blazer: BCBG via Macy's ($55) ~ t-shirt & scarf: H&M ($8 each) ~ jeans: Target ($14) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100)

Date: December 10, 2010
Ensemble message:  Last Friday, the HR department had their annual holiday party.  We had an afternoon get-together at a local pub, which was pretty much schmoozing, eating fried appetizers, and having the Day Job buy me a couple rounds.  Very laid back, so I felt no pressure to dress up.
I did want to be somewhat festive, so I donned my black blazer and a sparkly scarf.  Just enough to show everyone that I do care about the holidays, but not overboard with holiday sweaters.  Indeed there were several folks with full-on festive sweaters... I can't say that any fell in the "ugly Christmas sweater" category, but it was definitely a bit over the top for me.  Either way, it was nice that everyone showed their holiday spirit and escaped the office a few hours early, despite it being a busy time of year for us.
How did your office celebrate the holidays this year?!?

source: The Upside of Wonder

Happy weekend!  My typical Friday post never occurred due to an afternoon holiday party at the Day Job.  You'll get to see what I wore on Monday :)  It was laid back and fun, and over by 5pm... so I went directly out to dinner with The Hubby and friends.  It was kinda nice to ignore my blogger duties for 12 hours, but now I'm back :)  Just a few quick things for you this morning...

• Amanda at The Upside of Wonder featured me in the 5th edition of her "Hello Blogosphere!" series.  It's a great way to discover new bloggers, and Amanda has a sweet vintage style that I personally love.  Plus she has an Etsy shop full of thrifted and vintage finds!
• Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  I know some people had issues commenting (which I'm still working on, sorry everyone!) so I'm also allowing you to e-mail me with your entry.  So far I've had only a few entries, so don't forget to get yours in.  Just 3 days to go!
• Finally, Friday posts are usually reserved for Friend Friday topics, but I decided to take a back seat this week.  See, the topic was on reader connectedness and how you draw people to your blog.  I feel like I am not one to comment yet on this because I am still very much figuring it out myself!  Head over to ModlyChic to check out Katy's answers and links to everyone else's.

Giveaway Update: If you are having trouble commenting, please send me an e-mail and let me know how you are following Employed Panache.  I don't want anyone missing out on the goodies!!

shirt: Gap (gift) ~ skirt: Kensi via Macy's (free with gift card) ~ cardigan: Target ($15) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36)

Date: November 23, 2010
Ensemble message: I wore this outfit a couple weeks ago but never got to post it.  I believe it was still fairly warm out (compared to the 20's now in the morning), and I remember really, really loving this outfit!  If we get an odd day with highs in the 40's I will probably wear it again.
That day, I had a ton of meetings to go to.  The actual clothing items were professional (skirt, blouse, cardi) but the colors were so much fun.  My sister gave me this blouse for Christmas a couple years ago, and I found it difficult to wear with my wardrobe at the time.  But I saw the potential and held onto it... and thank goodness too, because now I love it!  I also wore it here and look forward to re-mixing it again.

turtleneck: Banana Republic ($30ish) ~ skirt: Gap (gift) ~ belt: Target ($16) ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ necklace: Macy's ($11)

Date: December 8, 2010
Ensemble message: I had a ton of meetings today with all levels of folks, so I wanted to wear something a little more office traditional.  I had originally wanted to wear my wool shorts, but I figured a funkier look may take away from my credibility when trying to strategically influence those above me ;)  I'll save the shorts for another day!

Nail polish color is the same as the one I'm giving away - I treated myself to a bottle. Love this color!!

Have you entered my giveaway yet?  Well, why not?! ;)

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

shirt: Old Navy ($25) ~ sweater: Express ($25ish) ~ pants: Target ($22) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via  Nordstrom Rack ($100) ~ earrings: Express (gift)

TGIF!  This has been a long, stressful week for me friends.  I'm not sure how I made it to Friday, and I don't feel like I really accomplished anything (ever feel like that??)  So, this week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday topic truly hits the nail on the head!  Because I've been crazed all week, I opted to write up my answers though I think a video would have emphasized what burnout can do to someone ;)  So this week's questions were:

1. How many hours a week do you spend blogging? Has that number changed since you started blogging? 
2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on... how do you limit your time spent on these tasks? 
3. Have you experienced Blogger burnout yet? How have you dealt with that? 
4. This time of the year is always a lot busier than any other time. Will your blogging change as a result? 
5. Could you forsee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore? How would you you identify that it's time to walk away?

On average, I probably spend about 15 hours blogging per week.  This includes taking pictures, writing my posts, reading other blogs, commenting and replying to comments, etc.  Now that I have a format down pat, it's probably less than when I started.  However, there are some weeks were I can spend up to 5+ hours more if I'm concentrating on the design of Employed Panache or reaching out to others on collaborations or sponsorships.

I probably struggle weekly to cram everything into my life, and this was true even before I started blogging.  So, when things become overwhelming, I've learned to stop myself and assess what really needs to get done, what can be postponed, and what can be skipped altogether.  In this, I also prioritize my life in general... and when it comes down to it, family/my husband, the Day Job, and my friends always round out the top 3.  So if necessary, I just will not blog.  That scenario has come up a few times in the past several months, mainly when I've been traveling for business.  Blogging is a fantastic hobby, but right now, that's all it is: a hobby.  While I have high expectations of where Employed Panache could go, and I am open to re-prioritizing if the opportunity arises, there are other things in my life right now that take precedent.

I have definitely felt blogger burnout during days when life is too crazy.  That's how I figured out how to think logically through what matters most and then proceed without guilt.  So, there have been some weeks when I just did not post on all 5 days.  I also learned to deal with burnout by making myself take time off.  The Blog Herald had a great article back in August on re-energizing as a blogger, and the point about scheduling vacation time stuck with me.  I purposely do not write blog posts on the weekend, and with it being the holiday season, I have planned some time off... I blogged only 4 out of 5 days during Thanksgiving week, and I will probably not post at all during the week between Christmas and New Year's.  Again, Employed Panache is not my main source of income, and while I really enjoy doing it, in the end it's not worth stressing over.

There are several moments when I can see me not blogging anymore:  If it's not fun anymore.  If I get some sort of awesome promotion and my work/life balance shifts dramatically.  If I become pregnant (!!!)... though I hope I can keep up blogging from that perspective one day.  I think it would be hysterical to read about my experience since the Hubby and I have no knowledge or understanding of pregnancy, parenting, etc. :)

All in all, blogger burnout is very similar to burnout from work, school, etc.  You need to find that balance and prioritize what's really important to you and what makes you happy.  How do you guys deal with burnout - blogger or otherwise??

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.

sweater: JCrew (gift) ~ skirt: actually a dress, thrifted from Beacon's Closet ($14) ~ boots: Bandolino via Macy's ($85ish) ~ necklace: F21 ($5)

Date: December 2, 2010
Ensemble message: You guys.  It was a long, long day.  I watched 36 co-ops present their final projects, and also provided feedback to each.  Don't get me wrong, I love love love interacting with the co-ops, but I wish we could break this day into 2!  So, please forgive me for making this short and kinda babbling.
By the way, not sure what a co-op is?  It's an intern, but for 6 months.  These students take a full semester off to come work for the Day Job and get experience.  Yeah, we pay them too, which is a nice perk ;)  It was really nice to see each of them dressed exactly as I would expect: either in a suit or very nice professional clothes.  Clearly the business etiquette course they took at the start of the co-op really left an impression (thanks Jonna! :)

shirt: Banana Republic (gift) ~ skirt: Gap Outlet ($19) ~ scarf: vintage, my mom's! ~ shoes: ?? via Macy's (?? - circa 2004) ~ earrings: gift (same from Monday)

Date: November 30, 2010
Ensemble message: This outfit is redemption for Monday's, which just felt off to me.  If I could go back and do it again, I would have put this on.  Simple lines but classic with a pencil skirt and scarf.  I normally don't wear my scarves tied like this, and I felt like my grandmother all day.  Which... I really liked!  In fact, by the end of the day, I decided to make it a point to wear more scarves in this old-fashioned way.
Is there anyone in your family whose style you admire?

As I sit and watch 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' special on tv, I think it is appropriate that I write about holiday gifts in the office!  Depending on your office culture, you and your co-workers may or may not exchange gifts during the holiday season.  In the past, I have traded gifts with my boss, sent out cards to all my team members, participated in a team yankee swap, and done absolutely nothing.  Keep in mind that this is across 3 different companies, so make sure you know what's expected before going overboard or doing nothing.

Of my past 7 holidays in the working world, I have done yankee swaps just twice, but they seem to be pretty popular.  For those who haven't played before, yankee swap is like a grab bag: each person brings in a wrapped gift within a certain price range.  Everyone picks a number, and the first person chooses a gift from the pile (not their own).  The next person chooses another gift, and then decides whether to keep it or take a gift that someone else has unwrapped.  And so on... it's a lot of fun!

But what do you buy for someone in your office, who you may not even know that well?!?  Well, my friends, I've put together a list that should satisfy young or old, man or woman, traditional or hip.  Check these gifts out for ideas:

Candle - Organic Soy Candle
Business Card Holder - Leather Holder with Horse Emblem
Money Clip - Enamel Finish Money Clip
MP3 Player Sleeve - Hand-printed Leather Sleeve
A Fun Gag Gift - Office Voodoo Kit
Cell Phone Sleeve - Phone Pouch with Pocket
Desktop Speaker - Pop-Up Mini Speaker
Desktop Greenery - Bonsai Village Biodome

What would you give to a colleague??