tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81256373627453539942024-02-19T05:22:19.969-05:00Employed PanacheNicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-24463382395404563682012-04-24T20:59:00.000-04:002012-04-24T20:59:42.539-04:00In Love Again - A FarewellHello everyone – it’s been awhile! This post won’t be terribly long, but I did want to have one final check-in as I feel like I owe my readers something before heading back to the whirlwind that has become my life.<br />
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So yes, if you’re reading between the lines, I’m shutting down Employed Panache. **<br />
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You see, I started to blog mainly as a creative outlet. It was also a way to fill newly-found free time with something more meaningful than zoning out in front of the tv. But in the past 6 months, this free time has quickly dwindled down due to a number of things: A house with more projects that I care to count right now. A very demanding client group at work that requires longer hours and more travel. General holiday stress (we’ve hosted 2 holiday dinners since moving in 6 months ago). I don’t view these things negatively though... I am extremely grateful to be in our house after how long it took to find The One. And the endless projects have taught me a lot about home improvement and patience, and are great new creative outlets. The holiday stress is one I’d take on over and over again – I’m a perfectionist so I put most of the stress on myself, but once everyone arrives and is mingling (again-OUR house!) … this makes it all worth it.<br />
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On top of all this, I’m in love again... with my job. I’ve rekindled a passion for my career that I haven’t had in several years. My new client group has challenged me, made me work late, and travel more than I have in my career yet (Vegas and back in 31 hours? All in a day’s work). But the projects that I’m working through are good, meaty HR stuff – talent development, diversity & inclusion, employee relations. Passion for my job means the hours fly by, and so I end up working a bit later than planned. And I’m finding that at the end of a long day, I would much rather come home, be fully present, and enjoy the home that I’ve worked so hard to get. This also means more streamlined outfits - I just can't justify spending as much time in my closet anymore.<br />
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This hasn’t been an easy decision by any means. I am obviously proud of Employed Panache… but what I didn’t expect, so is my husband. And it was especially hard to make this decision when he gave me a look of surprise at the news and actually verbalized how proud he is. Then there are my co-workers, the few who know about EP – I know they enjoy my posts. One colleague even questioned whether I’d pursue blogging full-time. While I’ve learned a lot over the past 22 months (developing my own sense of style, how to manipulate my sad, sad point-and-shoot camera, and a bit about blogging & social media)... after all this, I know blogging could never be my full-time profession. My personality calls for a regular paycheck so that the anxiety can be kept at bay ;)<br />
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That said, I will be around in a couple forums… <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/employedpanache/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/employedpanache/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, & <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/EmployedPanache" target="_blank">Twitter</a> (when I have time). And of course I will continue to comment on others’ blogs – I will still be looking to you all for inspiration!!<br />
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So that was way more words than expected, but I want to say THANK YOU for the past (almost) 2 years. You guys are great :) I’ll see you around the interwebs…!!<br />
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** This doesn't mean that I'll never blog again... I just don't think it will be in this forum, on this topic.
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<br />Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-55752837721200488762012-03-12T21:38:00.000-04:002012-03-12T21:38:55.756-04:00Maurice's Review - New Neutral<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6977908145/" title="P1010988 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010988" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6977908145_2f39bba7db_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6977908697/" title="P1010995 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010995" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6977908697_02bc37972a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6831779546/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010987 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010987" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6831779546_e91755c82a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blazer: c/o Maurices ~ t-shirt: H&M ($8) ~ cords: JCrew (gift) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace & cuff: both gifts </td></tr>
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</b></div><b>Date:</b> February 14, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message: </b>The kind folks at <a href="http://www.maurices.com/home/index.jsp" target="_blank">Maurices</a> contacted me to do a product review, and I was happy to oblige. After all, <a href="http://www.maurices.com/home/index.jsp" target="_blank">Maurices</a> are not available to my geography and I'm always looking to sample a new store :) As soon as <a href="http://www.maurices.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12383756" target="_blank">I saw this blazer</a>, I knew it would be the perfect review this close to spring! From what I could tell via my computer screen, the color of the blazer would be somewhere between a pale beige and a blush. When it arrived (and it arrived quickly!!), I was very happy to see that the color is more blush! Depending on what you wear with it, the blush either looks more pink (like with reds, darker pinks, and purples) or less so.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6977908417/" title="P1010991 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010991" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6977908417_76e2969e56_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6977909001/" title="P1011000 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011000" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6977909001_eb20a465c8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6831781210/" title="P1011004 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011004" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6831781210_d286315f8b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I was pleasantly surprised that the jacket was unlined. While it's still winter here in Northern NJ, I know I will appreciate having a suit separate in the summer that doesn't make me completely melt. I plan on pairing this gentle neutral with many different bright colors! Or I can wear it with black, and let the blush stand out. I'm a neutrals girl at heart, so I can appreciate this staple item in this season's new neutral. Like it? <a href="http://www.maurices.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12383756" target="_blank">Check out this totally affordable blazer now!</a>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-79932424507104508852012-03-01T19:10:00.000-05:002012-03-01T19:10:40.725-05:00Knot It<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6944795243/" title="P1010972 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010972" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6944795243_2fdbc8683e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6798680444/" title="P1010964 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010964" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6798680444_438c993a59_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6944794189/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010971 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010971" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6944794189_b2366e29f9_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress (as skirt): c/o <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">eShakti</a> ~ shirt: MNG by Mango via JC Penny's ($34) ~ boots: Anne Klein via Macy's ($? so old!) ~ necklace: gift</td></tr>
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</div><b>Date: </b>January 26, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message: </b>Looooovvvve this outfit! And when I first put it on, I hated it. I guess I was having a low self-esteem moment because as soon as I knotted the shirt, I thought, "Whoa! Look at those HIPS!" So silly - we need to embrace our individual features! I know I've said it at some point on this blog, but while one person envies another's lean figure, that person is wishing they had more curves. So much stress (and I don't know about you, but I really don't need anymore stress in my life!!) Let's just love us for us and be done with it :)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6944795515/" title="P1010965 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010965" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6944795515_894f9d4987_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6798680242/" title="P1010974 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010974" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6798680242_6d5b66d818_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6944795005/" title="P1010968 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010968" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6944795005_efa103de1d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Which of your features do you love? Let's declare it here!!</b><br />
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</b>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-62996506418579889822012-02-29T20:25:00.000-05:002012-02-29T20:25:08.076-05:00Pinspired: Black Turtleneck<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6939369285/" title="P1010948 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010948" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6939369285_608219339a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6939368969/" title="P1010953 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010953" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6939368969_9cb1015f05_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6939370025/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010949 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010949" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6939370025_b76cd2ef96_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweater: Gap (gift) ~ shirt: Old Navy ($24) ~ jeans: Target ($14) ~ boots: Chinese Laundry via Macy's ($65) ~ necklace: Free People (gift)</td></tr>
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</div><b>Date:</b> January 20, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message: </b>A mid-week casual look! I wore this on a Friday in January after being inspired by <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/156500155770849028/" target="_blank">this photo on Pinterest</a>. You should know that my thinking at times can be very straight and narrow, so I'm always looking to expand my perceptions so I don't limit my creativity. This outfit is a great example of this... at one point in my life, I would have looked at the original photo and scoffed that it's silly to pair a collared shirt with a turtleneck. Fast forward a few years later, I may have admitted that it looked cool, but that I couldn't pull it off for a number of reasons. Fortunately, an older and wiser self saw this photo and immediately thought, "Awesome! Now I know what to wear on Friday."<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6793256392/" title="P1010951 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010951" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6793256392_4cf836e35a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I guess the moral of the story is to keep your mind open. Do you find yourself limiting what you wear, eat, do, etc.? <b>How do you break out of that comfort zone??</b><br />
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</b>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-9637256943129764032012-02-28T20:25:00.000-05:002012-02-28T20:25:29.422-05:00Mixing Blacks<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6938861457/" title="P1010940 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010940" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6938861457_e7b1215275_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6792744516/" title="P1010943 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010943" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6792744516_916afa9e62_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6938860475/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010939 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010939" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6938860475_2b78cbdf33_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shirt: American Rag via Macy's ($35) ~ blazer: Marshall's ($24) ~ skirt: Atelier via Nordstrom Rack ($20) ~ shoes: BCBG (gift) ~ necklace: gift ~ bangle: NY&Co ($10ish)</td></tr>
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</div><b>Date:</b> January 19, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message: </b>I always tend to dress a little more formally when I have meetings with directors and VPs... pencil skirts and blazers usually come into play. I'm personally not a fan of wearing a lot of black in the form of a suit - too *yawn* for me. So I mixed up the the colors and prints a bit with a floral top.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6792745184/" title="P1010944 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010944" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6792745184_98908692cf_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6938860915/" title="P1010945 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010945" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6938860915_de060abca0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Oh, and I didn't forget - here is the winner from the <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667" target="_blank">Shabby Apple</a> contest:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6938861507/" title="random winner by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="random winner" height="199" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6938861507_71bb82cd87_m.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6938861757/" title="winner congrats by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="winner congrats" height="78" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6938861757_3b649b08ce_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Congrats Erin! <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667" target="_blank">Shabby Apple</a> will contact you shortly.Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-54038092279138018052012-02-27T20:02:00.000-05:002012-02-27T20:02:00.928-05:00Blustery Day<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6790619294/" title="P1010937 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010937" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6790619294_e36362ab89_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6790619522/" title="P1010930 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010930" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6790619522_0f07401da3_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6936736675/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010934 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010934" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6936736675_1b46fdf3a4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress: Anthropologie ($30) ~ cardi: August Silk via Nordstrom Rack ($20) ~ scarf: Gap Outlet ($8) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date: </b>January 18, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message: </b>Just a colorful outfit for a blustery day! Been pretty crazy around here lately - the Day Job has been highly challenging and has me going full speed all the time. The optimist in me says that this will all be worth it...... my impatient side wants to see results now ;)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6790620378/" title="P1010932 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010932" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6790620378_99d7121bb9_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://bit.ly/A4O1qj" target="_blank">Don't forget - you still have a few more hours to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway!</a>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-71519192181423618782012-02-21T21:19:00.000-05:002012-02-21T21:19:24.054-05:00Shabby Apple - Spring Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPMkb-g_WX87Cbe6L0sH_AukxBg1tHskjiY2nsRRzP0icUoWM32eqtcL-k-WglJKerdOAmh0JNqlvEGPP3iUs81VJyOQQtnYnkD_maZT72A2EmtCMHpd95xoCGPYo97wnJvMW8IdncvVK/s1600/andes+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPMkb-g_WX87Cbe6L0sH_AukxBg1tHskjiY2nsRRzP0icUoWM32eqtcL-k-WglJKerdOAmh0JNqlvEGPP3iUs81VJyOQQtnYnkD_maZT72A2EmtCMHpd95xoCGPYo97wnJvMW8IdncvVK/s640/andes+skirt.jpg" width="409" /></a></div><br />
Guess what? The lovely folks over at <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667" target="_blank">Shabby Apple</a>, the online boutique of beautiful women's dresses, have asked me to host another giveaway! This time, it was a bit easier to choose the prize - I recently booked a vacation to Peru, so the Inca Trail collection jumped out at me :)<br />
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This time around, you have the chance to win the "Andes" skirt! To win this beauty, please "like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791" target="_blank">Shabby Apple on Facebook</a> and leave a comment below telling me that you did so. For additional entries, leave separate comments telling me how you follow Employed Panache (Google, <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/1874262/employed-panache">Bloglovin'</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/EmployedPanache">Twitter</a>, and/or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Employed-Panache/118966944820984">Facebook</a>). You can also tweet about this giveaway - just link back to me <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/EmployedPanache">@EmployedPanache</a>.<br />
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<b>* Please note:</b> Open to US residents only. Please use <a href="http://disqus.com/">Disqus</a> to leave a comment. This giveaway is open until 11:59pm EST on Monday February 27, 2012. I'll pick a random winner on Tuesday February 28, 2012.<br />
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<b>Good luck!</b><br />
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</b>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-81371112298588108482012-02-20T20:34:00.000-05:002012-02-20T20:34:53.043-05:00Pinspired: Faux Collar<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6913303097/" title="P1010922 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010922" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6913303097_bbb79cecae_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6913300327/" title="P1010918 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010918" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6913300327_a0a6136f96_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6913302045/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010925 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010925" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6913302045_67886c82b2_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">t-shirt: Target ($8) ~ blazer: Zara (old - $35ish) ~ collar-actually a scarf: Express (gift) ~ silk scarf: vintage (my mom's!) ~ pants: Calvin Klein via Filene's Basement ($24) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date:</b> January 17, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> While I love getting inspiration from my fellow style bloggers, <a href="http://pinterest.com/employedpanache/">Pinterest</a> has jumped the ranks and is now one of my go-to places for style ideas. And DIY ideas... and home decor, recipes, etc etc etc. When I <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/156500155770882843/">saw this pin</a>, I was instantly drawn to the fur collar and silk scarf. I personally would not have pair them together - in my head this is too much. But they actually balance out well, and this has been one of my favorite outfits from the past month!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6913301137/" title="P1010919 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010919" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6913301137_7e3b5e22e6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
My collar is a fake one - both the fur and the fact that it didn't come with this blazer. I carefully pinned the edges to hold it in place. <b>What do you think - would you wear a fur collar and scarf together??</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6913299205/" title="P1010923 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010923" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6913299205_a6e3426e44_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-70187076559868290502012-02-16T20:59:00.000-05:002012-02-16T20:59:34.207-05:00Inspired: Off of Broadway<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6889210795/" title="P1011022 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011022" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6889210795_c283e736bf_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6889211403/" title="P1011025 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011025" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6889211403_5d5bc0504d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6889209393/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1011023 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011023" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6889209393_2eb4eac4e0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweater: Express (gift) ~ jacket: Olive & Oak via Century 21 ($30) ~ jeans: Target ($14) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ bracelets: self-made & old ~ necklace: gift ~ earrings: won from <a href="http://www.acutedesigns.org/">Acute Designs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date:</b> January 13, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> I like to read style blogs that focus on professional style, but I also read many that have a more casual vibe. <a href="http://offofbroadwayblog.blogspot.com/">Off of Broadway</a> is one of those - Amanda has a great sense of style and wears mostly thrifted items. Which makes sense, since she runs her own thrift store :) As soon as she posted this outfit, I knew I could remake it from my own closet. Amanda lives in a warmer climate, so she can get away with wearing the lightweight jacket on mild winter days, but I used my jacket as another inside layer. This is perhaps a little more casual than a normal Friday at the office, but some weeks call for slouchy layers and flats. Thanks for the inspiration, Amanda!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6889210101/" title="P1011028 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011028" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6889210101_444614aacf_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>For more of my style inspirations, check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/employedpanache/">Pinterest</a> account - you'll find <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/156500155770860276/">Amanda's original photo</a> here as well!Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-22011977120543622672012-02-13T19:55:00.000-05:002012-02-13T19:55:05.692-05:00Olive & Raspberry<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6872445329/" title="P1011009 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011009" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6872445329_c74cfe5c58_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6872444483/" title="P1011004 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011004" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6872444483_5ab4f81b4f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6872443377/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1011011 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011011" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6872443377_0df646713b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress: Target ($28) ~ cardigan: Banana Republic (gift) ~ boots: Steve Madden via DSW ($120) ~ belt: Anthropologie (gift) ~ necklace: gift</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date:</b> January 11, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> When I received this cardigan for Christmas, I immediately wanted to pair it with all things olive! I started with <a href="http://employedpanache.blogspot.com/2012/01/faux-fur.html">my favorite olive pants</a>, so I decided to wear it with my favorite olive dress next. I really like how the raspberry color brightens up an otherwise neutral outfit. Also, I’m loving the preppy nature of the overall look (belt, boots), but that the color of the cardigan gives it a twist!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6872447455/" title="P1011005 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011005" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6872447455_e768ea1a1c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My only regret? Not pinning the neckline better :(</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6872446457/" title="P1011015 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011015" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6872446457_9e4acd45bd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-92174129556906788782012-02-09T20:28:00.000-05:002012-02-09T20:28:12.940-05:00Striped... Again<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6849236633/" title="P1010998 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010998" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6849236633_faf20dbcfb_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6849234745/" title="P1011003 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011003" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6849234745_12212d7162_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6849235419/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010997 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010997" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6849235419_dfde18483f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shirt: Old Navy ($7) ~ skirt: Atelier via Nordstrom Rack ($20) ~ boots: Chinese Laundry via Macy's ($65) ~ belt: Target ($15) ~ necklace: Free People (gift)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Date:</b> January 9, 2012<br />
<b>Ensemble message: </b>Hi, my name is Nicole, and I'm addicted to stripes. Except, I don't really want to overcome this addiction. There are few prints that I find myself turning to over and over... actually, stripes are the only print that I can wear multiple days in a row. And stripes are the only print that I don't mind buying multiple of in one shopping trip. So, I'll stay addicted, thank you very much :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6849236011/" title="P1011002 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011002" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6849236011_0ea57e0c7a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-89747199091891653922012-02-08T21:48:00.000-05:002012-02-08T21:48:15.315-05:00Don't Cut Off Your Co-Workers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjTGQySh_c5ja7Gc03mZOTvjoU_HGprSwUD7OmT4USJu5B00SG9EGrXUMjR8x9VfF8v0GU2eOQxG1iBqiu5jHUS_IOz-xCa6zvazTz5cCj8nUngY5P3Boumvkr88r9PV-JsrBPsj3CpMo/s1600/cuttingoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjTGQySh_c5ja7Gc03mZOTvjoU_HGprSwUD7OmT4USJu5B00SG9EGrXUMjR8x9VfF8v0GU2eOQxG1iBqiu5jHUS_IOz-xCa6zvazTz5cCj8nUngY5P3Boumvkr88r9PV-JsrBPsj3CpMo/s400/cuttingoff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
If you know me in the workplace, you know that I tend to come across as reserved, polite, and PC. This may even come through in my blog posts as well. Some might even label me as boring, unless I open up and we start talking about my hobbies or vacations. But even then, my personality comes across as… vanilla. It’s really no surprise that I’m like this – besides being an introvert, my dad is the epitome of politeness, and I was raised to be concerned about what others thought (early personal branding??) I have thrown some of that concern aside with my taste in music and clothes, neither of which can be considered to be mainstream. But overall, you can be sure that I will not give anyone the impression that I’m anything but a nice person and overall good citizen. I've even gone to the extreme of running to the other side of a grocery store when I saw a colleague on a Sunday morning… because I was hurting bad from a large number of cocktails the evening before.<br />
<br />
However, I do have a different side that I don’t really let shine outside my circle of friends and family. It’s kind of weird, being so straight-and-narrow at work and then letting loose at night and on the weekends. Don’t misunderstand – the reserved, PC side of me is authentic. I just do a better job of balancing the niceness with the sarcastic jokes when with friends. <br />
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Since I started supporting the sales team, I’ve realized it’s important for the team to get to know the real me – not because they care (some might), but because they want to know that I’m human, that I make mistakes like them, and overall so they can trust me. So, I’m trying to be more comfortable being my authentic self while at work. I’m more open about my personal plans on weekends, I’m not shy about ordering an adult beverage while at a work dinner, I’m letting my snarky side make appearances as appropriate, and I’ve let a few curses slip here and there (fact: I actually have a really bad potty mouth!) <br />
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But I am sure to draw the line somewhere – which is what originally inspired this post. I often haul ass out of the parking lot at the end of the day, music blasting. I have to keep reminding myself to tone down my typical aggressive NJ driving near the office, because it would be pretty embarrassing if I got caught cutting off a co-worker!Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-40271007173786962182012-02-06T16:54:00.000-05:002012-02-06T16:54:06.354-05:00Oversized Sweater<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752194485/" title="P1010962 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010962" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6752194485_bf895c1973_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752195267/" title="P1010968 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010968" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6752195267_b788ea6b04_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752196233/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010963 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010963" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6752196233_3fb40ef076_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress: Spotted Moth (gift) ~ sweater: Express (gift) ~ boots: Steve Madden via DSW ($120) ~ cuff & necklace: gifts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date:</b> December 30, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> Hey guys! I was so lucky to be able to travel to Orlando last week to help facilitate a training seminar... I'm still a bit tired and getting used to being in cold weather again ;) I thought I would have had more time for personal stuff (ie. blog) but I was kept busy all week. But now I'm back, and happy to start the week with this outfit - it's one of my faves! The oversized sweater layered on top of a dress is such an easy and fun look... I have to restrain myself from creating the same look with the variety of other dresses in my closet ;) On this particular day, I had a half day at work and had plans to meet up with some friends... so easy and fun were right on target.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752194881/" title="P1010970 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010970" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6752194881_2b96ee9c36_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752195817/" title="P1010972 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010972" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6752195817_7fda21a315_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-83278115458303063172012-01-25T18:14:00.000-05:002012-01-25T18:14:39.193-05:00Faux Fur<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752177693/" title="P1010959 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010959" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6752177693_dd28522cfe_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752178089/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010949 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010949" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6752178089_9da87e4370_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cardigan: Banana Republic (gift) ~ cami: Target ($9) ~ pants: Calvin Klein via Filene's Basement ($24) ~ scarf: Express (gift) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ watch: Fossil (gift)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date: </b>December 29, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message: </b>Pretty simple message here... it was post-Christmas and I wanted to wear a couple new items I had received as gifts. I was also going to be moving offices that day, so a skirt or dress wouldn't be the most practical. And done.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752178941/" title="P1010953 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010953" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6752178941_3f94419b2c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>But seriously... this faux fur scarf is ah-mazing! My secret santa (aka my younger sis) bought it for me, and it adds the right amount of fanciness to every outfit ;) <b>What accessory adds fanciness to your outfits??</b>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-4066388070137212312012-01-24T17:22:00.000-05:002012-01-24T17:22:28.215-05:00DIY Cape<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752163225/" title="P1010934 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010934" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6752163225_9639f60467_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752161721/" title="P1010944 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010944" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6752161721_4dacccb4d8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752164619/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010939 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010939" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6752164619_60a607bb38_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cape: made by me! ~ shirt: Old Navy ($8ish) ~ corduroys: Gap (gift) ~ belt: Anthropologie (gift) ~ shoes: Nine West (super old!) ~ necklaces: gifts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><b>Date:</b> December 22, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> So after recovering from a long busy period at the Day Job and prepping for the holidays, I was itching to let the creative juices flow and make something with my hands. The work I do is so intangible, that sometimes I crave projects where I can physically see my results. Luckily, I had recently found <a href="http://psimadethis.com/post/12328066827/dont-let-superheros-have-all-the-fun-its-time">this link</a> through <a href="http://re-mix-her.tumblr.com/">Caitlin's blog</a> and knew it was something that I could make... I mean, it's a cut-only, no sewing necessary project - perfect! I found this thick, gorgeous flannel on sale at Joann Fabrics... I originally wanted to go with something more wintery (brick red, forest green, etc.), but the orange was so different and pretty, I just couldn't resist going with autumn colors!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752167705/" title="P1010941 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010941" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6752167705_33606589d2_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6752166545/" title="P1010945 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010945" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6752166545_91549b54f0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I ended up using Stitch Witchery to clean up the raw edges... but that just employs an iron, a piece of machinery that I can operate without too much trouble ;) <b>Did anyone else see this article?? I'd love to see photos of your capes!!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-18383332960630784212012-01-23T19:25:00.000-05:002012-01-23T19:25:17.934-05:00Sweats for Work<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6751964283/" title="P1010920 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010920" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6751964283_c572e92ea8_z.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6751962041/" title="P1010926 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010926" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6751962041_1c09954d26_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6751967245/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010921 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010921" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6751967245_8f724de8da_z.jpg" width="389" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress: Fossil (gift) ~ shirt & scarf: Target ($14 & old - $8ish) ~ tights: c/o We Love Colors ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ cuff: gift</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date:</b> December 21, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> Looking for something comfy for work, so I grabbed this Fossil dress that I got as a gift a couple years ago. It's a grey sweatshirt material, so it's nice as is, but can be difficult to layer in cold weather. This time I went for a simple striped shirt, and mixed things up with a printed scarf. This is probably my favorite way of wearing this dress, and I would totally wear a similar ensemble on the weekends - but maybe with bolder colors and prints!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6751965243/" title="P1010922 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010922" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6751965243_8780915bee_z.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6751966253/" title="P1010929 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010929" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6751966253_ef037869b0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-37822593018448467022012-01-19T20:40:00.000-05:002012-01-19T20:40:22.880-05:00BeKnown Winners!Hey everyone! Time for just a quick post tonight announcing the BeKnown giveaway winners. Soo, here they are:<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSHJsgfvFGetNRd0hUZ2FNLcVwTfzy6YhiQ5CIrwZXOmHpe2GNG23HNfj9mAFXYPU9I8AL08VZzf8-N0TCWLWCSOnvktw-6Nh8W3_rvreMv9d7jpUI0VYyLHrxzM0-nHUhXt_RiptlJ30/s1600/winner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSHJsgfvFGetNRd0hUZ2FNLcVwTfzy6YhiQ5CIrwZXOmHpe2GNG23HNfj9mAFXYPU9I8AL08VZzf8-N0TCWLWCSOnvktw-6Nh8W3_rvreMv9d7jpUI0VYyLHrxzM0-nHUhXt_RiptlJ30/s1600/winner1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczllu3rR0RcxBhgGLgwSq9_ta845AcgduGFOWI6rxS4XmuaI56dzR_3atxuNEdAtIaU7u59PPTWT49gFr01S8CV0gwe-J8bHp7YaFunREIK-lyFWYuqA67af5AkZDb5dNfEVcWa43Qorp/s1600/andi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczllu3rR0RcxBhgGLgwSq9_ta845AcgduGFOWI6rxS4XmuaI56dzR_3atxuNEdAtIaU7u59PPTWT49gFr01S8CV0gwe-J8bHp7YaFunREIK-lyFWYuqA67af5AkZDb5dNfEVcWa43Qorp/s1600/andi.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>and...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfLVN_sC-B-rPyMk7dS4SatqOIueW0T_FyuiW8MlOFg-pl1rQaX2yiy7euxKTK6W_kbhbjfq4BcM5vXKM97Lr_ta0J2r-up_jo1orgrCfLvXLuhJEvHZez9lvIh5ZT0wgSGiSO04eH3Bl/s1600/winner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfLVN_sC-B-rPyMk7dS4SatqOIueW0T_FyuiW8MlOFg-pl1rQaX2yiy7euxKTK6W_kbhbjfq4BcM5vXKM97Lr_ta0J2r-up_jo1orgrCfLvXLuhJEvHZez9lvIh5ZT0wgSGiSO04eH3Bl/s1600/winner2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Le04lWA2Kbk8iGHitZeqGmhBi2Yo97dh7aAVihsTZpqZLDoUpeKTipGu1qPqQtQwAYvhT9z-FfufXwONP9k9DGPy_1EGinMR9zzbc05lk3uxtM3Vhup0MNrBHH9HoJmwXkJZ0MQwQuf/s1600/lynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Le04lWA2Kbk8iGHitZeqGmhBi2Yo97dh7aAVihsTZpqZLDoUpeKTipGu1qPqQtQwAYvhT9z-FfufXwONP9k9DGPy_1EGinMR9zzbc05lk3uxtM3Vhup0MNrBHH9HoJmwXkJZ0MQwQuf/s1600/lynn.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Congrats to both of you! A rep from BeKnown will contact you shortly :)Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-64494627314658157812012-01-18T21:00:00.000-05:002012-01-18T21:00:45.267-05:00Interviewer<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6723225643/" title="P1011050 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011050" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6723225643_d3400f5ec0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6723224279/" title="P1011054 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011054" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6723224279_97879493f8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6723225133/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1011051 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011051" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6723225133_7dc946c2d5_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweater & shirt: Gap (gift & $13) ~ skirt: Target ($23) ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ necklace: gift</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date:</b> December 8, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> So in case you were wondering, this is what I, as an HR person, chooses to wear as an interviewer. Less formal than being the interviewee, but I still like to wear traditional office pieces (pencil skirt, trousers, cardigan, blazer, etc.) to show respect to the candidates. Now, I wouldn't suggest going overboard as an interviewer... afterwards, you want to properly reflect your company and team's culture. So, in some cases, jeans might be appropriate! As always, remember that the clothes you wear to work are a reflection of you as a professional and also your company.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6723224855/" title="P1011049 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011049" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6723224855_c7e8d6428c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6723225363/" title="P1011056 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011056" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6723225363_76f0d74d61_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last chance! <a href="http://bit.ly/yxvuj6">Just a few more hours left to enter the BeKnown giveaway.</a> Two winners will be chosen tomorrow!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6723224535/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="P1011057 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011057" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6723224535_b7b2cbc0e7_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-59293057727373313442012-01-17T20:22:00.000-05:002012-01-17T20:22:58.035-05:00Day to Night<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6717529707/" title="P1011023 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011023" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6717529707_bedb5a48a6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6717530141/" title="P1011029 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011029" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6717530141_e39e344885_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6717530531/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1011020 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011020" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6717530531_98676bf58b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweater: JCrew ($21) ~ shirt: thrifted via Goodwill ($4) ~ jeggings: Target ($20) ~ boots: Chinese Laundry via Macy's ($65) ~ necklace: gift</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><b>Date:</b> December 1, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message: </b>On December 1st, I was counting down the hours of when my super, crazy, insane schedule would go back to normal. Between long meetings on team performance for the year and multiple recruiting events, I just wanted to be done. This was the day before that last recruiting event, and while I was attending to last minute details during the day, I had to be ready to wine and dine the candidates that evening. I personally love the dinners because you can get to know the candidate on such a personal level, which in turn can help them score a position down the road. So I went with an outfit that was a little younger but still professional, comfortable yet polished.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6717530997/" title="P1011021 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011021" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6717530997_31725afe4a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Do any of you have "day to night" days at work? What do you wear??</b></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://bit.ly/yxvuj6">And don't forget to enter the BeKnown giveaway - just another day to go!</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6717531575/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1011024 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011024" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6717531575_bd8e184833_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brrrrrrrrr.......</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-15192767690110919982012-01-13T09:41:00.000-05:002012-01-13T09:41:45.818-05:00BeKnown Interview Survival Pack Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg6DQ6i3CMc0fTTwfR-wJ2Df_7dbUWcFlqNyjPa6bxIjBkVVU2e7GEHgQj9XF4v3k0lZYWsKjfMYxRrl_ahgpjw2npqj0-h_BGCCmUJE08PBUV_PUxTmjF33Fe0PplRytRUWk8eA8SNiD/s1600/BeKnown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg6DQ6i3CMc0fTTwfR-wJ2Df_7dbUWcFlqNyjPa6bxIjBkVVU2e7GEHgQj9XF4v3k0lZYWsKjfMYxRrl_ahgpjw2npqj0-h_BGCCmUJE08PBUV_PUxTmjF33Fe0PplRytRUWk8eA8SNiD/s1600/BeKnown.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Hey everyone, have you heard about <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/beknown/">BeKnown</a> yet?? It's a professional networking tool created by Monster.com to operate as a Facebook app - in other words, <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/beknown/">BeKnown</a> helps you build your professional network with your existing Facebook contacts! While there are other professional networking sites out there, let's be honest... you probably check Facebook more throughout the day than those websites, right? I know I do!<br />
<br />
Ok, I know what you're thinking... why would you want to use another networking tool, especially one that is connected to your (most likely) unprofessional and/or very personal Facebook profile? First, it never hurts to network everywhere - you just never know what opportunities may come up! Second, <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/beknown/">BeKnown</a> allows you to create your own professional profile that is not linked in any way to your Facebook profile on the reader's end. So, you can post those all those crazy party photos for your Facebook friends to see, but your <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/beknown/">BeKnown</a> contacts will only see the professional profile you set up through the app. Pretty cool! <br />
<br />
Also, you can connect with current Facebook friends, people on Facebook that are within your extended networks (schools, companies, etc.), Twitter connections, and e-mail contacts. This is truly an all-encompassing networking tool! With so much emphasis now on first impressions through social media, <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/beknown/">BeKnown</a> is a powerful way to connect to a broad range of people while also staying in control of what you want them to know. In fact, I know a number of people who won't connect to their colleagues on Facebook, but now you can without revealing the details of your personal life.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://apps.facebook.com/beknown/">BeKnown</a> is a new app, so to kick things off, they want to offer <b>2 Employed Panache readers</b> an interview survival pack! This includes a limited edition beauty kit by Benefits cosmetics, a professional (and cute!) business card holder, and a $10 Starbucks gift card (total $70 value). Wow! To enter, all you have to do is sign up for <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/beknown/">BeKnown</a> and leave a comment below telling me that you did so. For additional entries, leave separate comments telling me how you follow Employed Panache (Google, <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/1874262/employed-panache">Bloglovin'</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/EmployedPanache">Twitter</a>, and/or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Employed-Panache/118966944820984">Facebook</a>). You can also tweet about this giveaway - just link back to me <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/EmployedPanache">@EmployedPanache</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98dcR0D5L9FyadRD5YW4H8fuAdJ6h30c_fBZ8-jIUjfi8tId-3R51WjnXRSLY4zrZDLf6QTPDaTVWmb1oWoOcPai7CI3jJEt9RmdZ1O5thFW3iuA9fuGq6EkUPuOv3t5UYxSkoQMa9nGQ/s1600/giveaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98dcR0D5L9FyadRD5YW4H8fuAdJ6h30c_fBZ8-jIUjfi8tId-3R51WjnXRSLY4zrZDLf6QTPDaTVWmb1oWoOcPai7CI3jJEt9RmdZ1O5thFW3iuA9fuGq6EkUPuOv3t5UYxSkoQMa9nGQ/s400/giveaway.png" width="328" /></a></div><br />
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* Please note: Please use Disqus to leave a comment. Make-up kits may vary from the sample pictured. This giveaway is open until 11:50pm EST on Thursday January 19, 2012. I'll pick a random winner on Friday January 20, 2012.<br />
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<b>Get networking and good luck!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-85176997178369268022012-01-13T08:24:00.000-05:002012-01-13T08:24:31.182-05:00Shabby Apple Giveaway WinnerGood morning everyone! Since I came home to no cable or internet last night, I had to wait until I was back in the office to post the winner of the <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667">Shabby Apple</a> giveaway. So here it is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn_Ph_LGJKOsfCiSgYb_i3STbFKzasL4Togm4aaDBYT3ARdcboTywf-N1B6lHgc8QnQFAEzsuLruLwFVFVlKBr5D5x0E1ygvMcJ3N4yfYeZqYO-x4hseKO4ulopR2R1-764Kx_NQgQVGb/s1600/winning+number.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn_Ph_LGJKOsfCiSgYb_i3STbFKzasL4Togm4aaDBYT3ARdcboTywf-N1B6lHgc8QnQFAEzsuLruLwFVFVlKBr5D5x0E1ygvMcJ3N4yfYeZqYO-x4hseKO4ulopR2R1-764Kx_NQgQVGb/s1600/winning+number.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY9-LoG12PG21vKrYgplwhtifq73rR_55oKnY3qMdJnF7CJi03ngT40II5Q9f8Mzb2eVMyW54PXUmpDC1h89_jsHtND1BuILJFN884kf8WCAkaLPJfhWX6fgW0f91xfS2GMHkrDU4z1wO/s1600/Winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY9-LoG12PG21vKrYgplwhtifq73rR_55oKnY3qMdJnF7CJi03ngT40II5Q9f8Mzb2eVMyW54PXUmpDC1h89_jsHtND1BuILJFN884kf8WCAkaLPJfhWX6fgW0f91xfS2GMHkrDU4z1wO/s400/Winner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Congrats Cat! A rep from <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667">Shabby Apple</a> will be in contact with you soon!<br />
<br />
If you're still itching for some pretty clothing from <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667">Shabby Apple</a>, don't forget that all readers can use promo code Panache10off for 10% off, good through February 12, 2012!Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-38454293315839018562012-01-11T19:44:00.000-05:002012-01-11T19:44:06.849-05:00Grainy<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6681660865/" title="P1011018 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011018" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6681660865_b1b67ae2b1_b.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6681661769/" title="P1011013 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011013" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6681661769_1dbb88b820_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6681657239/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1011016 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011016" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6681657239_fce91d962a_b.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweater: JCrew (?! really old) ~ dress as skirt: Francesca's ($25) ~ booties: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace: DIY ~ cuff: gift</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date:</b> November 30, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> I'm actually quite impressed with this outfit as I look back on photos from the end of November. After the big meeting I facilitated the day before (<a href="http://employedpanache.blogspot.com/2012/01/part-of-nature.html">where I wore this</a>), I was full speed ahead on preparing for an upcoming recruiting day. But there are some obvious signs of fatigue... slightly messy hair that I couldn't be bothered to dry all the way? Check. Bags under my eyes that keep growing? Check. Grainy photos since my brain wasn't working enough to operate a camera that morning? Check, check, check. Soooo happy to be done with that part of my busy period!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6681659563/" title="P1011015 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011015" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6681659563_2b087a4e8b_b.jpg" width="435" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6681658627/" title="P1011012 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011012" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6681658627_a6703b011e_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-73402160236663104622012-01-10T20:27:00.000-05:002012-01-10T20:27:56.716-05:00Part of Nature<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6676207645/" title="P1011005 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011005" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6676207645_baa6d20c1b_b.jpg" width="368" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6676208201/" title="P1011003 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011003" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6676208201_1a0ca7dde8_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6676206331/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1011008 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011008" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6676206331_e843bca918_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shirt: H&M ($) ~ skirt & belt: Anthropologie ($35 & gift) ~ sweater: Banana Republic: gift ~ shoes: Nine West (ancient - bought during my 1st job out of college!) ~ necklace: charm is actually a key fob from a gifted purse</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date: </b>November 29, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> I had a HUGE meeting to facilitate that day, where I was going to be in front of VPs and directors. A little nerve-wracking, to be honest. I always feel good in this skirt - ladylike and polished - so I grabbed it first. While I like mixing prints with it on top, I kept with the colors of nature to pull it all together. And since the button down is sheer, along with a cami, I topped it off with this open cardi.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6676206741/" title="P1011011 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1011011" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6676206741_14768915bf_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Have you entered the <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667">Shabby Apple</a> giveaway yet? No?! <a href="http://bit.ly/zgDFVi">Well, what are you waiting for! </a>;)Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-68885709005618655702012-01-05T17:01:00.000-05:002012-01-05T17:01:22.714-05:00Shabby Apple Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW2xHXSZLY4npYnMmf-XKaqcdw48Ah-szfQnAgGEKYJ9jw-O9VpUFiWNQct8UgT3EU5lq_yIwTo1WkwRhe2AW7_3bh-eCipIHDudLRZ2KWUzgyyYYkAnjEihNTWlZZpuAnv6LRi58TMWQ/s1600/SpanishSteps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW2xHXSZLY4npYnMmf-XKaqcdw48Ah-szfQnAgGEKYJ9jw-O9VpUFiWNQct8UgT3EU5lq_yIwTo1WkwRhe2AW7_3bh-eCipIHDudLRZ2KWUzgyyYYkAnjEihNTWlZZpuAnv6LRi58TMWQ/s1600/SpanishSteps.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Hey everyone! Have you discovered <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667">Shabby Apple</a> clothing yet? I admit that I'm still new to their brand, but their clothing is gorgeous AND functional! As I was picking out the prize for this giveaway, I was having difficulty narrowing it down to one. And I kept getting distracted by the rest of catalogue ;) <br />
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So without further ado, I give you the "Spanish Steps" dress! To win this beauty, please like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791?sk=wall">Shabby Apple on Facebook</a> and leave a comment below telling me that you did so. For additional entries, leave separate comments telling me how you follow Employed Panache (Google, <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/1874262/employed-panache">Bloglovin'</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/EmployedPanache">Twitter</a>, and/or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Employed-Panache/118966944820984">Facebook</a>). You can also tweet about this giveaway - just link back to me <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/EmployedPanache">@EmployedPanache</a>. <br />
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And if you can't wait to get some <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12667">Shabby Apple</a> clothing for yourself, all my readers can get 10% off with the promo code Panache10off! (Expires February 12, 2012.)<br />
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<b>* Please note:</b> Open to US residents only. Please use <a href="http://disqus.com/">Disqus</a> to leave a comment. This giveaway is open until 11:50pm EST on Wednesday January 11, 2012. I'll pick a random winner on Thursday January 12, 2012.<br />
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<b>Good luck!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125637362745353994.post-64463053300558059782012-01-04T20:11:00.000-05:002012-01-04T20:11:30.259-05:00Olive & Chambray<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6638162609/" title="P1010995 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010995" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6638162609_3187d55005_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6638162777/" title="P1010998 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010998" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6638162777_099a712b93_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6638163103/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010994 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010994" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6638163103_a6b39bd05d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress: Target ($28) ~ shirt: Old Navy ($24) ~ belt: Anthropologie (gift) ~ tights: c/o We Love Colors ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace: Macy's ($11)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Date:</b> November 28, 2011<br />
<b>Ensemble message:</b> The message of this outfit is pretty simple... it was the Monday after Thanksgiving, I was still in a turkey coma, and I probably didn't know what was on my schedule for the day. So I grabbed a few items I consider to be "ol' reliables" - olive dress, button down, a belt - threw them on, and hoped for the best. In my humble opinion, this dress can do no wrong, so it probably wasn't a huge risk. But that's what having a smart wardrobe is all about... you can grab a few items and have an ensemble without much thinking!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6638162047/" title="P1010997 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010997" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6638162047_3c0e89838a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59125457@N08/6638162255/" title="P1010992 by Employed Panache, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010992" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6638162255_4ddc5a09fc_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>What are your "ol' reliables" ??</b>Nicole Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630304879181823344noreply@blogger.com