Sometimes I use JCrew as a catalyst for ideas.. their laid back casual chic pretty much sums up the way it is in my office... I like how they mix fancier, structured typical work pieces with more laid back knits and fun colors.
I have it pretty easy in terms of work clothes and what I can wear. A lot of black skinny pants and jeans and "jacket" type (cardi, blazer, cropped jacket). Any instant "pick me up" is in the tops: prints and colors AND accessories. It's amazing how a necklace or earring or cuff can make me feel a little more special that day.
Ditto the to JCrew thing. It pretty much sums up my office style. Basics with a twist and neutrals with punches of color. And always interesting accessories, usually on the bolder side.
-- Edited by kenzie on Wednesday 25th of March 2009 09:26:56 AM
J Crew Styling for me too. I like how they mix colors and accessories in wearable but unexpected ways. Since I work in a very casual office (jeans for me everyday) I can experiment a bit without any office repercussions (helps to be the only female there too.)
On those mornings when I just am bored to tears by my closet, I'll take a tested favorite outfit and try to mix in at least one new element. Usually it's a bright color cami or maybe a different accessory than I usually pair it with. It makes the outfit feel different for me and less like a uniform.
I get tons of ideas from Jcrew and Anthro catalogs. I also find inspiration from looking at the other girls' outfits, and I take pics of my outfit everyday. So I go back and look at my outfit pics and try to mix those up too.
Checking out the other women in my office building keeps me inspired. It's like a parade of old What Not to Wear episodes. Sorry to be mean, but the women here are either dowdy and dated or inappropriately casual. We moved to a new building a few months ago and it's like we're in another fashion zip code.
I'm wearing leopard print ballet flats today and I got into the elevator with a woman wearing snakeskin print ballet flats. It was like meeting a distant cousin who looks like you. We both said "Omigod I love your shoes!" at the same time.
There's one woman who looks good most of the time, usually flattering slacks and pretty heels with plain tops, but other than her, it's a disaster around here.
It's like a parade of old What Not to Wear episodes. Sorry to be mean, but the women here are either dowdy and dated or inappropriately casual. We moved to a new building a few months ago and it's like we're in another fashion zip code.
Wow, do you work with me? I could have written this part of your post. We moved to a building down the street, and it's strange how different it is. I find it hard to be inspired because of this... I find myself not caring what I wear to work. I need to get back on the ball.
To answer the question, I, too, look to J.Crew for styling tips. I also just like to experiment with what I have. Just when I think I've worn an item to death, I try to pair it with something I hadn't thought of before. I like giving old clothes a new life.