Are you looking to add some variety to your work wardrobe? Pencil skirts and pants work great but you are searching for something new that exudes power, comfort and style? Tailored shorts may be the answer. To say that this is a trend that got my shopping juices going would be an exaggeration. Angie with youlookfab.com and this particular post inspired me to dig for this trend within my wardrobe. Once you try the right pair on, you cannot deny how chic and work appropriate they can be. The 4 inch heels are of course optional.

xoxo, Teodora

• The dress code does not allow it
• My boss would never do it
• I don’t want them to think that I care more about fashion than about my job
• I just don’t know how to mix and match
• It is just too much work

Do you think that these are valid excuses? Do you think that more exciting office attire is worth overcoming these challenges?

xoxo, Teodora

P.S. I could not believe I have been spelling fuchsia wrong all this time. I would blame it on English being my second language

Stripe Office Dress Shirt – Banana Republic
Fuchsia Skirt – Ann Taylor

It took me years to find what I believe the perfect hair color for me. And it seems like this is how far I would take it in regards to hairstyle creativity. Every morning, after spending most of my preparation time to figure out what to wear, I have no time left to style my hair. Maybe this reality would change for me after taking a second look at my favorite fashion bloggers.

We are fascinated by their forward fashion style and class. Hairstyle is not the first thing we associate with them. However, when I was trying to figure out what makes them the best bloggers, I started noticing other seemingly small but significant details. And hairstyle is one of them. It completes the look and the image they are trying to portray – retro, classic, forward, edgy…

Blair’s pairings are so unique and captivating. After taking a second look, you realize how it all comes together. Her hairstyles are perfect for both the office or for a good time with your girlfriends.

Blair with Atlantic-Pacific

Wendy has luscious, long tresses and she has mastered the art of creating beautiful hairdos. Since a lot of her styles feature updos, they are appropriate for both conservative and casual office. You should check out her tutorials.

Wendy with Wendy’s Lookbook

Nicole is a chameleon. Each of her magazine-worthy looks represent a drastic change and tells a different story.

Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Vintage

There are so many articles listing what you should and what you should not wear to work, what is appropriate and what not. This blog is not about that. It is about wearing what fits and what feels good physically and spiritually. Feeling good about an outfit may come from feeling confident and powerful in it to feeling good about finding the dream piece at a bargain. If wearing black and grey to the office is what you like, so be it. In fact, here is a link to my Pinterest Black & White – Achromatic Fashion Board with some amazing two tone outfits for the office. But if you have the slightest inclination to incorporate some color in your work style but you are afraid to stand out in the office, please go for it. Showing some creativity would not take the promotion away from you, it will only enhance your image of creativity and leadership.

Or if you are bold and if your office allows, you can go ALL color. This outfit was inspired by a recent Ralph Lauren ad I fell in love it. I liked it so much that I had to come up with two versions – “at work” and “at play”. Again, there is no universal “business style” appropriate for all offices, but I can definitely see this outfit in a more creative work environment. So here is how I took it from “at work” to “at play”:

1) Ditched my beloved blue pointed-toe flats for open-toe, patent platforms. My propensity to have more fun just jumped by 4 inches.
2) Added a bright, bold, chunky jewelry – the best conversation-starter piece I have ever owned. Who knew jewelery had such an amazing power.
3) Add a flirtatious touch to your look by enhancing your make-up colors or by adding some summer waves to your hair. I tend to straighten my hair for the office and add some spirals for the after hours.
4) Show off that joyous print that you have been hiding all day behind your tailored blazer, even if it is a bright cobalt blue blazer.
5) Put on your best accessory – your smile. You are off work after all

At Work and at Play

Colorful Office Style

Bird Print Spring Top

Cobalt Blue Blazer – Arden B.
Bird Print Top – Teodora B.
Skirt – Ann Taylor

Miranda Kerr in Peter Pilloto Dress (Source: Glamour.com)

Miranda Kerr in a floral dress (Source: justjared.com)

Miranda Kerr in White Jeans (Source: elle.com)

Miranda Kerr (Source:justjared.com)

Miranda Kerr in a Vintage Dress Source:justjared.com

Miranda Kerr in Erdem Dress (Source:justjared.com)

Miranda Kerr in a Floral Skirt (Source:popsugar.com)

Source:justjared.com

]]> http://blog.teodorab.com/2013/05/style-crush-on-miranda-kerr.html/feed 3 http://blog.teodorab.com/2013/04/curly-jacket.html http://blog.teodorab.com/2013/04/curly-jacket.html#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:26:39 +0000 Teodora http://blog.teodorab.com/?p=1299 Hello everyone,

Have you yet spotted the perfect boucle jacket that will protect you against the summer breeze or the office chill? Boucle (from French “to curl”) jacket has been re-invented and has made a comeback with a bang.  Boucle refers to the yarn the jacket is made of and specifically the two-three threads used to create this yarn.  One thread is usually looser than the others, creating a bumpier look. That multidimensional texture has inspired fabric makers to come up with new fabrics that will fit everyone’s taste and budget.

1) “Too conservative for me” – No way. Pair with cropped skinny jeans, a simple tank top and flirty ballet flats for a more relaxed look. Or take it to the next level by pairing with 4-inch heels and a pearl top. This is my “having fun with the girls” look. It is definitely girly, right?

2) For the office – If you wish to keep it stylish for the office, yet cool, replace the knee – length skirt with an acceptable miniskirt. By keeping the shirt out, I was trying to achieve less structured and formal look.

3) Casual Friday – This is my Casual Friday go-to outfit. Dark wash boot-cut jeans, paired with a dress shirt and topped with a boucle jacket. Sounds plain? Not when you are creating a layering by combining similar colors and contrasting textures.

As you can see, I have a weakness to monochromatic (one-hue) pastel pairings. I can wear mint, lavender, and pink all day, every day. How would you pair a boucle or like-boucle jacket?

Teodora B. Spring Office Jacket

Teodora B. Chanel Inspired “Boucle” Jacket

xoxo, Teodora

Emerald Color Pairing

My love for emeralds was revived by Angelina Jolie and her Lorraine Schwartz 115-carat Colombian emerald drop earrings and matching 65-carat ring back in the 2009 Oscars. Although pale brunettes have the greatest advantage in showcasing this color, I believe with its wide variety of hues, emerald is universal and  fitting for all. When looking for accessories, I focused on darker hues of emerald and when searching for clothing, I focused on lighter colors fitting for spring and summer.

Although emerald is Pantone color of the year, I believe before that it is the color of SPRING. What better color to celebrate growth, renewal, and harmony than emerald. Being surrounded by green during this season makes it so natural and easy to incorporate it in your office wardrobe. If you are not afraid to create additional pop and contrast, pair emerald right next to a shade of red. Green never looks more luminous and green than when paired with red. Selecting lighter hues of both would guarantee that you don’t look festive and “holidayish”.

1. I cannot do it all. Or I can, but not as good as a professional would do it.
2. There are things I can control and there are occasions when I cannot be in the driver’s seat.
3. It all works out in the end. Have no fear.

To sum it all up, I believe the Serenity Prayer fits perfectly:

‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.’

I hope through this first Lookbook, I was able to relate what Teodora B. is all about. I am set to prove that you don’t have to leave your creativity and style at home every morning. You can build a wardrobe that reflects the latest trends, your charisma, the office etiquette and most of all, your personality. What do you think, have I achieved that?

Black & White Sheath Dress

Black & White Sheath Dress

Teodora B Fuchsia Peplum Office Dress

Teodora B high-waist office dress in mustard

Bird Print Peplum Top – Teodora B.Skirt – Ann Taylor
Shoes – Gianni Bini (similar)
Clutch – ASOS