Feature: Cally Watts

Welcome to the new and improved Nine to Five! This week we've got the lovely Cally from Wear Love. Cally's got chic New England style  down to a science, and gives us a look at her fabulous work attire. Today she shares with us how she finds inspiration for her work wardrobe. Also, make sure you check out the fabulous Wear Love blog for some more fun treats! Trust us, you're going to love her!

::: Describe your work environment from a style perspective. :::
My work environment is definitely business casual (global education nonprofit). I work with a lot of former teachers who now develop professional development programs for other teachers. On days when we lead different workshops or programs, the dress is more business formal (suits, etc). Otherwise, my colleagues dress is way more laid back. I love fashion and styling outfits, and my favorite type of outfit is business casual. I love dressing up a pair of trousers with a cute sweater or blouse. I think the thought that goes into an outfit affects how you carry yourself, and especially in an office environment I think it’s important to be well put together. It doesn’t mean you have to have the latest trends and wear the most expensive designers, but it’s true that in the business world, the way you dress will leave an impression on people for better or for worse. Certainly there are environments that are more gracious than others. Building a business wardrobe can be super expensive, so I’ve managed to do it in slow increments over time after graduating from college and entering the working world. I’ve also become a PRO at searching for the best deals and knowing the brands that sell trendy articles of clothing without breaking the bank. I also do most of my shopping online. The process can be so overwhelming and exhausting, so I love sharing my shopping advice for people who are looking to save but also want to be current in their wardrobe choices.

::: What are your nine to five staples? :::
Go to brands include Ann Taylor LOFT, Ann Taylor and J.Crew. I’ve also bought really expensive articles of clothing for over ½ the price from daily deal sites like Rue La La, Haute Look, and Gilt City.

Key items for me are a staple pant/trouser. Having a comfortable pair of trousers or a cropped pant that can transcend the seasons. Sizes and fits vary greatly between different brands, so find the brand that fits your body (and wallet!) best and stick with that. LOFT pants and J.Crew Minnie’s do the trick for me.

You can make many versatile outfits out of five items of clothing. Having a few different blouses that can be paired with different sweaters or blazers, etc. can accomplish this! It’s about being creative with what you have and finding different ways to wear it.

::: Does blogging make you a better employee at your day job? :::
Yes and no. I blog and do social on the side for a business called Wear Love, which is a wonderful creative outlet for me. We haven’t focused on the blog much recently, but we’re hoping to jump start it again! It’s definitely a juggling act between my day job and Wear Love - there isn’t much overlap, and neither really enhances the other!

And I never thought I’d do this, but I felt compelled to start a blog of my own called Business Theology. I’m totally fascinated by the business world and how it can be used for good. I blog on things related to vocation, faith, current events in the business world, and my journey of pursuing a business degree and what I learn along the way. I think it definitely does make me a better employee at my day job because I’m more attentive to what’s going on around me. I work in a non-profit, and am currently involved in the organization’s strategic planning process where we are making important decisions for the strategy of the organization moving forward. I’m eager to see how nonprofits handle change and develop strategy, and it’s all relative to the business world. Every day I see things that give me fresh content and ideas for my blog.

::: Do you view blogging as a means of recording life, or as the start of an alternative career? :::
Both! Blogging about nonprofits and businesses - especially those who are committed to making a positive impact in the world - helps me process what I’m learning through my experiences. It also makes me more excited about things to come further down my career path and helps me formulate how my vocation is developing over time, and what areas of business I’m interested in pursuing.

::: Is blogging your main creative outlet, or do you also write novels, run marathons and knit all of your own sweaters? :::
Exercise is a necessary outlet for me, and it’s where I do a lot of my thinking and planning for the blog!

::: How do you find time to do it all? When do you blog? :::
Weekends and evenings! And sometimes if there’s a lull at work...

::: Finally, what have you been pinning lately? What are the items you are just dying to add to your work wardrobe? :::
I have been pinning a lot of fall outfits. I love boots, scarves and sweaters in neutral colors. I love a good, put-together and tailored outfit!

::: Outfit details :::

Calvin Klein dress (similar) // Mia Calvary boots // Target scarf (similar) // H&M trench coat (similar 1 and 2)

Where do you find your classics?