A Working Mom's Closet

Friday Funday

2012-02-03T15:34:00.002-05:00

Hiya! In case you've missed some of the previous posts, A Working Mom's Closet is on WordPress now. Click here to see today's post!

Don't forget...

2012-02-01T17:17:00.000-05:00

Be sure to check out my new digs! Click here to visit the new space, and don't forget to add it to your reader and blogroll. Can't wait to see you there!

Teal Tuesday, Posted on WordPress

2012-01-31T09:37:00.000-05:00

Hey friends! If you're not following the WordPress blog yet, head on over there. That's where you'll find today's post!

I did it! Sort of...

2012-01-30T11:30:00.000-05:00

Okay guys, I published my first post on WordPress. I know it's a pain in the tush to go back and forth but honestly, I don't have the time or patience to import everything over so I think I'm just going to start fresh from there. Here's a photo preview though. :)

Check out the first post here and let me know what you think!

Don't forget to update your reader and/or blogroll with the new site!

Daily MelWear: Hello World!

2012-01-27T14:41:00.000-05:00

HIIIIIIII!!!!!!

Hey, look what I can do! I can BLOG! Or something.

You guys are so awesome. Thank you SO much for all of the very, very sweet comments on my last post, the Facebook messages, the Tweets, the emails...it means a lot to know you've missed me {almost} as much as I've missed you!

So let's get caught up again, shall we? Hm...I'm still working. Still a single mom. Still not independently wealthy (stupid lotto...). Still like to play dress up. That about sums it up. My daughter and I have started looking to buy a house, there's some fun news. Let's see if it takes us half a decade or not. I'm hoping not.

My girl has been doing FABULOUSLY in VPK this year. I can't believe it's already time to get her registered for Kindergarten. We want to get her into a charter school nearby, so this morning was spent getting everything done to apply there. Now we just have to wait a couple of MONTHS (seriously?!) to hear if she's in or not. That seems too long.

Oh wait, this is supposed to be a style blog, right? Well...I did wear this outfit today. I know it's winter and all, but guys, I live in Florida. It's almost 80 degrees today. This sweater is perfect because it's cool and breezy and short-sleeved, but it's seasonally appropriate too. In the interest of full disclosure, I will admit that the heels came off for flip flops later only because I got my toenails painted.

Now my girl is napping (i.e. lying in her bed, talking and singing to herself and claiming she isn't sleepy), I'm having a beer and blogging, and tonight will be dance class then going to Perkins to visit her favorite server because they share the same name.

So there you have it, my life in a nutshell. Exciting, no?

My hope is to be able to post a couple times a week. I'm not going to stress if I can't though. Real life has to come first. I opened a WordPress account too, but I think importing will be way too much for me so I might just start blogging from there and ask you all to subscribe to that feed instead. Be on the lookout for that.

Hope you're having a fabulous Friday and that you have an exciting weekend planned! Mine includes shopping for Valentines for my daughter to hand out. I live on the edge, y'all.

Today's outfit:

Purple Sweater: Kohl's

Black Tank: Target

Jeans: Salvation Army

Leopard Belt: Wal-Mart

Heels: Rack Room

Wow, this makes me look pregnant. I assure you, I most definitely am NOT. I need to lay off the chocolate, maybe. Geez.

Is This Thing On?

2012-01-25T17:25:00.003-05:00

So.

HIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've missed you all. Tons.

I stopped writing because life got busy. Then life changed, and became a different kind of busy. God has been doing lots of things in my life these past few months, including revealing a lot of truths that I've missed most of my life.

I'm excited. I'm hopeful. I have stirrings in my heart for lots of good things and I'm waiting on His timing so I don't miss out on His best for me.

And while I'm waiting, I've been thinking about how much I miss my bloggy friends (that means YOU - you're a bloggy friend whether you write your own blog or not!) and while I know I don't have the time to commit to posting every single day, I think I might want to dive back in once or twice a week. Just see how things go.

Because really. I've missed you.

I'm also considering starting up a Wordpress blog, all shiny and new, rather than transporting this one over. Maybe.

So how've you been?

Let's Chat

2011-10-10T05:28:00.002-04:00

Oh, you guys. I don't even know how to begin this post.

Those of you who have been reading for a while know all about the changes I've gone through in the past year. You know the ups and downs, you know about the difficult times and many of you know about all the new and happy things I have in my life now.

Life is good. I'm happy. But I'm BUSY! There are new things that are taking up a lot of time in my life, things that are making me very happy, that I want to focus on, and things that are VERY important to me.

Lately it's been difficult for me to keep the blog together; I haven't been able to keep up with Proper Professional, I haven't been able to get guest posts together that I'm expected to write, I haven't had anything interesting to write about in my regular posts because my mind is on other things, and I obviously haven't been able to read and comment on other blogs in a month or two.

So, with that...yes, my friends, I think I'm going to have to step back from A Working Mom's Closet for a while and take a break. I have no way of knowing how long this break will last. It might be a few weeks, a few months, or I may find that I just can't get back to blogging.

I feel horrible taking this leave right in the middle of the BBCA challenge but I realized that I have to do what's best for me, for my family and for my life. I can't force myself to post every day when it's become so stressful for me. But I have updated the list of bloggers participating so you should definitely check that out and I strongly encourage all of you to keep it up!!!

The main reason I started blogging was to become a part of the community and get to know all of you fabulous people, and I'm SO glad I've had that opportunity! I don't want to lose those connections, so please keep in touch with me through Twitter and email {aworkingmomscloset a gmail.com}.

You guys have been so fantastic, so very encouraging and supportive, and you've helped me through one of the most difficult and challenging times in my life. I can't thank you enough. I hope you'll all stay in touch!

I love you guys!!!

Daily MelWear BBCA : Pink and Purple

2011-10-07T04:30:00.000-04:00

Every year my cousins and I get our kids together for a photo so we can give our grandmother a Christmas gift with a photo of her great-grandchildren. My brother and SIL are moving this week, so we had to get this picture done quickly in order to have their son included. There are six children total.

We got a grand total of THREE shots. Three. And in every.single.one, my daughter is not looking at the camera. At least in the one we picked, the rest of the kids are looking and my daughter's facial expression is happy. But still, really? Not one shot with her looking at the camera?

Perhaps I haven't been as much of an influence on her as I thought. Although I must admit that before the photographer got started, my daughter was the only one standing there posing with her hands on her hips. That kid cracks me up.

Today is FRIDAY and that means I'm HAPPY. I'm so glad the weekend is here!!! Hope you all have a great one!

Today's outfit:
Floral Skirt: Ross
Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Pink Belt: Salvation Army
Heels: Target

Daily MelWear BBCA: Accented

2011-10-06T04:30:00.000-04:00

I'm really excited about how nice the weather has been here lately. It's been cool in the mornings, not too hot in the afternoons, breezy, blue skies...THIS, my friends, is why I live in Florida. Now if only it would stay this way forever, I'd be a really happy camper.

As excited as I am for the new fall trends and to wear boots and tights again, I have to admit that I'm good with the heat and being able to still wear my summer pieces.

Speaking of fall trends, what are YOU looking forward to the most this season? I'm so out of the loop, I don't even know what the fall trends are (this is something a style blogger probably shouldn't ever admit, but I'm nothing if not honest). So tell me what you're excited about and clue me in!

Have a great Thursday, everyone!

Today's outfit:
Skirt and Shirt: Target (super, super old)
Pink Cami: Charlotte Russe
Pink Belt: Salvation Army
Heels: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear BBCA: Springlike

2011-10-05T04:30:00.000-04:00

Apparently I have an aversion to wearing just one color. Sometimes I can pull it off, like yesterday, but more often than not I've found myself playing with different combinations. Pink and yellow isn't an unusal one for me although it might seem unusual to most people. Or at least most people who aren't style bloggers (or readers!), because you all understand me, right? :)

Now my task is to come up with some other colors that can be combined with pink. That is a challenge I will gladly accept.

There are lots of fabulous women participating in the Blogging for Breast Cancer Awearness Challenge! Have you checked out their blogs yet?

I hope you're all having a fantastic week!

Today's outfit:

Dress: Ross

Jacket: Burlington (came with a skirt)

Belt: Can't remember
Heels: Target

Daily MelWear BBCA: Wearing the Pants

2011-10-04T04:30:00.000-04:00

I am entirely not used to wearing pants anymore. I'm never quite sure how to make them work for me, but this outfit turned out okay.

Jeans are a different story...those rarely turn out okay! I need to work on those.

So give me your thoughts on jeans and pants. Do you like them, do you not? Why or why not? What do you wear with them?

I hope you've all had a great start to your week and that it just gets better!

Today's outfit:

Slacks: Charlotte Russe

Pink Blouse: Gift from ML
White Cardigan: Target
Pink Heels: Plato's Closet

Daily MelWear BBCA: BBCA Begins!

2011-10-03T09:12:00.002-04:00

This post is going to be short and sweet! This is what I wore yesterday and rest assured, I did wear pink on Saturday, the very first day of the challenge, but I don't have pictures of that. You'll just have to trust me. :)

How are you all feeling about the BBCA challenge in this first week, do you have lots of ideas for how to sprinkle pink into your wardrobe? Remember, pink doesn't have to be the dominant color of the outfit; it just needs to be present.

I've updated the list of participants, so be sure to check that out and let me know if you're taking part and would like to be added as well.

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was fabulous. And happy. :) Have a great Monday, friends!

Today's outfit:
Dress: Ross
Belt: Salvation Army
Necklace: Wal-Mart
Sandals: Beall's

Daily MelWear: Seeing Spots

2011-09-30T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Daily MelWear: Fall...ish

2011-09-29T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Daily MelWear: Board or Bored

2011-09-28T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Blogging for Breast Cancer Awearness - 2011

2011-09-27T14:07:00.001-04:00

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

2011-09-27T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Proper Professional: Smart 'n Snazzy

2011-09-26T04:30:00.000-04:00

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!

Daily MelWear: Back to Normal

2011-09-22T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Daily MelWear: Fall?

2011-09-21T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Daily MelWear: An Old Favorite

2011-09-20T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Proper Professional: The Long and Short of It

2011-09-19T04:30:00.000-04:00

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! :)

Daily MelWear: Pondering...

2011-09-16T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Daily MelWear: Seeking...

2011-09-15T04:30:00.000-04:00

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

Daily MelWear: Mad Men Take 2?

2011-09-14T04:30:00.000-04:00

This dress kind of reminds me of Mad Men too. If you don't agree, don't tell me. Ignorance is bliss. :)

I wore this yesterday for our board meeting and once again, I figured the dress worked just fine on its own without a blazer. Not to mention the fact that the board room gets ridiculously warm for some reason.

So, listen, I just want to thank you guys for being so supportive. Those of you who have been friends/readers for a while know the ups and downs I've had in the past year and it really makes me all warm and fuzzy to get comments from you being happy for me. Part of the reason I blog is for all of the awesome advice and inspiration I get from you, and another part is for the relationships. I'm grateful for you, that's all I'm trying to say. So thanks. :)

Have a great Wednesday, everyone!

Today's outfit:
Dress: Ross

Belt: Salvation Army
Heels: From my mom

Daily MelWear: Holiday Cheer

2011-09-13T04:30:00.000-04:00

Okay listen, I know it's still 90 degrees out and Christmas is a long time away, but I feel a little bit like a present in this gold skirt and red top. I wasn't sure I'd like this, and I can definitely say it's not my favorite outfit ever, but I don't hate it. I think the necklace and sandals add a little something to make it better for me.

HEY - did you read my post yesterday about signing up for this year's Blogging for Breast Cancer Awearness Challenge? Well...go read it! And sign up! Because really, who doesn't need more pink in their life?

YAY pockets!

I think this year I'm going to do what I said I was last year, which is throw in a few guest posts from bloggers who have been through or know someone who has been through a battle with breast cancer. I want to share stories of hope and inspiration. I have a couple of ladies ready to post for me but if you have your own story or know of someone else, please let me know.

You guys...I know I've said this before, and I can't really get into details, but I'm just really, really happy right now and that's a good feeling. {But if I start to get annoying with this, someone please tell me. Nicely, yes, but tell me. I don't want to be irritating.} Granted, I'll be even happier when I get my MacBook back with a brand new hard drive, but even that isn't bothering me very much because I'm happy about the other things in my life. So...yay!

I hope you're happy too. :)

Today's outfit:

Gold Skirt: Target
Red Blouse: From my friend Nicole
Sandals: From my mom
Necklace: Gift from ML

It's Time!

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday, everyone!

There's no Proper Professional post today because (and if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you've already heard this) the hard drive on my MacBook crashed on Friday, so I've been computer-less all weekend.

I have to be honest though, it was kind of a nice break. Now I have to rush to get caught back up in responding to comments and emails and things, but it really was nice to be unplugged for a while. Although I do have my iPhone, I find it easier to do most of my work on the computer so I've read all my emails; I just haven't replied yet. And since I couldn't get the Proper Professional post prepped, this will be the first time I have to miss a Monday. I feel awful about that.

Okay so back to the task at hand: it's time to gear up for the Blogging for Breast Cancer Awareness Challenge!!! If you're a new follower and aren't familiar with it, click here for more information.

I'm really excited about this, it's one of my favorite times of year and I think this is a fantastic way to raise awareness all month long, rather than just on one day. If you can only do one day, or a week rather than the entire month, that's absolutely fine. Just let me know when you plan to do it and I'll include those dates with your link.

Without further ado, have at it! Leave a comment, let me know if you'd like to participate this year, and I'll start up my list to post as soon as we begin!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that you've had a great start to this new week!!!

Daily MelWear: Black & Blue

2011-09-09T04:30:00.000-04:00

When I was in high school, the junior chorus wore blue dresses and the seniors wore black. They would combine for at least one song or two at each concert during the year and every time, we referred to it as "The Bruise".

I suppose that's why I'm hesitant to wear black and blue together, but I don't have a lime or turquoise top to pull out the other shades in the skirt, so I'm going with this midnight blue. I kinda like how it turned out.

Normally I don't post on Fridays but since I'm back posting outfits a day later, I figured I could try getting one more in. I wore this yesterday and we're allowed to wear jeans on Thursdays, but you all know how I am about jeans and pants in general. They don't seem to like me very much. So I avoid them. Often.

Just a reminder - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I'm going to post sign-ups soon for those who'd like to participate in this year's Blogging for Breast Cancer Awearness Challenge. Start thinking about whether you'd like to join in this year and keep an eye out so you can sign up!

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday and an even better weekend!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Burlington
Blouse: Target
Cardigan: Kohl's
Belt: Gift from my mom
Heels: Target
Necklace: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear: In Love

2011-09-08T04:30:00.000-04:00

I found this chocolate brown skirt at the Salvation Army store and seriously, I'm in love with it. It's perfect. I wish I could find one in every single color. I would be a happy camper.

It's just so comfy and it fits well, the length is good, the shape is good...I just love it.

These heels are pretty awesome too, but I rarely wear them because I don't have much of a reason to wear bronze snakeskin. Heh.

Now let's move on to the blouse. Which, incidentally, was also a Salvation Army find. It's not a pattern I'd normally wear, nor are the colors ones I'd typically wear (there's navy in there Kish, are you proud? I did that for you!), but those are the reasons I bought it, to break out of my own style a little bit.

However, now I'm at a loss as to what to wear with it. I don't think black would look very good with it, but black is my primary neutral and I don't have much else.

So...any suggestions, dear friends?

By the way, I want to apologize for my lack of comments lately. Life is crazy (in a good way!) and busy and I'm also trying to slow down a bit and stress less...so my blog reading and commenting time is one thing I've had to sacrifice right now. I miss you all, I want you to know that!

I hope you're having a fantastic week - it's almost over!!!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Salvation Army
Blouse: Salvation Army
Heels: Can't remember
Necklace: Gift from ML

Daily MelWear: Not A Fan

2011-09-07T04:30:00.000-04:00

I have to be honest...when I first put this outfit on, I thought it looked okay. As I sifted through the photos and continued to look at them, I came to the conclusion that I don't really like this. Not so much. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is that bothers me; it just generally doesn't make me happy.

The beauty of style, though, is that you get to start over again with the next outfit, so here's to a better one tomorrow. :)

Hope you're all having a great day!

Today's outfit:

Dress: Target

Sleeveless Blouse: Target

Belt: Charlotte Russe? Forever 21? I can't remember

Sandals: Beall's

Daily MelWear: Red and Purple

2011-09-06T04:30:00.000-04:00

I have to be honest...the red and purple combo scares me a little. It makes me think of the Red Hat Society and I'm just not there yet. However, I do kind of like the two colors together and figured I'd try it with this skirt.

I wore this to church on Sunday since I figured the combo would be a little much for my office. I'd originally wanted to pair the skirt with my purple sleeveless top, but I wore that earlier in the week and hadn't done laundry yet. I'm not sure if the two satins are a little over the top together, but I went with it anyway.

I actually napped in this outfit too. I was too exhausted to get changed. Rest assured, I did change before I went out that night, though.

Hey, guess what?! I was featured on Kimberly's blog yesterday as part of her Prim & Prismatic series! Go check it out!

And have a fabulous Tuesday!!!

Today's outfit:

Skirt: Salvation Army

Purple Blouse: Charlotte Russe

Black Belt: Ross (came with a jacket)

Sandals: Beall's

Proper Professional: Not Just MOM

2011-09-05T01:30:00.000-04:00

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 funSheath 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!!!

Daily MelWear: Rebel in Leopard

2011-09-01T01:30:00.000-04:00

Lately things have been a little more lenient in the office in regards to our attire. I do know to take off any jewelry and make any other adjustements before leaving, but I've felt a little more freedom recently.

Hence this outfit that breaks all sorts of rules. The skirt is leopard print (we're not supposed to have prints of any kind, least of all animal print), the blouse is sleeveless (hey, at least it's a solid color, right?), it's a little more low-cut than I usually wear, and lastly the sandals (we're not supposed to wear open-toe shoes of any kind).

However...I do keep closed-toe flats and sling-backs under my desk in case of an impromptu visit, errand, or meeting, and I brought a blazer with me. And I didn't wear jewelry. I don't want to break every rule all at once...

By the way, my mom told me that Wednesday morning, my daughter went right into school with no problems. HOORAY for the watch!!! Seriously, I think that idea deserves some kind of reward. Anything that makes my baby girl happy and less afraid deserves something.

So how's your week going?

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!

I'm excited. It's a long weekend.

Yes.

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Stein Mart
Blouse: Target
Blazer: Stein Mart
Belt: Can't remember
Sandals: Beall's

Daily MelWear: Teal and Red

2011-08-31T01:30:00.000-04:00

I feel like I should just make this a Wordless Wednesday post. I still really don't have much to say and that's entirely unlike me. Usually I spout off TMI.

Hmmm...well I like this dress. We're not allowed to wear anything sleeveless and I typically layer a cardigan or something over it, so I decided to change it up by layering a shirt underneath this time. Teal and red make me happy so the belt and shoes were easy additions.

Oooh, have I talked about my daughter starting VPK? She's having a BLAST and has gotten great reports every single day. She's in her third week and doing really well. Last week towards the end of the week, she started to have some issues crying and not wanting to stay. Let me tell you, dropping her off and hearing her cry, "I want my mommy!" is not a pleasant way to go. Well, a very good friend came up with the brilliant idea to give her a watch so that she can see the hour hand move from 9 to 12, so she'd see the closer it gets to 12, the closer we are to picking her up. I went out and bought her a watch that very day, gave it to her after school and told her how to watch the hour hand.

Seriously, brilliant. I asked her dad how she did this morning, and he told me she said she wasn't scared because she knew when both of the hands were on the 12, he was coming to get her. And she went right into her classroom with no problem!

I'm so proud of how well she's doing and of all the glowing reports she gets every day. I love that little girl.

There now. That was more words than yesterday.

Yay for Wednesday! The week is half over! I truly, honestly, wholeheartedly, cannot wait for this weekend.

Can't. Wait.

Have a great day, y'all!

Today's outfit:
Dress: Target
Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Belt: Salvation Army
Shoes: From my mom
Necklace: Gift from ML

Daily MelWear: Turquoise and Pink

2011-08-30T01:30:00.000-04:00

Can I tell you how much I love this dress? I think it's the color more than anything else. And what else goes with turquoise but PINK? Okay, lots of other colors like yellow, red, purple, orange...

Options, I like them. Did I miss any other coordinating colors?

I'm feeling a little wordless today. I'm happy. That's really all I have to say.

Hope you guys are having a great week so far!

Today's outfit:

Dress: Ross
Pink Cami: Charlotte Russe
Cardigan: Kohl's
Sandals: Beall's

Proper Professional: Heather of H & K Style Journey

2011-08-29T01:30:00.000-04:00

Today I have the honor of introducing some of you to (because many of you already know) Heather of H & K Style Journey! Heather and her daughter started a style blog not long ago, but they have such fantastic style and are so personable and fun that their blog is growing leaps and bounds. Without further ado, let's hear what Heather has to say!

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

My name is Heather. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters and I have been married to my wonderful husband for 11 years. My 16 year old daughter Kayla and I started our blog in May 2011 as a way to share our love of fashion, a way to spend time together, to learn to shop our closets, and show that you can look stylish on a budget.

How did you come up with your blog name?

We came up with our blog name because we feel that finding your style is a journey and the H and K are our initials (Heather and Kayla)

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

I work outside the home full time as the General Manager for a hazardous materials removal contractor.

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?

We do not have a strict dress code at our office, so my dress code is self-imposed. I feel in my position, I represent our company in various situations so I need to look professional at all times. Our office staff is more on the loose side of business casual and our construction staff has company logo uniforms.

Do you choose your outfits in advance or in the morning, and how long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?

Most of my outfits are chosen the night before depending on what my schedule is for the next day. It usually takes me 30 minutes to get ready in the morning and the other 30 minutes are spend getting the kids out the door and taking care of my dog before leaving for work.

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

If I could rewrite the dress code, I wouldn't change much at my office because I have the freedom to dress as I please. I would like our staff to tighten up on the business casual look a bit and have actual dress code guidelines.

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 feel that anyone can dress professionally on a budget no matter where they work and what position they are in. I am a big fan of Target and Kohls as well as thrift stores. You can find some good deals by shopping the clearance racks and by thrifting. It's amazing all the great quality items that can be found out thrift stores!

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

My definition of professional attire is someone who looks pulled together no matter what the dress code and whether it's a small or large corporation. A nice pair of slacks and a dress shirt, a pencil skirt and a cardigan, or a nice pair of dark wash trouser jeans with a blazer can all be professional.

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

Everyone should have a few basics in their professional arsenal. I feel that a pair of black, gray and brown dress pants or skirts, a few colorful tops, a great dress, a blazer, and some fun accessories and jewelry to change up your look. It's amazing how just changing your accessories can make the same outfit look totally different. Also, just adding a blazer can really take a look up a notch.

What pieces are never professionally appropriate regardless of the situation?

Flip flops, tummy bearing tops, ripped and torn jeans, and hooded sweatshirts are never work appropriate. Believe it or not, I have seen all these items in the various offices I have worked at!

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

1. A typical day at work.

A pencil skirt in a fun print and a bright top.

2. A formal business meeting.

A wrap dress.

3. An informal meeting with co-workers.

A skirt or dress, or a nice pair of pants and a top.

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

I would probably wear a fun top with a colorful pencil skirt.

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

I think you covered a wide spectrum of questions! Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured in Proper Professional! This is one of my favorite features on your blog and it is so much fun to see all the different walks of life are out there in the blog world!

Heather, thank you SO much for taking the time to answer the questions and give us your take on how to dress professionally. You've been such a source of inspiration to me and I'm excited for you and Kayla as you develop and grow your blog!

And YOU, dear friends...I need more of you for future Proper Professional posts! If you've ever considered it, please contact me right this second and let me know you're interested so I can add you to the list. I've been doing this for a few months now, and my list of future features is getting shorter and shorter, so now is the time to let me know. It doesn't matter if you're a stay at home mom, or work as a cashier, or are the CEO of a huge corporation - everyone has an opinion and I want to feature yours! Email me at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com}.

Have a happy Monday, lovelies!

Daily MelWear: Style Me, Heather!

2011-08-25T01:30:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted an outfit suggested to me by the always fabulous Kish. I had fun wearing what she suggested and so I asked if any of you have other suggestions.

Heather of H & K Style Journey wrote this: "I would like to see you do a pink and yellow combo? And incorporate one of your scarves into the the outfit."

Well...clearly I slacked on the scarf part. I only have one pink scarf and it's a little too thick for 95 degree weather. And I don't have a yellow scarf. So.

I still pulled out the pink and yellow! I love these two colors together. They're always so bright and cheery and while I would've preferred wearing a white skirt or dress without any black, I think this one works just fine.

It really is kind of fun to wear an outfit put together by someone else. If you're so inclined, take a look back through the archives and see if there is any combination I've missed that you think I should try - style me!

Today's outfit:

Dress: Ross

Yellow Jacket: Burlington
Pink Belt: Salvation Army
Pink Heels: Plato's Closet

Daily MelWear: Mad Men...ish

2011-08-24T01:30:00.000-04:00

So, here's a sad story. I don't have HBO. {I know, it's really not all that sad.} That has made it so that I can't watch Mad Men. In fact, I'd never seen any of them until about a month ago when the first season popped up on Netflix. Oh, happy day!

I've watched a ton of them already and I'm hooked. I hope Netflix keeps up with them. Or I'll be sad.

Yay pockets!!!

Anyway, this may not be entirely Mad Men inspired, but it's what I thought of when I saw this dress. I really love the silhouette, the color, the simplicity, the sleeves, the length, everything about this dress makes me feel good. And...POCKETS! Not to mention that my boss said I look nice. So if she approves, I'm a happy girl.

This is what I wore last night to our board meeting. Normally I do wear a blazer as well but I figured the dress is professional enough on its own, especially considering I'm typically the only one wearing a blazer anyway.

I also don't usually wear hose, but these were sent to me from Hanes Hosiery to test out on one of my busy days, and technically our dress code requires hose for "business professional" attire (which is what I'm supposed to wear on board meeting days). My issue with hose is that it's normally very uncomfortable and it snags and runs so easily!

I have to admit that these have been great! They're comfortable and they're not too warm at all. They've been fantastic! I do have to admit that although they were perfect all day long, they did have some runs in them by the time I came home after our board meeting. It was a really long day, though...

The lovely Hanes peeps have given me a few extras for a giveaway too! So be on the lookout for that. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to post that giveaway on the blog or if I'm going to make it a Facebook one. Decisions, decisions...

Have a happy Wednesday, friends!

Today's outfit:

Dress: Ross

Hose: Courtesy of Hanes Hosiery

Heels: Target
Necklace: Gift from the gorgeous ML

Daily MelWear: One More Time...

2011-08-23T01:30:00.000-04:00

Look! I did it again! I put an outfit together WITHOUT A BELT. Belters Anonymous would be proud!

If such a thing existed and all.

I almost did grab a belt but then I figured it went over okay last time without one, so I could do it again. It's comfy and the cardigan draws the waist in enough, right?

Smile and nod, ya'll, smile and nod...

So I feel like I haven't been around to visit blogs lately because...well...I haven't. I've been busy. And work is getting really busy as we work on our policies and procedures in preparation for our upcoming accreditation.

I miss reading all of your blogs! At least my reason for not being able to do much reading lately is a happy one. I'm happy. And I hope you are too.

Have a fabulous Tuesday, friends!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Kohl's
Pink Tee: Target
Cardigan: Kohl's
Heels: Wal-Mart

Proper Professional: Breakfast With Tiffany

2011-08-22T01:30:00.000-04:00

This week I'd like to introduce to you Tiffany, who blogs at Breakfast at Tiffany!

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

I’m a mom to two little crazy munchkins, a wife to the man of my dreams (*sigh* I’ll try not to be too sappy), a newish runner, a full time paralegal, and a Christian, in no particular order. If I were listing it in order of importance, paralegal would have fallen at the very end, I promise you!

After I had my Little Miss a little over a year ago, I was struggling to lose the baby weight, wasn’t feeling like my chipper, confident self, and therefore, I wasn’t putting any effort into what I wore each day. During that time, I stumbled across fashion blogs and became hooked and started my blog. It’s a place where I tell amusing stories about my munchkins, post outfits and often ask for fashion related advice.

How did you come up with your blog name?

Well, before starting my own blogs, I read blogs on my lunch break or while eating breakfast at the office. So, Breakfast with Tiffany (obviously a play on the best movie ever), was the perfect choice. =)

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

I’m a paralegal for a very small law firm that does a little bit of everything. We get people out of jail. We get people divorced. We get people lots of money through suing various companies. You know, the typical lawyer stuff. However, I have some stuff in the works to possibly make a career change in the near future!

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?

My office has no dress code whatsoever. When I was pregnant, I literally wore yoga pants and jeans almost every day of the week. (Of course, the attorneys may have put up with that only because I was huge and didn’t fit into much of anything else.) However, I have developed my own personal dress code recently. Simply put, it’s sort of business 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’ve noticed that my mornings go much more smoothly when I pick my outfits out at night. If I wait till morning, it is inevitable that both of my kids will be incredibly cranky and needy and require my utmost attention, which will lead to me grabbing a pair of jeans and a boring top, with no jewelry and barely any makeup. Are there are any other moms out there that can relate??

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

I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s nice to know that I can wear whatever strikes my fancy.

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 that if the dress code is business casual, then no, they should not. However, I feel that if a business has a more formal dress code, requiring their employees to wear blazers or suits every day, then their employees should be compensated accordingly. I honestly don’t think a company should expect their employees to purchase enough suits or blazers or dressy skirts to wear every single day and still pay them only $10/hour.

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 that professional attire changes for the size of the office. When I worked for a large firm downtown, the attorneys almost always wore ties and dress slacks. The support staff was always dressed on the dressier side of business casual. Since moving to a smaller firm in the suburbs, I’ve noticed there’s a much more laid back vibe in the office. The attorneys wear polo shirts and khakis when they’re not in court. And I’m able to dress up or dress casual, given whatever mood I’m in.

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

Definitely a few bright cardigans. A brightly colored cardigan can add some interest to an otherwise boring outfit, while also dressing up the outfit a bit. Also, a sheath dress! Sheath dresses look great on any figure and to me, they scream “professional.”

What pieces are never professionally appropriate regardless of the situation?

Tank tops, flip flops, low cut tops displaying “the girls”, hemlines that are so short, you wonder if you might flash someone if you bend the wrong way, and midriff baring tops. Basically, if you look like you could be at the beach or at a club, you shouldn’t be wearing it to work. Unless you work at the beach or at a club, then I guess it’s ok. =)

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

1. A typical day at work.

On a typical day at work, I'd wear a dress like the one above (or below depending on where you put the pictures) or a skirt & blouse. I usually wear some bright colors or a fun belt to add interest to an outfit.

2. A formal business meeting.

We don't have many of those, so "formal business meeting" to me, means a day in court. Which means, I'd bust out a sheath dress and keep things kind of simple in order to keep the attention of the jury off of me and on the attorney. A black dress works perfectly. But for a day in court, I'd probably add hose and lose the turquoise heels, but I haven't been to court in so long that I didn't have a picture of me in the perfect outfit. =)

3. An informal meeting with co-workers.

For an informal meeting with coworkers, I probably wouldn't do anything much different than what I wear on a typical day.

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

I'd probably do something a little bit more fun than normal, by wearing some bright colors, but still keep everything pretty conservative.

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

The only thing I'd add is that I notice an obvious difference in how I'm treated when I dress professional, as opposed to when I wear jeans or dress down. I get more respect from my bosses and even from clients. Being professional in the work place definitely pays off!

Isn't Tiffany ADORABLE?! I haven't been following her very long but I'm so glad we found each other's blogs because she's been a constant source of inspiration and support for me. If you're not reading her already, go add her now!

If you'd like to be featured as a Proper Professional or want to recommend someone else, please send me an email at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com}!

Have a great Monday, everyone!

FBFF: A Dream Is a Wish...

2011-08-19T13:16:00.000-04:00

If you've seen the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about, click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

This week Katy mentioned how she's heard about several people who were able to quit their current jobs and walk into the realm of self-employment, doing what they love. As Katy says, "So that got me thinking... we all have dreams, goals, aspirations. Putting them down on paper is often the first step to realizing those dreams."

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be?
Sing. Without a doubt. (Or blog...that too.) I do sing professionally but only as a side job during the Christmas season, it's not something I've done full time but I honestly wish that I could.

2. What draws you to this?
Singing makes me happy. Music energizes me, it relaxes me, it restores me, it's how God speaks to me a lot of the time (I really miss singing on a worship team) and I can't imagine how sad and depressing my world would be if I couldn't sing. It's how I get my energy out (well, that and working out but I'm not about to become a fitness instructor).

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal?
I've wanted to sing for as long as I can remember. My parents have pictures of me when I was just a couple years old stealing the microphone at some big Christmas party. And no I'm not posting them. I was a cute kid though, I'll tell you that, but I don't have a scanner available right now. I was always in chorus, always in choir, always singing with friends, always singing in general.

4. What's holding you back from going all in?
Honestly...the thought that as much as I enjoy it, I'm not quite good enough to do it full time. That and the fact that I'd have to be an independent and I don't feel like messing with keeping track of my taxes and health insurance and all that. Plus...I'm too chicken to actually audition.

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?
I think the fact that I sing professionally on the side is a first step, so I'm kind of already there...(right? At least that's what I'm telling myself...)

So what are YOUR dreams?

Daily MelWear: Fully Clothed

2011-08-18T04:30:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday! Happy dance! Or not. I can't really dance .

Thanks for being so sweet about my beltlessness (yes, that is now, in fact, a word) yesterday. I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling naked when I'm missing a favorite accessory. It really was pretty comfy and maybe I'll go beltless again, but not today.

Clearly.

We had a little class type thing in our office so I wanted to make sure I did the closed-toe, no jewelry, jacket thing. Yes, there's pattern and more color than I'm sure Corporate would like, but...really, this isn't too far out of code. I think.

I can't belive there's so much talk already about fall. Listen, I live in Florida, we don't really get a "fall" season here. It goes from hot to not-as-hot. Sometimes I think I'd like a real fall with the changing leaves...but then I remember how much I hate being cold and suddenly I'm okay with leaves going from green to dead. I like my Florida sun too much.

Although, I will admit to being a little excited about wearing tights again. They're fun. And my leopard booties. Also fun.

Have a great day, ya'll!

Today's outfit:

Dress: Target

Jacket: Ross? Eh...

Belt: Wal-Mart

Heels: From my mom

Daily MelWear: I Feel Naked...

2011-08-17T04:30:00.000-04:00

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I wear a belt pretty much every day.

I couldn't find one that worked the way I wanted with this outfit...so I'm not wearing one. And it makes me feel a little incomplete.

Most people have nightmares that they find themselves walking around naked...I have nightmares that I find myself without belts.

I never claimed to be normal.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

{PS - thank you to those who thought about me and asked about my daughter's first day of VPK! She had a BLAST and couldn't wait to go back the next day! Her daily report was full of good news and I'm so, so proud of her. Taking the day off on Monday to bring her to school and pick her up just makes me wish I could be a stay at home mom, though...}

Today's outfit:
Brown Skirt: Salvation Army
Leopard Blouse: Salvation Army
Red Sandals: From my mom

Daily MelWear: To Church

2011-08-16T04:30:00.000-04:00

I'm guessing most of you haven't noticed, but lately I've been posting my outfits the day after, for various reasons.

Well, yesterday I took the day off from work to be there for my daughter's very first day of VPK! Needless to say, I didn't wear anything spectacular so I didn't take pictures.

What you get today is my outfit from Sunday when we went to church. A dress and a belt. Still nothing spectacular, but proof that I do get dressed on the weekends. Just in case there was any doubt. :)

Hope you all had a wonderful Monday and have an even better Tuesday!

Today's outfit:

Dress: Ross

Belt: Salvation Army

Sandals: Beall's

Proper Professional: Mix and Match Fashion

2011-08-15T04:30:00.000-04:00

Today we're meeting Tara from Mix and Match Fashion. Tara has such a fantastic eye for incorporating bright colors into professional ensembles. She is one of my absolute favorite reads and I know you'll find a ton of inspiration in her, too!

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

I'm Tara, a 30-year-old who looks like she's 20 from good old New Jersey. (no fist pumping here...ha) I live with my amazing husband and two miniature Australian shepherds, who love to be photographed and make appearances on my blog. I started Mix and Match Fashion last September after about a year of reading fashion blogs, in hopes that I had something positive to contribute to the blogging community. I wanted to show people that most teachers are not frumpy, which is a common stereotype. I also wanted working women to see that your work wardrobe doesn't have to be boring.

How did you come up with your blog name?

Realistically, most women cannot afford to buy new clothes all of the time. However, many blogs out there make it seem that way, and show people never wearing the same items twice! I like to take the pieces I have in my closet and mix and match them to make new outfits, while mixing in some select new pieces (when LOFT and Ann Taylor have big sales...lol) My main thing is incorporating color and pattern into my outfits....which is where "mixing in splashes of color" comes in. It's not the most creative name in the world, but I think it represents what I do on my blog.

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

I teach Middle School Special Education and Social Studies. This will be my ninth year teaching, and I absolutely love it! It is a lot of hard work, but totally worth it. I am also an Independent Stylist for Stella and Dot jewelry, so this is where I get my fashion fix.

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?

I'm pretty sure that our dress codes reads something like "Teachers will dress in a professional manner at all times." This leaves a lot open to interpretation, and people definitely interpret it in their own ways. The one thing our principal is adamant about is not wearing jeans and rubber flip flops. (Although we are allowed to wear jeans on Fridays) This means on a daily basis I see everything from skirts to fleece sweat suits....and the month of December gets very interesting with the approaching Christmas season. Most people do dress appropriately, but every office has their one or two people who push the limits, right?

Do you choose your outfits in advance or in the morning, and how long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?

Honestly, this depends on my mood. Every once in a great while if I have time, I will spend an hour or so on a Sunday trying on outfits and planning them out for the week. Other times, I might have an outfit in my head the night before and hope it looks good the next day. On some days, it is a free-for-all in my closet that morning. I am going to try and be better this year about planning out my outfits ahead of time, because I like to get to work pretty early and not be stressed out when I get there. I shower at night, so generally it takes me about an hour or so to get ready in the morning.

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

I would probably make it a lot more specific, especially pointing out things that are not appropriate.

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 that your work wardrobe gets ridiculously expensive only if you allow it to. There are many stores out there at different price points for different budgets. I think the most important thing you can do is set a realistic budget and stick to it. You also need to make the most of items that are already in your closet. I don't think it is a company's responsibility to worry about the costs of your 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 think the most important thing is looking neat, clean, confident and put together. What is professional attire varies so much between different lines of work. I don't think it has to do with the size of a business, more with the type of business.

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

1) A few pairs of well-fitting trousers in neutral colors, such as black, brown, and gray
2) A few skirts in neutral colors, as well as at least one skirt in a fun color, such as red, pink, or blue
3) Black and brown heels Also, one pair of heels in a fun color (I vote red, pink, or yellow) A fun pair of shoes can make an outfit look so much more amazing.
4) A well-fitting blazer
5) Several cardigans in a variety of colors
6) Several tops with interesting, work appropriate patterns and details
7) A well-fitting dress
8) Some jewelry pieces that you love

Having the above items will allow you to make the most of your wardrobe, and mix and match to create numerous looks without a massive amount of clothing.

What pieces are never professionally appropriate regardless of the situation?

Wrinkled clothing, clothes that don't fit, mini skirts, anything low cut, flip flops, sweatpants

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

1. A typical day at work.

My typical work uniform is a pencil skirt, fun top, cardigan, and heels.

2. A formal business meeting.

If I have a meeting with parents or the principal, I am more likely to wear a dress.

3. An informal meeting with co-workers.

I would probably still be wearing some sort of skirt or possibly trousers, though I don't wear pants to work super often.

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

Depending on where we were going, I might wear a skirt or a nice fitting pair of boot cut dark wash jeans.

Isn't Tara fantastic? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these, Tara! You're awesome. :)

And today, my friends, I am taking the day off from work because MY BABY IS STARTING PRE-SCHOOL!!! Man, I feel old.

Have a happy Monday, everyone!

Daily MelWear: It's a New Day

2011-08-11T04:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday, friends!

We're *soclose* to the weekend and I, for one, am ready.

You know, I've been through kind of a lot in the past 9-10 months or so.

But right now, I feel good.

I feel optimistic.

And I like it.

I hope you're all feeling good too. :)

Have a great weekend, lovelies.

Today's outfit:
Dress: Sears
Brown Jacket: Kohl's (I think...)
Red Belt: Salvation Army
Red Sandals: From my mom
Necklace: Gift from the exceptional ML

Daily MelWear: Red Satin

2011-08-10T04:30:00.000-04:00

I love this skirt. A lot. I love the A-line shape of it, the demure length, the silky material, the subtle pattern, and the gorgeous shade of red. Not to mention the fact that it was a Salvation Army find!

What I don't love is the quandary I'm having in finding different ways to style it! I'm usually good with color combos but this shade of red, especially with the pattern involved, poses a challenge for me. I felt like I needed to wear something a little understated this time because of our board meeting, but if anyone has other ideas on how to style this pretty thing up, I'm all ears!

Hope you're having a great week, friends!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Salvation Army
Black Tank: Kohl's
Black Jacket: Ross
Black Belt: Charlotte Russe? I can't remember
Black Heels: Target
Necklace: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear: Polka Dots and Purple

2011-08-09T04:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday, friends!

I've worn this outfit before to church but didn't photograph it, so I figured I might as well do that. :) Wearing a belt like this is WAY out of my comfort zone, because I feel like it highlights my hips as the widest part of my body. I really do like it though and might have to find a few more belts like this.

Belts are awesome.

Look, I can do the blogger pigeon toe pose! :)

The pop of purple in the flower makes me smile. I love little pops of unexpected color. It's a happy thing.

Hope you're all having a great week so far! Tell me about your weekend, what did you do?

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Burlington
Tank: Target
Cardigan: Target
Belt: Dots

Flower Pin: From my MIL (actually given to my daughter, but, well...you know...)

Necklace: Gift from the very sweet and super gorgeous ML

Heels: Beall's

Proper Professional: Pretty Inside & Out

2011-08-08T04:30:00.001-04:00

I am so very excited to introduce you to today's feature! I've been "online" friends with Charisse for several years. She's seen me at my heaviest and followed my other blog where I chronicled my weight loss journey. She saw me through my divorce and has been a very strong support for me. I finally talked her into starting her own style blog, Pretty Inside & Out, a while ago and now I have the honor of featuring her as a Proper Professional!

Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

I started my "style" blog after some *gentle* urging from my dear friend here at A Working Mom's Closet. {Editor's note: I AM gentle. *Ahem*} I have recently (in the last two years) lost a lot of weight as is evidenced by the motivational picture on my left hand sidebar. I am a married (yes, legally) lesbian mom who works, cooks, socializes, and tries to be the best for all the people in her life at once. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I fail. No matter what, I love the life I lead.

How did you come up with your blog name?

Even though I have lost a lot of weight, when I take a picture of me or see a picture of me, what I thought I saw in the mirror is not what is reflected in the pictures. It really bothers me sometimes. So, I thought that while taking pictures I could come to love the me outside as much as I love the me inside.

This is the OLD Charisse!

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

I work outside the home. I have been a stay-at-home mom twice in my life and I truly do not think I am cut out for it. I work as an Administrative Coordinator in the non-profit world.

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?

I do not have a set dress code, as is evidenced by the swing from super casual to all dolled up looks that I post on my blog. I do, however, always need to look nice and presentable to the people that stop in. Those can be people looking for help, therapists in town, Board Members, or the steady stream of people coming in looking to volunteer. My co-workers are not always n the building, as their programs require them to interact with the outside community much more than I do. We all try come to work looking presentable, but I come to work to be the face of the agency.

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 choose my outfits whenever I can. Sometimes I will think up an outfit the night before as I am lying in bed waiting for sleep to take over. Sometimes I know that I want to wear a certain color. Some days I know nothing about what I want to wear until I have tried on everything in my closet and strewn it about the room. I have coined the phrase clothes-tastrophe to describe those kind of days.

I would say that it takes me, on a normal day, about an hour and a half to get ready. This is from shower to complete makeup and hair and walking out the door. I am one of those women that does not go ANYWHERE without her makeup on. On the rare occasion that I do leave the house without makeup, I have an essentials makeup bag in my purse that has a set of all my favorite things to make a quick look.

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

I would say that we need to have a dress code that was not quite so relaxed. Then I realize that my Director works with kids in schools and talks about tough subjects all day. One program director deals with grieving families. The other program director deals with crises. I guess that they need to be able to be comfortable and make the people they are working with comfortable at the same time. Not to mention that I live in a super relaxed, open, liberal, crunchy granola type town where MOST people are laid back and dressed like my coworkers.

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 don't necessarily think that it is the company's job to take into account the dress code. I DO think that the dress code should correspond to the amount of professionalism that you are trying to present to the world. Not only that, but our dress should correspond to the actual job you are doing. While women seem to HAVE a lot more clothes and WEAR a lot more clothes than men do, it is not absolutely necessary for us to have to have that many clothes.

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 should always represent the image of respectability and knowledge. You should look like you know what you are doing and you should look like you SHOULD be doing what you are doing. I don't think that idea changes whether it's a small or large business.

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

MY list would include the following:
Crisp white button up shirt
At the bare minimum a pair of black, brown, and off-white pair of heels
At least one nice pair each of black and brown dress slacks
An assortment of tanks or camis to layer with
A pencil skirt AND a flared skirt.

{Editor's note: I have these same shoes!!!}

What pieces are never professionally appropriate regardless of the situation?

Flip flops (even though you will see them occasionally on my super casual days on my blog) Exposed midriff

Torn or frayed clothing

Wrinkled clothes

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

1. A typical day at work.

A skirt or slacks with a nice shirt

2. A formal business meeting.

These would be out board meetings and I have always worn a nice skirt with hose and heels and a nice blouse

3. An informal meeting with co-workers.

This would be an event out in the community where we are probably doing some fundraising. I would and have worn dress pants or even jeans with a nice shirt, not a t-shirt, but not necessarily a blouse.

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

This would be similar to our board meetings. I would likely wear a skirt and heels with a nice blouse.

Thanks Charisse!!! If you haven't checked out her blog yet, go do it now!

And as always, please let me know if you'd like to be featured as a Proper Professional. I'd like to capture the opinions of women (and men!) from all professions, all ages, all walks of life. It doesn't matter if you work in what you consider a professional environment, these questions are about your opinion. Email me at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com} so I can schedule your feature!

Have a great Monday, everyone!

Saturday Stuff: Reviews and Pleas

2011-08-06T04:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday, everyone! Did you all have a good week?

For this week's edition of Saturday Stuff, the first thing I want to do is tell you about a product and company that I'm pretty certain most of you are already familiar with: Misikko!

I have to admit that when it comes to my hair, I tend to be too ~~lazy~~ busy to actually style it much. I don't like to put product in my hair, I don't enjoy twisting my arms around pretzel-like to get my hair blown this way and that, and I don't like using other elements like a curling iron and what-have-you.

I do, however, think that it's not quite professional to show up at the office with wet hair. It just makes it appear that you don't care very much, about how you look or how you're perceived or about what you do.

Now listen, don't hate me because I'm lazy (remember that "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!" commercial? Kind of like that, only not really at all), but since I don't have much time for my hair, it usually just takes me about 7-10 minutes to simply dry it. That's all I do. I don't style it, just get it dry.

However, with the Misikko Hana Air professional hair dryer, it takes me a whopping THREE MINUTES. Did you hear that? THREE!!! I can almost justify drying my hair even on the weekends with that time. 'Cept I probably won't. Cuz weekends are lazy.

The box when I first opened it.

The people at Misikko are incredibly professional and helpful, and customer service is fantastic. I don't know if what they sent to me is their standard package for everyone, or if it was specifically a blogger review package, but it was BEAUTIFUL and came with tons of extra goodies like shampoo, frizz control, nail files, bath soaps, sanitizer (how did they know I'm a germaphobe?), and even a little stuffed monkey that I gave to my daughter.

They have so many products to choose from, like the Chi Blow Dryers or the Tourmaline Flat Iron. I do have to admit that I don't think I could ever afford to buy one of these on my own, but for those of you who are in the market for a new dryer, flat iron, curling iron, or anything elsehair related, definitely check them out!

A PLEA TO CONNECT

And now on to my pleas toall of you. Listen, I don't like to beg, but there are some things that I'd like all of you, as my friends, to think about and consider.

The first one is please, please, please, if you have a Blogger profile, edit your settings to show your email address! I LOVE the community aspect of blogging and being able to reply directly to comments. When I get a comment, I normally just click "reply" on my email and send an email response to the person. But sometimes, it says "noreply-comment@blogger.com". And then I can't respond to you! And I don't like to respond in the comments section of YOUR blog because that section should be just about you and your post, not what you wrote on mine.

Anyway, there's an easy and simple fix for this, as pointed out by Janae of Diaries of a Grumpy Grateful Mom:

#1. From your Dashboard go into Edit Profile.
#2. Check the box that says Show my email address.
#3. Enter email address under Identity.
#4. Save.

Now, if you really would prefer to not share your email address, that's totally up to you. But I know most of you do have an email that you use for your blog, and you CAN use that one instead of your personal email for this purpose (and still maintain your personal email as your sign-on for your account - that's what I do). It would just be awesome to be able to reply to more of you and connect more often.

ONE FINAL PLEA, FOR KINDNESS AND MERCY

Okay, last but not least, my one final plea - PLEASE, for the LOVE of all things SIMPLE and out of the kindness of your hearts, PLEASE remove the captcha/word verifications from your comments! I think that's probably where I spend most of my time when I'm commenting is on those little word things.

I can tell you that since I removed it, yes, I have received some spam comments, but thanks to Blogger's pretty spectacular spam catching system, NONE of them have actually been posted on my blog. They've gone into the the little spam holder in my dashboard and I can go in and publish any that I need to (I think it's only caught one real comment, ever) and I can delete all of the spam comments in one fell swoop.

It's MAGIC! And really, it saves SO MUCH TIME when you're commenting on hundreds of blog posts, to NOT have to do that word verification thing. I honestly don't think it's even necessary now that Blogger has a system to catch spam comments.

So there's my Saturday Stuff for this weekend. Riveting, isn't it? You're welcome.

I hope you all have a SPECTACULAR weekend!

SheCon Lovely: Leticia Barr

2011-08-05T04:30:00.000-04:00

The SheCon Lovely feature is my way of introducing my readers to the new friends that I made while attending SheCon '11 in Miami, Florida in May. Rather than doing one post with only my thoughts on the conference and telling you about those that I met, I thought it would be more fun for you to read opinions from more people while meeting them firsthand through a guest post.

To read what the previous SheCon Lovelies had to say, click here. To check out my photos (and some that I stole from my new friends!), check out A Working Mom's Closet on Facebook!

Last but not least, we have Leticia!

*Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.

My name is Leticia Barr and I’m the founder of Tech Savvy Mama, a site that assists parents in navigating the ever-changing world of technology. I use my experience as a former teacher and technology specialist for a large DC Metro area school system to evaluate new technology along with educational resources for children of all ages and makes honest recommendations to her readers. I split my day between working on blogger outreach and content development for ChicaLogic, a social media consultant, family internet safety and security expert, and being a mom. I spend my writing weekly columns for The LeapFrog Community, Mom Blog Magazine and The Parenting Connection, consulting for technology and education companies, working as the behind the scenes editor on MyBlogalicious, and Tweeting. Frequently asked how she does it all, Leticia replies that she doesn't sleep much!

*Have you been to any other blogging or social media conferences before? If so, which ones?

I am a blog conference veteran! I attended BlogHer for the first time in 2008 when I had only been blogging for six months. I felt like a fish out of water and totally overwhelmed by all of the wonderful things that I was learning. My challenge was using my knowledge and figuring out how to incorporate it into what I wanted to do with my blog. These days I love to share what I’ve learned in the 3 ½ years I’ve been blogging with other attendees. I spoke at the inaugural Blogalicious conference in 2009, was on a panel about resource blogging at least year’s BlogHer in New York city, and most recently, presented a session at Type A Parent called Collaboration that Pays. This summer I’ll be presenting a two hour session at BlogHer in San Diego called Social Media Tools 101 for new bloggers wanting to use more social media tools to amplify their writing and also teaching attendees how to write pitches in How to Write a Kick A$$ Proposal. I’ll also be presenting about teaching through the use of online communities at the National Association for Education of Young Children’s national conference in Orlando this fall. I’m no longer a newbie but find that there’s always something to learn at every conference I attend!

*What were some of your reasons for attending SheCon?

I was attracted to SheCon because it was a new conference and I wanted to see what it was about! Plus they had great keynote speakers lined up like Guy Kawasaki and Aliza Sherman and I saw it as a wonderful way to connect with people I already knew while meeting new ones.

*Who were your favorite speakers and why?

I loved hearing Guy Kawasaki at the opening keynote. Ironically, he spoke at my high school baccalaureate and certain things he said, were part of his speech to us 19 years ago which just goes to show that the things he talked about in regards to enchanting an audience still hold true and will probably never go away.

*What do you think is the most important thing you learned from the SheCon presentations?

The conference gave me a new appreciation for the work that any presenter does when preparing to speak. When I know I’m going to be presenting, I always want my audience to come away with something useful. It’s an honor to be asked to speak and it’s a job that needs to be taken seriously. It was disappointing to be waiting outside sessions with wonderful descriptions only to learn that the presenter wasn’t coming and attend sessions where it was clear that presenters hadn’t talked to their co-panelists prior to setting foot in the room.

*What do you think is the most important thing you learned from the conference as a whole?

Regardless of the size of the conference, there is always something that everyone can learn from attending. I know some brands were probably quite disappointed by the sheer numbers of those attending the conference on the first day, but by the last day, they had a newfound appreciation for the relationships they were able to develop thanks to the intimate environment. As a blogger, I appreciated the time to really get to know fellow bloggers even if I see them at other events. SheCon wasn’t rushed and provided multiple opportunities for bloggers to interact with each other and brands. Since I love forming relationships with those I work with, time spent talking to and getting to know others was invaluable.

I also developed a new appreciation for the things I usually take for granted at other blog conferences that make them run smoothly. A correct agenda, signage, staff that is kept informed of changes that they can share with attendees, etc. are all things that help a conference run like a well-oiled machine. It was admirable that SheCon founder Julie took on a monstrous task of planning her first conference and I think there were lots of learning experiences to gain from it on the conference organizer, brand, and blogger sides.

*What were your favorite events/activities?

I’d have to say the authentic engagement with fellow attendees was my favorite part of the conference. I was so thrilled to represent Clever Girls Collective at SheCon and share their network with attendees by building buzz around fun things like a cupcake truck and the largest pizza ever! Julie Pron, my partner-in-crime for the conference, were happy with the way that our work with the Clever Girls provided networking opportunities for attendees. It was nice to be able to sit, talk, and get to know others on a more intimate level than at other blogging conferences where all you get is a quick wave hi as you shuffle off to a plethora of panels, meetings, and other events!

*What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a conference and is considering one in the future?

There are tons of blogging conferences that exist and many different reasons to attend, or skip, each one. Consider location, price, duration, and reputation of a conference before you sign up. Perhaps start small. Day-long conferences like the SITS Girls’ Bloggy Boot Camp are held as one day events around the country. From what I’ve heard, they are fun, intense, learning experiences that are made more affordable because the programming spans a single day.

Multi-day smaller conference like Blogalicious, Type A, Evo, Reviewers Retreat, or a conference that is tailed to your niche provide the opportunity to network with bloggers and brands in a small environment. BlogHer is one of the biggest blogging conferences that brings together 3000 bloggers and tons of brands . BlogHer is more about the quantity of contacts rather than the quality. While I always feel like I don’t ever get enough time with one blogger or brand, the connections that come from being in the space for two days is amazing!

All conferences have great programming in terms of the panels they provide but also check to be sure that there’s something on the agenda that you want to learn about before you sign up.

Here are a few more tips:

· Subscribe to the conference newsletter to get the latest conference news but also a nice discount code from time to time, depending on the conference.

· Bring lots of business cards and include your avatar on them. It’s hard to remember who is who but having your photo or blog button on your card provides a great visual for when people get home and they are sorting through their cards.

· Make sure you eat good meals during the weekend of the conference. Whether lackluster hotel food served at breakfast or lunch, or the desire to get out of the space when you reach saturation, find a good place to eat that serves something you’re craving

· Protein bars are must-haves! A night of appetizers doesn’t make a dinner and it can be an excruciatingly long time between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner. Pack your own snacks to ward off the hungries!

Leticia, thank you SO much for taking the time to answer the questions and give us such fantastic advice. I'm so grateful to have met you!

Well friends, that wraps up this year's SheCon Lovelies feature! I really had a blast at the conference and can't wait to go back next year. You can be sure I'll do another round of features afterward again!

Have a FANTASTIC Friday everyone!

Daily MelWear: Maximum Stripes, Minimum Price

2011-08-04T04:30:00.000-04:00

Hey, that title rhymes!

Kind of.

Sort of.

But not really.

I'm not nearly as clever as I'd like to think. But I make myself laugh, so I guess there's something to be said for that.

I'm not sure how I feel about this skirt yet. It was a whopping $5 at Forever 21, so I snagged it. We'll see how often I end up wearing it.

I still feel like I need a change. A hair cut may happen this weekend. But I also feel like I need to do something else. Any suggestions?

Today's outfit:

Skirt: Forever 21

Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Belt: Stein Mart (came with a blazer)
Heels: Target

Daily MelWear: Changing It Up

2011-08-03T04:30:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's me and yes, I do actually own a few pairs of pants. I just don't wear them often.

I feel like I need a change. So I wore pants. Who knows, maybe I'll cut my hair off next.

This shirt is a Salvation Army find from over the weekend. I found a few really nice pieces that I'll get around to wearing soon. I'm the type that has to take the tags off and wash new clothes right away, and wear them as soon as possible too.

Hey, I know it's still a couple months away, but I wanted to remind those of you who participated last year, and to tell all of you who are new readers, about the Blogging for Breast Cancer Awareness challenge in October. If you're not sure what it is, click here to read about it and give some thought into whether you'd like to participate this year. I'll probably start accepting sign-ups in September.

And now, to figure out what other changes I can make in my life...

Today's outfit:
Blouse: Salvation Army
Pants: Charlotte Russe
Cardigan: Kohl's
Belt: Wal-Mart
Heels: Target

Daily MelWear: Style Me, Kish!

2011-08-02T04:30:00.001-04:00

Back in June, I posted this outfit. The ever lovely Kish commented and said this: "...I'm curious to know how this skirt would look with the turquoise (teal?) top and red sandals that you wore on June 9???"

So I decided to do it.

And I decided to ask if any others of you would like to Style Me! If I have enough submissions, I'll try to make it a weekly feature. Otherwise, I'll just do them as (and if) I get them.

So let me know! Email me at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com} with your suggestions and requests. If I'm able to wear them to work without driving my boss to fire me, I will. Otherwise, I may wear it on a weekend instead.

Style me!

Today's outfit:

Skirt: Target (OLD)

Blouse: Charlotte Russe

Belt: Salvation Army
Sandals: From my mom