Fashion for the Real World
You won't see any filters, props, or artificial lighting. Just clothes. Clothes that you can feel good about wearing every day.
Before I started working at my current job, I didn't travel all that much. I had the same, worn out, cloth suitcase that I would pull out from under my bed every time I went on a trip- usually a vacation. It worked fine. Yes, I dreaded packing that thing. I would inevitably stuff it to the brim, sit on it to get it to close, and it would be so over sized it looked like a bloated baby whale. As long as it closed, it was a go. Checking a bag?? No way. Now with all the fees, and the risk of being on a trip without my essentials? No. Too much of a risk. I need to have all my personal belongings with me at all times. So I would trek through the airport, sweating through my shirt as I dragged along my huge, heavy "carry on". My favorite part of every trip was standing in line to board the plane. No matter how hard I tried to hide my fat atrocity of a suitcase, they spotted it. They zeroed in on that thing like it was their prey. "Miss?" I would look around pretending I didn't hear. "Miss? Can you put your suitcase in the sizer?" The dreaded sizer. I took it as a personal vandetta when I got called out of line. It happened every. single. time I traveled. There was no way a sizer was ever going to take me down, so with all my might I would shove my suitcase in the sizer, so hard I even broke the zippers off one time. Proud, I would always show the airport worker that it fit, while I silently struggled to the point of exhaustion to get it out of the thing as soon as they looked the other way. And then the ultimate feat of athleticism: Lifting that "whale" over my head into the overhead compartment. I feared for my life (and the lives of those around me) as I would bench press that suitcase. Of course it never fit, and again the voice would come. "Would you like me to check that for you?" No. I would not. I can manage this, thank you. As the line behind me started to grow, I could always hear the sighs of people waiting for me to get my suitcase situation under control. Needless to say, a stressful experience, overall. However, I didn't travel enough to really do anything differently. In my current job, I travel about once a month. The first time I traveled for work I went with my supervisor who travels ALL the time. She had this down to a science. She literally rolled her suitcase with one finger, as I was tripping and sweating, dragging my whale suitcase down the endless airport hallway. I think she was embarrassed of me because she kept walking faster and faster, making it difficult for me to keep up. I knew something had to change. I knew I needed new luggage, but there are so many options when it comes to luggage. What kind of suitcase? What kind of personal item?? What is the best combination so that I can fit all the clothes I need (and then the ones I inevitably bring, but don't need whatsoever?) After several months and several iterations of luggage combinations. I got it. I'm going to share my secrets with you. "One Personal Item"The one personal item you are allotted for air travel is almost as essential as the main luggage. For me, I dabbled with a few different types of totes and purses. When I would carry a bit tote, I could never find anything in it, and it would get extremely heavy. Also, when I travel and have work meetings or conferences, I needed something that could double as a "computer bag," but wasn't one inch thick and could hold everything I needed for the plane. There's no way I'm taking significantly less things, so that means I needed to find an item that allowed me to take everything I need, while still being organized and looking chic and professional. Out of pure luck I found this purse at Marshalls. It has completely rocked my world. I am NOT a light traveler, and this bag accommodates everything I need without ending up with a "stuffed to the brim, can't zip" mess. Let me introduce you to the "Tutilo Tech Double Agent Travel Duffel." When you have this bag, you become a Double Agent: An over packer disguised as a professional that is completely in control, and always has what is needed in an easily zipped bag. Here is what I put in my Double Agent Travel Duffel: Main Section - Bose headphones (need these for air travel) Snack bag (essential) Liquid bag Charger zipper case (holds all my chargers for all my gadgets) Laptop section- Laptop (obviously) iPad Front two pockets- these are huge Charger for laptop (huge and awkward) Cell phone for easy access Wallet Chapstick for easy access Pens Extra contacts Advil Back pocket: Boarding pass (if paper) Notebook More pens A final note- and this is important - this bag is FLAT on the bottom. This is important because it will sit very easy on top of any roller suitcase, including the one mentioned below. If you notice, the key to looking like you're completely in control of your travel game at the airport is effortless wheeling. You want to have no weight on you, not just because it looks like you're totally with it, but because it's just healthier to not carry heavy things on your shoulders. Therefore, I will sit this bag on top of my suitcase, and merrily roll along. I would snatch this baby up, particularly from Amazon where it is 50% off of the typical price on the Tutilo website (see button below). The Main Attraction: SuitcaseThe key to upping my travel suitcase game was embracing the hardtop. I know this may seem drastic for an over packer. The problem was that I would over pack the cloth suitcase, and it would allow me without any restriction. I would be left with a huge, bulging mess. Yes, it zipped, but it would grow to 8 times its original size. The hardtop is great once I embraced it. I can still over pack, and do my usual "sit on the suitcase to get it to close" but it always stays the same size. The one I found is what I would call a "hybrid." It is not the hard plastic of a typical hard top- it is cloth, but with a firm structure to it. The spinner wheels are a MUST. These allow you to wheel the suitcase with such little effort. This suitcase is extremely light weight, which is great because that means you can stuff more in it without the added weight of the suitcase, itself. I will usually pack all of my work clothes on one side- rolling the clothes is how I can fit the most without them being too wrinkled. I put my hair dryer, toiletries (non-liquids), and leisure clothes on the other side. So there you have it! The luggage that has changed my travel world! Hope it helps you!
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Today we're checking out Banana Republic, and in true "Banana" form, I found this very yellow sweater! This outfit makes me happy for many reasons. First of all, the sunshine yellow. Yes, it's a little shocking to wear in the "dead of winter," but I think that's why I like it! Let's shock the people at work with a little color! So much of my wardrobe is gray and black...I feel like I needed this as soon as I saw it. Oh my goodness, these pants! They were a great find, since it can be difficult to find professional looking pants that fit well. They are not too tight, but have the crop pant look that works with any pump. Last but certainly not least- these shoes. ::sigh::. No, certainly not the most practical for winter in the Midwest. However, we are having an unseasonably warm winter which makes me all of a sudden pay attention to things that I would've completely ignored if it was cold. I may wait to wear the shoes until spring comes, and until then, you know, just wear them around my apartment. The color of them is so unique- kind of a light blue/purple color. They have an adorable bow in the back, and are surprisingly comfortable. They are made out of a very soft material that will make them easy to wear during long work days. I will briefly acknowledge the fact that yes, the fitting room is a mess in these pictures. We had a little bit of a logistical issue- with the size and dimensions of the fitting room making it difficult to photograph the outfits. We had to move furniture to accommodate....you know how it is. The state of the fitting room is how you know there was some very productive shopping being done. But no worries, we put everything back and the fitting room was spotless when we left! As a final thought, I would recommend buying any of these items (shoes included) if you're considering- they are in the "sale" section of the Banana Republic website, which tells me two things: 1.) They won't be on for much longer 2.) They're cheaper!
Back to Kohl's for this special "Casual Friday" outfit. Typically, yes, Fridays are more casual for us at work. I will sometimes wear one of these vests just because it's comfortable and warm for the winter months. I can then just go right from work to my weekend "hanging out" mode very easily without any need to change clothes. Sometimes I will not wear the vest to work, but just a long-sleeved plain top (shown in photo on the right) with a scarf, and then throw on the vest after work.
This scarf is really nice because it is black, a.k.a it will go with everything, but has a little bit of sparkle in it to make it a little more exciting and pretty. I love this outfit for winter. The plaid of the shirt is so cute with the solid gray vest. I also am loving these boots! They have cute ribbons on the side, which make them so adorable and feminine. The quality of these boots seem great too, without the FULL "Ugg" price :) I just HAVE to talk about this hat. Oh my goodness. I've been wanting a hat like this for so long. The wide brim makes it so comfortable- I've found that I'd rather put this hat on than comb my hair when I just have to run out on an errand (too honest)? And gosh- that poof on the end! As my husband said, "that is the biggest poof I've ever seen. No really, it's huge." Because I know my husband and I love this hat, I know he meant this in the best way possible, because seriously, who doesn't love a big, soft poof on a winter hat?? I have to stop saying "poof." Anyway, enjoy this more casual, "almost to the weekend" outfit!
I have to be honest with you all. When I first tried this dress on I really didn't like it on me. No, am not opposed to posting outfits that I may not like on me, personally, but may appeal to other people. I do purchase most of the outfits that are in this blog, but this is one of the few that I did not. Now, however, looking back at the pictures I think I'm going to have to go back to Macy's and buy this dress. (So my advice if you're not sure whether to purchase something is to take a selfie and look back at it a little while later....certainly changed my perspective)!
There's something really unique about it- the two tones and the two buttons are just so cute! It has a very professional look that looks great with plain black leggings or textured tights. I try to wear sweater dresses to work as often as possible. I just find them so effortless, stylish. This one has that little something extra that sets it apart from other sweater dresses I own. The purple color and style is unique without being too "out there". The other thing I really like about this dress is that the "belt" part of the dress is lower on the hips. Sometimes when I try these sort of "belted" looking dresses, the narrowest part is too high. This makes me look really strange/lumpy. I could never get away with an empire waist (trust me). The way the dress falls is more flattering,, with the "belt" more at the hips. Again, just a personal opinion. I think the thing(s) that really pull this whole outfit together (looking back at the pictures now with a clear vision) are the boots. Oh my goodness these are so cute and so versatile. Yes, I have other pairs of black booties, but these are so adorable. Excuse me while I run back to Macy's to buy this outfit...
I love the idea of a poncho. What's not to like? Put it over your head. Perhaps slip your arms into the giant arm holes. That's it. It's so effortless and elegant. Ponchos are some of the most appealing clothing items in fashion blogs and on Instagram. It seems, however, that when I put one on it sometimes feels like a "one hit wonder" type of clothing item. What I mean by that, is that there are some clothing items that you say to yourself, "well I could only wear that on the weekend.," or, "I could only wear that outside," or, "I could only wear that with navy pants." I try to avoid these clothing items because, of course, I want versatility and ease in my wardrobe. When I try on a poncho, it always feels like something I would only wear on a "not too hot" and "not too cold" day in early fall or late spring when I'm strolling at the zoo and want to look cute, but could never wear inside because I'd feel like I was wearing something too bulky and ridiculous to work in. As soon as I spotted this poncho at Kohls I know it was different. This one was thin enough that it could be worn at work, without looking too heavy. It had such nice draping and looked so elegant. You may be asking yourself, "how did you know how it draped?" Well, I knew because it was on the mannequin. And it looked pretty good at the mannequin, which only meant one thing: I needed to try it on. It is not my ultimate desire in life to take clothes off of mannequins, but you would think by the frequency of which this happens, it is. Yes, I did due diligence in looking for my size on the floor. Nada. I approached the mannequin, which was on a pedestal (and therefore difficult, but not impossible for me to reach). I looked at the tag. It was, of course my size. I began to plot my strategy for getting this poncho off the mannequin in a very high traffic area at Kohls. Immediately a sales associate came over, and offered to help me (which was very nice since there's nothing worse than standing on a pedestal stripping a mannequin to the point of indecency in front of a store full of people - trust me, I've done it numerous times). Once the sales associate had, indeed confirmed that the one and only poncho left in my size was on the mannequin, she succumbed to the task ahead. This sales associate was a pro- taking the arm off and removing the said poncho with grace. The process is documented below. Viewer discretion is advised. Then after she got the poncho off.... I of course had to ask about the mannequin's pants :) Leaving behind a completely stark naked mannequin, I took my outfit to the fitting room to try on. I paired this outfit with a pair of black pumps (same as the mannequin). See below for the outfit details. Any black pump would do! Click each clothing item to get purchasing information
We certainly took Kohls by storm! Thankfully there was a fitting room large enough to hold our two carts worth of clothes. This one had some nice bench space also where we could display the different shoes and boots for trying on with different outfits (I'm sure that's how the bench was intended to be used). Given that I have a history of working in retail clothing stores and used to have to clean up fitting rooms (hated that job), we made sure the fitting room was cleaned up and all clothing put away nicely before leaving :) Anyone else scarred by a retail/customer service job that they now think about every time they go to that type of business? Anyway, today's outfit includes a staple for any work wardrobe: a sweater dress. I find that in winter months it is so comfortable to put on a sweater dress. Oftentimes I actually prefer the dress to pants, since leggings are much more comfortable than pants or jeans. People think I've dressed up, where in my opinion, I've put on comfy pants resembling pj's and a dress over it. The black sweater dress is nice just because of the versatility of it. You can match it with really any color accessory or scarf. I also like wearing my black sweater dress with brown boots- which I think used to be a fashion "no-no", but now is a widely accepted color pairing. These boots are also one of my favorite pairs because they are casual, but have that little heel to them which makes me, again, feel like I've dressed up a bit when going to work.
It is safe to say I am NOT a morning person, whatsover. When my alarm goes off in the morning, it literally takes 50 snoozes until I can muster up the "oomph" to get out of bed. For those who are like me (or even if you're not like me), there's something really great about throwing on something comfortable and warm on a winter morning, that still looks professional. I get compliments on this outfit every time I wear it- this cardigan is just so comfortable and unique. I also love the top underneath. I am fortunate that I work in a setting that is more "business casual," so I am able to wear jeans to work, but this look would work with dress pants, also. Paired with a tan short boot, this look feels like something you'd want to lounge around the house in, but has the sophistication needed for the office. Macy's Fitting RoomHello all! We’re coming to you today from the Macy’s fitting room where florescent lights are turned on and ready for our photo shoot today (ha). Whose idea was it to take photos of myself in the worst lighting ever? Oh, right. Mine. As a working professional, I am always stuck when we have big meetings or customer events at work. Does anyone else find it difficult to dress professional without looking a.) too scandalous b.) frumpy? It’s difficult to strike that balance of comfortable, professional, and stylish. This outfit has the sleek and professional style that I’m always looking for- and I have to admit- one of my favorite parts is the shoes. They are an enigma that I never thought could exist:a combination of comfort and style. Before these shoes I always thought memory foam should be kept in the “bedding” department, but in this case, these shoes have style without sacrificing comfort. It would be so easy to change the blouse to add a pop of color, but I like the black on black look for the winter months. Happy Shopping, L and K Macy's Fitting Room
Click on each clothing item to be navigated to the page for purchasing
Note: Blouse is now unavailable so I have linked to a similar one :)
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Forget everything you know about fashion blogs. On this one you will see no ripped jeans, ponchos that you feel stupid wearing to work, grassy fields, filters, or puppies (okay, maybe puppies).....
This blog is for those who want to buy full outfits that fit into the daily life of working professionals.
All
Blazer
Brown Boots
Hat
Plaid
Poncho
Pumps
Scarf
Shoes
Sweater Dress
Vest
Winter Boots
Winter Hat
Work