The Work Bag

The work bag. It can be a beautiful go-to item or a backpacking monstrosity. Especially in Washington, DC where you pretty much need to carry an entire second outfit in addition to your regular items in something that looks feminine and functional. Because lets face it, it's 104 degrees outside and 64 degrees in your office.

First of all, declutter your purse. That's right- bite the bullet and dump your purse upside down on your bed and start fresh. Take out the band-aid wrappers, the coins, the 16 pens that you can never find when you need them, and anything else that many have accumulated, expired, or leaked all over your bag. This is what I like to keep in my work purse:

-checkbook sized wallet
-business cards (in a sassy case)
-cell phone
-lipgloss & one chapstick
-liquid hand sanitizer (preferably CVS instant spray)
-keys
-Tide to go pen
-Kindle
-lunch sandwich
-Express newspaper
-umbrella (if needed)
-sunglasses
-work badge
-purse clip

Not too much right? Now onto the actual purse. If you have a backpack- just get rid of it. Backpacks are for people who go to school, they put textbooks in them, you however; have no excuse and you are ruining your outfit. Shame. Another bad move is the bag lady you know who you are. Women who carry two to four purses for some unknown reason. So what if you bring a change of shoes to wear at work, are they 6 inch platforms? No. You brought lunch? That's great! Unless its Thanksgiving leftovers you don't need a separate bag for it! My ONLY exception for the 2+ bag rule are the brave women who make it to the gym before or after work. They can bring an extra bag for toting their gymness.

Now onto the dos of work bags. I should also note that some of these bags will be a little more expensive then some of my other recommendations on the blog. I think once you find a work bag that suits you- invest in it because you'll use it for years!

Kate Spade, Nylon Stevie Baby Bag, $395

Nordstrom, Dooney and Bourke Dillen, $295

Nordstrom, MARC by Marc Jacobs 'Pretty Nylon-Little Tate', $158

Nordstrom, Halogen 'Work' Leather Shopper, $198

No words.

This past weekend was filled with friends, food, and fun in Atlantic City. I was only there 24 hours but I couldn't not put up a post on how HORRENDOUS some of the outfits were. Let's call them brave choices.

This content has not been rated or approved for children under the age of 13. Why world, why would you wear this?

Thank goodness for the belt, otherwise we might have seen a lot more...

No specific offense here; just please, don't. I get it, you're thin, congrats, really- but there are other ways to show it.

There are no words.

Let's just say I felt extremely pretty and slim in AC. Ladies, please, don't do this to yourselves- you're beautiful! Cover some of it up!!!

Party All Night Long

This weekend I am embarking on a very glamorous trip near the Atlantic Ocean. Just kidding. Let's try this again: this weekend my friends and I are cramming into a car to go to Atlantic City to get sun, gamble, and dance. I've never been to the Vegas of New Jersey but with $75 gambling budget, a bikini, and some of my best gays I'm sure it will be a good time.

Saturday we will inevitably end up wanting to go out and dance. In an effort not to look like Snooki I am going to lay out some of my top picks for a Saturday night out.

Judge me all you want but Target has adorable dresses. Especially if you can get to the store to try them on instead of size guessing online. This little number I'd pair with black strappy heels and maybe even rock the Snooki poof:

Target, Xhilaration Color Blocked Tank Dress, $15

Next choice is a tiny LBD that I just love. The cut out style has done so well this season. I would pair this with neon stilettos and let everyone drool.

Nordstrom, Flounce tbd Peekaboo, $58

Finally a print that can go from day to night. Victoria Secret clothing isn't always my favorite, but I just couldn't resist this feminine yet covered party dress. Since this is a day to evening dress I'd grab a pair of patent leather flat sandals to go with it.

Victoria's Secret, Corset Playdress, $49

Update Your 9 to 5

I have a confession: I love stationary, pens, and any other form of personalized office supply. There. It's out. Now, let's shop for it!

My go to notepads at work aren't your average Mead notebooks. Instead I prefer Kate Spade. (Try to act surprised) These notepads fit in a purse, aren't super bulky and the neon colors keep me alert and perky.

Kate Spade, Small Notepad Set, $12

Filing can be a mundane task, especially if have a giant stack of papers staring at you; but with these girly and totally chic folders, your afternoon is looking up!

The Office Stylist, Sprial Design File Folders, $9.95

Let's face it, Bic pens are boring and so is the drawer you keep them in. So let's jazz it up. First the pen holder that I'm obsessed with:

The Office Stylist, Mirror Mirror Pen Cup, $14.95

And the pens

Barnes and Noble, Jonathan Adler Weight & Teal Green Metal Pen Set, $13.95

Now the mouse pad. Some people like the monogram, my bf used Zazzle to make me a custom mouse pad with my main squeeze, Sam dog on it; but another fun option is the notepad mouse pad. Need to make a quick note? Wanna write down a phone number for later? Try this Lilly Pulitzer note mouse pad:

Preppy Princess, Lilly Pulitzer Take Note Mouse pad, $15

I'm also a fan of decking out your cubicle so it's a place that you actually want to do work in. I used different ribbons and push pins to argyle some fun colors and patterns along the walls of my cube. And don't forget pictures! Instead of frames that collect dust, use colored construction paper and make your own to put up!

Just because you're in a 9-5 doesn't mean it has to look like it. Have some fun and personalize your office life!