I met my dear friend Lia last Saturday for lunch and she was the epitome of Weekend chic.  What is Weekend Chic you ask? She created a workchic look that transferred to the weekend.  Just because you want to feel comfortable doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style!  We loved how she wore a cardigan and ruffled button down blouse while pairing it with a statement necklace and skinny black jeans. Just the right touch of casual with sophistication.

Want to create your own Weekend Chic look?  We created an example for you in Polyvore.  

Weekend Chic by Workchic featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs tops

Items in this set:
Marc by marc jacobs knitwear, 220 GBP
French Connection Promenade Ruffle Sleeve T-Shirt, Black/Off-White, XS, 40 GBP
Black Mod Straight Slim Mid Rise Jean by Nobody Denim, 165 GBP
Giuseppe Zanotti Ballet flats with chain detail, 440 GBP
Bulga Handbags - De Mar (Red) - Bags and Luggage, $315

We would love to see your favorite Weekend chic look! Send us a photo of yourself, friend, or celeb wearing that coveted  look!

Have a good weekend from Workchic.com!

We’ve told you how we plan to help you jump start 2010 with chic style, top notch career advice, and even some life and nutrition tips.  Now it’s time to dive in at the foundation- Your Basics!

These are the key building blocks of your professional wardrobe. Whether you have a last minute meeting or a hectic morning, with these pieces you will never have another “I have nothing to wear” moment.  We’ve discussed some of these items in previous blog entries but here we will reiterate our top 10 must haves for your work wardrobe.

1- Black Pants
2- Solid Skirt
3- White Blouse
4- Fitted Blazer
5- Cardigan
6- Solid Dress
7- Black Shoes
8- White and Black Tshirt
9- Classic Watch
10- Tote Bag that will fit your resume

With these pieces alone you could make several outfits for the office. Here’s an example using your black A-line skirt, tshirt, cardigan, black heels, watch, and tote bag. You are instantly Workchic!

Styles shown from:
Jones New York: Black Ponte Belted Skirt, Ships 1/7, The Ruffle Trim V Neck Cardigan in grey, White Solid Puff Sleeve Tee.
Nine West: Barbe pointed toe pump, Amelia Laptop Tote
Dillard’s: Emporio Armani Classic Black-Dial Watch

Now you can personalize this outfit with a statement necklace, chandelier earrings, or swap out the tshirt for a printed blouse.  We pulled the Artemus Stone Necklace and Gemma Stone Earrings from Stella & Dot and also selected Hanii Y Brick Print Blouse as an unexpected alternative from shopbop.com.

To keep you moving in the right direction we have created 4 more looks building on your basics. Check them out and shop now for regular, petite, tall, or plus sizes.
 
 
For Petite ladies we started with a basic black dress and built up a business casual outfit from there.  Fashion cardigans can be just as useful as your basics when pairing them with neutral colors. That’s why we selected the pop of pink to highlight this wrap dress. The delicate nature of this styling called for your basic black flats as well. Cluster drop earrings and Celtic knot inspired ring completes your simple and professional look.

Styles shown from:
The Limited: Draped Wrapped Dress, Grosgrain Flower Cardigan, Cluster Drop Earrings, Crazy Eight Ring
Heels.com: Tamia Flat - Black
 
 
For Plus Sizes we used your black blazer, pumps, and tote bag.  For your personal touch of style, instead of a basic black dress we showcased one with a bold graphic print along the hem. To keep things office appropriate try a Second Base Demi-Cami underneath (newly available in plus sizes). Finish the look with teardrop earrings and black stud bracelet.

Styles shown from:
Lane Bryant: Black Knit Dress, Updated career jacket, Flame teardrop earrings
Dillard’s: Liz Claiborne New York Beaded Stretch Bracelet, Jessica Simpson “Josette” Peep Toe Pump, Fossil “Hathaway” Glazed Leather Tote

  
For all you tall ladies, we understand your issues finding pants and shirts that are the right length. So that’s where we started with your outfit. We pulled black pants and a white dress shirt to lay the foundation. Then we added on a pink cotton scarf from Silk Road Spirit, skinny belt, and copper bracelet. To finish the look we pulled back in your basic black flats.

Styles shown from:
Banana Republic: Banana Republic Womens Silky Coal Martin Skinny Pant, Banana Republic Tall french cuff shirt, Banana Republic Skinny stone-belt, Banana Republic Sandie knotted peep toe flat
Dillard’s: Fossil Stretch Bracelet
 
 
As you can see having these core pieces in your wardrobe make building outfits easier and more fun. After all, accessories always look best glinting off a simple palette.  We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your clothing. It should be an afterthought once you walk out the door. Take one last look in the mirror then get down to business. Stay tuned while we turn some or our focus to your successful career.

Gap.com is a great source for business casual sweaters, pants, and more.  For a limited time only! Get 25% off regularly priced Gap merchandise. Enter GIFT123 at check out. Shop now while supplies last!  

We selected some of the best styles to create chic business casual looks to carry you stylishly through the winter.

This colorblocked cardigan can stand on it’s own or stand out with a scarf highlighted in hot pink. Finish the look with black wide leg trousers and pointed toe ballet flats.
Women: Colorblock cardigan - heather gray
Women: Wide leg trousers - true black
Women: Striped scarf - comet blue
Women: Sparkle flats - caviar

Feminize a military jacket with subtle ruffle trim then up the volume in a textured blouse. We paired this with denim trousers. This outfit is ideal for a business casual office, if you have a meeting on a casual Friday. You’ll still be in denim like your coworkers, but you’ll be dressed to present.  Red duffle bag is an unexpected pop of color and can have you ready for the weekend.
Women: Ruffle-trimmed military jacket - charcoal
Women: Ribbon-trim textured-stripe shirt - optic white
Women: Hip-slung flare leg denim trousers - denim
Women: Wool-blend duffle bag - cinnabar red

Shop now before coupon expires on November 22nd. Use coupon code GIFT23 at check out and save 25%.  Happy Shopping!

MaxStudio.com has a great range of products for your office. If you haven’t checked them out before, now’s the time. 10% off for FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS with coupon code “WelcomeMax.”  You can shop by category or outfit, plus they have a sale and super sale section.  Here are a few of the pieces we are coveting for the office.

These tops can be mixed and matched into business casual or casual outfits. Layer the cardigan over short sleeve tops for simple fall layers. You can can also tame volume with a belt or blazer.

With constantly unpredictable weather, having a great trench on hand is key. From wool to lux jacquard, you will be set for many occasions. Start shopping today and take advantage of his first time customer sale. Not a first time customer? Then you already know how chic Maxstudio.com is.  Let’s go shopping!

It may be difficult to put together stylish looks when you know finger paint is in your near future. You can still look chic and professional whether working as a nanny, preschool teacher, or with any small children. Our keys to your work wardrobe success are easy care washable items. Not only do you want to look pulled together for your personal image, but it will give you confidence when meeting with the child’s parents or your administrator.  We will also cover what to wear when interviewing for these positions.

For day to day activity we like khaki’s instead of denim. We had fun with a floral printed blouse and added a light weight cardigan. Finish the look with on the move ballet flats.

Women: Straight khaki trousers - mission tan, $49.50 available in regular, petite, and tall.
Women: Women’s Sheer Ruffle-Trim Shirts - Purple Floral, $24.50
Women: Women’s Shirred Lightweight Cardigans - Bradley Brown, $14.50
Women’s shoes/bags: Very Volatile Betty Suede - Brown, $60
We found this whole outfit within Gap shops, so you only have one shipping charge!

When interviewing, step it up another level. Now is a great time to wear a skirt or dress. We went with a simple wrap dress it is sophisticated without looking like you’re afraid to get dirty. We layered a cami underneath and paired with a low wedge. The adorable bag will fit your resume perfectly, but is also a diaper bag so your are work ready.

stretch rayon dress, $79.50
Nunzia - Baby “J” Baby Bag, $129.00
Etienne Aigner Women’s Garrity Peep-Toe Wedge, $65.95
Gypsy Brass Necklace, $70.00
Women: Women’s Shelf-Bra Camis - Lead Pipe, $12.50
Geneva Platinum 7198 (Women’s) - Black/Gold, $33.45

Keep these in mind the next time you are about to slip into your jeans. You can put together these casual chic looks just as quickly and easily. If you are planning to wear blue jeans, pair them with printed blouses or belted cardigans and keep the cartoon tees at home. Ballet flats are a stylish alternative to sneakers or flip flops in the summer. We know taking care of children and helping to educate them for the future is not an easy job. We’re here to help you with the style portion- now go do a little “back to school” shopping!

We received a question from one of our readers who is interviewing for a new job. She aced her first interview and is now being called in for a second. Her question is:

“I only have one suit and I already wore it to my first interview. What do I wear for this one?”

This happens often. Since business suits are no longer the normal attire for most industries, it’s common for women to only have one suit in their wardrobe. Hopefully you have selected a basic suit that you will get the most use out of. With that said, if you will be working in a company or industry that requires business professional attire, now is the time to invest in that second suit. Since this is not the case for Michelle, we are going share some easy ways to keep your look professional while utilizing part of your existing suit.

Remember you have already been to the offices and you know what the dress code is. This will help you better dress for the environment but you should still take your look up a level. If you are going in for a second interview you will probably be meeting with your potential boss’s boss. Generally the person in this position will dress to meet her authority. Make sure you dress accordingly.

Trade in your basic bottoms for a skirt with a sophisticated print. This should be something tonal and in colors that compliment your suit jacket. This Women: Cotton floral-print full skirt - Unbleached white will look nice with khaki and white suit jackets. Chaps Paisley Pleated Skirt at Kohl’s will be perfect with a black suit jacket. Full and A-line skirts are the most universally flattering, but pencil skirts can also look very professional. If you have a brown jacket, try this Antonio Melani “Lissa” Skirt.

If the office is more casual you can opt to trade your jacket for a blouse and cardigan combo. Both of the styles we selected from Banana Republic have a structured jacket feeling. This silk printed blouse will keep the professional feeling and look nice under either the grey or brown cardigan.

Either of these updates will breathe fresh life into your outfit while maintaining your professional appearance. If your not comfortable veering from a more traditional look with a full suit then swap out your accessories and select a blouse in a completely different hue or try a print.  We have many blouses selected for a business office that will update your look. 

Hopefully this will give you a little added confidence to land that job! 

We’d love to hear how you make changes to your interview outfits for different positions. If you’d like to be featured in a new series about how to dress for an interview, email us info@workchic.com. You can also send any work style questions to that address.  Getting ready for work should be the easiest part of your day, we want to help you make your effortless looks professional, feminine, and chic everyday! 

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer.  We know the weather is gorgeous and you are dying to head to the beach. Unfortunately that 9-5 keeps getting in the way.  Be careful not to let you dreams of lounging in the sand creep into your appearance. We know it’s hot, but you still need to dress for the office.  These are some of our favorite pieces to help beat the summer heat and still keep your look professional.

Dresses are a must! To get these styles for under $40, Shop at Target.com .  They are easy ways to keep your look Workchic without overheating in the summer temps. 

If your office is not too conservative, you can also go with capris or even knee length shorts.  These we’re both found at Gap.com and also under $40.  Make sure the shorts come to your knee to keep them work appropriate.

When you think of cardigans the words hot and winter may pop into your mind; but they are perfect this time of year. Light weight and short sleeve cardigans will fight off the chill of over air conditioned offices. This first style from Tobi is regularly $189, on-sale for $132. The cotton and cashmere blend is in such a sophisticated silhouette it is worth the investment.  We also found a 3/4 sleeve style at New York & Company for under $40 that comes in 12 different colors.

Cardigans will layer over sleeveless tops and dresses nicely; making them more conservative and professional.  Just think how they will come in handy when you have a last minute meeting and your bare arms feel inappropriate. 

These pieces should keep you comfortable and professional throughout the summer.  Some other pieces to try for the office this summer are sandals, skirts, and light weight blouses.  Layer these in with fun prints and your tried and true basics to achieve an effortless summer style. Check through our apparel section to select pieces appropriate for work and stay tuned for more Workchic tips and finds.

No, we are not talking about “green” clothes made of organic materials, though we have covered that before and will again. We are talking about St Patty’s Day and how you can wear your green, avoid being pinched, and still look Workchic!

We urge you to avoid pulling out that forest green wool blazer that has been your March 17th staple forever, and turn to some new looks. We love the idea of adding a simple accessory. If green is not you favorite color, go cheap and chic with a beaded necklace or printed scarf. But if shades of green light up your eyes and compliments your features, really go for it. Invest in a new light weight cashmere sweater or silk blouse. Here are some other hot finds that will help you go green, shamrock green that is.

At Old Navy we found a beaded necklace for $14.50, a ruffle front cardigan on sale for $20, and a lightweight scarf for $12.50.  Any of these options will work in the office for St. Patrick’s day or any day of the week.  Green looks great over your black and white basics.

Cowl neck top from NY & Co on sale for $23.60. At ModCloth.com we found this Scarf in a great print for Spring and only $24.99.  Plus a cropped jacket for $57.99.

You didn’t think we would forget shoes, did you?  Pick these up at Piperlime.com.  Sam Edelman flats are $99, Nine West wedges are $89, Naughty Monkey peep toe pumps $75.  Nine West wedges are classic business casual in an updated loafer.  Remember Piperlime.com offers free shipping.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Workchic.com!

Not only did Thakoon show a Fall collection with ensembles you could wear to the office, he also currently has a line available at Target.  Let’s take a look at what styles we can take from Runway to Reality.

His prints had a sophisticated edge we love for more conservative environments.  Shown in shades of blue and black they had a geometric quality without going tribal or ethnic as we have seen in many collections this fall.  We also prefer the black tights for work opposed to the overwhelming amount of leggings we have seen this season.

Soft neutrals were shown along side pops of color, like this stunning pleated Kelly green blouse.

You know we love printed dresses, but we were also impressed with the luxurious and professional quality of his solid dresses.  The tan style is the perfect update to a shirt dress with simple details along the placket. While this black dress may not be the most fashion forward design, it’s the perfect look for any work wardrobe.  The LBD goes from office hours to dinner dates with ease.

Capture the style of his unique prints for Spring either in a full skirt or a blouse with pleated details along the neckline.  Either item is pure business casual style.  Add a cardigan in gray for chilly offices or until Spring temps finally emerge.

Pop your work wardrobe with a little color in this pleated short sleeve blouse.  The details are similar to the Kelly Green style shown on the runway.  You can score this style from Target for only $8.04 in Sunny Yellow or $11.49 in White!  Combine the shirt dress and LBD in this office ready style.  Accessorize with your favorite beaded necklace or printed scarf.

Special thanks to Style.com for their excellent runway coverage.  Extra special thanks to Thakoon Panichgul for collaborating with Target to create a line affordable for everyone.  No one should have a problem updating their work wardrobes for Spring with these pieces. 

We all gravitate towards certain colors.  Whether it is your favorite color, a shade you always get compliments in, or just something you gravitate towards; it’s time to break your color routine.  If your not sure what this color is, or are about to dismiss the idea entirely, go visit your closet.  Sort all your tops by color.  When you find your pattern follow these tips.

Shy to change?  Slide along the color wheel.  If you have a lot of red try pink, wine or a burnt orange.  Hooked on Blue?  Pick up a top in purple or lavender. 

Now that we’ve given you a color wheel of choices, jump across and pick up a shirt in a complimentary shade.  Or be adventurous and pick up a style in every color!  Your coworkers will be surprised and impressed when you walk in.  Make your purchase count and truly update your work wardrobe with an item that will stand out in your closet.  Break your color Routine today!