A good friend recently emailed me asking about how to build a wardrobe for your career. My automatic response was “dress for success”. But, a) that’s cliche and b) that doesn’t really help if you don’t know what’s right for you.

So, start defining your style by buying the staples. Remember that just because it’s a staple, doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. Staples can be “you” as much as any other part of your wardrobe.

Staple of the week: Pinstripes

If you want gain some professional respect by looking older, I have 2 words of advice. Pinstripes and lipstick. Armed with these items, your exterior will convey your inner hot shot.

How to wear pinstripes without looking like a businessman (i.e. big, bulky, completely over-bearing), you ask? Simple. If you’re heavy on top - this includes a large chest- go for pinstripes on the lower half. If you’re heavy on bottom, go for pinstripes on your upper half. The reason for this is that the pinstripes, like any other stripe, won’t lay flat on an area with formidable curves. Wavy lines all over your body won’t achieve the hot shot look you’re going for.

Some options to get you started…

• Pinstripe Blouse - would look great with a belt cinched up tight. Forever21, $22.80
• If you’re feeling trendy, try a pinstripe vest. Very of the moment (Jovovich Hawk “Galina” vest pictured above). Fatal, SALE! $121.80
• Cute little bow jacket by Nanette Lapore (pictured at right), edressme, $350
• Wide leg mini-pinstripe pant - the pinstripe’s tiny…but it’s there. Shopbop, $178

One last tip on buying pinstripes - make sure the stripes actually line up at the seams. I love bargain shopping as much as the next girl, but if the pinstripes on your posterior don’t match up, trust me, people will notice and they’ll know you’ve been shopping at the bargain basement…and that’s not really hot shot either.

I know it’s tough to spend money on clothes that you feel aren’t “you”. So start thinking of your work wardrobe as your real wardrobe - it’s what you’ll be wearing most of the time anyway. And, more success in the long run means more money for your “non-staple” attire.

How amazing is this pic? Something about the contrast…and Naima’s super intense eyes.

I was perusing the web checking out what all the ANTM models have been up to lately and stumbled across this photo posted on Naima’s myspace page. (Is it just me or do you have a hard time believing that famous people really have myspace pages?) The photo is credited to Romer Pedron, and that was all I needed to see; I was off and running on a search to find out more about this photographer.

Unfortunately, there’s not much to tell. He’s 21, originally from Maryland, and takes some pretty awesome photographs. Plus, you have to like a guy who believes that everyone has the potential to look like a supermodel. You can count me in; I’m 5′3″ - where do I sign up?

And to conclude, a little shout out to the artist himself: Romer, if you’re around, I’d love to learn more!

Photo courtesy of Naima Mora’s myspace page - credit given to Romer Pedron

I’ll admit I was skeptical. Florals seem so…passe. Perhaps even a more than a little childish. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, grandmotherly/MOB (Mother of the Bride). But after a winter where gray was the must-have color, big and splashy florals provide more than enough cheer to go around.

Undeniable Tips:

• Wear florals to accentuate your better half…
  • Large chest? Try a floral skirt. The vibrance of the skirt will be the center of attention….not the ladies.
    • Need Help? Try this and this.
  • Pear Shaped? We recommend [Read more →]

We all know that jewel tones are so “right now”. What’s more, the similar “snorkel blue” has been chosen by Pantone as a have-to-have color for Spring 2008. It’s always interesting to see how these colors work their way into interior design…

After my trip to Cost Plus, where I purchased a peacock blue jute rug (sorry guys, not available online), I’ve been really digging this saturated hue. I decided to take it one step further and look for
peacock-themed items that would be suitable for any home. The peacock by nature is over-the-top, so some of these choices are definitely for the maximalist, but I think we all agree that this is a great way to add a splash of color.

Check out the peacock-inspired items below:

Feather Wallpaper, available at Ferm Living, $85/roll

Robert Abbey Glazed Ceramic Lamp, available at CSN Lighting, $168.92

Michele Varian Chocolate Peacock Pillow, available at Michele Varian, $244

Yes friends, it’s true. After living in the Scott St Apt with PRD for a good 7 months, I’ve finally gotten up off the couch and been truly bitten by the decorating bug.

Sources of inspiration:

• Cost Plus World Market — I happened to stop in on my lunch break on Friday, and was stoked to find that Cost Plus was having a huge sale. Check out their online sale.
• Sweet Chandelier — I got a great pendant lamp for Christmas that echoes the feeling of a chandelier (something I’ve been wanting for a long while now).
• Quilt — When I was in the hospital in December, my mom made me this awesome flannel quilt to wrap up in.

Keep in mind I started with 2 espresso leather couches, 1 espresso leather chair, and a black wrought iron and glass coffee table with 2 matching end tables. Pretty much a bachelor’s haven, right? My real obstacle in coming up with a concept for our living room was that I didn’t want to strip it of its masculinity. After all, two of us live here, and only one of us is female.

Featured in this article: Capiz Circles Pendant Lamp, West Elm, $99; Segovia Whitewashed Mirror, Cost Plus, SALE! $79.99

I know the pieces I’ve picked look girly, but stay tuned for the results of the makeover to see how they get incorporated into the final “look”.

The day job has been incredibly busy lately, leaving me little time to ponder the fun things I love so much. What I will say is that I am in need of a little design inspiration…yes, still working on the living room.

Just thought I’d post up an awesome pic - I came across a new blog today via Scented Glossy Magazines…the new blog is The World According to Jessica Claire.

How much do you love the candle fixture above the dining room table? I’ve often thought about candle chandeliers outdoors (something about candlelight on a summer night is uber-romantic) but alas, I’d need a backyard for that…something city living hasn’t quite afforded me. Anyhow, I love this indoor twist.

The interior was designed by Environ, so for more inspiration check out their site. And of course, check out Jessica Claire and SGM, too.

Lucky Number 12 - Lesha at Fashion Fling. Choose your color girl, and email it to me. To all who played…thanks for reading! I’m sure there’ll be more contests, coming soon!

Several readers commented that the window of time for the stationery giveaway was MUCH too short. And you know I just want to please the people, SO…the giveaway has been extended. Winner will be determined next Tuesday a.m., so get your comments in by then!!

Enter to win by commenting on the original post.

Also, for those of you who are interested, here’s a little something spell check doesn’t pick up:

Stationary = unmovable, fixed position

Versus

Stationery = writing paper

So apologies for that gross mistake - which I am leaving up for all of the world to see. According to two previous posts (here and here), I am an unmoving freak. Interesting. Very interesting.

Have a case of the Mundays? How about something to put a little pep in your step? How about a giveaway from Undeniable Style?!

Last week in a post I mentioned how I am obsessed with Silhouette Blue, a stationary and invitation company based out of Chicago. Megan, the owner of the company began Silhouette Blue as a Senior Art Project in 2006, and now she does cards full time (lucky girl!).

I love the vintage feel of the stationary, the colors, and the simplicity of her stationary sets. And you know I love to support handmade.

So, one lucky reader will win the exact set of stationary that I ordered a few weeks ago (pictured at right). Perfect for interview Thank Yous, the subject of last week’s posts.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Then, I’ll pick a number at random,and the comment with that same number will win. Please be sure to leave some sort of contact information - no contact information means no win. Contest will end tomorrow, 2/5/08 at noon. Contest only open to those in the U.S.

This stationary set is available in 9 colors, and you’ll get to choose the very one you want, along with the monogram letter on the front (of course!)

A big Thank You to Silhouette Blue for this awesome gift! FYI, you can also check out Silhouette Blue on Etsy by clicking here.

I recently wrote about the importance of a flawless and personal thank you letter as follow up for a job/grad school interview. Because I am a stationary freak, I went perusing the web for wonderful examples and came up with quite a few that caught my eye. Following you’ll find my top three…but first, some tips on what not to choose.

Please stay away from:

• Anything big and flashy
• Cards that are cutesy, immature or young looking
• Cards with THANK YOU emblazoned on the front

Okay, truthfully, the last one’s not that bad when compared to the others. But why choose a generic THANK YOU when you can really showcase some style?

My absolute hands-down suggestion is this: invest in some personalized stationary. I know, I know, writing letters is an ancient past time. But trust me, this really is a great solution for interview thank you letters.

Now it’s time for the top three:

Chocolate Border Cards, available with name in the ink color of your choice, $38 (set of 25), available here.
I am a sucker for chocolate brown. Definitely like the monogram best…

Circle Monogram Personalized Stationary Set, available in 9 colors, $22 (set of 20), available here.
All Silhouette blue stationary is amazing, be sure to check out all of her designs on Etsy…

Vera Wang Papers Embossed Geometric Cards, starting at $177 (set of 50), available here.
For those with exquisite (and expensive) taste…