After what feels like many moons since I’ve woken up at 6am , I get myself dressed for a day at the office. As promised, I found the following two pieces in my closet…wayyyy in the back which I paired together today for a fantastic little office outfit perfect for a breakfast networking meeting with fellow CSTD (Canadian Society of Training & Development) members, followed by a busy day of project deliverables and deadline submissions, before I head off on my EXTRA long weekend! [Toronto is about to have it’s the first long-weekend (Family Day) since the Xmas holidays. I’ve taken the Friday and Tuesday off too…for a little Irene-time – woot! woot!]
This 2-piece illusion dress – sheer green long-sleeved top attached to a simple black pencil bottom – might be the very first Forever21 piece I ever bought, ever! Prior to this purchase, I’ve always shyed away from going into that shop – the name alone scared me. Always felt I’d be roaming through the racks when some official shop security-type person would approach me saying “Excuse me Ma’am, You’re clearly NOT 21…let me escort your old a** outta here to a more age-appropriate store. Thank you Ma’am….” (Yup…I’m sure I’d get double-‘ma’am’d’). As you can see from some of my previous posts, this irrational fear has not stopped me from shopping at Forever21 – in fact, I’ve actually had tons of luck with fabulous finds there. My only issue is that because items are SO affordable, that every plus size girl in town is gonna have my outfit. And I’m not down with that.
So I try my hardest to shop all the time and EVERYWHERE to ensure that I can create Looks that are unique and interesting without being too easily attainable. Don’t get me wrong – I love knowing my outfit choices has inspired someone else’s fashion-juju, after all immitation is the highest form of flattery. Buuuuut…it is nice knowing that’s the pieces I own are somewhat exclusive and just mine 😉
I’ve only worn this dress a few times, mostly around the holidays for those impromptu cocktail socials that seem to pop up at a moments notice as everyone tries to maximize their Xmas cheer and host get-to-gethers. Bringing a sheer top to the office is always a challenge and daring act – especially if you’re a big-boobie girl working in a more conservative work environment, like me. My love of blazers seem to really help me take pieces that at, first glance, are not entirely office-appropriate into chic and fun office wear. Now blazers don’t have to be boring and boxy. I’m very particular when it comes to my blazer finds too! Looking through my collection, I’ve noticed many of mine are not the ‘standard’ solid coloured type at all. Most…nearly all of mine hanging in my closet are loud – bright coloured or patterned.
Like this fashion forward polka-dot blazer I picked up likely 5-years ago from Winners while on a lunch-break. As soon as I saw it on the hanger it made me nostalgic for Madonna’s Lucky Star-Searching for Susan-big hair-and-shoulder pads era! I remember my co-worker, who was shopping with me, saying how old-fashioned it was…like that was a bad thing. By that time I absolutely fell in love with it regardless of her commentary, and bought it immediately! What’s nice about this piece is that it has zero collar or lapel, taking away extra bulk around ‘the girls’ …which I certianly don’t need. And it has the tiniest hook-and-eye clasp to keep the blazer closed, creating a nice long/slim look for me I think …always a nice feature 🙂
So this is what I wore to work today. You likee? (Sorry about the crapy bathroom selfies…sigh. No time or motivation to take proper timer-app pics at 6am. Also, sorry about my terrible hair. Winter toque static…blah!)
How I got The Look:
2-piece illusion dress (sheer green/black skirt) from Forever21+, Yorkdale Mall
Black n’ white polka-dot blazer from Classic Trenz by T.Renz, Winners
Large silver tear-drop earrings and grey tall boots from Payless
Michael Kors white ceramic watch
PPMeow! 