Working Girl: The New Reebok High Tops

The 80's. *Sigh. An amazing decade when the shoulder padded power suit was an office staple and women were starting to make major headway climbing the executive ladder. Naturally what did these 80's She Office Ninjas do to spare their tootsies from the wrath of commuting in high heels? High Top Reeboks my friends.....worn over panty hose and sometimes scrunchy socks. Don't believe us? Please reference Melanie Griffith's 1988 box office hit Working Girl and check out Tess McGill's rad working commute kicks. 

 As much as the RSP loves these gems of footwear, the modern day working woman now has a brand NEW! sleeker, efficient option for the high-heel changeout work commute - TIEKS.  Tieks (available at www.tieks.com) sport a split-sole design that allows the lightweight ballet flat to fold up and fit into a compact pouch that you can toss into your purse or coat pocket.  They come in a variety of colors and even include a pant clips for pinning up your high-heal length pants. They're great! The RSP wants 10 pairs (we aren't throwing our Reeboks away tho).

Frost Yourself: Worker Bee Flare

 

We all know that one's work wardrobe can get stale. FAST.

Fear not!

Fashion guru, foodie, and Rhode Island native turned Austin-ite, Elizabeth Sigal, has masterminded a new blog, Frost Yourself (name coined from the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 days), to source fresh ideas on quick fixes for all types of drab attire --- accessories. 

Check out Ms. Sigal's most recent post post, "Worker Bee Flare," targeted at the latest trends for specifically office accessories. Her Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Tigers Eye Earrings? Yes please! Enjoy: 

Packing Lite with Micki

Meet Bay Area veteran, entrepreneur, and image consultant Micki Turner. Micki has a unique gift for helping clients build THE perfect wardrobe--selecting pieces that project a client's confidence, personal point of view, sophistication, and awareness to one's environment. Her expertise and "less is more attitude" is mobile to boot. Check out Micki's most recent tips for packing for the road (above) from Elizabeth Carr's Bay Area Blog, Mission closet.

In addition to the above tips, Micki also says:

- Scarves: You can’t have too many scarves.  They change an outfit completely and take up no space.

- Handbags: Take one daytime handbag and one small wallet type bag that goes over the body.

- Carry-On Mentality: Even if you intend to check your luggage, act like you are carrying-on.  You don’t need to have a million choices.  You can repeat items, especially the bottoms.

- Think Ahead: Try and anticipate if you will be changing your outfit for dinner. Sometimes you end up with way too many pieces because there is not time to change into dinner clothes so you don’t need as much as you thought.

- Comfort: Make sure your shoes are comfortable and your jacket is versatile. Start your wardrobe selection with these pieces in mind.

When packing specifically for a work trip, the RSP would add:

- Invest in a killer, durable hanging garment bag to accomany your carry on tote or roller bag. Get one that has a clasp at the top to secure all of your hangers. Pack your suit and shirt in here.

- Pack only one suit jacket and bring multiple matching bottoms (skirt, pants, etc.)

- Check your suit the second you get to your destination. Factor in time to iron and or steam things (compliements of the shower).

- Pack comfortable shoes.

For more information on packing, building the perfect wardrobe, or your personal image, become Micki's fan on Facebook or email her micki@mickiturner.com. Less is more folks.

American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity

Happy Fourth of July RSPers. 

Perhaps it was the massive fashion magazine catch up sesh or influx of American-ness (fireworks, boating, chowing down on a feast of good 'ole home cooking, and spending time with great friends) but one topic kept coming up in conversation over the course of this Fourth of July weekend--the American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity exhibit.

Running through August 15th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the American Woman exhibit is the Costume Institute's portrayal of the developing perceptions of the American woman from 1890 to 1940. Through dress, the Costume Institute breaks up the stages of the 1890s to 1940s American woman into six categories: 1) The Heiress, 2) The Gibson Girl, 3) The Bohemian, 4) The Suffragist, 5) The Patriot, and 6) The Flapper and the Screen Siren. 

After hearing such rave reviews about the exhibit, the RSP decided to dig deeper into the collection that it has yet to have the chance to check out in person. The end product? Our own tribute to these style revolutions in shaping the look of today's All American Woman.

Below, the RSP has selected a few works from the American Woman exhibit that tie into what Net-A-Porter deems are the classic pieces of today's American Woman's wardrobe. It is incredible how the lines and shapes from close to a hundred years ago are still ever present in the staples of the current American female's closet. Note: The Met's exhibit did not cover footwear, as such the RSP drew inspiration from Ginger Rogers and other Hollywood stars who shed the French footwear influence and gave the American High Heel an elegant, new look.

Enjoy. 

"it" belts: Inspiration from the RSP's lunch at Fig + Olive

The RSP had the pleasure of dining at one of its all time fav NYC lunch spots the other day--Fig + Olive on 5th avenue. While I was there, I had my favorite Sartorialist moment of 2010 to date. There was a girl wearing a simple black shift dress, a vintage black alligator belt cinched at her waist accented with a gold buckle, black ballet flats, and a black tote with gold accents. I thought it might be a little creepy if I went full on Sartorialist on her and took a photo, so instead I recreated the outfit to the best of my ability below - compliments of the RSP's mom's Vintage Judith Leiber Belt (which I have been lusting after since birth.) 

Alas, to recreate this look on my own, the RSP scoured the internet (and Ebay) for comparable belt looks. Enjoy:

How to Dress for the Office Now - Highlights of Derek Lam interview from Allure July 2010 Issue

Day to Night Part 2: Jewelry from Sex and the City 2

So I just got back from seeing Sex and the City 2 (I know, I know...late to the game). Takeaway: Patricia Field's styles are just as good, if not better, than ever -- especially in the jewelry department. While I am extremely jealous that I have no reason to buy the majority of the clothes in Sex and the City 2 --believe it or not, I have no pressing need for a GaGa-esque red shift dress with silver spiked shoulder pads --I have decided that I should spice up my life and wardrobe with something showcased throughout the entire film: big, chunky, accent jewelry. 

The perfect day to night quick fix, accent jewelry can take a boring work look for the day and breath fresh air into it as you prep to hit the town. After scouring the RSP's go-to shopping websites, the following pieces are inspired by the looks of ever fashionable Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha as they hit the streets of NYC and Abu Dhabi. Click on each piece for point of purchase. 

Kudos to Natalie Masset

After living in the New Hampshire wilderness for four years, the RSP has grown to have a deep appreciation for all things online shopping. As such, I thought I had struck gold 10 years ago when British entrepreneur and fashionista Natalie Massenet launched her online shopping mecca net-a-porter.com. In addition to its chic designer brands and clean interface, net-a-porter (with the help of shipping giant DSL) has the best customer service and delivery experience that the RSP has ever encountered. This month's Vogue (page 160) pays tribute to Massenet and celebrates her recent $76 Million payout from selling her shares to the Richemont luxury group. 

To show my appreciation to Massenet and her E-Commerce empire, the RSP has scoured net-a-porter's current stock of goods to assemble three European chic looks for the office. Enjoy! 

Cleanin' Those Whites

I was fortunate enough to grow up with a mom who is a true champion of all things laundry room (Note: She even ironed and pressed my soccer T-shirts so that I always looked my best!). Despite the odds that I would inherit this useful domestic skill, I was at my core a laundry room delinquent.

The RSP did what most newly minted professionals in New York City do upon entering the working world --- I sent ALL my clothes to the wash and fold and dry cleaners. After six or seven trips to the dry cleaners, I was disgusted that my go-to white work shirts had yellowed from the chemicals and god only knows what else during their trips to the dry cleaners. Enter the RSP's Mom to the rescue. She taught me her secret sauce on how to launder my white shirts at home so that they last longer and look like new for each repeated wear to the office.

I am excited to welcome our second guest blogger, the RSP's mom, to share her tricks of the trade on keeping those white work shirts squeaky clean.

Cleanin' Those Whites. By RSP Guest Blogger and Mom, Leslie

One staple of a business wardrobe is a white blouse/work shirt. It should look like new every time you wear it and it can! As a busy office She-Office-Ninja, the easiest way for this to happen is to send it to the dry cleaners. But this is not the best way to have a crisp, white shirt. Reason....if you send a white shirt to the cleaners, it yellows and looks dingy after the first few trips to the cleaners. If you take that dingy looking shirt and wash it yourself, either by hand or in a washing machine, your white shirt will "freshen up" or better yet don't EVER send it to the dry cleaners. Either wash it by hand in the sink or in the washing machine on a regular cycle and always hang it on a hanger to dry. Never use the dryer. For detergent in the machine, I use Tide with Bleach Alternative (the white cap). Always check for spots and use Resolve Spray 'N Wash if needed....don't forget to check inside the collar. Then use a spray starch such as Magic Sizing (light body) to iron it and your white blouse will stand up and cheer!!!

Summer White for Work

There is something about the narrow window of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day that adds a premium to sporting our summer whites. Whites not only go with anything but look especially great with a tan and gold accents. Shoes and handbags are great ways to achieve your white fix. They are easy to keep clean and can get more milage for their price. 

With Memorial Day just around the corner, the RSP is prepping to bust out its whites for the office with the following. Enjoy!

Grace Kelly: Forever Chic. A Look at her Style from Every Price Point

All time RSP favorite Grace Kelly was recently profiled in Vanity Fair's May 2010 issue. VF's "Grace Kelly's Forever Look" article got us thinking...what would this timeless beacon of style and elegance wear should she enter the confines of modern day corporate America?

The RSP takes a closer look at this style icon and suggests forever chic, Grace-inspired styles for the office (Note: While not all of us have the budget of a Princess, the RSP has included items at every price point. Click on item for point of purchase)

Go Go for glasses: Warby Parker

So klutzo here sat on her glasses this weekend. Good one.

As crooked frames are a huge office no-no, I need to remedy this problem ASAP to ensure I have an office-ready pair on hand. Enter the RSP's new eyewear obsession Warby Parker to save the day! Founded by four entrepreneurial minded MBA-ers at the Wharton School of Business, Warby Parker's boutique, vintage frames are both affordable (less than $100) and chic. To boot, for every pair of specs that Warby Parker sells, the company donates one pair of glasses to someone in need through partnering non-profit organizations such as RestoringVision.org.

Nervous about purchasing glasses online without seeing how they look? No problem. Warby Parker's website is equipped with a virtual try on technology to see what each of their 27 designs looks like on you. I attached some snaps of my own virtual Warby Parker try-on sess below.

Which ones should I get? I love them all. Comment below!

Day to Night: Part One

The warm weather is rolling in, the day’s light is lasting a little longer, and the RSP is itching to get outside after a long day’s work. Enter newbie Austin-based designer Meredith Leach McBrearty and her MERE handbag line to outfit us with a killer accessory for said day to night transition—The Two Timer.

The Two Timer is two bags in one.  Both a tote and a clutch, the Two Timer is always ready for the She-Office Ninja’s impromptu decision to hit the town.  All you need to do is unsnap the clutch (coined the Go-Stag when worn solo) from the tote and voila!...you are all set to go with an updated, more going-out friendly look.

Go to www.shopmere.com, do yourself a favor and pick up a Two Timer, and SHAMONE—let’s hit the town.   

Scarves, Scarves, Scarves

The RSP loves silk scarves! Silk scarves are not only the perfect accessory for the She-Office Ninja to use to distinguish ourselves with a boost of color and feminine luxury, but they can also serve as staples in our non-working wardrobes. Pairing a silk scarf with a solid, traditional suit set can effortlessly transform a look from straight from the rack to style-d with a point of view. Also, when piggy banks are low, pairing a high quality silk scarf with an inexpensive suit is often a cheaper means to achieving a luxurious look than going for that top of the line new suit.

The following are some RSP silk scarf favorites and suggestions on how to tie scarves for the office from the Parisian silk scarf master, Hermes:

Designers RSP Loves

Theory, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, and Tahari. These are a few of the names that might come to mind as the staple outfitters of the everyday working woman. While the RSP certainly champions each of these brands, the RSP is a firm believer that it is fun to mix it up in order to keep your wardrobe fresh and interesting. The following are four of the RSP's favorite designers that might fly under the radar when it comes to office wear (click on each individual item for info on price and purchase information):

3.1 Phillip Lim: Thai-born designer and winner of the 2007 CFDA Award for Emerging Talent, Phillip Lim consistently delivers effortlessly chic and elegant collections. The RSP particularly loves pairing his tops with a suit for a great transition piece for a night out after the office.

J Crew: Creative Director Jenna Lyons has done a fantastic job breathing a fresh new life into the J Crew brand. The RSP particularly loves JCrew's accessories (skinny belts, flats, accent jewelry and handbags) for the office. As with any bold accessory, make sure you play it down for the office by pairing it with a more conservative, simple outfit.

Kate Spade: While you might know her for her collection of handbags and shoes (I mean, who doesn't remember the rage of her classic Kate tote from the 90s?), Kate Spade's clothing collection is smart, chic, and a great way to infuse color into your work wardrobe. The RSP is particularly fond of Kate's cardigans and colored patent flats. The Kate Spade brand currently lies under the direction of Co-President and Creative Director Deborah Lloyd (Banana Republic and Burberry veteran).

Akris: Under the creative direction of Albert Kriemler, Swiss labels Akris and Akris Punto (Designer Sportswear Collection) are known for high quality, flattering materials, creative flair, and clean silhouettes. The RSP particular loves the brand's one of a kind blazers to pair with slacks or skirts of your existing suits. Kriemler and co. recently expanded into accessories with the launch of its handbag line at his spring-summer 2010 runway show.

The Office Lingerie Drawer

Muffin tops, back fat, jiggling in general. No thanks. Especially in the office where we want to look not only our best, but professional. Alas, part of dressing the part is making sure that you have a killer wardrobe of staples that will never see the light of day in the office (well, lets hope not).

The following are must haves for RSP's office lingerie drawer. Yes, it appears to be an ode to SPANXS, but Sara Blakely has revolutionized the confidence of the everyday woman and deserves all the kudos we can send her way. These items not only work wonders hiding our Bridget Jones "wobble-y bits," but they are comfortable to boot. Enjoy!

Clockwise from the top:
• The Spanx Bra: An amazing solution to back fat. So comfortable.
• Assets Tights: Slimming, affordable, and comfortable.
• The Spanx Slip: A must for any clinging wrap dress.
• Commandos: Lies flat on the body eliminating love handles.
• The Safety Pin: A quick fix for gapeosis- a dress shirt fitting too tightly across the chest and causing gaping views of a bra underneath. Close said unwelcomed gap immediately with a safety pin. Make sure that you weave the safety pin through only the inner layer of the placket as to ensure the pin is not exposed outside the shirt.

 

the Weekender

I will always remember the first time my boss told me that I would be going on a business trip. After being overwhelmed with joy that I would be able to escape the New York winter for a few days, I realized that I had ZERO luggage that was suitable to bring into the office prior to my end of day departure (let alone to be seen by my business colleagues while we were traveling). My go-to soccer bag carry on with patches sewn all over it was certainly not going to cut it.

Finding a piece of luggage these days isn't easy. Alas, the RSP suggests the following simple and professional carry on (Weekender Bags) to couple with a plain black hanging bag to hold your suit or meeting apparel.

Next step: Don't conk out on the plane next to your office colleagues and wake up with drool all over your face. Travel Safely!

Spring Has Sprung in the Office

It's that time of year. The beginning of Spring. An event marked by the mass emergence of a hibernating population anxious to rid themselves of a winter wardrobe confined to the thick wools and dark shades necessary to compliment paler than normal skin tones. While it is only appropriate to express your enthusiasm for this splendid time of year by busting out the color palette, the RSP has collected a handful of ideas on how to incorporate a dose of spring into your office wardrobe. Think accessories and less is more:

the Building Blocks of an Office Wardrobe

(1) Theory Blazer, Skirt, and Trousers from Barneys.com (2) Lanvin Flats from BergdorfGoodman.com, Jimmy Choo Black Pumps from Jimmy Choo, and Sand Patent Christian Louboutin pumps from Netaporter.com (3) Oscar de la Renta Wool-crepe shift dress from Netaporter.com (4) Black umbrella from Freshpromotions.com and Chole Paraty Black Leather tote from Netaporter.com (5) Burberry Trench Coat from Burberry.com and Michael Korrs Black Wool Overcoat from theOutnet.com

Too Conservative? Too Aggressive?

Agreed, the RSP is approaching a grey area here. However, we feel strongly that because office workwear is your best way to express your brand, it is critical that your clothes are sending the right messages. You might think that you are being perceived favorably by subscribing to the urban lore of office etiquette....read: panty hose. If that is not your style then NO, you are not doing the right thing and you are being perceived as boring. Careful though. The other, non-conservative end of the spectrum is an even more slippery slope, the office slut.  Alas, where can one find a middle ground between dressing overly conservatively and overly aggressively in order to safely express her point of view?

The following are a list of items that fall into Conservative extreme camp and Aggressive Extreme Camp.  Stay away from these and hopefully your wardrobe will land somewhere safe down the middle of the fairway between these two extremes.   

Photo 1: Chunky Heel from Barneys.com Photo2: Black Leather bag from bp.blogspot.com Photo 3: Designing Women from Premiere Hollywood.com Photo 4: Mid Calf Skirt from amazon.com Photo 5: Pantyhose from www.sodahead.com

Aggressive Extreme: Photo 1: Christian Louboutin gold sandals from Netaporter.com Photo 2: Sequin Top from Netaporter.com Photo 3: Purple skirt from Herve Leger at Netaporter.com Photo 4: Stella McCartney Bra at Netaporter.com