Today's Look: What I wore to my job interview

Today I had a job interview at Smith-Harmon, an email marketing agency here in Seattle. I didn't actually apply for the job, they found my website and resume online and contacted me first. That being said, I wasn't quite sure exactly what to wear. I'm not much of a business suit gal, so I decided to keep things a little more casual. As a web designer, my work wear never has to be extremely formal...I can get away with more style and less business.

I realize this outfit is a little more expensive than most. One of my favorite people, Tim Gunn from Project Runway, wrote an amazing book called A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style. If you haven't read it yet, I highly reccommend picking up a copy. It's written for the everyday woman and talks about shopping at lower priced stores (Target, H&M, Forever 21) but really investing in classic pieces. He has a list of 10 must have items (things any woman will wear over and over), which includes a pencil skirt and classic white button up -- as you can see I'm wearing both in this picture! While I didn't buy anything expensive (everything here was under $60) this outfit does cost a little more than average. But hey -- it's a job interview!

I'm really glad I didn't end up going more dressy or wearing a suit today. The office was a really cool urban loft and many of the employees were wearing jeans (my kind of office!). I felt dressed up enough for an interview, but not so formal that I look out of place.

The actual interview went great! I think I may finally be ready to transition from working from home into more of a traditional office environment. We'll see. I have another interview next Wednesay where I'll be wearing a slightly more formal look. Stay tuned for pics!

The Outfit:
White Button Up - Ann Taylor Loft, $30 (on sale) June 2010
Blue Cardigan - INC by Macys, $59 June 2010
Pencil Skirt - INC b Macys, $59 June 2010
Stilettos - Christian Siriano for Payless, $25.99, June 2010
Belt - NY and Company, $15, 2009
Necklace - JC Penney, $15, 2006

TOTAL COST: 203.99

Today's Look

It's another cold, gray Seattle morning, and I just wanted to be comfy. I work from home, so I have the luxury of actually wearing comfy clothes and not needing to get all dressed up everyday. I am however meeting friends for Happy Hour after work, so I still wanted to look put together. I've been dying to wear my new leopard flats from Payless, so I paired them with a simple black and white combo, and accented them with a piece of funky jewelry.

I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that while I bought this sweater vest in 2008, this is the first time I've worn it! Good thing I kept it around...it's cute AND comfy. I have a feeling I'll be dragging it out more often =)

Dark Denim Capris - New York & Company, $15 (on sale) 2008
White Tee - Target, $9.99 May 2010
Black Sweater Vest - New York & Company, $20 2008
Leopard Flats - Payless, $12.99 (on sale) June 2010
Necklacke - Duque Salon & Spa, $40 (on sale) May 2010
Total Look: $97.98

Christian Siriano for Payless

Who doesn't love a good pair of designer shoes? And who doesn't love the King of Fierce himself, Project Runway's Season 4 winner Christian Siriano? Christian recently came out with a fabulous line for Payless that merges high style with low price...love it!

I snagged this pair below (on sale) for $28.99!



These heels are fierce, if I do say so myself.

Run, don't walk, because styles and sizes were running low. Can you resist a pair of Siriano heels for under 30 dollars? Ok...$35.99 If you miss the sale. But still!

Today's Look

Tank, Horseshoe (local boutique), $35, March 2010
Cardigan - Target, $16, June 2010
Capris - Old Navy, $25 (on sale) June 2010
Heels - Payless $18.99 (on sale) June 2010
Bangle - H&M $7 summer 2007
Total Look: $101.99

Summer has yet to arrive in Seattle. In fact, Spring still isn't really here either-- we haven't had a single day over 75 degrees in 2010! While the sky may be overcast and gray, I'm making the fashion fun and colorful! Since it's not warm enough for just a tank or sundress, I've been doing lots of layering. Tanks and cardis have been a favorite combo. And who doesn't love a bright pop of color? The hue today is a bright summery violet...skin isn't the only way to ring in the summer...color can have the same effect!

I have two favorite things in this outfit. Numero uno is the fabulous shoes! I think that bright colored pumps are a staple every woman should have in her wardrobe. You can wear them matchy-matchy (like I've done here) or pair them with a neutral outfit to jazz things up. While a purple shoe may seem impractical at first, you'll be surprised how often you find an excuse once to wear them once they are sitting fabulously in your closet!

My other favorite item is the tank. I purchased this in March at a local boutique. The top was normally well over $100 and I snagged it for $35. Because it's from a boutique, I've never seen anyone else with it. While local boutiques may seem pricey, check the sales rack! You'll never know what goodies you'll find, and by purchasing things out of season (like I did with the tank) you can save a bundle.

Last thing...because I KNOW you are going to ask. Yes, I am mixing metals. The detailing on the tank is a bronze/gold color, and my bangle is silver. While many people think this is a fashion no-no, I really love the look! I think mixing metals looks uber-sophisticated and helps you avoid the fashion faux-pas of being to perfectly matched. If it drives you crazy, don't bother...but if you're feeling adventurous, give it a try!