Fall Transition Workwear

I’m back . . . after a long hiatus. My last post was in June, yikes! Can you believe we are at the end of August already? It’s almost Fall, one of my favourite seasons. What I love about this time of year is transitioning in to my Fall wardrobe and picking up new pieces for the cooler weather. This year I’ve been focussing a lot on workwear and versatile pieces that can wear well in to the Winter.

I am currently loving all the Fall workwear at Dynamite this year. I picked up all the pieces in this outfit from their Fall collection.  One trend I’m noticing this year is plaid. Once again we are mad for plaid and these skinny high waisted pants are no exception. I like how stretchy and versatile these pants are. They are a quite snug to begin with but have some stretch to them so resist your instinct to size up and stay true to your size with this item.

I paired the pants with a fitted camel turtleneck. I like how soft and comfortable this top is when you wear it. Camel, caramel and soft browns are another popular trend this Fall and this turtleneck is a perfect way to incorporate the trend in to your transition wardrobe.

To finish off the look I added a black blazer for contrast. It also picks up on the black stripes in the plaid pants. For a more neutral look you can add a camel blazer and stick with the soft brown tones on top.

I accessorized this look with a pair of timeless leopard print pumps for a little sass. For a more conservative look you can always wear a pair of black pumps. If you want to go the more edgy route this pair of leopard print mules is a great alternative as well.

Are you looking forward to Fall? If so what are your favourite Fall fashion trends?

Shop The Post:

Leaf Print Sweater Dress

Can you believe it’s November already! Although it doesn’t feel like Fall anymore (it’s gotten much colder here in Ottawa) Fall fashion is still around unlike some of the leaves on the trees. As it’s gotten colder I’ve switched out my Summer dresses for sweater dresses. I came across this comfortable yet chic leaf print sweater dress at Suzy Shier. The three-quarter sleeves and midi length of this dress make it a great workwear choice.

I love the leaf print as it resembles the leaves changing colour in the Fall. I paired this dress with some burgundy opaque tights as I wanted to pick up on the colour in the dress. I also added some matching burgundy pumps. In keeping with the Fall theme I found this adorable felt hat that went perfectly with the light brown colour in the print.

Fall coats are another item I love and I added a warm and cozy wrap coat to this look to finish it off. I picked up this coat at Suzy Shier and it comes in four other colours. I also got it in red – for Christmas perhaps?

P.S. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year and I will be starting my series of holiday posts soon so stay tuned!

Shop The Post:

Belted Plaid Pants

It’s been a while since my last post as I’ve been quite busy with my day job. Since I’ve been occupied with work I thought a workwear post would be appropriate. Plaid is a Fall staple and I was able to keep up with the trend with these belted high-waisted plaid pants from Suzy Shier.

These pants are so comfortable and flattering. The belt accentuates the waist and instantly gives you more shape. The pants are cropped at the ankle and perfect for pairing with your favourite pair of work pumps.

I styled these pants with a classic white work shirt. I typically don’t like long sleeved shirts so I opted for a more casual look and rolled up the sleeves. I added some pearls for some femininity to off-set this menswear inspired look.

What do you think about plaid for Fall, can you make it work?

Shop The Post:

Pink Power Suit

It’s Wednesday and in my world that means one thing – Work Wear Wednesday! I don’t know about you but I’m totally loving pastels this Fall so I was overjoyed when I came across this pink power suit at Suzy Shier. Pastels aren’t typically Fall colours but adding a little dusty rose to your Autumn wardrobe is a great way to incorporate some colour.

I love this pink suit as it adds some femininity to my work clothes. I have many other business suits but they’re typically grey or black – not the most interesting choice of colours. I’m also a fan of the pearl button details on the blazer that give it an extra layer of class and finesse.

I paired this suit with a high neck ruffle blouse that I also picked up at Suzy Shier. The ruffle detail in the neckline and the smocking on the sleeves add to the feminine flair of this outfit. I wanted to go for a monochrome chic look with this suit. I added a pair of pink kitten heels and my go-to tote the Louis Vuitton neverfull MM. I have the neverfull in Damier Ebene (brown) and Damier Azur (white) as it’s such a versatile bag and a great investment piece.

What do you think about pastels for Fall?

Special thanks to Suzy Shier for sponsoring this post.

Shop The Post:

Workwear 101: Collaboration with Suzy Shier

2.jpg

I’m so pleased to announce that I’ve collaborated with Canadian retailer Suzy Shier to bring you some of my favourite workwear pieces and tips for great 9 to 5 style. I was recently interviewed for their Suzy’s Stories blog. You can read my interview below 🙂 Special thanks to Suzy Shier for sponsoring this post.

Hi Praveeni, thanks so much for joining us! So, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and what do you do for a living?
I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada as a child. I’ve been living in Ottawa for about 26 years so I pretty much grew up here. I work as a Project Manager and Professor at a local College where I teach international business.

How do you balance being a fashion blogger and working full time?
There’s definitely a lot of planning that goes in to balancing blogging and working full time. I like to think I’m pretty good at managing my time. I plan out my outfits and photoshoots for the week. Most of my photos are taken on the weekends – like the name of my blog The Weekend Fashionista suggests.

How and why did you get into blogging?

I’ve always loved fashion and putting outfits and looks together. Over the years I’ve had friends and co-workers ask me where I got my clothing or accessories so I thought what better way to tell them than through a blog. I started documenting my daily style as a hobby and sharing links to the pieces I love with friends.

As you love fashion so much, would you ever consider working in the fashion industry?
I think working in the fashion industry would be an exciting experience. If the right opportunity came along it’s definitely something I would consider. I’d love to contribute to a collection someday, perhaps curating a Weekend Fashionista collection 😉

How do you show your personal style AND stay looking professional in the work place? Any tips?
I find accessories and accent pieces are a great way to show off your personal style in the workplace. I like to incorporate colour and texture in to my workwear wardrobe. I prefer a more feminine look so I’m usually in a dress or skirt at work. Whether it’s a printed blazer, a colourblock dress or a statement necklace there’s always a way to show off your personality and keep things professional at the same time.

If you have a big meeting at work, what will you wear to feel confident?
This is a tough one. I usually wear dresses to work and a structured work dress is a great confidence booster. For a more formal meeting I might throw on a blazer on top of the dress. I may also go for pants and a matching blazer, there’s a reason it’s called a power suit after all. When you’re wearing an outfit that you love you instantly feel more confident.

What’s your go-to outfit outside of the office?
Outside of the office my style is pretty relaxed and casual. On the weekend you can usually find me in a pair of jeans or jeggings and a sweater or blouse. I may throw on the occasional blazer if I’ve got dinner plans etc. after my weekend errands. Weekends are also great for showing off your creativity so I definitely enjoy getting dressed up and going out in the evenings.

What are some of your favourite workwear picks from our latest collection?
There’s so many great pieces in your latest collection it’s hard to choose just a few but here are some of the pieces I’m currently loving:

Suzy Shier Workwear.jpg

This sheath dress is so chic! It totally gives me the Chanel vibes with the fabric and cut. This blouse is so pretty, I especially like the smocking on the sleeves and the ruffle neck. This skirt would look great with a pair of opaque tights and a blouse – perfect for Fall and Winter. Fall florals are all the rage and I’m loving the print on this blouse and the detail in the buttons. I love the feminine detail of the pearl button on this dusty pink blazer, so pretty!

What are your top 3 fashion tips for great 9 to 5 style?
1. Aim for a polished and professional look
Look for fit when shopping for workwear pieces and if that blazer you absolutely love is just a tad baggier than you’d like, consider getting it altered for a better fit. Make sure you don’t have any stray threads or tags hanging off your clothing and always iron or press your clothes. A well pressed outfit just looks more polished and professional.

2. Personalize your workwear looks
Don’t be afraid to show off your personality by incorporating colour or accessories in to your workwear wardrobe. Just be respectful of your workplace’s dress code

3. Add some feminine flair to your workwear
Many people think that workwear should be boring and restricted to black or grey pant suits but a feminine structured dress or skirt does the job too. I find myself drawn to colourful work dresses and feminine details on blouses and skirts. Dresses and skirts are versatile pieces as you can wear them year round, simply add opaque tights and a cardigan for the Fall and Winter.

When it comes to having great style and looking well put together I think Coco Chanel said it best “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman”

4.jpg

Pearl Detail Blouse

 

It’s definitely feeling like Fall outside and one trend I’m loving this season is pearls. I was thrilled when I saw this pearl detail blouse in-store at Melanie Lyne. Pearls are such a feminine and classy touch to any piece and this blouse is no exception. I love the chiffon fabric in this blouse and the high neckline. The pearls across the neckline give this piece a formal finishing touch. I also like the pearl buttons at the wrist, so classy and elegant.

This is a great blouse for work or an evening out. I went for a more corporate look when styling this piece. I paired the blouse with a checked print midi skirt. The pattern on the skirt helps balance out the plain black blouse. To accessorize I added a pair of basic black pumps – workwear must-have and my favourite satchel bag by Michael Kors.

I like the fact that this blouse adds some elegance to my workwear look. I’ve worn this outfit to work before and I simply love it. What do you think about the pearl detail trend this Fall?

Shop The Post: