As I sit and watch 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' special on tv, I think it is appropriate that I write about holiday gifts in the office!  Depending on your office culture, you and your co-workers may or may not exchange gifts during the holiday season.  In the past, I have traded gifts with my boss, sent out cards to all my team members, participated in a team yankee swap, and done absolutely nothing.  Keep in mind that this is across 3 different companies, so make sure you know what's expected before going overboard or doing nothing.

Of my past 7 holidays in the working world, I have done yankee swaps just twice, but they seem to be pretty popular.  For those who haven't played before, yankee swap is like a grab bag: each person brings in a wrapped gift within a certain price range.  Everyone picks a number, and the first person chooses a gift from the pile (not their own).  The next person chooses another gift, and then decides whether to keep it or take a gift that someone else has unwrapped.  And so on... it's a lot of fun!

But what do you buy for someone in your office, who you may not even know that well?!?  Well, my friends, I've put together a list that should satisfy young or old, man or woman, traditional or hip.  Check these gifts out for ideas:

Candle - Organic Soy Candle
Business Card Holder - Leather Holder with Horse Emblem
Money Clip - Enamel Finish Money Clip
MP3 Player Sleeve - Hand-printed Leather Sleeve
A Fun Gag Gift - Office Voodoo Kit
Cell Phone Sleeve - Phone Pouch with Pocket
Desktop Speaker - Pop-Up Mini Speaker
Desktop Greenery - Bonsai Village Biodome

What would you give to a colleague??

sweater: Banana Republic ($25) ~ skirt: Ann Taylor Loft outlet ($4) ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ earrings: gift

Date: November 29, 2010
Ensemble message: Despite having a glorious 4 days off from work, which included lots of sleeping, eating, and time with family and friends, I have been forced quickly back to the real world with a big meeting at work today.  So while I really wanted to wear a comfy sweater over a summer dress for a more casual feel, I instead pulled out some go-to work basics: a wool skirt and tie-neck sweater.
Let's admit it... together, they are ok.  The bow is fun, but there's nothing much exciting going on here.  I was guaranteed to look professional in front of a room of directors, but I wouldn't be memorable.  In my attempt to liven things up a bit, instead of nude hose or brown tights, I went with maroon.  A little pop against a canvas of light colors bordering on neutral.  Add some colored pearls, and I was ready to go!  Still not a favorite, but it worked.
What did you toss on this morning, while still in a food coma??

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  In the United States, today is a day to give thanks for all your blessings... and to fuel up for a full day of shopping tomorrow :)  Do you guys get up early to get your Christmas shopping done??  I personally cannot deal with crowds of people (I tend to get anxious and overwhelmed) so I love the online deals that most stores have these days.  Take advantage - you can really save a lot of money!  Here are some of my favorite Black Friday gift deals:

For Your Mom:  Get her a Nook from Best Buy!  This is a doorbuster special, so be sure to get there early... stores open at 5 a.m.

For Your Dad:  Get him a sleek pair of leather gloves from Macy's for the winter - classic!  Macy's is great for online deals, so you can shop from the comfort of your home.

For Your Sister:  Go to Old Navy for super inexpensive, on-trend knit sweaters!  These deals are also in the store only, and they have different specials on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

For Your Brother:  Got a bro who loves snow sports?  Head to Dicks Sporting Goods today for early bird specials on adult and kids thermals (among other items), and then in-store specials tomorrow!  (Hint: great golf deals for Dad too!)

For Your Boyfriend or Hubby:  You know those ratty t-shirts he just won't get rid of??  Change his mind with a cool new graphic tee from Threadless!

For Your BFF:  Get her an awesome studded purse, from JC Penny's of all places!  Seriously, check it out... the plum color is so hot this season, and you don't have to go to the store to get this deal.

For Your Niece/Nephew:  Be the cool aunt or uncle ever by giving the little ones a portal DVD player from Target.  Bonus: Mom & Dad will enjoy the quiet travel ;)

And don't forget Yourself!  Take advantage of Black Friday deals to pick yourself up something fantastic.  I recommend heading over to Carissa Rose Designs for work wear.  Remember the Lola dress I wore last week?  Well, you can get it for 20% off with the code CYBERBLACK20, beginning Thanksgiving Day and going through Monday, November 29.  This is a classic wardrobe piece that will carry you from interview to important dinners to the holidays!

Good luck with your deals!  I will be taking the remainder of the holiday weekend off, but I will see you all on Monday! :)

*Note to self: this log is swarming with ticks. Never go near there again!

sweater: Express (ancient - maybe $35?) ~ jeans: Target ($14) ~ vest: Old Navy ($14) ~ scarf: H&M ($8ish) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ boots: Bandolino via Macy's ($85ish)

Date: November 24, 2010
Ensemble message: Happy Thanksgiving Eve to all my U.S. readers!  Because the office is closed for the holiday for the next two days, and today is a half day, we at the Day Job treated today as a Friday.  Jeans all around!  So I know that the whole safari was trendy like... last year or something, but I'm digging this look.  It's comfy and perfect to go from half a day at the office to an afternoon of errands and then dinner out.
So what's everyone's plans for Turkey Day??  The Husband and I are going to my family's house, but we are cooking and bringing all the side dishes!  So yes, despite the fact that I am the furthest thing from a chef, I am helping cook for my family (fair warning to those who read my blog... like my little brother who won't admit it but always makes fun of my most recent posts... haha! :)

shirt: H&M ($40) ~ pants: Banana Republic ($70ish) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ bangle & chains: gifts

Date: November 16, 2010
Ensemble message: Wow, what a looong day!  For those of you who do not have insight into the world of HR, once a year, we help facilitate meetings where managers discuss their employees' performance from the past year.  Because my company operations on a January to December calendar, we are in the middle of those conversations now.  These meetings last multiple hours because there is typically a standoff when we get down to the last few people who need to be bumped down a rating.  I'll stop boring you now, but feel free to e-mail me with questions (I expect none, haha!)
Ok, done for tonight... check back tomorrow for the first of four holiday related wordy posts!  (vs. picture posts :)

dress: Poof via Daffy's ($15) ~ long sleeve t: Old Navy ($6) ~ belt: UO ($14) ~ boots: Rocket Dog via Famous Footwear ($40) ~ necklace: chain was a gift, pendant is actually from a key chain (in other words, all free)

dress: F21 ($23) ~ vest: Target ($12) ~ boots: Bandolino via Macy's ($85-ish) ~ necklace: F21 ($5) ~ cuff: gift

Questions on your particular situation?  Or, have you made an industry switch yourself?  I’d love to hear from you!  Please comment or send me an e-mail  :)

dress: c/o Carissa Rose ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100) ~ necklace: Free People (gift) ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8) ~ wrap watch: NY&Co ($20)

Date: November 15, 2010
Ensemble message: Today I was a back-up interviewer for an all-day recruiting event.  This is one of those times where I wanted to look super professional so I would make a good impression on our candidates.  Since I was a back-up, there was a good chance that they would not need my help.  I never did get called in, but I wanted to be prepared, just in case.

Happy Friday!  For your enjoyment, here is another Friend Friday video.  (Please ignore the train sounds in the background... to be honest, I don't even hear them anymore!)






So what do you guys think?  What types of self promotion just plain do not work, or maybe even work against you??




The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for fashion bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Join the conversation by joining the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group.

shirt: H&M ($15) ~ skirt: Target ($6) ~ belt: H&M ($10ish) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100) ~ necklace: thrift shop in Zurich, Switzerland ($20)

It's dying to make a scene

So give me soft, soft static

With a human voice underneath

And we can both get old fashioned

Put the brakes on these fast, fast wheels

Oh let's get old fashioned

Back to how things used to be

If I get old, old fashioned

Date: November 10, 2010
Message ensemble: Going for a preppy look today, but added a bit of lace for more texture.  As if wool and corduroy weren't enough ;)  Also, I did not have any major meetings today, so the wool shorts would be ok.  I have probably already mentioned this, but I do not wear these shorts on days where I have big meetings or when I know that I'll be meeting with directors, VPs, or new employees.  Even though the Day Job is pretty laid back, I always want to make a good impression and do not want to put anyone off with my different taste in work wear.

shirt: Limited (gift) ~ blazer: Old Navy ($??) ~ shorts: Anthropologie ($35) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ necklace: Macy's ($11)

Though I'm cautious as to when I will wear these shorts, I've donned them quite a bit.  Here are the older posts... which one do you like best?

July 14, 2010
July 28, 2010
September 22, 2010
November 2, 2010