Florals 101

Florals. We all love them. Some among us hate them, but that's okay. They just haven't found the right kind. What many people who dislike florals is that there are many kinds. They aren't all pink and pretty. Take a gander.
                Hippie                                            Flirty



Tomboy                                                            Nautical

It's all about shape, cut and color. For example: the tomboy elements are boxy, and casual, which are the two things tomboys themselves are drawn to in clothing.
It also has a lot to do with context. Lighthearted events, such as cocktail parties, a night out with the girls, or even book club, are things where florals are the perfect print. For things like funerals, or a blind date you're dreading.
Another issue is that some florals look too little-girlish. Observe.


By adding neutrals (belt, cardi) and adding shoes that have a color in common with the dress (you don't have to do this with just shoes), the overall look becomes more grown up, and professional.

But how do you make florals work.........for work?



Like this. You need to cancel out the frothiness of the floral piece by making everything else work-worthy (skirt, shoes).
Florals are like a touch of sunshine. You want them to brighten your look, not blind everyone.
So remember, shape, cut, color, and balance.
Ciao!

Sexy,Not Skanky-Work Edition

You know the feeling. You feel like everyone wants you, in the naughtiest sense.You have more strut, more swagger. What you're experiencing is called Feeling Sexy, when it's applied to fashion, I call it the Sizzle Factor. The direct correlation to your sizzle and the sizzle of the outfit. This being said, I am not saying that an outfit makes the girl. If you can't handle the sexiness of what you're wearing, don't wear it. Wear what makes you happy. (Cue inspirational piano music)..............
Okay, moment's over. Moving on.

I maintain that sexy is a state of mind, not just a way to dress, so if you are in the right state of mind, shopping and outfit selection shouldn't be too hard.

Work is a zone where you must be very careful.
NO!!!


Adding a blazer and boring pumps to something you would wear on Saturday night does NOT make it appropriate for Monday morning.
Keep it flattering and colorful. As Fergie says, Cleavage is very in your face, but bare leg is sexy, yet appropriate. I agree, I just like to speculate on how much leg is shown. If you have to sit very carefully and walk delicately and slowly in order not to show panties, your skirt is too short for work. Go for styles that are FLATTERING, which means your figure looks good in that item of clothing. Color is also more responsive to the mood. (a tip: several studies have shown that red is the color men are most attracted to sexually)
Spring/Summer- These warm seasons call for bright colors, and light fabrics, but nothing too whimsical. You are going to work, after all.


Fall/Winter- The weather is cooling down, and so must your style, if only by a little. This calls for more durable, serious fabrics. You can keep warm while staying hot by keeping sleek tailored shapes in the look, like so.

There. Functional and you still get that raise.

Work Basics-

A white button down shirt. This crisp, clean must-have automatically takes any outfit from casual to work-ready in seconds.


A pair of slacks. Like the denim shirt, these versatile pants mean business. (Get it? Hehehehe)

One pair of neutral shoes. It doesn't matter if they're boots, heels or flats, just as long as they're a pair you can reserve for work. Colors like brown, black, and gray are good.


Accessories
It goes without saying that accessories are the heroes of every girl's look. They can keep any look from being too blah. But there is a sort of limit when it comes to work. You obviously can't come in with that robot necklace your little sister bought you, or with that emo-looking choker from your vampire-worshipping cousin, unless you work at a bookstore. Good work jewelery doesn't beg  for attention, just throws a bit of color into the look.





Fashion Strudel is not liable for any advances made upon you by your boss or coworkers due to your smokin' style.
Ciao!