t-shirt: Ann Taylor Loft (old - $25ish?) ~ cardigan: August Silk via Nordstrom Rack ($20) ~ jeans & scarf: Target ($14 & forget) ~ boots: Steve Madden via DSW ($120)

Date: October 6, 2011
Ensemble message: This is an outfit from one of my many team meetings in the past several weeks.  These meetings are generally casual, but I will wear a skirt or dressier slacks if I'm presenting.  Clearly I wasn't presenting this day, so I opted for jeans for comfort and layers for warmth (aren't hotel conference rooms always so cold?!)  Between the boots and scarf, I felt very equestrian!
TGIF!!!  Any good plans for the weekend?

dress: Anthropologie ($30) ~ jacket: Ann Taylor Loft ($14) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ cuff: gift

Date: September 26, 2011
Ensemble message: I wore this outfit last week for one of two busy days.  On this particular day, I had to be in the office for most of the day (with several meetings) and then drive to Philadelphia for a team dinner.  One of the client groups I support were having a 2 day extended team meeting, and they asked me to join them for dinner and then to provide an HR update the next day.  This day was a little tough to plan for because I had several factors to consider: I was meeting this team for the first time, I'd be in the car for 2+ hours and going straight to dinner (no wrinkles allowed!), and it was an oddly warm day for late September.  I think this outfit worked out well - the dress was fun but the jacket added a little formality, and the cotton didn't wrinkle a bit!


Oh by the way, did you guys enter my Hanes Hosiery giveaway yet??  Only a few more days left!

And on a brief personal note, today is my 3rd wedding anniversary with The Husband.  Last year I posted some gratuitous photos, but this year I'm writing a quick post so I can go enjoy the wine and cupcakes he surprised me with after work :)

shirt: Old Navy ($25) ~ skirt: Ann Taylor Loft, thrifted via Goodwill ($8) ~ cardigan: Gap (gift) ~ belt: ribbon from cardigan ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ necklace: Free People (gift)

Date: January 10, 2011
Ensemble message: With just a couple minor meetings today, I went for items in my closet that were comfy and warm.  I've also been trying to think of another way to style up this thrifted skirt, and this whole outfit just came to me while I was playing around in my closet yesterday.  I'm really loving the overall look, and have already thought of other ways to wear this skirt.  I sort of feel like a feminine lumberjack.  (Don't you love how I make up stuff to describe my clothes? ;)  I think it was the mix of the soft plaid, chambray shirt, textured tights, and nubby cardigan.  If only I had more rugged lace-up booties, that would have perfected this outfit!
It's actually pretty amazing how creative I can get with just an hour of pulling clothes off the hanger and out of drawers.  If you feel like you're in a style rut, I highly recommend putting aside some time, maybe with several inspirational photos, and see where your wardrobe will take you.  I bet you'll be surprised by how many new looks you come up with!

Happy 100th Blog Post to Employed Panache!!  Who's excited?!  I'm excited!!!  Ok, maybe it's just me ;)  What a great day to have my 100th post... not only do I give you my picks for office holiday party dresses, but I am also hosting my very 1st giveaway!!

First, the dresses... The key to dressing for a work party is to make sure you're not showing too much leg or cleavage, and that the outfit isn't too tight either.  But, this doesn't mean that your outfit needs to be boring!  Check out these picks... all dresses because in my opinion, a dress is the easiest outfit to style.

For those on a budget who want a fun and playful dress (all from Forever21):

Find them here, here, and here.

These dresses are perfect for a holiday party with dancing!  Fair warning: if you're really tall or leggy, be sure to try these on first... since Forever21 is a juniors store, some of their skirts can be extra short.


For those on a budget who want a more professional look (all from Target):

Find them here, here, and here.

I love these dresses... demure but stylish with clean lines!  The best part?  You are guaranteed to wear them again to another event!


For those who can afford to spend more and want something between playful and professional (all from ModCloth):

Find them here, here, and here.

Similar to the dresses from Target, but with fun details like sequins or rosettes.


For those who can afford to spend more and want something with more coverage (all from Macy's):

Find them here, here, and here.

Maybe I'm getting conservative in my old age, but I am loving every. Single. Dress!  So classy but still fun... and definitely no frump here :)


Accessories for every budget (from Forever21 and Ann Taylor Loft):

Top row: here, here, and here Bottom row: here, here, and here

Ok, and now what you all skipped to the bottom for... 


Employed Panache's Shine into the New Year Giveaway!


As I mentioned above, this is my 100th post and I am blown away by all of YOU!  Not only have I networked with some amazing bloggers, but I also love hearing all of your comments.  And let's not forget my dear lurkers... I know you're out there, Google Analytics tells me so ;)  So as a THANK YOU to my readers, I am giving away 4 fun items that will help you sparkle and shine into the new year:

• Anthropologie 2011 desktop calendar
• Essence nail polish in Walk of Fame and Gold Rush
• Target jeweled headband

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??