Faithfully Fabulous

The warm months are quickly approaching, and although we may naturally grab our go-to tanks and easy-to-wear flip flops, we need to think twice when dressing for the office.  Flip flops are better when left for the weekend (and even then, please make sure the toes are pretty!) and tanks are tricky when worn at the desk.

With a few guidelines, inspiration from our first lady and then some, you will be well on your way to dressing in a perfect office fashion!

This summer it’s all about: The Dress – Brandon Holley editor-in-chief , Lucky Magazine

Oh the dress. But not just a dress, it’s a staple for the daily grind. A sheath dress with a simple line, good length and thick shoulder, a la’ Michelle Obama, can be done so many ways with the right switch of accessories.  Every woman needs this dress in her closet, and I just LOVE it in a pop of color for spring/summer.

“I would probably summarise my whole personality by saying I’m very…cardigan.” - Reese Witherspoon tells ELLE UK

The cardigan is where we want to go in the office. It can make almost anything acceptable and appropriate for the office. Think Mad Men style! I am obsessed with it. These women know how to do office style… and beyond!  Cinch in your waist over a cardigan with a belt, cover a strapless dress for day and remove the cardi for night. It works perfect with a sleeveless blouse and as a top half of an updated suit look.

–Kelly Cutrone, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside

She might be a little harsh, but she knows what she’s talking about. I’d like to add, “No flip flops” (I mean… hence the name?)  to that list. Shoes make the outfit, and the outfit portrays you. If you want to be taken seriously, dress like it.

One shoe can change your life - Cinderella 

You’ve heard it all before: The sky is the limit, Reach for the stars, Dreams really do come true. And so on and so on…

Truth be told, these are all great, motivational and inspirational sayings but something is missing. Behind every dream that came true there is a whole lot of hard work and dedication to be found. You must live, eat sleep and breathe your dreams, but they can be yours for the taking. 

Day dreaming can be fun, but it won’t get you far. Our “dreams” tend to consist of the glamourous moments, right? You see the red carpet, rubbing elbows with celebs, your name in a magazine, front row at fashion week or sipping champagne at a posh Parisian hotel. Those moments will come as long as you’re willing to do the dirty work. Like the story of an unsung hero, living the dream takes a lot of work that will go forever unnoticed. 

I’ve gotten a lot of advice along my journey (not that I am even close to my destination) and by far learning to just ASK has been the number one piece of advice. Over the last year I have had the opportunity to experience a lot of things that were once only a dream. I’ve been on TV, interviewed by magazines, conducted interviews with designers, hosted fashion events, rubbed some elbows with a few celebs and the list goes on… but none of this fell into my lap. I was consistent, persistent and I asked A LOT.

I have found that most people are more than willing to answer your questions or give you the opportunity you’re looking for. As, Rich Tong, fashion director of Tumblr told me, people who get it, get it and want you to succeed too. Hey, the worst you can get is a no and then… on to the next! 

Don’t find an excuse, find a way. 

I was not asked to be on television, CBS did not come knocking on my door. I had a moment of bravery, sent the producer my idea and asked if she would have me on the show. Get this… she said YES!  A little moment I like to call - superfreakingout

My inspiration to do such a thing came after reading Kelly Cutrone’s book, “If You Have To Cry Go Outside”. If you haven’t read it I suggest you do so now, immediately followed by, “Normal Get’s You Nowhere”.

From time to time I’m in the area where a designer visits and I’ve found myself wondering what it would be like to interview them. But wait… why would they let ME do that? I don’t write for Vogue, I don’t have thousands of blog hits or even an inside connection. But I do have passion and when it’s sincere, people notice. So now what do I have? The experience and proof in pictures and blogs where I can go hey, look… that’s me and celeb X, designer X etc. etc. etc. I really got to do that! Yet another series of superfreakingout moments.

Believe it or not, my motivation for contacting designers came from Twitter. Yeah… really! After following @dkny and some of her conversations that gave me a peak into the fashion industry, I realized that these are just real people who happen to work in fashion and are living their dreams. If you’re not contacting a PR rep just so that you can try to get front row fashion seats, they really are the most helpful and kind people. 

So what will you do today to come one step closer to that dream? Take action, ask… and you shall receive. :)