My (and maybe your) Work Wear Essentials

I have been avoiding this post. I seriously wondered, Have I written a check I can’t cash? Geez. Personally, I don’t like lists that dictate what one should or shouldn’t wear. It goes against everything I think true style is. There are always exceptions to the rules. However, after reading this post from one of Glamour mag's blogs I decided I couldn’t renege on my promise. So, I have managed to create a five item work wear essentials list based on my experience and observations without creating any mandates or absolutes. How lame would that be?

Although I work in a relaxed office in terms of dress code, I have totally taken into account those who don't. I hate when magazines publish career fashion features and style models wearing fishnets and five-inch heels. The average woman can't wear that to work! So know that this list was formed with all professions (and budgets) in mind.

Here goes:

a suit (pants or skirts) - I prefer pant suits but obviously the choice is yours. I actually enjoy pairing a traditional suit with a wife beater or even a lacy camisole to mix it up a bit. For those working in a traditional corporate setting, a less bare top would probably be more appropriate. But whether I was working for Morgan Stanley or running a cupcake business from my kitchen, the key for me is still details, details, details. As I’ve mentioned before, I love the craftsmanship of Paul Smith (gonna get one of his suits when I grow up) so contrasting linings are a huge plus for me. So are double lapels, interesting details on pockets and unique top stitching. I’ve surprisingly scored amazing deals on suits with these special touches and more at Barneys and Nordstrom so don’t sleep on them! An extra benefit of high-end stores are the in-house tailors.

a "crisp" white shirt/blouse - My mom has always said you can never have too many and I now have to agree. Whenever you’re in a bind, pop one on with a black pencil skirt or trousers and you’re bound to look professional and pulled together. (Remember when this was the church choir uniform?) To avoid looking like a waiter, complete the outfit with a pair of pumps and/or a handbag in bright color. If that is still too "out there" for your office, let your jewelry display a hint of personality. The Gap did a line of designer white shirts a couple seasons back that were a little left in a cool way. At the moment, I’m really digging this one from Target which I happen to own in royal blue.

a sensible pair of pumps - I mentioned in a previous post that black pumps were a wardrobe staple for me. While I guess this is true, I do like a surprise braided slingback, a rounded toe or even a funky heel as well. The hidden platform in this pair from Samanta make them more comfortable than they look. In most corporate office settings, flip flops or open-toe heeled sandals are a no-no but that doesn’t mean the school principal or law firm partner can’t still have a mean shoe game. Accessories are such a fun way to expose your creativity despite what you do for a living. Think Joan’s character on Girlfriends.


a substantial bag (that can hold resumes, recco letters, a portfolio, etc.) - Since we are in the midst of the digital age this might not be a big deal to some but I still think there is something so authoritative and professional about walking into an interview or important meeting/presentation with a portfolio case or tote bag versus a purse. Don’t you? The choices are endless right now as the handbag market is constantly getting new offerings. I "splurged" on a monogram Louis Vuitton shopper tote a few years back and I truly believe it was an investment. It is classic, seasonless and literally goes with everything. And since folks are currently plopping down 2/3 g’s for bags maybe it was actually a bargain…

a trench coat - The trench is so ideal in the spring, fall and sprinter. There is not too much I can write about the trench that hasn’t been written before. It too is a classic. While it always says "I mean business," something about cinching the waist with the belt screams femininity. (By the way, if a tradional trench feels too stuffy for your taste, try switching the belt it was sold with for a leather or suede one.) There are a plethora of colors, styles and price points available so take your pick. It is always disappointing to see someone wearing a fly suit under a casual bubble jacket to a professional occasion.

What did I miss? Leave a comment and let me know.

Exclusive: Michelle Obama Addresses The New Yorker Cover

…That’s when I wondered was I here for "the cause" or because,
‘Cuz Ray Charles can see the ghetto,
Was told to be strong and I could beat the devil.
-Nas, Doo Rags

Work wear essentials will have to wait until tomorrow. Gotta get some other stuff off my heart and mind right now. I thought hard about whether or not I was gonna mention the now infamous New Yorker cover here. (Click on the link if you need to see it. I refuse to post that foolishness on my blog.) The cover has gotten way too much attention already. It’s ugly (I mean ugly in the way an old southern Black woman calls ignorant behavior ugly) and I didn’t want to repeat much of what everyone else has already said on their blogs. So yesterday evening I decided not to address it.

Where are the turbans, guns and burning flags I wonder?

But then earlier today, I stumbled upon the September 2007 issue of Essence magazine. In it is a feature story on our girl, Michelle Obama. I believe this was actually the article that made me fully aware of her gangsta. Well, when I revisited the article I initially read some ten months ago, I came across this quote:

"I know who I need to be. I’ve come to know myself at the age of 43. Now maybe if I were 23 or 33, I’d still be struggling with that. But I’m a grown-up. I’ve seen it up, and I’ve seen it down, and I know who I need to be to stay true to who I am and keep my family on track."

Folks, I don’t think we have seen the dirtiest this race will be just yet. And while I am still pissed about this cover (and let’s all take a moment to acknowledge how offensive it is to those of the Muslim faith, those who were/are a part of the Black Panther Party and those who are of Arabic heritage as well) and probably will be for a minute, Michelle’s above quote gave me exactly the solace I needed to deal with this. She and Barack knew when he decided to run that ish wasn’t gonna be fair. Neither of them would have accomplished what they have thus far in life if they stopped when ish wasn't fair or right. Of course I can’t know for sure but I think Michelle’s quote just perfectly sums up how she feels about this whole mess.
I started this post off with a few lyrics from one of my all-time favorite musical dudes, Nasir Jones. The lyrics are from his under the radar album, The Lost Tapes and I thought they were fitting for a time such as this. Oh and since I was so pressed to attend his concert tonight in NYC, I missed the VIP preview day of the Tracy Reese sample sale. But I honestly didn’t need to go. I need new furniture much more than I need a new dress -- I can’t afford both right now. I wanted him to perform Doo Rags tonight and he didn’t but I have saved money (for my new plasma) as I result of attending his show. See, Nas is a poet and a budget enforcer!

The regularly scheduled blogging should resume tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

P.S. - I know I reached with the title of this post but I needed to get your attention.

What To Wear To Work: Appropriate Office Attire for Grown Women (Plus, Tocorra in Italian Vogue and a Hot New Children’s Line from Veronica Chambers)

Yesterday I came across an article on The Root titled Growing Into My Big Girl Clothes. It discusses how challenging it can be to transition into a corporate culture of Brooks Brothers suits after wearing sweats and jeans as a college student. The author writes, My jeans and club clothes had their place. I finally realized it's not in the office. Cute, right? I thought so. The thing is, I wear jeans to work ALL the time. And occasionally, even my boss’s boss does. And I’m a professional working in an office setting. But, I work in a relaxed, creative environment. I once met with a now mentor for an informational interview and she chided me for showing up dressed like I was going to a bank teller conference. In some fields, it is actually a negative to appear too "stuffy".

A few months ago my girl who is a manager in the marketing department of a major bank in D.C. revealed to me that she would NEVER go to work with bare legs. I gagged. In that very conversation I learned just how wide the spectrum is for what is considered acceptable work attire. Shucks, my company’s president and CFO are always doing the bare leg look. (I do realize that region is a huge factor as well and NYC where I work can be more laxed than our nation’s capital about this kinda thing.) Just today I wore a scarf on my head to the office and I literally thanked God as I tied it that I’m not employed by Goldman Sachs where such attire would simply not be tolerated. Now I would probably have a lot more money in my 401k but hey.

While the author of The Root piece seemed to connect maturity with office wardrobe choices, I think it has much to do with occupation as well. At 32 and very much a working woman, there are indeed certain items I have convinced myself I should own: a black pencil skirt, a cashmere sweater in a complimentary color and a black pair of pumps are all on the list. Next week I will post items every, or at least most, working women (creative or not)should own. Too tired to complete that now. I have to be at work in 8 hours. But in the meantime, what are your go-to staples for work and why?


P.S. - I have been to no less than 10 newsstands and a Barnes & Noble searching for the July "All Black" issue of Italian Vogue. The last dude in the East Village store I inquired about the mag in asked me in a very concerned tone, "What’s in it?" At that point I knew he had been bombarded by dozens of others before me. When is it gonna hit the States already???!!! UHG. Hopefully, I can score a copy sooner than soon but I did notice these pics of Tocarra online earlier today and wanted to share. I like. Already I read someone complain about these images being overly sexual. I disagree and feel this is a case of a tree simply being a tree. I doubt anyone would care if she were an A cup. What do you think?

P.P.S. - As if I needed another reason to think she was dope, Veronica Chambers went and started her own clothing line for little girls. The sweetest stuff. I believe her daughter inspired the current collection. I will be purchasing something for my nieces for sure. Check out the very affordable line, Florabunda Tots, for yourself.

P.P.P.S - I wasn’t gonna mention this but I can’t help it… What the doggone is wrong with Jesse Jackson? Seriously.

9 Questions For... Gigi Guerra!

Well, I gotta come clean. First of all, I’m way behind on my "monthly" 9 Questions For… posts. Sigh. Then, I personally was afraid of including too many fashion folks in this feature for fear that it would become very insular and predictable. Like, aren’t folks who work in the fashion or related industries suppose to be fly? Don’t they get all the free ish (sometimes), find out about all the dope sample sales first (usually) and all obtain an innate sense of sick personal style? (not at all, trust me) But then I had to check myself and remember the main reason I started this blog in the first place was to show how style is much, much deeper than what we wear. (And what we do.) Isn’t it just as silly to exclude someone from 9 Questions For… because they do work in fashion just as much as it is to include someone solely because their office is in the garment district?


That said, you may still be wondering why I picked Gigi Guerra. First and foremost, I’ve been following her career for a minute. She has put in work at YM, Jane (R.I.P.), and Lucky mags. At Lucky, she traveled the world reporting on the best boutiques and websites for the popular Shopping Trip section. (Now that was a sweet gig!) These days the Texas native is a marketing big wig for J.Crew’s new Madewell spin-off. Thanks to folks like Gigi, I continue to learn how important it is not to get too comfortable regardless of what you do for a living. Gotta mix things up - sorta like mixing up high and low-end clothing; everything is important to the bigger picture. Anyhoo, Gigi always appears effortlessly cool and has a personality that is equally as approachable as her style. And though she usually keeps it pretty low-key, it is apparent that she does put in some effort. You know how real fly girls do. So read on to learn how this 34 year-old (Gigi advises us to embrace our age!) flipped a shower curtain into a couture creation when she was just a teen, why you should pay more attention to what flight attendants are wearing and why we mustn't sleep on Tokyo.

PPT: Who are your favorite stylish people?
GG: There isn't one particular person I try to emulate or anything. Sometimes it is people I see on the street - I'll like the way they put something together.

PPT: Where are your favorite stylish places?
GG: I was really impressed with the style in Tokyo because it just seemed so advanced from anyplace else I had been in the world. Everyone looks to the runway for style ques but literally what is on the street there seems to trickle down to the masses like two years later. Other places include Buenos Aires. The shoes and bags and the leather there is so impressive.

Tokyo's got next.

PPT: What are your favorite stylish things?
GG: Really well-done utilitarian objects. I love old linen tea towels with someone else’s initials on them that you re-embroider to make your own. There is a store called Matter (they have a couple of NY locations) and I think they are really good for sourcing unusual objects that are well thought-out pieces. I am basically drawn to things that are beautifully functional.

PPT: What has been your biggest splurge?
GG: I visited Easter Island about 10 years ago. It was a solo trip. I also went to Morocco (my cousin's husband is from Marrakesh, so we visited and hung out with his family over a big holiday). To me travel is always worth it.

Iconic statues on Easter Island.

PPT: How about your ultimate budget find?
GG: I found an old Emilio Pucci airline stewardess blouse from the 1970’s for 50 cents from a thrift store in Austin, TX. I got it like 15 years ago and I don’t think anyone knew what it was then.

PPT: What was the last vacay you took [non work-related]?
GG: I went to Ethiopia last year. I went for about ten days, it was an amazing trip. I traveled all over the country. Oh and I stopped in Dubai on my way to Ethiopia.

A breathtaking waterfall in Ethiopia.

PPT: What was the last book you read?
GG: I’m reading Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town by Paul Theroux right now. It is about a man traveling from Egypt to South Africa and he goes through Ethiopia. I wanted to read it and kind of reminisce about my trip [to Ethiopia]. It’s really cool to read about a place after you’ve been there. I really love his writing. He’s so observant and lives like a local when he travels so you really get a good perspective on a place.


PPT: Who are you listening to?
GG: Panda Bear - it’s kinda like dreamy and pretty. I’m listening to a lot of old stuff because many of my old favorite bands from college are touring like Spiritualized and My Bloody Valentine.

PPT: What is your definition of style?
GG: I don’t have a particular personal style, that isn’t who I am. I’m not that focused. I hop around, like one day I might wear a dress from the 1920’s and the next day wear something really modern. I don’t necessarily have one look. In general, style is about confidence. It is the complete package. If someone really loves what they’re wearing, that is what is important. I wore a shower curtain to school when I was about 16, I sewed beads on it and added pockets and my mother totally supported me so confidence was instilled in me at a young age.

(Technical Difficulties: I'm SO sorry Gigi's pics are teeny, tiny!)

Check out previous 9 Questions For.. interviews below:

Michaela Angela Davis
Rodney Lovejones
Kasha Esque

FREE STUFF! FREE STUFF! FREE STUFF!

Gotta sweet tooth but low on cash? Fret not. Click here and enter yourself in my girl Imani’s little cookie contest. Imani takes the business of chocolate quite seriously so any cookies she co-signs on have to be fab. (Leave it to her to find cookies that taste as good as they look, are green friendly and have cool packaging.) Tell her Bsquared sent ya. And hurry – the deadline is July 8th!

Confession: The post I originally planned to add today fell through the cracks. It will now have to wait until next week. Phewy. But I am trying to make up for the delay with this yummy info.

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

Plus-Size Problems Solved!

Monif C. has the curviest women covered!

The other day my co-worker emailed me the following question:

Another pal is looking for a suitable size 12 dress to wear to a "formal" wedding in 2 weeks. Can you recommend a store or two that has inexpensive (>$50 is ideal but may be unrealistic), fancy but not too fancy dresses for a curvy, busty size 12?

I totally enjoy helping folks out with this kind of stuff so I promptly responded with this reply: (On my LUNCH BREAK of course, lol!)

Ann Taylor immediately comes to mind. Zara and Banana Republic do as well. The Victoria Secret catalogue is another great resource. She shouldn’t sleep on these chain stores because they just might have the perfect dress for her at the right price. (As crazy as it seems, these retailers have already started to mark down many of their summer items because fall I merchandise will be rolling in soon.)

She should also check out Lee Lee’s Valise in Brooklyn which apparently has stylish options for plus-size gals. The price points might be on the high end but she should think of this type of purchase as an investment.

Monif C. is another strong option for her. They have a store in midtown. ***Fabulous and affordable wrap dresses...

In general, she should try to look for a wrap dress or a silhouette that will accentuate her bust line. This includes v-necks and low scoop necks. Proper foundation is very important too so tell her not to forget about wearing the right undergarments with whatever dress she chooses. (Spanx is a no-brainer here but not the only option.)

If I think of something else, I’ll hit you back...

My co-worker was elated and quickly passed the info onto her pal. It wasn't until a couple of days later that I realized this exchange would make the perfect PPT post. I hope this info helps someone else. In addition to the resourses highlighted above, I thought of a few others after like Kiyonna, Igigi and Cherished Woman which was started by a former plus size model.

And about that under fifty bucks caveat. While it isn't completely unrealistic, it is more important to consider value when shopping rather than price. Paying $100 for a dress that will be worn multiple times per year over five years or so (as this type of dress probably will be) is a lot more cost-effective than a dress that cost $30 and can only be worn twice because it lacks quality.

Oh and there is always the vintage/thrift route but in my experience when shopping for a specific item as this size 12 wedding goer is, a reliable go-to resource is a much better bet. Vintage shopping can be very hit or miss and is not ideal for anyone under pressure.


***I START A NEW POSITION AT WORK TODAY! I DON'T BELIEVE IN LUCK BUT IF YOU'RE THE PRAYING KIND, PLEASE SEND ONE MY WAY. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.***

Style Notes From Michelle Obama

Michelle "everyone is sweating me right now" Obama can teach us all a thing or five about how to embrace our own personal style, whatever that might be. I debated on posting this because as I just mentioned, EVERYONE is sweating Michelle these days. And I must add that she is handling all this sweat - the good and not so great - with grace, poise and just a hint of Chicago swagger.

Yes, the black and white Donna Ricco dress she wore on The View last week sold out in mere days. Yes, Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley hosted a celeb-filled dinner for her at Calvin Klein’s crib last week. And yes, every major media outlet has already reported on how flawless she looked beside Barack at Democratic presidential election celebration wearing her purple shift and wide black patent leather belt.

While I am not a fan of the head to toe copying of what anyone else is wearing regardless of who they are (that isn’t style, it’s…copying) I did think it might be cool to identify the elements of Michelle’s current style m-o that we can all benefit from. Enjoy!




The black ribbon detail on this dress helps hide a possible bulge below.

1 - Play up your assets. Michelle has an hourglass figure so she cinches her waist any chance she gets. Ladies, this works if you’re a size 2 or a 22 providing you truly have an hourglass shape. Trust me. But maybe you hate your midsection and want to take attention away from it. Remember that the area right under our breasts is the smallest part of most women’s torso which is why Michelle’s black and white View dress was such a flattering silhouette as well.


2 - Embrace color. Although Michelle tends to favor black, it was the violet hue that made us all take note, right? And how pretty is that orange against her chocolate brown skin? Once we learn what colors best compliment our complexions, it is easier to pull this off. Regardless of our size or skin tones - the "right" pop of color always ups the wow factor. Use trial and error to figure out what right is for you.


Michelle switches up from the pearls...


Here, she kicks her jewelry up a notch for the dinner in her honor co-hosted by Talley.

3 - Accessories are our friends. Mrs. Obama favors pearls but not of the former First Lady Bush variety. (See this is where her Chi-town swagger comes in. On many others, those same pearls would appear matronly. So style really is about attitude.) The black patent leather belt added just the perfect dose of panache to her purple shift. The right accessories are sorta like the vanilla extract in my French Toast batter. The dish is okay without it but sooo much more memorable when included to the mix.


Another fly wide belt...

4 - Form fitting - not tight - clothing is key. Michelle is a grown woman with two children. So she has curves. But she, or whoever shops for her, opts for tasteful, age-appropriate clothing that accentuates her figure while keeping her camera ready. An ill fitting garment can ruin a look no matter how fly it is.


You rarely go wrong with a crisp white shirt and dark bottom. Of course this is not any white shirt. Details, details.

5 - Always dress the part. My father used to often say, "If you look good, you’ll feel good and you’ll do good." Okay maybe you had to live in my household to totally appreciate that one the way I do but it holds the same philosophy as "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." Doesn’t Michelle already look like a First Lady?

P.S. - Totally random but worth sharing: I ate at a super-cool restaurant in D.C. this weekend that I just had to include in this post. Bodega is located in the heart of Georgetown and serves up tasty tapas and fruity cocktails all inspired by Spain. (Well, maybe not the mashed potatoes...) The portions are healthy and the ambiance is just delightful. A sweet and intimate courtyard are located in the back of the restaurant and the prices are pretty reasonable for Georgetown. Try the garlic spinach - it was really yummy!