A few close friends have noticed that lately I have been a tad obsessed with Banana Republic. Other than the renewed style and design lately, the only other thing I can attribute this to is seeing the series of collaborations between Wendy’s Lookbook and Banana Republic lately. If you haven’t seen them, you should! Or, maybe, just maybe, it has to do with me having turned 30 this year… In any event, I have my eyes on Banana Republic lately and I invite you office ladies to join in the chicness!

I love the silhouette of this knit top. It’s called the Textured Sweater Tank from Banana Republic. It weights quite heavy so it really accentuates my waistline in a flattering way. I have been reaching for this top and wearing it almost once a week in the past month. It’s starting to feel like my chic uniform!

For this outfit I paired it with jeans from Topshop, and some more blue hues with some d’orsay heels from Madewell. Literally, this is what I’m in almost EVERYDAY in the office – a comfortable top and jeans – and I love it! I’ll admit to a little secret though. I keep a pair of spare flip-flops under my desk and slip out of these heels when I am slaving away in front of my desk. It’s my way of staying in heels 8 hours a day plus my 1.5 hour of commute!

All Photography by Ngoc M Nguyen

Something that enlightened me this week…

If you’ve been following my Instagram, you may have heard me complain once or twice about how busy of a week I had at work. Despite all of it, I am finding some new found energy by reading a book a close friend/mentor at work had gifted me this week. It’s called Search Inside Yourself. I am currently reading the book and maybe I’ll share my thoughts here at some point!

The post Office Staple for Every Season: White Knit Top [Banana Republic] appeared first on Cubicle Chic.

Today, I am sharing a personal challenge, not just an outfit. The pencil skirt is such a workwear stable but has always been something I’ve found difficult to wear, for a number of reasons. But the main reason is that I don’t believe it flatters my body shape, and I am extremely self conscious whenever I wear a pencil skirt. Yet, when I saw this white lace pencil skirt on Banana Republic AND on sale, I could not resist.. and I told myself, you are Cubicle Chic, you’re going to make this work.

So here’s the outfit.. read on for 4 tips on how I made this work! 

Top: James Deen Knit Sweater from DailyLook found here
Bottom: Banana Republic Dot Lace Pencil Skirt found here
Heels: Banana Rebpulic Black Pumps here
Necklace: Boutique

Here’s a few pointers on how I made the pencil skirt easier to wear:

1) Dark color top. Maroon is so fitting for the season, but more importantly it balances the attention on the pencil skirt by shifting it away from your bottom.

2) Loose fitting item. In this case it happened to be the same maroon color top as well. It’s something to contrast the tightness of the skirt so the outfit has variety in the way it fits. I think a loose fitting cardigan would work too.

3) HEELS. This is hardly a secret or even tip… heels always instantly elongates you silhouette and changes your posture so you look more slender. I recommend 3 inches or higher.

4) Big wavy hair. I contemplated putting my hair into a pony tail, but I decided against it. It’s because having the waviness in my hair just rounds out my overall shape.. and shifts the attention to my bottom toward the top and therefore balancing my outfit overall.

So what do you think? Yea or nay? And what’s your most self-conscious type of wear? I am curious..

All photography by Ngoc M Nguyen

The post For the Fall – Transition Outfit featuring Dot Lace Pencil Skirt & a little bit about a personal challenge appeared first on Cubicle Chic.