hiking in stilettos: work wear

Showing posts with label work wear. Show all posts

Thursday, November 14

The Great Shoe Debate {Continues}

Because I stand for eight to ten plus hours a day, I am always on the look out for cute but comfortable footwear, and this winter is no exception. I am absolutely determined to find a pair of boots that I can stand in all day. Especially since I made it through last year with only a pair of Dansko wedges {and no socks!} and a pseudo-comfortable pair of booties. Let's just say that I had to choose between cold feet or painful soles. Here are some of the contenders....

indigo by Clarks

Toms Wedges

Toms Botas

Dr. Scholl's

Clarks Ignalls

Aerosoles

Clarks

The Aerosoles and Dr. Scholl's pairs are currently on their way to my house for a test run. I am on the fence about the TOMS, simply because my summer pair left my feet a bit achy. Perhaps they are too flat? Either way, those leopard botas are stinking cute, although I'd probably opt for the grey hemp for a more versatile look. I also love the simplicity and color of the suede Clarks booties, but I'm not sure that even that small heel would be the best option for a long work day. They would be really cute with skinny jeans for holiday hosting, though...

Do you have any comfortable shoe suggestions?

I'm all ears.

xoxo

Thursday, January 10

{What I'm Wearing} Ladylike

Loft sweater, Banana Republic pants, Macy's coat, LuLu Townsend heels, Steve Madden bag, F21 scarf, vintage & F21 jewelry

As much as I love pencil skirts and dresses, pants are often more practical in my wardrobe, especially when it comes to work. Add a sparkly sweater, extra special earrings and fitted outerwear, and I feel just as feminine as I would in a skirt and heels.

xoxo

Wednesday, March 31

square shouldered

i often struggle with having a wardrobe that is conservative enough for my professional needs, yet still playful and representative of my personal style. i want to be taken seriously, but i still want to be myself. {my girl kindredly and i were just talking about this the other day, actually.} it is often a difficult line to find, but a challenge that i have enjoyed facing, none the less. it's actually part of the reason that i started this blog...

the combination of a high-waisted skirt and a structured top always makes me feel more professional and put together. i usually try to stick to neutrals like black and gray for a more polished look, especially when including an item with studs or grommets.

when it comes to accessories, i tend to wear one larger statement type piece with basic hoops or pearls {though i wouldn't call my menswear watch a "statement" piece, you get the idea.} i also usually like to have my nails painted a fun but neutral color, so today i went with a neutral pink.

top, f21; skirt, h&m; pumps, nine west (old); watch, target (men's section); essie van d'go polish

what are your secrets for maintaining your style yet conforming to a conservative profession/dress code?

xoxo

ps. stay tuned for an exciting announcement later this week!
it may or may not involve winning something. <3

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Monday, February 1

jimmy choo 24:7

for those of you who haven't heard or seen it yet, here are some of my faves from the jimmy choo 24:7 collection. the collection is designed to take you from day to evening, work to play in one beautifully stylish shoe. i really like this idea since i work in a pretty conservative environment. all of the pieces are versatile and professional while still maintaining that jimmy choo edge that i love so much.

i love the shimmer of this last pair. i would wear them with a crisp white ruffled blouse, a pencil skirt, and some opaque tights. also, not all the shoes in the collection are nude. i am just partial to the nude pumps because they are professional and chic at the same time.

what do you think of the new 24:7 collection?
yea or nay?

images courtesy of jimmy choo
copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Wednesday, July 8

layer alligator

when it comes to work wear, i often have trouble dressing in a way that is conservative enough for the dress code, yet playful enough for my fashion taste. among the ways that i try to combat this is by layering and adding pops of color to otherwise bland outfits.

since i can't pull out my white menswear shirt in the 90 degree heat, i settled for a short-sleeved button down and some audrey-inspired trousers. i added a preppy alligator print pink belt and some heels, and i was set!

{note, i did wear pointy pink flats for a while at work but didn't get a picture of them.}

blouse, Patrick Robinson for Target; audrey trousers, H&M; belt, UO (long ago); heels, Michael Kors

Sunday, June 14

no boys allowed

This menswear-inspired outfit is one of my favorites for a Friday workday. It is perfect for a quick change as it transitions so very easily from work to evening by a simple change of shoes.

vest & heels, H&M; black cigarettes, F21; necklace, The Loft; cameo ring, June Shin

Now it is your turn, my lovelies. What is your favorite work-to-evening outfit?

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Tuesday, June 9

trouser talk

Although I absolutely adore my dresses and skirts due to their overt femininity, I have recently decided that skirts and work simply do not mix. At least not in my field. Squatting, climbing, and bending whilst running around a pharmacy for 8-10 hours a day really necessitates trousers. Not to mention that a lab coat often looks a bit odd when placed over a frilly dress.

Alas, I am on the hunt for the perfect slacks. Of course there are the proverbial black cigarettes that make their rotation approximately three times week, but I am growing weary of wearing only them. I should like a bit more variety in my choice of trousers. Here are some of my favorites thus far.