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