Style Story: Work Outfits Monday Through Friday

This week I pretty much liked what I was wearing all week, but to be honest, I’m definitely still trying to get used to my hair. It is super short! The cut before was also short but because of all the flippy waves I think it felt very similar to my long locks. I think I will get used to it; I’m definitely enjoying earrings all that much more!

Monday’s Work Outfit: 5/5

Hahha! Time to take down those ugly signs! As I have a mug of coffee in my hand! This is a go-to outfit I have had since living in Beijing. It’s easy, and dressy, and I feel confident when I wear this black with gold sequin mini. When I wear this short of a skirt to work, I hide the short hemline by wearing a long black cardigan. Somehow, at least for me, this trick works. I get to accentuate my legs while maintaining what I think is a professional look. In the picture I’m noticing there’s a weird shimmer to my leggings, so I think I’ll toss this pair. I’m not sure I absolutely love the medallion–it’s a little to rapper 80s, so I’ve taken note for next time. I’m still searching for the perfect long, black cardigan to replace this one, but until I do, I’ll keep pulling out this totally pilled one.

From this work outfit, I recommend the following items for your wardrobe:

A Long Black Cardigan:

ASOS has some great ones; I’m seriously thinking about the first one or the fourth one by Noisy May…
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”579535″]

A Sequin Mini to be worn with tights/leggings and a Long Cardi:

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”579519″]

Tuesday Work Outfit: 4/5

I actually don’t feel very comfortable in the generic, promo t-shirt. I always feel so top heavy in them. That’s why these days I get straight to tailoring (cutting up) the tee right away. Here I’m wearing the t-shirt for my school group that will be traveling to India this Friday. (Yes, I’m traveling again, and this time for work, but it’s to India! Yes, I’m lucky!!) Since I knew I’d be wearing a tee that I’d receive at work, I dressed rocker-ish in my DIY distressed jeans and my black cowboy boots. Easy, and yes, I also feel lucky that I can dress down at work. I’m still trying to settle into this new do of mine. There’s really nothing I can do….but I am not so smitten with it. Here, it’s so poofy in an attempt to rock hair like Madame Hols–she can seriously rock rocker hair! This is also what my hair looks like when I don’t wash it…Hmph!

From this outfit, I recommend two things:

Distressed Denim:

But rather than buy expensive pairs of totally destroyed denim, I recommend you head to your local Forever 21 and pick-up a pair of cheap black skinny jeans. I got mine for $12US. Then, head to the hardware store for an Xacto knife. Now, get to work distressing–here’s the DIY to show you how. Bing! Bam! You just made a pair of (trendy) distressed denim for $15!!

If you’d rather buy them pre-made, here you go. These all come highly recommended.
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”582191″]

Black Cowboy Boots (all under $100!):

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”582311″]

Wednesday’s Work Outfit: 5/5

I love this dress! And there are so many style stories about everything I’m wearing. First of all the color is my color. I pretty much buy anything that is this color; although I will admit that I have started to have more discretion by only purchasing if the style actually suits me. I got this dress at a very random garage sale in Jakarta! It still had the tags on it! The necklace is also begrudgingly a favorite of mine. I first spotted this necklace at J.Crew last spring. I should have bought, but I didn’t, and then I regretted it. Then, one day last January I was over at Ladies Street in Mon Kok with Elle when I spotted it at a random little boutique. I did not hesitate this time; I bought it in an instant. But then, as we continued on our way down the street I saw the necklace again at a little kiosk for a fraction of the price! I hightailed it back to the boutique to request an adjustment on the price, but she’d have nothing of it. Yes, I gave the owner of the shop a piece of my mind, and no, I’m not going back. I don’t mind paying for things, but I don’t like getting fleeced! (That’s an Indianism for being taken.) So while I love this necklace I always feel a little reluctant at the same time. Finally, I had to include a closeup of my nylons! They’re psychedelic! Over in Jardine’s Bazaar there’s a gal selling the best nylons and tights. It’s fun to update my collection every now and then. I loved wearing this entire outfit hence the 5 out of 5.

Despite the woes in retrieving my floral statement necklace, I do recommend one especially for spring if you’re looking for the perfect accessory that matches a ton and sparks up a plain ensemble. I’ve also found some sparkly tights for you, but if you want me to pick some up for you for a fraction of the price (think cents not dollars), let me know. I’d be happy to ship some off for you!

{Reasonably Priced} Floral Statement Necklaces:

(JCPenney seems to be offering a lot of great options! And they’re having a huge sale until March 15.)
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”586707″]

Sparkly Tights:

(Remember to ask me if you want me to send you some;)
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”586723″]

Thursday’s Work Outfit 5/5:

This is another great dress. Sometimes just a simple jewell tone dress is the perfect wardrobe item. We’ve had parent teacher teacher conference from Wednesday on of this week, so I’ve dressed up a little bit more than my usual school day wear. Usually I wear a necklace with this neckline, but since my earrings are so bold I did not. (I also had a cami on that I pulled down for the pic, so my cleavage wasn’t so blatant all day long;) In the future, I think something around the neck is necessary. Please note another pair of sparkly nylons also from the same gal in Jardine’s Bazaar. This pair is navy with silver specks, and with my blue suede booties, I’m like Violet Beauregarde turning blue in Charlie’s Chocolate Factory! Another 5 for 5!

Based on both Thursday and Friday I recommend investing in a…

Jewell Tone Dress:

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”586831″]

Friday’s Work Outfit: 5/5

I went with the same formula as Monday and felt great. It’s easy: throw on an sparkly skirt pair it with some tights and my booties, and I feel set. I’m so glad I pulled out this eyelash sweater too–I’ll be bringing it with me to India. It’s so cozy! That’s right. This afternoon I set off to India with 20 students. It’s called Interim where all students travel for the next week. Trips involve service, culture, and an adventure. I’m all packed and ready to go. Maybe not ready to sign off of the Internet but so be it. I’ve scheduled posts for Monday through Thursday, so please continue to visit next week. My regular Friday post about my Style Story will be delayed till Saturday once I return. But, yes, I’ll be taking a picture of what I wear in India each day.

I recommend the following from this very easy formulaic work outfit:

Eyelash Sweater for Coziness:

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”588239″]

An Embroidered Black Mini:

(My exact skirt is the first option!;)
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”588251″]

*This post has been linked up to What I Wore, Monday Mingle , Sunday Funday, What I Wore Wednesday, and Brilliant Blog Posts.