Shoes For Work

Fashion, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

When it comes to working in a business casual environment, shoes can be a tricky middle ground.  You have some killer heels that you’d love to wear with your outfit, but they might not be the right choice if you’re on your feet for eight hours a day.  Take it from me, running around in uncomfortable shoes all day is not fun.

For work, I’m a full time substitute teacher, that means I come into work everyday and am covering all sorts of classes.  My duties range from office work, to core classes, and electives, like gym, so I need to be prepared.  And a lot of the time, I’ll do all three in a day and will have to run all over the school.  So my shoes are just as important as what I’m wearing.   Remember people, comfort is key.

So, this post is dedicated to the shoes that get my through a busy day on me feet.  I’ll break down my favorite shoes for every day of the week, followed by pictures and lovely collages that I made on Polyvore.

Early Week:

They say that you’re supposed to dress your best in the beginning of the week.  I’m sure this has to do with more meetings, or maybe for moral/mental support.  You know, when you look your best, you feel your best.  And lets be real, Monday we need some extra TLC.

So I say save your heels for Monday and Tuesday because you’re just starting out the week and your feet can take a little heel.  And I mean little heel, like a kitten heel, or solid wedge or thick heel.  These are going to prove the most comfortable.

My heel situation consists of my 1-2″ pointed toe shoes, or a nice rounded toe.  Since I work in a school I don’t feel like my high wedges shoes would fit in because 1. it’s more casual than that and 2. I would be a literal giant.

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Work Heels

 

Mid Week:

If you’re still into it, you can keep rocking your heels, or you could go for a cute flat, like ballet flats, loafers, or oxfords.   These are my personal favorites because they look nice, but are super comfy.  The funkier of the mix are my Vince Camuto oxfords, I think they also add an interesting element to an outfit because of their quirky nature.  I also wear a more formal Ivanka Trump white pointed toe flat that has the same formal feel as a heel.

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Oxfords & Flats

 

End of the Week/Causal Friday:

It’s the end of the week and you’re so #overit.  Don’t fret, you can still look cool but be comfortable at the same time thanks to a sick pair of kicks.  Now don’t confuse workout sneakers with dress sneakers because they are two separate categories.  I’m talking a fresh pair of white sneakers, think Adidas, Acne Studio etc.  You can also wear a platform shoe or creeper, like the black one below.  These shoes have a similar aesthetic to a sneaker, but are a bit more polished.

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Casual Kicks
xo,
Amy

Street Styled Stripes

Fashion, outfit, outfit inspiration, sneaker outfit, street style, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

Let me set the scene for you: my friend and I meet up for lunch and are walking down Newbury Street.  We pop into a few shops, browse a bit, and then carry on our way.  We finally find a shop we like and start to browse.  Our conversation goes a little something like this, “I love this dress, it’s so cute.  But it’s (insert price here)… I could wear it with a trench and some cute pumps to work.” Boom! Purchase justified, hook, line, sinker.  Does this sound like you?  I’m sure my friend and I aren’t the only ones that do this.  Anyways, this post isn’t about that, it’s actually about the opposite.  Think of it as taking your work purchase and justifying it for street wear.  How to get full use out of your whole wardrobe, if you will.

My problem is that I put my work clothes into a box (a metaphorical box).  Even though I love a particular article of clothing, I restrain myself from wearing it because “it’s for work” or “it’s too nice”.  And to an extent, I do think that certain pieces should be worn for nicer occasions, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave them untouched.  Take your work clothes out of their “box” and have some fun with them!  Take example from street style stars (or me), and pair a work piece with casual denim, or tee to make it feel more approachable.  That’s what I did with this look, I took my “work pants” and paired them with a graphic tee and sneakers for a casual, but fun daytime look. Vuala! A street style look perfect for walking around in the city.  PS. extra style points if you stick to current trends (like, stripes with stripes).

Amy36.jpgAmy37.jpgAmy39.jpgAmy40.jpgPhotography by Kasey aka Ktapphotography.

The tee is from JCrew, the pants are from Banana Republic (they were a gift, and I’m obsessed, THANK YOU!), and the sneaks are by Adidas. The earrings are from Bloomingdales and by AQUA, the ring is from CUSP, the bracelet is by Kate Spade, and the bag is by Michael Kors.

Thank you for listening to my long spiel about work clothes, and I hope you get your street style on!

xo,

Amy

Back to Basics

Fashion, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

This week I’ve decided to go back to basics and introduce staples for every woman’s wardrobe.  This outfit features a few of my favorite go-to pieces.  They can be worn countless ways and still feel fresh.

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Majority of this outfit is from JCrew, and there’s a reason for that.  Their fit works best for my body type and height.  If you find a brand like this, stick with it because chances are, you’ll find yourself constantly going back.  Fit is extremely important when getting staples for your wardrobe.  If you have a piece that looks like it was made for you, you’ll want to wear it all the time.  Which one, will always make you feel good, and two you’ll be able to pair it with just about anything.  So yes you can be trendy and look cool wearing something timeless like a white button up.

The blazer, button up, belt, rings and denim are from JCrew.  The shoes are from TJMaxx, and the tassel necklace is from Banana Republic.

This week I will post my wardrobe staples and where to look for them

Leopard is the New Black

Fashion, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

Today’s prompt reminded me of a quote by Jenna Lyons, “as far as I’m concerned, leopard is a neutral.”  I couldn’t agree more with this statement.  A leopard piece is essential in any woman’s wardrobe, whether it is an accessory or not.  Leopard combines neutral colors, but looks wonderful when paired with other colors.  See Jenna Lyon’s examples below.

I admire the way she pairs patterns and colors and makes them look extremely chic.  Lace and leopard, yes!

 The blazer is from JCrew, the dress is by Equipment, and the oxfords are by Vince Camuto.  The earrings are vintage, the necklace is from Banana Republic and the lip color is by Nars cosmetics.  The blue ring is by Alexis Bittar, the gold ring is by JCrew and the bag is from The Costume Company.

-Amy

Street Styled Sneakers

Fashion, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

When I plan a look around sneakers, I stick to a menswear inspired work look.  I love the juxtaposition between work chinos and casual sneakers.  It gives the look a cool and modern feel, plus it’s extra comfortable.  This outfit started with my usual pattern, sneakers and work chinos and a graphic tee.  However, it took a turn when I found an old bandana in my closet from when I was a kid.  The bandana gave me the idea to turn this into an edgier street style inspired look.

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Since most of my workwear is from JCrew, the shirt and pants are from there, the jacket is by Bar3, and the shoes are by Adidas.  The bandana is vintage, from my childhood, the sunnies are by Marc Jacobs, the snake ring is from Wicked Peacock and the A ring was a gift.  The awesome bag is from a market in China.

-Amy

Silhouette Switch Up

Fashion, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

When it comes to clothing, I gravitate towards to a streamline silhouette created by a tucked shirt and skinny pants.  Today I decided to change the silhouette of my workwear with bellbottoms and a fit and flare blazer.   The dark bottoms and top work well together and feel like coordinating pieces.

The blazer is from Nordstrom BP, the button up is by Zara, the denim is by BDG and from Urban Outfitters and the pointed boots are by Nine West.  The belt is vintage, the earrings are from The Closet Boutique, the necklace is from Trinket, the bracelet was a gift from Greece, and the ring is from Mexico.

-Amy

Black, White and Leopard

Fashion, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

I can always get behind a neutral color scheme and I think that black and white pieces are timeless.  So sticking with the timeless trend, I unintentionally created a Mad Men like look.  The red lip, boatneck top and classic fitted jacket create a retro vibe that is perfect for work.

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The jacket is from Forever21, the top is FreePeople, and the denim is by BDG and from Urban Outfitters.  The bag is from Nordstrom and by Halogen, the shoes are from Bloomingdales and by Ivanka Trump and the earrings are vintage, from my grandmother. The pearl ring is from Cusp, the gold ring is from JCrew, and the gold scalloped cuff is by Kate Spade.

Statement Blazer

Fashion, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

This look is features two of my favorite spring trends, bell sleeves and the color orange.  Statement sleeves are the new “it” trend for this season.  The trend is worn on its own or layered underneath and outer layer, like a blazer or sweater.  Instead of layering the blazer and top, I draped it and let the sleeves peep out.

I also chose to pair the orange with a contrasting blue and white stripe.  When pairing complimentary colors, the hue of each is intensified.  This orange blazer is bright, but the light blue pieces really intensify it.

IMG_5472IMG_5474IMG_5475IMG_5473IMG_5476IMG_5479IMG_5480The blazer and denim are by JCrew, the top is from Zara, and the shoes are by Audrey Brooke.  The earrings are from Anthropologie, the necklace is from American Eagle, and the ring is from Trinket, a local shop in Vermont and the wristlet is from Nordstrom and by Halogen.

 

-Amy

Pops of Red

Fashion, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

When the temperature drops, it’s hard to think of anything other than staying warm.  Today’s look was a comfortable and cozy (3 layer) outfit.  I paired leggings with a button down and long lose sweater.  Initially it was simple with neutral colors and accessories and a pop of pattern in the collar that peeped through.  I decided to add some red to the outfit with red lipstick and a red coat, and it gave the outfit a much needed pop of color.

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IMG_4957.jpgIMG_4960.JPGThe striped button down is from JCrew, the sweater is from Urban Outfitters, the leggings are from Lululemon and the boots are by Calvin Klein.  The coat is from TJMaxx, and by Tullethe earrings are form Bloomingdales and by Rebecca Minkoff, the earmuffs are by Kate Spade and the lip color is lip stain 01 by Sephora.

Sometimes adding a little pop of color can totally transform an outfit.  An easy way to do this is with beauty products like lipstick or nail polish.  You can always add accessories in that color too!

-Amy

 

Black x Florals

Boston, Boston blogger, Fashion, feminine, florals, ootd, outfit, outfit inspiration, street style, womens fashion, womenswear, work outfit

I kept my outfit monochromatic and added color with a floral blazer and pastel pumps.  The high neckline of the turtleneck intensifies the black in the blazer and brings out the pinks and reds.

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The turtleneck is from Nordstrom BP, the blazer is by Lush, the jeans are from JCrew and the pumps are from Nordstrom Rack and by 14th and Union.  The earrings are from Bloomingdales and by AQUA and the ring is from Cusp.

-Amy