The beginning of a new week….also the day of the week before Tuesday and following Sunday. A time when you either dread the start of the week or relish at the thought of a new week with a fresh opportunity to achieve your goals.
What can I say? Mondays can be somewhat of a love-hate relationship. Sometimes I am so psyched about the start of the week and other times when I know how full my week is going to be, I start looking forward to Fridays!!! Yup, that’s a true confession because I am certain we all experience this rollercoaster of emotions! So back to Mondays and in my case, a new work week. Since I tend to be a planner I usually like to plan my outfits for the week, however I occasionally go with impulse wear based on my mood that morning. If I have a lot of meetings, I trend towards a neutral palette but there are days when I need a little “pick me up”, and will settle for outfits that are more pastel toned because they are such happy colors.
For this look, I am sharing a Francescas blue lace sheath dress that is so gorgeous and feminine! I absolutely love how the dress seems to fit in the right places and even though I paid full price for it, the dress is currently on sale under $50. You can wear this look with a kimono or jacket for the office or on it’s own for a cocktail or wedding. I love it without a jacket but sharing the different looks so you can see the versatility of the dress.
What is your favorite office look? Do you like neutral or pastel colors, and do you tend to lean towards dresses, skirts, or pants?
Happy Monday guys! I’m hopeful you all had a lovely Easter weekend. So, I’m super excited to launch a weekly “work wear Monday” series. Well, mostly because I am a working woman and mother, and sometimes in the business world, it is a challenge to find the right outfit that exudes confidence and is still classy. Fast forward to today, and I’m quickly getting the reputation of being the fashionable one while knowledgeable in my profession at the office.
Every Monday, I will share a post linking one or a few of my outfits and affordable items. Let me know in the comments below if you’d like to see more of this or what other things you’d like me to share.
Gianni Bini
With all that said (phew)….let me start with one of my work dresses by Gianni Bini. This dress has simple lines and a beautiful cut. It is right below the knee, so midi-length which is usually where I like my dresses to fall when it comes to work wear, with a few exceptions. I just love this designer because the lines are so clean and it almost always fits well so I don’t have to worry about having it tailored. In fact, most European brands are very similar in cut and I love outfits that compliment your body.
For work or office wear, I tend to gravitate toward softer colors. This particular brand is carried at Dillards but I realized it is sold out on their website so I was able to find the exact same dress on Lyst and have linked it here. I love the ruched keyhole neckline and the flare lower half of the dress. The quality of the material is surprisingly sturdy with beautiful stitching, and I know it wouldn’t be fading or wearing out anytime soon.
Do you usually wear pant suit, skirt, or dress to the office?
Skirt by White House Black Market // Trench Coat by Banana Republic // Tote Bag by Ted Baker // Shoes by Charles David
It’s no secret that I long for Spring and warmer temperatures
….and finally getting to wear lighter fabrics and bring out my Spring wardrobe pieces. Friends, I am ready for a lot more sunshine, a lot more warmth, and looking forward to seeing flowers and leaves on trees bloom to brighten up the scenery! It seems like this Winter has been a rollercoaster of temperatures and I am so ready for Spring. To keep up with our Texas climate, I have put together this look so you can see how to layer a trench coat over lighter pieces since we all know how our beautiful temperatures can go from 70F degrees in the afternoon to 30F degrees by night-time :).
First, this trench coat from Banana Republic has been one of the best investments I’ve made over the years. I have worn this coat during past years as we transition from the Winter into Spring months, and it still holds true to its value. I have linked a similar Banana Republic trench coat here. As we get into Spring, I also like to begin wearing midi skirts and depending on the weather, closed toe shoes or booties. In Dallas, there is hardly a need for stockings or thermal unless absolutely necessary. In this outfit, I have layered in a few pieces on repeat like my lace top and black pumps shoes.
I think you can almost always never go wrong with a black and white look. Do you agree?
White House Black Market
Can we take a moment to talk about this WHBM swingy, satin full skirt with the pretty floral prints? I love how it visually contours the waist. Besides, a midi skirt is such a fun piece with a lace embroidered top and pumps for work and doubling for a night out with strappy heels for a more elongated silhouette. This skirt is so perfect for Spring and the print makes me happy!
“The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear” – Ines De la Fressange
“Life is a beautiful sport” – Lacoste
Casual Plaid and the Transition into the Office Look
Friends, I have been shopping lately. Shopping for simple affordable pieces that can be worn on different occasions, and hopefully not go out of style. Does plaid really go out of style? There are so many different patterns/colors plaid but I tried to stick to more neutral tones that can match with just about anything.
First Look – The Casual Look
Can we talk about this look for a minute? I mean how cute is this jumpsuit with sneakers?! I love how affordable pieces can make you look and feel great. This Gianni Bini plaid jumpsuit makes it easy to mix and match. The slight high waist vs. natural waist gives the appearance of even longer legs which I love. Pair this look with a turtleneck shirt, sneakers, and sunglasses for a more casual laid back look. I am also crushing so hard on this bicolor leather lacoste sneakers!
Second Look – The Office Look
My next favorite piece, and I have to say this because I mean it from the bottom of my heart, is changing this look up by pairing it with pumps! It’s amazing how a simple pair of heels can immediately change an outfit. It takes it from casual chic to professional debonair. A few tips; if you are wearing your jumpsuit to work then keep your lines linear, go for a clean silhouette that will flatter your body and keep you focused and sharp in the meeting. Add minimal accessories like a belt or jewelry. Remember the key is to make it stand out without screaming for attention! My laptop sleeve is sleek, stylish, and under $12. I have linked it here and below. This is a look I will definitely be wearing to the office for the remainder of the Winter months.
Hope these tips help you go make a statement in that plaid jumpsuit! xoxo Louise
“As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears” – Rumi
It’s officially January! Can you believe it? With the holiday festivities behind us, I am excited about the promises of the New Year and getting back into the normal routine at home and also at work.
As most of us may already know, with the New Year comes new resolutions. For me, it’s about staying focused and organized, and updating my wardrobe with the right classic look! No matter what age you are, you can always find the perfect balance between owning your appearance to exude confidence and shopping for the classic professional attire. Today, I am partnering with Maggy London to share one of my favorite dresses from their classic office shop.
As a working mother and blogger, it is challenging most days trying to juggle family life with the demands of the working life. Some days, there’s a fine line between work-life balance; the time allocated for work and the other aspects of life. Being a mother has helped me learn that even the best-laid plans and routines require flexibility which means being fluid when it comes to balancing my time between cooking healthy meals, helping my kids with homework, coordinating playdates, and spending quality time with them. I am at least grateful Alex is involved and we get to do this together! On the other hand, I have to play a different role as a career woman and an expert in my field. Most days I am in meetings with little time for lunch. If you know me, then you must know that I am almost always rushing through lunch. Interestingly, by being fluid, I have figured out a way to make it work through meetings, deliverables, and supporting my team.
To stay strong and confident and successful, I start with what I can control, and that is usually me. If you take some time for yourself and practice courage first, that leads to bigger things with the support of family and friends. Success usually starts with the way you dress and how others perceive you. Everything you do makes some kind of statement, and to wear great clothes is the beginning of exuding that air of poise and self-confidence and control. There’s an old saying that “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover”, however in the professional world, people are evaluated by their appearance.
Clothes make a strong visual statement about how you see yourself and that is why I love the Maggy London classic office wear selection. This dress has a clean look and is classy, stylish, and sleek. I love the neck-tie because it adds a flair of femininity to the dress while keeping with the message that you’re a serious professional. It is elegant meets stylish boss lady! I cannot gush enough about this dress and the look! I paired this dress with a simple black bag and pumps but it can also work with nude pumps.
My advice to all professional women is to experiment with your appearance. Notice how people react to you when you wear certain colors or styles and how you feel when you wear a particular outfit based on your career goals and aspirations. There are so many places to shop these days but I love Maggy London’s variety of choices for the working woman. To dress for success is to make an informed decision about how you want to “package” yourself. Yes?
