Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to fit right? That's a stupid question; of course you have. We all have. Days where we feel fat, bloated, grungy, lumpy, sloppy, whatever you want to call it. Days where you roll out of bed and just know that nothing is going to fit right, so you throw on your biggest sweater, loosest skirt and most non-form-fitting clothing to cover the 10 pounds you literally gained overnight.
Reading that makes it seem ridiculous.......probably because it is ridiculous. Of course you didn't gain 10 pounds overnight. But that's how it feels and we end up beating ourselves up over it by showing the world our least confident, un-sexiest selves. By stepping out the door in clothes that don't flatter and literally hide our shape, we are buying into our own self-loathing and writing our own miserable, unfashionable existence.
But life doesn't have to be that way. We can have days where we don't feel confident as we roll out of bed in the morning and turn them around to our advantage. It's all about owning our clothes, not letting them own us.
Recently, my body went through some changes. Being only 5 feet tall, those changes look more obvious to me than on someone longer and leggier. I haven't been feeling as sleek and sexy, but I haven't let that drag me into the mud. Instead, I've tried to embrace my more buxom bosom, my rounder tush and my softer belly by wearing extremely feminine silhouettes. When you want others to like you and feel confident in your abilities, you have to like and feel confident about yourself first.
So instead of wearing sweats, I chose to put on a leopard print shirt, a high-waisted pencil skirt and some heels. The effect? Not only a fun, and somewhat classic looking, work outfit, but an immediate confidence booster. Feeling good doesn't have to be a battle when making yourself look good does almost all of the work for you.
Your clothes don't define you, they merely accesorize your own personal beauty. If you have a great chest, hello v-necks! A nice, curvy booty? Cigarette pants! A pretty pedicure? This season's hottest espadrille. Whatever you love about you, make that your signature asset and start loving the rest just as much.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Skirts at the Office: How to Be Professional and Fashionable
Skirts can say a lot of things about a woman: conservative, edgy, chic, ladylike or inappropriate. One of these things is not like the rest............and that would be inappropriate. In a legal setting, and by extension in any professional arena, the way a woman wears a skirt (and NOT the other way around) conveys a plethora of messages. Picking the right skirt can make or break a professional image, no matter your work ethic, accomplishments or education. Some basic tips can help you from blowing your own career.
First, length is very important. No matter how young and shapely you may be, a short skirt is NEVER appropriate in a professional setting. Remember the old test in grade school? Stand straight up and rest your arms from shoulder to fingertips flush with your sides. Is your skirt above where your fingertips reach on your legs? Then it's definitely too short. Your skirt should extend at least 1 inch past your longest fingertip, if not further. Showing too much leg conveys immaturity and a lack of understanding about the professional atmosphere in the workplace. It invites judgments about your character, motivations, education and capabilities. And these are things that should never be questioned if you are trying to create a successful enterprise known as YOU.
Second, fit is just as important as length. You are going to work, not anatomy class. No one should be able to make out the details of your undergarments or the contours of your tush. Just because you can zip or button a skirt does not mean it fits. The definition of fit is not that you can squeeze into it; it's that it skims your body in the right places, flattering you but also allowing you to move freely and comfortably. If you are pulling, poking, or pushing, then you are wearing the wrong size. If you have to suck in to make it work, then it doesn't work and probably wouldn't even if you hadn't even for a week beforehand.
On the topic of size............let's all get over it. Sure, you usually wear Size X in your casual clothing. You may need to go up in size (maybe more than one) for a well-fitting, professional skirt. That's because the fit should not be loose and too flowy; it should graze and flatter and squeezing into your usual Size X will only do you a disservice so that you can make a point to yourself: that you are ruled by a number, and not a love for your body and just how commanding you will look if you give up the number and go for the fit.
Besides, can you really think of what looks better than a high-waisted, knee-length pencil skirt with an embroidered, belted shirt tucked into it? It doesn't matter if you have a six pack or a cantaloupe on your feminine tummy............can you say Jane from Mad Men? What matters if when you wear a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship and own it, because it fits and you just need to strut your stuff around the cubicles, learning the ropes and leaving other, less confidently and impressively dressed colleagues in the dust.
And just because you are wearing a skirt does not mean you need to wear a matching suit jacket and a simple collared shirt. Oh no. Take it to that next level if your workplace allows and really amp up your style. Wear a pencil skirt with textured tights and that collared shirt. Or put on a beautiful cardigan set with a unique pattern, like damask, and some classic pointed toe shoes. I live by Nine West's Nuncio pumps, which you can find online and at Macy's. They are reasonably priced and come in great patterns and colors.
You can also pair a patterned A-line skirt with a pretty cap-sleeve sweater and flats, or even a military-inspired flat boot. This Floral Print Full-Skirt from White House Black Market is a great option when you let the print be the dominant piece, and compliment it with something solid, like this Pleated Blouse from Jones New York. Keep it soft with a demure kitten heel, or a Tory Burch flat from the first post.
A great option to make a skirt comfortable for Casual Fridays is to wear a denim pencil option, like this one from Ann Taylor Loft. This is when those leather flat boots would come in handy, to keep it casual, comfortable and also convenient because you don't have to shave (since the boots should meet the skirt at the knee).
The point is to make it fun and powerful to wear a skirt; not to continue to defer to it because women "don't wear pants." You need to own you ability to flaunt your legs, but in an appropriate, size-conscious and fashionable way.
First, length is very important. No matter how young and shapely you may be, a short skirt is NEVER appropriate in a professional setting. Remember the old test in grade school? Stand straight up and rest your arms from shoulder to fingertips flush with your sides. Is your skirt above where your fingertips reach on your legs? Then it's definitely too short. Your skirt should extend at least 1 inch past your longest fingertip, if not further. Showing too much leg conveys immaturity and a lack of understanding about the professional atmosphere in the workplace. It invites judgments about your character, motivations, education and capabilities. And these are things that should never be questioned if you are trying to create a successful enterprise known as YOU.
Second, fit is just as important as length. You are going to work, not anatomy class. No one should be able to make out the details of your undergarments or the contours of your tush. Just because you can zip or button a skirt does not mean it fits. The definition of fit is not that you can squeeze into it; it's that it skims your body in the right places, flattering you but also allowing you to move freely and comfortably. If you are pulling, poking, or pushing, then you are wearing the wrong size. If you have to suck in to make it work, then it doesn't work and probably wouldn't even if you hadn't even for a week beforehand.
On the topic of size............let's all get over it. Sure, you usually wear Size X in your casual clothing. You may need to go up in size (maybe more than one) for a well-fitting, professional skirt. That's because the fit should not be loose and too flowy; it should graze and flatter and squeezing into your usual Size X will only do you a disservice so that you can make a point to yourself: that you are ruled by a number, and not a love for your body and just how commanding you will look if you give up the number and go for the fit.
Besides, can you really think of what looks better than a high-waisted, knee-length pencil skirt with an embroidered, belted shirt tucked into it? It doesn't matter if you have a six pack or a cantaloupe on your feminine tummy............can you say Jane from Mad Men? What matters if when you wear a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship and own it, because it fits and you just need to strut your stuff around the cubicles, learning the ropes and leaving other, less confidently and impressively dressed colleagues in the dust.
And just because you are wearing a skirt does not mean you need to wear a matching suit jacket and a simple collared shirt. Oh no. Take it to that next level if your workplace allows and really amp up your style. Wear a pencil skirt with textured tights and that collared shirt. Or put on a beautiful cardigan set with a unique pattern, like damask, and some classic pointed toe shoes. I live by Nine West's Nuncio pumps, which you can find online and at Macy's. They are reasonably priced and come in great patterns and colors.
You can also pair a patterned A-line skirt with a pretty cap-sleeve sweater and flats, or even a military-inspired flat boot. This Floral Print Full-Skirt from White House Black Market is a great option when you let the print be the dominant piece, and compliment it with something solid, like this Pleated Blouse from Jones New York. Keep it soft with a demure kitten heel, or a Tory Burch flat from the first post.
A great option to make a skirt comfortable for Casual Fridays is to wear a denim pencil option, like this one from Ann Taylor Loft. This is when those leather flat boots would come in handy, to keep it casual, comfortable and also convenient because you don't have to shave (since the boots should meet the skirt at the knee).
The point is to make it fun and powerful to wear a skirt; not to continue to defer to it because women "don't wear pants." You need to own you ability to flaunt your legs, but in an appropriate, size-conscious and fashionable way.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Why Fashion is So Fantastic
Fashion is wonderful because it can be one of the best expressions of who you are. A lot of the time though, fashion seems unattainable, expensive and intimidating. But it doesn't have to be!
Fashion isn't about one brand or the newest trend; fashion is about taking the time everyday to embrace your personal style, to walk out the door feeling fabulous and powerful. Have you ever thought about your fashion identity and how it can propel your career aspirations, or on the flip side, cause them to crash and burn? Not because your fashion is too extreme, but because it is too safe and too boring.
Think about how you feel when you put on a great pair of slacks for work: ones that flatter, are crisp and clean and totally say, "I am in charge!" Don't you want to feel like that everyday? I'm telling you that you can, and it's all about enjoyable effort for maximum benefit.
First, ask yourself, what is my style? If I could wear whatever I wanted to work, what would that be? (not including sweats!) If it would be jeans, what do I like about them? The cut, the color, the comfort? If you love bootcut denim in a dark wash, why not try a wide-leg, high-waisted sailor slack? It hits you at the narrowest part of your waist and flares out, creating a long leg line. Not only would it be professional in a great black or grey, it would be unexpected and fun! Something like these:
http://www.tarastarlet.com/p27/Sailor+Slacks/product_info.html
Now, it might be a little wild with the top, but you could easily switch that out with a classic, solid colored button down and you are ready to go!
On the flip side, do you prefer a skinny jean to show off your great figure, whether big or small? That can be professional too! Nothing exudes confidence more than body-conscious clothing. Not skin-tight, but clothes that fit and flatter who YOU are, like these:
http://www.isabellaoliver.com/womens-clothing/uk/600/trousers-jeans-and-shorts/TR467.html
If you go for the skinny leg, make sure to wear something drapey on top, like a longer wrapshirt that will cover you just enough to make it a great office look. If you prefer a more flowing pant, keep it fitted on top to create a streamlined look.
What you want to wear in your casual life can easily translate to the office or interview setting with just a little tweaking. Pick a sturdier material or a more neutral color. But don't sacrifice who you are and what you want your fashion to say about you.
I like to keep it funky and fresh, so on days when I wear a pencil skirt, I jazz it up with bright purple tights and a peep-toe brown and mustard strappy heel. Or if I want to wear slacks, I put a long, flowy sweater on top and then a chunky belt that has grommets on it. It creates the right shape and still cover me up, but gives it that little bit of extra something.
Not only can fashion be fun, we can all have fashion and express fashion. Whether short, tall, big, small, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, gay, straight, transsexual, intersex, married, single, partnered, young, old, working hard or hardly working............we can all do it! No budget, big budget, you can find great options that fit your price point and look good on you. So go out there and make fashion happen!
Fashion isn't about one brand or the newest trend; fashion is about taking the time everyday to embrace your personal style, to walk out the door feeling fabulous and powerful. Have you ever thought about your fashion identity and how it can propel your career aspirations, or on the flip side, cause them to crash and burn? Not because your fashion is too extreme, but because it is too safe and too boring.
Think about how you feel when you put on a great pair of slacks for work: ones that flatter, are crisp and clean and totally say, "I am in charge!" Don't you want to feel like that everyday? I'm telling you that you can, and it's all about enjoyable effort for maximum benefit.
First, ask yourself, what is my style? If I could wear whatever I wanted to work, what would that be? (not including sweats!) If it would be jeans, what do I like about them? The cut, the color, the comfort? If you love bootcut denim in a dark wash, why not try a wide-leg, high-waisted sailor slack? It hits you at the narrowest part of your waist and flares out, creating a long leg line. Not only would it be professional in a great black or grey, it would be unexpected and fun! Something like these:
http://www.tarastarlet.com/p27/Sailor+Slacks/product_info.html
Now, it might be a little wild with the top, but you could easily switch that out with a classic, solid colored button down and you are ready to go!
On the flip side, do you prefer a skinny jean to show off your great figure, whether big or small? That can be professional too! Nothing exudes confidence more than body-conscious clothing. Not skin-tight, but clothes that fit and flatter who YOU are, like these:
http://www.isabellaoliver.com/womens-clothing/uk/600/trousers-jeans-and-shorts/TR467.html
If you go for the skinny leg, make sure to wear something drapey on top, like a longer wrapshirt that will cover you just enough to make it a great office look. If you prefer a more flowing pant, keep it fitted on top to create a streamlined look.
What you want to wear in your casual life can easily translate to the office or interview setting with just a little tweaking. Pick a sturdier material or a more neutral color. But don't sacrifice who you are and what you want your fashion to say about you.
I like to keep it funky and fresh, so on days when I wear a pencil skirt, I jazz it up with bright purple tights and a peep-toe brown and mustard strappy heel. Or if I want to wear slacks, I put a long, flowy sweater on top and then a chunky belt that has grommets on it. It creates the right shape and still cover me up, but gives it that little bit of extra something.
Not only can fashion be fun, we can all have fashion and express fashion. Whether short, tall, big, small, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, gay, straight, transsexual, intersex, married, single, partnered, young, old, working hard or hardly working............we can all do it! No budget, big budget, you can find great options that fit your price point and look good on you. So go out there and make fashion happen!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Do You Know High/Low?
A great way that I have found to be fashion-forward but budget conscious is to mix both high and low pieces. Not only can you have fun mixing prints, patterns, colors and fabrics, but you can invest in a few key, well-made pieces that are a little more expensive because a lot of your outfits are made up of reasonably-priced items that you can replace more consistently.
One item that I love, and that I have found to be worth the money on three different occasions, are Tory Burch's ballet flats. Running about $180-$250 depending on material and color, they are incredibly comfortable and last for years, even if you wear them every week. www.toryburch.comhttp://www.toryburch.com/reva-flats/shoes-reva-ballerina-flats,default,sc.html
Tory comes out with some great, unique colors every season, but if you're just starting out, I'd recommend a nice neutral pair, like black. If you're a little more adventurous, metallics like gold and silver are also considered neutrals.
The great thing about these shoes is that they are a professional alternative to heels for law students and attorneys alike; you don't have to break out your 3-inchers every day of the week. Go for these and give your feet a break, but still look professional and polished. They would go fantastically with some skinny suit slacks and a fitted bolero jacket, or a pencil skirt and crisp white button-down. Running around with case files won't be a problem and they are more than likely to be a conversation starter with the more experienced female attorneys and partners. Let the networking begin!
One item that I love, and that I have found to be worth the money on three different occasions, are Tory Burch's ballet flats. Running about $180-$250 depending on material and color, they are incredibly comfortable and last for years, even if you wear them every week. www.toryburch.comhttp://www.toryburch.com/reva-flats/shoes-reva-ballerina-flats,default,sc.html
Tory comes out with some great, unique colors every season, but if you're just starting out, I'd recommend a nice neutral pair, like black. If you're a little more adventurous, metallics like gold and silver are also considered neutrals.
The great thing about these shoes is that they are a professional alternative to heels for law students and attorneys alike; you don't have to break out your 3-inchers every day of the week. Go for these and give your feet a break, but still look professional and polished. They would go fantastically with some skinny suit slacks and a fitted bolero jacket, or a pencil skirt and crisp white button-down. Running around with case files won't be a problem and they are more than likely to be a conversation starter with the more experienced female attorneys and partners. Let the networking begin!
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