Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts

1/6/16

Chit Chat: A New Job

The Everygirl
Chit Chat: A New Job
I have news that I am so excited about to share. I have a new job!

Since graduating law school I have been unhappy with my job situation. I cannot even begin to count the number of hours and days that I have spent worrying and crying because I was just plain unhappy. I tried numerous times to approach my former employer about my position and in hopes of creating some plan that would make me feel better about my job. After many discussions, my boss made it clear that she was very happy with how things were and that she had no intentions of anything ever changing.

Knowing that there was no way for me to grow in my job, for me to be happier, or for my position to improve I knew I needed to make a change. I kick started a job search a very long time ago and let me tell you it was hard. For months and months I felt like a complete failure that no one wanted. I sent out dozens of resumes, tried to look at it from every angle possible, approached everyone I knew and many people I didn't and absolutely nothing came from it.

I had largely given up. I felt hopeless and had really began to believe that I was completely stuck where I was. Then less than a month ago the secretary for an attorney that I had tried to get to meet with me for months called on a Friday afternoon. She said her boss asked her to call me to find out if I knew any attorneys looking for a job. I immediately replied, "Me!" After asking if I was serious she asked a few other questions and said she would pass the information on to her boss. The next Monday she called and asked me to come to their office that day. When I arrived at their office they began immediately telling me what I would be responsible for at their office, the office schedule, and we discussed pay. It was also decided that on December 18th I would give my two weeks notice.

Today marks my seventh day at my new job. Maybe it is the newest of it but I am happy and excited. I have been told that there are many possibilities for growth here and that is what I want. I want the opportunity to grow, to be successful, and to always improve. This new job serves as a reminder that if you work hard and are kind great things will happen.

P.S. This is a little freaky but when I visited a psychic over the summer she told me I would get a new job opportunity in December!

image via: The Everygirl

10/5/15

One Of Those Weeks

working from home
One Of Those Weeks
I had a different post planned for today and it was something I was really excited about writing but yesterday everything kind of hit me. It is my own fault. By being maybe overly ambitious and saying that I can do everything I am now worried that I have gotten in over my head with the amount of work that I need to get complete. Not only is it going to be one of those weeks it is not going to be any better next week.

I have commented on here before about how summer is a quietest time at my office but summer has definitely given way to fall over the last couple weeks. If you are a regular reader of this blog you likely know that I am a lawyer. Besides my job in a small law firm I also do some work on my own during my free time. I knew I was going to be busy with numerous days scheduled in court over the next couple weeks plus numerous projects scheduled at the office when another attorney I have been trying to get a meeting with for months called over the weekend and asked if I would be willing to accept a contract to write an appeal for her. I did not hesitate in saying yes.

Unfortunately a large chunk of the time to get the appeal submitted to the Court of Appeals has passed. Now I have to really hustle to fit getting brought up to date on the case, reviewing the files, doing the research, and drafting the appeal brief into my already jammed pack schedule that also includes entertaining an out of town guest next weekend.

Weeks like this make me anxious. There is so much to get done. I want to do a great job and I am thankful for opportunities likes these that may help me propel myself forward but these times also remind me that I still struggling to find job I love and a place where I want to be. Thanks for letting me vent and please be forgiving if I fall a little behind with posts and responding to emails these next couple weeks.

image via: Style Me Pretty

8/19/15

5 Investment Pieces For Work

5 investment pieces for work
5 Investment Pieces For Work
Dressing to impress is important at work. I consider myself lucky that my job is rather flexible in what I can wear to the office most days. Except for days involving important meetings or time spent in court everyone is free to wear fairly casual clothing. Despite this I have always felt that it is important for all women to have a few investment pieces that can help pull them through any situation. Below I have listed my top 5 pieces that are worth an investment.

5 Investment Pieces For Work


ONE // The Perfect Suit. Spring for a triple threat comprised of a jacket, skirt, and pants. Make sure it is well tailored and also take advantage of wearing the pieces separately too.

TWO // Gold Watch. This is not the time for a digital watch. Choose a fancy watch that is great quality. I like ones with simplistic designs and slightly oversized.

THREE // Trench Coat. Sometimes all people see is your outwear so it needs to be nice. A trench coat is a classic shape that never goes out of style.

FOUR // Fabulous Heels. Choose shoes with a medium heel that are comfortable enough for running around in all day. The first color to purchase is black. Every woman needs black heels.

FIVE // Leather Tote. Your tote should be in a neutral for versatility and large enough to carry papers home in. Avoid "it bags" and go for a bag with minimum hardware and with some structure. Since it will be something you use almost everyday it is worth investing in a beautiful bag that will last for year. I previously posted about totes here.

More Suits here:


More Gold Watches here:


More Trench Coats here:


More Heels here:


More Leather Totes here:

8/11/15

Stylish for Less: Work-Wear Under $50

stylish for less work-wear under $50

Engraved Hoops - Crystal Collar Necklace beautiful statement necklace - Kate Spade Glitter Studs - Lily Printed Dress - Leather Satchel perfect satchel - Blue Rose Dress lovely print - Yellow Heels love the detail with the heel - Floral Midi Dress - Gladiator Block Sandals stunning shoes

Work has recently started back for me. My summer vacation ended last week from school. Teachers started work last Monday and the students started coming back on Thursday. With the start of work, I realize how much my work wardrobe is lacking. In the spring semester at school I quit buying anything for work, because at Christmas I have gotten some new things. Usually a few weeks before summer vacation ends I will go on a shopping splurge and buy some new things for work. This year I didn't get to do that because I was busy with a week long math training and then two weeks of going to college classes. So it has been a long time since I have made any new work related purchases- well work wardrobe related. I did buy a few new things for my classroom from Amazon.

I love all of the above items for a work wardrobe. They are all under $50 each. They are beautiful, feminine, and would cover you enough to be appropriate for work. These hoops are a steal at only $12 and could be worn with any outfit. I am absolutely in love with dress- the floral print is wonderful. While I find both of the heels above stunning, I know I couldn't wear them all day without my feet killing me. I have to be up on my feet too much to wear shoes like those all day. I could see myself wearing them and changing into flats half-way through the day though. What do you think about my picks?




7/9/15

Stylish Work Totes

stylish work totes
stylish work totes
Saint Laurent Tote / Zipper Tote Bag (under $30!) / Sophie Hulme Tote / Alexander McQueen Tote / Sophie Hulme Leather Tote / Fendi Shopper

A stylish tote for the office is an essential for me. Since I am always running around between the office, court, and meetings I need a handbag big enough to carry all of my things but it also has to look chic and work appropriate. A great work tote is worth an investment because you will get so much use out of it. This beautiful Saint Laurent tote is currently at the top of my wish list.

5/13/15

11 Tips For Staying Focused and Productive

how to stay productive
Vacation Jewelry
I work in a busy law office with a to do list that is often scary long. Add to that a side job, this blog, and trying to maintain an active social life and I am one busy girl. I have never been one to procrastinate (procrastination is one of Jessica's traits that drives me insane) but even I need some help staying focused and checking items off of my to do list. Below are 11 tips that have always worked for me.

TIP ONE // Set specific times to check emails and social media. Constantly checking emails and social media can quickly take up a lot of time. Having set times to check and respond to emails and social media will keep it from always looming over your head.

TIP TWO // Focus on 3 tasks per day. Each evening make a list of 3 big tasks you want to complete the next day. Keeping your list at a manageable number it will prevent you from getting overwhelmed.

TIP THREE // Get your most important task finished first thing in the morning. By getting your most important task done at the beginning of your day no matter how crazy the rest of your day gets you can still feel like a success at the end of the day because you got something significant finished.

TIP FOUR // Set a deadline and do not break it. If you do not have a deadline to get something done you can push it off until tomorrow.

TIP FIVE // Use a timer. Set the timer on your phone to give yourself 30 minutes to focus completely on one task. After which you can take a 5 minute break to prevent yourself from becoming bored.

TIP SIX // Use apps to block distractions. As noted above it is easy to get wrapped up in social media, emails, or browsing various websites. I cannot even begin to tell you how often I have gotten sucked into Pinterest and then an hour has passed before I know it. There are plenty of helpful apps out there that block distracting websites during work hours. Find one that you like and use it consistently.

TIP SEVEN // De-clutter your work space. It is so much easier to stay focused when your work space is organized.

TIP EIGHT // Set up a mini reward system. It is okay to bribe yourself sometimes. We all need the occasional award especially after completing something you were really dreading.

TIP NINE // Get a good night's sleep and wake up early. It is nearly impossible to be productive when you are exhausted. Be good to yourself and get the rest you need. I have also found that waking up early does wonders for my productivity level. It is so much easier to get things accomplished when most of the rest of the world is sleeping.

TIP TEN // Take a break when you really need it. But use those breaks to get something productive done such as a workout, tidying up, or running an errand.

TIP ELEVEN // Know what works for you. Pay attention to what works for you and use that knowledge to up your productivity. Are you an early bird or a night owl? Do you get bored easily? Do you need a quiet place to work?

image via: Knotted Tassel Necklace, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

5/11/15

Chit Chat: Professional Courtesy

glitter guide office
Chit Chat: Professional Courtesy
I am a huge believer in karma. I believe if you put good out there good will come back to you. With that goes being kind and practicing the Golden Rule. Sure you will occasionally get screwed and will have to deal with people who do not return your courtesy but overall I feel like the universe balances out. When you are kind or helpful to someone especially during a time period when they really need it more than likely that same kindness will be shown to you when you need it.

My job has been exceedingly stressful for the last year. It has involved a lot of tight deadlines, long hours, countless demands, and an extreme amount of hustle on my part. Which is fine. It is all part of the job but I also have a busy life outside of my regular job including a smaller side job that I work hard at. For the most part with careful scheduling I am able to accommodate everything but it does sometimes create a life that is very tense and exhausting.

A few weeks ago I was almost at my wits' end. I was double booked for two important job related events one of which was totally 100% impossible to move or reschedule. The other only involved a handful of people and although important was a matter that everyone was in agreement regarding. So the schedule event was technically only to get everyone together to enter into the necessary paperwork.

One great thing about my line of work is that everyone is pretty easy going when it comes to accommodating others. In five years I had never once asked to reschedule anything and although I hated contacting everyone asking to reschedule I thought it wouldn't really register as a big deal to anyone. I contacted the four other people involved with plans of reaching an agreement regarding the rescheduling to give the person over the meeting. Three of the four people were exactly as I expected but the fourth would not give her consent. Over the next three days I spent hours on the phone and sending emails trying to find some arrangement that would please this lady but she would not budge. Finally as a last resort I contacted the person over the meeting without an agreement to reschedule. My meeting was continued and set for another day but not in the way I would have liked.

I deal with the lady who refused to the rescheduling on a semi-regular basis. Prior to this I had always thought we had a good working relationship. When I first contacted her to see if she would agree to reschedule I was awestruck by not just her refusal but her harshness. She made statements that I felt were rude and unnecessary. In my line of work meetings are commonly rescheduled at other people's request. It isn't anything new for meetings to be pushed or rescheduled the day before or on the day of. Here I was giving everyone almost two weeks of notice that I needed to reschedule. It was not as if I was proposing something that would have harmed her in anyway. In fact, the reason for the meeting was because she was asking for something and I had been in agreement with her and was willing to consent to her request. All I needed was another few days before completing the paperwork. Her lack of professional courtesy created a more stressful situation for me, caused me almost a week of my time, and not only jeopardized my career but my professional reputation.

I saw her a few days after all of this occurred and she behaved as if nothing had happened. I was friendly to her but honestly for the most part decided it was best if I kept my distance. I am not sure how this situation has left our professional relationship.

How do you handle with difficult people in the work place?

image via: 1

3/30/15

Chit Chat: Success at Work


Chit Chat: Success at Work
Recently, Tracy and I were talking about work. More specifically, we were talking about excelling at work. At first I had to ponder this and I told Tracy that I didn't think I was excelling at work. I told her I believed I was in the middle of the pack. I didn't think I was doing horrible and I didn't think I was displaying excellence. So, I decided that I must just be mediocre at my job. This was a little unnerving, because I don't want to just be mediocre. Do you? A little while later though, I realized several things that have happened recently at work that show I am not mediocre. In the last few months a few things have happened that helped me realize that I must be doing great at my job.

I have had several successes at work in the last school year. Last year I was chosen to be the math representative on our school-wide literacy team. This team consists of one person from each subject taught at our school. I was also asked to present at a math conference last year by a couple of people who have been coming to our school to lead math strategy PLC trainings. In January I was chosen to attend the Math Design Collaborative meetings for our high school math team. I have been attending these meetings and am expected to bring back what I learn to share with the other high school math teachers. Recently our student government also voted me "teacher of the week" at our school. I find this to be an honor that our students chose me. We are also taking part in a new math program this year and a lady from the program comes once a month to sit in on a lesson and to offer advice. The last time she came she told our program coach (who later told me) that I had excellent classroom management skills.

Sometimes it is easy to get drawn into the hectic schedule, making plans, and all the hard work that it is easy to doubt yourself. It is easy to think you aren't living up to your expectations and easy to think you aren't doing as much as you should. But if you take a few minutes and really think about it, I bet you have had some recent successes at work too that will show you just how excellent you have been doing your job.


via: 1

3/11/15

10 Easy Ways To Stand Out At Work

how to stand out at work
10 Easy Ways To Stand Out At Work
Getting noticed at work can take a lot more than showing up and doing your job well. If you want a chance to advance in your company, standing out at work is important. I have ten easy tips I am sure will help you shine and stand out at work.

TIP ONE // Do things without being asked. If you see something that needs to be done and no one is doing it, do it. Taking action on your own initiative will quickly get you in your boss' good graces.

TIP TWO // Do not be a wallflower in meetings. Get your ideas heard and contribute to the conversation.

TIP THREE // Take an interest in your colleagues. Praise your colleagues work. Also take a genuine interest when they talk about their lives and things that important to them. It is also a good idea to remember the names of their family members.

TIP FOUR // Get to know the support staff. Being kind to the support staff is important. Plus you may just be surprised by how knowledgeable these people are and how much pull they may have.

TIP FIVE // Be proactive. Do not wait for problems to arise instead find ways to avoid them.

TIP SIX // Do more than just the tasks included in your job requirements. Nothing is a substitute for hard work. If you are working harder than everyone else you will be impossible to ignore. Hard work and going above your job requirements will leave a good and lasting impression.

TIP SEVEN // Always be willing to help. Become that person that can be counted on to help. Also always be willing to volunteer. Your boss will love this about you.

TIP EIGHT // Never bad mouth your company or your boss. Nothing will make you look bad faster.

TIP NINE // Spruce up your closet. Dressing like you take your job seriously can greatly improve your job influence.

TIP TEN // Take the lead on projects (especially if no one else is stepping up). Silence does not get you noticed. By taking taking the lead on a project you show you are willing to tackle challenges and to make contributions. This can be especially helpful if the project is something no one else wants. You may end up your boss' hero.

image via: emerson fry, edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

2/24/15

Wise Words

abraham lincoln quote
Wise Words
A reminder that after having my routine and work thrown off by the major snow storm last week I need to get myself together and do some serious hustling this week. Here's hoping your work week is going more smoothly than mine.

via: 1

1/21/15

9 Tips For Creating a Professional Email

professional email etiquette
9 Tips For Creating a Professional Email
These days it is almost impossible for most people to make it through the day without email being involved. Many of the emails you send likely have a connection to your job. It is incredible how much work is accomplished through email. With all of the emails that are constantly filling our inboxes it can be easy to find ourselves typing a quick response and clicking send without giving it much thought but it is important to implement some email etiquette so we can use email to our advantage and protect our professional reputations.

Here are a few simple tips to perfect professional emailing:

TIP ONE // Stay away from embarrassing email addresses. Your email address matters. If you work for a company that provides you with an email address this is likely taken care of but if you work for yourself make sure you are not sending work emails from that email address you have had since you were a teenager. I suggest creating an email address that incorporates your first and last night name so that people can easily recognize who the email is from in their email inbox.

TIP TWO // Don’t forget the subject. Make the subject of your email concise. The subject of the email should make it easily identifiable what the content of the email is discussing.

TIP THREE // Use correct spelling and grammar. This should go without saying but it is so important that you proofread your email several times before hitting send.

TIP FOUR // Keep the email short and to the point. Keeping emails short and easy to read is key. Make sure there is plenty of white space. I am also a huge fan of bullet points when I have several points to get across. Most professionals have busy schedules and you should treat their time like it is important.

TIP FIVE // Respond timely. Everyone hates waiting. It is important to respond as soon as possible. I think a good rule of thumb is to respond within 24 to 48 hours.

TIP SIX // Font style is important. Your font should a normal, readable font.

TIP SEVEN // Set up a signature. You need a signature at the end of every email. You never want the recipient of your email to have to search for your contact information. Your signature should contain all of your contact information including your full name, phone number, address, and professional social media links.

TIP EIGHT // Keep private content out. Confidential and private information should never be included in a business email. I always ask myself before sending a business email if I would be embarrassed if someone other than the recipient saw it. Keep in mind that emails create a trail that can be printed off, shared, and forwarded.

TIP NINE // Be care of Reply-All. Hitting reply-all can get you into a lot of trouble. Always double check the recipients to any email. Make sure that the people on the email chain are those you want to see your response.

via: Sequins and Stripes, image edited by Sunny Days and Starry Nights

9/15/14

Chit Chat: Job Recognition


Chit Chat: Job Recognition Everyone loves being recognized for doing a good job. It is a great to feel appreciated at work. To know that others recognize your hard work and effort has real meaning. To have others notice what you are doing and respond in a positive way lets you know everything you have been doing is worth it. At my school I feel like I have an excellent group of people who are supportive and willing to help me when I need it. Do you feel like this at work?

Our math team has been undergoing some training since the beginning of July. These people have been great and providing us with some strategies that I think will really help our students and help us to be better teachers. Based on our training and what they have seen from our classrooms, they have asked me to attend a math conference with them and present with them. I took this as a huge compliment and feel very grateful that they have chosen me to present with them at the conference.

I try really hard at my job. I want my students to be successful and not just at math. I want them to leave my class knowing what it takes to be a successful student. I want them to know that there are people that care about them and want them to succeed at school and life. I am proud of all of their accomplishments whether it is in the math classroom, an essay contest, a sports recognition, or winning at an FFA competition. My job can be very trying and stressful at times, especially when it feels like no one is appreciating the hard work that I put into. I spend time planning lessons, getting materials ready, and planning for discussion during and after the lesson. It can be frustrating when some students blow it off or act like it doesn't matter and even more so when more and more responsibilities and duties are being put on your shoulders. While it can be hard, it is very nice when someone else takes notice of your abilities and work ethic.


via: 1

8/12/14

Playful Button Down Blouses

playful button down blouses
Playful Button Down Blouses
Heart Blouse / Floral Blouse / Arden Sailboat Blouse / Pink Oxford / Leopard Blouse / Printed Silk Blouse

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely understand the importance of a classic white button down blouse (here is a perfect option) but I will always be a fun color and playful prints kind of girl. These blouses, like this feminine pink top or this light-hearted sailboat print, can be mixed throughout your wardrobe including with jeans for a casual brunch or paired with a pencil skirt and tailored blazer for the office. A few more #stylishforless options can be found at the links below.
Multi Floral Blouse
Polka Dot Blouse
Hearts and Dots Blouse
Petite Hearts Blouse
Floral Grid Blouse
Michael Kors Blouse

7/22/14

What To Wear: A Work Uniform

what to wear to work
What to Wear: A work uniform
Lace Front Cardigan (for chilly offices) / DVF Wrap Dress / Coach Satchel / Pearl Bee Pin / Marc Jacobs Lip Stick (for sassy red lips) / Tory Burch Demi Wedges / Earrings / Slim Runway Watch (classic gold watch)

A couple months ago I shared my casual go to uniform for those days when I need to get dressed in a hurry or when it seems like I have nothing to wear. Today I wanted to do the same thing for the office. On days when I need to look my best for meetings with clients or in court and I need a look that is reliable I always turn to a wrap dress. Wrap dresses (a pretty bargain version can be found here) are simple, comfortable, sophisticated, and stylish. I also believe it is important to have a few other high quality, dependable pieces in your closet for work like a nice cardigan, dressy shoes that are also comfortable, a chic satchel, and a gold watch. What does your go to uniform for the office consist of?

6/10/13

Chit-Chat


Over the weekend I kick-started a job search and I have to admit that it is extremely daunting and overwhelming. For those of you who do not know I work as an associate attorney in a small law firm. (Side note: Jessica is a high school math teacher.) Leaving my current job is a hard decision because there are certain aspects that I love, such as, meeting with clients, researching and writing briefs and appeals, my co-workers are the best, a semi-flexible work schedule as long as deadlines are met, and coming up with solutions for complicated and unique problems. While I like my current job I have realized it is time for a change as my job has no room for growth and as a result I lack the ability in this position to create a career where I will feel successful and fulfilled.

Having a great career doing something I enjoy has always been important to me. Even as children me and my sisters never played house, instead we always pretended to operate various businesses (sometimes a restaurant, sometimes an inn, sometimes fun boutiques). Right now I am uncertain if continuing to be an attorney is the best choice for me and I am completely lost at what career I should be pursuing. I am also a little uncertain about the job search process as applying to jobs is not something I have ever been required to do before. In college I did not have to interview for any of the jobs I had. My first job out of law school was offered to me by the attorney I interned under while in school and my current employer was introduced to me by a friend and after talking to her a couple times she offered me a position.

I would love to know about your job. What kind of job do you have? Are you happy in your current job/field? How did you decide what kind of career you wanted? How did you find what you were passionate about? Is it something you just stumbled upon? Or are you still searching for the correct career path for yourself? What did you study in school and is it related to current position? Any job search tips to share?

via: 1

4/12/12

Under Stress





I am feeling very overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. I feel as if I am always on the go. My work days keep getting longer and longer but my to-do list is not getting any shorter. Even when I do get home each night I feel anxious thinking about all of the work that I still need to complete. I volunteered almost a month ago to take on a lot of added responsibility at work in an attempt to grow my career that I feared was stalling. I hope to reap some benefits from these added responsibilities in the near future but right now they are simply leaving me with little time or energy for anything outside of work. In fact when I look forward to each new day I already know one of the things I want most is to take a nap, but there will not be any time to pencil napping into my schedule any time soon.

I would love to know your tips or tricks for handling anxiety and stress. And if anyone has advice for how to know you are on the right career path or how to determine what your dream job is please share. For now I am going to try to focus on the below quote.


1/4/11

It's Off To Work We Go

Can you believe that the holidays are over? There is so much anticipation and preparing and then just like that they are over. Every year I'm a little shocked by how quickly it just comes to an end and we are expected to suddenly resume normal activity.

It's hard to accept but after almost 3 weeks off from work I have to return to the office today and get some major work done. One of the definite perks to my new job is the extended breaks the office gets for the holidays. I should have been much more productive during my 3 weeks off from work and I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I achieved very little aside from doing a lot of baking, organizing my closet, and doing a major cleaning of my bedroom. I started my break thinking I would get so much accomplished. But instead the snow kept me mostly indoors, I was sick most of the first week off, and frankly I was just extremely tired. I needed a break desperately and during my time off I found myself sleeping way too much and watching lots of holiday movies on TV. Now that I should be well rested let's just hope I can get back in the swing of things and don't spend every morning fighting with my alarm clock.

♥ Sunny


via: We Heart It

8/19/10

She Works Hard for the Money

You definitely don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. Just like any other girl the latest designer looks sometimes make me a little starry eyed but working long, often stressful days makes me a very conscious shopper. I like splurging occasionally on presents for myself but I usually I want to get a lot of bang for my buck. And pulling together a great budget friendly look makes me super happy.

Casual Friday
This look would be prefect for casual Friday or for a busy weekend running errands. Shirt dresses are a classic piece and and be useful in a number of situations so every girl should look for the right one to add to their closet. Comfy flats are a must and I love that this pair is two toned. I paired this look with the red scarf and red earrings for a pop of color and to also add some interest while still being office appropriate.

Shirt Dress $23 - forever21.com
T-Bar Shoes $50 - topshop.com
Nihan Bag $50 - monsoon.co.uk
Rose Studs $6.25 - missselfridge.com
Scarf $16 - modcloth.com

High Power Meeting
This is for when you need to look your best at work. This look has a lot of style and sophistication. I added the ring to give the outfit a little more of my own personality. Point toe pumps are great. They make your legs look very long and slim.

Blazer $34 - spiegel.com
Military pencil skirt $31 - debenhams.com
Heels $26 - buckle.com
Pear Studs $8.42 - asos.com
Quilted Handbag $23 - janenorman.co.uk
Cream Ruffle Blouse $44 - missselfridge.com
Ring $4.80 - forever21.com

Out with Coworkers
The caridgan and round toe pumps make this look great for the office. But the accessories I've added bring some fun to the look and make it a little whimsical. Isn't the bicycle pendenant adorable? As you head out with colleagues after work you can lose the caridgan.

Caridgan $25 - aeropostale.com
Dress $31 - delias.com
Pumps $22 - amiclubwear.com
Necklace $4.80 - canada.forever21.com
Flower Studs $6.25 - monsoon.co.uk
Fairytale Brooch Set $19 - monsoon.co.uk
Faux Leather Tote $23 - oldnavy.gap.com

On the Go
Sometimes having a great pair of pants for work is very important. When work has you running around everywhere it is important to be comfortable. If I'm constantly on the go pants and comfortable flats are a must. While this look is comfy the belted cardigan and wide leg trousers make it look very pulled together. Add a couple simple stylish accessories and you're ready to head to work. I've added a clutch to keep inside your handbag for you to keep bare necessities in for when it would be inconvenient to be carrying around a lot of items.

Cardigan $18 - kmart.com
Tank $18 - madewell.com
Trousers $44 - dorothyperkins.com
Envelop Brooch $9.38 - monsoon.co.uk
Hobo Bag $23 - oldnavy.gap.com
Faux Snake Skin Clutch $31 - debenhams.com
Betsey Johnson Earrings $45 - nordstrom.com
Flats $25 - lorisshoes.com

If you have an go to pieces for work or have any tips for dressing on a budget I would love to hear them.

♥ Sunny