Manic Monday: Dressing As A Woman in the Workplace

Sorry that I have been away from the blog for awhile.  I think I needed a mental break, plus even though I have lots of outfits to post, I haven't had much opportunity to take pictures.  I hope to get back on track with my favorite season for fashion and everything else - fall!  I have lots of fall fashion posts planned, but this week, I'm saying goodbye to summer with some warm weather looks.

Skirt:  Eloquii (Available here)

Today, I'm talking a little about dressing for work as a woman.  Growing up, I saw bulky shoulder pads come and go.  I witnessed the power suit and the concept that women should dress more like men at work if they wanted to be taken seriously.  These days have really gone by the wayside, and while it's still important to dress somewhat conservatively for the office, women today are freer than ever to express their femininity and flair for fashion while at work.

Camisole:  H&M+

Femininity and fashion certainly mean different things to different people, but the idea that women can dress how they see fit is refreshing and liberating.  As women in society, the bottom line is that we are always going to be judged no matter what we wear, so I am a big proponent of wearing whatever you want as long as it doesn't violate workplace dress codes (and even those can and should be challenged at times).

Cardigan:  Old Navy (Available here)

During my first year of college, I took my first feminism class.  I remember a discussion about clothing and the differences in expectations for women and men.  At the time, I actually felt a little sorry for men.  Women have sooo many fashion options available to them, that I really felt like we really had the better deal when it came to fashion.  We were free to choose our own style and pick from pants, skirts, dresses, and more.  Men were pretty much relegated to chinos or slacks and button-down shirts (and typically a very limited color palette) for work. 

Booties:  Target
Necklace:  Eloquii

Even though I was definitely an unwilling victim of such standards, I didn't fully grasp the difference in beauty/appearance ideals for men and women and the unrealistic expectations placed on women at that time.  I also didn't understand that so many choices available to women also meant that women had more chances to "get it wrong."  I didn't understand fully that as a woman in the workplace there weren't necessarily many "right" fashion choices. 

While I now have a much deeper understanding of the differences for men and women in appearance expectations and understand that workplace dress codes can often be extremely sexist and racist, I still can't help but feel that when it comes to fashion, women get to have a lot more fun.  For women who aren't into fashion, there are plenty of easy office options.  Simple slacks or skirts with a cardigan or blazer are comfortable, coordinated, and very acceptable workplace attire.

Glasses:  Valentino

Again, women are judged in the workplace (and elsewhere) no matter what we wear, so if so inclined, women should feel free to express their individuality and personal style in the workplace as much as possible.  If you work in a business casual environment like I do, then you have a little bit more freedom to experiment than if you work in a more formal setting.

While I wouldn't wear a tulle skirt to work everyday, I had fun wearing this colorful look to work recently.

Tote:  Target

I paired the aqua tulle skirt with a silky tangerine camisole for a pretty color contrast, then added in a softer aqua cardigan and tote.  To give the look more of a daytime feel, I added in nude shooties.  A simple pump would also have worked well.

I loved the look with my tan and felt l was bringing a little summertime to the office.  :-)

Do you feel any pressure to dress a certain way for work? 

Winter Romance

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a great weekend and a fabulous Valentine's Day no matter how you decided to spend it!

Skirt:  eShakti custom (Available in black here)

Valentine's Day means different things to different people.  I'm all about love, but for me, V-Day is first and foremost an excuse to get dressed up - not that I usually need one! 

I am a little late on posting these Valentine's Day outfit ideas, but I figured they also work well for other date nights or evenings out!

Dress:  LOFT (Available here)

Coat:  Old Navy Petites (old)
Clutch:  The Limited

I really love this red lace dress from LOFT.  I have already worn it to work, but today, I'm styling it for a night out with knee high socks.  

Blazer:  Apt. 9 Petites (Available at Kohl's here)
Cuff: Eloquii

Earrings:  Macy's

Socks:  Torrid (Available here)
Boots:  New Look Wide Fit (Sold out on-line; see here)

A tulle skirt is fun and flirty but also romantic.  For a special date night, I would pair a frothy pink tulle skirt with a faux fur coat and metallic gold.

Camisole:  The Limited
Jacket:  Target (Available here)

Bracelet:  Swarovski

Glasses:  Coach

Brooch (worn on skirt):  New York & Company

Clutch:  ASOS (Available here)

Even though I would have preferred to wear one of these outfits, the man and I actually kept things casual for our Valentine's Day.  The snowy and cold weather prompted a super casual leggings, tunic, and motorcycle boots look (a variation of this look coming to the blog later this week) which was just fine for our low-key V-Day lunch and evening movie at home.

Shoes:  Anne Michelle

Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! Did you stay casual or get dressed up? 

For the leopard coat in another look, see here.
For the black blazer in another look, see here.
For the skirt in other looks, see here, here, here, here, and here.
For the jacket in another look, see here.

Imitation Game: Curvy Girl Chic

It's time for another Imitation Game post, and I'm really excited to share today's look inspired by Allison of Curvy Girl Chic. 

Skirt:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

I'm so excited because Allison's blog is one of the first blogs I ever followed, and it's the very first curvy/plus fashion blog I followed.  I love her style - feminine with a bit of edge, polished but laid-back. 

Allison nails the flowy skirt/moto jacket combo, and it's also a look that I particularly like. 

Photo c/o Allison of Curvy Girl Chic, from On Weekends

Jacket: Eloquii

Boots:  Fergalicious by Fergie

Echoing Allison's look, I paired a tulle skirt with a moto jacket.  I considered using a black faux leather jacket for a more similar look, but instead, I decided to play off the color blocking in Allison's bag with my choice of jacket and clutch.

Clutch:  The Limited
Bracelets:  LOFT, The Limited, NY&CO

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein

Glasses:  Firmoo.com

Tank:  Eloquii (Available here)

The studs on Allison's tank add a little edge to the outfit.  To give my look a little bit of edge, I added spikey earrings.

Earrings:  Torrid

What do you think of today's inspired look?  Do you follow Curvy Girl Chic?

For the jacket in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Fashion Favorites 2: Tulle Skirts, 12 Ways

Hope you were inspired by yesterday's round-up of some of my favorite ways to style a moto jacket.  I don't have 40 ways of styling tulle skirts, but they are definitely a fashion favorite. 

Tulle skirts are not as versatile as some other styles, but it doesn't mean you can't have some fun styling them.

My favorite way to wear a tulle skirt is in a very classic, almost ballerina-esque, fashion - spaghetti strap tanks, black blazers, and pretty heels.

Left to right:  Balleria Fantasies, Unconditional Body Beautiful - Part 2:  The Heart (Bust)

For a more modern and casual take, pair with a statement tee or sweatshirt: 

Left to right:  Honorable Mentions 6, Retro Redux

Left to right:  I Resolve To Have More Fun With Fashion, I Heart NYC

Tulle skirts can go a little edgy with a few rock-n-roll elements:

Rocker Ballerina at the St. Louis Fashion Blog Awards

Though I personally find this look to young for me for everyday wear, the bright colors and bold lip make for a fun and quirky retro look:

One Year and Running Strong

Tulle skirts are romantic by definition for me, so I love upping the romance even more by adding lace, florals, and other traditionally feminine elements: 

Tickled Pink:  Romance & Tulle

Romance in Lace and Tulle

Taking My Own Advice

And sometimes, it's just fun to fantasize that you're a spring fairy bringing Mother Nature back from a harsh snowy winter:

Snowy Whites

Do you like tulle skirts?  What's your favorite way to style them?  Any other ideas on styling them?

Please share!!

Retro Redux

Happy Sunday!

Skirt:  eShakti (Similar here)

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend!  I'm wrapping up this weekend with a cute tulle skirt look.

Tee:  Peter Som for Kohl's

Heels:  Target (old)

Bracelets:  LOFT, Ann Taylor, Torrid

I love pairing tulle skirts with tees, but I also wanted to go for a slight 1950s flair.  The addition of red peep-toe heels give the look a ladylike feel reminiscent of 50s fashion, but the tee, cross-body purse, and jewelry add a more modern feel.

Purse:  Hollywould Collection for Target

Eyeglasses:  Firmoo Eyewear

I think this is an example of how to make tulle skirts more wearable for everyday life.  I would wear this look for dinner, a fashion event, or the art museum.

Ring:  The Limited

Would you wear a look like this?  Where would you wear it?

For the skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For the tee in other looks, see here and here.

Snowy Whites

So, yes, today's look is COMPLETELY impractical for the weather...and, to be honest, it's really not the most practical outfit for real life either!

Skirt:  Custom

Here's how much I care about that. 0.

I never really stopped loving to play dress-up, and sometimes it's just fun to put on a big poofy skirt!

I tend to have a more sophisticated sensibility, and I think most of my wardrobe is fairly practical.  But I also love clothes that are romantic.  Tulle skirts are so romantic and fantastical to me.  And, while they aren't the most practical style for most of my life activities, I have made a place for them in my wardrobe.

Blazer:  LOFT Petites

Booties:  Target

With all the snow outside, I was inspired to come up with a winter white look.  I thought of my ivory tulle skirt, and it all started to come together.  This was my first of three tulle skirts, and it definitely packs the most poof! :-D 

I added a nude-to-me slip to work double duty as a tank and threw on an off-white jacquard floral blazer as a finishing touch.

Slip:  The Limited (Available here)

Clutch:  Purchased at Titanic Museum Gift Shop, Branson

The winter whites are accented with a Tree of Life necklace and a floral clutch with wood accents - you know...to help bring in spring! The snow makes for pretty pictures, but I'd just as soon leave the cold to the penguins and polar bears!

Necklace:  Target

Eyeglass frames:  Valentino

I would have loved some strappy gold heels with this look, but since I don't own any, I settled on the sturdier option of my nude-to-me booties.

I love the mix of whites and beige in the look, and it inspired me to play around with the coloring of the pictures to create different effects.

Fun photo shoot, but now I need to figure out some place to wear this! :-D

Do you have any tulle skirts or other impractical pieces in your wardrobe that you just can't live without?

For the skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For the blazer in other looks, see here and here.