Work Wear – Sweaters

Sweaters that Work

Sometimes, you just want to wear a sweater to work.  Most offices are really cold, and wearing a sweater just feels nice, doesn’t it?

Where to Wear?

Obviously, you can wear these type of looks to work.  However, most can also be worn to dinner, brunch, church, parties (probably the boring, stuffy ones), and any other occasion where the dress is conservative.

Investment Pieces

Probably the sweaters in this post would not be considered an investment piece, but the rest of the items in each of the sets, certainly could.

Thoughts

It has been one of those weeks where negativity was thrown at me from all angles – work, home, friends, etc.  We do not like those weeks, people.

Have you had weeks like that?  How, I ask, is the best way to handle such things? 

I am not an expert, certainly, and probably handled the week poorly.  I do know, however, that to first accept things as they are is the first step.  Then, you can look at what is in your control and what can be done.  Lastly, take some action.  Action moves us forward and puts more energy into doing than it does on dwelling.  And we all know “doing energy” is much more effective than “dwelling energy.” Right?

Hopefully, this coming week will be a good one for all of you. 

Fondly,  Sonya

Work Wear – Sweaters by sonyastyle on polyvore.com

Same Idea – 2 Price Points – Orange Dress

Same Idea, Different Price Tag

Here is another example of creating a similar look, but with very different price points.  Both looks are elegant, professional and certainly appropriate for the work environment.

I don’t know about you, but just by looking, I wouldn’t be able to tell that one look costs much more than the other.  What are your thoughts?

Thoughts

My company has has a RIF (reduction-in-force) this week.  It has been pretty shocking and very sad.  The ones of us who remain are asked to pick up the pieces and get the work done, with less people.  Some of us were given additional responsibilities.  If you have been in a similar situation, let me tell you that the best way to handle it is to “accept” and move forward.  Don’t complain, don’t stop working, just say to yourself, “It is what it is,” and I will continue to do my very best -the quality of my work is not dependent on outside sources. 

Have a lovely weekend! 

Fondly, Sonya

Same Idea – 2 Price Points – Orange Dress by sonyastyle

Same Idea – 2 Price Points – Gray Pants

Two Price Points

Let’s face it, the amount of money a teacher can spend on clothes is less than what an executive has available to spend.  Therefore, the items these two women purchase will most likely be very different.

However, just because the pieces of clothing will be different, it doesn’t mean that the overall “look” has to be significantly different, right?

Shown above is a very similar look, but with a very different overall price tag.

Where to Wear?

Let’s just keep it simple, today.  Wear these looks to work.

Investment Pieces

Pants, shoes, purses, watches, and pearl earings.  I can see you wearing these pieces over and over again.  Can’t you?

Thoughts

It’s Monday morning.  However, that is perfectly fine with you because you are ready for the week.  This past weekend, you did laundry, you chose your outfits for this week, you planned your lunches and dinners, and you got that manicure and pedicure that has been on your to-do-list for three weeks.  (Wow, that’s so weird, that’s been on my list, too).

A bit too ambitious?  Well, let’s say that you only did one of these things.  That’s alright, because every little bit helps.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to prepare for the week ahead.  It does not really matter whether you are an executive at a large corporation or an elementary school teacher.  Preparation is equally important to all of us.

Let’s take on this week and show it what we are made of…determination, courage, excellence, and perseverance.   Yes, you are made of all those things, plus more!!

Thanks for stopping by and have an amazing week. 

Fondly, Sonya

Same Idea – 2 Price Points – Gray Pants by sonyastyle

Style Diary – Camel Coat

Camel Coat

Yes, we all need one.  No…we do.  Let’s just accept this as fact and get one.  One less decision to make, right?

Where to Wear?

Certainly wear this to work, wear it to dinner, church, cocktail party, drinks after work, etc.  This is one of those outfits that is appropriate for most occasions that come your way.

Investment Pieces

Let’s just say all of these pieces are an investment.  That will just make things easier.  And on this post, we are all about easy.

Thoughts

Remember how we discussed the cost of certain pieces in my sets?  You don’t.  Well, that is certainly OK.  Let’s discuss it again, then. 

I choose pieces that will be most flattering in the creation of the set.  Some of these pieces, like the VB dress shown, are quite expensive.  I am not suggesting that you go and buy these expensive pieces (although if your budget allows, then by all means, go for it), I am recommending the “look” that the pieces are showing. 

You can create most of my looks by purchasing all of the pieces at Forever 21, let’s say, and spend less than $100 on the entire outfit – including the purses. (But probably not including the jewelry – sorry for that). 

So, purchase your clothes wisely.  If you like the look that is presented in the sets I show you, then by all means, imitate it, but do so while staying within your budget.  Yes, you do have a budget – we all do.  We shall discuss that at a later date. 🙂  You are wise consumers!  Way to go!

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by. 

Fondly Sonya

 

Work Week – Camel Coat by sonyastyle

Style Diary – Bell Sleeves

Belle Sleeves

Belle sleeves are so feminine, don’t you think?  I know they are having their moment right now – as they should (we won’t take that moment away from them, will we?), but belle sleeves have been around forever.  I like them, but have you noticed how they get in the way at work, typing away on your keyboard all day?

Where to Wear?

This outfit is so versatile, it can be worn most anywhere.  Change out the sandals for pumps and wear this dress to work or church.  Wear this look on a date, to a ballet, concert, wear it to dinner or to a party.  I can even see wearing this to a wedding.  Why not, right?

Investment Pieces

These style of sandals have been around for a few years, now, and nude is so versatile.  The bag, watch necklace and earings are all terrific investment pieces.

Thoughts

It is Monday…the start to another week of work.  (Assuming your work week is the traditional Monday – Friday sort).  So tell me…are you ready for today, this week?  Did you do everything this past weekend to prepare for the week?  If not, why not?  I know these are annoying questions for a Monday, but I must ask them.

Did you at least choose your outfits for the week?  If you have not, then when you get home from work this evening, at least do that.  Seriously, you will be surprised at how this tiny little activity will help you.  I encourage you to try it – why not?  What do you have to lose?

Have a lovely week, thanks for stopping by.

Fondly, Sonya

Bell Sleeve Beauty by sonyastyle

Casual Friday Jeans 5

Casual Friday Look 5

Our last look for casual Friday.  This time we are working with burgundy and cream tones.  Just as in our previous look with flats, we’ve added a blazer to make the look more professional and put-together.

What do you think of this look?  Do you like those flats?

As you can see from this week’s posts, with one pair of great fitting, conservatively styled jeans, you can create many weeks of casual Fridays.  We just went through five weeks of casual Fridays – wow how time flies.

Happy Friday y’all.  Have a wonderful day.  As always, be safe as you head to happy hour tonight.

Casual Friday Jeans by sonyastyle

Casual Friday Jeans 3

Casual Jeans Outfit 3

A whole new color palette, today, with our jeans.  This time we are embracing spring and all of its vibrant colors.

For this outfit, we simply chose a blouse, added some fun low heel pumps and coordinated our jewelry.  An easy look to put together.

What do y’all think of this look?  Don’t you think that it has a whole different “vibe” than the previous two jeans outfits?  Can you begin to see that you need only one pair of jeans to take you through many casual Fridays?

Casual Friday Jeans by sonyastyle

Casual Friday Jeans 2

Casual Friday Look 2

This time, we have changed the color palette and paired the jeans with a white tee, a blazer and flats.  We all probably have these items in our closet, right?

Adding the tee and flats makes this outfit look a bit more casual than yesterday’s look.  The blazer and structured purse balance the look to make it more work appropriate.

Happy work day everyone.

Casual Friday Jeans by sonyastyle

Casual Friday Jeans

Jeans on Fridays

Do you have casual Fridays where you work?  What do you usually wear on casual Friday?  Do you wear jeans?

Let’s say you answered yes to all of the questions above.  (I know, too many questions on a Monday morning – sorry about that.)  So, let’s discuss those jeans that you wear on casual Friday.

If you work in a conservative office environment, then your casual Friday jeans should be relatively conservative as well.  Choose a pair that is darker in color, preferably a pair that is tailored to fit you perfectly.

Yes, ladies, have your jeans altered so that they are a perfect fit for your body.  If you do this, then regardless of what you wear (up to a point, of course) with your jeans, you will look put together and professional, even on casual Friday.

I am not suggesting that you have all of your jeans altered to wear on casual Friday.  Simply pick one pair and try it out.

So this week, let us pretend that it is casual Friday all week.  I will show you, that with one pair of terrific fitting jeans, you can put together many different looks. Enjoy my casual Friday looks.

Where to Wear

In addition to casual Friday, wear this look to dinner, brunch, to the movies, to many places and events where jeans are appropriate.

Investment

The jeans, of course, the shoes and bag would be investment pieces and the jewelry, if this is your style and color.

Thoughts

Good luck ladies in finding that great pair of jeans and then having them altered to fit you perfectly.

Happy Fridays.   Fondly, Sonya

 

Casual Friday Jeans by sonyastyle

Wardrobe Basics – Black Flats

Black Flats

Yes, we should all have a pair.  Choose a pair that is comfortable, compliments your feet, and just looks good.  Black flats are available from most designers and most non-designers.  Choose a pair that fits your budget and looks expensive.

Where to Wear?

Wear this look on casual Friday at work, wear it to brunch, lunch, dinner.  Wear it to church, meeting parents, visiting those who are in the hospital – that bright skirt will liven up any drab, sad environment.

This is a very casual, conservative look and can be worn most places.

Investment

The black flats are an investment piece, for sure.  If orange is your color, than the skirt would be a nice addition to your wardrobe.  That shirt is so easy to wear with just about anything, it certainly could qualify as an investment.  Of course the purse, watch and earings are investments, too.

Thoughts

The bright orange skirt looks beautiful paired with the basic colors of black and white.  It gets to shine, without glaring, don’t you think?

Do y’all own a bright skirt?  With what color do you pair it?

Have a wonderful day.  Fondly, Sonya

Work Week – Casual Friday by sonyastyle