i know my boss lady wants us to be all business casual, but i had to strongly disagree after being pooped on the 2nd day, 4 years ago. i have about 7 pairs of pants/capris/bermudas i rotate through and pair with solid cotton tops. and i'm pretty sure she hates me for it.

[Edited on June 27, 2011 at 9:29 PM. Reason : ]

6/27/2011 9:28:57 PM

^^

[Edited on June 27, 2011 at 9:33 PM. Reason : DivaBaby19]

6/27/2011 9:33:33 PM

Do you guys have pics you can share of what you think is an awesome example of snazzy business attire?

Also, dresses. What are good examples of business appropriate dresses? I have the biggest problem figuring this one out. I think because I have big boobs so a lot of dresses I look like I'm spilling out of the top, which is no bueno for work. I don't have nearly the same issue with finding business appropriate skirts.

6/27/2011 9:42:06 PM

I loooove your bouquet!!! If I felt wild flowers would work for the beach I'd like something like that. Is that an orange sash I see? Or is it gold? Can't really tell. But you look beautiful.

6/27/2011 9:42:12 PM

Thank god we are casual at the office. Jeans and t-shirts are acceptable as long as the shirts don't have logos on them. Flip flops are also a no-no but sandals and tennis shoes are okay. I only have to worry about business attire if I'm meeting clients or going to some sort of face to face meeting.

It makes getting to work at 7:00am much easier

6/27/2011 9:47:37 PM

So cool that you love it! I am so encouraged right now.

That could be the saturation of color making it look orange. The color on the dress was mixtures of champagne gold and a deeper/darker champagne gold that did look kind of orange in some lights. I was trying to get my dress to look kind of sari like and a common color in them is different color golds.

[Edited on June 27, 2011 at 9:52 PM. Reason : gold]

6/27/2011 9:52:05 PM

wrap dresses, pencil or a-line skirts, structured jackets, i prefer flared or wide leg pants but obviously that is best based on personal shape and preference, scarves can jazz things up, same with belts, you definitely want a good pair of basic heels in black or navy but you can get some fun shoes too. if you absolutely hate heels, try a lower heel. flats are good to throw in the rotation too.

check out work chic for some other examples of trendy business attire. you can find examples of everything from casual to business (suits). http://workchic.com/

go to the jcrew website and look through their suiting section and just see what the models are wearing. same with banana republic.

i personally buy a lot of my business attire from belk and macys because they have a wide selection of basics that are FREQUENTLY on sale (or there are always coupons in the paper). then i add in pieces from banana and jcrew and the more expensive places.

[Edited on June 27, 2011 at 9:55 PM. Reason : .]

6/27/2011 9:54:02 PM

Pic bombing...PLEASE DON'T BE MAD!! Some of the saris from my wedding.


My sister and me.

roommate and qntmsister

bff Dani

my sister Bille

my mama and brother Ian

roommate Rachel

My daddy and me

6/27/2011 10:11:58 PM

Quote :

" check out work chic for some other examples of trendy business attire. you can find examples of everything from casual to business (suits). http://workchic.com/"

Ooh thanks for the link! I know what I'm doing at work tomorrow

6/27/2011 10:21:58 PM

i've also found some decent stuff at chadwicks

i know a lot of people aren't, but i'm a big online shopper, even WITH the hassle of sending it back. for me it beats the mall hassle. with suits i usually like to try them on. but with sweaters, tops, dresses and skirts i usually am ok if i just measure myself and the place has a size chart. unfortunately most of my business stuff (skirts, pants, jackets) has to be altered but i mean, whatever. to me there is almost nothing worse than ill fitting business attire! too tight or too loose or too long is just bad. i can't take people seriously that cannot get their pants hemmed. hahaha...RANT OVER.

chadwicks: http://www.chadwicks.com/chadwicks/

oh and disclaimer: chadwicks can be a little mom-ish (that is who showed me the site in the first place haha) but you can find trendy things or things that work with trendy pieces. they have cute sweaters and tops sometimes. and cute coats in the winter. cute dresses. but yea, you will definitely see some MOM attire. i guess the same can be said for ann taylor but, just an FYI. it isn't super trendy like jcrew and banana.

also maybe a dress like this would be good for da big bosoms? i'm less familiar with that area as mine are small and not apt to spill out haha



[Edited on June 27, 2011 at 10:41 PM. Reason : .]

6/27/2011 10:30:01 PM

punchmonk you have gorgeous eyes

also,

Quote :

""

DO WANT

6/27/2011 10:32:53 PM

I've been looking at clothes now that I'm nearing the end of my preggocy

want. (all from anthropologie)





and these would be easy nursing access too

well shit...the last one already sold out since it went on sale this am wait! found it

[Edited on June 28, 2011 at 12:03 PM. Reason : ]

[Edited on June 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM. Reason : ]

6/28/2011 11:59:28 AM

I really want this blouse:



I wish I could justify $78.

6/28/2011 12:23:59 PM

I LOVE that. Is it from Anthropologie?

6/28/2011 12:28:39 PM

Yep, the Antiquarian Blouse.

6/28/2011 12:34:40 PM

Quote :

"business casual = short sleeves are ok but still nothing sleeveless (imo), open toed shoes are ok but only if they're pumps. sandals, flops & anything without a back (unless it's a sling back) is not ok. also i think you can get away with not wearing panty hose. "

Is this the definitive answer to the "what is business casual?" question?

I have to wear business casual all week for a conference next week, and I'm really lost as to what to pack. Any helpful advice is appreciated!

6/28/2011 9:58:28 PM

conferences are usually held in hotels or big convention centers which means usually cold and a lot of walking

with that in mind, i would wear flats or comfortable heels. regular dress pants with cardigans, button downs etc and bring a nice business type tote if you have one as you're likely to have hand outs and whatnot

i usually ditch the give-away bag bc i hate carrying them around in business settings, i think its tacky (again, opinion)

also make sure you have something nice/presentable to keep your business cards in so you dont have to dig through your purse or give out crumpled cards that have been in your pocket

this is all based on the conferences i have attended. if you still need more help please give us some more info so we can answer more specifically

6/28/2011 10:02:36 PM

Banana Republic is running a HUGE sale. Most of the store is on sale and then everything that is on sale is an additional 40% off. Since it's the end of the quarter, stores want to report good earnings so you'll find a lot of good sales this week on top of the holiday weekend

6/28/2011 10:02:41 PM

you guys prob already know this but now all VS sale bras are 15.99 just fyi. got a cool halter bra.

6/28/2011 10:04:28 PM

Quote :

" Is this the definitive answer to the "what is business casual?" question? I have to wear business casual all week for a conference next week, and I'm really lost as to what to pack. Any helpful advice is appreciated!"

Pretty much, yes. You want dress pants or skirts, and dressy tops, but you don't need to wear a jacket. Twinsets would work well. Keep your shoes clean and neat, but you can wear peep toes if you want. Don't do anything that *looks* like a sandal. As far as tops go, you likely want sleeves, and you don't have to do a button up every day, really any blouse will do, as long as it's not too tight, or too low cut. There's a lot of room to wiggle with Business Casual (and that's what makes it so difficult).

[Edited on June 28, 2011 at 10:05 PM. Reason : ]

6/28/2011 10:05:14 PM

IMO business casual has a BROAD definition and it kind of varies depending on the context of your work environment. like some places are more businessy and some more casual (more khakis and polos for men. in these environments sleeveless shirts and capris are prob fine).

for a conference i would stick to strict business casual (the more business than casual side)

but that is just my opinion

skirts and blouses or a wrap dress + heels is what i would do. or "slacks" and a blouse if pants are more your style.

6/28/2011 10:06:35 PM

It's always best to be a bit overdressed than underdressed.

6/28/2011 10:09:15 PM

im of the opinion that sleeveless shirts (there are always some exceptions) and capri pants are very NOT business casual

it has crept in from people abusing "business casual" dress requirements and has become normal for that particular company (as kadwackle said)

i think every woman needs to FIRST know the "textbook" or more strict definition of professional & business casual dress and THEN made adjustments based on their work environment

6/28/2011 10:13:27 PM

^Definitely agreed. Err on the side of polished and professional.

6/28/2011 10:20:25 PM

I was flat out told no sleeveless, even with nice dresses

Basically, I have to bring a cardigan or have little cap sleeves

6/28/2011 10:21:35 PM

^^^ agreed

BUT

i work at a university and i'm coming to realize that summers (unless you have meetings scheduled) are pretty much a free for all

6/28/2011 10:21:51 PM

^^ totally

and like, those dress bermuda things are cute on models and all but they are def not business casual. someone in an office i worked in got in trouble for wearing them (well not in trouble but the boss lady told her that they weren't approp) and she got all angry

but really. they are shorts. men can't even wear shorts to work for business casual. i dunno. that is just me.

6/28/2011 10:22:45 PM

what is a dress bremuda thing?

and shorts are def NOT business casual!! and sandals.. ugh not either!

the rule of thumb i use if i am unsure.... can you tell if i need/have a pedicure? if the answer is yes, then you prob need a shoe with more coverage

im a huge fan of the peep toe pump but you can only see like 2-3 toes so i think the pedicure question passes. its when you can see cracked feet and or chipped nail polish that its not ok in my book

6/28/2011 10:26:10 PM

agreed totally!!!

one of my law profs totally wore peep toed pumps with suits sometimes. i realize that is a no no but i liked it. i thought it was awesome because its not like she was in court, just the classroom. so i felt like it was ok.

the bermuda dress shorts things are like this:

6/28/2011 10:29:14 PM

It's funny this conversation has come up because HR just sent us the annual "dress code reminder" email this afternoon. Like I mentioned above I work in a really relaxed atmosphere but I have seen people taking it too far. As in, sorry but leggings (not jeggings but actual leggings) are not pants! Also spaghetti strap tank tops shouldn't be worn without a cardigan or jacket over it - even if it is 100 degrees outside. And seriously please leave the rubber/plastic whatever they are crappy $2 flip flops for the beach and in your own free time.

6/28/2011 10:30:29 PM

^^Short suits were common in the firm I worked for a few summers ago. I hated when others would wear them. They looked awful. That trend was nixed fairly quickly by HR...

[Edited on June 28, 2011 at 10:53 PM. Reason : ]

6/28/2011 10:32:17 PM

Can you believe I haven't chimed in yet? haha

Stupid work taking away my attention

6/28/2011 10:42:50 PM

short suits seem comical to me

i can only imagine the people buying them don't have real jobs

sorry to anyone who has one. i just don't understand them, at all.

6/28/2011 10:48:55 PM

the dress shorts look . . . weird

6/28/2011 10:51:11 PM

i know!!

i couldn't believe someone actually wore one to work

6/28/2011 10:52:35 PM

I can see them in a more fun type of job like a PR or Marketing agency (maybe more up north like NYC).

I'm torn on them. Sometimes I look at em and I'm like que? Then other times I think they're kinda fun.

6/28/2011 10:52:39 PM

I don't think anyone could ever take me seriously wearing that

6/28/2011 10:53:25 PM

maybe it's just the model's gigantic 'squatch feet coupled with the knobby knees
I'm tryin' real hard

6/28/2011 10:55:30 PM

this is a hit or miss, some people rocked this last year.

6/28/2011 10:56:05 PM

if you are in the entertainment industry or something or a high fashion industry then yea

but not for your average going to work business casual. no no. not for like the regular ole career.

6/28/2011 10:57:03 PM

They look like something you could wear if you worked in the Tommy Bahama office.

6/28/2011 10:58:26 PM

I don't enjoy the trouser-like cropped pants and pointy-toe high heeled boot combo.

I did however love the more slim fit cropped pant and booties that were huge this past winter

6/28/2011 11:06:54 PM

I'm sorry Golden Girl, but that looks fucking stupid


it reminds me of Kirstie Alley's character showing off her coulats (sp) in Drop Dead Gorgeous

6/28/2011 11:19:02 PM

LOL top 10 movie

I had pants like that in 99 when I started at NCSU! They were tweed though.

6/29/2011 12:07:45 AM

Quote :

"MOUNT ROSE MINNESOTA"

6/29/2011 12:10:10 AM

"Don't ever eat nothin' that can carry its house around with it. Who knows the last time it's been cleaned."

[Edited on June 29, 2011 at 12:23 AM. Reason : I have this on DVD and watch it way more than I should admit]

6/29/2011 12:23:13 AM

tap tap tap


tap tap tap tappity tap tap

I love her dance part


Amber Atkins

6/29/2011 12:23:52 AM

I have a feeling I will be Gladys Leeman when I grow up LOL

6/29/2011 12:27:42 AM

hahahahahaha


I LOVE GLADYS



but srs, can you record yourself pushing around Jesus on a cross? I know you would be the fashionable one

6/29/2011 12:34:04 AM

Quote :

"this is a hit or miss, some people rocked this last year."

never said I'd rock it, nor liked it...

6/29/2011 12:34:54 AM