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As with all new things, we're bound to run into some issues but trust that we're working on them! We'd love to hear your feedback.

The Working Closet is about creating a wardrobe that works for your body and your life and your budget. It's about feeling polished and elegant and pretty no matter where you're going. It's about wearing what you love and loving what you wear. It's about having a closet that works for you.

Check out Sarah's profile at Work It, Mom!, and read her blogs Whoorl and Hairthursday

Spiff up your tees

Categories: basics, beyond 9 to 5, tops

1 Comment

The jeans-and-tee wardrobe is a staple of moms who spend a majority of their time at home, and with good reason: tees are comfy and machine washable and inexpensive. But tees are also super casual, so much so that it can be hard to feel really professional and smart when you’re sporting one.

Dressing up your jeans and a tee uniform can be as simple as adding a jacket. Putting something with some structure over your tee gives your whole outfit some shape. Go as formal or casual as you like — a suit jacket can do double-duty with a pair of jeans and a tee, while a jean jacket gives your chinos a little edge. The easiest way to up the wow factor of your basic tee and jeans is a trench coat, which is the perfect spring outerwear, but think also about structured sweater jackets, which are a little more flexible than a traditional blazer but can look equally professional and polished.

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A jacket is a terrific way to bridge being at home with your kids and being out and about during the work day; take the jacket off to load the dishwasher or make lunches, then toss it on for the school run or a client meeting. Having one piece that has some structure and shape to it gives your outfit a pulled-together look that bridges work and home, but without leaving you feeling like you need two different wardrobes just to get through your day.

Outfits pictured here are all available at Ann Taylor Loft.

What not to wear to a business conference

Categories: beyond 9 to 5

8 Comments

Is there anything better than the work conference, the kind that takes place somewhere cool and includes social functions like cocktails or dinner? It’s kind of like a vacation, but without the kids!

But it’s NOT a vacation, and you should not pack the same things you would pack for a vacation. This is work, and you need to dress like you are working.

Even for cocktails and dinner.

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Ann Taylor Loft V-neck contrast stitch dress, $69.00

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Suiting up: What to wear to the job interview

Categories: basics

13 Comments

Stara has a question about suiting:

As you may have noticed (not at all due to my incessant mentioning of this fact), I am an attorney. And I have been informed by an inside contact that I will likely soon be contacted by an ultra conservative employer regarding an interview. For which I honestly need a new suit. The last “interview” suit I bought was nearly 6 years ago, and it is showing it’s age.

My query is this- I am 27. How do I buy an interview suit that is both job appropriate and does not betray my age? I don’t particularly want to plop down $400 on a suit I will never want to wear again. I’m willing to spend a fair amount of cash so long as it is on something I actually like, and not something I feel forced into buying.

I think Stara has exactly the right attitude here: she wants a suit that will make her look professional and competent, but she doesn’t want to go into the interview pretending to be someone she’s not. And she absolutely wants to come out of this with a new job AND a suit that she can actually WEAR to the new job, something that will work with her current closet.

That sounds like a big request, but it’s actually fairly simple, as long as she keeps a few things in mind as she shops.

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Building an interview wardrobe

Categories: basics

3 Comments

I am a recent college grad who is about to interview for The Dream Job. I
currently work in a call center, where we can wear jeans and non-revealing tops to work. Therefore, my professional wear is limited. I have five button down tops - four are long sleeved, one is short sleeved and came from the junior’s section - but is a color better suited to my skin tone. I have two pair of black slacks and one black jacket, that is nicely fitted. I also have black flats, black pointy kitten heels and animal print flats.

I want to dress to impress, and I need help. I know that I need to nail the interview, but I want to dress for confidence. The interview isn’t until the 17th, so I have plenty of time to prepare and put together the perfect outfit.

Rachael already has some good basics; she’s got a great jacket and terrific shoes. She needs three more pieces to be completely interview ready.


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