Pleated Midi Skirt + Dark Denim

Gap Shirt (similar here & here) | Zara Skirt (similar here, here & here) | Zara Heels  | J.Crew Necklace old  | TJ Maxx Clutch 

Good morning! It's a foggy day in NYC. I think we're reverted back to fall weather, unbelievable. Even with all the bad weather, it's been an exciting week. On Monday I tried on my wedding dress, I didn't take any good photos or else I would have shared on Instagram. My next fitting is in a few weeks and I won't make the same mistake twice, I'll be sure to bring along a friend and take some photos. 

This week is also the start of our end of fiscal year at work, so I've been at the office a little more than usual. I've been trying to get to the gym every day, drink lots of water and eat healthy to help minimize the stress. I'm still working on getting a full night's sleep when I have a million things going through my mind (work + wedding). If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know! 

Last night Fallon of Sage + Sparkle invited me to a Pinnacle Cocktail Event. Mixologist Brian Van Flandern, writer of Vintage Cocktail, demonstrated how to properly make a cocktail. We got to make several different drinks with Pinnacle flavored vodkas. Oh yes! How can I forget, they also had delicious dessert tables covered with macarons, cinnamon rolls, donut holes, cupcakes...the list goes on! 

As for today's outfit, another outfit in my favorite pleated mini skirt. Here's another look at the blush pleated mid skirt + white shirt. 

What to Wear to Work | Casual Friday

Finding outfits to wear to the office on causal Fridays is always one of my biggest challenges. You don't want your jeans to be too tight and your heels too high. The best advice I can give to anyone trying to figure out what to wear on a casual Friday, replace one piece from a daily work outfit. For example, the outfit I'm wearing can easily be worn with a pair of trousers to the office. I substituted the trousers for a dark denim. These jeans work great with the office for two reasons; the jeans are not tight, nor fraying at the ends. I also prefer dark denim at the office. They look more polished than faded denim. Another alternative to this outfit, I could have worn the white top, trousers and a strappy heels to the office. 

These metallic pumps have been such a life saver at the office. They're really comfortable (no joke) and they're the perfect height to walk around all day. 

After reading this article from Refinery29 about wearing sneakers to the office, I had to try them out with this outfit. Although I'd never wear this outfit to the office in a million years, I thought it was fun to see an alternative look by adding converse and a baseball cap. On that note, it's Friday and see you soon! 

Express Top | Banana Republic Jeans | Banana Republic Necklace (similar here) | Banana Republic Heels | Converse | Michael Kors Tote (similar here) | J. Crew Hat (similar here) | NARS Lipstick

{more ways to follow Corporate Catwalk}

diy ombre lace trim shorts

What you'll need to ombre: old pair of jeans, bleach & a spray bottle

Before

Step 1: Cut one leg to desired length (I cut a little longer to test what length I liked best)

Step 2: repeat to other side

Step 3: Test pant leg you cut. Soak pant leg in warm water. 

Step 4: Mix 1/2 bleach and half water.  Spray on leg to test denim. 

Tested pant leg. 

Step 5: Soak shorts in warm water. 

Step 6: Spray heavy amount at the bottom of the pants and slowly make your ways upward.  Remember to do the same in the back of the pants.  I had a fan to help dry the shorts and see faster results.  I had to do this a few times. 

Step 7: After desired amount of ombre is complete, rinse out bleach. Afterwards, put in washer and dryer.  

Step 8: Cut shorter, if desired.  

Step 9: Cut both sides to same length. 

What you'll need to add lace: dry ombre shorts, pins, lace and a sewing machine (can be sewed by hand). 

Step 10: Turn shorts inside out.  Pin lace to inside of shorts. 

Step 11: Sew lace to shorts.  Make sure to use a zigzap stitch.  This will keep the jeans from fraying upward and securing the lace on the shorts.  Repeat on both sides.  Cut excess lace. 

Completed! Your own DIY ombre lace trim shorts! 

These shorts were inspired by a friend who was going to Coachella.  We have several DIY nights.  I brought over my sewing machine, we found our favorite bottle of red wine and we begun making our projects! These shorts were inspired by a pair she saw at Urban Outfitters.  They turned out great.  Good luck.  Let me know if you have any questions.

A few tips: make sure you do this in a ventilated area.  To speed up the process, use a fan or put these out in the sun to dry faster.