Proper Professional: Not Just MOM

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's feature is Randi of Not Just MOM. She's another mommy style blogger like me and always has sweet things to say and fantastic style too!

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

My name is Randi and I am a working mom of two little boys. I have always been interested in fashion and love to shop so I thought I would start a blog. I wanted to show that as a mom I still have a fashion sense and still keep what I wear an important part of my life. I love wearing jewelry and think it is a great way to express your personality and creativity.

 

How did you come up with your blog name?

Not Just Mom...because that is who I am, what I am. I was getting to this point in my life where being a mom was all consuming and I was losing myself. Then, I decided that it was time to be back to finding me...including my style!

 

Do you work from home or outside the home, and what do you do?

I am an advertising account executive at a mid-size advertising agency. I take care of all my clients' advertising and marketing needs using tv, radio, print and internet.

 

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?

There is no formal dress code in our office. I always try to overdress for work...so much that sometimes my boss asks why I am so dressed up. I like to be ready for any situation that might arise. Even if I don't have a scheduled meeting, I never know when I might have to run out and see a client. Also, since I work in the family business, I feel I get more respect if I am dressed up, versus casual.

 

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 layout my outfits in advance, but that does not always happen. I usually at least have an idea of what I am thinking about wearing when I go to sleep at night. If I am taking a shower in the morning, it usually takes me about an hour to get ready. Then it takes about another half hour to get everyone else ready and out the door.

 

If you were commissioned to rewrite the dress code, what would you change (if anything)?

Since there really is no formal dress code, I am pretty happy with the way things are.

 

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?

If men and women have to dress at the same level of professionalism, the cost should be equal. I don't think that companies should get involved cost-wise with their employees wardrobe.

 

What is your definition of professional attire and would this vary if the business is a small business compared to a larger corporation?

I definitely think the definition of professional attire varies for a larger corporation versus a small business. Employees that work for a bigger corporation might have to meet with more upscale clients so they have to look professional on a different level than employees who meet clients for a smaller business.

 

What are some pieces that every woman should have available in their professional arsenal?

Pencil skirts-black, or if you are in a creative field, colored pencils skirts are always fun Sheath dress-any neutral color 

Trousers-any neutral color 

Blazers-Love them...all shapes, styles, colors 

Some special pieces that show your personality-patterned shirt, colored heels, statement jewelry

 

What pieces are never professionally appropriate regardless of the situation?

I one worked with a girl who wore leather pants and spiked heels to a meeting...definitely inappropriate. Too much cleavage...to mini of a miniskirt...don't work in an office setting.

 

Describe an outfit you'd wear in each of the following settings: 

1. A typical day at work. 

For a typical day at work I wear a dress with a blazer or cardi and heels in the summer and tights or boots in the winter.

 

2. A formal business meeting. 

For a formal business meeting I wear a neutral colored dress or skirt with a blazer or cardigan and stay light on the jewelry.

 

3. An informal meeting with co-workers. 

For an informal meeting with co-workers, I still wear a skirt or dress, but maybe a more casual or funkier style with fun jewelry.

 

4. A business dinner with co-workers and superiors.

For a business dinner I would also wear a dress or skirt, but town down the funky-ness with more neutrals and less loud jewelry.

 

 

Are there any questions you wish I'd asked or is there anything else you'd like to mention regarding this topic?

Thank you Melissa...you rock!

 

Aw thanks Randi! Isn't she awesome? If you haven't checked her out yet, you definitely should!

 

And if you're considering letting me know that you'd like to be featured as a Proper Professional, do it now! Email me at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com}!

 

I hope you're all having a fantastic Labor Day weekend! Is that just a U.S. thing or do my non-U.S. readers have the day off too? Shows you how much I know... (it's pathetic, isn't it?)

 

Happy Monday, everyone!!!