Business Casual in Boston

Recently I attended a business meeting for my real job in Boston.  I decided to collide my two worlds & bring you a few business casual basics.  I work for the medical device division of Johnson & Johnson, so we are about as conservative as they come.  Despite the conservative nature of my company, I feel it is always important to be yourself, which for me, strictly prohibits sweater sets & panty hoes.  Here is one outfit I wore (& managed to photograph) during the 3 days of meetings and events.  This is an attempt to encourage you to think a bit outside the Banana Republic box with your work duds (nothing wrong with the BR basics, just don't be afraid to add your personal style).

Top- Beyond Vintage / Pants- BCBG / Belt- Steve Madden / Shoes- Marcos Santi via Sole Society / Bracelets- Banana, Bee Charming / Lips- MAC Ruby Woo / Shades- Tom Ford / Watch- Michele

<Covet Corner>

Similar or Same:  Top / Pants / Belt / Shoes / Lips

And now for a few tips:

Women

Definition.  Casual does not = frumpy, throw some flare into your casual ensemble, maybe a leopard print belt or a bright colored pencil skirt. ("flare" always makes me think of the scene in the movie Office Space when Jennifer Aniston refuses to wear the minimum 13 pieces of flare... Ha! Maybe skip the buttons & "express yourself" with some red patent leather flats).

Coverage.  Skin coverage is good, nothing low cut or too short, but above the knee is OK, it's OK to show your arms, & peep toes are OK (not the case with business attire), but avoid shoes that are too high or strappy.

Accessorize.  There's nothing wrong with a statement jewelry piece, or a bold belt, work can be fun!

Tailor.  Steer clear of the body clinging extremes: skin tight --> baggy.  You can never go wrong with a clean tailored look.

Comfort.  There's nothing worse than tugging at your skirt, fidgeting with your bra straps, or limping around a conference center, so make sure you feel your best in your business casual ensemble.  First impressions are important, if you are comfortable you will be more confident & confidence is the key with any business look.

Denim.  This is a gray area & it really depends on your company.  In general the older & more conservative the company the less likely denim is acceptable.  Check with your HR department or just error on the safe side & skip the denim.  If your company does allow denim as part of it's business casual code, avoid heavily distressed or holey jeans.

Makeup.  In general a nice, natural look is great.  If you are woman in business, awesome, if you are a Mom in business, more power to you, but don't be mistaken for a soccer Mom while at work.  Cover the (inevitable) bags below your eyes, put on a little lid liner, some blush, & dab some gloss on your smile.  Mostly, it all comes down to being yourself.  I am a red lipstick gal (as you are well aware) so I don't shy away from red lipstick at corporate functions.  If you are a chapstick gal, go chapstick, but maybe choose one with a nice tint.  You don't have to look like a man to be successful in a man's world, yet you don't want to look like you are trying to "pick up" the man.

Hair.  Make sure your trim & color are up to date.  Ask your colorist for a natural look whether it be blonde, brunette, or auburn.  The skunk thing is not good for biz nor are the hot pink or feather extensions.   A neat ponytail is perfectly acceptable as is a down do, just make sure you do the do & avoid anything that can be perceived as sloppy.

Men

Avoid.  Golf shirts & shorts are not my fave.  It is "business casual," not "resort casual" so stick with slacks & a long sleeve button down even if you DO conduct your business on a golf course.  If you are actually golfing, golf attire is appropriate, of course.

Match.  Match your leathers.  Make sure your pants & shirt compliment.

Shave.  If you sport tasteful facial hair just make sure it is kept.

Press.  Have the hotel press your shirt if you don't want to do so yourself, but a crinkled up 'I've-been-at-the-bottom-of-a-suitcase-for-3-layovers' shirt is no good.  One of my Dad's best friends & long time road warrior had his dry cleaner individually hang each shirt in plastic.  He then folded each shirt in the plastic & neatly packed it in his suitcase.  He swears & declares it is the best way to keep a pressed shirt pressed & he would be one to listen to!

Be Yourself.  If lavender shirts & pin-stripped pants are your bag, go for it, if you are blue shirt navy blazer guy, go for it.

Makeup.  Unless you are a news anchor, I don't recommend makeup (that was to make sure you are paying attention).

Sportcoat.  Optional for business casual attire.

Tie.  Business casual means no tie, so enjoy it & leave the tie at home.  If you are giving a presentation a blazer is appropriate, but you can still skip the tie.  It is certainly better to be overdressed than underdressed, but a tie in a business casual environment sends the message that you are either stuffy or you take yourself a bit too seriously.  Stick with the attire that is requested.

I would certainly not declare myself the Emily Post of business dress code, but I have been a participant & observer of corporate duds for the past 12+ years.  So go climb that ladder and don't be afraid to do so ever so stylishly!

Stylishly yours,
DKG

M is for Missoni

Ok, so you must've caught wind of the Missoni for Target craze last week.  Just about every blog on the face of the planet posted an "all hail Missoni" post Tuesday morning (except me, I like to go against the grain).  I will, however, admit to making my way to Target, as quickly as my day would allow, to check out what all the hype was about.  Now, my little small town Target was definitely no downtown Minneapolis flagship, I'm sure, but I will say they did have a decent selection & by the time I got there just about all of the home wears & linens were GONE!  I was shocked, didn't know people in Idaho knew or cared about Missoni the way I do.  Lucky for me & for American Express there were plenty of clothes left in my size, yippee!  Who am I to not take the opportunity to scoop up as many designer yet economic buys as possible.  Having that design background I reference often & consequential fabric snobbiness, I will say that the quality is pretty darn good!  Obviously it is not the true, might as well be gold, Missoni threads, but heck, not bad for Target prices.  Thank you Missoni for sharing your ridiculousness with the world outside of the fashion elite & I tip my new felted Missoni for Target hat to you, Target!  Now you just need to bring in McQueen for Target & yes, I will camp out in front of your Minneapolis store in the dead of winter the day you announce that featured collection (hang tight AmEx).

Stylishly yours,
DKG

To Tie Dye For

No I am not pregnant, despite my free flowing fashions of late.  I am simply enjoying the pre-fall breeze that seems to be inspiring my looks these days.  This fabulous dress designed by the hand of one & only Gwen Stefani and is not only crazy comfy, but designed in such a way that eliminates the frumpy feeling a flowy dress like this can feel.  I just love the back, so much so I felt compelled to pull my hair up despite having just come from my "conceal the grays" appointment that day.  The ensemble was also the perfect opportunity to premiere the medieval-esque cuff, given to me by hubby, from the Beaux Arts Museum store.  I hope this to die for tie dye frock inspires you to grab something flowy & savor a few deep breaths in the warm (almost) fall breeze.

Dress- LAMB via RueLaLa / Bracelets- gifted, F21, Piece unique / Earrings- gifted /
Rings- Lucky /  Shoes- Stuart Weitzman /  Watch- Michele / Lips- MAC "Media" /  Bag- Furla

Stylishly yours,

DKG

Set Me Free

Gosh I love this new skirt by Free People.  Maybe I've lived in the Northend too long & am actually becoming a hippie that shaves & wears red lipstick, or maybe its just the asymmetrical, free-flowing construction & colorful design that makes me feel like I am dancing on a cobblestone street in the middle of  Sevilla.  I just can't get enough of this skirt & you just might get a little too much of this skirt as the months roll on, there are just too many ways to wear it, to not.  Here are 3 variations from this past week, with more "I'd rather be flamenco dancing in this ruffled, flowy, Free People frock" to come (until you tell me to stop, of course).

Hyde Park, Hippie?

Poolside in Pampalona (I wish) 

Make Me a Matador

<Covet Corner>

Skirt / Similar Sweater/ Similar Tank / Similar Sandal/ Similar Wedge / LAMB heel 

Sylishly yours,
DKG

Blog Pause

I apologize for being a bit sporadic with my posts over the last week or so.  With summer wrapping up & last minute weekend getaways while there is still some sunshine, I guess I've been a bit blog neglectful (sorry sweet blog, I still love you).  I promise that I have a lot of really great posts brewing, some even featuring special co-hosts, new models of the month, etc. so hang tight!  The good news is I have still been dressing myself everyday & occasionally I remember to snap a photo or two, so here are some outfits to maybe inspire a new concoction within your own closet & tide you over while I get my blogging act together.

Peacock Chic a road trip to McCall

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Casual Camoworkday

Cash Moneyvegas baby vegas

Stylishly yours,

DKG

Juxtapose Your Clothes

You've heard me mention in multiple posts that I just adore contrast!  Not necessarily in the color blocking way (I do appreciate color contrast though), but in the form of texture, material, & design.  Pairing sequins with cotton or leather with chiffon or lace with shredded denim gives me that polar incongruousness I strive to achieve as often as possible.  Wearing a light airy blouse with skin-tight leggings, pleats with ruffles, or ruching with slim fit.  Even the idea of contrasting uber designer duds with a Hanes tank or a thrifted find is exhilarating.  I've never liked "matchy-matching" my outfit, a term I use regularly during my closet revamps, so this concept is right in line with my anti-matchy-match soapbox.  Next time you get dressed try experimenting with various textures, materials, designers & you just might become addicted to juxtaposed clothes!

Shirt:  Jcrew
Shorts:  Jcrew
Shoes:  Michael Kors
Shades:  Tom Ford
Jewelry:  Can't remember
Lips:  MAC Ruby Woo

Off the edge:
Too scared to try sequins & chambray?  Start with black & white, once you are fluent in color contrast dip your toe in with texture & style.


Stylishly yours,
DKG

7-Tin-7: Blocks of Color for Benefit

Check out my 7-Trends-in-7-Days challenge on my Midsummer Night's Dream... of Fall post.

Day 7:  Gala to benefit the Idaho Shakespeare Festival
The Trend:  Color Blocking
Color blocking is the fine art of mismatching monochromatic items within an ensemble so much so, they match.  Sounds brilliantly confusing, huh!  On the contrary this is one of the most brilliant trends to experiment with this season or next.  Without question you already own enough in your closet to color block yourself into style. Even if you live in NYC where black is the new white, brown, or red, use it!  Black counts too.  If you don't dare go as Crayola crazy as I did here, pair something gray with something black with something white & throw on some red shoes, you are officially color blocked.  I love the 2-toned items we are starting to see, a new & welcomed take on the stripe obsession.  Pair your 2 tones with 2 more & you are color blocked.  At the very most, find your favorite color flavor of the season & grab some pumps to pair with countless ensembles you are sure to drum up within your own wardrobe.  I guarantee you can put together outfits appropriate for a casual family gathering to a night out with the girls in those same colorfully brilliant pumps (so make 'em comfy).  Here I wore a breezy  A+O dress (!!! it's getting hot in here!!!) & some purple pumps I think I bought for a wedding & had literally never worn, yet received more compliments on than any other shoe I've donned regularly (WOW! major perk of the challenge).  I put on a few bangles, a lovely cocktail ring, carried a bright clutch, & called myself color blocked for an evening of serious-sweltering-loot-raising-loveliness!

Dress:  Alice + Olivia
Clutch:  Mar Y Sol Billie Raffia Ruffle Clutch

My years as a dancer!

Shades:  Tom Ford Yvette
Lips:  MAC Cremesheen Lipstick LICKABLE
Earrings:  can't remember

Bangles:  Forever 21, Kate Spade
Cocktail Ring:  uggghhh, can't remember

Shoes:  Gianni Bini (never rec'd so many compliments in 1 night!!!)

Color Blocking is "HOT" (like 99 degrees)!


<Covet Corner>
Similar dresses:
 Halston Heritage Womens Sarong Knot Cocktail Dress
 Bcbgeneration women's Pleated Tube Dress
Similar Shoes:
Butter Women's City Pump

Stylishly yours,
DKG

7-Tin-7: Brits Love Lids

Check out my 7-Trends-in-7-Days challenge on my Midsummer Night's Dream... of Fall post.

Day 6:  Idaho Shakespeare Festival Performance - "Cabaret"
The Trend:  Hats!
I am going to go out on a limb here & say that the royal wedding has had an impact on fashion this year.  With the lady-like themes all over the runway & Kate on the cover of every gossip magazine I am pretty confident that practical sun repelling lids are going to morph into more refined & chic looks this fall.  Perhaps we don't need to go as extreme as the royal cousins, but there's nothing wrong with a twist on the old classics.  For my 7-Tin-7 night at the Idaho Shakespeare amphitheater I opted for the ever-chic straw fedora.  I paired it with a denim romper & colorful accessories.   This fall I intend to pull out some of my felt fedora-esque lids & hope to maybe acquire a few new shapes & styles.  I believe in head wear as an active accessory rather than a functional deterrent from elements or bad hair days, so feel free to sport one as an accessory.  The chicer the more appropriate according to etiquette experts.  The way I see it, if Queen Kate is sporting them during the day & inside it must certainly be etiquette approved for my purposes.  Go get a sweet lid & rock-it with style this fall!

Romper:  Rich & Skinny
Fedora:  JCrew
Bag:  Furla
Shades:  Tom Ford
Earrings:  gifted
Bracelets:  Forever 21 (blue), JCrew (skinny orange), gifted (left hand orange)
Flops:  Rainbow (my most comfy flops!!!)
Lips:  MAC Vegas Volt

Stylishly yours,
DKG