Professional Attire

Today was a big day for our university - the annual convocation event. This marks the official kickoff of the new school year, with a speech from the president, a recap of the successes of the previous year, and a vision for what the campus hopes to accomplish in the upcoming one.
For us little people, it meant a chance to mingle with the higher ups, get our faces known, and hope that they will remember our names. The trick is to convince others that your position actually matters. I mean, how can this operation go in without us, right?

Well, as with any event, we want to make sure that we are dressed appropriately for the occasion. Today's event called for professional attire. I've always found that this area of dress can be confusing for a lot of people ( business professional vs. business casual) and although you're guaranteed to see some wacky old professor who refuses to abide by any social standards, it doesn't mean that we can all be exceptions. The important thing to keep in mind when dressing in business attire is to achieve an overall crisp and clean look. Here are some points to consider when picking the right business appropriate outfit:

1. Don't be afraid to look your best. That means adding that blazer on top of the dress shirt, or wearing that nicer piece of jewelry. I tend to reserve certain pieces for those "professional" events, but the trick is to actually make sure you wear them! Many people are afraid that they look too dressed up, but hey, if you look amazing, then it's probably just fine.

2. Wear color. we don't have to stick with traditional black or navy pallats. Color is a very powerful tool that can help us stand out and enhance our best features (seasonal color analysis blog post to come!) one of the women i remember most from today's event was wearing a beautiful hot pink dress.
So remember, color is our friend.

3. It should fit like a glove. Nothing's worse than a jacket thats too loose, or a skirt thats too tight. Whatever it is you choose to wear, remember that fit is key.

4. Shoes should be professional and appropriate for the occasion. Cork material or anything that looks too summery should not be worn.

I am working on another blog post just about business professional vs business casual looks. Lot's of images, I promise!

Little Boutique Finds


 

I challenge you to try shopping in obscure boutiques if you ever get a chance. You can really find some of the most interesting and unique pieces to add to your wardrobe. I know living in the Inland Empire can make them hard to find, but this cute little Korean store called April Snow seemed to be mistakenly placed in a huge shopping mall. That's okay, it can stay. I don't mind at all.


Blouse: April Snow
Skirt: Anthropologie
Heels: April Snow 
Purse: Thrifted



It's Chambray Time


This is chambray, pronounced "sham-bray". I keep seeing this blouse on other style bloggers and wondered why I haven't jumped on the bandwagon. Until I realized that I do own a chambray shirt that's already 2 years old! Yes, I bought this originally for my engagement shoot, but never foresaw how popular it would get. (Does this mean I'm a trend-setter?) Haha, just kidding. But it did serve as a reminder that if you like something, then just go for it, because the world may just catch on. And if it doesn't, oh well, now you own something that you really like. Seems like a win-win to me.


Blouse: American Apparel (similar)
Bottom: Gap (on sale now!)
Wedges: Boutique in Paris
Bag: Fossil
Necklace: Francesca's




Put Away the Flip-flops and Get Ready for Fall!

Living in Southern California can be a real joy with its beautiful weather almost all-year round. The summers are warm, the winters are cool, but you can pretty much always say that the weather is just right. I remember having a conversation with a friend who grew up in New York, where people actually get to experience the change of seasons. She pointed out that the obvious change of seasons can be really beneficial because it helps us to transition from one part of the year to the next.

This idea really got me thinking about how living in SoCal can be one long summer sometimes. We can get in routines that seem endless, and it's no help that the weather makes the days look the same. To counter that, we can look at the upcoming fall season as a time for change and self-improvement, especially when it comes to fashion.

What I love about the cooler weather is that people really raise the tone of their wardrobes- incorporating classier and and stylish pieces like scarves and coats. I also like how we get a better sense of how clothes should properly fit. Summertime clothes tend to make us women want to wear less, while winter weather allows us to dress warmer while still maintaining our sense of personal style.

Seeing fall fashions in the stores is getting me really excited! I hope this change of season will inspire many to put away those flip flops and shorts, and re-visit our looks for the fall.

Little Black Birdies



New top from H&M which features everything I like in a blouse - small print (birds at that!), a cute collar, and beige!  

Speaking of prints, one piece of advice that I'd like to share is that if you have a smaller frame, then smaller prints will go better with you. Large prints (like huge flowers) on someone like me would look a bit dis-proportioned. Too loud, if you know what I mean!

Top: H&M
Skirt: Anthropologie
Heels: Reflection
Bag: Fossil
Watch: Francesca's