What NOT to Wear to Work

Kat over at Corporette has a great list of items that should never be worn at the office.

Kat's List:

• Any shorts (or any pants that are less than full length — ankle-length pants and capris will be questionable at some offices!)
• Flip-flops (whether they’re plastic or leather, rethink)
• Sandals of any kind; peep toe shoes are also often questionable at the most conservative offices
• Tall boots (even knee-high used to be questionable, but over-the-knee styles are definitely questionable)
• Anything that is overly noisy in the hallways (flip-flops are the primary offender here, but other things qualify also — corduroy pants, for example)
• Denim, or items cut like denim (e.g., 5 pockets) — cords, khakis, etc.
• Lace or sheer clothing
• Sleeveless tops or dresses (worn without a cardigan or blazer on top)
• Any item that can be worn to the gym (sneakers, yoga pants, terrycloth wristbands, large shapeless t-shirts)
• Anything too short, tight, or low-cut

I agree with her list and I would add the following:

• Too high heels. (The sexy secretary look is not okay.)
• Animal print. (You don't want to look like Stiffler's Mom.)
• Anything old or faded. (Clients are paying money for your skills and if you look shabby, they'll question your skill and judgment.)
  
• Patterned hosiery. (Keep it neutral.)
  
• Big jewelry. (I was always taught "nothing bigger than a quarter" is okay. No big hoops, no multiple rings, no big rings, nothing flashy.)
• Nail polish has to be in this range: "purple - red - coral - pink". No blues, greens, yellows, or blacks. Ever. Any no sparkles! For some offices only nude or neutral polishes will do.
  

That's all I can think of for now, any other ideas?

Fasion Silhouettes InfoGraphic

Check out this neato infographic! I love how 1978 is represented by Punk Rock fashion. More here.

Top 8 iPhone Apps for Busy Women

Forbes has a great blog post about iPhone apps to boost your productivity. The full article is available here, I'll just summarize the article below.

1. Dropbox - Free
Dropbox is like a flash drive, in that it allows you to hold up to 2 GB of data. Unlike a flash drive, it’s always accessible. Dropbox uses cloud technology to let you to share information across multiple computers and mobile devices.

2. Elements - Free
Elements provides you with a notebook in your pocket. A product of Dropbox labs, Elements is a sleek text editor you can organize into folders and share across multiple devices.

3. Instapaper - $4.99
Instapaper allows you to save and archive online articles for off-line reading. With the added bonus of being able to share links via Twitter and Tumblr.

4. Pulse - FREE
Pulse is a news platform that picks stories for you based on your source preferences. With its sleek design and slideshow interface, it’s easy to browse stories on and offline.

5. Snapp! - $2.99
Snapp! offers a simple way to collect and store contact information and stay in touch with people with the click of a button—and even let’s you keep them organized by event. It also has the added option of sending an automatically-generated follow up email.

6. Evernote - FREE
Evernote is a useful service for managing everything from life’s marginalia to your daily tasks. The app allows you to take photos, store pictures, write notes, and record voice memos.

7. iP (also known as iPeriod) - $1.99
Usefully, iPeriod helps you manage, record and track your cycle.

8. Instagr.am - FREE
Instagr.am is an app, photo feed and social network that unites people with images of their day-to-day. With filters like a Hipstamatic or Lomography camera, Instagr.am allows users to modify photos, add different colors and textures and share their photos across their social networks like Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr.

Spotlight: Butter London's Animal Testing Policy

Good news from London that has nothing to do with that silly wedding people keep talking about... Butter London's adorable nail polishes are completely cruelty free and vegan. All polishes are also "3 Free" -- No Formaldehyde, No toluene, and No DBP (Phthales). Sweet!

I picked up a colour from their new S/S 2011 collection called "Teddy Girl" this week. It's a cute pastel pink. Totally opaque and long wearing. The collection was inspired by the impressionist painting style, especially Monet's work.

Christian Louboutin Sues YSL for Making Red Soles

There's a different kind of trademark infringement suit happening in the world of fashion. Normally, it's a designer and a no-name copycat going to battle, but this time two fashion giants are in a dispute.

Yves Saint Laurent's spring 2011 collection features some red pumps with matching red soles. In a fierce display of red-sole entitlement, Christian Louboutin is suing YSL for this. Christian Louboutin accuses fellow Parisian fashion powerhouse Yves Saint Laurent of counterfeiting and infringing on his brand's trademark look: the red sole. The lawsuit cites four specific YSL models that all have scarlet soles.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't think one designer should be able to claim trademark rights in all red soles, everywhere. That would be a huge design limitation to put on other shoemakers. Plus, come on, YSL is a big enough deal that it isn't trying to steal goodwill from Louboutin - it has plenty of its own goodwill! More here and here.

What Makes a Person Ugly?

The Huffington Post, has a great piece by Robert Tornambe called "What Makes a Person Ugly?" I think he does a great job explaining how personality traits affect how physically attractive people may appear.

Listed below are his five "flawed" personality traits. If you have the first one, then you'll appear uglier. If you have the second, then you'll appear more attractive. I think he's pretty bang on. Think about Mr. Samberg over here - not conventionally attractive, but so funny and charming that he becomes very attractive.

1) Conceitedness vs. Confidence
2) Grimness vs. Humorousness
3) Selfishness vs. Honest Interest In Others
4) Cynicism vs. Optimism
5) Narcissism vs. Healthy Vanity

More here.

Corporate Finance for the Fashion World...

Two legal stories from fashion world to report.

First, Prada had a stellar year in 2010 and it appears to be close to listing itself on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Women's Wear Daily reports that Prada's initial public offering would consist of a 20-percent stake that values the company at $9.5 billion, but per the Hong Kong listing authorities, the label isn't allowed to talk to the press about it until they've been approved.

Next up, Jimmy Choo wants to buy back Jimmy Choo. Fashionista reports that Jimmy Choo doesn't own his namesake label and actually hasn't been involved for more than 10 years. Instead, a UK private equity firm, TowerBrook, owns the majority of the company. Tamara Mellon, co-founder/chief creative officer, also owns 15% of the business. If Choo is successful, this could create major shifts within the brand as Choo’s ownership of the company would almost certainly alienate Mellon.

Vegan Ivanka Trump Shoes

Ivanka Trump has recently released an adorable - and affordable - line of shoes. I emailed the company to see if any of the products were animal-friendly and they were kind enough to send me links to two items. Both are very cute! Peridot Thong Sandals available here for $60. Scapoli flats available here for $80. The flats would look good on a casual friday with jeans and blazer.

How to convey tone in Email

Jezebel featured a post on how to write a pitch perfect email. Super useful for new professionals who may have plenty of experience writing hilarious informal emails, but not enough writing formal ones.

The article is most helpful because it has examples of different wordings and the tone they convey.

Topics covered include:

• Think about your subject line
• Open wisely
• Establish a personal connection
• Be succinct, and come to the point quickly
• Finish strong
• Proofread

Kate Winslet in Stella McCartney Fall 2011

NY Mag's The Cut has a picture of Kate Winslet at the NYC premiere of the new HBO film Mildred Pierce. She's wearing a long-sleeved black dress with a sheer side polka-dotted panel from Stella McCartney's fall 2011 collection. She styled it with a strappy pair of black heels, also from the fall 2011 Stella McCartney collection, and carried a black-and-gold Calvin Klein clutch. I'm not loving it. It's suuuuuch a gorgeous dress and it definitely looks amazing on Kate, but I think I'd rather see it with more structured black pumps. Those shoes aren't standing up to the awesomeness of the dress. Also, gold clutch? Not feeling it.

How to care for your business wardrobe

Canadian Business Online has a very useful article on caring for your business wardrobe. I know I'm guilty of passing the buck to my dry cleaner probably more than I should. These are great tips to lower your dry cleaning bill. Here are the highlights:

Silk: Handwash in cold water using a mild detergent, and pat dry with a towel. Hang on a padded hanger to avoid creasing. For ties, rolling them up loosely and placing them in a drawer will avoid stretching. To remove any wrinkles, use steam.

Wool: Needs dry cleaning, but no more than twice a year. In the meantime, brush down for dust and use rounded–shoulder hangers. Give wool suits a full day between wears to let them regain their shape. Store in cedar, wrap in acid–free tissue paper and add mothballs.

Linen: Made from flax plants, the fabric wicks away sweat, making it ideal for hot weather. Can be washed by hand or in the machine with warm water, but always hang up to dry. To lessen wrinkles, iron with a bit of spray–on starch and never fold.

Kate Spade’s Fall 2011 Collection, Styled by Brad Goreski

How adorably-wearable are these new looks from Kate Spade? Except for the hats, I think most of these goodies could seemlessly integrate into any work wordrobe. Love the heavy doses of black with just pops of colour or pattern. I think this is the NYC/Chicago/Toronto way to rock out stylishly without over doing it. The black and cream striped shirt in the bottom photo reminds me a Stella McCartney dress from a few seasons ago. More photos of the event here.

Kristen Davis in Polka Dot Oscar de la Renta

NY Mag posted an adorable picture of Kristen Davis at the Costume Designers Guild Awards in L.A. wearing a strapless polka-dotted Oscar de la Renta gown.

It's such a lovely dress - and Davis smartly skipped any over- powering accessories or over-done hair.

Photo: Michael Caulfield/Getty Images

How To Be A Woman In Any Boys’ Club

Awesome article from Molly Lambert on how to kick ass in a place that's still a boys' club. It's so fabulous. Probably the best thing I've read all month. Now, I don't agree with everything she says, but most of it is totally bang on and I love that she has the guts to write it!

Here's are two of my favourite quotes:

• "Drive It Like You Stole It: Be the best. That is, assuming that you are the best. Be the best you can possibly be, whatever that means to you. Absolutely do not step down in order to not threaten people. Don't apologize. If you genuinely fucked up fine, you are allowed to apologize once but then stop apologizing. Think about how much you hear women apologizing for themselves for no reason, or being self-deprecating or self-abnegating out of habit. What the fuck are you apologizing for? For being too good?"

This one is about trying to befriend other women near the Boys Club only find out they suck:

• "What If She Actually Sucks? This does happen. It's not unfeminist to admit that some women are assholes, just don't make it your focal point or judge any other situations according to how the all time worst one went down (this is a good rule in general). Some people just actually suck. Definition of sucks: steals, lies, or otherwise tries to ruin your life in an undeniable way. Feel bad for her and then back…the fuck…away…"

You can read the full article here or here.

News: Women lawyers leaving in droves

Bummer story coming out of the Toronto Star today on how women are leaving law practice in droves. It's not exactly new news but the optimist in me keeps hoping things will get better in big law land. Either way, it's good to keep up with what barriers are still in place so we can all work to knock them down.

Hat tip: Cynthia for sending me this article.

Fashionista's Toronto Shopping Guide

Fashionista has recently posted a shopping guide for Toronto. They've hit the nail on the head. These are exactly the spots I would send a fashion-hungry friend: Ossington, Queen West, Holts. The post reminded me that I still haven't checked out the "The Room at the Bay" - it is supposed to be lovely.

Oprah and Staff Go Vegan: One Week Challenge

Great news - Oprah and 378 of her staff committed to a vegan diet for a one-week challenge. Oprah also devoted an entire episode to to talking about veganism, including interviews with vegan activist Kathy Freston and food writer Michael Pollan, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at a meat-processing plant with Lisa Ling. Alicia Silverstone over at The Kind Life Blog mentioned this story as Alicia was asked to contribute yummy suggestions for the show.
I think this kind of exposure is essential for the animal-friendly movement. So many people see veganism/vegetarianism as something strange that they could never do. This kind of coverage helps people see it's not so strange and it's also very do-able!

Miu Miu's Valentine's Day Collection

Miu Miu is celebrating Valentine's Day with a capsule collection. It includes ruffled patent clutches, satchels, iPad cases, and flower applique accessories like this head band. How cute is that? Check out the fashionologie slide show for the complete collection. The blue flower bracelet also looks adorable.

I haven't been able to confirm but I think most of the accessories are made of plastic and vinyl, so they should be good to go. Best to check though!

Style Zone: Lara Stone in a Leopard Print Coat

Wow, love this all black outfit with a pop of leopard print. No makeup and loose hair finish the look.
More here.

Spotlight: Chanel's Animal Testing Policy

I did some readin' on the Chanel website and here is the scoop: no testing on animals - sweet! However, they do use some animal derivatives such as beeswax and lanolin.

I wasn't sure what lanolin was so I did some digging on wikipedia. OK, so it's not a scientific journal, but hey. Turns out it comes from sheering sheep. It's a wax that is extracted from the freshly shorn wool. Some people say this is "OK" for vegetarians and some people say it's "Not OK". All depends on how you feel about wool products.

Rodarte Won't Get Credit for Designing Black Swan Costumes

According to Fashionista, Kate and Laura Mulleavy - the designers behind Rodarte, won't be credited for their obvious contribution to the costumes in Black Swan. The Mulleavy sisters created 40 costumes for the Darren Aronofsky thriller, including outfitting the entire ballet corps. So it's crazy that Rodarte will be shut out of the Oscars.

A source told The Hollywood Reporter, that the Mulleavy’s were “naive about movies,” meaning they didn’t negotiate credits in their initial deal, and weren’t members of the the Costume Design Guild when they worked on the film (they are now). They are ineligible for Oscar consideration because the rules dictate that only the front credit designer is eligible. Amy Westcott will take the credit, as she received the “front credit” as costume designer for the film while the Mulleavy sisters only receive a backend credit.

The Mulleavy’s have since changed their representation. Somewhere an entertainment lawyer is crying over this...

Chunky Heels

It looks like some relief is on the way for high-heel wearers. Chunky heels of varying heights were seen across the catwalks of the Pre-Fall 2011 collections. Seen above: Stella McCartney shoes. You can also see a lower version of these babies in Fab Sugar's slide show here. I'm going to be all over hunting for the lower black version - cute, career appropriate, and comfy!

Essie's "French Affair" Spring 2011

It's snowing like crazy in Toronto today. Seems like a good time to post about Essie's new Spring 2011 nail polish collection with it's cheerful pastel hues. Pictured above: Essie "French Affair" Collection nail polishes Nice Is Nice, Coat Azure and French Affair. I'm not a huge Essie fan, but I'll give these babies a try when they hit my salon.

Spotlight: Urban Decay's Vegan Policy

Urban Decay, the beauty brand best known for bright colours and goth-y names like Asphyxia and Oil Slick, turns 15 this year. Their "vegan palette" is featured on the left.

Style Junkie is launching something new, too! We're going to spotlight different fashion/beauty brands and check out whether they are animal friendly. Ratings will be out of 5 paws.

Urban Decay's website says they never test on animals: "Urban Decay is, and always has been, a cruelty-free company. You’ll notice that every box bears our cruelty-free credo: “We don’t do animal testing. How could anyone?” We insist on producing beautiful, irreverent, high-end cosmetics without conducting animal testing." Nice! They've also flagged which products contain no animal ingredients. Some do, some don't. Their website has some animal rights symbols to help identify products. Urban Decay now has a “Marley Approved” symbol to identify vegan products on their website.

I'm giving them 4.5 paws out of 5. They aren't completely vegan, but the site is full of enough information to help people make vegan choices. And, I love their no animal testing policy. Nice work, Urban Decay!

Mulberry’s Spring 2011 Campaign, Starring Lindsey Wixson and Nimue Smit

The web has been a flutter with new images from the S/S campaigns. This Mulberry ad caught my eye. Mostly because it looks like something from ANTM. Doesn't it just scream "Mr. J styled me?" Something about it doesn't seem high fashion enough. Maybe it's just me? Fashionista has more shots here.