Michelle is a marketing professional who knows how to wear trends to the office. She has also been featured on J9 STYLE here.
Until now, I’ve only seen the bow tie trend on the runways and in editorial spreads, but Michelle does a great job making it work for work.
Dress, Shirt and Bracelet: All from J Crew
Bow Tie: Borrowed
Nude Pumps: Zappos (similar here)
Would you wear a bow tie or neck tie? How do you feel about menswear inspired clothes?
J9
Victoria nailed this wedding outfit! She is a marketing professional who strives to look fabulous on a budget and definitely accomplished this goal with a pale pink cocktail dress. Victoria shares her tips and what to wear to a wedding as well as affordable style.
Aren’t these shoes amazing?!
Dress: $25, TJ Maxx (similar one is on sale at Express)
Shoes: $9.88, $9.88 Store (similar pair on sale at Macy’s)
Jewelry: Gifts or Borrowed
How do you define your personal sense of style?
Class with some sass! My style is simple but elegant. But I also like to infuse my look with bright colors and bold jewelry from time to time. I change it up to reflect the different sides of my personality.
What are your style tips for ladies on a budget?
I once had a conversation with a celebrity athlete’s wife, who was sporting a Louis Vuitton purse. She told me that she got it in Chinatown because “Why spend the money on a real one? People look at me and think “it must be real. She can afford it.” Although I don’t support buying knock-offs, the moral of the story stuck with me. The clothes don’t make the (wo)man. You can buy clothes and accessories that don’t cost a lot, but wear it like a million bucks and people will believe it. It’s not what you wear. It’s how you wear it. Attitude is the best accessory to any outfit.
I couldn’t agree more with Victoria’s style advice. Attitude supersedes any designer label.
What are your tips on what to wear to a wedding?
J9
For this casual Friday post, I’m featuring a true Jersey girl, the budding fashionista Devon. This marketing professional knows how to dress for a fun casual Friday that’s appropriate for the office. Check out her head-to-toe Gap outfit.
How would you describe your sense of personal style?
I would say I’ve got a casual class. I’m a curvy girl so I run my closet selections by the “CC rule” – Clean and Comfortable. I come from a traditional family with a Grandmom who at 80 years old won’t answer the door without make-up and goes to work every morning in black stilettos, but she can outwork the men in those heels. Mix that strong female image with growing up on the beach in Jersey and many people say that I am a walking embodiment of 1930′s Atlantic City. Loose, fresh and pastel and natural colors are the preference in my wardrobe. If you’ve got round assets you have to do your best not accent them with loud, clingy pieces. I hate to be uncomfortable – heels being the only exception, but even then I’d rather be barefoot.
What are your style tips for working women?
I think if you have a little junk in your trunk or hunk to your hips you can’t trap yourself in clothes that are too tight, but at the same time don’t be afraid to flaunt your womanhood. A clean professional look can still be comfortable. Your work wardrobe shouldn’t restrict your ability to actually do work. Simple, but chic with a pop of personality and everyone at the office will know you as being put together.
Check out Devon’s blog!
Have a great weekend!
J9
Nichole is a loyal reader and friend with great style. Here is what she wore to work last week. I love how she used different shades of blue and added gold accessories. I also love how she rocking the color block shoe trend!
Blue Sweater: $15, Express
Turquoise Skirt: $17, H&M
Blue, Turquoise and Gold Shoes: $15, Target
Gold Bracelet: $4, Target
Gold Belt: $10, JCrew Outlet
Total Outfit: $61
See Nichole other outfit and learn about her style here.
Do you work it at work? Send me your favorite office look at j9styleblog@yahoo.com to be featured on J9 STYLE!
Hope the rest of the week is great!
J9
Spotted: Another professional fashionista. Check out Stephanie’s unique office style.
Shirt, Banana Republic – $12
Skirt, Banana Republic – $20
Stockings, Target – $8
Necklace – $5
How would you describe your sense of style?
I like to think of my style as easy, yet elegant. I usually don’t shop for what’s currently popular, but what I think will have lasting style. I choose clothing that fits my shape, is comfortable, and that has a touch of unassuming flare.
What are your style tips for working women?
Keep it simple! Don’t feel like you have to bog yourself down with jewelry and flashy accessories. Choosing all these additions takes time, and what working woman has time to pour over mounds of jewelry to make sure everything matches? If I’m wearing a flashy necklace, I may just forego earrings and a bracelet. If you try to put too much on, you could end up looking like a spice cabinet – cluttered. You don’t want so much pizzazz that you take away from your most important fashion feature – you!
Do you have style at the office? Send in your favorite work look at j9styleblog@yahoo.com to be featured.
J9
Meet Kelsey: a marketing/graphic design professional who is also a grad student. Despite her busy career and school load, she still manages to come up with the cutest work outfits everyday. Check out what she wore this week.
Dress: $61.44, J.Crew Factory (originally $128, store sale of 40%, and coupon of 20% [great wool dress with lining])
Shoes: $72.72, Asos (Took 2 months to find a pair of ankle boots she loved!)
Necklace: $24, Ann Taylor Factory Outlet
Tights: $10, Target
Total Outfit: $168.16
Here shoes were so fabulous, but it’s hard to see against the carpet in this photo, so here they are again. Aren’t they wonderful?
How do you describe your sense of personal style?
I like to think my style is a mix of classic staples with trendy added touches. I am the first to admit I am not the best bargain shopper. But if I do spend a little extra on a piece, I make sure it is high quality material and something that will last me more than one season. I can still wear my first black blazer from high school–that’s ROI! My guilty pleasure is shoes for sure. When it comes to shoes, I do try to find sales or hit the outlets so that if I am buying the latest chunky heal I am not spending a fortune. I am obsessed with J.Crew. I love their style and the way they mix and match colors I would never think to combine, as well as trendy cuts mixed with classics. Their clothing does come with a decent size price tag so I try to keep to the outlet or shop around their sale section online which at times has item up to 60% off with free shipping.
What are your style tips for working women?
I think spending a little extra on staples like a black blazer, a mid-heal pump and a great fitted button down are a must. Items like this will always be in style and can be dressed up for occasions like an interview or mixed with trendier items for everyday wear. Having a great iron and a lint roller is also a must. Dry cleaning adds up so a quick press of a cardigan can make an outfit look that much more polished. When I shop I always try to look for items that I can wear to work and wear casually; the more use I can get out of an item of clothing the better. One last way to make an outfit really pop is to add shoes or accessories that can give a simple work outfit a trendy flare.
Have a favorite professional work outfit to share? Send it to j9styleblog@yahoo.com.
J9
Spotted: Another professional woman with style! Nichole is a successful career woman who manages to create fabulous, affordable outfits for work.
Sea foam green cardigan: $2.64, Old Navy
White Shirt: $6, Anne Taylor LOFT outlet
Camel Pencil Skirt :$15, Zara
Brown Sandals: $6.95, Target
Necklace : $8, Forever 21
Watch:$12, Target
Total Outfit: $50.59
How would you describe your sense of style?
· Classic and elegant. I buy pieces that I can wear for years to come to the office and outside of the office.
· When I buy trendy items, I make sure they are appropriate for my body type. Not all trends are for all figures.
· I also stay away from trends that I can only wear for one season. I like items that I can mix with the basics in my closet.
What’s your style advice for other working women?
· Fit, fit, fit! Beautiful cloths look beautiful because they fit well. Make sure nothing is too tight or too loose.
· A basic wrap dress is a staple item. You can accessorize with a blazer or cardigan for the office and then change the jewelry and loose the jacket for cocktail hour and dinner.
· Shoes! Great shoes can dress up any outfit. Don’t be afraid to try bold colors and patterns; just make sure to pair them with basic pieces for the ultimate pop.
· Leggings are wonderful to wear under dresses that are an inch or two above your knee; don’t wear them with long sweaters that just cover your butt to work! 
J9
I’ve started a new segment titled “She Works It!” to showcase working women and their cute outfits. Just because we may be in a cubicle, classroom or any other place that’s unglamorous doesn’t mean we can’t be fabulous!
Michelle is a marketing and social media professional that has a great wardrobe filled with strong staple items that she mixes and matches to create countless outfits. I was in love with her outfit this week as it really kicks off the fall season:
