Outfit details: Dress: Eliza J // Heels: Louise et Cie // Choker: Madewell

Guys, It’s December!! Where did the last 11 months go in 2017!? With Thanksgiving just in our rear-view window, Christmas is hovering around the corner. Which means you’ve been getting invitations for Christmas parties from friends and families! But not all holiday parties are created equal, and especially not the Company/Employer-hosted kind. The age-old “what to wear” question takes on an entirely different meaning and so much more is at stake if you were to wear the wrong thing. Still thinking about what to wear to your company holiday party this coming weekend or the next? I got you covered!

Outfit details: Dress: Eliza J // Heels: Louise et Cie // Choker: Madewell

Product details:Outfit details: Dress: Eliza J // Heels: Louise et Cie // Choker: Madewell

Product details: Outfit details: Dress: Eliza J // Heels: Louise et Cie // Choker: Madewell

Outfit details: Outfit details: Dress: Eliza J // Heels: Louise et Cie // Choker: Madewell

Eliza J is My Go-To Brand for All Special Occasion Dresses

Let me just preface this by saying this is not sponsored in any way shape or form! If you’ve been following me for a while you know how many times I’ve blogged about their dresses. It’s A Cubicle Chic tradition! I blogged about it in 2015, 2016, and this Christmas is no exception!I have a few outfit ideas to share with you this week.  In particular, this Eliza J  floral lace dress has these cute flare sleeves and is INCREDIBLY FLATTERING. If you are looking for a dress that will cover a food baby bump, this is it!!

You can find this exact Eliza J fit and flare dress from a variety of sources – compare & contrast before you buy. Some of them are actually discounted right now!! Eliza Eliza J dresses are almost always form-fitting enough and still flattering no matter your figure. If you like the style above but aren’t into this color or the sleeves, here are a bunch other choices that are pretty similar, ALSO made by Eliza J!

So now that we got the outfit selection out of the way, let’s talk other fashion-related etiquette for the event. I’m calling these faux-pas because I’ve seen them happened in the handful of company hosted holiday party myself. Some are embarrassing while others are downright tragic.

Avoid Cotton Dresses unless You’re a Boho Goddess

There may be a very flattering and company party appropriate cotton dress out there, I just personally have never seen one. The problem with cotton dresses is that they wrinkle easily, don’t normally flatter you (at least not the party dresses), and usually make you look very casual. Casual is the codeword for sloppy at a company holiday party. So avoid it at all costs.

Got a Big Butt and Want to Flaunt it? Don’t.

This is simply not the right occasion. I know you work out. I know you’re very proud of it. Heck, I wish I had your butt. But no. If you want to be respected for your professional competency, don’t let the impression of your nice butt tamper with people’s image of you. They say men are visual animals… I say people are visual animals. Especially when it comes to a woman’s figure. I think the line needs to be drawn at what do you want people to remember you of.

This is potentially a controversial stance to take on this topic. If you disagree with me, what are your thoughts?

Pick the right color of dress for YOU

This is a tough one. Everyone’s complexion is different, so there is not a one-color-fits-all solution here. There are general principles out there like warm skin tone is complimented by warm colors and cool skin tone is complimented by cool colors. Also, there are simply psychological associations that we unconsciously form when seeing different colors. Honestly, if I was ever to give ONE fashion advice to everyone who wants to know out there, it’s find the right color that compliments you. For me, I stick with feminine colors (white, gray, blush/light pink) and for the right occasion, I will rock bold colors like royal blue, dark green, or bright red. This is a general rule of thumb but I think everyone should have colors they always stick with!

That’s a wrap! I have another outfit coming your way later this week so stay tuned. In the mean time, if you want to find inspiration on what to wear to a company holiday party, here are all the other posts I’ve done over the years:

2015: Outfit featuring Dailylook faux-fur and jumpsuit

2015: Outfit featuring Eliza J two pieces dress 

2015: Outfit featuring Dailylook Juliette Dress

2016: Outfit featuring Morning Lavender Dress

2016: Outfit featuring Maison Jules 

Let me know which dress you picked to wear to your company holiday party!

All photography by Natalie Alvarado  @ Stylenfuse 

The post What to Wear to a Company Holiday Party & Style Faux Pas to Avoid appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

Coming up with outfits for work can be fun sometimes. I mean, I do have a blog called Cubicle Chic. But there are also times when I have to be at work for 7 am meetings, or if I’ve pulled a late-night working session the day before when outfits are the last thing I want to think about. So, I’m all about simple accessories that transform and elevate a work outfit to look like another. This way, you can repeat an outfit without anyone noticing!

Style a Scarf

One of the easiest tricks is using a scarf. Pick a scarf that’s big enough to be wrapped around the collar of your blouse/blazer. Also, pick a color that’s bright and attention-grabbing, so you steer people’s attention away from what may be a second-day outfit underneath! This Yellowcake Shop Triangle Scarf needs a special shoutout because it’s not like any scarf I’ve ever seen! It’s got two tassels attached to two of its corners, creating a necklace-like kind of look. Any outfit paired with this scarf looks instantly chic!

Discount code provided by Yellowcake Shop: Use exclusive code “CHICYC” to get 15% off your first order!

Change Up Your Hairstyle

I sometimes think of my hair as an attached accessory I don’t have to remove. When I get my hair curled, I instantly transform my work outfit. So, whether this means you go from an up-do to letting your hair down, or simply adding some overnight curls, it’s a quick and easy way to change up your everyday look and work outfit. Have you tried the Sleep Stylers Hair Rollers that debuted on Shark Tank a few months ago? Let me know if you have… I’m curious what the verdict is out there!

Own Your Most Trusted Pieces In Multiple Colors

I always get a “you’re crazy” look from people when I say I own something in multiple colors. But it’s my way of reserving brain power when it comes to creating new work outfits! If you found a blouse that fits well and is comfortable, get it in all the colors they make! If you found a pair of shoes that are comfortable and go with your everyday outfit, get it in all the colors they make! Need I say more?

Incorporate A Long-Line Sleeveless Trench Coat

These babies are probably my favorite pieces to own because they are so versatile and always elevate an outfit with a little je-ne-sais-quoi. All my various blog posts featuring long-line trench coats speak to my love for this tried-and-true item of clothing! Get it in a few different colors, and they’re sure to transform your outfit into a new one!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Yellowcake Shop and I was supplied with the triangle scarf free of cost to review it. All opinion and suggestion are mine!

All photography by Natalie Alvarado @ Stylenfuse 

The post Simple Tricks to Elevate Your Everyday Work Outfit appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

Disclaimer: I have partnered with BetaBrand to show you a few different office friendly workwear pieces that I was given. I have been a long time fan of BetaBrand (for about 2 years) and I am incredibly excited to work with them! Use my code JESSICA15 to get 15% off your order!!

What I write about on Cubicle Chic is very often a direct reflection of what’s going on in my life. On that note, I am happy to report that, after 4 months of funemployment and blogging full time, I’m going back to working full time this week! As I prepare for my first day of work on Monday the 23^rd, I have been thinking about all the different aspects of how to make the best impressions on the first day.

The first day of work is often nerve wracking because it has a lot of unpredictable elements.

You don’t always know if the day is going to be filled with meetings, or cranking out trainings and signing agreement alone at your desk. You don’t know if you’re going to have a lot of tasks already or have a lot of time to soak up more knowledge.

One element you can control on the first day of work, however, is the way you dress.

Remember what you wore to your interview? Wear something similar on your first day of work.

To your employer, the first day is a bit of a “moment of truth”. They get to learn more about you, know what you’re like being in the new office, and watch how you adapt to the new office environment. Wear something that people would expect you to wear, i.e. what you wore to your interview. It puts your employer at ease, that makes them feel like you’re the same person that they decided to hire.

Be a team player and blend in on your first day.

In most corporate office settings, being a team player is crucial trait. On your first day, hopefully you’ve taken some time to research the proper dress code. Be more like others,blend in with what you wear, and play up the team player image. When in doubt, pick neutrals over colors, formal over casual, and structured & fitted over loose.

Go easy on accessories and jewelries. Remember that bib necklaces are 2012 (thanks for making this declaration, Angie!), and dainty/understated jewelries are not only more current now, but perfect for your first day ensemble.

P.S. Gramceri is my favorite dainty jewelry designer and they are VERY affordable (under $50 most of the time) and VERY well made. I’ve worn a lot of pieces from them for over a year now and the colors do not fade!

Get ready for your badge/ID photo.

More often than not, your company badge photo will be taken on the first day of your job. Wear something that you’d like to have showing in your company ID. Some rules of thumb: wear low neckline (appropriately so, obvi), clean up your hair, wear minimal jewelries (i.e. either just earrings or just necklace, not both), wear the MLBB kind of lipstick, and remember to smile!

Wear your “comfort item”.

This is a personal mantra of mine. Perhaps it’s a less superstitious version of carrying a lucky charm. It works toward any part of your outfit – shoes, blazer, pants, or how to wear your hair. For your first day of work, wear something you always wear. Wear something that makes you feel like yourself (unless you’re talking about wearing PJ….then don’t be yourself LOL). For me, this gray structured blazer (I take a size small), chic and breathable, is my go-to piece of workwear. If you’re unsure of what to wear (heels or flats, beige or black, dress or pants), default to your comfort level.

As you are reading this, I am going to be kick-starting my first day of the new position. I, for one, will be applying these tips on how to dress for my first day of work. I hope they’re useful for you too! They say dress for the job you want and not the one you have. But I say dress for the job you got for your first day of a new role, and leave the aspiration and future goals for when you have a strong foothold later!

All photography by Natalie Alverado @ Stylenfuse

The post What to Wear on Your First Day of Work appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

Disclaimer: I have partnered with Beta Brand to show you a few different office friendly workwear pieces that I was given. I have been a long time fan of Beta Brand (for about 2 years) and I am incredibly excited to work with them! Use my code JESSICA15 to get 15% off your order!!

The issue with being told you “look so young” in a professional setting isn’t the judgment cast upon your appearance, the assumption that it’s based on, or even the underlying ageism. It’s about what this statement invites and implies in and of itself. Allow me to explain.

Top: Beta Brand Peplum Top in Blue Linen, size small
Pencil skirt: Ann Taylor Tweed Skirt in size 6

Being Taiwanese American, I’m used to be told I look younger for my age. For the record, I am 32 years old, and most people I meet for the first time think I’m in my mid 20’s.  So, there’s literally the way my face looks, and I get it. I take it as a compliment when people tell me I look younger than my age.

But it’s a different story when I’m at work.

There are certain risks involved in being thought of as “the young one”. It means you may be perceived to be inexperienced, unreliable, unpredictable. It could also translate to passed up promotions, missed opportunities, or just lack of attention or resources given to you

I am very conscious of what I do that could potentially fuel the “young” image I apparently have. But there is an important distinction that needs to be made: you can have a “young” appearance, but you can’t have a “young” reputation. You can get away with looking more youthful in your appearance, but you can’t be perceived to be juvenile or immature.

Top: Beta Brand Peplum Top in Blue Linen, size small
Pencil skirt: Ann Taylor Tweed Skirt in size 6
Watch: Jord Watch Cora, Koa & Rose Gold

So, what can one do to avoid being perceived juvenile or immature? It’s body language, the vocabulary you choose, your reaction to things, and so many more. But at the very minimum, dress the part. Picking the right clothes, makeup, and footwear is the quickest way to look professional and avoid looking “too young.” Here are some tried-and-true rules to live by:

1) Balance the looseness and tightness in items of clothing

Clothing that is too baggy or too tight tends to be too casual or flat out inappropriate. Casualness combined with other factors that indicate you are “too young”, is detrimental to your professional image. Avoid baggy pants, baggy (“boyfriend”) shirts. Tight clothing also needs to be handled with care when it comes to creating your ensemble. If they show the lines of your undergarment, of create a cleavage or show anything your grandmother wouldn’t approve of, it’s too tight for the office.

Top: Beta Brand Peplum Top in Blue Linen, size small

 

2) Stick with neutrals; unless you know how to navigate colors like a pro

Black, gray, white, and beige ALWAYS work. And most of the time they work well with each other too. 60% of my work wardrobe is black and white, and the rest are either blush-pink, gray, or beige. I have a few fun and more statement pieces that I will mix into my ensemble sometimes but most of the time I stick with neutrals.

Working with a lot of colors is more difficult but not impossible. It’s reserved for the master dressers (like Chanele McFarlane on Do Well Dress Well) when you know it fits your brand and what is flattering and appropriate.

Pencil skirt: Ann Taylor Tweed Skirt in size 6

 

3) Be mindful of your accessories

I’ll be very specific here. When I first started working about 5-6 years ago, I loved wearing bows. Think the beginning of ModCloth and Lulu’s…I could not get enough of bows (on me)! I thought the look fell along the lines of prim and proper and that I could get away with it. In hindsight, it was probably too cutesy to wear a bow on your hair, bag, shoes, however small it is. There’s just something very school girl-y about bows. Avoid them at all costs.

The point is this: it’s okay to have personality and show it in your outfits but don’t let your accessories define your professional brand.

Top: Beta Brand Peplum Top in Blue Linen, size small
Necklace: BaubleBar gold initial necklace

 

4) Professional & quality shoes only

I think those of us in California are probably the serial offenders for this one. The “west coast casual” is a common dress code that you will see in a lot of offices. I, for one, always try to sneak in sandals days at work and always on the look for comfortable but professional looking sandals.

However, even with west coast casual, there’s still a line not to be crossed. The sandals I would wear to the office tend to have heels, and they have to look quality. Most of the time, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor sandals are pretty safe.

Oh, and no flip-flops. That’s a no-brainer.

Lastly, sneakers. They probably used to be a big no-no for corporate offices, but with some of the leather sneakers they’re making these days, you can sometimes get away with a sneaker outfit in the corporate office setting.

 

5) Use a grown-up and low profile bag

When I first started working, I had this overall bag that was in this crazy zebra print. One of these days I’ll dig it out of my closet and show you guys a picture of it. It was roomy, easy to carry, fit the monstrosity of a laptop I had, and it was comfortable to wear. I LOVED that bag. But in hindsight, it was a disastrous bag to take to the office especially when I had just started. It signaled that I was not prepared for or familiar with the kind of environment I was getting into. In the grand scheme of things, it was forgivable because I WAS new and I did quickly change out my bag.

Top: Beta Brand Peplum Top in Blue Linen, size small
Pencil skirt: Ann Taylor Tweed Skirt in size 6
Watch: Jord Watch Cora, Koa & Rose Gold

 

Closing questions:

What are some of the young professional faux pas you’ve seen in the office? What did you use to wear that makes you cringe when you think about it now? Comment below and since I shared all my embarrassing stories, it’s only fair that you do! LOL.

All photography by Natalie Alvarado @ Stylenfuse

The post How to Deal With Looking Too Young in the Office appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

I am spending my money a lot more carefully these days.

I have a budget and a plan for what I buy. I still get tempted into random online “browsing sprees”, where I let myself throw things into the shopping cart as if I had unlimited funds. But I let the items sit in my shopping cart for at least ONE DAY before I hit the order button.

If I still like them after a 24-hour pause, that means I truly like them. And honestly, a lot of times after the 24-hour break, you’re feeling less impulsive and somehow all the things are just less appealing.

Nordstrom’s semi-annual sale is one of those things that I look forward to every year. I don’t have a lot of credit cards left anymore (under 5) but Nordstrom is one of those credit cards that I just can’t bring myself to get rid of … I love their customer service, selection of products, and the physical stores are like my haven. An iced coffee in hand (eBay, anyone?) and I can spend a whole day in a Nordstrom shop.

Here are a few things that I am eyeing in the Nordstrom semi-annual sale; everything is perfect for the professional working women in the corporate world!

What are you shopping for this Memorial Day?

The post Cubicle Chic Workwear Shopping List for the Nordstrom Semi-Annual Sale appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

Jumpsuit for Business Occasions; Tobi Far From Basic Poplin Jumpsuit Necklace: Poshmark Sunglasses: Chanel, similar here

Jumpsuits have been trending for a few years now, and most of us probably all have a piece or two hanging in our closet, not getting a lot of love. Jumpsuits are can easily be dressed up or down, depending on how you accessorize the outfit. But the lines are blurred between casual and formal, and therefore creating a perfectly business friendly outfit with a jumpsuit is a bit tricky sometimes.

With the right outerwear, shoes, and accessories, though, here are 3 perfectly reasonable business occasions to be wearing a jumpsuit!

1. Networking Events

Jumpsuit for Business Occasion: Tobi Far From Basic Poplin Jumpsuit Necklace: Poshmark Sunglasses: Chanel, similar here

Jumpsuits are perfect for semi-casual networking events, where you want to stand out while looking polished and put-together. Pair the jumpsuit with a backpack for its trendy factor as well as the convenience, and a pair of stylish strappy heels to complete the look. Don’t forget to bring your business cards and store them in a cute little holder. Lastly, your most important tool, a laptop (if you choose to bring one), needs to be stylishly clad too!

2. Holiday Parties

Jumpsuit for business occasion: Tobi Far From Basic Poplin Jumpsuit Necklace: Poshmark Sunglasses: Chanel, similar here

Pick any jumpsuit in black, gray, or navy blue, and you have the perfect basis for a holiday party look! A luxurious white coat and a sparkly little clutch are easy choices to add that “oomph” to a basic jumpsuit. Add a pop of color with some red heels, you should be ready to dine and dazzle!

3. Team Dinners

Jumpsuit for business: Tobi Far From Basic Poplin Jumpsuit Necklace: Poshmark Sunglasses: Chanel, similar here

These are after hour get-together with you coworkers, either to get to know each other better or celebrate work victories. They’re usually celebratory in nature, so feel free to bring more personality in your outfit. Start with a neutral color trench coat and a tote bag, and add some dark color mules for ease of moving about. Add a trendy bandana either on your wrist or neck to add more fun to your outfit for a fun get-together with your work friends!

Can you think of another business occasion where you can wear a jumpsuit and how? Share with me below!

The post 3 Surprising Business Occasions to Wear a Jumpsuit appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

I spend 90 minutes driving to work each day, and I’ve done this for the last 4 years.

From the initial dread four years ago to my current state of sometimes looking forward to it, I’ve gone through various tactics to keep myself entertained, focused, or awake sometimes, while I drive. The things that I am finding myself gravitating toward the most over the 4 years though, are audiobooks and podcasts. These are the BEST TWO THINGS that have ever been created for commuter’s sanity. I can’t imagine what my drives would be like now without them.

I want to create a series where every few weeks I will share my favorite podcasts at the moment.

Radiolab 

Radiolab is what started me on the journey into the Podcast world 4 years ago. I still remember bing-listening to the show for those few weeks.. like you binge-watch The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. This show has been around for over a decade, and is done by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, a very funny, witty, and harmonious duo. This show takes you on a magic carpet ride and examines overlooked and unconventional angles on scientific, cultural, medical, and biological events. Some of my most favorite episodes are as follow (you can listen online if you don’t have or don’t want to use the iPhone app)

1. Why Isn’t the Sky Blue
2. Rodney Versus Death
3. 23 Weeks 6 Days
4. Ally’s Choice

Note to Self

This podcast designed specifically for Gen Y-ers (those of us born in early 1980’s to early 2000’s) and the very particular challenges we deal with everyday. For examples, dealing with digital devices EVERYWHERE, living in a text-based cultural, and the having the conflict of having no privacy yet extremely privacy sensitive… you get the deal, this is basically you. Well, it’s also me. Read some of these titles and just TELL ME you don’t find yourself at least a bit curious?

1. Stop Going on Bad Dates. Here’s how to Fix Your Online Profile
2. Why Google “Thought” This Black Woman was a Gorilla
3. Why Texts From Your Ex Is a Thing
4. It’s Time to Deal With Your Photo Clutter

The Lively Show

This is what I call radio therapy. As career minded and professional women, many of us find it hard to find balance everyday in trying to stay focused and driven at work while living a fulfilling life and tending to your family, significant other, sometimes children. There are times when you are just lost in the middle of all of this “always trying”. Listening to Jess and her interviews always lifts me up, whether I am feeling stressed out, anxious, lost, or just frustrated. She’s interviewed very many that are considered “successful” – Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat Pray Love, and Tal Ben-Shahar, renowned scholar on positive psychology, Bea Johnson of Zero Waste Home, to name a few. Episode after episode, Jess manages to find what’s most relatable and inspiring from the vast pool of knowledge and experience each expert has to offer, and share that with us. My favorite episodes:

1. TLS #89: HOW TO TAKE BIG + SMALL STEPS TOWARDS A ZERO WASTE LIFESTYLE WITH BEA JOHNSON (ZERO WASTE HOME)

2. TLS #96: HOW TO DIVERSIFY SELF-WORTH WITH TAL BEN-SHAHAR (HAPPIER.TV) 

3. TLS #100: ELIZABETH GILBERT ON CURIOSITY, EPIC SELF-COMPASSION, & CREATIVITY (“BIG MAGIC”)

This Won’t Hurt A Bit

I literally just discovered this Podcast today. The Podcast is very new, with only 4 episodes currently available. But if you liked the TV show House M.D., you will like this podcast. The hosts are all Medical Doctors, in the show they discuss historical cases or their own experiences, but more likely these are ones that have some yuck or gore factors. So far they have talked about maggot therapy, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, medical use leeches, to name a few. If you need something to keep you awake and entertained, this one will do it for you!

1. Voices and Wonderlands
2. Things That Go Bite

The post A Commuter’s Pastime – My 4 Favorite Podcasts At the Moment appeared first on Cubicle Chic.