Style Diary: Work Wear

I bought this crazy Miu Miu purse ages ago during a Barney’s Christmas clearance sale and ever since have affectionately called it my “puppy purse.”  With the Mongolian hair sticking out from the sides, people always wonder whether I’ve got a poodle in there.

Usually, I refrain from using it unless I’m heading to a fashion-oriented event like fashion week or a NY art party where my puppy purse works as a conversational piece and where people don’t think I’m entirely insane for carrying such a freak show of a purse.  Now that I work in fashion, I don’t need any outlandish events to rationalize my purse choice.  I can actually carry it to work!

Here I am in a couple outfits both utilizing the cardigan, sheath dress, necklace and belt combo while carrying the infamous puppy purse.

  • purse – miu miu
  • sleeveless brown dress – Ann Taylor
  • cardigan – Express
  • shoes – lovely people
  • gold chain necklace
  • ring – bought at off 5th
  • dress – Escada (sample sale)
  • cardigan shoes – Fergie
  • tote – Miu MIu (Barney’s sale)

This is today’s outfit.  I tempered down a semi-formal dress with a more casual cardigan.

  • dress – Bebe $50 (bought on sale)
  • cardigan – Target around $20
  • suede and alligator boots – Franco Sarto (got them for free on a modeling gig a long long time ago)
  • necklace – Forever 21 $around 20
  • ring – Off 5th $30

Do any of you have any fashion items that are too wild to wear on a normal day or even night out?  If so, I wanna hear about it!

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!

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