Business casual

“Business casual” is the trickiest code to crack. There isn’t an exact definition as to what constitutes business casual. In a nutshell, it is the informal version of business professional attire. As Wikipedia puts it, “business casual is a kind of middle ground between formal business wear and street wear.” Translation: Mix traditional business formal pieces with everyday clothing items (save for your weekend wear).

While business casual is applicable to a wide variety of workplaces, it is often interpreted in varying degrees. Needless to say, there is a delicate balance that must be reached to achieve the perfect business casual look. Depending on your work environment, you should be able judge what level of business casual you ought to be wearing based on your superior’s attire. If your office is on the more formal end of the spectrum, lean toward clothing items that fall into the business professional category. However, if you’re in a laidback workplace you may have more flexibility when it comes to incorporating casual items into your daily ensembles. Regardless of where your office falls on the scale between casual and dressy, you should aim to look professionally dressed, but in a relaxed yet pulled together type of way.

There’s a wide range of options for business casual wear—skirt/pant + blouse, dress + cardigan/jacket/sweater, skirt/pant + sweater/cardigan… The possibilities are endless. Unlike business professional, you can wear a wider variety of colors and prints as well.

Here are some basic tips for achieving the perfect business casual look:

1. Follow these commandments on 9 to 5 style.
2. Steer clear of denim. Instead, opt for bottoms in cotton, silk, or blends. 
3. Avoid anything neon or shiny, unless it’s an understated accessory. This includes sequin tops, rhinestone pants, and neon bellbottoms. Disco style was left in the 1970s for a reason.
4. If you would wear it to a club, you shouldn’t wear it to work. Just because a top is “dressy” doesn’t mean it’s office-friendly. Modesty is key.
5. All clothing should be clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free.
6. Hats are not okay for the office, ladies. Please leave your fedoras at home.
7. Closed-toe shoes are ideal. But, if your office is more lax, nice sandals (not thongs or flip-flops) during warmer months are probably okay.

Now for some outfit inspiration... Below, I’ve put together five simple yet stylish looks for the “biz-cas” gal.

JC Penny Color Craze Necklace, Elizabeth & James Manor Booties, Carven Cropped Wool Sweater, LC Lauren Conrad Pleated Chiffon Skirt

 

RJ Graziano Polished Gold Cuff, Vanessa Bruno Mohair Sweater, JC Penny 14K Stud Earrings, Topshop Marcus Loafers, J.Crew Café Cropped Pants

Madewell Hole Punch Tee, Valentino Crystal & Pearl Necklace, Banana Republic Channing Eyeglasses, Club Monaco Leather Pencil Skirt, Banana Republic Parker High-Heel Penny Loafers

2028 Flower Stud Earrings, See by Chloe Cherry Print Blouse, 3.1 Phillip Lim Tuxedo Pant, Dorothy Perkins Purple Marry Jane Heels

Miss Selfridge Fluro Cardigan, Club Monaco Mary Kate Belt, LC Lauren Conrad Flats, LC Lauren Conrad Mixed Media Dress, LC Lauren Conrad Flower Earrings

Style Tip: If your skirt or dress is too short, add tights!

One of the best basic business casual outfits is a simple pair of cotton-blend trousers, a nice blouse or tank (floral and print tops are always nice) with a pretty cardigan layered over. Top it off with a pair of comfortable ballet flats or oxfords for an easy yet professional “business casual” ensemble.

Like I said before, putting the term business casual into a box and labeling it is a difficult task to do since there are many different interpretations of what constitutes the ideal outfit. At the very least, keep in mind that you want to preserve a professional image. And ultimately, you want to look polished, stylish, and put together. In the words of Tommy Hilfiger, “You want to look fashionable and put-together, not like you hit every sale rack this season.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

Work Clothes

For those of you who are lucky enough to enjoy a casual work environment thank your lucky stars no uniform! Generally speaking, casual dress code can be symbolic of a company’s attitude toward its employees. In a way, it’s a sign of respect and trust. Apple, Google, and Nike all have very casual, laidback dress codes. Formal dress doesn’t always mean success. That is not to say, dressing like a slob is sanctioned casual work attire. Professionalism is still paramount. Make sure your ensembles are appropriate, modest, and always clean and put together. 

The best thing about a casual dress code is almost anything goes. While most people are forced to bury a bit of their style sense when they clock in each morning, you don’t have to leave your personal style at home. More often than not, casual work wear involves wearing jeans on a daily basis. If this sounds like your work uniform, switch it up by wearing faux leather leggings or cropped pants. You will be surprised by how a simple swap can update your entire look. (Did I mention leggings are incredibly comfortable too?)

Below are a few outfit ideas for all you casual work wear ladies to consider…

Jaeger Circular Hem Sweater, 7 For All Mankind Roxanne Jeans, Butter London nail polish in British Racing Green, LC Lauren Conrad Bow Ring, H&M Cap Toe Flats, See by Chloe Loki Bag

 Current/Elliot Cropped Jeans, Equipment Sophie Shirt, LC Lauren Conrad Oxford Shoes, J Crew Newsstand Tote, Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Boom Boom Pow, Marc by Marc Jacobs Claude Stud Earrings

 

Essie nail polish in Wicked, American Vintage Cardigan, Paper Crown Serena Leggings, T by Alexander Wang Shirt, YSL Link Bracelet, Madewell Almanac Boots, Missoni for Target Scarf

The Row Roger Modal Tank, J Brand Bette Flared Jeans, Topshop Floral Kimono, Laurence Dacade Tigo Platforms, Cursive Initial Pendant, OPI nail polish in You Don’t Know Jacques

Miss Selfridge Ochre Dress, Topshop Crop Jacket, Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Naked, Madewell Caravan Bag, H&M Platform Heels

The bottom line? Make sure you’re fresh and put together each day. Your casual work attire will differ based on the type of work you do. Adjust accordingly. If you’re on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes. Ballet flats, low-rise wedges, boots, penny loafers, and oxfords are all excellent options. Just be sure to mix it up and avoid getting stuck in a shoe rut. Wearing the same shoes everyday will actually make those tootsies hurt even more. If your job involves some level of manual labor, wear lightweight cotton pieces that are easy to move in (and okay to get a little dirty). And if you’re still unsure about what to wear, check out what the next highest female at your company is wearing and take a cue from her. Needless to say, at the end of the day clothes come off and what really matters are the accomplishments we have to show for ourselves.  

autumn wardrobe

 

LC Lauren Conrad Pleated Dress, Zara Clutch, J.Crew Darby Loafers, Topshop Chiffon Shirt, J.Crew Striped Sweater, LC Lauren Conrad Bow Earrings, Paper Crown Hudson Short, H&M Suede Bootie, J Brand Olympia Wash Jeans, Oasis Leather Skater Dress

Here are my ten style staples for autumn… (Note: look at the winter coat post below for the perfect winter coat to go with this)

1. Sheer Oxford.
2. Stripped Crewneck.
3. Fun Jewelry.
4. Pleated Pieces.
5. Booties.
6. Bright Accessories.
7. Dressy Shorts.
8. High-Waisted Jeans.
9. Boudoir Slippers. 
10. Leather (or faux leather) anything!

Winter Coats x

Picking the perfect coat to carry you through fall and winter is a serious matter. Ideally, you want something stylish, warm, office (or school) friendly and easy to wear. The best coats transcend trends. Like your favorite pair of jeans, a great coat must be something you can easily throw on at a moment’s notice and still feel fabulous. No questions asked. Personally, I’ve always loved coats with a more classic silhouette such as trench coats and peacoats. They are timeless and chic, warm yet sleek. However, this year I’ve also been loving retro styles and coats with a more relaxed structure (see “neutral” collage below).  Needless to say, choosing the perfect coat is a tough task. The market is flooded with choices, making it difficult to commit. So what’s a girl to do when the mercury drops? Face the cold front with one of these classic yet stylish selections I’ve put together for you…

Paper Crown Bluet Coat, Anthropologie Eastward Dress Coat, Topshop Textured Peter Pan Swing Coat, Tibi Embellished Wool Coat

Topshop Bound Seam Duffle Coat, Anthropologie Adare Anorak, Foley + Corinna Wool Toggle Coat, Quicksilver Height Hooded Coat

H&M Wool Coat, Topshop Flannel Trench Coat, Vanessa Bruno Wool Coat, Martin Grant Blend Coat

MICHAEL Michael Kors Wool-blend Peacoat, Maison Martin Margiela Peacoat, Victoria’s Secret Double-breasted Peacoat, H&M Plaid Coat

Old Navy Canvas Trench, J.Crew Encore Trench, Anthropologie Fair Lady Trench, A.P.C. Gabardine Trench

Best film ever x

Hello everyone i just found this and just had to share its amazing.

The Maxi Skirt

People may call it the granny skirt, but I love it not only are they extremely comfortable, easy, not to mention incredibly flattering, and down-to-earth (literally). The style is versatile and perfect for summer as well as autumn and winter. What’s not to like? That’s why I was pleased to see designer labels such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Missoni, and J. Crew feature fresh takes on the trend in their fall runway shows.

When worn correctly, maxi skirts and dresses are as flattering as they are fashionable. However, playing with proportion can be tricky. With longer lengths, it’s all about balance. To avoid being a fashion victim, follow these tips for maxi-friendly dressing…

1. The sky’s the limit. No matter your height (yes, I am talking to you, petite ladies) you can wear floor length dresses and skirts. That’s why they invented heels.
2. It’s a balancing act. Keep the scale of the skirt in mind. Floor length skirts look lovely with tighter fitting tops (tucked in and/or belted at the natural waist). If the skirt is cut closer to the body, opt for a looser fitting top. Cropped jackets and sweaters also work well with floor length dresses and skirts. One of my favourite casual outfits is a simple maxi dress paired with a cropped denim jacket. 
3. Be bold! Fashion is all about taking risks, I’ve seen girls style their maxi skirts with slouchy sweaters, tied denim shirts, and simple tucked-in tees for an effortlessly unfussy yet chic look.

 These are some of my favourite ways to wear the maxi.

Kizoa slideshow: Maxi Skirts - Slideshow

Halloween party spook-tacuar !

I love Halloween, but I hate that people think there is only one thing you can do with a pumpkin.

NO, you can do so much with a pumpkin, like adding glitter, lace, paint the list is endless.

So I have made a Campaign, to get as many people to makeover there pumpkins. 

To help I have listed some ways how you could give your average pumpkin a glamorous makeover, just with a bit of bibbity bobbity boo. 

1) Keep your drinks cool as ice, this halloween with an ice-box pumpkin.

2) Add some sparkle to them pumpkins like http://www.marthastewart.com/

 3)  Lace them pumpkins, you could use a lacy stocking.

 4) flower power 

 
5) Add some glamour by bedazzling

6) Use some fabric and ribbion.

7) Go down the Indian route with a bit of Henna.

8) I love this idea, perfect for little children so they dont have to cut the pumpkin, and easy to do.

What you need…

• flat-finish latex paint in any color
• unsanded tile grout
• paint stirrer
• paint roller or sponge paintbrush
• 150-grit sandpaper
• sponge

Instructions (as listed in Martha Stewart Living, January 2007)

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout into paint.
3. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
4. Apply paint with a roller or sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface.
5. Work in small section, going over the same spot several times to ensure even coverage.
6. Let dry.
7. Smooth area 150-grit sandpaper.
8. Wipe off dust.
9. Rub the side of a piece of chalk all over the entire painted surface.
10. Lastly, wipe away chalk residue with a barely damp sponge.

10) Last but by no means least, my favourite one carved but with a twist. You can get a template from here http://www.marthastewart.com/270940/vine-and-leaf-carved-pumpkin-centerpiece

     
I hope you have got some ideas from this, and that you all join and do something diffrent with your pumkins this year. And comment on your thorghts. xxx