Casual Fridays Do Not Have To Be Blahdays!

If you work in an office like me, you most likely have a fashion phenomenon that occurs each Friday called "Casual Friday". Most people I know don't have a a problem dressing business, or business casual the rest of the week, but for some reason when Casual Friday comes along people are not sure what to wear. The pitfall I am speaking of is not over-dressing but under-dressing. I may be unpopular after writing this, but I feel that hoodies or bunnyhugs (which is what they are called in Saskatchewan), rockstar type or worn out jeans, gym sneakers, leggings without a dress or long tunic over top, yoga/athletic pants, unkempt hair, and no make-up have no place in an office - even on Casual Fridays. Just because it's a Casual Friday does not mean you let yourself go and look like you've started the weekend early.

So, what does one wear? Because fashion is visual, I think the best way is to show you five of the outfits I have worn on Casual Fridays in the hopes that you might find something to inspire you.

Outfit One

My trick for spicing up a casual look is to throw on some unexpected items with faded jeans and a t-shirt like a jaunty scarf and coral heels.

Outfit Two

Yes a plaid shirt and jeans is very casual indeed. But with a white blazer and some stylish boots, I could be off to my office job or maybe even a Polo match.

Outfit Three

Dark denim trousers always look right on track for the Casual Fridays. But instead of pairing a stuffy white blouse with them, I chose pops of colour to give a nod to the current trend of colour blocking. I do love orange oh so very much!

Outfit Four

While this may look dull, drab and boring at first, I assure you it is not. This photo doesn't show you what I have on underneath my suit coat very well. This is a good choice for that Casual Friday where you are heading out to drinks with the girls afterwards. Because for a night on the town, all you need to do is take off your jacket and...

Voilà!! Just add a clutch and some dangly earrings (which you of course brought to work with you) and you're ready to party!

Outfit Five

Okay, if everything thus far seemed a bit too dressy for you, this should make you happy! Yes I am wearing a tank top, jeans, and sneakers, but I am also wearing a cute argyle cardigan. Argyle always elevates and refines an outfit. Also please note I am not wearing gym sneakers but clean, stylish, fashion sneakers.

See you Wednesday!

Joelle

Ten Holiday Style Tragedies To Avoid

My apologies on being away from the blog last week. I cleaned the house top to bottom, had a party, had two houseguests, and then caught the flu. I may not update on Wednesday being that this is a crazy time of year, but Zeke will be here Friday with his Faux Paw.

This holiday season you might have to go to a party or two so I thought I would discuss the top ten mistakes people do when getting ready for the big event.

1. Open Toed Shoes And Sheer Stockings

I know Zeke discussed this as one of his fashion faux paws recently, but it never hurts to repeat this one again. If you can't go barfooted in open toed shoes, then it's time to buy a cool pair of closed toe shoes.

2. Overdone Hair

It's time to stop using a can of hairspray to do your hair for evening. Your dress should take centre stage, so why not try more of a natural look such as a ponytail with a section of hair wrapped around the elastic? Or a messy updo?

3. Too Much Cleavage

A Christmas party is not a nightclub! Showing some cleavage is acceptable but if your dress has a neckline that plunges more than half-way down your upper arm, you will look trashy, not sexy.

4. Excessive Bling

If aliens can see you from outerspace, then you've overdone it with the sequins. Yes holiday parties are a great time to break out the sparkle, but limit it to one item. For example, wear a sparkly skirt with a non-sparkly blouse.

5. Visible Panty Line (VPL)

It's never a good idea to have a visible panty line in any outfit you wear, however it looks even more cheesy when you dress up. Wear a super thin thong, laser cut panty, or full coverage pantry to have people looking at you, not your bum.

6. Tight Dress

Too tight is not right! You will want to move around freely and even dance at some parties. It is never good to look like a stuffed sausage. And you will want to have some breathing room with all the yummy goodies that will be everywhere.

7. Holiday Themed Sweater

This should be a no brainer, but in case there is one person out there I can get through to about this, then it will be worth it. Holiday themed sweaters make you look fumpy not festive and haven't been in style since the eighties. People nowadays even have ugly sweater theme parties to mock them.

8. Wearing Green And Red Together

We get it, it's Christmas! You don't have to be obvious about what time of year this is. Green and red will always scream Christmas and don't look that wonderful together. Wear a red dress or a green dress instead.

9. Business Attire

The only appropriate time to wear business atire to a Christmas party is if it's an office party. Otherwise dress up! If you have to go to a party right after work, then plan ahead. Take a wrap (to wear instead of your suitcoat), evening shoes, a clutch, and some statement jewelry to work with you the day of the party.

10. Make-Up Overload

Yes this is the time to wear red lipstick, but if you do, then tone down your eyes and cheeks. If you desire a dramatic smoky eye, then wear a natural blush and lipstick.







Now get out there and paaaaaarty!!!

Joelle