Jersey-fied ==> animal print

It's not just the ladies of New Jersey that love animal print, as I sure do. Now I must admit, the trend had to grow on me a bit but after watching Jerseylicious, Real Housewives of New Jersey & Jersey Shore I just love it. I'm convinced I can wear it in a much classier way than some of the ladies on these shows and not make it look trashy. 

One of my fashion pet peeves is that I hate when people wear brown and black together as very rarely people wear it the way I like. With animal print however it's the perfect way to wear black and brown. The print shown below can be worn with a black, brown, beige, white even a blue bottom. This therefore stretches the functionality and the # of outfits that this top can go with (see my previous post about Building your wardrobe- work attire).

My mom got me these shoes on sale (bless her shoe & deal loving heart- hence where I got it from). At first I was like yuck black and brown together but then (angels singing) I loved it. I'm like "Dang these are hot" and I had to find the right outfit to incorporate black & brown. 

Shirt US$10 (Charlotte Russe, sale)
Skirt US$2 (thrifted)
Shoes US$20 (Charles by Charles David, TJ Maxx)

Building your wardrobe- work attire

If you're starting a new job or just want to re-evaluate your current work wardrobe, here are a few things to consider:

• start with the bottom half. Invest in 5 solid colour bottoms (pants and/or skirts. For skirts ensure there's a pencil skirt in the mix as they are great for all body types)
• 2-3 pairs of neutral coloured work shoes (black, brown, nude, tan, grey)
• some fun shirts (play around with fabrics and prints as well as have your usual suspects like your solid colours, for instance a black button down shirt)
• cardigans/jackets
• create your own uniform

A note on the jackets, there's nothing like a well structured jacket to cinch you in and to make you look more professional. Some jackets are pricey so cardigans are another good cost effective option and they come in so many colours.

With creating your own uniform of sorts, you can simplify things and repeat outfits. This can be pants & shirts or full suits or cardigans & pencil skirts.




Source: J's Everyday Fashion

Also make sure your clothes fit. Tight, baggy and ill-fitting clothes have no place in the office. Make sure you get a good seamstress/dressmaker to ensure clothes fit properly.

Ensure that you can get mileage out of the items in your closet. Mix and match and get items that complement each other. If you are buying an item, think of what you already have in your closet and see if you could make 2-3 outfits at least out of it.

I also plan my outfits for the week on Sunday nights,this usually takes about 30 minutes max. I get my clothes ironed every 2 weeks or so, if it's not ironed I'm not wearing it. I fuss around and see what works so I spend less time in the morning getting ready. If I put on an outfit that I selected and don't like I go to another one and that evening select another for the next day. I usually wear jackets for the 1st 2-3 days of the week then throw in a cardigan or a button down shirt for the other days. I hate 'being a girl' and taking FOREVER to get ready- how do I fix that? Preparation. I prep my outfits. Even when going to a party I think about what I want to wear, try it on and re-evaluate if needed, then chose my accessories and everything before it's actually time to get ready. For work I chose my shoes and jewellery the night before. I usually get up 30 minutes before I head out the door and that includes cleaning up after and feeding my dogs (I eat breakfast at work which I pack the night before). Nowadays I get up 30 minutes earlier to fit in a workout.

Another thing is to have fun with your outfits. I always say "if I don't feel good, I should at least look good". Play around with colours and different combinations. There's nothing like getting a compliment on how good you look.

XOXO
Ronz

Houndstooth

In the picture below I'm wearing one of my favourite prints- houndstooth. 

Houndstooth, hounds tooth check or hound's tooth (and similar spellings), also known as dogstooth, dogtooth or dog's tooth, is a duotone textile pattern characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, often in black and white, although other colours are used. (Source: Wikipedia)

I just love it.  When I saw this skirt, I just had to have it.

In one of my previous posts I mentioned how people normally pair black and white with red, well I'm guilty of it too- I confess. I'm also wearing the same skirt again ^_^. I told you I love the print.

Jacket- US$10 (sale, Agaci)
Inner Blouse US$5
Skirt- US$19.99 (Burlington)
Shoes US$40 (BCBG Generation, TJ Maxx)

XOXO
Ronz

Flower Power

Cardigans are a cost effective option for the office. Jackets are great but sometimes cost a bit for a well tailored one. I have found jackets on sale for US$15.99, which is a pretty good price, but I like to really STRETCH my dollar and not only that the amount of options I have in my closet. My favourite brand of cardigans, in terms of price and quality, is GAP. You can get some for US$10 or less at the outlet stores (with discounts applied). I have quite a bit of cardigans in many colours. They are a great way to look professional and put together. 

Cleavage isn't appropriate for the office as some cardigans are cut a little low, so make sure to have camisole or tops you can wear underneath the cardigans. Also some cardigans may be a bit thin and your bra may print through (especially the lacy ones). Tube tops are also a good option but be mindful of the type of fabric. I have on a black sleeveless shirt under my cardigan in the picture below. My office is so cold that layering is good. ^_^

Skirt- Made by seamstress US$10
Shoes- Nine West US$30 (TJ Maxx)
Cardigan- US$3 (Thrift store)

XOXO
Ronz

Black & white....& a little orange

Most people wear black & white and add a pop of colour but usually wear red. 

Dare to be different and wear another colour, such as orange (as pictured below) or even try yellow, purple, green- the possibilities are endless. 

Jacket US$15.99 (sale, Forever 21)
Houndstooth print skirt US$19.99 (Burlington)
Callie, Jessica Simpson shoes US$39.99 (sale, Zappos)
Inner Blouse US$5 (Rainbow)

XOXO

Ronz