The Mystery of Casual Friday

Ah, Casual Friday. That longed-for day; the finish line is visible, the beginning of weekend liberty. TGIF. Say it twice. TGIF. This is the day you can chat a bit longer with your office mate, laugh a little louder, extend your coffee break by a few minutes, and when the boss may actually leave early to get a head start on the weekend. Friday is the king of days, as far as the workweek is concerned. Casual Friday, however, is another story entirely!

What is really meant by Casual Friday? Is it plain casual, business casual, weekend casual or slacker casual? The idea of Casual Friday has caused quite a bit of debate. You shouldn't wear pajamas or sweats to work, ever. You probably shouldn't wear a leather mini either. So just how casual is it?

I think the whole concept complicates dressing for work. People tend to abuse this collective social laxness and end up revealing a part of themselves that should really be left at home.

 

 

 

Alison

 

 

Come Fly with Me

Packing for a business trip can be a nightmare-you can't count on being able to buy something you have forgotten once you land. I mean, how are you supposed to know where to go for a pair of Spanx in Tokyo? So, ladies, planning and strategy are required to fit the necessary array of career-defining looks into one bag. Focus on packing the basics, and embrace the concept of layering, which will kelp to keep you comfortable, efficient and dashing.

Business Travel Do's:

Choose fabrics that don't wrinkle easily:
 Wool, rayon and cotton blends

Invest in your business style essentials: Blouses, skirts and trousers

 

Bring layers:
 Pile them on or pare them down as needed

Err on the side of formality when traveling: But never to the point of being miserably uncomfortable!

Pack at least one day before you leave: Avert the crisis before it happens

Simple Travel Checklist:
Dress
Trousers/Skirt
Blouse
Vest/Cardigan
Jacket
Coat
Shoes
Accessories

Now embark on your business travels with confidence, ready to take on the world. And don't forget your cell phone charger-that's an even bigger disaster than packing the wrong shoes!

Alison

What You Should Wear

Everyone needs a dash of flair here and a splash of color there. Here are a few ways to give your professional look a modern edge:

• Break up your suit by pairing the jacket with a black knee-length skirt
  
• Give your classic black pumps a lift with textured tights
• Break out of the blazer rut and try a jacket with a different silhouette-strong shoulders, architectural or geometric tailoring, maybe even a peplum if you're feeling flirty. Perhaps a fabulous cropped jacket. Or a traditional blazer in a nontraditional fabric like sateen or a colorful check.
• Wear distinctive yet chic jewelry like a wood ring or cuff
  
• Do the white shirt with a twist like a ruffle, strong shoulders, or an origami detail

The greater the limitations, the more innovative you are forced to be. Think of it as a challenge. Put together an avant-garde look using just a gray three-piece suit, two accessories, stockings and shoes. On a Tuesday!

 

I know that sometimes it seems impossible to make the Average Day shine. But once you're looking good, you'll start feeling good, and you'll be able to come up with even more amazing, groundbreaking ideas at work.

Alison

Honoring Tuesday

What to Wear on the Average Workday

Nothing screams average day like a Tuesday. It's not Monday, with its weekend spillover and beginning-of-the-week stress. Nor does it have the relief of Wednesday, the beloved hump day, when time actually starts to work in our favor. It doesn't have the excitement of Thursday, which can mean an after-work night out with friends. And it is certainly not Friday, with its glorious taste of the weekend.
No it's Tuesday: The Average Day.

Appropriate wear for the average Tuesday at the office varies drastically from workplace to workplace. Context is everything and every industry has its own dress code-some tactic, others explicit. Of course, there is always a little leeway here and there, for you to express your individuality. Let your position, and the direction you want to go within the company, be important factors in deciding how you should dress for work.

Always nail the average Tuesday. Always.

Alison

Working Girl

I have been asked by several friends and coworkers about appropriate work attire especially for the summer! I have decided to dedicate this week to blogging all about work wear. I'll be sharing tips, ideas and pictures all week long so check Styled Hart daily...let's begin!!

A bit of self-assessment is a great place to start.

• How do I want to be perceived by my coworkers, superiors, and clients?
• Will I be taken seriously in this outfit?
• Am I comfortable enough to roll up my sleeves and get to work?
• Am I TOO comfortable?
• Will I stand out from my coworkers? In a bad way?

Be sure to answer these questions carefully.


If you're an assistant, whether you like it or not, how you look reflects on your boss as well. You want to show your employer that you are a team player that you honor your position and the company in general. The way you look matters for people other than yourself.
Whether your wear corporate, business casual, or plain casual attire to work, the key is to keep your look pulled together and polished: be neat, relevant and modern.

I'm very excited to share so much this week and hopefully it will inspire your work wardrobe for the summer.

Alison

 

 

 

 

Hot Stuff Coming Through!

Summer Fashion 2013: Summer's 5 Top Trends

As the temperatures are finally starting to rise, I've been getting inspired by the season's hottest trends. Whether it's bold printed shorts or a dramatic backless dress, these chic five trends are guaranteed to have you looking hot this summer!

Gams your best asset? Flaunt what you've got by drawing the eye to your legs with a bright, eye-catching set of printed shorts. Balanced with a relaxed and solid blouse, as seen on the runway, these styles simply can't be ignored.

Like the old schoolyard game, these playful styles are coming out of hiding this season.

Leather, for the summer? Yes! Take a page from Proenza Schouler and Emmy Rossum: The cold weather fabric can work just as well when the mercury rises--as long as you keep your silhouette airy and colors light.

Show as little (or as much) skin as you'd like--the secret to scoring chic looks like Elizabeth Banks's is all in the proportions. An A-line skirt is a demure addition to a denim halter, or pair a mini and boxier blouse if you dare.

Business in the front, party in the back. Nothing gets things started like Azzaro and Kate Mara's dramatic cutouts. Talk about a big reveal!

My favorite trend is the cutout! Share your favorite Summer Fashion Trend...

Alison

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Who's tired of the rain?! I am....however I am keeping my outfits fresh and bright. A little rain won't stop me.

The first few rainy days were chilly so I wore a mint green Lulu Lemon top with some boyfriend jeans and of course my boat shoes!

 

 

 

Finally a warm....rain and by now I'm really tired of rain clouds. I picked out my brightest top and layered it with a long white tank and skinny jeans that I rolled. Sometimes you have to create your own sunshine!

 

 

 

It's too early in the season to start with humidity....not this year in MN. Not only is it raining but it's humid! I'm in love with my new tank by Jack from Drama Boutique. I layered it with a long white tank, a fun necklace, dark skinny jeans and nude colored espadrilles.

 

 

 

Hopefully I will be sharing warm weather looks soon....

Alison

Rules are Made to be Broken

There are no rules in fashion! Over the years women have a set of rules that are not to be broken....I believe they are to be broken...take a look!

Never wear black with brown or navy.
Rubbish. Black with brown, navy or gray is a thoroughly modern twist on classic dressing.

Never mix prints
Such an old-fashioned notion. As long as you keep your prints in the same color family and don't get too crazy, go ahead and mix it up for a modern, edgy look.

Madewell

Your bag must match your shoes perfectly.
Of course your bag should not clash with your shoes (or anything else you have on), but the notion that you need a different evening bag for every pair of heels you might wear is rather old-fashioned. Choose a bag that complements your ensemble. For instance, if you're wearing black with a patterned or brightly colored shoe, go for something like a black beaded clutch with a detail or trim that picks up color from the shoe.

Never mix metals.
Give your vintage pieces an edgy twist by mixing silver and gold; choose one to be your primary element and use the other as an accent.

Stella and Dot

Never wear white after Labor Day.
This rule is obviously enacted before we had such a fantastic variety of winter whites. White is modern, smart and wearable year-round.

A pregnant woman should dress to conceal her belly.
Just the opposite. When you're voluminous, adding even more volume only makes you look larger. Enhance your new curves with body-conscious clothing that stretches to accommodate your shape. No maternity tents, ladies.

Never wear stockings with open-toed shoes.
done right, open-toed shoes look fabulous with stockings. The key is wearing pretty, high quality hosiery in any color other than nude. A glimpse of well-pedicured toes under lace or fishnet stockings is edgy and alluring. Match your leg wear to your shoes for a sophisticated look; if you're feeling a bit daring, wear bright hosiery. And always walk on the cutting edge.

Fun Fact: It was unacceptable for women to wear pants on the floor in Congress until the nineties!
I can't believe it took that long for Congress to join the rest of the country. Women can wear pants anywhere they please. With impeccable tailoring, few pieces command as much respect.


Share other rules that can be broken...there are plenty of fashion rules out there!

Alison

Look Your Best

10 Things Every Woman Must Own

I am frequently asked by women what key pieces they should have in their closet. After doing several closet makeovers, personal shopping and speaking engagements, I have come up with a  top 10 list for every woman's closet!

1. Tailored Black Blazer: This is classic, feminine and looks great on all body types. A black blazer can easily be paired with anything: jeans, little dresses, trousers, or skirts. Make sure to find one that fits your well and accentuates your waist--you don't want it to look like it is swallowing you!

2. Printed Scarf: Even if you are wearing a basic T-shirt and jeans, use accessories like a printed scarf  as the 'bright' piece to complete your look.

3. Red Flats: Black is the obvious choice, but red flats provide a pop of color and work for every season. I love them with a striped shirt and a trench coat.

4. Striped Top: This timeless classic is having a comeback. It looks great paired with brights or prints or peeking out from underneath a blazer.

5. Statement Necklace: I believe in having basics in your closet and playing with your accessories. The statement necklace can make a simple outfit look strong and feminine.

6. LBD (Little Black Dress): Every woman knows she should have a LBD, but it is important to invest in one that is special. Look for a dress with a detail--an interesting sleeve, an embellished belt--that makes it unique. And remember that finding the right fit is important....become friends with your Tailor!

7. Tights: A great pair of tights can make your legs look slimmer and help you get away with wearing a dress that is a little too short. Double them up for a more opaque look--and to keep you warm in the winter!

8. A Watch: This is as much an accessory as it is a timepiece. A gold watch is a great way to dress an outfit up--try leaving it loose so it looks like a bracelet.

9. Black Trench Coat: This of this as an investment piece--you will wear it forever, even if you fluctuate in size. Look for a classic A-line silhouette that will cinch you in at the waist and wear it over everything from suits to jeans.

10. Flare Denim: This is a flattering shape for most body types. Pair them with platforms or wedges to get extra height while keeping the look casual and comfortable.

That is my top 10 pieces that should be in every woman's closet! Let me know if you think there should be something else....  :)

Alison

Fashion Basics

The Best Swimsuits for All Body Types

Swimsuits in flattering fabrics and clever cuts that are suited for real bodies

If the results of an informal office poll are any indication, there are few things, when it comes to clothing, that give women more anxiety than the swimsuit: First, there's this process of weeding through the multitudes of possibilities, and then there's the actual wearing of it. Finding the right suit--one that's designed for your figure--can go a long way toward quieting that anxiety. I've done the weeding to find a dozen suits meant to flatter women with different body types: those with large chests, those with a tummy they want to camouflage, those with full hips and thighs, and those with straighter shapes. So let the sun shine--I'll see you at the pool.

Swimsuits for a Large Bust

 

From left:
This tankini top is sized the way a bra is--by cup (up to G) and band (up to 38)
To buy: Fantasie Swim top and bottom: www.barenecessities.com
Defy gravity with a bandeau that features underwire, darts and silicone edging
To buy: Shoshanna top and bottom: Saks Fifth Avenue
Underwire and adjustable cross-back straps make delightfully retro tank diveproof. Comes in a D cup.
To buy: Seafolly one piece: www.seafolly.com

Swimsuits for a Tummy

From left:
Bikinis aren't off limits. Just choose a bottom with a fold-over waistband so it won't dig in.
To buy: OndadeMar top and bottom: www.ondademar.com
Busy dots keep the eye from focusing on your middle. Swimming laps? Switch the straps to cross-back.
To buy: DKNY one piece: www.zappos.com
With an extra-long ruched top, you can disguise bumps in style.
To buy: Natori top and origami hipster bottom: www.natori.com

Swimsuits for Full Hips and Thighs

From left:
Hate the sausage effect? Get a just-right, nonbinding fir with a side-tie bikini.
To buy: Trina Turk top and bottom: www.vonmaur.com
A snazzy bodice highlights your top half, while bands of blue down the sides elongate.
To buy: Robin Piccone top and adjustable side-tie bottoms: www.robinpiccone.com
High openings show legs in the best light, but the real deal is the alluring cutouts under the bust.
To buy: Kenneth Cole one piece: www.everythingbutwater.com

Swimsuits for a Straight Figure

From left:
Achieve major push-up without underwire, thanks to contoured padding.
To buy: Voda Swim top and bottom: www.vodaswim.com
Strategic seaming along the torso and molded cups lend you curves.
To buy: Tory Burch one-piece: www.toryburch.com
Get a boost from a gathered, padded bandeau and hip-checked hardware.
To buy: L Space Swim top and bottom: www.zappos.com

All of the swimsuits featured can be found here within the Twin Cities. Most people look at department stores (Macy's, Nordstrom's, Von Maur) for swimsuits but I highly recommend one of these swimsuit specialty shops:

Everything But Water in Mall of America
Swim and Sport in Mall of America
Nani Nalu at West 50th Street (50th and France): "Best Swimwear Shop in Minnesota"

Now go you find your swimsuit and I'll see you at the beach on Lake Calhoun!

Alison