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!

For the last couple of months, every other Thursday, we have told you how to update the basics in your closet. We feel this is very important. Creating a work wardrobe is not just about buying fun fashion pieces, though we want you to have those too, you have to first build a great foundation to add the more stylish items too. So today we are going to go back and recap the basics we have discussed so far while putting together great outfits using these basics and a few of the fashion pieces you have been craving. Ready to shop?

We started with:
White Dress Shirt * Black Pants * Cardigans * Black Pumps * Black Skirts
and showed them to you in contemporary, petite, and plus sizes. Now we are going to make two some business casual outfits in each of these sizes.

Contemporary Sizes: Let’s start with black pants, red cardigan, and black flats. Then add a plaid blouse, splurge on a grey handbag, and accessorize with a black watch.

Banana Republic, $98, Women: Martin lightweight wool trouser - Black
Old Navy, $26.50, Women: Women’s Rib-Knit V-Neck Cardigans - Crimson Red
Piperlime, $50, Women’s shoes: Rampage Hipster - Black


Quicksilver, $77.99, Plaid Ruffle Front Shirt
Piperlime, $269.50, Women’s handbags: Olivia Harris Tubular Ball Hobo - Grey with black and green
Ladies Leather Watch, $66.50, Buffalo - B542LBLK

Next let’s but together a look using your full black skirt, white dress shirt, and black boots. Then we will accessorize using a black belt and opaque tights. Wear this dress shirt updated with the bow, or remove the bow and add a beaded necklace instead.

Lord & Taylor, $38.69, LAUREN RALPH LAUREN Ozzie Silk Skirt
Lord & Taylor, $99.59, Ellen Tracy Button Front Shirt with Removable Tie
Naturalizer, $55.99, Black Boot featuring N5 comfort system
Lord & Taylor, $40, Betsey Johnson Wide Black Patent Belt
Bebe, $24, Textured Rib Tights
My Jewelry Box, $44.99, Multi-color Fresh Water Beaded 7-10mm Pearl Necklace 36 inch

Petite Sizes: Slim black pencil skirts with a belted cardigan look amazing on petite frames. Wear your black pumps and add jewelry for more personal style. Don’t forget to add a cami underneath this cardigan.

Petite Sophisticate, $27.65, Stretch Twill Pencil Skirt

Fossil, $58, Wine Logan Cardigan
Old Navy, $7.99, Women: Women’s Cinched Waist Camis - Stainless Steel
Onlineshoes.com, $89.95, Trotters Nadia Black Pump


Lucky Brand Jeans, $65, Enamel Plate Necklace

Lucky Brand Jeans, $64,

Next let’s make an outfit using your black pants, white dress shirt, and ankle boots. We’ll add a purple tote and belt to accessorize the look.

Banana Republic, $79, Petites: Petite jackson stretch trouser - Black

Banana Republic, $69, Petites: Petite fitted ruffle-front tuxedo shirt - White

Piperlime, $55, Women’s shoes: Unlisted by Kenneth Cole Ready To Spike - Black

Piperlime, $99, Women’s handbags: Melie Bianco Frame Lock - Purple

Brooks Brothers, $168, Striped Silk/Wool Oblong Scarf

French Connection, $55.99, Croc Belt

Plus Sizes: Before selecting these styles, we spoke to Johara from Luvin’ My Curves. Here’s what she had to say. “Basics are essentials to ANY girl’s closet, whether she loves or loathes clothes; they are the perfect combination of versatility, serving both as a foundation to build upon or the perfect add-on to make that outfit “just right”. It can tone down a loud outfit or add a touch of elegance to something that’s extra casual - If you have no basics, you have no foundation. If you don’t have a foundation, your closet needs some help!” Now, let’s put together an outfit utilizing these great foundation pieces. We will use your black pants, white blouse, cardigan, and black flats. Then we will add a red bag, sleek black belt, and red beaded necklace.

CJ Banks, $45.50, Textured Stripe Pant

CJ Banks, $39.50, Fitted Layering Shirt

Old Navy, $39.50, Women’s Plus: Women’s Plus Rosette Cardigans - Light Heather Gray

Piperlime, $98, Women’s shoes: Boutique 9 Stanton - Black suede
Piperlime, $62, Women’s handbags: Chinese Laundry Ring Tote - Red


Old Navy, $22.50, Women’s Plus: Women’s Plus Leather Belts - Black

Old Navy, $12.50, Women: Women’s Faceted Bauble Necklaces - Crimson Red

Next let’s use your black skirt and pair it with a blue knit top and jacquard jacket. Then we will add some oxford pumps, a dark blue wallet, and fun printed scarf.

Lord & Taylor, $53.09, Calvin Klein Yoke Skirt
Kohl’s, $21, daisy fuentes pintuck tee
Kohl’s, $42, Sag Harbor Jacquard Jacket
Endless, $98.90, GUESS by Marciano Women’s Yerex Pump

Endless, $95, Lodis Veloce French Wallet
Fossil, $34, Green Dots Leslee Scarf

Now that we have put together a few great business casual looks, you have no excuse but to have a workchic closet at your disposal. We aren’t quite done building out this foundation, but we are going to give you a break until after the holidays. In January we will talk about cleaning out your closets and picking up some more necessary basics. You still don’t have a go-to blazer, or great bag big enough to slip a fresh resume into. Not to mention our ladies with more casual offices who made need a new pair of dark wash denim. We assume anyone with a business office has a wardrobe full of suits, but how is that go-to black suit looking these days? So we have lots more to talk about. Until then we will let you have some fun. Look for blogs on stylish accessories, gift guides, and all your favorites like recaps on the CW’s Stylista over the coming weeks.

Speaking of the holidays, have you signed up for our Workchic Newsletter? Our first round of coupons went out today!

Remember, start with your basics, then have some fun with prints and accessories so you always look Workchic!

Starting today NIMLI is running a daily giveaway until November 23rd. Sign up for their newsletter and you are entered to win. Prizes awarded daily!

Nimli.com is a website featuring all organic products for a natural and green lifestyle. Visit their site today to learn more.

Can’t wait for the contest? Here are some of our favorite accessories; perfect for the office and on sale now. Plus get free shipping on purchases over $100.

Have fun shopping and as always keep your office outfits Workchic!

While the LBD is important, the Little Black Pumps will complete many more outfits. As we talk about updating your basics we couldn’t miss black pumps; and flats, and boots while we’re at it. If you always wear flats, make sure all of your pants are hemmed accordingly. If you are more likely to mix things up, your pants should be hemmed at different lengths to accommodate all of your shoe options. The general rule is that the back hem of your pants should hit 1/2″ to 1″ above the ground. Visit our tailor list to find a seamstress in your area.

Now that you have received our lesson in pant lengths, let’s get to the fun part- New Shoes!

If you have been reading our blog series on basics you know that we generally cover contemporary, petite, and plus sizes. Since shoes are a little more all encompassing we decided to give you some suggestions in Heels, Flats, and Boots. So go ahead and pick up your favorite new basic today.

Heels: Whether you prefer a sleek point, softly rounded toe, or something in between; each of these styles can take you from the office to dinner and back again. Kenneth Cole New York Women’s All Day Long Pump will live up to it’s name with a gel-padded insole for under $100. This Nine West Women’s Nuncio Pump has a sleek point and slightly lower heel. With cut out details this Charles by Charles David Women’s Contour Pump will look so chic with a pencil skirt. The Corso Como Comfort system is a key feature in the Cameo Pump in Black. Soft feminine pleats are all over the runways, pick up these Crowd Pumps in Black to complete the look. We also found a Geox spectator pump at Piperlime.

Flats: While pumps are generally what we think of when we want great shoes for work, there is no reason flats can’t look just as chic. Check out this first style at Payless ShoeSource©, American Eagle Kash Kitten Heel. Then from 6pm.com we found the next 3 styles in the $30 price range. Yellow Box - Alpine (Black) - Footwear tailored flats are perfect for the office. Or try Exchange by Charles David - Accept (Black Patent) - Footwear with a comfortable rubber sole. American Eagle - Plea (Black) - Footwear have an elastic band at the heel. Want something more unique? Kenzo - Black Flat have zipper details at the seams of these suede flats.

Boots: Since we are in the middle of fall, we simply cannot forget Workchic boots. Ankle boots are great for those of us with larger calves. Some of our favorites are from www.Heels.com. Like this Boston Heel in Black with fantastic cuff details, Cadillac Ant Lea - Black with a sharp pointy toe, or splurge on a pair of Charles David killer Brooklyn Bootie - Black. For those of you that prefer the versatility of a knee high boot, we found the rest of these at Piperlime. Not only do they have a great selection they supply boot height and opening circumference. Our favorites include Women’s shoes: Tahari Minna - Black calf, Women’s shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Thrill-iant - Black, and Women’s shoes: Guess Footwear Hula - Black.

The shoes shown above are from www.endless.com, www.Heels.com, Piperlime, Payless ShoeSource©, and 6pm.com. Be sure to take advantage of these sales, coupons, and free shipping offers when making your purchase.

Save $25 on $125 orders when you choose from 80 women’s fashion brands at Endless.com

Save $15 off any order over $125 at Heels.com with code HEELQ4AFF from 10/1/08 - 12/31/08

Payless $5 off $60 - Code: PSS5OFF60

As always, check back in two weeks for your next wardrobe update.

Yes they can! Recently many traditionally comfortable shoe companies have recruited designers away from the more fashionable companies. Result- comfortable and fashionable shoes! Want proof? Check out these amazing shoes we found. You’ll be surprised who makes them. Pick up your favorite pair for fall today.

A classic wingtip in Black and Slate will spruce up your suits or compliment dress slacks this fall. With a low heel, 1 1/2″, this unique style is chic and comfortable. A little more daring? Try these peep toes with a 3″ heel. They also come in Black and Ivory. We can’t forget this season’s oxford styles. These feature the N5 comfort system. All these shoes are from Naturalizer.com.

We all know flats are comfortable but these loafers, with a slight heel, have a contemporary twist perfect for a business casual office. Pick them up in black, brown, or both to update you wardrobe for fall. Next we found the most comfortable pair of peep toe pumps you will ever wear. As someone who once walked 2 miles in a pair of these, I have to say comfortable shoes never looked so chic! We can’t make it through fall without a great pair of boots. This round toe ankle boot comes in 5 different styles from patent to suede and even traditional black leather. All of these are from Aerosoles and available at www.endless.com.

Indigo by Clarks has these slouchy dark brown boots are that perfect for all day wear because of a soft foam foot bed. Wear them with floral dresses or dark was denim for a casual office. The next two pairs are from Easy Spirit. The black low heeled peep toes are constructed with a flexible sole and varying leather piecing over the toe. With suede and snakeskin details these heels will make any outfit go from simple to Workchic! Score all of these fashionable styles at 6pm. Easy Spirit Shoes on Sale at 6pm.com!

Now you know you can find fashionable shoes that are comfortable and stylish. Shop now at Naturalizer, Endless, Piperlime, and 6pm. Take advantage of these sales and free shipping offers today!

The Spring 09 collection from Tory Burch is so workchic! Tory was able to target all age ranges with her use of graphic prints, color, and layering details. She used accessories-from handbag to scarves- to tie the outfits together. Here are some of our favorite looks below courtesy of style.com.

We found a great selection of Tory Burch’s Fall 08 Handbags and Shoes at Shopbop.com. They will be the perfect complement to any outfit!

Use Code SAVETHEPIG to Save an Extra 20% on Items marked 50-70% Off only at shopbop!