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!

This is great advice from Paula, founder of The Vintage Scarf.  She’ll walk us through the steps to use a scarf to wrap your gifts.  Remember Workchic readers can receive 20% off their order with code work20. Offer expires December 31st. So pick up your favorite scarf to give as a gift, wrap a present, or update your work wardrobe. Follow Paula’s tips below to create chic vintage gift wrap.

Why Not Use A Scarf Instead Of Wrapping Paper!

1. Tie All 4 Corners Together At The Top
2. Bring All 4 Corners Up And Tie It With A Ribbon

Have A Party To Go To?

Why Not Wrap A Bottle Of Wine In A Scarf And Tie It With Ribbon.

A little history I found:

The Knot-Wrap and knot-wrapping are dated back to a traditional Japanese wrapping method called furoshiki. A furoshiki is simply using a square piece of cloth, whose name means ‘cloth for the bath.’
It was popularized in Japan in the 17th century, when people needed a way to carry their toiletries to the public baths.
Over time, furoshiki were used to carry or wrap just about anything. It’s a symbol of Japanese culture and puts an emphasis on taking care of things and avoiding waste.

Thank you Paula for sharing your tips with us and for extending a 20% discount to Workchic readers. Use coupon code work20 at checkout before the end of the year to take advantage of this great sale. Have fun shopping at The Vintage Scarf!

Fall is right around the corner and that means caring for the different types of fabrics in your colder weather wardrobe.  While your first inclination might be to take everything to the dry cleaner you don’t always have to.  If the labels reads ‘dry clean only’ then however please take that last word ‘only’ seriously. However if there is a dry clean option on the label then try some of our tips below that will keep your dry cleaning bill to a minimum this Fall season.  

Cashmere

You can wash cashmere.  Turn the item inside out and machine wash on the gentle cycle with cold water and a neutral PH shampoo (see below).  Then roll the item in a towel and let sit for about 5 minutes.  Unroll and lay the item flat on a mesh sweater rack.  Gently reshape the item. If you don’t like how the item looks after directly washing it.  Then gently brush them with a cashmere specific brush.

Wool

Take your wool jackets and pants to the dry cleaner.  However a wool knit can be treated just like your cashmere knit.  Just remember it should be washed in cool water.   Also when you wear a wool knit it looses shape after one wear.  Drape the item on the back of a chair for 24 hours.  That will allow the wool fibers to regain their shape.  You can  also get rid of any piling or fuzz with a sweater shaver.

Velvet

Most velvets should be dry cleaned.  Never iron the velvet because that will flatten and crush the fabric. 

Corduroy

Corduroy can be machine washed.  However iron the item inside out so it doesn’t ruin the fabric.

Suede and Leather

Suede and Leather should always be professionally cleaned.  If you receive a stain on the garment put water on the area as soon as possible.  Then let air dry.  If the item is suede you can brush it off .  Always try to treat your suede and leather items with a protective spray.

We have been focusing on the most suitable clothing for your body type but what about accessories? What earrings best suit your face shape?  We have to admit Jennifer and I sometimes implusively buy earrings for the look or trend not thinking about the outcome of making our faces look longer or rounder.   But we are so glad to share these tips when shopping for your next pair of earrings!

Square Face Shape:

Large rounded earrings suit the angular jawline of a square face shape.  Try delicate styles with filligree or cutout details. Long earrings are best especially if they fall midneck or even longer.  It will help soften the jawline and draw attention away from it.

Filigree Earrings-$154.95

ABS Gypsy Earrings-$175.00

Filigree Circle Earrings$4.00

Stained Glass Earrings-$4.00

Oval Face Shape

Well this is apparently the ideal face shape that can wear any type of earrings!  Here are some options below:

Miguel Ases Turquoise and Coral Chandelier Earrings-$325.00

Faceted Stone Drop Earrings-$8.50
Resin circle earring-$49.00
Shimmering fringe earring in Gold$42.00

Round Face Shape:

In order to avoid a round face from looking well.. rounder, it needs to have an earring that will extend past your jawline.  Linear and long shapes brings your focal point down and away from the cheekbone area.

Amber and Turquoise Earrings-$39.95

Rebecca Norman Hammered Double Disk Earrings-$77.00

Diamond Dangle Earrings-$4.00

 Flower teardrop earring - Blue combo-$36.00

Heart Face Shape

The Heart shape face needs earring styles that will balance out their facial features of having a wider forehead and pointier chin.  Earrings that are narrow on top and wider on the bottom work best for this facial shape.

Teardrop Dangle Earrings-$4.00

Beaded Chandelier Earrings-$4.00
Textured Stone Earrings-$4.00
Drop-stone earring in Gray-$32.00

Happy Shopping!

Jennifer and I love vintage shoes but often are hesitant to buy them . Our friend Malie who owns http://vintageshoppingguide.com , wrote a great post on how to clean vintage shoes.  Here is what she wrote below:

Vintage shoes can be a great addition to your wardrobe, but many people are a bit squeamish about how sanitary they are. We don’t blame you! Don’t turn down those fabulous pumps just yet. Here is what you need to know about buying vintage and used shoes and how to make them ready to wear once again. First, let me point out that not all vintage shoes are even used. Many vintage dealers buy their products from what they call “dead stock” which means from the original manufacturers trying to offload old merchandise. Now this is certainly not the case from all vintage shops and/ or thrift stores. If you purchase used shoes you will want to disinfect them before wearing them, unless this has already been done for you. Follow these easy steps to disinfect and clean your used shoes. 

 1.    Pour half a bottle of rubbing alcohol on the outside of the shoes and let them sit for at least five minutes, killing any present bacteria. Be careful not to use an alcohol-based solution with more than 10% water, because this may water damage the shoes.
2.    Place the shoes in direct sunlight for two hours. This will dry the alcohol and help to remove any germs in the shoes.
3.    To disinfect the inside of the shoes mix 1/4 cup bleach with one cup water. Spray the mixture into the shoes. This will kill germs and fungus. Make sure that the bleach only touches the inside of the shoes. Allow the shoes to dry thoroughly. ***Note bleach may damage certain materials such as leather! This is why we say to be sure to only spray the inside of the shoes. As an alternative you can use a spray bottle full of antibacterial solution such as Lysol or another anti-fungal spray to the inside of the shoes. This will kill any fungus, such as athlete’s foot, and help to prevent it in the future.
4.    When in doubt, replace the insole completely. Dr. Scholl’s has really stepped up the technology on their famous insoles. You no longer have to settle for big, ugly pads. They even make an open toe version.
5.    To clean the outside of the shoes use a hand cloth and wet it with an alcohol-based cleaning solution. Rub and clean the outsides of the shoes. This will take any dirt out of the shoes.
6.    Spray the outside of the shoes with a disinfectant spray. This will kill some germs, but disinfectant sprays will usually only disinfect non-porous surfaces.
7.    To deodorize shoes try two options. 1) Fill two stockings with cat litter and baking soda. Place one stocking into each shoe. 2) Dust baking soda, any kind, on the insole. Leave overnight and dump out the next day. I think the first option is less messy personally.
8.    Air the shoes out for a night. Remove the laces and pull the tongue out as far as possible if applicable.If you don’t want to go through the hassle of cleaning your new vintage shoes yourself you can always take them to a nearby shoe repair shop. Thanks Malie for the great tips!  Read more of Malie vintage tips and tricks on http://vintageblog.nerdmoon.com/.  If you have any tips and tricks you would like to share with us just email us - info@workchic.com.

We added scarves to Workchic.com from The Sabina Les Collection.  She has unique prints available in square and oblong silk scarves perfect for accessorizing your work wardrobe. To make sure you know how to wear them, she shared her top styling tips with us.

Sabina’s scarves can be worn in elegant, sporty, classic, and casual looks. It’s all about how you style them. These next few tips will have you looking professional, feminine, and chic!

This asymmetrical style looks professional with slacks and a simple top.

Step 1. Fold the 36” large square scarf in half.
Step 2. Drape the newly made triangle over shoulders hanging more on one side and loosely twist the opposite side.
Step 3. Take the end and loosely loop one over the other, make a large knot and let the remaining scarf part hang as a tie in the front.
Step 4. Adjust the scarf so one side is draped over a shoulder and the arm and the opposite twisted side has a narrower about 2” wide strap look.

Draping a scarf works for any occassion.

Step 1. Place 21” medium size square scarf right (printed) side down to make a triangle shape.
Step 2. Drape the scarf in the front and tie the ends back at the neck.

This unique twisted style adds an elegant and unexpected interest to your outfits.

Step 1. Fold 10”x60” long oblong scarf in half.
Step 2. Twist the scarf and fold it half making a loop on one side.
Step 3. Wrap it around the neck and have one end pass through the loop.
Step 4. Make a knot and loop the knot through the scarf in the front until it’s all the way up and adjust the ends as necessary.

These three style tips are a great start to help you accessorize your work wardrobe with scarves. You can shop more Sabina Les Workchic Scarves or visit her site for additional styling tips.  Have fun shopping!

We thought we would share with you our latest tip and tricks that have stood the test of time and never seem to fail!

1. Removing sticky stains from fabrics-  Whether it is gum or even from use of double sided tape we all have tried to wash the garment and couldn’t figure out why the stickiness still remains.   How do you remove the stain?

Use canned air (you know the kind that is at your desk to clean your keyboard) and spray it at least six inches away from stain for a period of about 5 seconds.   That freezes the area making it easier to scrape off.  Take a dull knife and gently scrape off the sticky residue.

Extra Strength Power Duster-$14.99

2.  Cleaning Embellished garments- One of the hottest trends this season is the use of embellishment on clothing whether it is via beads, studs, or sequins.  So how do you clean these items without taking them to the dry cleaner?

First check to see if the item is hand or machine washable. If it is, then turn the item inside out and place it in a cotton pillowcase that is of similar color to the item you are washing.  Tie and knot the pillowcase closed as close to the item as you can get it. Wash on a delicate cycle with gentle detergent and then lay flat to dry.

Embellished Short Sleeve top-$14.99                        250 Thread Count Pillowcase set in French Cream- $7.99-$12.99

3.  Whitening your whites- it never fails that you can’t seem to keep your whites well, white.  Just reach into your medicine cabinet for this proven tip to keep your whites looking brand new.  Just drop in one aspirin as your washer is nearing filling up before it starts the wash cycle. Instant refreshed whites!

Aspirin- $4.04                                                                                Merona White Tank-$12.99

4. Suede- Suede is an all year fabric in shoes and handbags but many shy away from it since they fear it may be hard to clean.  So what if you just found a stain on your favorite suede handbag?  Is it ruined?  Not necessarily- try to gently rub out the stain with a plain emery board or nail file.   Just lightly rub back and forth over the stain. The stain should instantly disappear!

Stay tuned for more Workchic Tips and Tricks!  If you have any you would like to share with us just email us at info@workchic.com.

Following up on last week’s post, How to Pack for a Business Trip, this week we are going to show you how to go from the airport to a meeting in style.  While we would probably all prefer to travel in our denim or even yoga pants, that’s just not practical when you have to run from the airport to a business meeting.  Sometimes a business suit is a must, but when business casual is your goal try these looks to keep your look professional, chic, and comfortable for the plane ride.

We love this easy knit dress while your flying.  When you step off the plane throw on a blazer, belt the waist, and you are off to your meeting in style. This oversized tote will hold your belt along with any files you are carrying.  Ask the flight attendant to hang your jacket so it stays neat and pressed for your meeting.  For shoes we went with an open toe D’Orsey style in soft leather for maximum comfort.

Velvet Khali Dress On-sale for $76
Women: Women’s Essential One-Button Blazers - New Black Reg $39.50 on-sale for $30
Ana Pires Belt Reg $55 On-Sale $35

Steven by Steve Madden Belize Large Satchel, $268
One of 2 Women’s ON1003 Peep Toe Pump, $65
Rachel Leigh Millie’s Everyday Necklace, $88

Our next outfit starts with a relaxed wide leg trousers, a simple but fitted tee, and finishes with a cozy wrap cardigan.  This will serve as your blanket on the plane. Before walking into your meeting, cross the front of the cardigan and tie it neatly in the back.  Ivory accessories are simple and sophisticated.  Your finished look will be fresh and polished.

Mac and Jac “Soft & Drapey” Pants, Reg $89 On-Sale for $53.40

Velvet Onneli Wrap, Reg $108 On-sale for $54
Women: Favorite stretch T - true black knit, $16.50
BCBGirls Women’s Sole Flat, $78.95
Women: Basket bead necklace - Ivory, $39
BLVD Josefine Tote, $187

We added a bold statement necklaces to both of these outfits because they have such simple necklines. You should also be sure to grab your favorite watch and simple earrings to complete the look. 

Do you have a favorite item to wear when traveling? Share your thoughts about dressing for the airport with us.  Hope your next trip is safe and you have a successful business meeting!

We are presenting a Workchic series every Friday that will help solve some of your fashion dilemmas.   This Friday we are focusing on how you can stop obsessing about your thighs!  If you are like me, I hate wearing shorts.  I have muscular legs and certain shorts make my legs feel like I should audition for the WWF.  Here are some easy alternatives to wearing shorts on a hot day whether you are spending it with your friends or going to your company picnic.

A-line- This particular cut is super friendly to those who want to camouflage their thighs.  The slight flare in the cut in the skirts featured below brings your attention up towards the waistband rather than at the bottom of the skirt.   

Jaclyn Smith Floral Skirt- $7.oo
Dana Buchman Godet Yoryu Skirt- $35.00

Monochromatic-  Yes, Black is slimming but that is not the only color you have to wear if you want to appear slimmer.  Wearing a dress in all one color creates the same elongating effect.   You can see all of the dresses below have a sash tie that highlights the waist or detailing up at the neckline that distracts from the bottom half of the dress.

Merona Keyhole Dress-$24.99
Merona Collection Belted Dress-$39.99
Navy Trapunto Dress- $24.99

Accessories: Wearing a long or chunky necklace again will draws the focus upwards and away from the bottom of the dress.

Xhilaration Long Beaded Necklace-$12.99
Xhilaration Layered Multi Color Seed Bead Necklace-$11.99

So have no worries about your fashion dilemmas-Workchic comes to your rescue!

What is your fashion dilemma?  We would love to hear about it- just email  info@workchic.com or comment on this post below! 

                                                    
                                                       (image courtesy of google images)  

You just found out from your boss that you need to go on an overnight business trip.  How do you make packing for it a stress free experience? Here are our suggestions to help you travel light and smart! If you know you have a meeting and a client dinner that will most likely be business casual here are some of our essential business casual faves from http://nyandcompany.com:

We first start out with the City Style Summer Stretch Two Button Jacket-$59.95 and the 7th Avenue Flare Leg Pants in Black-$39.95.

                                         

We also liked the City Stretch Link Print Crossover Top-$17.97 and the City Stretch Full Skirt with Pockets-$17.97 they can be worn together -it easily looks like a dress or they can be mixed and matched with the blazer or pants.  Plus the rayon jersey fabric is super easy to pack.

Pack a Collection Cardigan in Black and a black tank.   That will go nicely with the skirt in case you don’t feel like wearing a dress.  You then can wear the top with the black pants! You should have some  extra room so you can pack the City Stretch Short Sleeve Shirt-$26.95 as an additional option to wear with the pants or skirt. 
Pack your black heels and wear your flats to the airport.  You are ready to go!

Here are some extra tips to think about when packing for your next business trip-

1.  Try to bring outfits that you can easily mix and match. That way you can wear it from your meeting to a dinner afterwards without feeling you need to run back to the hotel to get changed.

2. Avoid packing heavy fabric items.  Cotton, rayon jersey, cashmere, and wool blends are fabrics that are easily foldable without causing creases and wrinkles. Stay away from silk and linen since they easily wrinkle.   To avoid wrinkles try this great tip-place layers of tissue paper in between your layers of clothing.  You can also recycle the plastic cover that you receive your dry cleaning in.  You can wrap your jacket or suit in that plastic for extra protection.

3.  Put the bigger or heavier items on the bottom of the suitcase.  Put your shoes in a handbag dust bag or plastic bag.  You can also put your toiletries items in a ziploc or plastic bag to avoid any mishaps.

Have a great trip from Workchic.com!