Guess what?  The lovely folks over at Shabby Apple, 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 :)

This time around, you have the chance to win the "Andes" skirt!  To win this beauty, please "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook 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, Bloglovin', Twitter, and/or Facebook).  You can also tweet about this giveaway - just link back to me @EmployedPanache.

* Please note: Open to US residents only.  Please use Disqus 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.

Good luck!

Hey everyone!  Time for just a quick post tonight announcing the BeKnown giveaway winners.  Soo, here they are:



Congrats to both of you!  A rep from BeKnown will contact you shortly :)

Hey everyone, have you heard about BeKnown yet??  It's a professional networking tool created by Monster.com to operate as a Facebook app - in other words, BeKnown 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!

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, BeKnown 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 BeKnown contacts will only see the professional profile you set up through the app.  Pretty cool!

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, BeKnown 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.

BeKnown is a new app, so to kick things off, they want to offer 2 Employed Panache readers 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 BeKnown 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, Bloglovin', Twitter, and/or Facebook). You can also tweet about this giveaway - just link back to me @EmployedPanache.



* 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.

Get networking and good luck!

Good 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 Shabby Apple giveaway.  So here it is:



Congrats Cat!  A rep from Shabby Apple will be in contact with you soon!

If you're still itching for some pretty clothing from Shabby Apple, don't forget that all readers can use promo code Panache10off for 10% off, good through February 12, 2012!

Hey everyone!  Have you discovered Shabby Apple 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 ;)

So without further ado, I give you the "Spanish Steps" dress!  To win this beauty, please like Shabby Apple on Facebook 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, Bloglovin', Twitter, and/or Facebook).  You can also tweet about this giveaway - just link back to me @EmployedPanache.

And if you can't wait to get some Shabby Apple clothing for yourself, all my readers can get 10% off with the promo code Panache10off!  (Expires February 12, 2012.)

* Please note: Open to US residents only.  Please use Disqus 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.

Good luck!

Happy Friday everyone!  Without further ado, here is the Carissa Rose giveaway winner:

 

Congrats Kaitlyn!  I'll have Carissa Rose contact you directly :)

Oh and before I head off to my house closing, I had to share this new-to-me video with you... I discovered it on I Spy DIY, and it's awesome!  Now that the weather is getting cooler, check out 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes:


TGIF!

Date: October 7, 2011
Ensemble message: A casual Friday outfit from earlier this month... I received the Norah Tunic from Carissa Rose over the summer, but waited for the temperature to drop before wearing it.  As with other Carissa Rose designs that I've worn and reviewed, the fit is very flattering, especially for those of us with a few curves.  The belted waist hits at just the right point, and the zipper was a nice change from the typical buttons.

This is the third Carissa Rose product that I've reviewed, and I am very excited to be able to give away the Katerina Dress to one lucky reader!  This is a great shirt dress for work, or dress it up for a nice dinner out.  And with a retail value of $145, you won't want to miss this giveaway!

Photo via Carissa Rose

To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment below telling me how you would style this dress.  And, get extra entries for following Employed Panache via GFC or Bloglovin', Twitter, or Facebook - again, just leave a comment for each of these. This giveaway will be open until 11:59pm EST on Thursday October 27th. I'll pick a winner at random on Friday October 28th!

Good luck and TGIF :)

Original post here.

Quick post to announce the Jada's Jewels giveaway winner.  The next few weeks might have spottier posts... The Husband and I just found out that we're closing on our new house a week from tomorrow!!!!  My already busy life is now consumed by getting ready for the big move and, more importantly, decorating ideas (or more fun at least :)  Since I have some advanced notice, I am going to try to schedule as many posts as possible.

But on to the giveaway winner!  Chosen at random, the winner of this beautiful Jada's Jewels set is:



Congrats Cheryl!!!!!!!  I will send you an e-mail shortly :)

blazer: Zara (old - $40ish?) ~ cami: Gap ($8) ~ skirt: thrifted via Goodwill ($6) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ necklace & earrings: c/o Jada's Jewels

Date: October 11, 2011
Ensemble message: Hello everyone!  I have yet another giveaway for you this week, yay!!   Jada's Jewels contacted me for a product review, and seriously, this site has gorgeous jewelry at totally reasonable prices.  And, this site is also great for those who love variety because every day, a new piece of jewelry is for sale.  But, each of the pieces are only available for several days, so you need to make a decision before time is up!  I've been monitoring the site for a couple weeks now, and I've seen all different styles of jewelry: classic pearls, bold metal pieces, boho necklaces, statement necklaces, and more!  Also, the pieces have been priced anywhere from $9 to $30 (which is on the higher end).  I chose to review the the stone necklace & earring set in malachite, and the quality fantastic for the price.  I love that the set looks like it cost more than the actual listing price.  And, it adds such a nice burst of color!


This gorgeous set isn't available anymore, but one lucky reader will win it for themselves!  All you have to do is register for Jada's Jewels and leave a comment telling me that you've done so.  As usual, easy rules :)  Oh, and you can get extra entries for following Employed Panache via GFC or Bloglovin', Twitter, or Facebook - again, just leave a comment for each of these.  This giveaway will be open until 11:59pm EST on Wednesday October 19th.  I'll pick a winner at random on Thursday October 20th!
What are you waiting for?  Register and then comment to enter the giveaway now!

Happy Friday everyone!  Last week, the lovely Classy Career Girl used a quote from moi in a blog post with advice to young women entering the workforce.  Check it out here!

Also, here is the winner of the Hanes Hosiery Silk Reflections giveaway:

Congratulations!!!  I'll send you an e-mail this weekend with more details.

TGIF! :)

dress: Katerina c/o Carissa Rose ~ vest: Old Navy ($14) ~ booties: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100)  ~ necklace & bracelet: Macy's ($25 & $10) ~ stockings: Silk Reflections c/o Hanes

Date: September 20, 2011
Ensemble message: I dressed with intention on this particular day... this was the day that I helped launch a generational business network at the Day Job, which included co-hosting a kick-off meeting with cupcakes (come on, everyone knows the 1st rule of meetings - lure them in with food ;)  Since I had to present on a topic that is equal parts professional and fun, I took one of my most professional dresses and added a few fun elements: vest, black beads, and booties.

To add to the professionalism, I wore Hanes Silk Reflections stockings, which I was gifted to review.  If you've been a long-time reader, you know that I love my tights in the winter.  However, some days call for something a bit more sheer.  Here's my only problem... I tend to put runs in stockings within the first hour or two of wearing them.  Not cool if you have a big meeting later that day.  But Hanes Silk Reflections lasted me up to my network launch, until the end of the (work) day, and through dinner with friends afterwards!  Also, even though the toe was not reinforced, my toes did not tear through either - another annoyance that I have with all hosiery (yes, somehow I manage to tear the toes even in super thick tights!)  Overall, I was very pleased with the product.  My only warning is that the size seemed to run a bit small... even though I was well within the height & weight range, I still felt as if they pinched at the waist.  But, this won't stop me from wearing them over and over again!

Hanes and I are also giving my readers an opportunity to win a pair of Silk Reflections stockings, a $9.95 value!  Entering is simple... you must be a follower of Employed Panache & also follow Hanes Hosiery either through Twitter or Facebook.  Then, leave a comment telling me so below!  That's all :)  This giveaway is open through Thursday October 6th, and I will be drawing a winner at random on Friday October 7th.  Good luck!

Hear me out ladies... I know what you're thinking.  Crocs might be super comfy, but they are clunky and not really office appropriate.  But did you know that they recently added new designs to their line?  Yup, those shoes you see at top are Crocs!  And, you can enter a Crocs sponsored giveaway right here on Employed Panache where I'll be choosing three winners!

Did I get your attention with the giveaway yet?  No?  How about if I told you that can also enter a "New Crocs New You" spring makeover contest where Crocs will give $5 per entry to Dress for Success Worldwide?  A contest that gives back - I knew that would get you! ;)

Through April 15th, you can visit  to enter a spring makeover contest.  The grand prize winner will receive a trip to New York City for a makeover package, including a shopping spree and makeover with style and beauty expert Jenn Falik.  And each entry will get a donation to Dress for Success, an organization that provides professional attire and a network of support for disadvantaged women.


Enter the Crocs Giveaway:
To enter the Crocs giveaway, simply leave a comment with the style of new Crocs that you would choose if you won.  You can see all the styles here.  For bonus entries, follow Employed Panache, become a Twitter fan, or like Employed Panache on Facebook and then leave a comment telling me so.

You have until 11:59pm EST on April 11th to enter.  The next day (April 12th), I will be choosing three winners at random!

Enter the "New Crocs New You" Contest:
Visit www.crocs.com/newyou through April 15th to enter!  You will also find spring wardrobe tips from Jenn Falik.

What are you waiting for??  Go enter and good luck! :)

Navy ~ Rust ~ Splash Metallic

Thank you everyone for entering!  I got such an overwhelming amount of positive responses - such an exciting week!!  So without further adieu, the winner of the We Love Colors tights giveaway is:
Congrats Danie of No Guilt Fashion!!!  I will e-mail you in a bit to get your details... and I hope to see a post with you wearing your winnings :)  Also, thanks to We Love Colors for sponsoring this giveaway!

This week really has been a lot of fun!  I was able to create 3 very different styles, all based on the tights I would be wearing that day.  Which is your favorite??

blazer: BCBG via Macy's ($55) ~ dress: eight sixty (gift) ~ belt/necklace (I've worn it both ways!): thrifted in Switzerland ($20) ~ tights: Splash Metallic Tights c/o We Love Colors ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100) ~ earrings: Express (gift)

Date: January 25, 2011
Ensemble message: Guys, I'll be honest here... Tuesday I probably would not have picked this outfit to wear if I didn't have some We Love Colors tights to style up!  It was cold and snowy (story of the northeast this week), and really dressy for sitting in front of my computer all day.  But you know what?  I LOVE this outfit!!  I am so psyched to show you that funky tights can be worn in the office!  The key here is to mute everything else... similar color palette, simple accessories, and voila!  I got compliments all day... at least when I took a breather from the computer screen ;)
Last reminder!!  Tomorrow at noon EST is the deadline to enter the We Love Colors giveaway!!!

sweater: JCrew ($?? olllddd) ~ skirt: Kensie via Macy's (free with giftcard) ~ tights: Nylon/Lycra Microfiber c/o We Love Colors ~ shoes: Kensie Girl via Century 21 ($20) ~ necklace: Aerie ($5)

Date: January 26, 2010
Ensemble message: Today's weather was snowy and work consisted of resolving a ridiculous amount of issues with a new system.  But let's cut to the chase... yes, I am wearing super duper bright tights!!!  I chose rust color thinking that it would be a darker, more coppery color.  Totally wrong, haha!  In any room that is not dim, these tights are orange.  Like, hot sauce orange, which I ironically spilled all over my skirt shortly after taking these pics (oops).  Don't get me wrong, I'm still digging the color... but this pair will probably be reserved for weekend wear only.  I wouldn't want to blind anyone as I walk from meeting to meeting ;)
Otherwise, I really did like this outfit.  And, I scored these Kensie Girl ankle boots for just $20 at Century 21!!  Though we are already at the end of January, there is still a ton of snow in the forecast for the northeast and we probably won't thaw out until April.  Plus, I will be in Utah for a week-long ski vacation next month, and I wanted another pair of shoes to wear besides my tall, chunky Sorels.  I will definitely be wearing the heck out of these!

Just another reminder - enter to win a free pair of tights!  Giveaway ends on 1/28 at noon!!