zappos

Work It In Style
I haven't owned a suit in, well, I can't remember how many years. I've learned you don't have to wear a suit to make a powerful impression. Stand tall, speak well, have a firm handshake and you could nab an interview, land that deal, or score that job. We prefer to make that impression in a splash of color.

Alison's Pick

Being on TV often requires a wardrobe with multiple personalities and what dominates my closet is dresses. I'm a sucker for a colorful dress. Easy to buy, simple to put on and I get to play with accessories to switch up the look. And for these two dresses I'd add a patent belt in pink or green that would pair well with both dresses.

     

Diane Von Furstenberg 'Jeannie' Dress (Blue), $375 Nordstrom     

    Ted Baker London 'Wallpaper' Dress, $295 Nordstrom

Lauren Scharf's Pick

Jack by BB Dakota William Pencil Skirt (Blue) - $58 Zappos

Pencil skirts and a nice blazer feel like a standard for me in the work place, but especially around this time of year, I like to leave the boring old Black & White for the suits. This vibrant blue, lacy skirt is all the color I need to break through the mundane look of the strictly-business-as-usual office attire. Plus, I like the way it fits tight but doesn't snag or bunch like longer skirts.

Endless Amusment

Christina Moffitino's Pick

iPad Mini Case, $32 Etsy

My iPad is my handy dandy study tool when I'm at school all day. I wanted a case that kept it safe but had still had some style to it. I love this studded leather case I found on Etsy because it looks like a clutch! It gives me all the more reason to bust it out and take on those finals I have this week!

Street Swag

 

These boots are made for stepping out in style! Check out our top picks for Fall boot trends. Snag your pair before they run out of your size.

Ankle 

        

Ankle Boot with Metal Toe, Zara $159          Kate Spade Bridgette, Zappos $328

Whether worn with a skirt, skinny jeans or just peeking out from under long hemmed pants, ankle boots are a trend that is here to stay.

Mid-Calf 

    

     Pauline Motorcycle Boot, Sole Society $70     Tarney Stud Lace-up Boot, Steve Madden $150

Weathered, worn and comfortable for a midcalf that we turn to time after time for casual appeal.

Flats

   

DV by Dolce Vita, PiperLime  $180           Flat Crocodile Boot, Zara $230

When pulling over skinny jeans or wearing to work with a skirt, these "riding" style options allow us to stand or walk all day without heel pain.

Heeled Boots

    

              Park, Stuart Weitzman $595                   Crystal, Diane von Furstenberg  $330

Of course, we all need a sassy, sexy pair of knee high, heeled boots.

Color

     

 

Color Block Bootie, Shop Bop $300             Nola Slouch, Cole Haan $428

When you have just about every boot choice in your closet, a little color is usually next on the list of must haves.

We love this look for workwear. Unless you work in a corporate setting where skirt suits and hosiery are still required, most work attire has become far more creative. Many in my industry haven't bought a full matching suit in countless years. Instead, it's the art of mixing separates. This look works multiple ways in your wardrobe and easily transitions from 9-5 to cocktails. The skirt, while fitted, isn't mini so there's no concern you're showing off the goods if you bend down. The blouse is a classic staple for your closet while the blazer will work with a skirt, pants or even jeans on weekends. And what better way to create your own style identity than with accessories. The bib necklace and gold toe cap heels are statement makers. The necklace would help make a simple strapless black dress stand out and the cap toe heel poking out from under long hemmed pants in any color from red, burgundy, teal to hunter.

 

    

                 Blouse, H&M $56                        Crepe Open Front Blazer, New Look $40    

 

Color-Block Pencil Skirt, Shopbop $118      

      

 Jeweled Bib Necklace, Go Jane $29                Toe Cap Pumps, Mango $110

 

Ostrich Embossed Shoulder Bag, Zappos $64

 

 

Ask Alison

Alison: Have you found any sources for cute back-to-school clothes for plus-sized little girls? My daughter was in tears this week right in the middle of the girls' rounders at Old Navy, because they were just the clothes she would like to wear to school, only not sold in her size. (All they have for "plus" sizes is the khaki or the navy school uniform--have you seen that awful pleated teflon skirt? UGH!) She is a 16 1/2 up top, and a 14 1/2 for bottoms, 55" tall, 122 pounds, and 9 years old. Thank you, Kimberly

Answer: Wipe away those tears and grab a seat in front of the computer with your daughter. It's time to shop online. First stop is LandsEnd.com for sweaters, super cute denim skirts which your daughter can dress up with colorful tights and boots and a myriad of classic polo dresses and floral t-shirts. The sizes go up to 18 1/2. Next stop is Zappos.com. Here you can narrow your search to girls clothing, choose a category like tops or dresses and then choose your size and voila-it will show you photos of all your options.  I plugged in size 16 and 18 found soooo many cute tops from flowy bohemian styles to trendy prints from well-known designers. And most of what I found was under $40 unless it was a dress. I know it's tough and there are fewer shopping choices above a size 14, but I hope I was able to help you find a few stylish items for your daughter.

© 2013 Alison Deyette  |  Website by Medium