dress: Forever21 ($23) ~ jersey blazer: Marshall's ($24) ~ shoes (which I probably wear all too often ;) Mia via DSW ($60) ~ bracelet: gift

Date: November 23, 2011
Ensemble message: This outfit was worn 2 days before Thanksgiving... I could have easily gotten away with jeans and a sweater (because like most offices, mine is a ghost town the week of Thanksgiving).  However, this was smack-dab in the middle of 2 very crazy weeks, so instead of letting the stress get me down, I decided to dress up :)  I really liked this combo of patterns... it's a bit busy, but I think the overall neutral palate tones it down enough for the office.
How about you guys?  During crazy times at work, do you kick it back or dress it up?

shirt: Anthropologie ($35) ~ sweater: Target ($16ish) ~ pants: Calvin Klein via Filene's Basement ($24) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace: Macy's ($11) ~ cuff: gift

Date: November 9, 2011
Ensemble message: Today I bring you a mid-week casual outfit that would probably have been best for a Friday (oops).  November and December have been nuts for me at the Day Job, so comfort and easy-to-style outfits were key for me every day.  Between my hectic schedule and the weather cooling down, I'm really loving the more utilitarian looks that incorporate finer pieces (silk shirts, statement necklaces, heels).  Is your closet following any one theme this season?

Also, I was only in my house for a couple weeks and was still trying to figure out the best place for photos.  I now know that outside with my back to the house is best, and that I can get halfway decent indoor shots in my dining room.  For this post, you'll have to deal with these dark results ;)

Hi everyone!  It's been a busy day filled with a team meeting, a holiday celebration, and one very awkward night out at a comedy club (I'm pretty sure this is never an HR friendly night out with work colleagues!)

But swing on by Consciously Corporate, where I've provided a bit more insight into my role as an HR Business Partner... and then stick around.  Ashley has really great, thought-provoking content :)

iSee 025 Tortoise - $89

Confession time guys... I wish that I needed eyeglasses.  Ok, ok... never wish for your health to be less than ideal.  But I am a bit jealous of those who have a reason to purchase glasses - what a great accessory!

I was recently approached by GlassesUSA.com to partner with their site, and I wanted tell my readers all about them because this website has an amazing variety of frames!!!  Seriously, I want you to comment if you don't find one pair that you like.  Or, a pair that isn't in your price range - there are many styles for just $38!

Congress - $67

Independence Black - $48

Tommy Hilfiger - $120

But back to my desire to wear glasses... I know that I could wear glasses frames without a prescription, but I would feel fake.  So I will hold off until my eye doctor tells me that I need a presecription.  Instead, someone please visit GlassesUSA and take advantage of their great prices and current sales:

• Take 30% off glasses plus free shipping when you use the code 
• Take 20% off any frame in our iSee Eyewear collection and get free shipping within the US - Code: iSee20FS (you can find the collection here: http://www.glassesusa.com/isee-eyewear)
• Take 10% off any order of prescription eyeglasses - Code: Blog10

shirt: Old Navy ($24) ~ skirt: Gap ($8) ~ boots: Chinese Laundry via Macy's ($65) ~  necklace: Macy's ($25)

Date: November 17, 2011
Ensemble message: Thank goodness I had this outfit in my archives! (aka photos I haven't gotten around to posting yet ;)  Today's Every Body Every Wear theme is Sequins and Sparkles - how appropriate since it's the one of time of year where the parties seem to be non-stop.  And I don't know about you, but anything that glitters and shines always brightens my day!  On this particular day, I was up to my eyeballs with year-end work... but every time I noticed my skirt, I couldn't help but smile :)



Check out the rest of the participants here:

sweater: JCrew ($21) ~ skirt: Target ($23) ~ shoes: Marc Fisher via Macy's ($36) ~ necklace & bracelet: gifts

Date: November 8, 2011
Ensemble message: So since I'm behind in posting outfits, I'm not really sure what was going on that day.  From my work calendar, it doesn't look like anything special was happening.  So I'll tell you more about how I put this ensemble together (somehow, I remember that much better ;)  This sweater is a new favorite, and it looks great with skinny pants.  I wasn't sure how to wear it with a skirt, but since the sweater is longer and a thicker knit, I soon realized that the skirt should be more form fitting.  This pencil skirt was a great match!  And I like how the combo has almost a dress effect.


What do you guys think?  What else should I wear this sweater with??

t-shirt & chartreuse cardigan: Target ($6 & $14) ~ grey cardi: gift ~ pants: Anthropologie ($20) ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ necklace: Free People (gift) ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8)

Date: November 7, 2011
Ensemble message: Ok, so I'm officially a month behind on outfit photos ;)  But, I think things have slowed down a little at the Day Job to bring you all up to speed!  And I have some good ensembles that are way better than what my burnt-out brain is coming up with lately.  But onto this one... this is the 1st photo shoot in our new house!  Hence an empty room with icky lighting.  You'll see some progression over the next several posts.  This outfit was a sort of a JCrew inspiration... I've noticed a lot of their recent looks have neutrals, at least one bright piece, and some sort of pattern.


What do you think?  Could I have done anything differently??

sweater: Banana Republic (old... $25ish?) ~ pants: Anthropologie ($20) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ scarf: old sarong ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8)

Date: October 27, 2011
Ensemble message:  This was the day before The Husband and I closed on our new house, so most of my clothing was packed up.  Plus, I was wrapped up with last minute moving preparations, so I needed an outfit that didn't take much thought but still looked pulled-together.  Tonight, almost a full month later, I am sitting in my den and listening to the rain fall, and I can't believe what a whirlwind November has been!  So much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving :)

shirt: MNG by Mango via JC Penny's ($34) ~ skirt: thrifted Ann Taylor ($8) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ bangle: NY&Co ($10ish) ~ necklace: Free People (gift)

Date: October 26, 2011
Ensemble message: Nothing special about this particular day, except that it was T-minus 2 days until the Husband and I closed on our house.  Has it really been just a few short weeks since I was living the nomadic life, where I was calling a hotel room home/photo backdrop, and swapping summer clothes from my suitcases with autumn clothes in storage?  (I think this last point is clear by the lines in my skirt - kinda embarrassing!)  My schedule has been jam packed since we moved, and more than ever, I am truly looking forward to the holidays... blissful time off spent with my loved ones.  And maybe some paint brushes too ;)

Soon I'll have photos taken in the new house - too exciting!!!

shirt: Anthropologie ($35) ~ skirt: Old Navy (old - $15ish) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace/earrings/watch: gifts

Date: October 25, 2011
Ensemble message: Casual yet office appropriate outfit!  I love burnt orange and other shades of rust, but worry about looking like a pumpkin.  I will stay away from too much green and brown, but these sage tights seem just right.
I know things have slowed down a bit here guys... but a house is seriously like another full-time job.  And, the Day Job lately has been pushing well beyond 9 to 5.  But I will try to get you guys quickie posts like this - I am still taking outfit photos, so they might as well get published.  Thanks for sticking around y'all :)

dress: Luxe Print Maxi Dress (custom altered) c/o eShakti ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ jewelry/bracelet: Macy's ($25 & $10)

Date: October 17, 2011
Ensemble message: Have you guys heard of the clothing site eShakti? They have a variety of apparel in a wide range of sizes, styles, and fabrics/textures. What’s even better is that all items can be custom fitted and altered – anything from sleeve length, to the neckline, to the hemline. I also love the name, eShakti, because the name means power in Sanskrit – in other words, they value empowering women to look their best by giving them the ability to tailor-fit their clothing. Finally, a site that understands that one style does not suit all women!
The lovely folks over at eShakti recently offered me a product to review, and since I was given the option to choose any item that I wanted, I decided to take advantage of the custom alteration option. This dress was originally a maxi, and I chose to shorten the hemline because I knew I’d get more use out of it. In addition, the eShakti website forewarned me that the dress is on the sheer side, and recommended a slip to purchase in addition. The slip was altered to my custom length as well!
I really enjoyed my experience with eShakti since their attention to detail was phenomenal. I will certainly purchase more from here in the future. And as incentive for my readers to check them out, eShakti is offering a discount of $20 off any purchase (minus overstock) using the promo code EMPLOYEDPANACHE0811. This code is good through December 31, 2011, so this is a great place to check out for holiday gifts :)

TGIF everyone! Have a great weekend :)

dress: Tucker for Target, thrifted via Goodwill ($8) ~ cardigan: August Silk via Nordstrom Rack ($20) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ cuff & necklace: gifts

Date: October 24, 2011
Ensemble message: This month's EBEW is all about colored tights, and luckily I just happen to wear colored tights often once the temperature drops.  Though these photos are from a couple weeks ago, I am actually wearing colored tights again today.  I love the fuschia and purple together with a couple neutral pieces to balance out all the color.  I find that this tan cardi easily tones down any outfit, and is quickly a go-to piece when I'm craving color in the office.
For some, colored tights can be overwhelming, especially in a professional setting.  I try to stick with muted, darker colors so that you don't feel like your legs could glow in the dark.  My favorites are purple, maroon, navy, sage, and cerulean.  I'd like to add a forest green in there and a rust red as well!

Do you wear colored tights to the office?  What are your favorite colors??