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Nicole Martin
New Jersey
Remixing my wardrobe to create buzz-worthy, office-approved outfits! Find out more at: Creating Panache.
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Monday, August 30, 2010

Warning Sign of Things to Come


shirt: Anthropologie ($35) ~ skirt: Gap Outlet ($19) ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ watch: Fossil (gift) ~ bangle: thrifted via Beacon's Closet ($8) ~ earrings: Limited ($?? super old)

Date: August 30, 2010
Ensemble message:  The heat might be back in the Northeast, but that’s not holding me back!  The husband, in a rare moment, suggested that we go clothes shopping for the 2 of us this weekend.  I will probably never say no to that! ;)  I had a Gap friends & family coupon, so we got some super deals at the outlet, including this pencil skirt.


I love this Anthro shirt (as I love all items I buy from them :) but I never really wear it to work outside of casual Fridays because of the loose fit.  It just doesn’t go well with the skirts I have, and I’m sure you guys have noticed that I don’t really do the whole pants thing.  But this skirt is the perfect match – a slim fit to complement to the flowy top without looking frumpy.


And now that we’re upon September, I’ve decided to start breaking out closed heels instead of sandals.  These heeled oxfords are from last year and I was stoked to wear them again.  I fully plan on wearing them with socks too!



Thursday, August 26, 2010

I Woke Up with the Power Out


shirt: Limited (gift) ~ t-shirt: Target ($15) ~ skirt: Necessary Objects via Century 21 ($20) ~ shoes: Nine West Outlet ($27) ~ watch: Fossil (gift) ~ bangles: thrifted ($8), NY&Co ($20) ~ earrings: little shop in Arizona ($7)

Date: August 26, 2010
Ensemble message:  Breaking out the buddy skirt!  I love this skirt, but it definitely challenges me when I style it up.  Not sure why I didn’t pair this lace top with it sooner… when I held both up together in my closet, it was such a natural match!



It finally stopped raining (after 4 days!) so it was back to the bridge in the woods.  A little morning zen before starting a crazy day :)  Despite the lovely weather, our power just went out as I was typing this!!  (Hence, the lyrics in the title.)  But everything came back on after only 15 minutes or so... phew!


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Woke Up Today to Everything Grey


shirt: American Rag ($25) ~ t-shirt: H&M ($8) ~ skirt: RD via Century 21 ($20) ~ shoes: Target ($9) ~ socks: Target (6 pack for $8!) ~ earrings: Verve ($75)

Date: August 25, 2010
Ensemble message:  Trendy and girly today… the florals plays up the girly part, while the socks plus heels are definitely trendy.  I’ll admit, I almost did not leave the house like this.  The socks were throwing me off because I wasn’t super confident wearing something that most would consider being very odd in my office.  I finally convinced myself to just go as is, especially because I didn’t have many meetings today.  I don’t think others really get it, but the socks/sandals trend has now officially grown on me :)

What do you guys think?  Would you wear socks with sandals to the office?  Or anywhere??



By the way, REALLY loving my new/old movie theater… it was the perfect place to take pictures outside while being sheltered from yet more rain!  Let’s hope they don’t tear it down any time soon…


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Breathing Like Little Ghosts Under Rocks




shirt: Old Navy ($25) ~ skirt: Target ($12) ~ shoes: Payless ($20) ~ watch: Fossil (gift) ~ earrings: gift

Date: August 24, 2010
Ensemble message: It definitely felt like autumn this morning - yay!  With grey skies and cool temps, I opted to turn this spring/summer skirt into a transitional piece.  The blue chambray button down adds a relaxed, almost country-like feel.  The moccasins are a fall favorite of mine since they keep my feet nice and warm.... Though I would love to upgrade to a pair of real leather moccasins!



Given how dreary it's been in the morning, photo shoots in the woods are just not an option as it's too dark.  This is good though... I'm being forced to come out of my comfort zone a bit and find new spaces.  I love the blue walls on this old, run-down movie theater.  The overall image is kind of depressing, but bright blue walls were asking to be photographed :)



Monday, August 23, 2010

The Rain It Fell, The Story Went On

Happy Monday everyone!  Today has been crazy... and rainy.  Outfit pics just weren't meant to be.  So instead, I wanted to remind you of where else you can find me, beside here of course!

Facebook ~ I created a fan page for Employed Panache as another way for people to see my new posts without friending the world with my personal profile.  But I also want to add more of a personal touch, so I'll be posting more off-duty outfit pics here.

Twitter ~ Follow my ramblings and articles that I re-tweet on style and personal branding.

Chictopia ~ Beside my favorite style blogs, I go here often for outfit inspiration.  If you're on Chictopia, friend me!

bloglovin' ~ The BEST way to follow all your blogs!  Including this one, of course ;)

Weardrobe ~ I admittedly need to update my profile with more recent outfit pics... but again, friend me if you're on this site as well.

E-mail ~ Ah, good old fashioned e-mail :) nmartin227@gmail.com
Thursday, August 19, 2010

El Beso Que Te Sopla

*Photo credit goes to my husband Ryan today... thanks darling! :)



shirt: Rena Rowan, thrifted ($4) ~ racerback tank: Mossimo ($6) ~ pants: Banana Republic ($?? – can’t remember!!) ~ shoes: Aerosoles ($35) ~ deer necklace: DIY ~ white turquoise necklace: gift ~ wrap watch: NY&Co ($20) ~ bangle: thrifted via Beacon’s Closet ($8)

Date: August 19, 2010
Ensemble message:  Well folks, you spoke and I’ve listened!  The comments I generally receive are nice, and nice is, well, nice.  But Tuesday’s post prompted comments like “I think this is my favorite outfit yet!” and “way to bring your style A-game to the office.”  Ok, so you like true office garb with a twist, got it.  Feedback is a gift people, so here I am making use of it!


This outfit uses some tailored pieces to create a laid-back menswear look.  I’ve always had an affinity for blousy button ups – after all, Krystal from This Time Tomorrow is on my style inspiration list!  But I just haven’t experimented with them much.  I saw this blouse on an impromptu thrift store visit last weekend, and for the $4 price tag, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try out the blousy button up look!  What do you guys think?


I also got some feedback from my co-workers today… mainly that I wouldn’t be able to post before I jet into the city tonight for a Devendra Barnhart show (click at your own risk... he's pretty trippy!).  I’m not really sure why this mattered since they saw what I was wearing?  But anyway, I took time out of my lunch break to schedule this post.  Take that ;)



Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Personal Branding IRL: Steven Slater of Jet Blue Fame

Picture courtesy of CBSnews.com

What a way to quit your job!  For anyone outside of the tri-state area, has this news story traveled your way?  Read on, this one’s very interesting!

Ever have a day where one thing after another seems to go wrong at work?  After one of those days, Jet Blue flight attendant Steven Slater quit his job, and not too subtly. 

Picture courtesy of CBSnews.com

It all started when two passengers got into an argument about the overhead bin space.  As someone who only carries her luggage on, I understand how precious this space is.  However, this argument escalated, and when Slater stepped in to ask one passenger to check their bag at the gate, he was accidentally clocked on the head by said bag.  Well, that stinks… great start to your day!  (Sarcasm here folks ;)

But it didn’t end there.  Once the plane landed at JFK, the passenger who was forced to check her bag at the gate became very upset that she could not get the bag back immediately.  Because Slater was the one who checked it for her, she took her anger out on him, very loudly and with many f-bombs.  Wow, the poor guy was just doing his job, cut him a break!

Here’s where the story gets juicy… Slater walked away from the woman (good) and got onto the intercom to announce his resignation (bad).  He allegedly said, “Those of you who have shown dignity and respect these last 20 years, thanks for a great ride.”  Slater then proceeded to activate the emergency exit slide, toss down his bags, pop open a couple beers, and hop down the slide himself.

Depending on what your reaction is, you can file this reaction under either off-his-rocker-crazy or wow-I-wish-I-was-that-ballsy. 

Let’s take a step back here for a moment to take a look at Slater’s personal brand before this incident.  Before, the public knew nothing about this guy.  According to a variety of new stories, his parents both worked in the airline industry and Slater was very passionate about his job.  To some, he was a friend, co-worker, helpful flight attendant.  Slater was by all means an Average Joe.

Picture courtesy of CBSnews.com

Afterwards, however, Steven Slater is now known as that Jet Blue flight attendant who quit his job by jumping out of the emergency exit.  Quite the change, thanks to the media.  Keep in mind that once your actions are broadcasted to the public, they will trigger a variety of reactions.  These reactions will then be your  personal brand to those people, like it or not.  That’s why it’s so important to think before you, ah-hem, leap.  (cracking myself up over here! ;)

Picture courtesy of CBSnews.com

How do you view Slater?  Is he a hero who was brave enough to speak his mind and represent abused flight attendants everywhere?  Or is he an idiot who will have issues getting a job in future due his jail time and clear anger management issues? 

All I know is that I wish I could exit some days with a slide :)


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

I’m Just Sitting on a Shelf



shirt: Forever21 ($14) ~ cami: Gap ($10) ~ skirt: Zara ($35? this one’s old!) ~ belt: H&M ($10) ~ shoes: Aerosoles ($50) ~ leaf bangle: thrifted via Beacon’s Closet ($8) ~ white bangle: NY&Co ($10sih)

Date: August 17, 2010
Ensemble message:  Inspiration from my husband and Zooey Deschanel! :)  Ryan and I looove Zooey, her music, and her style.  When I first started this blog, he recommended that I do a week of Zooey inspired looks.  Great idea!  Except, she’s super vintagey and while I love a vintage look, I also like to mix modern pieces in as well.


Nonetheless, I definitely felt like Zooey from (500) Days of Summer in this outfit.  A higher waist, slim fit, ruffled blouse, and wedges were key.  But then there’s my grommet/studded belt for a more up-to-date look.  Either way, I’m dressed more business-like than normal, haha!  Do you guys have any movie-inspired looks?


On another note, I’m not even sure how I got dressed today.  I had one of *those* mornings… moving in slow motion and running late.  Half way through my commute, I realize that I left my amazing Greek salad in the fridge.  Fail.  While taking photos, I noticed that I wasn’t wearing any of my rings, wedding rings included.  Major fail (sorry Ry!)  Then I had computer issues at work.  Finally, at 4pm I saw that my belt wasn’t going through all the belt loops – sheesh!!!  At least the sun is shining and we will be rounding the hump tomorrow :)



Monday, August 16, 2010

Never Mind What Anybody Else Done



sundress: thrifted via Beacon's Closet ($14) ~ vest: Old Navy ($14 with coupon) ~ sandals: Elle via Kohls (approx. $35) ~ cuff & bangle: gifts ~ earrings: Limited ($?? - pretty old!)

Date: August 16, 2010
Ensemble message:  Instead of fighting the last month or so of summer, I’m embracing it!  I heart this sundress, which is a thrift store find.  From the big floral print to the ruffled neckline, I loved it the moment I tried it on.  BUT!  The straps are super skinny… instead of spaghetti straps, they’re more like angel hair straps (ba dum dum! ;) 



Anyway, instead of covering up with a cardigan, I layered with my new fave – the camper vest!  Pairing the vest and dress together, along with pulled back hair, reminds me of Kyla from Blue Collar Catwalk.  She rocks her vests and totally inspired me to buy this one! 


Of course, I’m still technically sleeveless, so I don’t recommend this look for everyone.  Some office dress policies require sleeves, but you can get a similar look with a safari blouse.



Sunday, August 15, 2010

Shop Employed Panache

Hi everyone!  As mentioned earlier last week, I will be putting some of my clothing up for sale.  If interested, please visit the Shop Employed Panache page!






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