101: Spring Pencil Skirts

I don't know about you, but I am over winter. It has been way too cold recently. Spring better hurry up and get here - only 26 more days! One of my favorite spring to summer work essentials is a pencil skirt that steps a bit outside of the traditional conservative suit attire of my work place. Something about warm weather loosens dress code up, just enough that you can get creative with print in classic shapes. Here are some of the top styles you can find this season:

Anthropologie Mint Skirt (pair this with a classic white button down and a navy blazer and it meets even the strictest office dress) $98

J.Crew Double Serge a forever classic with a twist in fresh pear, on sale for $98, other colors $110 (like colbat blue that I have my eye on!) 

Modcloth Lei it On I love the way this skirt could go from boardwalk to board room with an accessory quick change. The key here is making sure that when you wear this skirt to work, the rest of your attire is finished well. $39.99

Boden Modern Pencil Skirt my favorite of the options. I would wear it to work, a bridal luncheon, and church on Sundays. It is classic, and its versatility is limitless. $88

101: Travelling Shoes

If you live in a city and travel through public transport or walk, you have probably heard of "travelling shoes." They're the shoes you throw on to get to your office, swapping them out for a more appropriate work pair. A lot of people just through on their sneakers and call it a day, but I'm a firm believer in cute travelling shoes.

They don't need to be anything fancy; you're just schlepping in the elements in them. But they don't need to be ugly! Check out a few of my go-to travelling shoes.

+ The Hunter wellies seem a bit self-explanatory for me. There's no reason to ruin any pair of shoes in the rain or snow. Hunter's solve that problem quite stylishly. And adding in a pair of boot liners makes them warm enough for the winter! Also, if you have big calves like me, Hunter has a pair of boots for you. So don't be discouraged by the small leg opening!

+ Madewell's Skimmer flats are cute and perfect for sunny days. If you often wear heels in the office, this is a good pair to step into when you're walking to the subway or home. They're airy, though they do require a bit of breaking in. I highly recommend this technique.

+ Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes are a classic in my opinion. They're my constant weekend companions, so they're super broken-in and perfect for walking around on the street. I don't mind if they get scuffed up; I feel like it adds character.

+ I feel like I need to defend the Uggs a little bit. I know they are not the cutest shoes on the block. But this button pair isn't the worst out there. And, quite honestly, nothing keeps my feet as warm as my Uggs do. Plus they're easy to throw on and off when I get into the office.

Do you use travel shoes for work?

Disclaimer: Compensated links may be used in this post.

101: Tall Black Boot

After quite the hibernation  Alex and I are back at Nine to Five. We have some exciting things up our sleeves including our own personal make up routines, the return of featured bloggers in February, and kicking off today, work essentials 101. 

Work essentials 101 will highlight the key items that are worth the investment. Items that make your wardrobe more versatile, stand out, and carry you through seasons and trends without skipping a beat. Since most of the east coast is under a blanket of snow (Alex) or rain (me) we are starting with weather appropriate boots that can carry you from work to weekend. 

From left to right, here are seven of our top picks from Piperlime, which now has free returns by mail!

Bandolino Ajem - $99.99 // Corso Como Rena - $199.99 // Born Valentia - $149.99 // Etienne Aigner Chip $139.99 // Enzo Angiolini Zeric - $79.99 // Nine West Watermelon - $119.99 // Nine West Subscribe - $199.99

*this is not a sponsored post, all opinions are completely my own

p.s. if you ever have an idea for nine to five, or would like to apply to be featured, don't hesitate to email us!