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| blouse | sweater | shoes | skirt | purse |
Disclosure: compensated affiliate links may be used in this post
Friday, February 8, 2013
Friday's Fancies: Lots of Layers
This week's Friday's Fancies theme is perfect for the office: layers! It's entirely necessary when you're in an office to have multiple layers. Some rooms are warmer than others (especially in my office), so I like to have as many layers on as possible. If your office doesn't allow sleeveless tops, just swap out the blouse for a long-sleeved version and you're set.
What kind of layers do you rock in your office?
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Join Us on Instagram
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We would love to see all of your nine to five looks. If you snap a shot of your outfit of the day, use the hashtag #ninetofive and we will check it out and you might even show up in one of our roundups.
Monday, February 4, 2013
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.
::: 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
Friday, February 1, 2013
Fridays Fancies: Après Ski
So I went for a stretch with this week's Friday's Fancies. Obviously the après ski theme {av} picked out is adorable, but this is a work-style blog. So here's an outfit to wear the Monday after you hit the slopes when you're looking to be extra cozy.
Everything is loose and cozy, and the flats will keep your feet super comfortable. You don't want to have to think too much about your outfit after such a draining weekend! Going back to work is rough enough. Or you could always play hooky and get a few more runs on the mountain...not that I condone lying to your boss. Not at all.
I mean, if you do, I'm not judging you...
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| sweater | pants | necklace | flats |
I mean, if you do, I'm not judging you...
Disclaimer: Compensated links may be used in this post.
Monday, January 28, 2013
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!
Friday, January 25, 2013
fridays fancies: black + white
My favorite color combination has always been black and white. I have evidence of this!
So when {av} chose black + white for this week's Friday's Fancies theme, I was thrilled. THRILLED. Because I could pair black and white outfits all day.
Are you rocking black + white this winter?
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| shirt | pants | bag | jacket | shoes | bracelet |
Disclaimer: Compensated links may be used in this post.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
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.
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!
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