Professional Attire: Stop Whining!

So I hear complaints about dressing professionally every now and then. But in my honest opinion, I cannot understand why there are complaints. Here's a few of them:

1. Too expensive/More expensive than "everyday" clothing.

2. Too matronly/dowdy/blah.

3. Impossible to find something that not only fits, but is figure flattering. 

Basically, I have a response to all three of these complaints/concerns. Check out my next blog to hear 'em (:

Now on to my first outfit choice for this blog.

When putting together an outfit, I try to keep a few things in mind.

1. Inventory: What the hell is in my closet?

2. Tough Love: Does it fit? Will I ever wear it?

3. Cleanse: No, I won't wear it. Bye! Or... Yes, I will. Yay!

4. Hello, there: Pick an item. Any item. Or maybe THAT item. 

5. Get inspired: Find things that are potential pieces that will go with the chosen item.

6. Vogue: Put it on. Check it out. Pose.

I'll start with my first item I was inspired by:

These are retro-inspired, charcoal gray heels by Lauren Conrad whom I absolutely adore. It's really not a mystery as to why these were so easy to grab from my closet.

Next, I wanted something that would either match or complement my heels. This is what I found:

I found this Ellen Tracy pencil skirt in a charcoal gray. The material is stretchy so it not only is figure flattering, but eliminates the need for a belt. You just simply tuck in your top and you're good to go! It's also a neutral which makes it easy to pair it with practically any color. 

For the top, I wanted a pop of color. Though a pop of color can be achieved easily when you are pairing it with a charcoal gray, I decided to go with a blue top rather than simply a white one:

A tailored fit, light blue Gap shirt served as my finishing touch. Though individually my items may seem "plain" or "predictable" to onlookers, it is clear from trying on the outfit that it is anything but that. Especially after adding this little baby:

A blue, leather handbag by Michael Kors. He is truly one of my all-time favorite designers. I made sure to pick a bag that not only would serve as my "pop of color", but one that I could see myself using on numerous occasions due to its price. However, keep in mind that there is usually a reason for an item to be priced a certain way. (Don't always bow down to all that designers release in their clothing lines, as tempting as it is!)

However, I'm not quite finished. For every outfit, you get to show a little creativity and pizazz with your jewelry. Whether it be a dangly earring, or a statement necklace. Here's what I chose as the finishing touch for my outfit:

I personally wanted to be a little more conservative due to the fact that I was completing my observation hours with middle school students and don't want to be too flashy so I used these Vera Wang, dangling earrings to show off my creative side.

Here's what my outfit looked like altogether:

  

And with the hot weather, rolling up the sleeves (neatly) can make the outfit more casual or a cool alternative to having the sleeves buttoned and down. 

Remember, check in to see my blog next week where I break down the complaints of professional attire and give some tips on how to put together a mind-blowing outfit!

P.S. Got a ton of compliments on my shoes. WINNING!