Red - Yes, You CAN Wear it to Work!

So, as I begin blogging again, I thought I would be easy on myself, and work on a different color and how to "werk" it and look beautiful at work.

I previously talked about the Little Black Dress, and realized that so many people stick with their basic color scheme, and what they think looks best on them. I am not excluded. For years, I refused to buy anything red, because I was scared I would look like a hussy. But, I realize, red is a color that can be vibrant, youthful, and can really make a girl stand out in a boring crowd.

In my ease into a bold red, I thought I would purchase a red shoe (who doesn't love a red shoe?). I figured, how hard can it be to wear red? So, I purchased the cutest red shoes:

Now, this is totally out of my comfort zone, so I will keep the dress simple, and wear something like:

Red dresses are totally appropriate for the office IF you downplay the accessories and wear a conservative length and a great pair of nude pumps/sandals/flats (metallic works too):

Not feeling the red dress? Still nervous? Ok, ok. Check out the red accessories you can pair with a basic dress:



I think I am in love with red now. Happy Planning!

Little Black Dress Fundamentals (But Not Too Little)

I know its been a long time since I've posted to my blog. My bad. Between working, planning my wedding, and more working, blogging just fell to the wayside. But, the good news is I'm back. And what better way re-enter the blogosphere than to discuss what you should NEVER wear to work. EVER.

I recently attended a meeting at work and I saw someone who was wearing what looked like a little black dress (emphasis on little), and some "go get 'im heels." Now... if I weren't so shocked, I would have taken a picture, so you will just have to imagine it. I just happened to see her boss's reaction, and it was a look of sheer horror.

In reflection of the little black horror, let's revisit the fundamentals of the little black dress. Think Audrey Hepburn meets Chanel meets parisian chic:

1. Little Black Dresses (LBD's) should fit properly and look amazing. In the workplace, think, "Well Fitting Black Dress."



2. When in the work place environment, hem lines should stop at the knee or just above. At no point should your thighs be seen (do the "sit" test before you leave out in the morning).

3. If you would consider wearing it for girls night out or a bachelorette party, it probably isn't appropriate to wear to work or a work function.

4. Don't wobble around in too tall heels. Attractive colorful flats are professional and comfortable.


5. Accessorize with a lightweight cardigan in chilly offices.

6. Don't over accessorize a timeless black dress! Classic looks speak for itself.

7. Think different colors... Navy and White are also beautiful in the summer months.

Statement Jewelry: Stand Out in a Crowd

I attended a conference back in the spring, and I watched the mayor of a little known city to tell a room full of meeting professionals about the great things about the city. As I watched her on the screen, I noticed something peculiar. Although her makeup was flawless, suit well tailored, and hair gleaming, she wore no jewelry. No earrings, no necklace, no watch. Nothing. Sigh.

I thought to myself, "why on earth would she come to a conference expecting to speak, knowing she would be on a huge screen, and not wear any jewelry?" I suspect her people thought she didn't need any. WRONG.

Jewelry is one of the easiest ways to make your outfit pop. LBDs (little black dresses) pop against a strand of gold. Spring and Resort 2010 runway shows boasted bold colors, statement jewelry and hot new looks that make me want to shop for new pieces. Check out the many creative options!

Anna Sui Spring 2010 (photos courtesy of style.com)

Amrita Singh Jewelry Collection http://www.amritaingh.com/

Steve Madden Fall 2010 collection

http://www.trendhunter.com/link/spring-2010-dandi-maestre

What Not To Wear...When You Travel

As a meeting planning professional, I travel in clothes that are work appropriate because I have to represent my organization. In March 2006, I planned a meeting in Tucson, Arizona. My flight was delayed, and my luggage was lost. I arrived around noon, but my luggage didn't arrive until 3:00 am the next morning. What was I wearing? A thermal long sleeve shirt, jeans and Uggs (what can I say? It was still cold in DC). Thankfully, I received my luggage in time. Based on that experience, I learned early on that, a) don't get on a plane without a change of clothes if I'm checking luggage, and b) get on a plane wearing something I feel comfortable attending a pre-conference meeting.

My family and friends understand that I travel a fair amout. They also know, at least once every month or so, I will be off to some city like Rochester, Minnesota or Scottsdale, Arizona. Accordingly, I have developed an insane obsession with getting to the airport at least two hours early. What do I do to pass the time? People watch of course, and review the odd outfits people choose to travel in. Most are decent, some, not so much.

So, let's start with what NOT to wear when you travel:

1) I can appreciate a good hoodie as much as the next girl. However, knowing there is a time and place for this kind of attire, is half the battle. Take said hoodie below:

Do you really want to run into a business colleague in this?

 And not to mention....

Don't. Wear. Words. On. Your. Rear. End. Ever.

2.  Denim, has to be one of the most debated topics. Jeans are fabulous. Jeans work with everything. I fly in denim, so I can't very well tell you that jeans are innapropriate for travel. On the contrary, jeans can be flattering, contemporary, youthful and professional. To venture into this territory, you have to know the dfference between a pair of  clean and classics trousers, to the crap you wore on Saturday morning walking your dog while you were home on spring break. Know the difference. Embrace the difference. Would you rather be seen in this:

Now, on to what TO wear when you travel. There is a huge difference. Take note below:

(all pictures courtesy of sheknows.com)

You decide.

New Job, New Responsibilities, New Clothes

Revamping your wardrobe from college casual to business casual.

You're a recent college graduate, and one of the lucky few who landed a dream job in one of the worst economies in recent history. Congratulations! Unfortunately, you still go to work looking as though you dragged yourself out of bed 10 minutes before your 8:00am International Economics class, after a night of partying with your roommates.

The goal of this blog is to get all new degree holders to know and understand the concept of 'business casual" in the meeting planning and hospitality industry.

According to The New York Times, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together. Or, as Wikipedia, the Internet encyclopedia, put it, business casual is a kind of middle ground between formal business wear and street wear.
As a Meeting Planner, I have been witness to some of the best dressed individuals in the industry, as well as the worst of the worst. You may not want to admit it, but physical appearance is your first and only chance to make a positive first impression. The meetings industry is very small. No matter what you do, or where you go, it is important that you put forth an effort to look professional, groomed, and presentable. Your new boss wants to know that you can hold your own at a cocktail reception and sporting events in box seats with executives and future business colleagues. So please. Take off your Old Navy (and I love Old Navy) circa 2000 t-shirt, and venture into the new territory of … (gasp), dressing for the real world (not MTV).

J.Crew makes some of the best business casual clothes out there for young, hip and modern women. Like this updated, crisp white shirt ($89.50) paired with classic khakis.

Lulu's offers moderately priced clothing for the budget conscious career girl, like this Navy print dress ($55.00).

What if you love the edgy, contemporary look? I am a firm believer of being yourself, but tailoring your signature style in the workplace is key (all courtesy of luckymag.com):

Happy planning!

The Mod Meeting Planner