shirt & dress: Forever21 ($14 & $23) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100)  ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8)

Date: October 4, 2011
Ensemble message: I'm honestly not sure what to make of this outfit... it's one that looked better in my head than on.  I was trying to break up the pattern with the sheer shirt over the dress, but I'm thinking this would have worked better with a long-sleeved shirt.
What do you think?  Does this work?  (If you don't like it, just please be nice :)

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! :)

shirt: Gap ($13) ~ jeans, shoes, & scarf: Target ($14, $20, & old) ~ watch: Fossil (gift)

Date: September 9, 2011
Ensemble message: Just some quick inspiration on Casual Friday Eve!  This picture was taken almost a month ago, when we had a spell of real autumn weather.  Cool enough for longer sleeves & scarves, but warm enough to wear my strappy sandals a little longer.  Good stuff!

What will you be wearing for this week's casual Friday?


Oh, and don't forget to enter the Hanes Hoisery giveaway!!  Today is the last day!!!!

shirt & belt: Target ($17 each) ~ skirt: Gap (gift) ~ boots: Steve Madden via DSW ($120) ~ earrings: Jess LC ($16) ~ cuff: gift

Date: September 27, 2011
Ensemble message: Yesterday I posted the outfit that I wore to dinner the evening before an extended team meeting.  This is what I wore to the actual meeting, where I had 45 minutes to present an HR update.  Normally I don't stress out about a quick update, but this was the first time I was meeting this team!  I knew that most people would be casual during this meeting, but I didn't want to be in jeans while presenting to this group for the first time ever.  I feel that this outfit was a good balance, and my presentation went really well!


Oh and for Profession Gal, who has never been to Philadelphia, here is a couple photos from my hotel window (sadly I wasn't about to get out and about while I was there!)

Not the best view of the Philly skyline - but it's a shorter city than NYC!

Famous indoor market, which I didn't have time to visit :(

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 :)

sweater: F21 ($24) ~ blouse: American Rag via Macy's ($25) ~ leggings: Target ($20) ~ shoes: BCBG (gift)

Date: September 22, 2011
Ensemble message: Over the summer, as busy as I've been, I have noticed that crop tops have made a comeback.  I personally think this is unfortunate for a couple reasons... first, crop tops on their own will never, ever be office appropriate.  Second, my stomach has never been toned enough to show off ;)  But I do like the look of a long tank layered under a crop top, I think it really lengthens the body!  This sweater is not technically cropped, but with the long top underneath, it gives the illusion of being shorter.



What are your thoughts on crop tops?  Fun for the weekends, or leave it for the teens?

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!

cardigan & skirt: Target ($15 & $12) ~ cami: Banana Republic ($8) ~ watch & necklace: gifts ~ shoes: Nine West ($?)

Date: September 28, 2011
Ensemble message: Gloomy weather calls for bright colors!  I was worried that the double dose would be too bright for the end of September, but I think the brown cami, shoes, and accessories did a good job adding a fall touch.

Be on the lookout - on Friday I'll have a review & giveaway for you, all my lovely readers! :)

Me & D, just hanging

Wow you guys, I can't believe Summer 2011 is over already!  Things on this end have been a bit less stressful since I last checked in... I'm settling into my new role, and I think finally, finally I'm back to normal working hours (FINALLY!)  Which means I am trying to find more balance in my life... The Husband and I have taken a couple weekend trips and I'm working out more regularly.  I've also cut out coffee and replaced it with green tea (too many coffee/stress tummy aches) and working on eating better.  Not really easy when you're a nomad as we eat dinner out way, way more than we used to.  But I'm trying!

But the best part... I think it's finally safe to announce that we got a house!!!  After many months of searching, and a couple more months of bringing this deal to fruition, we're due to close near the end of October :)  I cannot even begin to emphasize how stressful buying a house is... once you find THE ONE, then there's the mortgage to deal with, along with the home inspection.... oh, and not to mention the scare of Hurricane Irene putting a tree through the roof or water in the basement or both (The House was fine).  But mostly the mortgage process.  It's like bearing your financial soul for all to see... ick.  Well, we finally got our mortgage commitment tonight, and things seem to be moving along!

I've also tried to take some time and put all this nonsense in perspective, and really I cannot complain.  There could be worst things than a lot of stress in your life.  And throughout it all, I know that my readers have been there for me.  Thank you for all your comments - I will reply back to them soon!  And I am really excited to take on a few new sponsors as well, which means giveaways for you :)  So stay tuned, I have a feeling that this autumn is going to be awesome!

This is her escape tactic ;)

cardigan & jeans: Target ($15 & $14) ~ shirt: Anthropologie ($35) ~ boots: Rocket Dog via Famous Footwear ($40) ~ necklace: gift

Date: September 16, 2011
Ensemble message: Just a simple casual Friday outfit, but one where I pair a more subdued color with a bright one.  I want to work more brights into my wardrobe as a contrast against my neutrals, which I love.  So far... I have this cardigan, which is not new.  And that's it.


What other bright pieces do you recommend I buy??