Style Diary: What to Wear To Work

quote from my mom:  “So it sounds like you work in fashion place like “Prada Devil.”  Yes, mom my place is uber-fashionable and the pressure to look good is as intense as it is in that movie, Devil Wears Prada (hint hint, you got the movie title wrong).   To read more about my latest dress to impress pressure click here.

Because of this pressure, I’ve been in the process of a major fashion edit.  I’m ruthlessly snatching clothes off hangers, leaving only what I love behind.  And I’m putting new pressure on myself to upgrade my wardrobe.  Out go the cute, cheap finds that could in anyway be identified as such in hopes of clearing the way for more grown-up upscale pieces.

In the meantime, I’m happy to style my mix ‘n match wardrobe of designer brands, vintage finds and secret deals.  Below is my latest roundup of work clothes.  (I’m an event planning marketer for a major retailer)  What’s your favorite?

I love mixing opposites.  Here I’m mixing frilly feminine (the tulle lined butter yellow Forever 21 dress) with a tougher quilted leather jacket with chain detail (Forever 21 Balmain knockoff) with studded heels from BCBG and a Chanel chain purse.

Speaking of opposites, after having such a full skirt, I longed for a slimmer silhouette the next day.  Here I am wearing a satin skirt, Forever 21 leopard bow tank and H&M cardigan.  Shoes and accessories are designer (Christian Louboutin and Chanel).  If I’m wearing my secret steals i.e. no-name brands, then I make sure to balance them off with some designer duds.

I love when menswear gets a feminine twist.  In the above photo, I’m wearing a menswear inspired suit by BCBG, a satin lace cami from Nicole Miller (gift), lucite and silver necklace, Chanel purse, and satin heels from Ann Taylor Loft.   Devil Wears Prada, here I come!

Frugal and Fab: Forever 21 Jacket Worn 3 Ways

Don’t you love finding a designer look for less? I’m all about mixing the high and low.  For instance, I’ll wear my high-end designer purses with frugal but fab finds.  I’m no fashion snob.  I love vintage, I love discount retailers and I love stores like Zara, H&M and even Forever 21 that bring you looks for less.

I’m getting compliments left and right about this Balmain knockoff jacket that I found at Forever 21.  Everyone assumes its some famous designer and I’m always asked where i bought it.  With its quilted  black leather and silver chains you would think Karl Lagerfeld was all over this (maybe Balmain first copied Chanel?).  With a little research, I learned that the Balmain jacket pictured below (the obvious inspiration behind my F1 jacket) costs $10,770(choke).  Ehem, I only paid a mere 30some dollars.


Here I paired the F21 jacket with 2different dresses, and again with skinny pants and a tee.

Balmain knockoff quilted jacket – Forever 21, dress – Zara, purse – Chanel, studded shoes – Jlo

ruffle flower print spaghetti strap dress – Free People I think..bought it at TJ Maxx quilted Balmain knockoff jacket – Forever 21, black suede studded heels – JLo, black chain purse – Chanel

quilted Balmain knockoff jacket – Forever 21, tee shirt – Club Monaco, black pinstriped skinny pants – Zara, purse – Express

Which outfit is your favorite look?

Tell me how you would wear the jacket.  I love getting new outfit inspirations.

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