It’s time to shop for Spring and we didn’t forget our curvy Workchic ladies. Today we are highlighting some of our favorite shops with chic plus size business casual looks.

Dillard’s has a great selection of basics, fashion dresses, and tops to update your look for Spring.

AK Anne Klein Woman Floral-Print Blouse is cheerful in the office. Pair it with Jones New York Collection Woman Pants in basic black for an easy business casual look.  For a more professional outfit, add a ruffled jacket.

Nygard Collection Woman Ruffle-Collar Jacket is perfect for transitioning between seasons.  You can layer it over this M.S.S.P. Woman Printed Mesh Dress as well.

If you haven’t visited Lane Bryant lately, their Spring collection is a must see!

Ruffle linen blend jacket has a relaxed professional feel when paired with Linen trouser pant. When wearing shorter sleeves add on some arm candy like this 9-piece bangle bracelet set. Save 10% on your entire online order of $100 or more at LaneBryant.com! Enter promotion code 010472008 at checkout. Valid through 4-29-10.

Whether you are shopping on a budget, or just looking for some budget friendly work wardrobe updates, Old Navy is the perfect place to turn.

Old Navy Womens Plus Silky-Gauze Blouson Tops is currently on sale for $19.99. Old Navy Womens Plus Embellished Silk-Blend Dresses would also look chic layered under the jackets we already showed you.
 

Pick up an Old Navy Womens Plus Plaid Tie-Neck Tops for $22.50 and layer it under Old Navy Womens Plus Slub-Knit Tab-Sleeve Cardigans.

These styles from Dillards, Lane Bryant, and Old Navy will take you from the cool winter weather to warm spring days in style. Have fun shopping our business casual selections!

Not quite sure how to incorporate this Spring’s vibrant color palette into your work wardrobe?  We take the three hottest colors this Spring: Orange, Yellow, and Turquoise and show you how to pair them in a small or even big way this season.

Orange and Khaki

Khaki is an essential neutral color to have in your work wardrobe that will prove to be classic and most of all seasonless.  Pair the Self Petal Top in a rich orange with Elbow Sleeve Tabbed Jacket and Exact Stretch Classic Flare Pant in Khaki. The stones in the  2 Strand Mix Bead Bracelet completes the outfit.   Wear this Strapless with Twisted Front dress to the office or even to a Summer wedding with the Pleated Ribbon Cardigan in Khaki.  The Orange Leopard Print Scarf is lightweight enough to wear in all seasons. 

Gray and Yellow

We love pairing Gray with a sunny shade of Yellow.   The Bow Sleeve Tie Cardigan and the Cassidy Button Beltloop Wideleg Pant in Gray proves to be a sophisticated business casual look.  Add the Belted Trench and Sequin Stretch Ring to this look and it will  automatically brighten your day!   Feeling bold?  Try the Pencil Skirt in Yellow paired with a neutral Gray Side Ruffle Cardigan.  Don’t forget to accessorize with the Fringed Interlock Earring.

Navy and Turquoise

These shades of blue play off one another.  Turquoise is one way to accent the neutral color of Navy Blue. 

We took the One Button Timeless Jacket and Drew Pointed Beltloop Downtown Flare in Navy Blue and teamed it with a
Baby Ruffle Cami in Dark Turquoise.   We added some fun accessories like the Statement Tied Up In Knots Ring and the Sunshine State printed scarf to this basic business suit. It is anything but boring but still remains professional.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colors.  Even if it is a skinny belt or a pair of earrings it will instantly liven up the neutrals in your work wardrobe!

When I read this article last week about how workout apparel is now being designed towards the working woman, I immediately sent it to my friend, Lara Dalch who successfully made the career transition from a corporate maven to a fitness professional.  I just had to ask her the question- What is the best way to dress professionally when you are a fitness professional?  Read more below!

Corporate to Comfy: How I went from “New York chic” media executive to fitness professional without skipping a fashion beat- Lara Dalch  

I spent almost 15 years working in offices.  I went from a start-up company in Seattle, where the dress code was “almost anything goes,” to a major media company in New York, where the attire was decidedly more corporate.  I remained in that work environment until about a year ago, when I made a major life change and became a Pilates instructor/marketing consultant.

“What’s the problem?” you may be thinking.  “You get to wear jeans or workout clothes EVERY DAY!”

The problem is that, in my corporate life, I was a bit of a clothes horse.  I wasn’t nearly as bad as a lot of New York women, but I liked to look sharp.  I amassed a collection of professional but feminine suits, fashionable separates, back-wrenching heels, and various designer (or designer knock-off) handbags.  My prized fashion possession was – and still is – my black Chanel tote bag (which I now take to the Pilates studio with me, yes I do).  So, you can imagine my alarm when I realized that my closet was full of clothes that were completely inappropriate in my new work environment, a classical Pilates studio in the West Village.  Not only that, but my new “work wardrobe” – consisting primarily of stretchy pants, form fitting bra tops, and athletic leggings – was just not what a previously fashion-conscious professional like myself wanted to wear every day.

Now, almost a year into my new professional life, I’ve figured out how to be studio appropriate and still look fashionable.  Here a few things I’ve learned.

·         Jackets are your friend.  I live in my Lululemon Athletica jackets, at the studio and around town too.  They’re flattering around the waist and look great paired with a tee or workout tank and jeans or black pants.

·         Yay for the “retro” leggings and boot trend!  This has been a fashion lifesaver for me.  I spent all fall/winter teaching in leggings, a “normal” top, and one of several pairs of high boots (with low heels, of course…high heels don’t work so well when you have to demo a Pilates move on the Reformer for a new client).

·         Double yay for athletic outfitters – particularly those geared towards the yoga/Pilates crowd – who finally understand that women need more versatile workout clothes.  I swear by Lululemon for a fashion/function balance; but there are even more choices out there now, as evidenced by the list in this article sent to me by Workchic’s Melissa McGraw.  One of my other personal favorites is Lucy.  (Side note for trainers about Lululemon: Join their “R&D Team” program to get 15% off purchases in exchange for your feedback on their clothes a few times a year.  And no…they didn’t technically pay me to say that, although I am an R&D Team member.)

·         Scarves and wrap sweaters make anything look chic, even gym clothes.  A fun necklace paired with a workout tank, sweater, and a pair of leggings or workout pants also looks non-workout enough to go out for drinks after you teach.

·         Inside the studio, as in life outside, a good pair of black pants goes a long way.  Lululemon’s Groove Pant is my favorite.

Share your gym/studio fashion tips in the comments.  Would love to read them!

About the Author:

Lara Dalch is a Certified Pilates Instructor at Core Pilates NYC in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.  She is also owner of Dalch Marketing Partners, a New York-based boutique agency specializing in integrated marketing and brand partnerships.  In her past life, Lara held various roles in marketing and promotions for entertainment companies such as Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Comedy Central, Classic Media, and Wizards of the Coast.

Read more about Lara’s transition from corporate to comfy on her blog, Marketing to Mat.

If you have the luxury of a corner office, you should have the wardrobe to match. If you’re still striving for that big promotion, start dressing the part now! Today we are going to look at Spring jackets perfect for mixing and matching into business professional outfits. Since we know office environments can vary from classic and conservative to trendy and fashion conscience, we are going to look at a variety of jackets.

In a conservative office or industry, find subtle details that interest you in classic silhouettes. Here we feature a Stand Collar One Button Jacket in a classic charcoal hue. A light grey color is a more subtle for Spring.  This Two Button Jacket With Triangle Side Seams is updated with a double collar and slanted pockets.

Contemporary styles move away from classic silhouettes but fashion details remain tailored. This Zip Front Blazer plays on the safari jacket trend for Spring.  Linen Asymmetrical Wrap Jacket stays professional in mink brown.

Pattern and texture add another level to contemporary styles. Black & White Embroidered Matka Jacket plays on plaid and polka dot allowing you to mix patterns in one simple piece. Pair this with a solid blouse for the office.  Boucle is back for Spring in fresh colors like the warm ochre blended with soft yellow in this Baroness Tweed Jewel Neck Jacket from Jones New York.

While we are suggesting these jackets for business offices, they can easily be mixed and matched with skirts or chinos for both business casual and casual outfits. Try wearing a boucle jacket with dark wash denim and a subtle graphic tee to update your Casual Friday look. Happy Shopping!

We welcome Spring with open arms and love the neutral, lightweight suits that come along with it! We fell in love with this age appropriate short sleeve tweed suit from the Limited that has just a hint of shine.   Utilize these suit pieces with other business casual items in your wardrobe for multiple looks!

The Rounded Collar Jacket is complemented by a sash belt and pleated cap sleeves. Pair it with the matching Embellished Pencil Skirt that has beading around the waistline.  You can tuck in this Scoop Basic Tee so you can show off the detailing of the skirt.  It adds some instant fun to this work wardrobe!
Don’t forget the accessories. We are loving the saffron and spice color palette this Spring so why not add a chunky statement necklace with red, yellows, and oranges.  We love how this Rock Candy and Chain Necklace adds the right amount of color to a neutral suit. The Side Pocket Hobo Bag in a warm Cinnamon color really pulls this look together. 

What would you add to this suit?  We would love to hear your thoughts!  Just leave a comment below or email us at info@workchic.com!

Our How Do I Wear This series continues with the must have staple in your work wardrobe this season: The Dress!  We love how there are so many versatile dress options this Spring.  We show you how to take these trends and put your best foot forward wearing them! 

Abstract/Digital prints

Since these patterns stand out on their own it is best to balance them out with solid accessories and shoes.  The statement is being made in the print and you don’t want the rest of your outfit to fight with that print!

1.Switchback Sheath
2.Dillard’s Sensitive Skin Jet Link Bracelet
3.BCBGeneration “Betsey” Large Hobo Bag
 4.nude footwear Sunnie Day

Solids

Now is the time to play with prints or bold accessories when wearing a solid dress.  You can instantly transform a basic look into a glam work outfit in no time!

1.Ladies’ Luncheon Dress
2.Gianni Bini “Sofie” Large Satchel
3 nude footwear Vanity Fair
4.GS Lillian Floral Cuff Bracelet

Florals

Add some glam pieces like a ruffled satchel or some snakeskin pumps to this feminine print.

1.Freesia Fantasy Dress
2.Steve Madden “Rose Ruffle” Satchel

3.Kenneth Cole New York Amethyst Cluster Earrings
4.nude footwear Milan

Stay tuned for more on our How Do I Wear This series.  If you have an issue on how to wear something you may have seen online or at the store just leave a comment or send us an email at info@workchic.com!

This month’s book review is a special edition. Today we will share with you why we recommend How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp, our Q&A with Charla herself, and we are running a giveaway! So don’t miss a minute of this exciting review.

After receiving this book, we could not wait to dig in and learn what pieces of clothing are “high fat” and “low fat” for our unique body shapes. Yes, you heard that right! Charla broke down the different clothing elements into dietary categories. Clothing can make you look slimmer so why not apply the rules we use in dieting to dress thinner?

This is an amazing concept and made the process of whittling down the less flattering pieces in our work wardrobe almost pain free. Throughout the book she looked at different figure flaws and described the best ways to distract from our problem areas, play up our attributes, and even included tips to help us look at these areas we try to hide in a different way.

Let’s delve into our questions for Charla before we give away any of the insights she provided.

WC: First we’d like to say- we love this book! It’s incredibly easy to find solutions to our problem areas. Plus, we were laughing at the nicknames for our “Buddha Bellies” and the like, all the way through. We have never seen the fit of clothing discussed in this way before. Charla, what inspired you to classify pieces of clothing as ‘no fat’ and ‘high fat’?

Charla Krupp: As I say in the intro section, my husband is super skinny. So, I buy high fat and low fat foods…for everything from peanut butter to milk. So, why not look at clothes as food? As women, we know the caloric content of everything. It’s much easier to comprehend than body shapes.

WC: Most books that discuss fit focus on overall body shapes. You really broke down these barriers and addressed individual problem areas. Many of us feel we need to improve on more then one of these areas. Where would you suggest someone start?

Charla Krupp: Start at the place you are least happy with…do one chapter at a time. Don’t kill yourself…take it slow. Be good to yourself. You’re starting.

WC: What did you find was the biggest problem area for women?

Charla Krupp: It really depends on your age…women over 40 complain about arm flap and Buddha belly…most women have hips/thighs/butt issues no matter what their age.

WC: Our focus at Workchic.com is dressing for the office. When women are searching for business clothing, do you have any tips on styles that are ‘no fat’ or ‘high fat’ on just about everyone?

Charla Krupp: Wear a dress with a jacket or cropped cardigan over it….works all the time.

WC: We all want to be thinner; you are showing every woman how to achieve a more flattering silhouette with simple steps. More than that, you have included tips to help us live healthier lives and start correcting the problem areas. How were you able to pull together all this information into such a comprehensive guide book?

Charla Krupp: It took a village! And a couple years! It was a ton of work but I loved it. And, I knew much of this from my years on the Today show and a magazine editor for In Style and People Style Watch, etc.

WC: What was your favorite part of this book to research?

Charla Krupp: Big Bust!

WC: Charla, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Can you give one last tip for our readers to think about when dressing for the office?

Charla Krupp: Don’t dress too sexy….keep your cleavage in check! Forget the micro mini skirts! Stay chic but professional at all times.

That was some great advice from Charla! By reading this book you will learn more than some quick tips to look fit and fabulous. You’ll also learn how to respect your body and work with what you have. If we’re always looking to lose that next 5 pounds we never take the time to celebrate our beauty. It’s all about balance and you can learn how to achieve that by exploring Charla Krupp’s book, How to Never Look Fat Again!

We encourage you to pick up your copy today. But- for a few lucky readers we are giving away 5 copies of this book! How can you win? Comment, Share, and tweet; here are our rules.

Option 1- Leave a comment on this blog post.
Option 2- Share this post with your facebook friends, and link back to our fan page, Workchic.com.
Option 3- Post this on twitter and include @Workchic in your tweet.

The more ways you spread the message the more chances to win. We will be selecting our winners March 31st.  Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win. So start telling everyone you know How to Never Look Fat Again!

Here is a little more information on Charla Krupp.
Charla Krupp has done more than 100 style segments on The Today Show and she has appeared on Good Morning America, Oprah, The View, Dateline NBC, and has been a regular on The E! Channel and Home Shopping Network. She was beauty director of Glamour, editor of In Style, beauty editor for People’s Style Watch and executive editor of Shop Etc. Magazine. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, InStyle, Glamour, Shop Etc., People, Cosmopolitan, The Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and Time. Currently, Charla writes a monthly fashion column for More Magazine called Fashion For Grownups.

We are always on the lookout for a great pair of pants that fit well and have some detail. This Spring there are three pant silhouettes you can easily incorporate into your work wardrobe-Drawstring, Utilitarian, and Menswear inspired.  So how do you wear these and still look professional and chic?  We show you how below:

Drawstring

Generally this type of pant silhouette will be constructed in more of a casual fabrication such as cotton or linen. Stay away from jersey or fleece! Choose a slimmer fit that way you can pair with a blazer for an office appropriate look.

Haute Hippie Drapey Drawstring Pants
Madewell Cotton Garcon Blazer
Juicy Couture Drama Beaded Necklace
KORS Michael Kors Famous Cutout Platform Sandals

Utilitarian

The Utility pant is right on trend this season whether it is a cuffed or cargo pant.  These are perfect to wear on the weekend with a casual t-shirt but you can easily dress them up with a fitted blazer and a statement necklace for the office.

Juicy Couture Slim Cargo Pants
Rag & Bone Skinny Piped Blazer
DANNIJO Sydney Necklace
Loeffler Randall Esther Hidden Platform Pumps

Menswear Inspired

Generally when we speak of Menswear inspired we think of pleated and relaxed wide leg pants.  Balance that out with a fitted cardigan or blazer.  Add some feminine details with the use of accessories or a snakeskin platform heel. 

Alice + Olivia Eric Front Pleat Wide Leg Pant
Thayer Little Boy Blazer
Fiona Paxton Dott Necklace
Loeffler Randall Esther Hidden Platform Pumps

Stay tuned for more of our How Do I Wear This series!  Happy shopping from Workchic.com!

Did you ever go into a store and just love the item on the hanger but put it back because you just didn’t know how to wear it or what to wear it with? This Spring season there are various trends from soft blush tones to digital prints to utilitarian chic.  We are going to take the trends from one classification and show how you can incorporate them into your work wardrobe. This week we will focus on jackets and blazers.   The three types of jackets to have in your wardrobe are tuxedo, collarless, and the boyfriend jacket.

Tuxedo Jacket

Tuxedo Jackets aren’t just for special occasions or evening attire. This classic  jacket can be worn simply with a chiffon or silk blouse. Here is an example how you can update the jacket by simply pairing it with a metallic blouse, ruffle booties, and a braided chunky bracelet. It is an instant chic work outfit that goes from the office to dinner with clients.

Satin Lapel Tuxedo Jacket
Banana Republic heritage shimmer-print blouse
Snake Braid Bracelet
BCBGirls Dania Platform Pumps

Collarless Jacket

Collarless jackets are all the rage this season.  Whether it is trimmed in chain, beading or embellished detail, the jacket looks best when paired with a simple white shirt or camisole worn underneath.  Make an impact with accessories like this statement necklace shown below.

Nygard Collection Woman Boucle Jacket
Double Button Placket Shirt
Statement Knots Necklace
Elizabeth and James Lola

Boyfriend Jacket-

This jacket was certainly a hot item last Fall but it continues to prove itself as a main staple to have in your work wardrobe regardless of the season.  Add delicate earrings or laser cutout peep toe heels for a feminine touch.

Elastic Sleeve Fitted Jacket

Pleat Neckline Tee
Fringed Interlock Earring
Bandolino Pump

Stay tuned next week when we focus on Dresses for the Workchic How to Wear it with Style Series!

Do you have an item that you didn’t buy because you didn’t know how to wear it?  We would love to hear about it!  Just email info@workchic.com or leave a comment on this post. 

We know you love your knee high boots, but are tired of your pants riding up all winter. We have found the solution- Jean Straps! They are removable stirrups that will keep your jeans or pants neatly tucked into your boots.

Designed in San Francisco, Jean Straps clip-on removable stirrups minimize bunching and make pulling on your boots over your jeans a breeze. Eminently flexible, Jean Straps are easily swapped out from one pair of jeans to another with just a flick of a garter clip. Currently Jean Straps are available in brick red with a camel accent and are manufactured with high-quality elastic. Sold as a pair, they are available for purchase online for $9.99.

We asked Erin Tocalino, co-founder of Jean Straps, what inspired her and Tni Newhoff to create Jean Straps. Here’s what she had to say.

“My business partner and I had both just bought some fabulous new boots last year. While we were at a concert with our husbands, we started to discuss how much trouble we’d had getting the boots to play well with all of our jeans. Bunching knees, hard to pull on, riding up as the day went on — all the problems that can arise. We both remembered wearing stirrup pants back in the eighties, but figured there was a more flexible — and fashionable –solution. Basically, we wanted the convenience without having to revisit that chapter of our fashion history.”

After this revelation, development started almost immediately. Months of trial and error and many prototypes later, Jean Straps were born!

When we saw this product we were amazed by the simplicity and effectiveness. Great products are usually born out of necessity and these are no exception. We recommend every women add Jean Straps to her accessories drawer. End the bunchy knees and walk through the rest of winter with ease.

While these are recommended for your denim, we tried them with trousers and found they were just as effective. So don’t save Jean Straps for Casual Friday. Wear them all week with your favorite boots. 

Let’s recap the top reasons to buy:
   • Hold jeans down when putting on boots.
   • Keep jeans taut, minimizing bunching.
   • Attach to any pair of jeans.
   • Wear comfortably; no bulky metal clips.

Visit www.jeanstraps.com to pick up your new pair today!