Young Professional and Fashionable

Yes, it is Spring time, although lately it has felt as if Summer had reared it's blazing hot head, and we all know what that means, EXPOSURE!!!! Skin fest here we come, right? WRONG. It is 6:45 pm and you have yet to decide what to wear to work, that expresses your inner Spring you. You work in a high profile office (or not) and flip flops and that pair of khaki cargo shorts, no matter how embellished, heeled, or starched they maybe, are not gonna cut it! At this point you need to pull out the tried and tested black suit that every school told you was the standard dress for any job and get to work on time, just know we are headed shopping at 5pm, sharp!
So you made it through morning meetings, brunch, afternoon meetings, lunch, conference calls, and evening meetings. Did I mention meetings? Oh I did, okay so you know better than anyone what you need... Shopping!

Here's what we are looking for:
GUYS:
-Classic suits in grays, blues
- Sports coats in varying textures and materials that are season appropriate (now is not the time for velvet, who wears that to the office anyway?)
- Crisp polos in pastels
- Button down in lighter hues, save the bright colors and busy patterns for the club buddy
- Cardigans are in so wear them, they come in a variety of shades and are slightly more versatile than that heavier sports coat
- Pants in lighter cotton blends are cool and breathable look for tans, grays, blues
- The shoe standard is still hard soled and leather; colors slightly adventurous grays, blues, browns (see a pattern here); NO white socks boys!
- Ties are still the easiest way to add flare to your ensemble. There are so many possibilities. Color and pattern blending is definitely great and really eye catching.

Ladies:
- Suits, look for classic lines with added flare, like a tulip or pleated skirt. Many are sold in separates that give a pant and skirt option, get both and double your wardrobe instantly! Colors such as grays, browns, greens and blues are to start with as a base. Remember ladies skirts should come to the knee or right (1- 11/2 inches) above the knee.
- Blazers or the jackets from your suits are great paired with pants and skirts and for after 5 fun they are great with jeans too! Your suit skirt can also go from day to night with a neckline adjustment before you head out on the town.
- Twinsets are awesome! they can be paired with pants or skirts and allow for a more casual alternative to a suit while still looking tailored and professional. You will be a knock out in a cute demin skirt and highly trendy in a great fitting pair of jeans on the weekends too.
- Pumps (and diamonds) are a woman's best friend... especial a 9 to 5 woman. However, before you run out and justify your next Jimmy Choo purchase take this to mind. Pumps should be 2.5 to 3 inches high and very comfortable (the better they are constructed the more comfortable). Look for classic refined heel styles with a slightly rounded point toe. For you ladies the color burst wide open, do be sensible, neon yellow with fuchsia and orange flowers is not office appropriate!!! Steer clear of the strappy sandals and keep the 4 inch heels in the trunk for the club.
- Accessories are the icing on the cake... and by cake I mean you! Do not over do it, you are still going to work. You do not have to wear complete sets, give your self some room to wiggle. Keep some classic pieces like pearls, and diamonds, but look for those defining pieces as well. Earrings should be no larger than dimes or nickles and should hang no lower than the chin (1- 11/2 inches). Necklaces allow for more liberty but should be worn underneath the jacket, blazer or cardigan above the shell or blouse. When I think of bracelets and rings the standard is watch (1) and ring (1) on the hand you do not write with and bracelet (1) or bangles (3) and ring (1) on the hand that you do use to write. There is no need to come to work looking like that lady at the bar that wears EVERY single piece of jewelry that she owns... that is CRAZY and tacky.
- Colors are necessary and look great in moderation and when blended properly. A splash of color really livens up and adds depth to a wardrobe. A fuchsia blouse underneath a gray suit with green, yellow and/ or blue accessories really makes it pop! Great colors for spring include pastels, minty greens, candy pinks, tropical corals, deep sea blues, sunny yellows, and bright oranges.
Patterns are great as long as they are not too busy or there are not too many of them.
- Bags should be multifunctional. There is no need to two large bags, one on each shoulder, you will look like a bag lady. Look for one bag that is large enough for a pair of cute flats, a clutch or large wallet, a cosmetic bag and your laptop. The clutch and shoes you can change into for lunch and who does not need a cosmetic bag? Remember your bag does not have to match your shoes, that matches your belt, that matches your earrings!!! Steer clear of Betty boop, chains, and rhinestones... how old are you? 22+, enough said.

Just remember with pattern mixing one pattern should be the focus so it will be larger and bolder than the other.

After along day of shopping go home turn on your ihome and rock out to your favorite tunes while putting away your new duds and running some hot bathwater with lots of bubbles and lavender and/or eucalyptus while sipping on some chilled riesling... mmm yeah.