A girl can only own so many pencil skirts. Actually, let me rephrase that. A girl can (and most likely will) own a ton of pencil skirts, but can only wear them so often before it starts to feel like all sense of a fashion identity has been lost.

Only two short months into the post-grad working world, and I have already reached my limit. It’s not that I don’t like pencil skirts – much to the contrary I actually think they are extremely sexy and flattering on almost all body types. But the staple black pencil skirt with cute-but-not-too-revealing-top uniform can get really boring, really fast.

So instead of stuffing my closet full of yet more simple, streamlined skirts, I’ve decided to spice them up just a tad with unique details that give an outfit just a ounce of wow factor. I’ve gone on a hunt for pieces that are still totally office appropriate, but keep me from falling asleep when looking at my outfit in the mirror.

The perfect skirt? Banana Republic’s Silk Pocket Skirt.  From a block away it appears to be your standard black skirt, but a closer look reveals understated detailing that takes an outfit from average work attire to office chic. Read More »

I feel like all I’ve been seeing are American flags plastered to every store window and bumper. Which is fine by me. Who’s going to complain about a whole day off from work to down 30 beers and stuff your face with hamburgers? (…And celebrate our country, of course!)

But where July 4th does get my panties in a knot is when it starts bleeding over into fashion. The amount of horrendous American flag pants, t-shirts, scrunchies (yes, scrunchies) and even themed nail art that has passed me by on the street is ridiculous. And although red, white and blue really isn’t a color palate I dress in often, seeing all of these proud Americans struggling to express their love for America in an outfit that is just plain wrong, is just plain wrong. So this year I vowed that I could find something just as appropriate for the day (and the entire season) without sacrificing my dignity or style.

The winner? The Madison Marcus Infinite Striped Jacket. It was included in a July 4th inspired slideshow on Shopbop but when I saw it all concept of a holiday celebration outfit flew out the door. Instead I had flashes of all the places I would walk into looking incredibly chic in my white cotton blazer with the criss-crossed navy stripes.

The jacket is so smart that it’s almost unbelievable. It’s channeling the nautical theme which gives it a crisp, preppy feel, but the detailing is so modern that other nautical inspired wear comes nowhere close to being as wearably chic. The combination of the laid-back rolled cuffs and the sophisticated tuxedo color give the jacket this uniquely casual “oh this thing? I just threw it on” vibe, while the one-sided pocket and asymmetrical stripes and buttons make a huge fashion statement. Read More »

This morning I was dangerously close to missing my train into NYC for my internship. So late, in fact, that I had to sprint from my car, up the stairs, and onto the train platform to hurl myself through the train doors about a second before they closed behind me, leaving me panting and sweating in front of a group of polished businessmen. (Always a good way to start the day.) It wasn’t because I had pressed snooze one too many times, or because I had lost track of time. No, I was late because of something much more important:

I was searching for the perfect outfit.

I wish I could say this was the first time my fashion situation put me well behind schedule, but that wouldn’t even be close to true. It’s more like it happens about once a week, and on at least two occasions per month I actually DO miss my train. And this is because when it comes to my internship, almost nothing is more important than wearing something cute. Yes, I get more stressed about what I’m wearing than I do about the actual work and reporting I have to do.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m serious about doing a good job at work. But honestly, if I don’t like my outfit, I am a LOT less motivated to be at my internship. It may sound slightly pathetic to some people, but looking good really is extremely important when you work in one of the fashion capitals of the world, and that’s even more true when you work in the magazine industry. Magazines are usually more casual than your typical office, which is a nice perk, but also opens you up to endless wardrobe possibilities. My office is particularly casual, with editors wearing anything from tight dresses and sky-high heels to jeans and a sweatshirt. And while those options are nice to have, who really wants to wear a sweatshirt to work in NYC? I don’t, especially when practically every girl I see walk by me on Sixth Avenue looks like they’ve just stepped out of the pages of Vogue. Read More »

It’s that time of year again – the time to start hunting for summer jobs or internships (if you haven’t already), or start hunting for job or internship wardrobes (if you’ve already secured the gig). If you’re working in an office or a professional environment chances are you’re going to need to pick up a few pieces. Contrary to what some people think, Uggs and flip flops are not acceptable at most office jobs.

But don’t worry – you don’t have to pre-spend all that money you’re about to earn on a new work wardrobe. There are a few basics that can help make getting dressed for interviews or a work day simple. Just mix-and-match these with your everyday stuff and you’ll have plenty of options all summer long.

Well-fitted basics are the groundwork for a put together, streamlined outfit.  Dressing these up with accessories, or fun extras – tops, cardigans, or shoes – add personality to simple pieces and keep you lookin’ like you (and not some dowdy old lady).  If you want to hold onto these pieces for the future, it’s always good to spend a bit more and invest in pieces that fit well and are good quality. However, if you have a limited budget, many discount stores offer cheaper alternatives that will get you through your summer gig. Read More »

So, what I’m about to tell you is not going to make me look good. Don’t judge me. Don’t send hate mail. OK? OK.

I want to be Olivia Palermo.

To be fair, I don’t want her attitude. Or her brains (or lack thereof). Or her annoying, drunk cousin who is always loafing on her couch. I don’t even really want to be on The City. I really just want her wardrobe, namely those adorable men’s inspired flats she started rockin’ around town last season.

It was love at first sight, really. Shiny, chic flats that didn’t make you miss the 4 inch heel with the red sole Olivia typically donned. They were different, they were tres chic, they were (at least they looked) comfortable, and they were way, way out of my price range. But then, on a late night shopping spree at Kohl’s with my mom last week, I found these: a cheaper ($19, baby!) version of Olivia’s shoes that are still just as hot, classy and comfy as the designer originals. They were everything I wanted and more, perfect for this weird in-between-seasons business when it’s too hot for Uggs and too cold for Havianas.

So I snatched ‘em and before I even got home, I had an entire list of things I could wear with them. These shoes add that extra bit of couture and glamour that a normal flat could not and I believe every girl needs a pair. Don’t believe me? Just look what they can do for these three basic outfits: Read More »

As winter break winds down, I’m starting to have nightmares of exams, a jam packed calendar, and having my alarm wake me up before noon. But no matter how much I dread it, next semester is coming and it’s coming fast.

Obviously this has me tearing apart my closet, sifting through piles of jeans and tanks and blazers, letting them all duke it out for a place in my tiny suitcase.

After packing my must-have PMS sweats, I moved on to “work attire,” because, sadly, instead of lounging around the house all day eating leftovers, I will actually have to wake up early and go to an internship when I get back to school.

After my pair of black dress pants and a modest sweater dress made the cut, I was extremely bored. Am I really going to go from partying with friends in my leather jacket and sequined mini to a stuffy button up? I felt my fashionista heart breaking into a million pieces.

That is until I stumbled upon Express during a daily web-surfing session and found the High Waist Cotton Pencil Skirt in Geometric. Suddenly a light bulb went off: Just because I have to wake up early and go to an office like an adult doesn’t mean that I have to leave my fashion-forward college self behind. Read More »