This post brought to you by Gift Card Weekend. All opinions are 100% mine.

What is perhaps the easiest and the most popular gift?  Yes, you guessed it – a gift card. Many of us will receive or send a gift card or two over this holiday season as we have for several years now.  So when in doubt, grab a gift card! Making your last minute shopping, well, much easier.  I personally prefer a gift card (to use at my discretion) over some random gifts that will just sit and collect the dust.  Really, who doesn’t like gift cards?

Leading up to Gift Card Weekend, Gilbert the Gift Card Machine is giving away more than 100 gift cards per week. Our favorite pick among the gift cards has to be Sephora! You’ll have a chance to win a $20 Sephora gift card daily from 12/19 to 12/23.  Simply like Gift card weekend on Facebook with an extra chance to win per additional “like” you bring in through your Facebook friends.  Check back often on their page as there will be more giveaways throughout the month.

So what is Gift Card Weekend?  An annual event where participating stores & restaurants give featured offers for gift cards purchased during the holiday the season as you redeem them during the weekend of 1/6 to 1/8, 2012.  It’s definitely a smart time to use your gift card given the extra perks & deals.  Here are the participating stores & restaurants.  Be sure to mark your calendar for that special weekend to get more out of the gift cards from any of the listings below!

• JCPenny
• Sephora
• Adidas
• Marriot
• Applebee’s
• Bass Pro Shops
• Lowe’s
• Spa Finder
• Subway
• Buca di Beppo
• Giant Eagle
• Regal Cinema

jseverydayfashion.com, stylescrapbook.com, style.com (runway photos)

Light up the office and your office party this season and beyond with these dazzling sequined skirts.  The sophisticated silhouette of the pencil skirt makes it easy to wear with almost anything.  Transition from day to night, from client meetings to happy hour.

Long Sequined Skirt
TFNC Sequin Pencil Skirt
Karen Kane Sequin Pencil Skirt
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Skirt, Tianna Sequined Pencil
Sparkler Pencil Skirt
Sequin on Mesh Skirt
Vince Sequin Pencil Skirt
Jones New York Collection Short No Waist Slim Skirt

Pick the right pieces to understate the bold skirt while still looking chic and elegant – think solid tops & accessories.  Wear any of the skirts above with these chiffon shirts, lace-up pumps, croco-embossed satchel, and a cozy wool cape for a head turning ensemble.

Wearing fur to work?  There is nothing wrong with adding a little drama to your usual workwear.  Blazers take up more than their fair share of your professional wardrobe, now it’s time to break out the fur to combat the chill in style!  Fur outerwear isn’t just for fancy outings anymore but rather consider it along the lines of your best friend.

Let’s take style ques from the Fall 2011 designer collections featuring various fur fashion to sneak into your work wardrobe.  Keep in mind that there are more reasons to prefer fake over real when it comes to fur – faux sure!

Fur collared coats or cardigans are your best bet to pull off at the office.  The clean line and knee-length silhouette creates an elegant look.

Another easy-to-wear fur topper is a fur vest.  This basic black fur vest will look great over a turtleneck & trousers.  Go for ones in a similar color tone to bring it all together.  It can be layered under a jacket for extra warmth.

If you are worried about donning fur outerwear all together, fear not – slip on this super cozy faux fur scarf to jazz up your whole outfit.  How about a chic blazer with a removable faux fur collar?

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via carolinesmode.com

A similar, on-a-budget look inspired by model Frida Gustavsson’s outfit above.  A chic business casual office ensemble – Blazer, Blouse, Skirt, Handbag, Pumps

Are you looking for modern yet casual pieces to add to your work wardrobe? It’s refreshing and exciting to think about wearing attire to the office that is both comfortable and professional.  Nordstrom’s “The New 9 to 5″ promotion provides pieces that are work appropriate yet geared to be comfortable for all day use. Not to mention versatility in that you can wear in casual social settings and match with a wide variety of staple pieces you probably already own.

One thing we really like about this featured promotion is that they suggest staple pieces and pull together complete outfits to fit each day of the week.  Click the picture above to scroll through the sample looks and get inspiration or even look for specific pieces that will fit into your fall wardrobe.  A couple of our favorites have to be the skinny stretch jeans and the silk bow blouse!

More shirtdress-ing!  These shirtdresses have a hint of vintage appeal in different shades of blue.  Take comfort in the versatility of this type of dress while sprucing it up with polished accessories for an office-chic ensemble.  Top it off with a light outerwear piece as cooler temperatures are on the horizon.

Day Dresses by Topshop
Pumps by Boutique 9

Left – Dress, Utility Shirt, Pumps, Necklace, Belt
Center – Dress, Pumps, Satchel, Necklace
Right – Dress, Scarf, Satchel, Pumps, Watch

Like shirtdresses, jumpsuits are perfect one-piece workwear.  Minimal yet polished jumpsuits are always in style with its sleek tailoring, making it a refreshing alternative to trouser suits.  Bold accessories are a cool accent to a modest style.

Make this Wrap Belt Knit Jumpsuit more office appropriate by topping it off with a short trench coat and classic heels.  Put on a polished belt instead of the leather belt as shown on the model.  Check out more chic suiting styles from bebe.

Jumpsuit, Trenchcoat, Necklace, Pumps, Tote

Please check out our latest article over at Sheckys on the best transitional cardigans from summer to fall.

A classic shirtdress is a perfect addition to your workwear lineup and really is an absolute must for a professional wardrobe.  One doesn’t have to fuss about putting a complete outfit together when you slip on a shirtdress.  It can easily go from casual to dressy for work and beyond depending on the accessories.  Wear alone in spring/summer and it’s just as fabulous layered under a blazer or coat in fall/winter.  There are plenty of wonderful shirtdresses available from shops like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Asos that will fit your style needs and personal taste.

We were swooned by this Navy Button-Through Shirtdress by Jason Wu.  The slightly flared skirt contrasts the tailored top beautifully, in an irresistible navy hue.  This flattering silhouette will look chic on just about anyone by emphasizing the waist and hiding problem areas.  Cinch with a belt for a dressier look.

Although the dress was love at first sight, the price is not so.  Regardless of the designer brand, shelling out $835 for a dress is a bit surreal (not a wedding dress, a shirtdress!).  We had to find a budget-friendly yet similar version since most of us can’t afford Jason Wu.

Rest assured, there is the Roma Shirtdress by T-Tahari.  Again, the flared skirt is forgiving while the sleek top gives the dress an elegant look.  We couldn’t help but notice how clean the dress is, perhaps because there are no buttons or a collar.  All you need is a pair of pumps to rock this dress!  Available for $128 at Norstrom or Macy’s.

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