Friday, September 30, 2011

Daily MelWear: Seeing Spots

I think this outfit is an example of how a little bit can go a long way. A little bit of leopard, a splash of red, and a simple black dress is jazzed up just enough.

Thursdays (obviously I'm back posting) are jeans days in our office, and I was the only one not wearing jeans. I'm going to have to work on that when the weather starts cooling down. Maybe I need to go shopping for some jeans that fit better. Who wants to go shopping with me?

I have a small request, for those of you willing. The daughter of one of my former bosses took her own life last week, and the funeral is today. I'll be there to support their family, and I'd like to just ask for your thoughts and prayers. The entire situation (there's a lot more to it) is tragic and heart-breaking.

So...just pray with me. Please...and thank you.

And one reminder - BBCA kicks off tomorrow! We've had a few more participants sign up over the past couple of days and I'm so excited! I'm not promising an outfit post every single day, but I WILL wear my pink every day and I'll make a strong effort to take photos every day to post later when I can.

Hope you all have a great Friday - and please remember to pray.

Today's outfit:
Dress: Goodwill Boutique
Leopard Belt: Stein Mart (came with a skirt)
Red Sandals: From my mom

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Daily MelWear: Fall...ish

Although technically the first day of autumn was last Friday, it's still been in the 90s this week. It looks like we may get down into the 80s by the weekend but still...that doesn't feel like fall.

This outfit is my attempt at autumnal attire without sweating to death. Especially considering the AC in our office doesn't function as well as it should, so it can get up to almost 80 in the afternoon.

The skirt is actually a tube dress but it's a little big and the top doesn't stay up as well as it should, so I wear it as a skirt instead. Repurposing pieces is a good thing. :) 

So here are some questions for you: how do you dress for fall when it's still unbearably hot, and what item(s) have you repurposed recently?  

Discuss.

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Ross
Red Blouse: Wal-Mart
Belt: Charlotte Russe (I think...)
Sandals: Beall's

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Daily MelWear: Board or Bored

Yesterday was one of our bi-monthly board meetings. I've worn this suit before, pretty much the same way but with a different color combo. I haven't been very creative with it, but I'm coming up with some new ideas as I sit here and mope about the fact that this day seems to be taking FOREVER.

I really just want the days to go by quickly so I can get to the weekend faster. I know I'm not the only one. Right?

I'm getting really excited for BBCA! I also feel like I should go shopping. See, I never said that you couldn't shop during this challenge. If you find more pink pieces, by all means, go buy them.

I'm such an enabler...

(You're welcome.)

May you all have a wonderful and quickly-passing Wednesday! (Seriously, why does the weekend always take SO LONG to get here?!)

Today's outfit:
Skirt Suit: Ross
Purple Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Yellow Belt: Target
Heels: DSW

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Blogging for Breast Cancer Awearness - 2011

It's time for this year's Blogging for Breast Cancer Awearness Challenge! If you're not familiar with the BBCA Challenge, click here to read more about it.

The bloggers participating in the challenge this year are listed below. Some are choosing to take part the entire month, some are doing just a week or one outfit per week, and others are sprinkling in the pink where they can.

If you'd like to join us this year, leave a comment or send me an email at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com} and I'll update the list with your link. I don't know how to create honest-to-goodness badges {I should really learn how to do that}, so just grab the photo and post it on your blog with a link back here.




And now...go check out everyone's blogs to see who's helping spread awareness among the internetz this year!


Amy of Amy Fashion Blog
Apples and Pencil Skirts
Jessica of Bows and Sequins
Bessie of Bravoe Runway
Tiffany of Breakfast with Tiffany
Cara of Cara's Closet
Van of The Clothes We Wear
Dayi of Dayi's Sense of Style
EE of eek!
Kelly of Fashion Fuel
Melissa of Frumpy Hausfrau Fashions
Heather and Kayla of H & K Style Journey
Courtney of I Can Be Many Things
Lisa of Just Fabu-LESS
Danielle of Keep Warm
Roseanna of The Long and Short of It
Francis of Mad Dress Game
Tara of Mix and Match Fashion
Randi of Not Just Mom
Charisse of Pretty Inside and Out
Rheannia of Rhe Style
Nico of Satin and Salt
Colleen of Scrap and Run
LeeAnne of Style 'n Season
Jenn of The Suburb Experiment
Tara of This Life, Redefined
Emily of Tinfoil Tiaras
Callie of Unladylike
Viktoria of Viktoria with a K
Andie of What Andie Wears

Daily MelWear: Charming

Apparently there is some fabulous accessory store called Charming Charlie's of which I was not aware. My parents went to Texas to visit some family last week and my aunt introduced my mom to it. This necklace and a matching bracelet is what my mom brought back for me. She keeps gushing about how much I would love this store...if only they had one anywhere near us. So sad.

However, it helps that this weekend was really good. Nathan and I took our girls to see The Lion King 3D! That movie originally came out when I was in high school and I remember seeing it with the youth group on opening day. I LOVE The Lion King, it brings back so many memories, and it was a ton of fun to see it in theaters again and share that with my daughter. She liked it, although she wasn't a huge fan of the 3D glasses and only had them on for a few minutes.

You guys, I realize that autumn has officially arrived, but I can't bring myself to break out the autumn clothes. It's just way too hot still! I love the heat, that's why I live in Florida, but part of me can't wait for cold weather so I can break out my boots again. I miss my boots. 

So tell me, what's your favorite cold weather item? 

Today's outfit:
Skirt: From my aunt (part of a suit)
Black Tank: Can't remember
Cardigan: Plato's Closet
Belt: Dots
Sandals: Beall's
Necklace: From my mom 

Monday, September 26, 2011

Proper Professional: Smart 'n Snazzy

The Proper Professional feature was birthed out of my desire to spread the blogging love while also gaining some insight into professional and business attire in various situations. My goal is to feature bloggers from all different professions, whether stay-at-home moms, mega-corporation executive assistants, work-from-home employees, small office staff, business owners or more, to view different perspectives and opinions on what is appropriate, acceptable, and professional. Hopefully you'll be inspired and introduced to some great new blogs, too! To catch up on previous interviews, click here.

Today we're hearing what Lia of Smart 'n Snazzy: Stylish Without Going Broke thinks about the attire of professionals!

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog. 
I started 'Smart n Snazzy: Stylish Without Going Broke' as a creative outlet.  I have my degree in mathematics and work in a technical field, and I really wanted to force myself to be creative on a more regular basis.  I still haven't gotten to the "regular basis" part, but I'm getting there.  I love making things, so I did a lot of DIYs when I first started.  I've lately been doing mostly outfit posts and shopping hauls, in an attempt to branch out more.  I am still looking to find that perfect balance, I'll get there!  I try to focus on staying chic without spending a fortune.  I hope to inspire others, as well as gain inspiration along the way.

How did you come up with your blog name?
I wanted something that really represented me and what I wanted my blog to be. I chose "Smart" for it's literal meaning but also for its implied meaning, paired with "Snazzy". I think that "Stylish Without Going Broke" brings the two together. It's a little long, yes, but it fits me so well! I didn't want a name that was too simple, but I wanted it to be a little catchy yet very unique. I like to think that I'm bringing snazzy back :)

Do you work from home or outside the home, and what do you do?
I work full time as a Data Analyst for Staples, supporting the N. American Delivery Customer Service unit. I do a lot of report development in MicroStrategy (a business intelligence tool) as well as write some mean SQL code. I am able to work from home when needed, which is rather nice! I am the only female in my department, but it's something that I'm used to and really does not bother me much.

Do you have a dress code by which you need to abide (either corporate or self-imposed)? If so, what is it and how do your co-workers (if applicable) approach the dress code?
Luckily, we have jeans days every Monday and Friday. The remainder of the week is business casual. All that said, the majority of the office is a call center, so the dress code is rather relaxed and not super professional. I try to dress nicely though; it's that 'dress for the job you want, not the job you have' idea. When I wear jeans, I still wear heels and a blouse or nice top. The other days, I wear a skirt or slacks. The guys wear slacks or jeans and a polo or button down.

Do you choose your outfits in advance or in the morning, and how long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?
I wish I was organized enough to plan my outfits in advance; alas, I stand in my closet with a towel around me, picking something out at the last minute. To shower, get dressed and accessorized and do my hair/makeup it takes me about 45 minutes. I could probably slash that in half if I planned better :)

If you were commissioned to rewrite the dress code, what would you change (if anything)?
I think that women should be able to wear shorts so long as they are no shorter than an acceptable skirt length. I've noticed most workplaces do not allow knee-length shorts, but they will allow mid-thigh length skirts, which really makes little to no sense.

Do you think companies should take into account the potential cost for certain dress codes to be achieved and if so, should they be concerned about the cost being equal for both men and women?
I do not think that companies need to take this into account; since we are assuming it is a professional workplace, we can assume we are not talking minimum wage here.  It's more than possible to look fabulous without spending a ton of money, and I think that is what a lot of us bloggers are trying to show!  The cost doesn't need to be equal for men and women; men's clothes are plenty expensive and affordable as well.  What needs to be discussed though is pay equality for men and women.  If a woman is making say 10% less than her male counterparts, it makes it more difficult for that woman to dress the part and she has to work harder to look just as nice, on a smaller budget.

What is your definition of professional attire and would this vary if the business is a small business compared to a larger corporation?
Professional attire is what one should wear if their clients were visiting their office. I think we should always dress as though that were the case. It depends on the workplace, of course. One who is a lawyer at a law firm would be expected to wear a suit daily, as opposed to an IT specialist, who strolls in wearing jeans and sneakers. It ultimately depends on if your role is client-facing or not, regardless of the size of the company.

What are some pieces that every woman should have available in their professional arsenal?
We all know the basics: white blouse, black blazer, slacks, and pencil skirt, trench coat, black pumps... I also feel that women should have a few beautiful silk blouses, leopard pumps, and depending on the local climate, a wool trench coat.

What pieces are never professionally appropriate regardless of the situation?
Anything with spaghetti straps without another item of clothing layered over it, a skirt that a women is not comfortable bending over in, ripped jeans, flip flops, and especially crocs.

Describe an outfit you'd wear in each of the following settings: 
1. A typical day at work.
Any typical day at work you will find a 2/5 chance of me in jeans and a nice top, and a 3/5 chance of me in slacks in a top. I really let my personality shine through my accessories. 
2. A formal business meeting.
At a formal business meeting I would wear slacks with a silky blouse and more reserved accessories.
 
3. An informal meeting with co-workers. 
For an informal meeting with co-workers I wouldn't dress any differently than I would any typical day.
 
4. A business dinner with co-workers and superiors.
I had a formal business dinner last week with my co-workers and superiors, and I wore a bright silky blouse, high-waisted trousers, black pumps and cuff bracelets.

Are there any questions you wish I'd asked or is there anything else you'd like to mention regarding this topic?
I'd like to ask/answer a question regarding interview attire.  In today's workplace/workforce/economy/etc, I feel it is a good question to ask.  "What would you wear for a job interview?"

I recently was in this situation after losing my job of almost four years.  I went to Banana Republic, who was having a 40% off suiting sale!  I bought a black wool blazer and trousers as well as the matching high-waisted pencil skirt.  I went to Target and bought a plain white blouse and to DSW for a pair of black pumps.  With this arsenal, I was prepared for a first interview, and would wear a blue blouse with the skirt if I was required a second interview.  Now, these items are staples in my closet, I wear the skirt,trousers, blouse, and pumps for a typical day at work, and the blazer I normally wear with jeans on jeans days.

So friends, to repeat Lia's question, what would you wear for a job interview? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks to Lia for sharing her thoughts and opinions with us. Take a few moments and check out her blog!

If you've thought about sharing your thoughts on the subject, what are you waiting for? I need more bloggers to feature in future posts so email me NOW at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com}.

Have a great day, lovelies!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Daily MelWear: Back to Normal

After the last few outfits of trying things I wasn't real crazy about, I decided to stick with my tried and true formula of a pencil skirt, blouse, belt, and heels. And leopard. There is truly nothing better than a good leopard print, especially in a stiletto.

This is typical me. It's comfy. It's familiar. It's not particularly creative or inventive, but it works. The one creative element is that I turned the belt around (groundbreaking, I know) so that the studs are in the front and more part of the overall outfit.

I know a lot of people have their typical outfit formula. What's yours? What do you think it is that makes it work for you?

Have a fantastic Thursday, friends!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Ross (part of a skirt suit)
Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Belt: From my mom
Leopard Heels: Payless

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Daily MelWear: Fall?

Anyone who has been reading this blog for any length of time knows that I like to layer. It makes me happy to come up wtih different ways to layer cardigans, jackets, shirts, all that fun stuff.

But when it's 90 degrees out, sometimes layering isn't a great idea. However...I decided to wear longer sleeves and a cardigan anyway. Granted, I'm sweating, but they say beauty is pain, right? Does sweating count as pain?

Eh.

I was almost going to pair this skirt with pink but then I thought I should hold off on that for October when we start BBCA. Have you signed up to participate yet? I'm going to post a list of this year's participants very, very soon. If you're still unsure about whether you can do it, please keep in mind that although I'm doing it for the entire month of October, you don't have to. You can just do a week, or a few days, whatever works for you. I'll continue to add to the participant list throughout the challenge as well, so don't feel pressured to decide right this second.

Are you all having a good week? I think I had such a great weekend that it's carrying over into this week. And I'm excited about this next weekend too. So...YAY!


Have a great day, y'all!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Burlington
Shirt: NY&C
Cardigan: Target
Heels: Target
Belt: Dots

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Daily MelWear: An Old Favorite

I realize I've worn this dress with red before. I know that. But when it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Or something like that? 

I really like the blue and red together, especially when it can be done without looking like Superman. And this dress does not look like Superman. Right? 

Mkay. Well, I do like this dress. It's one of my favorites and I wear it a lot.

And...I've run out of things to say. :) I hope you're all having a great week! 


















Today's outfit:
Dress: Target
Bolero: Sears
Belt: Salvation Army
Shoes: From my mom


Monday, September 19, 2011

Proper Professional: The Long and Short of It

The Proper Professional feature was birthed out of my desire to spread the blogging love while also gaining some insight into professional and business attire in various situations. My goal is to feature bloggers from all different professions, whether stay-at-home moms, mega-corporation executive assistants, work-from-home employees, small office staff, business owners or more, to view different perspectives and opinions on what is appropriate, acceptable, and professional. Hopefully you'll be inspired and introduced to some great new blogs, too! To catch up on previous interviews, click here.

Today we're meeting Rosanna, who blogs at The Long and Short of It


Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.
My name is Rosanna. I live in NJ where I teach Kindergarten. I also have a 3, almost 4 year old son who is my sweet little bundle of energy! I started my blog because I love to write but have gotten away from it over the past few years. Since I also love clothing, shoes, and accessories, I thought I would try to incorporate some fashion into the mix! 
 
How did you come up with your blog name?
I thought it was catchy, plus it refers to a situation that my husband and I are in regarding our quest to extend our family. I actually wrote an entire blog post about it, but just haven't published it yet. Even though the content of the blog has nothing to do with what we are going through, one of the reasons I started the blog was to give me something else to focus on besides our "situation" if that makes sense. I bet everyone will be on the edge of their seats waiting for that blog post now! j/k :)
 
Do you work from home or outside the home, and what do you do?
Yes I work outside the home as a Kindergarten teacher. I've been teaching K for 12 years.
 
Do you have a dress code by which you need to abide (either corporate or self-imposed)? If so, what is it and how do your co-workers (if applicable) approach the dress code?
Our dress code is business casual, but people kind of make up their own rules. The first principal I worked under once said that if we expect to be treated as professionals we should dress like professionals. I believe she was correct, especially in a field like teaching, which has taken a lot of heat lately. 
 
Do you choose your outfits in advance or in the morning, and how long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?
I try to choose my outfits in advance and even iron them in the evenings. It just makes my morning run much smoother. It takes me about an hour to get ready.
 
If you were commissioned to rewrite the dress code, what would you change (if anything)?
I am pretty happy with our dress code. I would love to add a "jeans" Friday. I have a few pairs of trouser jeans that I enjoy dressing up, but I can understand where some staff members might abuse this privilege and why my boss stays away from it.
 
Do you think companies should take into account the potential cost for certain dress codes to be achieved and if so, should they be concerned about the cost being equal for both men and women?
I think people who work in a typical business casual work setting should be able achieve professional dress even on a budget. I feel like we can all make clothing look presentable and professional, whether we buy it at Target or Bloomingdale's!
 
 
What is your definition of professional attire and would this vary if the business is a small business compared to a larger corporation?
Professional attire is a look that's well put together, whether it's a structured business suit or basic trousers, a top, and a cardigan. I suppose if you work for a large corporation you might need a few more of those structured business suits compared to someone who works for s smaller company. 
 
What are some pieces that every woman should have available in their professional arsenal?
A few great pairs of trousers, a white button down, cardigans, a good blazer, a few skirts of whatever silhouette is the most figure flattering, and accessories such as scarves, jewelry, bags, etc. 
 
What pieces are never professionally appropriate regardless of the situation?
Anything strapless or skinny straps without a blazer or cardigan. Skirts or dresses that are too short or low cut. Flip flops, sneakers. 
 
Describe an outfit you'd wear in each of the following settings: 
1. A typical day at work. 
A typical day at work I would wear a dress, either tights and boots in the cooler weather or sandals and a cardigan in the warmer weather.
 
2. A formal business meeting. 
We don't have formal business meetings but for a parent/teacher conference I would wear a dress or skirt, top, and cardigan. 
3. An informal meeting with co-workers. 
For an informal meeting with co-workers I would do trousers, a top, and a jacket or cardigan. 

4. A business dinner with co-workers and superiors.
For a business dinner I would probably again wear a sheath style dress or pencil skirt with a nice shell and cardigan. 
 
 
Thanks so much, Rosanna! If you haven't visited her corner of the world yet, go do it now! 

As always, please let me know if you're interested in being featured as a Proper Professional. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's answers and hearing different viewpoints on this. 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I did! :)

Friday, September 16, 2011

Daily MelWear: Pondering...

Today I have a lot on my mind. Most of them are good things, some of them are questions and concerns, and all of them are prayers. 

Thanks for the suggestions on yesterday's post about lacking inspiration! You know, I used to read magazines all the time but I kid you not, I have a stack about a foot or two high of issues that I haven't had time to read. There are just other things in my life taking priority right now. You'd think considering I haven't had my computer since last Friday that I'd have time for those, but not so much.

Speaking of which, I think I'm getting my Mac back today! YAY!!!

So how was your week? What are your plans for the weekend? I have fun things happening. I'm excited. :)

Have a great Friday, everyone!

Today's outfit:
Cream Top: Gift from a friend
Teal Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Skirt: Target
Belt: Salvation Army
Heels: Target

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Daily MelWear: Seeking...

I'm seriously in need of some inspiration and ideas lately. I feel like I've run out of creativity with my wardrobe, and maybe that's partly due to the restrictiveness of my office, but I'm normally pretty okay with restrictions.

It may also have something to do with the fact that I've been SO busy I haven't had time to read any other blogs, and that's normally where I find my inspiration.

So, this outfit was thrown together on a whim while rushing to get into the shower after my workout. An all-neutral outfit is out of the norm for me, but the leopard belt helps. Leopard helps everything.

There has been a really positive response to the BBCA challenge this year and a good amount of bloggers have already signed up to participate. Click here if you haven't signed up yet!

Have a great Thursday, everyone...Friday is just a day away now! (Funny, that's how that always works on Thursdays...)

Today's outfit:
Black Shirt: NY&Co (OLD - this is probably from 1999 or 2000 or something ridiculous like that!)
Skirt: Ross (part of a suit)
Belt: Stein Mart (came with a skirt)
Sandals: Beall's