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Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday's Fancies: Holiday Best

This week's Friday's Fancies is all about featuring your holiday best. Why not show your holiday best at your office holiday party?

My office doesn't do anything big and fancy, but if it did, I'd totally wear this.
dress | shoes | bag | necklace
What are you rocking to your company parties?


Disclaimer: Compensated links may be used in this post.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Keeping Organized

We talk a lot about work fashion here at Nine to Five. I mean, obviously. It's my favorite thing to talk about. But I've got another thing I'm passionate about for the workday. Planners. I. Love. Planners.

It's kind of a problem. There are so many options!
1 | 2 | 3
I keep a plain black Moleskine weekly planner. It makes me feel the most chic. What about you? Are you a paper planner or do you keep it all online?

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Mad About Plaid

When I look to how to juggle working, motherhood, blogging, and running a small business out of my home, I turn to Brooke from Lemon Drop Shop. She seems to have mastered the I didn't wash my hair today but it still looks good, I can rock holey jeans with an oxford and statement necklace, and you will never know that I am running on coffee alone. She also knows when to take a step back, do something simpler, or give herself a breather. All things I admire in the women in my life! And that doesn't even begin to share her incredible taste - girl has got an eye for style. So earlier this week, when she posted about plaid, I asked if she would contribute her post here to share with all of you.

+ + + + +

I have a thing for plaid. Even as a girl, I begged for a Ralph Lauren blackwatch purse (my parents were kind enough to oblige--with a little one). So the plaid passion is not new to me, but of late, I have noticed it spreading into areas that I've really not seen before. Classic plaids as cupcake liners, plates and bibs, for example. And I've seen fresh plaids infiltrate the "classic" such as ties, shirts and blazers.
These fabulous finds--vintage and new--were all discovered on Etsy.

Newer trends I'm noticing--and I kind of like it!

Some of my current favorites.


It seems the holidays are the perfect time for warm, rich, cozy plaids, doesn't it?

p.s. Brooke is hosting a giveaway that closes today (12/18). Hurry over and enter.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Double Take

When I saw Pippa Middleton wearing this gorgeous dress, I was basically drooling. I mean honestly. It's a stunning Roksanda Ilincic and I don't even want to know how much it costs. No one tell me.

But I did find this amazing Banana Republic dress that looks shockingly similar. And it's on sale. So hurry up. Grab that.
Have you found any fabulous look for less deals lately?

Disclaimer: Compensated links may be used in this post.

Monday, December 10, 2012

High Low: Cardigans



::: Bright Aztec :::
HIGH: Long Pattern Hooded Cardi from Free People
LOW Ecote Intarsia Cardigain by Urban Outfitters

::: Shades of Grey :::

HIGH: Haute Hippie from Nordstrom 
LOW: Blanket Wrap Cardi from Old Navy

::: Calming Calmel :::
HIGH: Lilly Pulitzer Cabrey Sweater 
LOW: Hinge Scallop Knit Oversized from Nordstrom

::: Stark Contrast :::
HIGH: Alice + Olivia Two Tone from Nordstrom
LOW: Staring at Stars Array Cardigan at Urban Outfitters


It should come as no surprise that I love wrap cardigans as evidenced here. While looking to add to my collection, I was surprised by how many high/low options were easy to spot and oh so similar. Do you embrace the wrap cardigan? Or are you more of a blazer or vest lady? 

Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday's Fancies: Pretty in Plaid

GUYS. I'm kind of obsessed with this week's Friday's Fancies theme. Mostly because I'm pretty obsessed with any and all things plaid. I even have a plaid dress. Which I don't love to admit, because who has a plaid dress? But whatever. I like it. So that means you'd like it too.

Unfortunately, I do not have a plaid dress in this week's picks, but I do have other fun plaid things...
shirt | skirt | pumps | bag | necklace
Nowwww if someone could go pick up that bag for me it'd be great.

No, but really.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Bonus Feature: Morgan

I hope you've had a chance to check out Morgan's first fashion post from the other day. If not, make sure you head over there first!

We've got an extra dose of Morgan this week thanks to her second fabulous outfit! I love the pop of blue in this look.
similar scarf | shirt | similar skirt | similar boots | similar bangles
What's your favorite color to use to make your outfits pop?

Now make sure you go show Morgan some love!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Feature: Morgan from La Chapstick Fanatique

We're back in action with another addition to our feature series! Today we have Morgan of La Chapstick Fanatique, sharing her Nine to Five essentials as well as how she finds inspiration for her work day. Make sure you head on over to her blog to see her fabulous recipes and fantastic photos of her life. And check back on Wednesday for another special treat from Morgan!
similar sweater | pants | similar heels | similar bracelet
:: Describe your work environment from a style perspective (i.e. traditional business professional, stuffy corporate, laid back artsy, kid friendly, etc.)...
I work for an admissions office for a local university so my work environment constantly changes. When I am in the office, I need to make sure I am dressed professionally since I constantly have prospective students and their parents coming in to meet with me. When I am traveling for work I am doing two things -- college fairs and visits to high schools. At college fairs, I definitely need to dress up (sometimes in a suit). For high school visits, since I am constantly in and out of my car and carrying boxes, I need to look presentable but I need to be comfortable and wear clothes I don't mind getting more wear and tear. 

:: What are your nine to five staples (go to brands, or key items)? ::
I feel like I am constantly standing and running around, whether it is giving presentations at the office, standing at college fairs, or going in and out of high schools. I definitely have invested in good quality flats since I started this job. During the winter, I tend to wear my flat boots. 

Also, whenever I see a pair of black skinny pants on sale, I grab them up. They are so versatile -- you can wear them with heels or flats. And I can wear a cardigan with them during the day and throw on a blazer at night for a fair. 

I also tend to lean towards more classic colors and patterns. The majority of my wardrobe is neutrals: black, navy, cream, grey. I also love stripes and polka dots -- they never go out of style. 

My go-to brands tend to be J.Crew and Banana Republic. I also have always loved Nordstrom as far as department stores go. Lately, I have been buying a lot of Calvin Klein because I have found that their dresses fit my body type well. Unfortunately, there are not many places to shop where I live so I usually have to go far for clothes (except for the Gap).

:: Does blogging make you a better employee at your day job? ::
Hmm. I am not sure. I started blogging when I was in a different job and wanted somewhere to be more creative. I get to be more creative in my current job, but I do like that my blog is a way to combine all the other things I love that my job doesn't fulfill.

:: Do you view blogging as a means of recording life, or as the start of an alternative career? ::
I would say it is about recording life. It is just something I do for fun and when it stops being fun, I will stop doing it.

:: Is blogging your main creative outlet, or do you also write novels, run marathons and knit all of your own sweaters? ::
I drive my husband crazy with how often I change hobbies. Our home office is basically a craft room. Right now, with a little help from a co-worker, I am learning to sew. However, I haven't been home much with my job so I haven't had time for that. I also have always enjoyed cooking. If I could do that as a job, I would. Exercising is a great stress reliever. I just started CrossFit a few months ago and love it.

:: How do you find time to do it all? When do you blog? ::
Well, now that I have switched jobs and don't have much time, I have learned that if a blog post doesn't go up, the world won't end. I would rather skip a day of posting than put up something that feels rushed. I usually blog at night and on the weekends but I am constantly thinking up ideas for blog posts throughout the day.

:: Finally, what have you been pinning lately? What are the items you are just dying to add to your work wardrobe? ::
I am actually on the hunt for the perfect black dress that I can wear to the office but can also work for cocktail parties and weddings. I have a black dress that I love but it has seen better days. 

I am also looking to expand my jewelry collection. In college my friends had large jewelry collections so I would always borrow. Now, I am starting to expand my own collection. I absolutely love J. Crew and Kate Spade jewelry but it isn't always budget friendly. I have found some great Etsy shops that have similar items for a fraction of the cost.

And, a girl can never have too many shoes...

If you would like to be featured on Nine to Five, drop me a line! We'd love to have you!