Feature: Brooke

Today's featured blogger is Brook from Lemon Drop Shop where she shares about all things party and DIY. She also has an adorable etsy shop - my go to place for all things party like paper straws, cupcake flags, and treat bags. She is also a full-time working wife and mom of three little people (and two rather large furry quadrapeds--aka fat cats). Her clothing choices need to be versatile - she look for clothing that can be dressed it up with a pencil skirt or could work with jeans.

Brooke knows how to make pattern work. A while back, she was slightly obsessed with plaids (and threw a bit of houndstooth in the mix. Both looks are comfortable and neutral enough to be changed many times over. They work for three seasons and can be punched up with any color to for a little pizazz (if you wish).

You can find Brook regularly flitting around on pinterest and occasionally on facebook and twitter.

Outfit details: Left: shirt - j.crew factory // skirt - j.crew factory // tights - target // shoes - target // belt - target // necklace - target  Right: dress - H&M // tights - target // cardigan - old navy // boots - nordstrom rack // purse - tjmaxx // necklace - groupdealz

If you would like to be considered to be one of our featured bloggers, email Shannon.

Featured Blogger: Kim

::: Work Environment and Staples ::: 
I'm so excited to push through my fear of showing my personal style!! I am an interior designer, a stay at home mom and a blogger!! Whew...needles to say, my style changes hourly! It almost always has to be comfortable and movable (ie..no heels for this girl) I am either, chasing a 3.5 yr old, meeting with clients with arms full of "stuff" (plans, tiles, fabrics, photos) or sitting at my computer writing, researching and spending way too much time on social media.

Because of my ever changing schedule, I have a few major staples in my wardrobe. Cute Flats, Dark Jeans (I like to say "spills to stylish in 10 seconds flat") and cute accessories, mainly a chunky bracelet and long necklaces! I love Banana Republic and Forever21 for necklaces and bracelets...did you laugh at the difference there? Here is why..I like cheap pieces that are cute, that my son can pull on, and I don't worry if they break (Forever21) but I also like to have nicer pieces for client meetings, that look a little more expensive. When I am blogging, I am typically wearing a t-shirt or sweatshirt and jeans.

::: Does blogging make you a better employee? :::  
We just recently moved form New York to Nashville. While in New York, I worked for an architect 3 days a week, and stayed home with my son 2 days a week. I have been blogging since 2011, and I think it definitely helped me in my day job. I feel like I am more aware of all things design now. I always see things while shopping for clients that catch my eye and make me think, "oh I have to write about that!!" Also, blogging started out as a hobby for me. So it relaxes me, it helps me focus!! 

::: Do you see blogging as a means to recording life as alternate career? :::
I waiver on this. At first, I absolutely just did it to record life, and share great finds with my readers, along with honest mommy moments. But as my readership grows, and I make more connections, I am getting more offers. I can see that it IS an opportunity to make money, but I am so afraid that I will LOSE some of the passion behind it. I am staying open!! Trusting that whatever this little blog is suppose to turn into, will happen ;)

::: Is blogging your main outlet? Or do you have other hobbies? ::: 
Meditation is my main outlet, blogging is second. Before leaving New York, I had a daily meditation practice. It grounds me, it calms me. Now that we have just moved to Nashville, and I am a full time at home mom, its been a struggle balancing everything, I haven't been meditating as much, but I am still blogging ;) Blogging is really my passion, its what I like to do with my down time!!

::: How do I find time to do it all? ::: 
Here is the truth. I don't. Its really that simple. I absolutely do not find time to do it all. Its a struggle for me. I want to be present in everything I do. SO that means when with my son, I am 100% WITH him...when I am blogging, I am 100% WITH Design Thoughts. That's what I WANT, It just doesn't happen though, the way I make it work, is giving myself a break. Remembering that real life balance isn't equal. Its 20% here, 50% there and 30% over there. NOT balancing everything equally is my balance!!

The one thing that has helped me a bit, is starting a weekly schedule and trying to stick to it. So Mondays are my days for housework (cleaning, groceries, re-arranging) Tuesdays are my days for blogging, so any chance I get, I am blogging. Wednesdays are my days that I commit to my OTHER project called Moms Just Being, a Facebook community of moms who support each other, that I started with my two friends, Thursdays are my "Social Media" days, and Fridays are free days. I try really hard to stick to the schedule, but also know that the world doesn't end if I dont post on Instagram on Thursday!

::: What have you been pinning lately? :::
I had a major window treatment fail at my own house (way too short) so I have been pinning color block curtains. A hopeful solution to my problem! Also, I am WAY into large scale items, so anything and everything large scale.  

You can catch up more with Kim on her blog, Design Thoughts 

or on facebook, twitter, instagram, google+ or vine: Design Thoughts

Outfit Details:

Navy Polka Dot Shirt-$39.95 GAP
Banana Republic Skinny Jeans Dark- $35.99 on sale!!
Grey flats- GAP ( I don't remember the price I have had them forever!!)
Necklace- Banana Republic( last summer )$16.99

if you are interested in being one of our featured bloggers, email shannon for details

Feature Flashback

While the North East is buried under a few feet of snow, I can't help but begin to dream of Spring. Transitioning my wardrobe from season to season is always the biggest challenge for me. How do I get rid of the pattern of black on black on black? Alex does this seamlessly  With a few accessories and a classic blazer, she takes a summer frock and makes if three-season office wear. See the full details of the original feature here and here.

Are you ready for Spring? 

What are your favorite ways to transition your wardrobe?



p.s. Alex just got engaged last week. woot, woot! pop over and share your congratulations!

Featured Blogger: Courtney

To kick off the return of our Featured Blogger Monday, we bring you a woman who gets to wear jeans every day of the week. Yes, we sort of hate her too! Kidding, we actually love Courtney. She is a working momma who still has killer style. You can read more about her and her little family on her blog, Bowdenisms.

::: Describe your work environment from a style perspective :::
I am incredibly lucky to have a job where I can wear pretty much anything I want. We’re a casual clothing retailer, so that translates to a pretty laid back office environment. My role as a visual merchandiser means I’m pretty active throughout the day (building window displays, climbing ladders...basically rolling around and getting dirty while we “make pretty”) so I tend to skew on the more casual (i.e. practical) end of dressing. And it means heels are a non-option, which is fine by me.

::: What are your nine to five staples? :::
Because I work at AE, people always ask if I have to wear all their clothes, but that’s not required at all. I do end up wearing a ton of it because it’s stuff I like (and I get a sweet discount!), but I still mix in a ton of other brands as well. My look day to day is pretty similar- almost always jeans, with boots or flip flops (depending on the season) with a basic top. Most days I add a scarf (I’m scarf obsessed), and I pile on the jewelry. I tend to rotate favorite pieces and similar outfits (I wear navy and grey a lot) but then have fun by changing out the scarf for a different pattern, or throwing on a bright cardigan to add a pop of color. Now that I’m pregnant, I find my style hasn’t changed much at all...I just have to size up a bit, and shift the belt a little higher.

::: Does blogging make you a better employee at your day job? :::
Yes and no. I think my awareness and involvement in the blogging community helps me to make connections with ideas. You never know where the next creative spark is going to come from, and with the endless amount of inspiration out there in the blog world, its a hugely valuable resource for me. As for my actual blog though, I intentionally keep it pretty separate from my work life. I rarely post about my job, and in general use my site as a personal account of what I’m thinking or feeling at the time, rather than a space to collect creative ideas. The “work me” and the “blog me” are the same girl, so my style and personality is incorporated into both spheres...my 9-5 just cares a lot less about seeing my baby’s pictures.

::: Do you view blogging as a means of recording life, or as the start of an alternative career? :::  
I guess you should never rule any possibility out, but for now it’s just an online scrapbook for me. I’ve been writing for five years, and I’m so thankful for the memories, thoughts and emotions that I have recorded on my tiny corner of the web.

::: Is blogging your main outlet, or do you also write novels, run marathons, and knit all of your own sweaters? :::
Ha! Yes. I do all of those things...most days. Plus, I grow my own organic vegetables, organize a local soup kitchen and host a karaoke night on the weekends. I’m pretty much unstoppable. Except not at all. Between working full time, raising a one year old, and preparing for a new baby (in June), there’s not a ton of time for hobbies. I do tend to have my hands in all kinds of different things though...my passions just rotate pretty regularly. Sometimes I’m obsessed with sewing baby legwarmers, and then the next week I’ll have a dream to learn to play the banjo. I find no matter how busy I am I have to have a steady stream of things I’m learning or working on, to keep my creative drive satisfied. (Plus I love some reality TV. An outlet for sure.)

::: How do you find time to do it all? When do you blog? :::
Isn’t that the million dollar question? I’m actually pretty fascinated by the idea of how people (and specifically women) “do it all”. I shared a typical day in our lives on my blog recently, in order to “show our real”- getting rid of the façade of over achievement and perfect lives, and showing what a real day looks like. Each day is different, based on schedules, priorities, or even just my mood, but the idea of striving for balance in total versus trying to make sure every single day is structured to include everything helps keep me sane. Sometimes I blog every day (ok...no I don’t) and sometimes I only manage to write once a month. The same goes for every other area of life. I may not give my kid a veggie at every single meal, but in general she gets the nutrition she needs. I think it’s so important to share these realities with others- especially in the world of blogging which can get so competetive and fake. (Join in on instagram- #showyourreal)

::: Finally, what have you been pinning lately? What are the items you are just dying to add to your work wardrobe? :::
I don’t pin a ton of fashion...I'm more of a recipe and DIY project type of pinner. (Check out my pinterest profile here) But I just bought a leather clutch I'm super excited about. Because my job is so casual (and my weekends even more so) I find it hard to invest in things I need, but will only use rarely, like dressy shoes, or a fancy dress. I have to force myself to buy those types of things sometimes to keep my wardrobe from getting too heavy on my formula of "jean + striped shirt".

::: Outfit Details :::
Top: Collective Concepts from Stitchfix

Tank: Old Navy They actually call this shirt a “tami” because it’s a cross between a tank and a cami....I like the thinner straps with the lower scoop in the back. Plus they’re long enough to cover my ever expanding belly. Love that.

Boots: Macy’s. These are the perfect go-with-everything (seriously everything) boots. I featured them in one of my Closet Crash Courses, and started a small sensation....now all my friends have them too!

Jeans: AE (gotta rep my company!)- Jegging in Dark destroy. I know not everyone is as lucky as I am to be able to wear jeans to work (and destroyed jeans no less...) But this outfit could easily be made office appropriate with a quick pant swap. Another maternity tip? Skip buying maternity jeans for a while. I get jeggings or skinnies in a size or two larger than normal. This gives me room at the waist, but the stretch still preserves a good fit in the legs. (maybe I ended up going 3 or 4 sizes larger by the end of my pregnancy last time....ignore the number and just go for what works).

Owl Ring: Forever 21

Boyfriend Watch: Fossil. This was a gift from my husband a few years ago (ok 4 years ago) and I still wear it constantly.

Bracelets: AE

Necklace: Chain + d (or b, or p!) + heart whistle: Anthropologie // Dot feather: Madewell
The necklace and charms were a valentine’s day gift last year. I love that the “d” stands for my husband’s name, but can also be interpreted as a B for our last name or a P for our little girl. I added the feather when I got it on super-super sale at Madewell (seriously, I paid in change.)

+ + + + + 

If you would like to apply to be part of our Monday Featured Blogger series, email Shannon.

Disclaimer: compensated affiliate links may be used in this post

Pantone Emerald Green

I know you ladies are well aware that emerald is the 2013 Pantone color of the year. In honor of the "Nine to Five Featured Blogger" relaunching next Monday, we wanted to share the ever fabulous Colleen of Ordinary Tales  She rocked this emerald skirt long before Pantone and remains one of favorite real life style inspirations. Enjoy this brief revisit to Nine to Five past. 

Find the full Q&A on Shannon's blog and the styling details on Alex's blog. 

Colleen epitomizes New York style. As you read her blog, Ordinary Tales, you realize she moves through the city and looks hot doing it!

Describe your work environment from a style perspective. 
Traditional business professional – suits and ties out the wazoo. Wearing this green skirt to work still makes me nervous – I want to be respectful to my environment, but I also want to be fashion forward, have fun with what I wear, and express myself. It’s not easy, and it’s taken a couple of years to figure out my comfort level. But on days when we meet with clients you can bet I’m in a suit, and it’s boring but that’s just the way it is.

What are your nine to five staples?
In 30 Rock, I work right above J. Crew and Anthropologie – and these have easily become my go-tos. I pop into each store at least once a week and have mastered the timing of sales, when things will get that “Extra 40% off” at J. Crew, etc. – this has all led me to being a very notorious bargain hunter. While I like Forever 21 for a stray blouse, and Nordstrom Rack for tights – those two are the only places I shop for work stuff right now. And strange as it may sound, but because I’ve learned the stores and their sales so well – yes, shopping at J. Crew and Anthropologie has saved me a lot of money.

Read the rest of the interview here.

Be sure to check back with us each Monday 

as we feature one of our favorite bloggers 

and their nine to five style!

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!

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!

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?