A couple weeks ago I showed a casual look with the Valentina bold printed pencil skirt from Kora Rae. In today’s blog post, I’m going for a look that is slightly dressier and it’s main purpose is to be worn to the office or a work event. For me it’s very important that my work clothes also translate to events in my life other than work, like a bridal or baby shower, rehearsal dinner, date night, etc. I started my career back in 2007 in a corporate setting in NYC. Before I left Arizona to start my big job at Macy’s Merchandising Group, my mom and I went to Banana Republic and bought every pant suit, pencil skirt and button down top on sale. I thought that I needed to dress a certain way because I was in an office. What I didn’t realize is that I can still express myself through colors, accessories, and beauty. It was difficult on my New York sized budget to have it all, but I slowly incorporated clothing that wasn’t so stiff. (Side note, I am in no way saying that all clothing at Banana Republic is stiff. I still shop there, but the items I was purchasing at the time were definitely a little stiffer than things I may purchase there today, aka button down shirts- they don’t look the best on me.) Since then, I worked at retail stores (BCBG and G Star RAW) where the dress code required fashion, beauty and accessories, and the articles of clothing might have been a bit tighter or shorter than what I typically wore to the office. After that I worked at a technology company where the dress code was a bit more relaxed and casual. Now, I am back at a corporate setting and slowly adjusting again to what is appropriate and understanding what should stay in my closet till Saturday and Sunday.
I love this look because it pairs a silk button down shirt from A.L.C. that is very comfortable, but being silk it immediately looks dressier than other fabric choices. The neon yellow Kendra Scott necklace in Harlow plays off of the bright colors in the Kora Rae skirt and is a perfect balance with the white blouse. Lastly, the simple black pump immediately takes a casual look to business. The YSL heels that I’m wearing are actually a little high for me to walk in all day at the office, so for me I would probably opt for a lower heel for work and switch into the YSL’s for events outside of work.
In case you’re not familiar with Kora Rae, I highly suggest taking the time to check out her online store. I’ve shown two pencil skirts, one from each collection, but there is so much more that she offers. I mention earlier in this blog post that I used to work at BCBG, well Kora Rae reminds me of a similar style. The quality and fashion forward designs are on par with what you’d find at BCBG, Nordstrom or Barneys and I believe the prices are also on par or slightly less expensive. The designer, Rachel Turzer, launched the brand in 2013 and finds her inspiration from the places she travels. She even takes the finest European silks, New York leather craftsmanship and the hand embroidery traditions from Eastern India to create something that is unique and not available in stores. Plus, the best part is that Rachel adopted a tiger named Kora from the National Tiger Sanctuary in Missouri and a percentage of the proceeds are donated there. Recently Kora Rae has collaborated with Jessie James Decker to create Kittenish.
For more information on where to shop for the other items in my look click on the images below:
Be you, bravely.
The Foxy Kat
