Dressing Professionally...and an update

First I'll start with the update...I'm going 13 days strong without eating meat.  I must say, I can definitely feel a difference...I haven't experienced that "stuffed" feeling since I've given up meat and overally I just feel healthier.  Maybe it is all in my head and I'm just 'trying' to feel differently but either way it is working.  I must say, though, I do have a downside to not eating meat.  I subconsciously have convinced myself that since I don't eat meat I can substitute that absence with the presence of chocolate...umm, yeah no not a great idea.  I'm still working on this people.  I didn't make it to the gym this morning because the booger was up all night with the shits, yeah that was awesome.  I will, however, make it to the gym tomorrow night for the kickboxing class.  I missed pilates yesterday because I went to visit my new second cousin in law, Abigail and boy is she precious. My bestie is home now too which is also mucho exciting for moi. (like how I just used french and spanish in the same sentence).

Now that I've updated you on my life, because we all know that's what you were anxiously awaiting.  Today my focus is dressing for the office and what rules apply.  Let me preface by saying, I work in a business casual atmosphere and I am going to focus on that sort of environment. Congratulations to miss Jessica for getting her first 9-5er at Aflac :)

Business casual can be simply defined as clean, comfortable and easy.

1. Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever wear a bare leg.  I don't care if it's 300 degrees outside and you're sweating bullets.  In my opinion, a bare leg is not acceptable for work.  Always wear some sort of leg cover whether they're nude, black, whatever.  I prefer thigh highs because I do not fancy the over spill that pantyhose causes me in the midsection, but that's a preference.  Obviously, in the winter you would switch to tights. 

2. On that note, skirts.  I LOVE me a good pencil skirt and own about 8 of them in various designs. These are perfect for work wear. And whether you prefer a straight skirt or A line, the skirt length is important.  Around the knee length, not much longer and not much shorter either.  Take into account what length the skirt will be at when you are seated, legs crossed.  It my be appropriate while standing but if you sit and it scoots up to the coochie, that's a no go. 

3. Avoid sky high stilettos.  Honestly, I can hardly believe I'm saying this as I adore a 5" Louboutin pump (adore, not own it's a recession folks). Not only are they not practical but they're a bit overzealous for work.  You're not out on the town with your girls you're more than likely in a cubicle or office with mostly men who will certainly judge you like a street walker for wearing 'em.  I believe sticking to a 3" or lower heel is more than appropriate.  If you must take it to 3.5" that's ok.  And the higher the heel, the longer your bottoms should be (i.e stick to pants with real high heels or opt for a longer pencil skirt)

4. Tops. This, you would think, is obvious.  No, it is not okay to show your bubbies at work.  You are a career woman not a cocktail waitress and you should be taken seriously.  (I know, I sound like a fem bot) But it's true.  You can absolutely look gorge without showing the ta-ta's so just don't do it.  I, every single day, wear a tight fitting tank under every sweater, blouse, top, etc. just so that even if it is low cut the cleave is avoided and if you bend over and its a bit baggy, there's no peep show.

   Don't do it









5. Pants/Shorts. Here is where opinions may vary on what is acceptable.  Obviously, a clean cut dark pant is the easiest way to go (i.e. Express' Editor Pant) because it looks very professional and will match basically anything.  Khaki is great too but shouldn't be worn in the winter (imo) as it is a 3 season color if you ask me.  In the warmer months, shorten the pant to ankle or even calf and in the summer opt for a bermuda length short (shorts that reach the knee) don't ever wear your Jersey shore shorts to work, ever! Leggings - I think leggings are acceptable for work SO LONG AS THEY ARE BLACK and WORN WITH A TUNIC (oversized cardigan, etc)...don't show up at 9am with your leggings and waist length top.  That's not ok.

6. Dresses. I wear a lot of dresses, especially in the summer.  Get your hands on as many very cute, short sleeved boleros and cropped cardigans as you can.  These will take all of your summer dresses to work appropriate attire. You need to 'feel out' your own workplace and see what works because for me, I can wear a bare shoulder without a problem but in a more corporate setting that won't be acceptable.  Again, do not forget to cover the leg and don't forget to add a tank of some sort if the dress is v-neck.  The length rule above prevails.  You will know what's approprite.  If you can feel a breeze on your buttcrack its toooo short.  Its good to get a second opinion on length if you can because I know I've convinced myself that certain lengths were ok, when they weren't. 

7. Miscellaneous.  I do not agree with standardized opinions that you have keep your makeup boring and basic.  I've worn a smokey eye to work and I personally think that's fine.  Although I don't wear a lot of makeup to begin with, well I do, but it doesn't look like I do.  Obviously you need to avoid glitter at all costs and should stray from a bright red lip or statement falsies.  When it comes to accessories...I say it depends on the outfit.  If you're wearing a black dress, black pumps I think its more than fine to wear a statement necklace, but keep the earrings simple at that point.  It's all about balance.  Don't walk in with 20 bangles, hoops and an eleaborate necklace with a cocktail ring.
 
Headbands are more than fine so long as it is not overdone...this is acceptable

                                                        this is NOT acceptable

Balance, Balance, Balance my ladies.  It is important to be stylish, but comfortable.  It is important to look like a professional but keep your femininity.  The days of high end structured suits are gone.  You can look just as amazing at work as you would for a night out on the town...just don't choose the same outfit for both occassions.

If I missed something, let me know.  Share your opinions and ask me questions! Would love to hear the feedback.

Catchin up!

Yes followers, today is Manday...and men shall come (later)...but I couldn't post Fri-Sun because I was supa busy so I'm going to try and do a catch all post first.

Gym has been going great for me, I've managed to get my lazy arse out of bed each and every day between 5:30-5:45am and jog to the gym. I was planning on going to a 6:45am yoga class Saturday but my stupid BB alarm was set to weekdays only by mistake so I never woke up in time! Anywho, the whole shabazz has made me feel so much better and I can already see a difference (or maybe its wishful thinking).  On top of that, I have also decided to give up meat.  Its a choice I made not because I'm a huge PETA follower or anything of that nature but just because I think what is done to meat, between how it is processed and the massive amounts of un-natural substances that go into the animals is just wretched.  Now, I've never really been a huge red meat fan but always had my hands on chicken and turkey so giving those 2 up will definitely be a challenge.  Although I have decided to keep eating fish because I can't really figure out how I'd accumulate the appropriate amount of protein needed daily without it.  That being said, I'm about 6 days strong so far and I can honestly say I do feel a bit different...I don't feel bloated or over fed, ever - even if I eat a HUGE plate of veggies I still just feel satisfied at the end; whereas, when I was eating meat I felt like I could binge for days on plates of food.  So we'll see how it goes, I'm going to test the waters for about 30 days and if I see an improvement in anything - my physique, my health, etc. I will stick with it.  If I don't see any difference I will probably take chicken and turkey back and just kill off red meat for good.  I must say, though, we always buy organic chicken so that makes a huge difference.

Thursday night I had a fun shopping trip after work with my friend Jaime...she's one of those people you love to shop with because she never tries to be the 'voice of reason' she proudly cheers on your every purchase and willingly justifies, along with you, why you have to have the item you're looking at! Great shopping partner, check - Great person to help you keep on your budget, check  I picked up a couple very cute cardigans on Old Navy's clearance rack - ALL their winter stuff is on clearance for next to nothing, because they already have out all sandals, maxi dresses, capris, etc.  I couldn't really bring myself to buy Spring items yet because I have a hard time letting things just sit in my closet.  I also picked up a few more pairs of Vicky's new lacie's - which are the BEST underwear I've ever bought, hands down.  :::update...dog ate on pair on Sunday::: and a very cute Chanel-ish scarf from H&M along with a black vest (which I have to exchange because its just a smidgen too small)

Friday we headed out for a fundraiser spaghetti dinner for my son's school.  I ate a stupid amount of dessert.  Oh well.

Saturday night, the hubbs and I got all purdy and headed out to a benefit dinner for my boss' foundation that I manage for him.  It was a very rewarding night for many organizations in my local community and I am proud to say I put a huge effort towards the fundraising efforts throughout the year, so to be "rewarded" with a nice dinner and cocktail party is great! I met a lot of really great people from my area who devote their lives to helping others.  it really takes a special person to do what a lot of those people do every day - putting their own lives aside for the good of others...I respect people like that a great deal and certainly try to do my part.  I can't really afford to do a lot of monetary donating so I try to spend as much actual time as possible lending a hand.
...oh and I finally had a place where I could wear my Manolo's - there's never anything fancy enough or worthwhile to break them out but I did at the dinner - and pretty much got a compliment from every single person so that was a plus :)

And then there's Sunday.  Besides the fact that I was violently ill all morning (because like I mentioned in a previous post...I just can't hang like I used to) I put my big girl panties on and tried my best to suck it up (which I did) and shoved out for a mini-mini baby shower for my dear friend Dana who's little lovely is set to pop out pretty soon! Can't wait :) Love little babies...especially girls.  Her clothes are to die for, she's going to be one well dressed infant!

Last but certainly not least at all....Sunday was the grand opening of the Shop Rite in my town.  Woot woot, I know what you're thinking - who gives a flying beeeeeep.  Well my dears, I DO!!! My boss is a big developer in my area and he owns the land that this particular shop rite was being built on (landlord-tenant) and it has been my job for the last 3.5 years to aid with the municipal, county and state governmental approvals to allow this massive grocery store to be operational.  We hit many snags along the way - being sued by a local competitor several times which cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars and many months of stop work orders so to see the doors finally open today was just AWESOME!!! And believe you me, that place was a freaking zoo yesterday I mean, you'd think these people hadn't been to a grocery store for 30 years the way they were consistently piling in for hours upon hours! It really is a very joyous time for my professional life

So I had a very eventful weekend.  Did you catch Keeping up with the Kardashians last night? or this past Monday which was part 1 of 2 of the seson finale?? I freaking love them and the show just keeps getting better and better. On last nights show Kourtney gave birth to her adorable little boy, Mason. (he was actually born back in December) "watching" her birth was just amazing - she was so calm and collected it was just unbelievable - her doctor even let her PULL HER OWN BABY OUT!!! it was so crazy I've never seen/heard anyone do that before, must have been such a surreal experience for her!  Oh and um, God - yeah Hi, its me Kristen...when I get pregnant again - can you please ensure that I look like this...thanks babe

For now, that's all