LOOKS WE LIKE: T.D.D. STYLE FILES

WORKING GIRLS

We are working girls. We work hard and have big career ambitions. Most days we love what we do. Or, rather we love what working hard enables us to do, the independence it grants us, and the royalties that we indulge in to make the difficult days more bearable (e.g. drinks with friends, shopping, dinners out, movies on the big screen, etc.). But let's face it, the daily grind can get to you. When that fancy cup of coffee just won't shake the serious case of the Mondays, try turning to your closet and spice up your day with the excitement of a classy ensemble or "impossibly chic" getup. Looking good can make you feel good, and vice versa, which makes you more confident and able to strive for that next big step, whether that is a promotion, a raise, or a new job you have had your mind on.

We put together two looks inspired by the Los Angeles workplace for women that show drive and a love of fashion. First, we have the "PR-type" girls, those who have a job with a little wiggle room in regard to the dress code, where looking chic and "of-the-moment" style-savvy goes a long ways. Second, we were inspired by "The Editor" career path, those office girls who can easily look put together without raising any eyebrows for the wrong reasons, but still turn heads because they always just look so good!

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LOOK No. 1«« PR Girl »»

We took the classic "blazer and skirt" work combo and put an LA twist on it. We jazzed up the colors, added a fun print, opted for an "on-trend" vintage-feeling over-sized blazer, and shortened the skirt. If you like this look but are thinking it might be too bold, swap out the edgy heels for a black ballet flat, and trade the short hemline for black skinnies. This working girl is a multitasking maven, always ready to move on to the next thing. She travels light with a clutch wallet that holds all the essentials, her trusted iPhone that never leaves her hand, and even manages to squeeze in a quick shopping trip to Madewell on her lunch break:)

IN THIS LOOK

Blazer | H&M

Top | Eight Sixty at Nordstrom

Skirt | Consignment

Shoes | Madden Girl

Wallet | HOBO

Bracelet | Aimee Taylor

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LOOK No. 2«« The Editor »»

For this more high-powered look we chose the classic black and white approach -- always a safe color combo in the workplace. We opted for an ivory white instead of clean white to soften the look, with the ivory adding a "je ne sais quoi" element that elevates the ensemble. We paired the structured, wool-based skirt with a black silk button down, playing with fabrics that complement each other and flatter the wearer. One perk of working with such simple and basic colors for the clothes is that you can throw on any bold colored heels for a fun twist. Or, if your office is a bit more relaxed, you could add a pop color shoe with patterned flats or wedges. This girl is in charge and owns her style with cool and collected elements that pay homage to the classics while still incorporating modern pieces to remind us that she is up on the latest and knows how to always be amongst the chicest in the room.