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March 1, 2010
July 20, 2009
Tops and blouses are a fast way to update your work wardrobe with immediate and recognizable impact. Here we selected some styles by size and office type. It’s amazing what a blouse can do!

Petite Office Tops by Workchic featuring Dorothy Perkins
If you have a petite frame and are looking for a unique piece to add to your work wardrobe, keep the details smaller. For a casual office we chose a neutral shade, yes olive is a neutral, and let the embroidery be the focal point. In a business casual office we selected a bold cobalt blue with subtle ruffles along the placket. For business we chose a printed blouse then layered on a black jacket to tone down the effect. Finish you business and business casual looks with a black A-line skirt and neutral heels. These heels, the bracelet, and earrings are selected to go with all three looks. Now you can see how versatile a blouse really can be.

Plus Size Work Blouses by Workchic featuring Old Navy
We chose bold prints to update your work wardrobe if you shop plus sizes. Pops of color show style in a casual office, while a more geometric design is ideal in a business office. For business casual we played with animal print in a tie-waist cardigan. Here you have black ballet flats with a woven strap across the toe, a leather tote, and bronze pearls to complete these three office looks.

Workchic Blouses by Workchic featuring Christian Louboutin shoes
For standard sizes we played with ivory blouses and black details. For a casual office we went back to bohemian embroidery and styling but paired it with a denim skirt and sleek black wedges to keep the effect chic and modern. A lacy cardigan is perfect for business casual, while a tie neck blouse commands attention in ivory with black placket and tie. Wear it under a charcoal suit with the wedges and lace inspired earrings. Take this look right to your desk with a pretty black and white desk tray.
As you can see a blouse can makeover your entire look. We even kept the same accessories for each office environment. Keep this in mind when you are shopping. Many office have different dress codes on different days of the week. If you plan your outfits you can multi-purpose your accessories for each style. Have fun shopping!
June 29, 2009
We met Krissie McMenamin, a NYC blogger with amazing Workchic style, through Twitter. We were so impressed by the way she infuses her personal style into a conservative and corporate dress code that we had to share her looks with you. For those of you that feel business casual is boring or unflattering, take a page from Krissie’s book and visit her site, What Would Krissie Wear? Not only does she create amazing looks she does it on a tight budget! We asked her to share some of her favorite outfits with us, tell us how she creates them, and then pick out a few pieces from Workchic.com so you can Steal her Style!


Isn’t she chic! We were happy to talk with Krissie during the summer months when you can really see her style stand out. She called the first outfit Pretty in Pink and she sure is. Capped sleeve mock neck is conservative yet still summery. The white pencil skirt continues this seasonal feeling while the belt detail showcases her style without jeopardizing any professionalism. In the second outfit she plays with greens. This is where we relearn the lesson it doesn’t have to match it just all has to go. There is no mistaking that these shades of greens play well together. Anchoring them in a neutral trouser helps the feminine blouse take the spotlight. We asked her a few questions so you can understand how she gets inspired to create these looks.
1- Describe your business casual style and tell us what you feel makes it unique.
My business casual style involves layering colors and patterns, adding blasts of bright colors or unique jewelry. I try to vary the structure and cut of my outfit one day to the next, some days highlighting my waist with a belt, other days my legs with a slimming pair of pants or a just-above-the-knee skirt. The idea is to choose an outfit that features one part of the body at a time so that you look professional but also feminine. I say one of the biggest factors that makes my style so unique is that I do it for little money, which is especially relevant today.
2- You have a knack for putting together stylish outfits on a budget. If money was no object where would you shop?
I’m so used to looking for a bargain, I’m not sure I could stop! But if I had an unlimited budget, I’d try to support up-and-coming designers who have really interesting, funky, fun lines and the small boutique stores you can find all over New York City.
3- Most of us would prefer to wear our blue jeans to the office. Do you have any personal advice on how important it is to dress to impress?
As professional women, it’s especially important for us to dress well in the office. There have been several articles written on this topic lately (including one in the Wall Street Journal) and many people have argued that women should pay more attention to doing good work and less to what they’re wearing. But guess what? What you wear and how you look and present yourself are all about building your image and making a lasting impression on your peers, your boss, management etc. Of course you should wow them with your performance but it’s only going to help you and your career in the long run if you also wow them with how you present yourself on a daily basis.
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! As women we have many more options on how to dress for work then men. This allows us to express ourselves. Krissie does this everyday and it only makes her stand out from her peers as she continues to produce examplory work. Ready to challenge yourself and Steal her Style? Use these pieces to get started.
Krissie says: “There is lots to choose from on the Workchic site in terms of clothes, accessories, jewelry, etc. I stuck to the basics, and of course the more affordable basics.”
  
 

“The black Rampage Belted Jacket is such a staple for summer and I picked two skirts and several blouses to pair it with. The black pencil skirt is a must have because it’s so versatile and I love the gathering in the tan skirt - perfect for tucking and belting. Which brings me to my two belt selections. The gold is for a bit classier look and the woven a bit more casual but I think either could go with almost any combination of blouses. I added the gold textured bracelet to play off either belts and the two turquoise necklaces to brighten up one of the more black and white outfits or that grayish jacket. I like that the necklaces sort of match too, so you may be able to double up on them, as well as pair them with the woven scarf… perhaps worn as a belt?”
 
 




To see more of Krissie’s stylish looks be sure to visit her site, What Would Krissie Wear?
June 24, 2009
June 21, 2009
Last week we asked our twitter friends for requests about dressing for the office. This one made us laugh and we just knew we had to address it.
“Would love to see what you do with white pants. I look like a sailor every time!”
It’s funny, but so often we talk about the fabric or construction of white pants to make them work appropriate. What about the styling? Well we utilized the outfits section of our site to better answer this questions. Here you can see some looks depending on if you are dressing for a casual or businesss casual office.
BUSINESS CASUAL OFFICE

These three business casual outfits will have you looking chic and not sailor for the office. Soft feminine blouses do the trick withe these styles. Plus playing with fun prints and strappy sandals helps too. Shop our outfits to reel in these looks for Summer: Printed Blouse - Grey Blazer - Blue Blouse
CASUAL OFFICE

Back in the middle of Spring we started getting excited about white pants and put these looks together for a casual office. Avoiding Navy, Red, and stripes is a great start to maintaining a non-sailor look. We like the idea of adding jackets to casual white pants to make the looks more professional. Soft feminine florals are always nice in the summer. Capture these looks yourself by shopping our outfits: Taupe Short Slv Jacket - Casual Pink Blouse - Max Studio Casual
We hope these looks will help you feel sophisticated and professional in your white pants. If you are really up for a challenge, try this white suit from Banana Republic. Good Luck putting your looks together!
If you have questions about keep your look Workchic, send them to us: info@workchic.com. We love answering your questions!
June 8, 2009
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!
May 18, 2009
It’s hot, your uncomfortable, and work still insists you dress business casual. What’s a chic mom-to-be to do? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

Summer Maternity Dress by Workchic featuring Miu Miu Shoes
Wear a bright summer dress that ties in the back to adjust for your growing belly and layer a tank underneath. This will make the look less revealing. You can accessorize with slingback flats, multi colored earrings and a woven handbag to complete the business casual look. Pair it with leggings when running around on the weekend. Dresses make getting ready in the morning easy, especially if you have another little one already running around.

Business Casual Maternity by Workchic featuring Old Navy Clothing
Our second business casual look starts with twill boot cut trousers. Secret fit belly should make sitting at your desk all day slightly more comfortable. Pair with a loose fitting summer print and wrap cardigan to fight off AC chill. We kept you in flats and matched them up to the cardigan. Accessorize with a brightly colored bracelet and finish with a warm grey bag.
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Casual Maternity by Workchic featuring Old Navy Clothing
Lastly we have an outfit for more casual days in the office. This is very similar to the last outfit, but paired up with denim. The tops are also more fitted which will show off your belly a little more, so avoid if your office is more conservative. We still recommend a cardigan in case you catch a chill and this deep purple shade is seasonless. We paired with comfortable loafers and an oversized ring.
We hope these looks will help you stay comfortable and fashionable this summer in the office. Consider buying items a size up, especially earlier in your pregnancy so that they do not become to tight to quickly. You may also need to purchase shoes one size up. We recommend sticking to flats and play with color like we did to stylize your summer wardrobe. If you don’t like anything hovering around your neck accessorize with earrings, bracelets, and statement rings instead. Oversized tote bags will also be great before and after the little one arrives.
   
For more Workchic maternity pieces check out our selection of dresses and tops. We also have many ballet flats in a large variety of office appropriate styles. This is an exciting time and we want you to breeze through the summer with grace and style. Keep your look Workchic with our suggestions and congratulations!
May 13, 2009
Soft ruffles have been a strong trend for a few seasons now, and what’s not to love about floral prints. We are going to put together some business casual outfits that are feminine and still professional.
There is no denying the femininity of this blouse, and we are sure you know how to wear it with your denim on weekends. Follow these steps to make it work at the office too. Pair with khaki trousers and a belt. Finish the look with a collarless short sleeve jacket and peep toe pumps. They will add the professional look you want for work.

Joie Kayce Top, reg $198 sale $138
Women: Linen collarless jacket - Vintage navy, $130
Women: Martin weekend trouser - Active shore, $69
Patagonia O Web Belt - Natural, $27.95
Harri Pump - Blue, reg $104.99, sale $89.99





How about a floral skirt with soft pleats? It’s chic on the weekends with a simple t-shirt. Make it stylish and work appropriate with a belted cardigan vest and blouse. Finish with neutral accessories and chic pumps.

BB Dakota Walsh Skirt, $44
Splendid Sleeveless Wrap Cardigan, $63
Lace Ruffle Top, $18.99
Women: BR Monogram patent leather belt - Taupe, $75
Pompadour - Camel Leather, $124
Women: Confetti bangle - Pine, $39






The trick is layering the soft styles with stronger more structured pieces. Jackets do wonders along with tailored trousers and belts. Pick up these pieces and try experimenting with dresses too. We have a great selection for Spring and Summer. Have fun shopping and don’t be afraid incorporate soft and feminine styles into your professional wardrobe.

May 11, 2009
April 27, 2009
We know the last few months have been exhausting for you, and we have given you a slight pass on your work wardrobe. But the rush is over and it’s time to get back to your professional image. We also understand that your office may be more conservative then most but that you still want to be fashionable. These looks will help you rediscover your professional, feminine, and chic financial style.
Business Professional offices are more prevalent in your field then others. Instead of going with a basic suit we selected separates and put together your own chic suit. This jacket has nice details and a crisp look. We paired it with basic black trousers. We would generally wear the jacket closed to keep it more professional. We like the idea of a little color popping out around the neckline, so we found a light weight knit top to wear underneath. Play up the black grosgrain details on the jacket with a black pearl necklace and ring. Finish the look with a low heeled sling back pumps. This style has a unique woven detail at the toe.

Alex Marie “Tasha” Jacket, $139

Ellen Tracy “Linda” Doubleweave Pants, $278

Women: Women’s Slub-Knit Puff-Sleeve Tees - Bright Coral, $14.50
Lauren Ralph Lauren 14mm Pearl Necklace, $58

Dillard´s Sterling Collection Pearl Ring, $36

Matisse Women’s Slice Slingback Pump, Originally $95.95, currently on sale for $42.
Our second look is for business casual offices. We started with a pleated skirt in a sophisticated print and paired it with a button down ruffled blouse. Tuck the blouse in and belt the look. We went with a dark brown belt and wedges. Then added a navy satchel and sand colored watch. So, while you are stepping out a little in a printed skirt, all the other pieces keep the look toned down and professional.

Dana Buchman Pleated Silk Skirt, Original price $56, currently on sale for $28
City Style Shadow Stripe Ruffle Shirt, Original price $36.95, on sale for $22.17
City Style Wide Buckle Belt, $19.95
Nine West Women’s Tuffy Tailored Wedge, $78.95, current sale price $59.57
DKNY Chronograph Watch, $165

MAXX NEW YORK Babbo Tote, $136.40






We hope this inspires you to reach a little deeper into your closet tomorrow and start doing some Spring shopping. For more business casual skirts, in petite, tall and plus sizes, check out our Apparel & Skirt section. Your our hard working financial advisor and times are tough right now. Make sure your associates and customers know you mean business as soon as you walk in the door. Showing yourself in this professional and chic light will build their confidence and trust in your advice.
Tell us how you plan to keep it Workchic, and send any work style questions to info@workchic.com.
 
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