Building a Fashionable Work Wardrobe

Hey Guys,

So reader Amaka contacted me on myspace.com, and asked the following question:

I wanted to know if you could do a lil feature of fashion in the workplace (preferably corporate). I have been looking for a job and i am kind of hesitant...

That's a great question. Getting a work wardrobe together is difficult, especially when you're just getting started.
Every workplace is different (I wore pencil skirts, french cuffed oxford shirts, and pumps for a full year at my job before I figured out I could wear jeans and flats everyday!), but you can't go wrong with the following basics in black, white, or a neutral color:
1. Pencil or A-line skirt
2. Pump
3. Crisp oxford shirt
4. Cardigan
5. Tailored pants
6. Tote bag
7. Structured Jacket
8. Work Appropriate Dress
9. Flats
Most items will have to be pretty traditional so that you can add accents without clashing. Here I compiled a few basics plus a couple of traditional items with a twist (for those who don't want the typical boring, ho hum fair):

Top Row: Solid Cropped Cardigan, $39.50, www.gap.com; Croc Braided Shoulder Bag, $168, www.anntaylor.com; Martin Chino Trouser, $78, www.bananarepublic.com.
Middle Row: Arturo Chiang Gigi Patent Flat, $98, www.bloomingdales.com; Isaac Mizrahi for Target Georgette Ruffle Dress, $40, www.target.com; Tahari Papi Pumps, $110, www.macys.com.
Bottom Row: INC International Concepts Ruffled-Cuff Trapeze Jacket, $119, www.macys.com; J.Crew Slim Stretch Shirt, $59.50, www.jcrew.com; Michael Michael Kors Pencil Skirt, $79.50, www.nordstrom.com.
For pants, I also personally endorse Express Editor Pants. They fit me well, never need to be altered, and look professional, all for the reasonable price of $70. Visit www.expressfashion.com for an Express near you.

On top of your foundational items, you'll need a few accents: tops, dresses, jackets, or shoes in bold colors, prints, and saucy fabrics to mix things up. Don't spend a ton on these if you can: You'll tire of them easily...and your coworkers will too! My choices:

Top Row: Geometric Silk Top,, $27.80; www.forever21.com; Elizabeth Gillet Ruffle Cardigan, $78, www.lordandtaylor.com; Maestro Embroidered Swing Jacket, $88, www.nordstrom.com.
Middle Row: Lux Summer Cardigan, $48, www.urbn.com; Floral Sleeveless Wrap Dress, $148, www.anntaylor.com; Ruffled Blouse, $24.80, www.forever21.com.
Bottom Row: Seychelles 'And the Winner Is' Pumps, $84, zappos.com

Aqua Cross Dye Swing Jacket, $58, www.bloomingdales.com; Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes, $235, zappos.com

A few caveats for those just starting off. Steer away from sheer shirts and thigh grazing hemlines. Also stick to conservative, neutral colors and silhouettes until you get a feel of the office environment.
Now get to work!
Smootches!
PS Want more outerwear options? Visit my post about Trenches here. Want more bag options? Visit my post about bold bags here.
PSS I’ve heard from a couple readers that my ‘clockwise from top left’ description of items was confusing. I have no idea why I didn’t just do it by row to begin with! But I’ve revised the descriptions of items in the trenches and bags posts so that it’s easier for you to find items...and will go row by row from now on!

Style File: Christina Milian

Hey Y'all,
For this week’s style file, my fashion spotlight shines on actress and singer Christina Milian!

Ok, ok. Ms. Milian hasn't had the best career as a singer—or an actor. But I can’t deny it, this chick is beautiful, and she has the body to pull off a variety of looks.
There are a few occasions where Christina tries—and fails—at following trends.

This candy striper inspired sweater dress looks totally tacky with the matchy, matchy accessories. And white spandex capris?? Boo!

Ditto for this get up. These crazy paisley-esque are in a word, repulsive.
But we all have our bad days, right? For the most part Ms. Milian pulls it together and holds it down for the young brown in Hollywood.
She typically rocks shiny, short, saucy dresses for the red carpet…

Then works with a mixture of classic trenches…

Body flattering shorts…

Cute, yet simple tops...

Sweater dresses…

Pencil skirts…

And age appropriate club dresses…

...for her day to night grind.
Gorgeous.
Want her look? I’ve compiled a few high and low priced Christina Milian like items for ya. Check it out:

Top Row: Ecoganik Tissue Jersey Tee with Chains in Taupe, $72, CoutureCandy
Long Sleeve Ruffle Shirt, $25, www.forever21.com; Gap Casual Trench Coat, $70, www.gap.com.
Middle Row: Nicole Miller Square Neck Stretch Silk Dress, $365, www.nordstrom.com; Bronx Claudine Shoes, $89, zappos.com
Karoo Mark Eisen 3GG Plume Short Sleeve Dress with Empire Waist, $242, shopbop.com
Bottom Row: Isaac Mizrahi for Target Strapless Dress, $40, www.target.com; Linen Button Tab Shorts, $20, www.forever21.com; Diane Von Furstenberg Mercedes Dress, $325, www.nordstrom.com.
Now dip it low.
Smootches!

Work it Out: Fashionable Fitness Gear

"Thanks to Kanye's workout plan/ I'm the envy of all my friends/ See I pulled me a baller man/ And I don't gotta work at the mall again." Kanye West, 'The New Work Out Plan'.

Hey Ladies,
It's time to get right for the summertime. We have two months before arms and legs go on full display in skirts and sleeveless tops...so let's hit the gym with a vengeance!
I personally feel more motivated to work out the cuter my clothes...so I've compiled a few fashionable gym essentials for ya. Let's get to it.
First up: tops. I like to mix in a few stunner shirts with my old t's and wife beaters to get that extra motivation at the start of the week. My choices:

Top Row, Left to right: Under Armour Heat Agility Sports Tank, $35, www.modells.com; Adistar Long Bra Top, $50, www.shopadidas.com.
Bottom Row, left to right: Women’s YOC Tank, $45, www.shopadidas.com; Nike Women’s Gym Basics top, $18, www.sportsauthority.com.

Next gym essential: sweat whicking, butt flattering pants. If you're like me, you have the workout schedule of an insane person. I like to run on Mondays, take a jump rope class on Tuesdays, Cardiosculpt on Wednesdays...and I need a different pant for each activity. I'd recommend you get a pair of shorts, capris, and long pants in concealing, slimming black like these:

Top Row, Left to right: Nike Women’s Acceleration Capri, $47, French Terry Pant, $55, www.puma.com.
Bottom Row, left to right: Adidas Response Boot Tights, $50, www.shopadidas.com; Nike Low Rise Loose Fit Shorts, $38, www.nordstrom.com.

OK, when you're doing all this jumping around, you obviously need some serious support! My bra picks run the gamet from saucy to serious, and includes the Enell bra that Oprah claimed was the gold standard of support on her show! Take a look:

Top Row, left to right: Nike Full Control Bra, $60, www.nordstrom.com; Mizuno Women’s Colt Sports Bra, $32, www.ladyfootlocker.com. Bottom Row, left to right: Enell Sports Bra, $60, www.enell.com; Women’s Essentials Bra, $26, www.shopadidas.com.

Lastly, shoes. I have foot issues as you know, so I love New Balance because they cater to those with wide feet. In terms of style, Nike has the hottest picks, while other brands perform well:

Top Row, left to righ: New Balance WR810 Running Shoes, $89,zappos.com
Asics Gel-1120, $84, zappos.com
Bottom Row, left to right: Puma Voltaic Cushioned Running Shoe, $75, www.sportsauthority.com; Nike Women’s Air Mimic, $50, www.finishline.com.

To wrap it all up, you must have accessories...the gym bag to throw everything in, jackets to slip on post cool down, and super absorbent socks:

Top Row, left to right: Puma Raw Sweat Jacket, $70, www.puma.com; XtremeMac SportWrap for Ipod, $30, www.apple.com; Under Armour Sub Zero Mock, $50, www.underarmour.com.
Middle Row, left to right: Puma Extreme Low Rider Athletic Socks, $5, www.nordstrom.com; Puma Core Green Grip Bag/Duffel, $30, www.modells.com; Brazil Hoodie, $65, www.puma.com.
Bottom Row, left to right: Lacoste Large Roll Bag, $130, www.saks.com; Nike Bicep Bands, $5, www.finishline.com; Puma Golf Small Weekender, $94, zappos.com


Work out clothes can be on the expensive side....you might be thinking $50 for a pair of pants?!?! But for the most part, once you buy 'em, you can hold on to them for years. I have a pair of Nike capri pants that I've literally had for 6 years. And with shoes, you can typically hold on to them for a year before needing a replacement.
So invest in a few pieces...and work it on out:)
Smootches!
PS The fashion spread in WWD today is also about activewear. I swear, we didn't plan it!
PSS There's a new fabulous online magazine called Clutch that you should definitely check out!

The Atlanta based mag covers fashion, beauty, life and culture. Log on to www.clutchmagazine.com for more info.