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)

Date: January 17, 2012
Ensemble message: While I love getting inspiration from my fellow style bloggers, Pinterest 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 saw this pin, 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!


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.  What do you think - would you wear a fur collar and scarf together??

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!

cami: Marshall's ($16) ~ blazer: Zara (old-$35ish?) ~ skirt: Kensie Girl (gift) ~ shoes: Franco Sarto ($65) ~ necklace & cuff: gifts

shirt: Gap (gift) ~ skirt: Zara ($35) ~ jacket: Marshall's ($24) ~ belt: H&M ($10ish? old) ~ shoes: DSW ($30)

Date: May 19, 2011
Ensemble message: I wore this outfit last week when it was still cool and rainy in the northeast.  I felt like the dark purple and denim was too dark of a combo, so I broke it up with this silvery grey jacket and white belt.  I didn't want to dress as dismal as the weather was!  I also let my hair air dry since it was so humid (hence the frizzy mess)... I did put some product in but was not impressed with how my hair turned out that day.  Anyone out there who can recommend a product for semi-wavy hair that defines waves and has staying power?!?!  Help!!!

blazer: Zara (old - $50ish) ~ turtleneck: H&M ($8) ~ skirt: Banana Republic ($35ish) ~ belt & shoes: Target ($17 & $20) ~ necklace: gift

Date: February 3, 2011
Ensemble message: This outfit was built around my skirt... last winter, I belted it high on my waist with a black turtleneck sweater, and it was one of my favorite looks!  This time around, I wanted to soften it a bit and started out first with a pink sweater and heeled brown boots.  I added the blazer, but the pink sweater didn't look right.  So I grabbed this grey turtleneck, and then remembered the brown and grey stripey socks that Mama Claus* left in my stocking.
So that's pretty much how my thoughts run when I put together an outfit.  Confusing?  Probably in writing, but it makes so much more sense if you physically saw me go through the process.  If anyone wants, feel free to come over and watch the insanity live and in person.  We can have a styling party.  In my closet.
*If you didn't figure it out, Mama Claus = my mom acting as Santa Claus ;)

shirt: Zara (gift) ~ cardi: Target ($15) ~ skirt: Esprit (part of old suit set) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: ?? via Macy's (old, not sure of cost)

Date: January 7, 2010
Ensemble message: Wednesday and Thursday of this week, I was in Arkansas on a short business trip.  Even though it was just an overnight trip, I wanted to work one major clothing item into both outfits.  I chose this black skirt because it doesn't wrinkle (I had a 3 hour flight) and could easily be made into 2 outfits without it being obvious that I wore the same skirt 2 days in a row.  And the small heel on these shoes were great for both standing in front of a room to present and navigating my way through the airport later that night.  The overall look is a classic office look, but with my spin on it: lacy shirt/stockings, mixing black & brown, and of course the chartreuse cardigan.
My flight was packed, and I ended up sitting next to an older gentleman who was wearing a dress shirt and tie.  I was dead tired and just wanted to get some work done and then nap.  But my neighbor was super friendly and started asking me questions around why I was in Arkansas and what did I do for the Day Job.  He seemed nice enough, so we began chatting and explained that I am in Human Resources.  I found out that he works for Lion Brand Yarn, and he mentioned several people at my company that he knew, all of them being in Sales.  I then innocently asked, "Oh, are you in Sales as well?"  His reply: "No, I'm the COO for Lion."  Imagine my shock!  We then went on to chat throughout most of the flight, even as I did some work, and we discussed everything from our companies to our families.
The point I want to make here is that I did not change before catching my flight.  I had time to and could have easily packed sweats or leggings in my carry-on.  However, you never ever know who you will be sitting next to!  What if I was looking for a job or a new client?  Or what if our companies worked closely together (they don't).  If I didn't look professional, he may not have been inclined to strike up a conversation, and I would have missed an opportunity.  So think carefully about what to wear before traveling... you don't necessarily have to dress in a suit, but you may want to think twice about rolling out of bed and heading right to the airport!

Or altogether just taken apart

We're reeling through an endless fall

Date: October 25, 2010

blouse: H&M ($40) ~ cardigan: Target ($15) ~ skirt: Zara ($35) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ earrings: boutique in Arizona ($7)

shirt: Old Navy ($25) ~ skirt: Zara ($35) ~ tights: ??? ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ necklace: DIY ~ wrap watch: NY&Co ($20) ~ bracelets: via Wear Your Music ($10 each)

shirt: Forever21 ($14) ~ cami: Gap ($10) ~ skirt: Zara ($35? this one’s old!) ~ belt: H&M ($10) ~ shoes: Aerosoles ($50) ~ leaf bangle: thrifted via Beacon’s Closet ($8) ~ white bangle: NY&Co ($10sih)