shipping!

We all know shoes can make your look, pick up a new pair of wedges for the season. These PRE- CLARET LAUREN ORNMTD WDG-T3_9.5 are ideal for your business casual outfits and available at Payless.com for $22.99.

Statement necklaces were very popular over the summer, and bold jewelry will continue into fall. Chunky Beaded Necklaceis only $7.99 at CharlotteRusse.com.

You can pick up all five of our fall updates for only $93.88! Wear one item each day of the week to make your work wardrobe feel fresh. Shop now to take advantage of sales prices and special discounts.

We are loving how Grey has become the chic neutral of the Fall season-whether it is pale grey, gunmetal or silvery grey- you can mix and match with all of your key items in your work wardrobe.  It pairs with black, navy, camel, and red to name a few colors.  We found the following work appropriate items from The Limited.  All items are under $75!

Ruffle Crewneck Sweater- $24.99
Autumn Argyle Vest-$24.50
Elbow-Sleeve Jacket-$44.99

 
Drew Side Button Bootcut-$24.99
Three Strand Beaded Necklace-$29.50
Ruffled Mesh Top-$24.99

 
Metallic Python Tote-$59.50
Tassel Earrings-$16.50
Adjustable Skinny Belt$19.50

It’s Round 3!  Battle of the Brands began with 16 brands and now we’re down to the Elite 8. Vince vs. Splendid was almost like a battle of the upscale basics, but Vince had a solid win, with 64% of the vote.  Do you agree with the vote?

Now it’s your turn to vote on Round 3! You could win Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories. Round 3 voting ends Friday, Oct. 2nd at 5 pm PST.

The Brands:

Important notes:
1. You must be a Shop It To Me subscriber to win. If you’re not a subscriber, visit www.ShopItToMe.com. It’s Free!
2. Marc Jacobs accessories will be sent to US mailing addresses only.

Here are Week 2 stats:

Winner 1: Alice & Olivia, 65% (Elizabeth and James, 35%)
Winner 2: Theory, 68% (J. Brand, 32%)
Winner 3: Vince, 64% (Splendid, 36%)
Winner 4: Betsey Johnson, 66% (Opening Ceremony, 34%)

Here’s the bracket – presenting your Elite 8:

Good luck! 

Having a few White Blouses in your wardrobe is very important. They can easily be layered under blazers or sweaters and also look polished by themselves.  Considered a basic item in your work wardrobe, a crisp white button down, can be a go-to item when you are not sure what to wear for the office.  We went shopping for you and picked out a few favorites at different size ranges.

Available in regular, petite, and tall sizes; Women: White stretch fitted shirt - optic white; is available for $44 at Gap.com.

For a more fitted option, New York & Company Women’s Design House Denim Ruched White Shirt - Optic White, available in sizes XS-XL, is a nice alternative in the same price range for $44.95.

This blouse from Lane Bryant has a subtle shadow striping. Pick up Textured sateen finish shirt for $39.50.

Once you have incorporated a good basic style, try picking up a second blouse that has an extra detail you just love. Antonio Melani “Betta” Blousehas both tuxedo details and french cuffs. We found this style at Dillard’s currently on sale for $65.40.

Not sure how to put together Workchic looks with your new white blouse? We created outfits on Polyvore.com to show you how. Check out our business casual looks and learn how to adjust them to more business or casual offices as well.

Stay tuned as we continue to help you update your basics every other Monday throughout the fall complete with inspiring outfits created on Polyvore.

The fitting room series is back and we often get asked by our readers what handbag looks best for their body type.  Can’t you just wear what you like whether it is the latest trend, or a great color?  Well yes of course but maybe what you didn’t know is the bag that you carry can actually make you appear heavier without you even realizing it!

Here are some tips to look for when out shopping for that new Fall handbag:

Pear Shape

A tall tote or satchel shape looks best on this shape since it lengthens the body.  The slimmer the bag (and less stuff you put into it!) will not add the unnecessary bulk to your body.  Kristin Davis shows that she is on trend with a slim tote.  (All images courtesy of Google Images).

We found some bags below that would best suit this body type:

 

Women’s shoes/bags: See by Chloe Rise & Shine NS Bag - Black
Women’s shoes/bags: Linea Pelle Dylan Zip Tote - Scotch
Lauren Merkin Handbags Textured Snake Astrid Tote

Curvy Shape

Avoid overly structured bags.  It will just add volume to your frame. Look for hobo shapes that fall right below your hip whether you are wearing them cross body or on your shoulder. You can see Lo Bosworth from the Hills wearing her convertible hobo.

Here are some other examples:

Women’s shoes/bags: Lucky Brand Canteena Slouchy Tote - Vintage brown
Women’s shoes/bags: Nine West Eva Medium Hobo - Black
L.A.M.B Marlene Hobo

Petite Shape

If you are petite you should always consider a smaller bag.  The bigger the bag the more it will overwhelm your frame.  A smaller bag with a longer strap worn on the shoulder will give the illusion of a longer and ultimately taller frame.  You can see how proportionate Rachel’s Bilson’s bag is to her frame.

The handbags below would look great on a petite frame:

West/Feren Berkshire Handbag
Madewell Mini Messenger Bag
Cleobella Cantina Mini Bag

Tall/Boyish Shape

You would think this body type would be the easiest to carry any type of handbag.  But don’t carry a mini bag if you are tall.  Try to wear a handheld tote/satchel of medium size so it will balance out your height. Cameron Diaz knows how to make a versatile statement carrying the same bag three different ways.

We found some great statements below:

 
Women’s shoes/bags: Pink Studio Lupe - Navy
Kate Spade Geraldine - Burnt sugar
L.A.M.B Signature Williamsfield Bag

What a great question, layering is important when the weather turns. We also love the effect it has on your professional image. Lachelle wrote and asked; I’m looking for cardigans and jacket ideas to wear with black tops. The weather is getting cooler and I’m not sure what to pair with my black tops if I’m wearing khakis or trouser jeans.

We all probably have more black in our wardrobes then we know what to do with. Layering on colorful jackets adds a little feminine flare to an otherwise safe look.  New York & Company Women’s City Style Fringe Trim Tweed Jacket - Walnut, Cooling Cranberry is a nice mix of color grounded in taupe shades. Red is also classic with black and this Anne Klein New York Military Jacket is a nice way to update your summer looks.

Lachelle was smart to ask about cardigans as well. We will be covering some great basic cardigans in our series on updating your basics in a few weeks. Today we wanted to highlight some more unique styles.  Feminine Flounce Cardigan in Cranberry can be found at Modcloth.com.. A Tie Sweater from Charlotte Russe is very flattering and will tame looser tops.  Shades of plum and teal will look great with both denim and khaki’s.

Don’t forget to play with patterns while updating your look for fall. When you need to look more professional go with a tweed style like the Antonio Melani “Sarah” Jacket. For a more tonal but bold look, try Gianni Bini “Emilia” Knit Cardigan.

 

We hope these styles help you transition your black tops seamlessly into fall. If you have questions about your work wardrobe email them to info@workchic.com.

Our favorite friend Mallory has been feverishly working overtime at work but has also been contemplating her Fall wardrobe. Here is what she had to say:

“Since the weather in the past week was a lot cooler than the August heat, I was starting to look for my fall clothes again for work. I had just watched Workchic’s video with Bechicmag.com on how to transition from Fall to Winter but I quickly realized that I didn’t have too much in my closet to choose from. I had one or two pairs of pants and a whole bunch of shirts that just seemed like old news to me, stretched out and worn a thousand times. I knew I had to go shopping again and allow myself to spend some money in order to restock my closet for the coming months. So that’s what I did.
 I chose the Gap for my pants. I bought 4 pairs of pants that will last me throughout the winter including a brown, black, and gray pair and one with light stripes to mix it up from the solid colors. Then I was able to buy some shirts, sweaters and cardigans that could be mixed and matched with any of the pants I bought. I chose stores like Banana Republic and J Crew which have great clothes for work that will last the harsh winter cold months. I did spend a decent amount of money, but I was able to feel guilt free about it because not only did I buy all of these things on sale but the amount of items I received was well worth the price. On top of all of this, I bought a dress too because even though I love wearing pants, especially during the winter months, it’s sometimes fun to get a bit more dressed up and feel good about yourself. The items I bought can easily be found on Workchic.com. Do you think I made some good selections?”

We would love your thoughts on how you can transition your Summer to Fall wardrobe for less!  Leave us your comments or send us an email at info@workchic.com.

Only 3 day left to get 20% off any Old Navy purchase of $100 or more. Enter ONSAVESOME at checkout. Hurry offer ends 9/24/09.
Gap Fall Sale – get up to 40% off. For a limited time only. Shop now for the best selection.

Well if you missed Round 1, Round 2 is now on its way. In case you missed the details of Round 1 click on http://bit.ly/lH87Z.   Do you agree with the winners?  We would love to hear your feedback!

Round 2 is now on it way and Voters have to leave their comments by 5pm PST  on September 25th in order to be entered to win MBMJ accessories!  Remember you have to register on Shop it to me which takes a few minutes to join and its free!  Your comments then qualify you to win Marc by Marc Jacobs Accessories such as a key fob, umbrella, or wristlet.  What do you have to lose?  Here are all the details on this week’s Battle of the Brands!

Here’s the latest bracket of which brands that will be competing for the coveted title of Best Brand!

Good luck this week!

Our friends at SilkRoadSpirit.com just added a wonderful selection of fall accessories to Workchic.com! In honor of their new assortment they are offering all Workchic reader 25% off and free shipping though September 30th! Just enter code WC25SEP at checkout.  Here are some of our favorite styles. Just click on an image to proceed to Silk Road Spirit and use this amazing discount.

Scarves can be worn in the office with sweaters or during your commute to work. Ivory Coin Scarf is a featured item this month and we can see why. Subtle tones make it very versatile. Going for more punch? Try We Got the Blues scarf, another must have item.

As you can see jewelry and scarves look very chic together, that’s why the Silk Road Spirit collection includes a variety of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Double strand bone necklace is exquisite in autumnal colors. For an even bolder statement necklace, we like the Agate Stone.

A quick peak at their sale section turned up an Onyx Stone Bracelet and Pink Dangle Earrings for only $4.98 each. With your 25% discount that’s only $3.74!

Shopping independent designers is a great way to personalize your work wardrobe. Shop now and take advantage of our exclusive 25% off discount code. Plus you receive free shipping. Just enter code WC25SEP at checkout.

We’d love to hear about your favorite pieces from SilkRoadSpirit.com. Leave a comment and let us know what’s on your shopping list.

Each week for the next 5 weeks pairs of brands on Shop it to me Battle of the Brands will go head to head to determine who is the best brand.  How will this be determined?  By your comments of course!

Each Friday a random drawing will occur and you could win accessories by Marc by Marc Jacobs such as a keyfob,wristlet or umbrella. 

Now you have to be a member of Shop it to Me to make a comment but it takes a second to become a member.  And it’s free! Just click here to join.

You can find out all of the details on Battle of the Brands here: http://blog.shopittome.com/2009/09/15/battle-of-the-brands/

Good luck!