Summer is quickly coming to an end BUT the weather is still in full sunshine/heat mode (lucky us)! Now is the perfect time to start planning that last summer jaunt. Where you should go and what you should do is always a fun debate (unless you hate planning… then this part really is no fun) but how to look stylish while packing light can sometimes be stressful. You really don’t need a big suitcase full of clothes to look stylish, be comfy and stay cool. For that last summer week away (the September long weekend is quickly approaching), here are 5 key items that you’ll surely want to pack: Item #1 Cali Stripe Tank Why you should pack this in your suitcase: This is a great, comfy piece to wear over a bathing suit, with a pair of shorts or under a cozy sweater (if it’s a little cool at night). This type of tank is a great go-to because it’s light-weight and has fairly neutral colours. Item #2 Vintage Whisper Maxi Dress Why you should pack this in your suitcase: You will be effortlessly stylish in this dress. To your tussled hair, add some cool shades and a pair of red thong sandals (faux leather would look great with this dress). Effortlessly stylishs for sure! Item #3 Canvas Boat Shoe Why you should pack this in your suitcase: These shoes will go with any outfit you take on this last summer getaway. I especially like them an early evening dress on a patio… when the air is a bit cool (yes, that’s the first sign of Fall you feel). Item #4 Rachelle Trouser Short Why you should pack this in yoru suitcase: This is a great short for day hikes when you know you’ll be on a patio sipping a lovely beverage afterwards. With these shorts, you definitely won’t have to sacrifice style for comfort and functionality! These may be the only shorts you need for this last getaway! Item #5 Jena Buttons Cardigan Why you should pack this in your suitcase: You’ll definitely want to have something that has long sleeves for the evenings. For an evening walk, pair it with sandals, a contrasting coloured tank and shorts. This is also great to snuggle up with a book and a glass of lovely wine! I am definitely one to soak up all that summer has to offer and can’t wait to do so with these fun, stylish items!
Flip Flops: Where is the line when it comes to office attire?
There are many opinions out there when it comes to flip flops being OK or even appropriate for the office. The discussions I’ve heard and read about often refer to the use of flip flops by women. I would argue that the discussion should also include men! This group may not be a prevalent flip flop user in the workplace, but I have definitely spied these offenders (yes, I just said offenders) in business school as well as in the corporate world on casual Fridays (think Hawaiian shirts and flip flops). Alright, now that I got that off my chest, we can move on… Image from: http://earthdivasblog.com We’ve all heard the arguments of why these offenders feel that flip flops are appropriate in the workplace. It’s interesting (and by interesting, I mean that it makes my brow furrow), that left to their own devices, flip flop lovers have used their “judgement” and justified why flip flops should be allowed in the office. I’m sure you’ve heard some of these: “My office is really casual so I don’t need to dress professionally” “My flip flops are really feminine and pretty” “They are so comfortable and easy for me to walk in all day long” “No one has said anything all summer so it must be ok” I do agree that flip flops have a place in our lives – like the beach, a weekend at the cabin, or for the morning walk with your dog – but personally, I don’t agree with the thought process of flip flop lovers who insist on including this footwear as part of their regular office attire. Here are some of my thoughts on the topic: Who’s the professional in the room? Do flip flops really say to others “I am serious about my career?” In my opinion, I don’t feel that wearing flip flops to the office is going to get you big votes on credibility or professionalism. If your goal is to continue moving your career forward, I’d ditch the flip flops and go for something more professional. That doesn’t mean you have to wear a 3 or 4 inch heel but rather, wear a shoe (flats are acceptable) that shows others you care about yourself, your employer, your clients and your future. Put in the effort because, guess what, people notice! What is that noise? Plain and simple, flip flops are noisy! If you’re in an office environment and you’re on the phone, in a client meeting, or just working away at your desk, flips flops are noisy… even in an office with carpet (I can hear the flip flop lovers making the same argument about the “click” from heels)! While your shoes can really add to the overall look of an outfit, you want people looking at YOU and not listening to the noise that is coming from your feet! Does casual = sloppy? There is a lot of ambiguity around the term business casual and what this really means. I believe
Reader Spotlight: What should I wear to a very posh wedding?
L2 Style is starting a new series to answer questions from our readers. Here is our first post. Enjoy! I’ve been enjoying your blog posts very much and after reading your last post on what to wear to stagettes, I am wondering if you could help me out with something. My husband and I have been invited to a very posh wedding in London, UK and I’m worried about what to wear. I’ve been told to wear a cocktail dress – I totally love that green dress (with plunging backline) on your post but I’m wondering if I should wear something more conservative. I’m looking for any advice – I want to wear something classy and sexy with a pashmina/whatever that can be worn if I need to be more conservative, judging by the crowd and obviously still look good. For the church part, I have to wear a hat or a fascinator. Any suggestion so I can look like the Duchess, not a crazy hat lady? And for the man: can all suits be worn with a waistcoat/vest? He wants to wear his nice dark grey suit but he’s wondering if he should wear a vest to “dress it up” (and obviously the vest can be omitted judging by the crowd). How can he dress up a suit? Thank you SO much, any advice would be appreciated. Megan Hi Megan, Sounds like you’re in for a really exciting experience! Here are some of my thoughts on the three areas you mentioned: Part 1 I’m glad you recognized upfront that the green dress I posted is probably going to be a bit too sexy for the event. It is definitely more suited to wear to a stagette than a wedding reception! My biggest tip in this area is to go with something that doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable (as you probably would feel wearing that sexy green dress). You certainly don’t want to be pulling and tugging at your outfit all night long, that doesn’t let people know you are confident in yourself. What to do: Since you want to come across as being classy and sexy, I’d opt for something that highlights your favourite features. Perhaps for you, that means wearing a bright colour (as you mentioned you’d prefer) that shows off your great skin tone or eye colour. Another way to remain a bit more conservative, but add in some sex appeal, is to highlight your legs. You could do this by adding a bold yet very feminine high heel. You can always play up an outfit with a killer pair of heels! Lastly, make sure that dress or skirt length is close to your knee and not several inches above since this will surely draw the type of attention you are looking to avoid. What to avoid: One suggestion I have on how to remain appropriate for the event you’ve described, is to keep “the ladies” out of the limelight. I’d avoid anything with spaghetti straps and