When sending gifts to business clients there are many things to consider. Are you selecting separate gifts for certain individuals, buying the same item for each person, or sending one item like a gift basket to the entire office? Any of these options can be workable depending on the nature of your business. Today we are going to explore some gift ideas that you could buy in multiples or hand select for key customers.

Planners and Organizers can be great for those who love to hand write out the days agenda.  At OfficeMax.com we found Day-Timer Walnut Croc-Embossed Leather for $29.99 and Day Runner Undated Terramo Planner for $38.99. Either of these choices are a classic and professional option.

These days we all have laptops and travel with them often.  Why not surprise your favorite client with a chic laptop sleeve or tote. They come in lots of different patterns and textures making them an easy gift to personalize. While of course we selected more feminine styles, ebags.com has a great selection for both men and women.  Pick up Kailo Chic by Nuo Slim 15.4″ Laptop Sleeve Hexagon for $34.99. Deep Merlot Flight Bag fits perfectly under most airline seats and is only $44.99.  Shop today and take advantage of Cyber Monday Super Deal: 25% Off Any 1 Item at eBags.com!

Business card holders are another great way to go.  Budd Leather Mother of Pearl Business Card Case is very unique and only $30 at Buy.com.  Royce Business Card Case - Leather comes in three different color options for $20.

Any of these options would make an elegant gift for your business clients. Remember, today is Cyber Monday, so take advantage of the deals and start your shopping.  You will find many of these items at discounted prices today. Here are a few more deals to get you started!

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Don’t forget, you can also chat with us Live on The Clothes Line radio show tonight! Join us at 7:30pm est and learn more about creating your own professional, feminine, and chic office style.
Log On: The Clothes Line
Call in number: (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 65267
We hope to see you there!

We’ve added a new feature to your Workchic Faves account. Now you can share everything that’s on your wish list with friends and family. Let them help you freshen up your work wardrobe this holiday season.

Add your favorite items from Workchic.com to your faves account. You can include notes about size or color to make purchasing easy. Items can be sent individually, or you can share your entire list with one click.

Don’t have an account? Creating one is easy. To sign up we only need your name, email address, and a password. At the same time you can opt into our monthly newsletter. Sign up now and receive additional coupons and holiday sales through the end of the year.   Create your own Workchic Faves Account today!

Casual Denim & Sweater by Workchic featuring Lucky Brand jeans

To learn what Workchic is currently craving, you can see Our Personal Workchic Faves on the homepage. We update it every week with a new must have collection.  This week we can’t get enough unique sweaters. We found fair isle, color-block, ruffles, and patterns that will add personal style to any work wardrobe. Check out our faves and start creating some of your own. Happy Shopping!

Get 50% off Gap men’s and women’s sweaters. For a limited time only. Shop Now. Ends 11/29

Visit Charlotte Russe between 12/1-12/12 and we will have a new surprise each day, including values on Sleepwear, Handbags, and Sweaters!
 
 

This Monday, November 30th, at 7:30pm you can catch Melissa and Jennifer live on The Clothes Line radio show.

Join designer Dayanne Danier and wardrobe stylist Susan Kanoff as they talk fashion! These two industry experts will give you tips and insights on how to dress your best and look fabulous! Learn how to build a great wardrobe, look for styles that flatter your body shape, accessorize, and so much more! Call in with your fashion frustrations and wardrobe questions and get valuable advice from the stylish duo.

Next show: Monday 11/30/09 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Topic: How to Put Together a Fabulous Work Wardrobe

Special Guest: Melissa McGraw and Jennifer Gregory of Workchic.com will share their knowledge.

Log On: The Clothes Line
Call in number: (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 65267

We will be discussing the different types of office environments; like Business Casual verses Business Professional and Casual Friday do’s and don’ts. Some other topics include dressing for winter without the bulk and how to showcase personal style in an interview. We look forward to talking with you and answering any questions you have about creating a professional, fashionable, and chic work wardrobe.  Be sure to tune in on Monday November 30th at 7:30pm!

We were  featured in this week’s IFB roundup.  Catch up on some great posts this weekend!

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

Posted by retrochick • November 26th, 2009 • Printer-friendly

Beyond Fashion

Edited by Retro Chick

This weeks Links à la Mode blows away any preconceived ideas of the narcissistic fashion blogger posting endless outfit photos and magazine shoots  by covering a huge array of topics. Ranging from Dream Sequins whimsical birthday tea party to High Fashion Girls detailed examination of racism in fashion magazines, these posts demonstrate what we’re capable of and the communities we can build.

Of course, being fashion bloggers there are also some great outfits to be found and our bloggers this week have looked at: movies, from Bollywood to Sci fi; their pyjama drawers; and even their cleaning cupboard in their ceaseless search to bring you fashion inspiration.

As ever there’s many more exciting links on the original forum thread

Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : November 26th

• British Style Bloggers – Intrinsically Florrie on British Style Bloggers on how you can support the lovely Luella brand in it’s time of need
• Dream Sequins – The stylish guests at a virtual birthday tea party (Part 2)!!
• Fashion X K8 – The Fashion Blogging community being analoguous to “The Girls” in Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof
• FashionHippo – Best Organic Lip Balms: 6 Natural Picks to Nourish Your Pout
• Fete a fete – Guerlain’s Imperial Holiday makeup collection review
• High Fashion Girl – Racism & Fashion
• Idiosyncratic Style – Idiosyncratic Style dares you to re-think the possibilities of Pajamas outside the house
• In Life and In Fashion – How to dress with Bollywood Flair
• Lillys Roses – The new charity tshirts by TV-Star C.F. for the eco label armeangels
• M.I.S.S. – She’s Crafty: DIY First Place Ribbon Accessories
• Mariels Castle – Are we trully free when it comes to our fashion choices?
• Oranges and Apples – What are charity shops for? Thoughts sparked by Mary Portas’ new Save the Children shop
• Prom Mafia – Happy Accident: How to bleach fun designs on your clothes
• Quirky Fashion – Movies that Inspired Fashion
• Retro Chick – Buy Audrey Hepburns Wardrobe
• Shoe Daydreams – Why Knock-offs are Bad for the Soul
• Style on a String – Confessions of an UGG Lover and Wearer (but only indoors!)
• THE COVETED – Coach Holiday : Review & Giveaway!
• The Demoiselles – Wing Tips: Finding a Tailor
• Work Chic – Win a Sondra Roberts SR squared Shopper tote!

PLEASE READ IF YOU’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE:

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

As always, your appearance is an entire package. In the winter this includes not only your handbag, but your winter coat, scarf, and gloves. Keep your professional image solid with fresh accessories and a tailored coat. Here are a couple Workchic looks we love for the season.

We started our winter shopping trip at Target where this grey plaid coat is only $59! It pairs perfectly with Merona accessories like this satchel and cashmere cable knit gloves. Continue pulling berry shades out of the plaid with a soft fringed scarf.  Even the boots, part of your look all day, tie into the jacket in a warm caramel color.  This will look Workchic over your business casual trousers or add a little color to your business suit.
Merona® Women’s Wool Topcoat - Gray Plaid
Mossimo® Black: Boa Scarf - Purple
Merona® Cashmere Cable Knit Gloves - Charcoal
Merona® Satchel - Red
Women’s Glaze by Adi High Heel Ankle Boots
 

Our second look is from Fossil, where we started with a pristine white peacoat and let the leather appliqued bucket bag take center-stage. Though the vintage crochet look hat and contrast t-strap pumps did help. If you can look this chic before you remove your coat, just think of the possibilities with the rest of your outfit!
Berkley Peacoat
Rida Hat
Fifty-Four Whitney Multi Bucket Handbag
Oval - Robin Sunglasses
Roxanne T-Strap Pump

Both of these winter styles will have you looking Workchic from the moment you step out your front door. Just think of the impression you’ll make if an impromptu meeting has already begun at your desk. Instead of looking disheveled, like maybe your running late, command a presence.  Show up flawless and ready to get down to business!

Shop Fossil.com now and get Free Standard Shipping Over $100. Happy Shopping!

You know when the weather gets colder outside you start to wish it was warmer.  Your thoughts turn to spring clothes and of course handbags! One lucky Workchic reader will win a brand new Sondra Roberts SR Squared Porthole shopper tote. Retail value of $94!

The SR Squared Porthole shopper tote is constructed of raffia trimmed with black patent.  There is a bamboo turnlock closure. Inside there is a back zipper pocket as well as accessory pockets for your cellphone, blackberry, or iphone.  The Shoulder drop is 5″ so it is really more comfortable being hand held but still can be worn on your shoulder.  The dimensions are 16″L x17″H x1.5″ W.

Want to know more about the Sondra Roberts brand? Well Thirty years ago Sondra Roberts  launched a revolution in style crafting affordable handbags out of the world’s finest leathers and most exotic materials. Today that vision is the best kept secret in woman’s fashion. Ask any Sondra Roberts woman and she will tell you that she returns again and again for handbags that deliver timeless style, quality that lasts, versatility for everyday life, and the savviest value in woman’s accessories.
Sondra Roberts has recently redesigned their website to offer a shopping experience and the new motto is For Every Me. Please be sure to explore their website,  and check out the variety of styles and prices!  They make perfect gifts for any women!

We especially love how this Porthole Shopper tote looks great with your business and casual outfits.  We styled the tote below with a Black jersey dress, Black flats, and a statement necklace perfect for the office.

Bobi Jersey Tie Waist Dress - Black-$84
 Mia Hepburn - Black leather flats-$70
Tuleste Market Rectangle Link Necklace - Gunmetal, gold, and silver-$120
***HOW DO YOU WIN THIS SHOPPER TOTE?  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post describing what type of workchic outfit you would wear this tote with.  We will conduct a random drawing on Thursday, December 3rd. The winner will be announced and notified on Friday, December 4th.  Good luck to all!

This product was supplied by Buzz Cooperative and Sondra Roberts  and this post was not reviewed by either company prior to posting.

Over the last couple of months we have talked about updating your basics and building a solid foundation for your work wardrobe. With the holidays upon us, we are going to give you a break for a couple of weeks. First, we want to look back at the five key pieces we have updated and put together a few more chic outfits with fun accessories.

LBD too Red by Workchic featuring Banana Republic

We showed you the black wrap dress and rounded toe pumps previously. Add some color with a Second Base demi-cami in a vibrant scarlet that’s carried into the earrings. The crystal rings in this bracelet from Heart’s Desire will pull any color in the rainbow. Let it play red today and look brand new tomorrow against something blue. Together these pieces will update your classic LBD and make it seasonally fresh.

Basics Combine by Workchic featuring Banana Republic

Our second look contains a blouse, skirt, cardigan, and ballet flats we’ve shown you before. But did you ever think about putting them together? Don’t worry, we did it for you. Then warmed it up with a colorful scarf from Silk Road Spirit. Together or separate these pieces are classically feminine and chic.

Did you miss any of the fun. You can go back and check out our post on Cardigans, Skirts, Black Shoes, White Blouses, or Classic LBD’s at any time. After the holidays we will return with tailored blazers, black trousers, and more key items to round out your perfect, professional wardrobe. 

We use Polyvore to help us organize these looks to share with you. You can check out more of our Polyvore outfits and start creating some of your own by visiting Polyvore.com today!

Now when visiting ShopBop.com you can go directly to your favorite Workchic designers.  See what you want to see! My Designers feature makes finding what’s new and what’s on sale from your top labels easy, letting you edit Shopbop’s selection to your exact specifications. It’s easy to get started. Here are some insider tips on using the feature.

1. First, compile a master list of your top designers by checking the box next to your favorite brands.

2. You can add new designers as you shop with the orange plus sign next to the brand name.

3. Use the My Links menu on the right side of the window to see What’s New & What’s On Sale from your favorites. This menu will travel with you as you shop.

Our love of chic dresses will definitely have us adding Diane von Furstenberg, Black Halo, and Lela Rose to start our list.

Check out My Designers at Shopbop today!

It’s Casual Friday at the office and now that the holidays are almost upon us you might feel inclined to break out the holiday sweaters from storage.  In fact it is a little hard to resist the allure of holiday dressing according to this WSJ article.  But you can celebrate the holidays without wearing a snowman or reindeer sweater.  See example from Google Images below:

We read about some Holiday sweater picks on http://Oprah.com.  You will find some of our Workchic finds below that celebrate the holiday season without distracting the entire office!

New York & Company Women’s Antique-button Ruffle Cardigan - Red
Vintage Winter Dance Cardigan
Fair Isle Hooded Sweater
 Turtleneck sweater - navy navaho
Generra Paperbag Neck Sweater - Light heather grey

Happy Sweater shopping from Workchic!

We were very excited to learn about this collection of Demi-Camis.They are perfect for layering under a low cut blouse or sweater. Now you can find them on Workchic.com!

These were designed to help keep you covered up and looking professional and come in many colors. Wear them over your bra and under any tops that are more revealing then is appropriate for the office.  

To learn more about these demi-camis, we spoke to Jennie Horn the creator of Second Base. She shared with us what inspired her creation and some chic styling tips.

1) What inspired you to create Second Base Camis?
The idea hit me when working as an interior decorator in Chicago. I wanted to look professional, but still wear the latest dresses. Kimono and v-neck empire dresses were everywhere, and I had no choice but to wear a cami under everything. I was frustrated that the ones I wore always rolled up, or just added bulk and bunching to my waistline.

2) How do you wear them?
I usually wear them under dresses, but sometimes if I have a low cut shirt and don’t want a long cami peeking out the bottom, my demi-camis are perfect. Right now I’m being careful about spending, so for me it’s a great way to add a punch of color to a dress I may be tired of, and make it seem brand new. Scarlet is really hot right now, and violet is also a great choice to update dresses you already have.

3) That’s a great tip, share a few more of your favorite items to wear them under?
Sometimes I find that a strappy dress can use a little help from the Meredith style, which has wide straps to cover your bra. Some of us must always wear a bra (which I hope we’re all doing at work), and a skinny strap won’t cut it. Best of all, it lets you re-purpose a flirty nighttime piece and wear it during the day. It’s all about making your existing wardrobe more versatile.

4) We’ve all had a shirt we thought was work appropriate, but at some point through the day we look down and realize we are exposing more then we intended. Do you have any tricks to spot the less obvious offenders?
That’s so funny you mention it, because I was JUST saying that to someone about the wrap dress. You put it on, and it’s in the right spot, but throughout the day it “settles.” Next thing you know, your bra is showing where you thought you were covered. With Second Base, you will still look fantastic in your wrap dress, and avoid the wardrobe malfunction!

We consider these a basic, and you should too. Shop for your favorite styling to compliment the items in your wardrobe. Remember to keep an eye out for those styles that settle throughout the day, and wear a demi-cami to prevent any inappropriate skin in the office. Remove extra bulk from your Workchic style and pick up a Second Base Demi-Cami today!