What to Wear to Work | Gingham + Pencil Skirt

Top - 1.State on sale! (similar at Anthropologie)

Skirt - J.Crew sold out in yellow

Heels - Zara old (save & splurge)

Watch - Nixon

Bag - Fendi 2Jour

Most of these pieces I'm wearing in today's post you've probably seen elsewhere on Corporate Catwalk. A few weeks ago I wore this top here and last October I wore the pencil skirt with a peplum blazer. These Zara heels I continue to get tons of wear on a weekly basis, along with my Fendi bag (best work purchase, yet!). 

By now, we've all noticed that the guys at the office have mastered the gingham button down. Not wanting to copy their style 100%, I thought this top was a good alternative. This fun and flirty top is a great way to incorporate a printed blouse into your work wardrobe while still feeling professional. I love the sleeves on this top, I typically wear it with white denim pants or shorts. Yesterday I picked up a similar style top from Zara. This top can also be worn at the office (with an undershirt) or no undershirt for a night out with your girlfriends. 

You've probably noticed, I'm a huge fan of the J.Crew pencil skirt. My only complaint about pencil skirts, is that by the time I walk to work, my skirt has rotated half way around my waist. Does anyone have any good tricks or tips to keep your skirt from moving throughout the day? 

One last thing, this Fendi bag was a huge investment piece when I originally purchased it in July 2013, but I can say with confidence that I've worn it over 500 times in the last two years. That seem excessive, but I use it everyday to work. It's similar to a man's briefcase. It fits my laptop, charger, mouse, wallet, makeup, extra shoes and several other tidbits to the office and when I travel for work. If you're seriously thinking about investing in a designer bag this season, take a look at the Fendi 2Jour. Since the bag is a few years old, check out consignment shops like TheRealReal and Poshmark. Both have an authenticity process making it safe and secure to buy designer bags online. 

Have a great start to the week! 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

What to Wear to Work | Vera Bradley Giveaway

In the past few weeks, I've been working with Whitney from Heart & Arrow Design on a few changes to Corporate Catwalk. In the redesign, I wanted to keep the blog layout simple and clean. The 'Corporate Catwalk' logo got refreshed and at the bottom of the site a few categories have been added. If you browse through the site you'll probably notice a few other tweaks, but for the most part the blog has remained the same. I hope you enjoy the new look! 

As part of the redesign, I wanted to share something special with my readers. I've teamed up with Vera Bradley to giveaway this quilted leather backpack. 

To enter the giveaway: 

1. Comment on today's blog post

2. Follow Corporate Catwalk & Vera Bradley on Instagram

3. Comment on one of the photos of me wearing the Vera Bradley Backpack

The giveaway starts Wednesday, February 25th at 9am EST and ends on Friday, February 27th at 9am EST. The winner will be announced on Friday via Instagram! 

Top - Zara Stripe Shirt (similar Ann Taylor Loft)

Skirt - Zara Stripe Skirt (similar Ann Taylor Loft)

Boots - Club Monaco

Coat - Zara old 

Bag - Vera Bradley Quilted Backpack

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

What to Wear to Work | Yellow Skirt + Peplum Blazer

J.Crew Pencil Skirt on sale

TopShop Blazer

DvF Bethany Heels

Clare Vivier Clutch

After living in both, San Francisco and New York, I've mastered the seasonal wardrobe change. The best part of this process is getting rid of the things you didn't wear the previous season. There are always a few pieces that go on for another try the next season but for the most part, I try and remove anything from my wardrobe that I didn't get to wear.  I truly believe this gives you a better idea about what you own and what you'd like to add to your wardrobe. If your closet is constantly cluttered with pieces you never wear, you'll feel like you have "nothing to wear".  A wardrobe full of  (fewer) pieces you love, will give you the feeling that you love your wardrobe and encourage more creativity with your outfits.

While unpacking last weekend, I pulled out all my J.Crew wool #2 pencil skirts and chunky knits. This got me really excited about fall and winter! I love these wool skirts. They go with almost every top in my wardrobe and make getting ready for work effortless.  I picked up this bright yellow skirt a few weeks ago from J.Crew. The bright color reminded me of spring but the wool material still made it appropriate for the colder months ahead.

***(wore a similar version of this outfit here)

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Not Your Typical Work Suit | Blue Pantsuit

One of my fashion icons, Miroslava Duma, wore a blue Stella McCartney pantsuit last year during London Fashion week. Like so many of her outfits, she's influenced my style and encouraged me to be more open-minded to trying new trends. What so many people don't know about Miroslava is that she is a very petite woman. Although she stands a mere 5'0", she's able to pull off so many trends that you'd normally see on runway models. She makes trends work with her body and her style.

For me, it's all about finding what works with your body, style and budget. As much as I'd love to have a tailored designer pantsuit, my Zara suit is just as stylish.

Zara Blazer (similar here & here)
Zara Trousers (similar here & here)
Express Shirt
Nasty Gal Heels (love these)
Aldo Clutch
Zara Necklace (love here & here)
DYNY Sunnies

Photos by Lydia Hudgens