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.

{Appropriate for positions such as engineer, coder, startup product manager, graphic designer, communications specialist, digital marketing strategist, videographer}

So, an in-person interview has been confirmed. You are taking hours to study the industry, get to know the company, understand the role. You’ve printed 5 copies of your resume and got that portfolio of your work ready to go.

Now, the last and the only loose end is the outfit. What should you wear for this in person meeting?

Your main goal is to look professional, showcase your style, and have a little bit of an edge so you leave a strong impression. You have done the research (you’ve looked on their social media channel, read the company blog, searched for news pieces that feature them), you know the company has that business casual environment where people dress according to their personal style.

What are some rules of thumb to follow when creating an outfit for an interview in the creative industry?

Be Confident and Comfortable

You want to feel yourself, and not be worried about a longer than usual sleeve or a pair of pants that’s tight in a place you’re not used to. So, don’t wear clothes you’re not used to wearing. And when in doubt, opt for “soft material on the inside and stiff material on the outside.” For example, a silk shirt allows you to be comfortable, and a more structured blazer will give you that professional looking edge.

Use Colors to Your Advantage

Wearing a pop of color is an easy way to add a focal point to an otherwise simple and minimalist outfit. Try a colorful bag to an otherwise black and white outfit, or a colorful (but simplistic) necklace, or a pair of colorful shoes. These will help those people that you meet remember you.

Start with a Basic Must-Have

If you don’t know where to start, I always tell people to start with one piece of clothing that you know says “professional”. Take a pencil skirt, a crisp blazer, a silk blouse, and go from there. Once you have the foundation of your outfit, pick other things in relatively neutral colors that compliment this piece. Finally, add a pop of color somewhere, and you should be done!

Do you need help putting together an interview outfit? Email me! We can do a 15 min Facetime session and try to put together based on things already in your closet. Or, if you are inclined to shop for the interview, I can also make recommendations for that!

All Photography by Natalie Alvarado @ Stylenfuse

If you’re looking for more sample interview outfits, here are 4 interview outfits some other amazing fashion bloggers. Click on the images to see their posts!

The post What to Wear To A Job Interview [For the Creative Industry] appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

From me to you

Maybe it’s the new year, maybe it’s the 1.5 years under my belt in the blogging world, or maybe it’s me wanting more out of what I’m doing in my life… regardless, I want to really speak to YOU, yes, my Cubicle Chic reader, whose eyes are crawling these text right now. Thank you for your continued support. I will keep writing, bringing you more useful and relevant information!

My promise in 2017

I hope this blog has been somewhat interesting to you in the past year. I have swayed in different directions out of wanting to venture out, but also out of lack of focus. I have done different sorts of office-related writing, wanting to show you various aspects of my working life, but I’ve also having committed my number 1 blogging faux-pas – talk about outfits for the sake of talking about outfits. This, I promise you, will not be in my blog posts in 2017.

 Dress:  Maison Jules Lace Trim A-Line Dress (also on sale for $54..99 at Macy’s!) Bracelet: Gramerci Design

When I look back on 2016, I’ve really accomplished a lot on Cubicle Chic:

• 8 collaborations (product sponsorships)
• 11 photo shoots with 4 different photographers
• 43 blog posts (wow, really??)
• 2 sponsored event attendance
• 2 speaking engagements
• 2 featured articles
• new logos for Cubicle Chic (thank you Michelle @ EM Branding & PR!)

Even in my own professional life, I’ve accomplished quite a lot. I got a new job, became more strategic in my role and responsibilities. I’m still getting acclimated in my new environment and learning a lot, but I am in an even better place compared to last year this time. I’ve also traveled for work to Germany, Boston twice, San Francisco, and DC, and I am incredibly grateful for all of these opportunities.

And People Matter

I’ve also met a lot of amazing people along the way… Natalie, who has become my go-to photographer (Stylenfuse), Sangyay who has essentially blown up over Instagram (ItsSangTime), Lisa (Everyday Elevated) whose questions make me feel SO worthwhile and always reminds me of why I started this blog in the first place, Jennie (xoyoonicorn), my high school friend who’s taking Casetify to new heights, and many many more people that I’ve met in 2016 that made it that much more special.

 Blazer: Tobi Adriana Boyfriend Blazer (ON SALE For $35, originally $105!) Dress: Maison Jules Lace Trim A-Line Dress (also on sale for $54..99 at Macy’s!) Boots: Marc Fisher Justice Suede Boots (On sale for $79.00!)

My Focus and Direction in 2017

Because of your response and feedback, the one post that turned Cubicle Chic on its head was 7 Pieces of Career Advice I’d Give to My 20-Something Self. This was what gave me the inspiration to write more about my professional journey, the trials and tribulations, and all my lessons learned.  This is a topic I’d be exploring more on, as I adapt and learn in my new role at the new company. I invite you guys to share with me any challenge you encounter, whether be it salary negotiation, interview tips, or of course, how to dress for any business occasions. Let me hear what your everyday challenges are, and I will be your pocket consultant and see if I can offer some help!!

 Dress: Maison Jules Lace Trim A-Line Dress (also on sale for $54..99 at Macy’s!) Boots: Marc Fisher Justice Suede Boots (On sale for $79.00!)

Coming up on Cubicle Chic in 2017

I have exciting stuff coming up in the pipeline. Many interviews with career women who are slaying and loving what they do. I will also be featuring more office appropriate outfits, if not exclusively office appropriate outfits. Lastly, for those of you who know that I am getting married in March, I also have some wedding planning snippets to share with you. So STAY TUNED!

 Dress: Maison Jules Lace Trim A-Line Dress (also on sale for $54..99 at Macy’s!)

This Outfit Though…

Just really quickly.. I can’t tell you how much I love this dress I found off of Macy’s during the holiday shopping frenzy. I already know I’ll be wearing it to work, date nights, birthday parties, or just girls night out! It’s SO comfortable yet super flattering because of its structure. If you don’t know Maison Jules yet, you’re missing out big time! This is not a sponsored post AT ALL (I wish) and I am such a big fan of their pieces. They’re highly affordable and designed JUST for career women like me who need professional but chic options at the same time!

All Photography by Natalie Alvarado @Stylenfuse

The post Looking Back So I Can Look Forward appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

I am constantly trying to spruce up my work wardrobe. It’s one of the reasons why I started this blog, which is to share my outfit ideas with all of you and to know what other office dwelling women are wearing.

After 6 years spent in the corporate world, I have a set template developed for how to dress for the everyday office days. But occasionally, I like to add elements of surprise just to feel like I’m not wearing uniforms.

This trench coat is one of these totally surprising elements!

 Trench Coat: Miilla; similar here, and here Loafers: ASOS; similar here Jeans: Topshop Jamie

The lapels of the trench coat give it the structured element that you want to have in an office outfit, but the long flow-y nature of the piece elevates the style of the outfit.

I paired the outfit with some mules that are probably on the more casual side, but with any of these loafers or even heels below, this outfit would be perfectly office appropriate. They’re all under $100!

 Trench Coat: Miilla, available via Poshmark; similar here, and here Loafers: ASOS; similar here Jeans: Topshop Jamie  Trench Coat: Miilla, available via Poshmark; similar here, and here Loafers: ASOS; similar here Jeans: Topshop Jamie

On a separate note, these photos were taken around Alfred Tea Room in downtown LA. It’s SUCH a cute place, and of course, makes really awesome photos thanks to their pink decor! It was funny because when we were there, I saw at least 5 other groups there for photo shoots. If you’re in the LA area, don’t forget to check it out!

All photography by Natalie Alvarado @ Stylenfuse

The post On Repeat In My Work Wardrobe This Fall appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

I think I was lucky. I didn’t start my career in the corporate world until I was 26 because of grad school, so I think I got into the working world a little more matured and a little more ready. Maybe I was more ready to become, shall we say, a #GirlBoss?

But thrown into the midst of the workplace without much experience, I was facing a steep learning curve and some real growing pains. Like my manager told me on the day I started, “Be ready to drink from the fire hose.” She was not exaggerating. And this was how my career in biotech marketing began.

It wasn’t just the workload or the new processes and jargons I had to pick up. It wasn’t even the fact that I was hired to fill a position that required at least 2–3 more years of experience than I had. It was the fact that this is now a new environment where things operate based on completely different rules. I came to learn that the work place is a complex ecosystem with hidden intricacies. From what you casually mention to your boss, what you use as desk decor, to what perfume you are wearing; everything adds to or detracts from your reputation. And reputation, as I’ve come to know, could mean the difference between promotion and layoff, getting visibility and never being noticed, moving on and up and staying static in your position.

So here are a few things that I have learned from 5 years of working in the corporate environment. If I could go back in time and chat with my 25-year-old self, I would tell her:

1. Choose your work friends carefully

Your work friends are people you eat lunch with, seen going on coffee runs with, people that you actually directly work with (which you have less control over), and people that you do happy hour with. This is simple: birds of a feather flock together. If you associate with people that are lazy, overly casual, “loose”, and careless, you will be perceived as the same.

2. Don’t be labeled as “The Young One”

Even if you are the youngest on the team, don’t ever settle for a label as such. Labels like this often come with the association that you lack experience or even skills. Just because you are younger in age, doesn’t mean you don’t have more to offer. Labels like this are also very hard to get out of once you have it.  What’s worse, is that “the young one” is often used as a psychological crutch that hinders people’s growth. Stay away from it, for your development’s sake.

3. Know your core competency, and find ways to make it shine

In the early phase of your employment, try to find out why you were hired. Is it your analytical skills, sales experience, or technical know-how that got you your job? Find it out, and stick to what you are best at. Are you good at Excel? Add data to your presentation. Are you really good with PowerPoint? Create a presentation even when you don’t need to. And in your spare time, develop other missing skills. Not great at presentations? Volunteer to present. Not good at Excel? Find a co-worker who is, and ask nicely or bribe them – do whatever you have to do to have them teach you.

4. Know the job after this one

This doesn’t mean you start looking for the next job as soon as you find one. This means that the job you are interviewing for and preparing for should pave the way for your next one.  Never leave “figuring out what my next thing is” till after you get a job; you should do that prior to your interview. The reason is that so you negotiate terms that allow you to develop skills you are lacking (refer to the last point) and make you more prepared to go for a more senior, but similar position, or switch to a tangential kind of function.

Shoes: Kenneth Cole; similar here, here, here Blazer vest: Chelsea28 x Olivia Palermo; similar here, here, here Bag: Louis Vuitton Bag; similar here, here, here

5. Find a mentor

A good mentor can guide you through uncertain times and difficult decisions. They may have been in your shoes and know the consequences of taking certain directions  But finding a good mentor is not easy. Mentors are not floating around waiting to teach you the ropes or how best to climb the corporate ladder. Mentorships have to be sought out, fostered, and maintained. But mentorships could also come from places you least expect. If you’re lucky, your boss could be your mentor. Or our co-worker could be your mentor. The best mentor is the kind that is personally invested in your development.

Whichever direction you go in to look for a mentor, know to always prepare questions before you meet with your mentor. Your mentorship is as good as you make it out to be. It takes work.

6. Your boss is not your buddy

Don’t get me wrong – friendship can certainly exist between you and your boss. You can even have a friendship outside of work.  Your boss is there to make sure, as a team, you deliver results. Your boss may even be there to motivate you, encourage you, and help the team be efficient. What they’re not required to be, is to be your friend. They may look out for your benefits and crack jokes with you and that would be great, but they’re certainly not obligated to.  The point is to never default your boss to be your friend, or worse, your equal.  Because they are not.

7. If you think you are being underpaid… prove it

Rather than complaining about being underpaid, spend your time investigating your “worth”. Simply put, in the working environment, your “worth” is equal to what an employer is willing to pay you. Different employers may have different opinions. So if you think you are being underpaid, prove it by looking for other jobs and seeing if others are willing to pay you your ideal salary. If you do, you either have found a new employer or solid evidence that you deserve higher pay at your current job. If you don’t find an employer willing to pay you your ideal salary, then maybe it’s time to explore options to enhance your value and skillset, so that eventually you can find offers with your ideal salary.

Top: Zara; similar here, here, here Blazer vest: Chelsea28 x Olivia Palermo; similar here, here, here Bag: Louis Vuitton Bag; similar here, here, here

So what do you think? I used very specific examples that related to my particular experience. Do you have anything else that you’d share with your 25-year-old self if you could go back in time?

The post 7 Pieces of Career Advice I Would Give to My 20-something-Self appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

Black, white, nudes, gray, and monochromatic color combination is typical for women’s workwear collection because they’re season-less. But once in a while, I give into the temptation of something that’s a bit funky, a bit different, and a bit..dare I say, colorful!

This blazer I bought from Nordstrom, and it’s the brand Halogen, which is Nordstrom’s own creation. I love the fit, the color, and length, and the material. It’s really the perfect piece!

P.S. Scroll to the bottom to find out about the Poshmark Party I’m hosting on 5/24, and the specific items I’m looking to feature in this party, themed VACATION VIBES!

I also recently became addicted to looking and admittedly, shopping, at Rebecca Taylor pieces on OffFifth.com because they’re just SO nicely made!  And OffFifth offers sweet discounts on these amazing and versatile pieces making the temptations even stronger. You should really check it out!

PSSSST: I am hosting a Poshmark Party on the app on Tuesday 5/24/2016 at 7PM PST!

Elle, blogger at The Gray Asparagus, Lisa at HelloImFabulous on Instagram, and I are teaming up to host this awesome Vacation Vibes Poshmark party on Tuesday 5/24. We each have a different sub-theme, i.e. our own take on the Vacation Vibes theme. Mine is “European Escape” since I just came back from a business trip in Germany (did you see my Instagram documentation of the beautiful Munich trip?). I would love to be tagged on items such as comfortable but stylish travel clothes, floppy hats, comfortable shoes i.e. SNEAKERS!

Find me on Poshmark here @CubicleChic!

The post The Perfect Spring Color in My Work Blazer appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

Sophia Amoruso may have written a book about it, but I have lived it. I’ve always embodied many of the components of what make up the #GIRLBOSS personality – firm, determined, unwaivered, highly professional, and very ambitious. Yet in the corporate world, you see all too often that strong minded women get categorized into the b*itchy bucket. It’s almost inevitable, and it really is a shame. That’s where being “nice” makes a difference.

Being nice is in the professional world is not about being easy-going or eager to please. And it’s definitely not letting people step all over you. It’s actually the ability to persuade other without force, to convey a message without having to scream, and solve a problem, reach a solution, without leaving dead bodies behind.

Having said all that, let’s come back to what I do best… putting together professional outfits to present the woman you want to be. Today,I’m sharing with you an outfit that makes me feel like a total #GIRLBOSS, and a very nice one at that.

 Blazer: Six Crisp Days Amelia Four Button Blazer (Dailylook) Jeans: Topshop Jamie Jeans Shoes: (similar) Gray pumps Sunnies: Banana Republic Linney

There’s something to be said about the soft colors and femininity of a flowy scarf.

 Blazer: Six Crisp Days Amelia Four Button Blazer (Dailylook) Jeans: Topshop Jamie Jeans Shoes: (similar) Gray pumps Sunnies: Banana Republic Linney  Blazer: Six Crisp Days Amelia Four Button Blazer (Dailylook) Jeans: Topshop Jamie Jeans Shoes: (similar) Gray pumps Sunnies: Banana Republic Linney  Blazer: Six Crisp Days Amelia Four Button Blazer (Dailylook) Jeans: Topshop Jamie Jeans Shoes: (similar) Gray pumps Sunnies: Banana Republic Linney  Blazer: Six Crisp Days Amelia Four Button Blazer (Dailylook) Jeans: Topshop Jamie Jeans Shoes: (similar) Gray pumps Sunnies: Banana Republic Linney

What do you do, use, say, or wear that makes you a #GIRLBOSS? I want to know!! 

All Photography by Ngoc M Nguyen

The post New #GIRLBOSS attitude and an outfit to go with it. You’re welcome. appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

I knew this piece had a lot of potential versatility to it when I saw it on Poshmark. It’s an Olive & Oak little black shirt dress with an open front, and a soft tie around the waist to close up the piece. I can already envision so many ways that this piece can be worn…

I decided to wear this piece just as a normal LBD.. I paired it with a these gorgeous, GORGEOUS, did I say gorgeous, strappy heels from Missguided. They can be found here at a discounted price on ASOS.

This outfit right now may not be immediately office appropriate, but I could easily pair It with a white turtle neck, a pair of trousers and wear this shirt dress open. Or I can wear this over a collared shirt and a pair of jeans, and that would be a perfect casual Friday outfit. I am so excited about it already!

Here are 6 different dresses that are highly similar, at a spectrum of price points!

All Photography by Ngoc M Nguyen

In the spirit of sharing, today I am also linking up with Michelle’s Paige and Ana Luiza to share more timeless and classic looks from other fabulous bloggers! 

‘);

Stay Cubicle Chic!

The post Classic LBD with a Twist appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

What’s even more special is that this top and bottom together cost me less than $50… the secret is shopping on Poshmark! You can see how it changed my shopping behavior permanently in my last post.

I wanted to pair this outfit with shoes that would elongate me, so I went with my most recent Valentino Rockstud purchase that I made during Thanksgiving… And of course a part of me just wanted the occasion to wear them

I have more of these classic work outfits coming up.. stay tuned and let me know what you think!

All Photography by Ngoc M. Nguyen

Find similar items here:

The post Cream Blouse + Blue Patterned Pencil Skirt appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

Why you want to invest in a good sleeveless blazer

In this post I am featuring two sleeveless blazers with two outfits. These two blazers are very similar in terms of cut, material, length, and general look and feel. That’s why I wanted to showcase them side by sider, so you can see the versatility in these blazer vests. You can literally create infinite number of office appropriate outfits here. They are even season-less because you can very easily pair them with a long sleeve piece underneath, and voila you are ready for a chic office look!

Blazer: Banana Republic similar here
Sweater: Madewell
Necklace: Mirina Collections
Bracelets & Rings: Madewell
Watch: Daniel Wellington
Clutch: Proenza Schouler PS11

Blazer: Topshop
Turtleneck Sweater: Banana Republic
Bracelets & Rings: Madewell
Watch: Daniel Wellington
Necklace: J. Crew
Clutch: Proenza Schouler PS11

 Things to consider before you purchase

For those of us that are more vertically challenged, always remember to pair them with at least 3 in heels in your outfit. These vests tend to elongate your torso, so if you don’t leverage the help of some heels, your legs will proportionally seem shortened. No one wants that! Another thing to be mindful of is where the bottom of the vest rests. For me, I like them to sit right underneath my hip area so it covers my hip area and a bit of my thighs. If you have nice waistlines, I would pick a piece with a cinchable waist line so you can show off your curves!

So what’s your pick, the white one or the black one?

I think my heart secretly favors the one blazer just a little more. It shows in the number of times I’ve worn it when compared to the number of times I’ve worn the black piece. It just makes for a more bright and outstanding outfit in my opinion. But you may feel otherwise… so what’s the verdict, white or black?!

 Blazer: Topshop Turtleneck Sweater: Banana Republic Bracelets & Rings: Madewell Watch: Daniel Wellington Necklace: J. Crew

All Photography by Brianna Olsen

The post The Tale of Two Blazers appeared first on Cubicle Chic.