Navigating a new dress code

I touched on some new job jitters, but I'm starting to get settled a few weeks into the gig. Though I'm in roughly the same industry as I was back in California, I have noticed some notable changes in the dress. The differences are due in part to company culture/environment and in part due to the different sartorial sensibilities of Miamians (vs. Sacramentans).

My observations so far:

In
Dresses – A popular choice around the office and a good go-to option. Hemlines are also a little more relaxed here.

Walking-friendly shoes – It's a big campus, and I learned quickly to wear comfortable shoes. Those blisters from week one are still fading.

Color – A Miami thing, perhaps? There was a lot more black and gray in Sacramento.


Out
Suits – A rarity in our office, even for VPs. I wore one for the interview and again last week (for a photoshoot), and totally looked out of place.

Jeans – We have casual Fridays, but folks rarely wear jeans. I need to get some non-jean casual pants (do these black skinnies work?).

I've spent most of this first month erring on the conservative side, and it still remains to be seen if and how my old work style will change. Some of it is just personal preference. My wont for a crisp button-up isn't echoed much in my office, but reflects my personal style, so that's something I'll likely keep. 

How much do you change your work style from one office environment to another? What regional/industry differences have you noticed?

Executive Summary | Links for your weekend | 06.01.11

Detail on a fab new dress I got from the Citizen Rosebud at our blogger meet-up last night. I'm going to miss these ladies!

Happy Fourth of July weekend! I attended my last (::sniff sniff::) Sacramento fashion blogger meet-up last night at Thinkhouse Collective, and let's just say K sent me a text at 10 p.m. asking if I was okay (meet-up started at 6).

Truth is—I was more than okay. I was having a nice chat with Melody and Skylar while Nikki, Kari, Bella, Ann, Madeline, Kara, and Kerry hung out nearby. Vanessa and Sarah stopped by, too, but had left by that point. Bella sent me home with two dresses. She has a great supply of vintage in her space at Thinkhouse...I wish you all could see it. Colors and prints galore.

One of the biggest changes that blogging has had on my life is connecting me with new friends that start on the screen and end up face-to-face, like this group of ladies. I would never had met any of them if Bella hadn't emailed me randomly one day last fall. I've eaten, drank, shopped, crafted, and chatted with these gals time and again. Sure, it sounds a little cheesy, but I'm an introvert and making new friends can be intimidating. Remembering how quickly and easily these friendships started gives me hope for Miami, since I currently know exactly 0 people in South Florida (13 days until moving day). I know things will be great and that we'll meet people easily, but I'll admit this kind of stuff makes me anxious.

Anyhoo, here are your links. Linky link links.

Style and fashion

• Beautifully Invisible: We are women. We are beautiful. We are real. (love love love this!)
• Oomph: Confessions of a mirror (how amazing is this manicure?)
• No Guilt Fashion: What they wore Wednesday: Colored pencil skirts
• Already Pretty: Reader Request: Summer style minus a tan (SPF is a good thing.)
• Design for Mankind: Hand-painted blouse (swoon)
• Smart Money: 10 things shopping malls won't tell you

Career and office

• Lifehacker: Give yourself a reality check to stay positive at the office
• ReadWriteWeb: 6 excellent tools for writing without distractions
• Jane Has A Job: Do you tattoo?
• Pretty Young Professional: 6 easy networking tips for introverts

After hours

• I am Style-ish: Week in iPhone pics: Taiwan! (I was born in the U.S. but most of my family lives in Taiwan.)
• Inspired Magazine: 40 minimalist print ads that'll catch your eye
• Lifehacker: How to store food properly in the freezer and fridge

Blogging bits

• Copyblogger: How to beat the 3 types of writer's block
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Busting through blogging plateaus

Shameless plugs

• I chatted about interview wear at the ABCs of College this week. 
• Have you entered my giveaway yet? Win a $50 gift card to a retailer of your choice from Go Chic and Go Home! Giveaway closes tonight, so act fast.

What were your favorite reads this week?

Roll up your sleeves, get ready to go

BR Factory blouse - 2009 - $6 (similar) / Banana Republic pencil skirt - 2010 - $60? (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Siobhan pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 (available) / Rampage trench via Macy's - 2007 - gift card (similar) / Necklace via Gottschalk's - 2008? - $6 (similar) / Grouse and Badger ring - 2010 - $5 (available)

Yesterday's post took a huge load off. Here is an outfit I actually wore this week!  Wednesday wasn't anything special at the office (but no excuse needed when dressing up), but I did go to a happy hour blogger meet-up afterward! Lesson learned--never make dinner plans with the husband when you're going to meet a bunch of girls for happy hour beforehand. I had to leave before all the gals even arrived! Next time I'm sticking it out.  I had a blast hanging with (and, for some, meeting for the first time) Keri, Bella, Melody, Erin, Tami, Bibi, Jen, Sarah, Ann, Jennine, and Lisa. It should be criminal to have so much fun on a weeknight.


It's almost spring time! Y'all know you're supposed to spring forward this Sunday, right? Well, now you do. That means even later sunsets and even more time for outdoor photos! Can't wait! See the bare legs?


What worked
Funny story about this outfit--on Monday night, K and I went to Target, where I picked up a new pair of trouser jeans (one can never have too many). He gave me a sideways glance when he saw me throw them into the cart and asked warily, "Don't you already have a pair of wide-leg jeans?" I explain to him the difference between wide-leg and trouser (and between my old trouser jeans and these new trouser jeans). He replies, "Well, I just don't think wide-leg jeans look that good. I like when you wear those high-waisted slim skirts with the button-down top tucked in."  It must have stuck with me, because I threw this on just a few mornings later. I didn't recall this earlier conversation until halfway through the day. So yeah, it works.


What didn't
Nada. I *heart* this.


How have others' opinions shaped what you've worn (consciously or subconsciously)? Who's advice do you ask?

Executive Summary | Links for your weekend | 12.10.10

Candles! The first thing I do when I get home for work is light up some of these babies.

Holy moly, guys. It's Friday! Today is super busy--deadlines at work and our annual office holiday lunch and gift exchange--so I'll just let you enjoy some links.

Style and fashion

• We all know someone who isn't as secure about their body image as they should be (I have some wonderfully beautiful friends who have not yet learned to appreciate their own beauty).  Here are some tips to be a body image role model for others (check the comments, too!). [Already Pretty]
• Check out this hilarious animated video from one of my fave new remixers. [Hudson's Happenings]
• I'll be the first to admit I get way more catalogs than I need, especially since I am not shopping. Here are some tips on tearing yourself away from the lure of catalogs. [Already Pretty]

Career and office

• Love office supplies? Check out these ornaments, hacked from or inspired by your faves. [Shoplet]
• For the first two years at my job, I took the bus, which in the winter meant walking several blocks in the dark by myself. My boss was always worried, but I had a few tricks up my sleeve for safety (a hugely heavy purse and the pointy-keys-through-the-fingers fallback).  Here are some more tips to keep yourself safe, even if you're a car commuter (like I am now). [Classy Career Girl]
• I love walking the aisles of Sephora trying on perfumes, but I never wear them into the office. How about you? [Corporette]
• Negotiating is always a touchy subject...these tips help you be prepared for the process and get your way (or something close to it). [Classy Career Girl]

After hours

• It's been a while since my wannabe design-nerd side has come out, but it's out in full force this week!  Pantone announced its color of the year and a forecast for what's to come in 2011. [Simply Stated by Real Simple]
• Bloggers--stay engaged with your readers to keep them coming back. I love this post, but you should also click through to the other FBFF gals, who have some great ideas and tips. [Grit and Glamour and Modly Chic]

Sacramento

• If you haven't stopped by the new Citizens of Rosebud found treasures shop, make sure to do so next weekend when they're open! I've been dying to stop by.
• Enter my giveaway to win a $15 gc to Heart Clothing Boutique, or stop by the shop and mention "new professional" for a 15% discount. Giveaway ends Wednesday.

What good reads did you find this week?

A little bit country

The Rundown:
4 + 18 + 27
Vintage braided belt - 2010 - $7 (similar)
Simply Vera Wang tights (via Kohl's) - 2009 - Christmas gift (available)
Kmart socks - 2006 - ?? (similar)
Urban Outfitters double-finger ring - 2010 - birthday gift (available)
New Old Jewelry earrings - 2010 - blogger meetup swag bag (similar)

Another cold and rainy day, another verging on casual outfit. I've only worn this skirt once so far in the challenge, but it is a really great skirt. Seeing there are only a few days left, I figured I should give the skirt its due, and tossed it on today. It's a great shape to pair with a button-up, and of course I mixed the brown and black (again).  Still kept my down parka on all day at work though...having a window is great but the draft makes my cubicle noticeably cooler than the rest of the office. Evidence: I was talking to our receptionist, who sits nowhere near a window, and was sweltering in my coat. Made a mental note to doff it once I got back to my desk. As soon as I reach my desk, I feel the chill coming in through my coat, so I kept it on. It's that noticeable.

Lip color experiment is on hold for today, mainly because I left my lipgloss at work on accident. So you won't be missing out on another lipgloss that doesn't add any color to my lips. This color thing is harder than I thought it would be.

How about these earrings? They're from the Sacramento Fashion Blogger Meetup...New Old Jewelry's Steven Millington-Foster sells his goods at the Midtown Bazaar, a weekly indoor event featuring local crafters.  Check it out.

What worked:
Back to my proportions--fitted on top, volume on bottom.  Oh well.  It works.  I was considering pulling a full week of neutrals, but forgot the past two days by putting some red in there. So maybe it's neutrals + red week. How festive of me.

What didn't:
Nothing in particular.  Don't you just love those days?

No question today--open thread! Write whatever you want in the comments (within reason and with respect to one another, of course).

I think you can guess what tomorrow's outfit will be based on today's title...

A shawl to stay warm

The Rundown:
6 + 7 + 15 + 29 
Forever 21 necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)
DIY cowl - 2009 (similar)
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint #1138

I woke up this morning to the soothing pitter patter of raindrops on our deck. So soothing that it nearly soothed me back to sleep. Luckily I tore myself away from my warm bed and got myself to work. I'm getting a little sick of my combinations, so I threw on this cowl/shawl to mix it up a bit.  I was inspired by a cowl I saw on etsy last year so I made one. I like it a lot. Sometimes I toss around the idea of starting an etsy store, but there are already a ton of really talented vendors on etsy and the last thing I need right now is another project. But if you'd like I can do a basic tutorial on it!  I also recently crocheted a similar (but smaller) neckwarmer for my best friend's birthday after I saw she'd linked a few etsy ones on her gift list.

Lip color experiment: lip gloss.  This one does not show as much as I thought it would. The tint, when it comes out, is a bright red. 

After work I headed over to Created in California, a great event organized by Juniper James to showcase local Sacramento designers.  My faves were Marty May and Morris & Terry.  Had a great time with my other blogger gals, too!

What worked:
The cowl! I've never actually worn it all day as a shawl before, but I really liked it. It really made the outfit. So comfy. (can you tell that's my buzz word this week?)

What didnt:
I'd rather not have worn jeans on a Wednesday, but it was a good day for that.

What do you revert to on days you really really want to be comfortable but still have to get it together for work?

The Heart of Sacramento [and local giveaway!]

I've mentioned before how amazing the Sacramento fashion community is. Often shadowed by the big city glitz of nearby San Fran, Sac has a flourishing local economy that seriously supports each other. I'm so excited to be part of this, starting with my recent visit to Heart Clothing Boutique.

Sacramento lifer Vanessa Lopez opened this sweet gem just a few months ago, and it exudes her fun personality, from the signature white deer head greeting you to the delightful display of sparkles under the counter.  I found some great pieces that were within my budget (were I shopping) and perfect for work...I've already warned Vanessa to watch out for March when I'm on the loose again. It's nestled in a cozy spot on 19th and Capitol

Here are some photos for my visit. Sacto folks--keep reading for a special offer just for you after the eye candy.

 Tulle

 5th Culture

Did not catch the label, but a really pretty top.

Now that you're as in love with this boutique as I am, I've got a special gift for Sacto gals!

Giveaway time!

One lucky Sactown gal will win a $15 gift certificate to Heart Clothing Boutique! Get up to three entries to increase your chances:

1. Comment on this post and leave your email address for one entry.
2. Follow the New Professional via Google Friend Connect, RSS, or Bloglovin for a second (note in the comments).
3. Tweet about this giveaway for a third (note in the comments).

Contest closes next Wednesday, December 15, at 11:59 p.m. Winner will be announced next Friday. Contest open to Sacramento area residents (I want you to be able to use it!).

In the meantime, the New Professional readers will receive a 15% discount from now through January 31 at Heart Clothing Boutique--just mention "New Professional." Go! Shop!


For my readers outside of Sacramento, I still love you. Unfortunately Heart has yet to expand to online retail, but when they do you'll be the first to know.

Fun with Fashion Bloggers

After watching fashion bloggers everywhere get together, I was finally fortunate enough to get to attend a fashion blogger meet-up of my own! Sacramento, while lesser known than other large cities in California, has a vibrant creative, artistic, and new media community.  I can be quite shy around new people, but these girls are so fun that by the end of the afternoon we were gabbing like old friends.  Take a peek (photos courtesy of Citizen Rosebud, our fearless organizer).

L-R: Coco, Kari, me, Nikki, Natale, Melody, and Bella

Jen (she took the photo above)

We hit up the Midtown Bazaar (where Natale got that rockin' red poncho) and then to Streets of London for some drinks.

What to wear to a fashion blogger meetup? The tried-and-true dress + boots uniform works.

Or how about shorts plus tights (LOVE those Xs--they're only on the back) and flat oxfords.

Our group was diverse in so many ways, but our love of fashion (both our own and being able to appreciate others) and Sacramento brings us all together. Since this is a career-oriented blog, I checked in with some of the ladies after the meetup with a few career questions.

Bella - The Citizen Rosebud
Current job: Presently my "day" job is being a freelance writer and street style photographer. At the moment, it is also my night job.

Dream job: My dream job is to be a full-time artist who organically gardens and cooks delicious vegetarian meals for friends made from seasonally grown produce. Who also happens to rock the vintage for a living. 

Nikki - Little Bits of NikkNak
Current job: I am currently working as a high school photography teacher. I love sharing the experience of 35mm cameras and a wet lab with students who were raised in a digital world! I see my job as giving students an outlet for their creativity, emotions, and experiences.

Dream job: My dream job would be teaching painting. It is my artistic medium of choice and I feel more connected to the material. My dream job would also include owning and running my own vintage and handmade shop. Creating an inspiring and beautiful place full of little treasures and beautiful things to share with others would be magical! :)

Coco - Muffin Top Baby
Current job:  Well, my day job pretty much IS my blog. I try to post daily, but even when I don't, my time is spent trend-hunting, digging up the latest and greatest, and sharing my personal inspiration with my readers! When it comes down to it, thats all I want to do really: I want to inspire other life-size and plus-size girls like myself to be as fashionable and stylish as THEY want to be, not how others tell them to be. Just because we may not have the body of a runway or editorial model, doesn't mean we can't look stylish and hip. I think every girl should strut the sidewalk like its her very own runway! I also do some modeling alongside my blog, which isn't a bad gig either ;)

Dream job: I'm currently in the process of making my dream come true, as I'd love to ultimately do what I'm doing now: reporting on fashion and the industry. I'd also love to work as a spokesmodel for some of my favorite brands/companies and designers. I think every girl dreams of one day being a face for some of her favorite designers and for me, I'd love to be the first plus model to walk for Elie Saab and John Galliano. (A girl can dream, can't she? ;D) and perhaps get the chance to go to Europe and work with plus modeling agency 12+UK.

Natale - Evelesco
Current job: During the day I work as an assistant producer and bookkeeper for a post production studio in midtown. It's been a great opportunity to get into the creative and professional world of TV, radio, and film production.

Dream job: My dream job is big. And that's about as far as I've got :) Whatever it ends up being, it wouldn't be a dream if it didn't allow me time to blog, craft, travel, ride my bike, and spend time with my lovely boyfriend and adorable kitty.


Check out more coverage of the meet-up (including pics of stylish gals on bikes!) at these ladies' blogs:

• The Citizen Rosebud by Bella. Also check out her other blog: Street Style Sacramento.
• Little Bits of NikkNak by Nikki. This gal can DIY like nobody's business.
• It's All Happening by Melody. Check out her 31 dresses project (it's not too late to vote!)
• Wade and Associates by Jen. If you're looking for a vintage shopping destination in Sac, this gal is your greatest resource.
• Muffin Top Baby by Coco. She is so friendly and fabulous.
• Juniper James by Kari. Check out this blog if you love local Sac fashion and conscientious shopping.

Have you attended a blogger meet-up? If you're a Sacto style blogger and not already in our Facebook group, let me know and we'll get you in there!