We love Jill Stuart’s feminine dresses and printed chiffon tops.  This season she added a rock star edge with a collection inspired by “iconic women of music”.  Leather, fringe, and ruffles supported both the edgy and her more traditional girly looks.  We slid more toward the latter for styles that could translate into the office.  Unless you’ll be going on tour this season, we recommend the following runway looks for your work wardrobe inspiration.

Shades of grey stripes are still strong and professional but come off more approachable then all black.  We love the shapes created here.  The bust-line on the dress gives an updated bow feeling without the extra flounce.  The second look’s ruffled party skirt is brought back into reality with a sophisticated striped jacket.  Paired with dress pants this jacket would be business casual any day of the week.  Though we don’t recommend shading your eyes with a hat in the office.

Both of these looks have excellent inspiration too.  Chiffon blouses can look professional tucked into tailored trousers.  Puffed sleeves are still a big trend, and a nice way to add a little flair to an otherwise basic outfit.  While we wouldn’t wear this white dress to the office, the details can be dissected into workable looks.

These two tops from Jill Stuart have the bow details at the waist and bloused sleeves as shown on the fall runway.  Shirts are selling quickly; the green is available in size 0 and 2, the grey in sizes 4 and 6.  We recommend wearing a cami underneath this top to avoid any unwanted skin views.  Black and grey stripes are runway inspired and worn with tailored high waisted pants, ready to strut through the hallway.

This chiffon top pairs the gray stripes with the details of the chiffon top seen on the runway.  You’ll be looking Workchic and runway ready in this blouse.   This printed top would look perfect layered under a boyfriend style blazer; though since it’s on sale only a size 4 remains.  Suede lace up ankle boots will complete your Jill Stuart look.

Shop now to take advantage of sale prices at Shopbop.com and DJPremium.com.  Runway pics courtesy of Style.com. 

We know, your sick of winter.  Heavy sweaters and wool pants have got to go!  The first thing we think of when we think Spring- Dresses.  We picked out our favorites that you can start wearing to the office now.  Don’t worry there wont be any negative gossip in the hallways.  Just follow our advice and add layers.  Then when Spring temps finally emerge and you can remove those jackets, cardigans, boots and tights; your work wardrobe will still look fresh.  These dresses are our top picks to wear now and later.

For a Casual Chic office, we love this jasmine hued jersey dress.  Add a cropped cardigan with a fun print that will also look great with your dark wash denim.  Tights are a must this time of year, go for charcoal opaque styles.  Pull on a pair of flat whisky colored boots and this look will tell your co-workers you have it together.

Max and Cleo Jersey Dress, $88

Chelsea & Violet Printed Cardigan, $98

Women: Opaque tights – charcoal gray

Women’s shoes: White Mountain Mercy – Whiskey, on sale for $59.99

When Spring comes shed the layers and heavy boots.  Instead add a beaded necklace, some bangles, and peep toe pumps.  This style from Indigo by Clarks will be super comfy with the thicker heel.  Use black and silver as your accents instead of brown to maximize the springy effect.  Since this dress has sleeves, though they may be short, it’s perfectly acceptable for the workplace without a jacket or cardigan.  Especially since your the lucky lady with a casual office.  Throw a pewter clutch in your tote for an added effect when you run out to lunch.

Carol Dauplaise Beaded Necklace, $28

Multi Bracelet Set, $4

Women’s shoes: Indigo by Clarks Ridgefield – Black, $100
Women’s handbags: Dutchy DG Clutch – Metallic, on sale for $39.99

Business Casual more your style?  Try this color-blocked dress, it is a big trend for Spring and this sophisticated style is the perfect way to incorporate it into your work wardrobe.  Add a classic black blazer, which you probably already have in your closet, sheer hose, and updated oxfords to stay warm, chic, and professional while it’s still technically winter.  Contemporary drop earrings will add a little extra personality to this chic outfit.  We promise, it’s ok that the blues don’t match!

London Times Colorblock Dress, $80

Antonio Melani Jacket, $179

Women’s shoes: Dolce Vita Beatrice – Black, on sale $69.99

Kenneth Cole New York Earrings, $13.44

When the temperature warms feel free to shed the jacket.  While this dress is practically sleeveless it is very modest and covered up.  You won’t feel over-exposed in your meetings.  Again, accessorize.  It’s what makes spring dresses feel light and fun.  While you probably have a beautiful watch you wear everyday, try picking up a fashion watch for Spring.  Step our of your cubicle in fierce blue pumps.  These will look amazing with you black trousers too.

Anne Klein New York – 12-1891Wtwb (White/Silver) – Jewelry, $102.67

Women’s shoes: Restricted Ashlee – Blue, $65

Women: Bead and chain necklace – Black, $39

Now that you know how to make your favorite dresses work Now and Later.  Here are some other dresses that we love!  Emerald Green print dress from Banana Republic is available in Regular, Petite, and Tall sizes for $130.  This printed wrap dress is softly sophisticated in Sweet Plum, also $130.

Don’t wait, buy your Spring dresses now.  Follow our tips and always look Workchic!

Our friend Mallory is already into her 13th week of her new job and late on all Sunday nights is wondering what to wear to work tomorrow..she writes the below:

“It’s kind of funny, because growing up when I thought of myself out in the working world maybe actually working.  I only pictured myself wearing chic and super stylish clothing. I have four older sisters who were out in the working world long before I was and they always looked really great going to work. Everything they wore and still wear today always looks new, professional, and stylish-it sort of makes me a little jealous that I don’t look like that yet. But I keep telling myself that in 5 years that’s what I will look like. I just have to get a little more settled and financially stable in my life and then I will really be the chic looking sister!  Another person who always looks really stylish is Jennifer Aniston.  I am kind of a FRIENDS tv show fanatic and the way Jennifer Aniston always looked (and still looks) really inspires me for the future.  I have a goal to go buy nice boots with a great dress or skirt to go with it, without spending my  entire paycheck.  Afterall, I do need to pay for things like food and rent before buying clothes!  Obviously, you can see from my other blogs I have found some great affordable buys, but it would be really nice to treat myself to nice leather boots that are just a little out of my price range (if you can’t tell, I really want boots)! I just need to figure keep my eyes open and find a look that I can find for less . I am not saying copy your co-worker on their latest attire but take some ideas and make them your own!”

(photos courtesy of Google images)

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com !

Maybe you enjoy the thrill of waiting until the last possible moment to buy gifts.

Maybe you forgot someone on our list or have not been able to get away from work long enough to shop.

Maybe you have been snowed in on all of your shopping days.

Whatever your reason, we have Workchic solutions to your last minute gift giving dilemma.  All of these gifts will be scheduled to arrive by Christmas.  But hurry, you need to order today!  Endless.com has free overnight shipping 365 days a year.  Now is the time to take advantage.  Order by 5:15pm PST this afternoon to receive by Dec. 24th. 

So far this winter season there are few people that can’t use winter boots.  Barbo Women’s Gallia Boot have rubber soles and a slight platform.  Try this updated style from EMU Australia with tie strap and wool lining.  They come in many colors.  For the women that wants to keep her feet warm and dry but still wants a stream lined look, pick up these Rockport Boots.

Since Workchic.com does not advocate winter boots in the office; here are some chic flats that she can pack in her handbag to wear during the day.  The first pair in a dark brown giraffe print are under $50.  Additional colors are available at varying prices from Nine West.  A classic pointed toe makes this next styles perfect for business casual outfits.  The ruffle details at the toe make it stand out from the crowd.  If her office is casual or denim friendly try something with moccasin details like the mustard flat we recommended below.

Shoes may be a girl’s best friend, but she still can’t live without her handbag.  These styles are perfect for a women on the go.  This Kathy Van Zeeland Croc embossed shopper has sophisticated hardware detailing in a slouchy shape.  Tone down the hardware and up the impact with this Jessica Simpson Hobo in a gorgeous rusty apricot shade.  Can’t decide?  A wallet and a gift card can also go a long way.  We love this Lodis Veloce style in a deep ocean blue.

Did we mention that Endless.com also offers free returns.  So buy with ease or pick up a gift card.  Even the most difficult fashionista on your list will be happy to shop at Endless.com.

Happy Holidays!

Our friend Mallory enters into her third week of her first job out of college and faces the challenges we are all too familiar with-what do I wear now that I have worn all of my clothes?  Here’s Mallory’s take on how she gets through this mini wardrobe crisis:

“After now 3 weeks of work I realized one thing…I need more work clothes! Since this is my first job and I am waiting for my first paycheck- I decided that I just needed to get creative!  I already have the basic Black and Brown dress pants plus a pretty sufficient collection of shirts.  They definitely have made their rounds in the past few weeks so I thought it was time to add more accessories to the mix.  Hopefully it will just look like I bought a week’s worth of new outfits! First I needed to do some sort of research on what type of accessories would transform my outfit. Who better to find out this information from other than workchic.com!  Looking through all the options, I picked out examples of what I already owned and then of course what I needed to purchase.   For example, I learned that adding a scarf to a simple dress or taking a summer dress and adding tights and boots you can create an entirely new outfit.  After opening my eyes a little more, it was real easy to see that adding something little like a necklace or scarf can add a lot to any ordinary outfit.”

Mallory provided us with a few of her work week outfits.  Let us know your feedback!