Frugal Fashionista: Office Chic
By
McLean Robbins
Most working women spend more hours per day in their 9-to-5 apparel than they do in their pretty going-out frocks. So why is it that more than half of our closets are often dedicated to the latter? Despite the conservative office cultures that often dominate, there’s no excuse for being drab in the daytime.
For this edition of Frugal Fashionista, we asked Kenya Gregory, a DC stylist and budding fashion designer, to come up with an office-appropriate outfit that works for a Washingtonian woman on a budget.
Gregory was given $150 to find a getup worthy of a business-casual office. For the purpose of this exercise, we assumed Gregory was dressing for an average-shaped woman and that she owned a handbag suitable for day-to-day wear.
Here’s what she picked:
Ruffled pencil skirt: $58.50 at Bloomingdale’s.
Simple black slingbacks: $46.90 at Nordstrom.
Ruffled shirt: Designer’s own, from the Kenya Gregory Collection.
Total: $105.40.
“I chose this outfit because it’s feminine, sophisticated, and smart,” says Gregory. “I enjoy creating tailored, polished looks that are vibrant, crisp, classic, and contemporary all at the same time.” Gregory says she spent the most time choosing the shoes, which are the biggest giveaway of a cheap outfit. These pumps work with a variety of outfits, including pants and skirts, and the lower heel will be comfortable on treks to and from the Metro or meetings. “The shirt and skirt send a message to officemates that says, ‘My dress may be office casual, but I still take pride in my appearance,’ ” says Gregory. Plus, the high-waisted pencil skirt is the perfect blend of modern and classic style.
We say: The outfit is certainly a Washington standard, and we love the high-waisted-pencil-skirt trend, which works well on a variety of body types. We agree with Gregory that shoes are an integral part of any outfit, and these are certainly versatile. The ruffle on the front of the skirt is an excellent and modern addition but is definitely best suited to a plain blouse—perhaps in a bright color for spring. We wish Gregory had added a little bit of extra pop with jewelry—a simple watch or great diamond studs would have added simple sophistication.
Think you’re a budget balancing babe (or boy)? Send a note to mclean.robbins@gmail.com if you’d like to be featured in an upcoming segment.
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Posted by: love DC, Mar 18, 2009 09:37:05 AM
Umm, this looks way too much like typical, uptight DC wear. I was hoping for something a tad bit brighter...spring is around the corner. I have no words about the skirt from Kenya’s collection. Wait, I do--trifling!
Posted by: Meshelle, Mar 16, 2009 05:47:51 PM
I agree with Dupont, I usually enjoy the frugal fashionista but this was totally a cop out. She had $150 for an outfit but used only 2 pieces from department stores, one item for her own collection and no jewelry...lame. This was the worst.
Posted by: disappointed, Mar 11, 2009 01:56:14 PM
If you’re interested in the blouse, please email the designer at ken-yastyle@cox.net
Posted by: To Dupont, Mar 11, 2009 10:25:46 AM
I agree, Dupont. Totally.
Posted by: Kelly, Mar 10, 2009 12:08:23 PM
I usually enjoy Frugal Fashionista, but this one was very disappointing. For an outfit consisting of only 3 pieces, one of them was not even included in the budget! How much would the "Designer’s own, from the Kenya Gregory Collection" blouse add to the total? Not to mention that no one would be able to find it and it’s shameless self-promotion on her part.
Posted by: Dupont, Mar 10, 2009 11:50:33 AM
Lauren,
We’re trying to work our way through the DC fashion scene, and it’s bigger than you think. But don’t worry, we’ve got tons of store owners and stylists giving great advice in the coming weeks. I’ve heard a rumor that Glamazon Diaries might be back soon for another spotlight on Washingtonian.com .... but in the meantime, she’s available at www.theglamazondiaries.com!
Best,
McLean
Best,
MC
Posted by: To Lauren, Mar 10, 2009 09:57:24 AM
I loved the first Frugal Fashionista with the undr $50. What I liked about her selection was that every accessory looked a lot more pricey than it actually cost. I ended up buying all of her recommendations and have been mixing and matching the pieces.
Can you bring her back with another challenge for $100? I would love to see what she could do for my closet for the spring.
Posted by: Lauren Sagona, Mar 10, 2009 07:54:30 AM
High waisted skirts are great for any shape, but work especially well with pear shaped ladies, as they accentuate your tiny waist and camouflage your booty. Lucky for your, many shirts work with this style - choose a flowy blouse (always tuck it in), a simple buttoned oxford, or even a basic tank or tee in a bright color. If you still feel that the outfit lacks pizazz, add a wide belt, or place a skinny belt over a slim cardigan at your waist.
You’ll be stylin in no time! Just FYI - Banana Republic has a great basic style that I’m totally in love with - wearing it today, in fact!
Best,
McLean
Posted by: to Ndo, Mar 10, 2009 07:32:33 AM
I never know how to wear a high-waisted pencil skirt, despite loving the style. What kind of blouses should I look for?
Posted by: Ndo, Mar 10, 2009 07:19:51 AM
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