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Nicole Martin
New Jersey
Remixing my wardrobe to create buzz-worthy, office-approved outfits! Find out more at: Creating Panache.
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Friday, November 12, 2010

Friend Friday: Self Promotion

Happy Friday!  For your enjoyment, here is another Friend Friday video.  (Please ignore the train sounds in the background... to be honest, I don't even hear them anymore!)






So what do you guys think?  What types of self promotion just plain do not work, or maybe even work against you??




The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for fashion bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Join the conversation by joining the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group.
Thursday, November 11, 2010

Buttoned Down & Untucked


shirt: H&M ($15) ~ skirt: Target ($6) ~ belt: H&M ($10ish) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100) ~ necklace: thrift shop in Zurich, Switzerland ($20)

Date: November 11, 2010
Ensemble message: Today once again lacked meetings and general face-to-face human interaction, beside the people who sit around me.  Which is ok by me… the start of the week was hectic, so I needed these couple days to catch my breath!


Knowing that my schedule was open today, I leaned more towards a casual look and left my shirt untucked.  Oh the horror!  Just kidding :)  Because this shirt is so long, I treated it like a tunic and belted it for some shape.  And because of the looser fit, you can’t really tell that I’m wearing a body con skirt underneath… it could easily have been the bottom half of a pencil skirt.


Oh one last thing… a big shout out to my new readers!!!  Over the past couple weeks, I’ve seen more traffic and comments, so welcome!  If you would like to share what you wear to express your personality at the office, please e-mail me to join the People’s Panache.  You can also follow me via Blogger, Bloglovin’, RSS feed, Twitter, and Facebook.  That’s right, 5 chances to see all my new posts.  Y’all come back now, ya hear?



Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Shorts & Lace


"There's a radio in the corner
It's dying to make a scene
So give me soft, soft static
With a human voice underneath
And we can both get old fashioned
Put the brakes on these fast, fast wheels
Oh let's get old fashioned
Back to how things used to be
If I get old, old fashioned
Would you get old, old fashioned with me?"
~Frightened Rabbit "Old Fashioned"



Date: November 10, 2010
Message ensemble: Going for a preppy look today, but added a bit of lace for more texture.  As if wool and corduroy weren't enough ;)  Also, I did not have any major meetings today, so the wool shorts would be ok.  I have probably already mentioned this, but I do not wear these shorts on days where I have big meetings or when I know that I'll be meeting with directors, VPs, or new employees.  Even though the Day Job is pretty laid back, I always want to make a good impression and do not want to put anyone off with my different taste in work wear.


shirt: Limited (gift) ~ blazer: Old Navy ($??) ~ shorts: Anthropologie ($35) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ necklace: Macy's ($11)

Though I'm cautious as to when I will wear these shorts, I've donned them quite a bit.  Here are the older posts... which one do you like best?

July 14, 2010
July 28, 2010
September 22, 2010
November 2, 2010


Monday, November 8, 2010

Vest Layered Over Jacket


  
shirt: thrifted ($4) ~ vest: Modell's ($25) jacket: Target ($35) ~ jeans: Target ($14) ~ shoes: BCBG (gift)

Date: October 29, 2010
Ensemble message: This was a casual Friday look from a couple weeks ago that never got posted.  I had plans right after work, so I wanted an outfit that would transition from day to night easily, especially since the nights have been getting a lot cooler.  The faux leather jacket and furry vest combo is something I wanted to try back when it was too warm to do so.  It's a great way to carry an early fall jacket into the season.



The button down, skinny jeans, and black flats were perfect for the office.  I actually wore the vest at work sans jacket because it's been so cold there lately!  A little funky, but hey, it was a Friday so why not?!


Right after work, I went into the city for a Local Natives show, so the sheer shirt and flats kept me comfy in a crowded room... especially as I danced along :)  What would you wear to transition from day to night??
Friday, November 5, 2010

Friend Friday: Shampoo, Soap, & Deodorant - Oh My!

Happy Friday!  To shake things up, I did a video post this week for Friend Friday.  This week, we are talking about the frequency at which you shower and if you use organic products.  No really, I talk about my shower habits... I dare you to hit play! ;)



Products I Use:

Degree Clinical Protection, $6.99
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Bar Soap, $11.99 for 8

Suave Naturals Body Wash, $3.49
Tigi Eco Awesome Shampoo, $19.99

"Green & Natural" Products Found on Drugstore.com*:

Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Deo, $1.49
Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Deo, $4.99

Kirk's Original Coco Castile Bar Soap, $1.19
Tom's of Maine Natural Moisturizing Body Wash, $6.49

de-lux Shampoo Rosemary Mint, $4.79
Organix Shampoo Revitalizing Pomegranate Green Tea, $4.99

* Not a sponsor but rather a resource.


The Friend Friday project by Modly Chic is a way for fashion bloggers to share more about themselves and create a friendly connection with other bloggers. Join the conversation by joining the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Mentoring & Ms. Career Girl Guest Post


The one thing that will only strengthen your career, whether you’re female or male, young or old, is a mentoring relationship.  That is a bold statement, especially coming from someone who is ridiculously independent (my poor hubby can vouch for that one! :)  I recently began fully utilizing those in my life who are mentors to me, and it has truly made a big difference in the way I work.  Having a mentor is like having a personal advisory board at your fingertips.  They will offer advice and insight into everything from how to handle working with a difficult colleague, to their thoughts on how that big announcement will affect your job.

Getting a mentor is pretty easy too… simply think about people in your life that you admire.  They could be at work or at your book club.  In fact, I would say getting a mix of work vs. life and male vs. female mentors would be most beneficial.  Then, schedule time to talk whenever you need some guidance.  You don’t need to make it official by asking them to be your mentor, but if you want someone who will be there consistently, it might be good to straight out ask them.  Do not feel shy about it either… asking someone to be your mentor is a huge compliment!

The Day Job is really good about setting up mentoring relationships, and last year I was given my first official mentor.  While she is no longer with the company, she did leave me with some great advice.  I’ve summed that up over in a guest post on Ms. Career Girl, so go check it out!  My new mentor has already started helping me take risks that are good for my career.  We’ll see what happens, but I have good feelings about it :)

How has a mentor helped you??

IFB: Links à la Mode

links a la mode

Hey everyone!  My "Sheer Shirt Remix" post was featured on the Independent Fashion Bloggers weekly roundup!  You've probably/hopefully have already seen it, so please check out the other featured bloggers.


The Power of Words


Edited by: The Sunday Best
One story dominated my thoughts this week, and I was glad to see an IFB member tackle it in a post. I'm talking about the Marie Claire article. I'm not going to link to it, or even say what it was about, since I assume you dialed in people are familiar with it. [Pulls out soapbox.] The problem with the article, and its apparently apologetic writer, isn't the ignorance it exhibited, or the hate it might engender, or even, I would argue, the sentiment expressed, although it was certainly the worst example of each. The problem was she used the most demeaning language she could think of to describe a group about which she apparently cares. She used this language and neither her nor her editors nor anyone at Marie Claire saw fit to deny it. And Marie Claire's ridiculous mea culpa, where they celebrated the "discussion" they had fostered, was like saying the Titanic sinking was good for discussions about marine safety. Worst of all was the author's own apology: "I never wanted anyone to feel bullied or ashamed after reading this". So you used the most demeaning language you could think of--edgy!--and called people gross--keeping it real!--and were shocked, SHOCKED, to find them taking offense. I would call her a liar but out of deference to liars, she might just be an idiot. Think before you write - words are powerful.

Links à la Mode : November 4th




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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Chambray & Lace Up Booties


"Don't say that you would have it any other way, 
cos it's a pretty good day to let it get back to you. 
It pays, but not enough to make you stay, 
it lost all it's cache, and you're dancing on your own."
~Suckers "Martha"




Date: November 3, 2010
Ensemble message:  Oh hey there!  What was that?  Those shoes?  Yes, they are new.  And yes, they were a bit of a splurge – for me at least.  (It’s all relative.)  But let me explain the reasoning that went through my head as I spent a looong time debating this purchase.  All in all, I needed really wanted a pair of black booties.  I have black flats, strappy shoes that won’t work in the cooler temps, and mary janes which are just too sweet sometimes.  Most booties that I’ve seen are along the worker boot trend (chunky, lots of buckles) or dressy (super high/skinny heels).  Of course I have to make my search difficult by wanting something in between.  Also, some are wider around the ankle area, which doesn’t look right on me or even fit me at all. 

shirt: Old Navy ($25) ~ vest: Modells, believe it or not! ($25) ~ skirt: H&M (old $?) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack  ($100) ~ necklace: gift

Behold my first ever pair of Sam Edelman shoes!  They satisfy the work boot trend with laces and loops attached to the back (not pictured – fail).  However, they are also office appropriate because of the heel, peep toe, and overall sleek look.  Sleek is really key here because it allows me to tuck these bad boys under pants or jeans too.  Long story made short, I had doubts but now I. Am. In. Love!


Ok, now onto the rest of the outfit!  I can’t exactly pinpoint where I got the inspiration for this look… I think I was reminded of wearing this shirt with a black skirt by Krystal of This Time tomorrow.  Either way, I have worn a warmer weather version of this outfit and I’m more than happy to stretch my chambray shirt into the cooler temps!



Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Preppy & Patterned



Date: November 2, 2010
Ensemble message: Lately, my days have either been pretty slow or so busy I feel like I’m drowning.  All or nothing – very annoying!  Today was a “nothing” day where I had one very short meeting with a director.  Since I knew my audience (this director is cool and not super serious), I knew I could get away with the funky tights and wool shorts.

cashmere sweater: gift ~ button down: from the Day Job (our logo is on it - I've worn it recruiting) ~ shorts: Anthropologie ($25) ~ boots: Bandolino via Macy's (~$85) ~ earrings: gift

This was the outfit that I was picturing last time I wore these tights – but only once I got to work!  I have to say though… this is definitely not a favorite of mine.  I think it’s too matchy-matchy for my taste.  The purple sweater goes great with the purple in the tights, and the green of my shorts is pretty darn close too.  Too much for me I think… instead, next time I wear these it will be with less colors and a little sleeker than my bulky shirt/sweater combo.  I’m thinking a navy blue dress, which of course I don’t own, but now I’ll be on the lookout!


Oh and sorry for less photos than normal… it was just about freezing when I took these and couldn’t handle any longer without a coat or gloves!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Sheer Shirt Remix


"Even when my luck is down
I take joy in knowing that our love grows"
~Yeasayer "Madder Red"



Date: October 28, 2010
Ensemble message: Last Thursday, I decided to wear this grey dress, which is made out of a sweatshirt type material.  The frock is from Fossil, and it was a specific Christmas request made to Mama Claus.  I was psyched to open it on Christmas morning, but soon became frustrated that it didn't mix real well with my wardrobe.

dress: Fossil (gift) ~ shirt: American Rag via Macy's ($25) ~ boots: Bandolino (ancient... ~$85) ~ necklace/earrings: gift

Until last week, the only way I've worn the dress is as is with a statement necklace or scarf or with a long sleeve tee underneath.  I always figured that a layer OVER the dress wouldn't work because of the thicker material.  It's hard to tell, but the dress holds it's shape vs. "falling" on my body.  But Thursday I decided to go out on a limb, totally expecting to be a little disappointed with the results.  However, I love this outfit!!!  The looser shirt is a good match for the stiffer material, and the brown boots break up the darker grey/black.


What do you think?  How else would you remix this dress??

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