Holiday 9-5

My good friend asked me yesterday what she should wear to her during office hours holiday party.  And while we could go on and on about the perfect holiday party dress, I thought, what does one wear to a 9-5 party?  So, after some looking here is what I came up with that I think is professional and festive!

Also- I know you have an awesome Christmas recipe you want to share! Send it in to me for Friday Foodday1

Anne Klein, Ribbed Sweater Dress, $88

How cute is this? some patterned tights and you're good to go!

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Velvet Bow Blouse, $58

I love this top and I would pair it with velvet trousers or....

White House Black Market, red crepe skirt, $29

Pairing this with the Urban blouse.

Ann Taylor, Signature Velvet Trousers, $69

Be not afraid of velvet in the winter time! So luxurious and chic!

Forever 21, Chunky Collar Necklace, $12.80

When in doubt for holiday couture, accessorize!

Humid Hair

As we discussed yesterday, the weather in DC lately is bordering on a regular afternoon search for apartments in North Dakota, Oregon, and Montana on Craigslist. It is humid and disgusting outside. But we're dealing with it, because that's what Washingtonians do best, just deal. Yesterday we talked about appropriate office wear in the DC desert and today we're going to look at some hair options.

Humidity tends to destroy any attempt at a straight-iron, hair dryer, or curling iron; so I like to do the best I can and accessorize. If you can't beat the heat then at least try to distract people from looking at your frizzy mess with some great hair extras.

While some of you may have longer hair, the ponytail is a go-to look but why not dress it up a little bit for the office and do some volume like Jessica:

Now for the shorter-haired ladies of DC (myself included) hair accessories will become your best friend. My personal favorite is the headband, and this summer it's all about the floral. Here are some great additions to any outfit that will keep your hair in place and looking fabulous:

Natasha Accessories Satin-Flower Headband, Dillard's $8.40

Mixed Flower Headband, The Limited, $16.50

Penelope Zipper Flower Headband, Etsy, $12

Those are some of my affordable headband suggestions but don't forget about jeweled bobby pins like this vintage looking one:

Luxe- Blush Pink Jewel Bobby Pin, Etsy, $6

Or a great addition to an updo like a bun for work:

Hairpins, pearls and crystal jeweled buttons, Etsy, $35

98 Degrees and I Don't Mean the Boy Band

DC Summers are always brutal but this one in particular seems a little extra heinous. With temps near the 100s daily and humidity that would make even a porcupine's hair frizzy; the daily work wear has been: wear as little as possible and still look professional.

Here is my favorite outfit I found that that balances professional with "holy crap my face is literally melting off right now"
Note the patterned silk blouse that is perfect for walking to work in; there are a lot of silk tops out there this season with ruffles which I think is perfectly office appropriate if paired with the correct bottom- NOT Bebe mini skirt as mentioned in the previous post. A nice bold cardigan for the A/C vent your cubicle is inevitably under; and simple slacks, preferably machine washable because the sweat along the waistband- though not glamorous is going to happen.

If you're looking for more of a cool breeze on your way to work, a dress is a great option for summer and if you pick the right one you can transition it into winter with some warm tights and appropriate jewelry.

Here I've picked out an outfit that may fit that bill.

Dress, Jcrew, $98
love the ruffle around the neckline and the "orchid ginger" color will look good on you if you're pale or super-back-from-vacay-tan.

Belt, Talbots, $38
Feminine with studs add a bit of 'bitch, please, I'm wearing this dress'

Necklace, Ann Taylor, $46
Ann Taylor has really stepped it up in the accessories department. This one I would double wrap for extra volume.

Shoe, Payless, $7
Yes, you read that correctly. Never overlook the power of Payless. These little wedges are not only the perfect price but they can go from day dress to skinny jeans easily.

The DC Office Unspoken Rules

Well Sinatra went off fabulously. There was dancing, drinking, and judging, all in all a great night. More importantly I made it to work on time this morning- more than I can say for the BF- but it's these fun weekday nights that seem to magnify office annoyances the next day.

My girlfriend and I were g-chatting about this while we avoided our morning work: office no-nos and why they drive us nuts. So this morning we're going to talk about DC Office Annoyances.


1. The vibrating Blackberry- we get it, everyone has a smartphone these days and I can understand that getting emails on a Blackberry makes it easier for co-workers to get a hold of you while you're at lunch, in a meeting, or in the bathroom. However, vibrating for every email? Make it stop. Please. We all get emails, we all see the red flashing light on our phones and know that's what it means. Why can't you join us?

2. Really personal conversations. I believe that a company is a community of employees and that co-workers are almost like a second family. That said—not everyone wants to know about the wart on Marty’s foot or how Carol’s daughter is involved with a married man. We shouldn’t have to abandon our personal lives at the office, but we don’t need to put it all out there either.

3. You shake hands like a fish and avoid eye contact- Especially working in DC, you never know who you will be shaking hands with at any given time. You may run into someone on the street, at a bar, or in a meeting. Please, please, please, shake firmly, shake like you want a job that will allow you to afford a Chanel suit and a Kate Spade briefcase purse . Look them in the eye with a handshake that says yeah I'm working this outfit and I know I can kick ass in any situation.

4. The fumpy girl- Don't be that girl. We all know that sometimes professional wardrobes can be dull but there are some really great pieces out there right now that are on sale and gorgeous. And no Bebe is not appropriate office wear so just save it for McFadden's.

5. The gum popper- Yes it is better than the coffee breath but we don't need to hear you smacking, popping, and chewing. You sound like a cow, you're distracting, and everyone around you is losing respect for you. Altoids please.

So those are my top 5. And on a morning where a lot of DC is a bit hungover, please just help us get through this Friday as smoothly as possible.