Well hey there, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!
I thought we'd celebrate my glorious return from hiatus by delving into my personal work wear style tips, tricks and go-to stores! Not to mention some awesome Katisms...terms created by yours truly to describe many things that can help, hold you back or keep you down.
So let's get down to it....first item on the agenda: work wear!
Gals, here's the basics--and I do mean basics, because frankly, there are always exceptions to the 'rules' in the art of style :)
FIT! I cannot stress the following enough.....try several things on in the store. In the dressing room, turn around and look at your butt. In the case of a shirt, look at your back--is it too tight, revealing the all too commonly seen bra lines? (...and it happens to the best of us regardless of body type; I've seen it on the rail thin and the curvalicious....). If it's a skirt or dress, is there a VPL? (Visible Panty Line). Does that jacket/vest/button up shirt close completely over your chest? Do those pants drag the ground? (Hint: they shouldn't...). Do you have a rockin' DC? (Drop crotch--the unsightly extra material that hangs far below the anatomical crotch....like a drop-waist for the groin--ugh!)
Shoppin' it Kat Style....tips on how to shop without the madness, and then a list of my personal go-to spots...pencils ready? Fabulous!
Tip: keep it on clearance...seriously--whether you choose to shop online or in store, always-always-always (did I say always?) hit the clearance section first. I'm going to list some pretty awesome online style sources, but you're fooling yourself if you think that I shop from the main areas. My rule: if it's not on sale, I don't buy it.
Every web page has a 'sale' heading or 'clearance' heading--and if not, most sites will pull up results from their regularly priced stock and their sale items. (So for example, if you're wanting slacks, click on ladies, then pants, then tell the page to sort from lowest to highest.) Of course, in store, the clearance racks are pretty easy to locate if you look.
Tip: Patience...finding a specific something on sale right when you need it isn't always the way it goes. Building your work wardrobe is a process....hit up the low priced hot spots and start with staples you don't already own. (How many cardigans do you have? Start by obtaining the basics, one in each shade--lights like white, cream, or bone, black, gray, navy...) From there worry about other colors. Your wardrobe should evolve through the seasons, so only don't randomly decide what colors to buy based on what's out currently. Look at what you have, or are attempting to build for a wardrobe--if you want to wear brights, and you love purples and blues then look for complementary colors and contrasting colors (greens and even a rich magenta are great mixes with purple and blue).
Now then--sources...right? I can't spill ALL of my secrets, so here are my top two local and online faves:
Well, there's ReInvent Boutique in Roseville [www.reinvent-boutique.com]--say hi to Marie for me! This shop has great designer pieces and is highly organized. Also, forget about those places where you can find is clothes but all they have for jewelry is a sad faded old sunglasses display from a gas station...AMAZING and fun jewelry here, plus a wide array of handbags, cute shoes and scarves.
Farther up the hill in Cameron Park via Highway 50 is Jenni Lynn Boutique [http://rkbventures.com/JenniLynn/shop/nav.php?jl=mainwww.rkbventures.com/JenniLynn/]...yes, there's a real Jenni Lynn. This place is cute, and the ever evolving selection will keep you coming back to see what's come in next! Plus, there's a good mix of casual and work worthy items to keep you loaded up with options.
On the large retailer side of things, I also enjoy Target's clearance racks for fun pieces to work in here and there--items like belts, jewelry, and basics like tanks, tees and cardigans. It's shocking what you can find if you're willing to sort through, plus with chain stores there's a chance you can find those pants you loved in your size at a different location (Folsom Target didn't have that size 6? Check the Target in Rocklin--most retail chain's store managers will even assist by checking their systems or calling the other locations to hold the item for you...don't give up too easily on the perfect capris or that killer pair of shoes!)
Online--(of course, hit the 'clearance' section):
www.kohls.com--personally, I gravitate towards the Jennifer Lopez line. There are bold prints, classically cut dresses, and edgy accessories. Also important, her items are true to size--if it says it's a 4, it's a 4. More recently I've been eyeing their jewelry by City Rox--high shine for little cash, and none of it is cheaply made (the necklaces won't turn your skin green, ugh)! Vera Wang has some very lovely casual options here a well, though I'd say her items run a little large...I've ordered a small to find it was more of a medium, so just be wary of fabrics, if there's any stretch to the garment, etc.
www.venus.com--should I apologize now for getting you hooked on this site?? Nah...you'll forgive me once you see the amazingly low priced dresses in high quality fabrics! Like that cute dress? You should, they have a TON of options under $30.00. Venus has everything from bathing suits, evening wear and jeans to adorable boots, sweaters and jackets. This site is always having some sort of sale, so watch them closely...your favorite top just might get put on clearance for one of their six hour sales. Bonus, my personal experience is that they're also true to size!
Ok, well that's all for now, pencils down!
Keep watch, big things to come soon Gang!
Good night, and good dress....
XO
Kat
