Let’s kick start the week with a basic outfit that each and every career fashionista must embrace – button shirt + denim pants + blazer.  It’s a casual yet sophisticated style that is perfect as a business casual look.  We adore the outfits of these two ladies (one being a familiar face, Zoe Saldana) as they are simplistically chic with a capital C!

photo credit (right): stockholmstreetstyle

White trousers/denims are must-haves for this season and, the blue/white striped top is amazing worn together.  We chose the 3/4 sleeve blazer so that the shirt’s cocktail cuffs are seen.  Lastly, sexy leopard slingbacks adds a touch of glam without piling on the jewelry.

Shirt, Blazer, Denim Pants, Slingbacks

By the way, Zoe’s lovely bag is the Givenchy Antigona bag.  If you are feeling the urge to splurge check out this fabulous Antigona selection.

Look super chic in a black & beige business casual ensemble.  We used the beige hue for a “tone-on-tone” outfit.  The cropped jacket is absolutely fabulous spring “go-to” outerwear.

Top, Trousers, Blazer, Shoes, Handbag, Belt

One of our favorite days to get dressed for work has to be “casual Fridays” or for those of you that work in a more relaxed work environment this could be any day of the week.  On those days where you can be less business and more casual is when you can really have a blast wearing a wider variety of shoes including fashion-forward boots.

We are smitten by knee-high riding boots because of the rugged yet feminine appeal, not to mention the overall comfort.  Rich brown leather is quite versatile and will age beautifully as the years go by.  Here are 3 Workchic picks that will make great additions to your work shoe collection.

Frye Melissa Button knee-high boots, Miz Mooz Kent riding boots, Timberland Earthkeepers Cabot 2.0

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  Monday’s come around so fast, don’t they?  Let’s brighten things up a bit from all the grays & blacks we’ve been featuring lately.  We’ve incorporated purple, red, and gold to give today’s outfit a pretty pop of color.

The lean button shirt is a perfect layering piece under a jacket or cardigan.  Do we ever get tired of wearing chic cardigans?  Certainly not, especially the more sophisticated style in purple (seen below)!  The SNOBBY SHEEP Cardigan (in purple) is now on sale for $135 $335, what a smoking deal!  For today’s look – leave the shirt out, put on a cardigan (you may unbutton) then cinch with an embossed belt.  Wear with a pair of black court shoes and denim trousers to add a fabulous dressy flair.  A red tote and chunky gold necklace completes the whole ensemble.

SNOBBY SHEEP Cardigan
Banana Republic Sam button-front tunic
Bertie Oscar Woven Leather Toe Cap Court
Joe’s Jeans High Rise Wide Leg Trousers
Calvin Klein ‘Fish Scale’ Embossed Leather Belt
Ralph Lauren Newbury Leather Classic Tote
Antik Batik Dany Big Necklace

A few days ago I was watching the news and one of the anchors was wearing a gorgeous blue button shirt.  The way she styled her look with a blue shirt and khaki suit, it was so clean and refreshing. So, I thought why not feature blue button shirts as part of the Frugal Wednesday feature?  Here is a nice selection all for $50 or less, click images to purchase.

More Victoria’s Secret…

One thing that is universal for all of us that work in an office setting is that feeling of “it’s always so cold in here” no matter what season it is.  If you are like us you really do not want to keep your coat or jacket on all day and what is the point of that if it keeps your outfit covered up?  Cardigans are wonderful pieces for layering and you can easily mix and match them with different outfits.

Here are some lovely cardigans that will come in handy to keep you stylish and warm at the same time while enduring the office chill all year long.

Amber Sun Long Cardigan – $38.90 $79

Beyond Vintage Sequin Cardigan – $99 $246

Daring Solo Performance Cardigan – $89.99

BCBGMAXAZRIA Wool Wrap Cardigan $228

Cashmere Blend 1-Hook Cardigan – $29.99 $59.90

Sense Striped Open Cardigan – $78

Jones New York Signature – $99

I had to let you all know about the latest sale at JNY.  It looks like they’ve re-stocked some inventory as well from what I could see.

I don’t know about you, but we can hardly wait until Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  In the meantime here are some great deals to help you get started even earlier and save big.  Whether it is free shipping or 50% and more off, there are some great deals to be had even before the busiest shopping week of the year begins.

ChadWick’s – ends 11/30
Save 40% off your CHADWICKS order with purchase of 2 or more items. Use code CHAFF211, offer expires 11.30.10

Lane Bryant – ends 11/22
Save Up to 50% Off Online Only

Kohl’s – ends 11/20
50-60% Off Selected Apt. 9 Apparel

Anne Klein
Anne Klein: Save up to 40% On Boots & Handbags + Free Shipping

Lord & Taylor – ends 11/22
Buy 1 Pair of Boots, Get 2nd Pair 50% Off

Shoes.com – ends 11/21
Receive 20% off + Free Shipping at Shoes.com with promo code SHOEDEAL. Valid 11/15 – 11/21/10
Shoes.com Sale: Save over 60% plus Free Shipping

Apart – ends 11/30
Receive $50 OFF when you spend $100 at APART. Use promo code: APTJN50

Spiegel – ends 11/30
Spiegel Sale save up to 70% off.

NY &Co – ends 11/21
Everything is buy one get one 50% off! Shop Now

OneStopPlus – ends 11/30
OneStopPlus.com – 30% off your highest-priced item with code OSPCOUPON1
OneStopPlus.com – Enjoy 20% off your entire order when you buy 3 or more items with code OSPCOUPON3

PurseBoutique – ends 11/30
15% Off at Purse Boutique – Use coupon code 15FFAG10 to save an additional 15% storewide at Purse Boutique plus free shipping on orders over $50.

Newport News – ends 11/23
Newport-News Warehouse Sale Event – Up to 80% off

Swirl – ends 11/30
Free Shipping Over $50 on Your First Purchase, Code GETSWIRL – Ends 11/30

The Limited – ends 11/25
30% off all cardigans at The Limited!

On a tight budget this summer? Looking to add a little life to your work wardrobe?

We find one of the easiest ways to add life to your work wardrobe on a budget is by coordinating new pieces with your basics. Here are a couple great examples of pieces you can use to update your existing basics for Summer.

Keep your black pencil skirt Business Casual and add a feminine printed blouse for some personal style. Finish the look with your black pumps and a complimentary bracelet. Free as a Bird Blouse and Oh Pear Bracelet are both available at Modcloth.com.

Wear your basic black pants or khaki trousers with a new paisley printed cotton cardigan. The mix of materials is hot this season, cardigan has a woven front and knit back. Complete your business casual look with t-strap wedges in fuchsia.

Polish this Gap Pleated Floral Skirt by adding your basic white blouse or a simple tee. Finish with a statement necklace.

With a few new pieces you can easily create fresh looks for the summer. Happy Shopping!

Enjoy this article? Follow Jennifer on your favorite network.

Jennifer Lynn Diana
@Workchic_Jenn
Jennifer Lynn Diana

Black and White punctuated with bold Blue, you know I couldn’t pass by this organically printed and draped blouse. I’ll start by admitting this look may not fly in all offices. But if your workplace is more contemporary or leans toward the casual side of business casual, you can pull off this top. Simply pair it with straight leg black trousers and sleek black heels or even ballet flats. You may also want to layer a demi-cami underneath, to avoid any issues as the neckline inevitably shifts.

While your first thought may not be Business Casual, I immediately fell in love with this top and set out to make it Workchic.  So turn to those basics and create a chic look for yourself!

PS: Robert Rodriguez Draped Print Silk Top is currently on sale.

Enjoy this article? Follow Jennifer on your favorite network.

Jennifer Lynn Diana
@Workchic_Jenn
Jennifer Lynn Diana