Werk.

If you follow me on Instagram, you've known for about a month now that I'm officially a member of Corporate America. The transition to 9-5 life has been an interesting one but I think I'm finally starting to figure out the work/life balance and am glad to be back from my  [unanticipated] blogging hiatus! 

My current position is as an executive for one of the nation's premier retailers. That being said my work wardrobe is 95 percent black but, because I work in such a fashion oriented business and will forever be a fashionista at heart, I've made a point to create a work wardrobe that includes more than black suit separates.

 These past five weeks I've had lots of fun experimenting with different textures and fabrics and maybe a bit too much fun buying funky accessories to add some flair to my professional looks.This is a typical work outfit for me - polished, sleek and stylish. I'm particularly smitten with this faux-leather dress because it can easily be transitioned into the fall with boots and tights. These color block wedges are also my latest obsession. Not only are they comfortable but look great with nearly everything. 

Dress: Gianni Bini (similar) / Wedges: Express / Bag: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Charming Charlie / Rings: Express 

 Even though this outfit is for work, something about it screams "Werk." -- and that's exactly how I like it. Who says professional attire has to lack pizzazz? 

Summer Essential

Hat: Wet Seal / Dress: Gianni Bini / Shoes: ZooShoo / Shades: Citi Trends 

A big floppy hat is one of my summer essentials. Not only does it serve a great functional purpose on a bright sunny day but, it is also one of the most fashionable accessories around. Last week, Wet Seal was running its classic buy one get one for a penny sale and my mom (who is currently cruising the Caribbean) needed a floppy hat for herself. She decided spare a penny on my behalf so I could have one as well. This outfit is ideal for brunch with friends or a dressy dinner. 

Pink Pants

Top: c/o Deb (similar) / Pants: Gianni Bini via Dillards (similar) / Shoes: ZooShoe 

My good friend Amanda and I posed on the red carpet together before the show

Last week I attended the 17th annual AATS Fashion Expose at N.C. State. All four years that I have been a student at N.C. State, the AATS Fashion Expose has always given me a fun reason to get dressed up, and this year was no different.  I decided to go for an effortlessly chic look in my hot pink Gianni Bini wide leg trousers, crop top and single sole black sandals. 

Of all the purchases I have made in the past month or two, these pants are hands down, my favorite. I found them buried alongside tons of other great finds in the Dillard's Clearance center in High Point, N.C. In addition to the fact that they're pink, I knew these were the perfect pair of pants because they were only $9.99, $80 cheaper than they're original price. 

When it comes to accessories, I am a bit of a minimalist. For this particular look, I slicked my hair behind my ear, threw on my go-to lipstick shade (MAC Hangup), gold hoops and the chunky gold bracelet from Rue21 that I don't think I can go more than two days without wearing. It was my friend Amanda's birthday, so of course I had to pose with her on the AATS Red Carpet. 

We clean up nice, if I do say so myself. 

Soul Sista

Dress: Goodwill/ Shoes: Gianni Bini / Bracelet: Rue21/ Ring: OldNavy 

I LOVE this dress. In fact the instant I ran across it in the Goodwill I said a silent prayer that it would fit and boy did I breathe a sigh of relief when I got into the dressing room and it did. It doesn't have any type of tag or size on the inside of it but it reminds me of a Missoni print. I guess this is why it also reminds me of the 70s, since Missoni was super popular during the 70s.

These shoes were a surprise gift from my mother. Earlier in the summer I had been talking to her a lot about how I wanted some chunky platforms. When I got these I thought they were adorable but really had no idea what I would wear with them. Finding this dress, quickly answered that question and together the pair made for an outfit reminiscent of something that a real Soul Sista would wear.

Beetle Juice

Shirt: Kohls/ Shorts: Lucky Brand via T.J. Maxx/ Sandals: Rue21/ Earrings: OldNavy/ Belt: Target/ Bracelet: Charlotte Russe/ Sunglasses: Gianni Bini 

This past weekend I attended the African American Culture Festival in downtown Raleigh and this is what I wore. When I met my friends downtown, one of them looked at me and the first thing she said was, "You look like Beetle Juice." If you know who/what Beetle Juice is, you would understand why I gave her a salty glare in response.

Despite being told that I looked like a zombie, I think this look was a hit, and perfect for the transitioning weather.Plus these shorts were on clearance for only $3! The inspiration for this outfit came as I was scrolling through my Pinterest boards and came across a neon green monochromatic outfit pinned beside a pair of black and white stripped pants. I instantly thought of these shorts and shirt and paired the two together!

This is a simple look that I would wear again with flats or heels. Pairing shorts with a button down is also an easy way to make daisy dukes a little less risque.

How Could I Forget!?

You ever mean to do something but somehow forget? Yeah, me too. Which would explain the looks in this post-- all ones that I forgot to post, until now! 

                                                                     

Stepping Out 

I wore this sassy look to the Spring Step Show at school. The romper is Gianni Bini and super comfortable. My wedges are some of my favorite Steve Maddens ones that my dad purchased for me about two years ago now. I finished off the look with my Forever21 gold earrings and cat eye shades.

Teacher Shirt 

A fabulous find from the thrift store, this retro blouse reminded me of something a teacher would wear in the 70s. I wore it to my Great Grandma Mae's 90th birthday party paired with my orange chiffon skirt, emerald green cardigan from Old Navy, tights and sparkly black booties from Forever21. I remember getting lots of compliments on this look and specifically a lady yelling across a store to tell me that I looked "so ladylike and cute!" 

Purple Cheetah

I wore this purple number that I picked up on clearance at Dillard's to my best friend's 21st birthday.  The shindig was a bit of a classy affair so my monochromatic purple look fit the bill for appropriate attire. When I couldn't decide on what shoe's to wear with the look, I threw on my cheetah print Jessica Simpson's in frustration. Surprisingly enough though, they looked good! I accesorized with gold hoops and a gold pendant necklace that I purchased from Francesa's. 

Painted On

On the Eve of New Year's, I made my way out in black sequined leggings that looked like they were painted on to my body, my black chiffon top, black faux leather jacket and bright pink BCBG pumps. This look was so effortless and very sexy, if I do say so myself! 

Golden Girl

So, this little stunner is what I wore out to celebrate the completion of my Junior year of  college and the end of the semester. The gorgeous dress was only $14 at the Dillard's clearance center in High Point , NC. I loved the peplum and it didn't hurt that it fit my body great. My shoes were also a fab find from Shi by Journeys...only $19.99. They are magenta platforms with a gold heel and t-strap. I polished the look off with my fave Forever21 gold earrings and a single gold cuff. 

Which of these forgotten fits do you like the best? I think I'm sold on this last one!