You Search, I Answer: Polka Dots

Today's You Search, I Answer is based on the search term "Is polka dot professional?". My answer is an unequivocal "Yes!".  No matter where you work you can incorporate polka dots into your professional wardrobe.

If you are polka dot shy:

• Start with tiny dots
• Wear them in neutral colors
• Wear them with neutral, classic pieces

As your dot confidence increase:

• Wear larger dots
• Integrate your dots with color
• Mix your dots with trendy pieces

I own a whole range of dot sizes from micro dots to muffin sized dots. Below are several outfits with a gradient of dots arranged small to large i.e. easiest to pull off to more daring. 

Classic Suit + Micro-Dot Blouse + Black Tights & Pumps = Even an Investment Banker Can Pull Off Dots

Classic Suit + Lady-Like Blouse + Dotty Tights + Classic Pumps = A Little More Daring

Camel Blazer + Dotted Blouse + Black Skinnies + Riding Boots + Chain Necklace = Classic with a Twist

Black Blazer + Lady-Like Blouse + Polka Dot Pencil Skirt + Black Tights & Pumps =  Quirky Professional

All of these outfits are in neutrals for the dot shy.  I'll do a Part 2 "You're Comfortable with Dots, Now What?" post later.  In the mean time, if you are feeling brave you could go for larger dots or even polka dot pants.

 So what do you think, are polka dots easy to pull off for work?  Do you wear them?  If so, how?

Local Love

When I began the 5PFW early last year, one of my goals was to be more sustainable in my clothing purchases. I made provisions for buying second-hand, but I did not take into account items that were made locally and/or by independent craftspeople. This t-shirt is one such item. I purchased it before the holidays at a local crafts fair featuring independent artists. The tee was made by Erin of ArkieStyle. Be sure to check out her website and etsy shop. She has more than just Arkansas themed items, but you have to admit, the t-shirt is pretty cute.

Blazer - Ann Taylor, Thrifted

T-shirt - Arkie Style

Jeans - BDG, Urban Outfitters

Boots - Lucky, Dillard's

Surprisingly Versatile Skirt

Lately, I just can not get enough of this skirt.  You wouldn't think that a red pleated knit midi skirt would be the most versatile item in the world, but I have found so many ways to wear it.  You can see the other blogged outfit featuring this skirt right here.

I wore this particular outfit to work and then went home and changed into a black lace top for my husband's office Christmas party.  I should have grabbed a picture of that outfit.  It would have made a great day to night post.

You can bet your buttons that I'll be wearing this on Christmas day.  It's so festive and comfy (yay! elastic waist!).  If I can rouse myself from my post dinner stupor, I'll try to get some outfit photos.

Blazer - Vintage, Goodwill

Blouse - Odille, Goodwill

Skirt - Vintage, Goodwill

Boots - Vintage, Cheap Thrills

Necklace - Coldwater Creek

Belt - Vintage Goodwill

$50 Professional Wardrobe - Thrifted

If you read last week's You Search, I Answer, you know the drill for this week, the only difference is that this week's post is entirely thrifted!

If you are trying to build a professional wardrobe on $200, you really have two options.  The first is to shop mass-market retail, the second is to buy your wardrobe second-hand.  This week I present to you the second hand version.

For me second-hand shopping extends beyond just the thrift store.  It's any type of venue were you can purchase pre-worn items.  I encourage you to explore all your options.  Look for second hand clothing at:

• Thrift Stores
• Resale Shops
• Consignment Stores
• Flea Markets
• Vintage Stores
• Yard Sales
• Estate Sales
• Clothing Swaps

When you're shopping second hand, you should be looking for the same types of items:

• Blazers
• Cardigans
• Blouses
• Button-Ups
• Trousers
• Pencil Skirts
• Flats
• Boots
• Accessories

One thing you should look for in second-hand clothing is quality.  Chances are that for less money you can buy something of higher quality than you would find in the typical mass-market retail store.  When I'm in a thrift store or resale shop, I generally look for "nice" brands, ones I can't afford to buy often at full price.  I also find that vintage items tend to be of a higher quality than newer items.

Once again, I have taken six pieces of clothing, two pairs of shoes, and two belts (all from second-hand sources this time around), and made ten outfits, two weeks worth of work outfits.  I tried to use items similar to last week's post, just to prove that you can dress well and thriftily.

Last week's total for the professional wardrobe purchased retail was $191.59.  This week similar items purchased second-hand ring up at a sweet $51.50.  That's a $140.09 difference! 

Black Blazer - Ann Taylor, Local Thrift Store, $3.00

Maroon Cardigan - Worthington, Local Thrift Store, $4.00

Floral Blouse - Odille, Goodwill, $3.50

Button-Up - Banana Republic, Consignment Store, $5.00

Trousers - Banana Republic, Resale Shop, $10.00

Skirt - Vintage Oscar de la Renta, Goodwill, $4.00

Brown Boots - Vintage Joan and David Couture, Goodwill, $8.00

Black Boots - Nine West, Goodwill, $6.00

Brown Belt - Goodwill, $3.00

Black Belt - Vintage, Goodwill, $2.00

Total $51.50

Outfit 1 & 2

Outfit 3, 4, & 5

Ouftit 6 & 7

Outfit 8, 9, & 10

Thrifted Fair Isle

When David saw this outfit he said, "Look at you in your 60s outfit."  I'm not exactly sure I'm channeling the 60s, but I do feel pretty classic in this outfit.  Maybe 60s collegiate. 

Does everyone recognize this sweater from my Thrift Finds of the Week?  I thrifted it on Friday and wore it on Sunday (shhh...I don't always post in chronological order).  That's a pretty quick turn over for me.  I also wore the belt on Monday, the cream blazer on Tuesday, and the velvet blazer today.  The J.Crew blazer needs to be dry cleaned otherwise I'd have a 100% "wear within a week" ratio.

Sweater -J.Crew, Thrifted

Lace Tank - Banana Republic

Skirt - Vintage Ann Klein, Thrifted, Altered

Boots - Vintage, Thrifted

Belt - Flea Market

Catalog to Kara: J.Crew, Again

What is it about J.Crew?  So classy, so chic.  So expensive!  Since I can't buy J.Crew at full retail, I must instead ripoff recreate outfits from the website and catalog with clothes I already own.  This week's outfit is similar to last week's: 

Prim jacket + unexpected shirt + mussed hair = unequivocal coolness.

Source: jcrew.com via Kara - Unusual Form on Pinterest

I recreated this look to infuse my work wear with a little attitude.  So how did I do?  Lady-like jacket? Check.  Striped button-up?  Sadly, un-check.  I would love to have this top, but at $110, no thanks!  I'll stick to my striped tees instead.  Dark skinny jeans? Check.  Messy pony?  Nope.  Ironic smirk? Nope, again.  I'm smiling like a total cheese ball.  Oh well, I had to make it my own, didn't I?  How many question can I ask in one paragraph?  Eight, apparently.

Jacket - Express, Thrifted

Striped Tee - BDG, Urban Outfitters

Skinnies - BDG, Urban Outfitters

Black Boots - Vintage

Necklace - Vintage

I do have some brand new J.Crew coming straight from the website.  Got to love birthday gift certificates.  Thanks, Mom and Dad!  My new purchases should be in next week.  I can't wait to share them with you.

EBEW - Sequins + Sparkles

Sadly, you are currently viewing one of the few spangly pieces I own.  My life has so few occasions that call for spangle, I've just never invested in any.  The glitter pieces I do own must do double duty, work wear and fun wear.  Granted, I didn't wear this to work (a little too "night on the town"), but this top easily transitions to a professional setting with the addition of trousers and sensible shoes.

Today is a momentous occasion though.  It's the first time I'm worn leggings as pants.  It's only be a fad for, oh I don't know, forever.  Welcome to the 21st century, Kara.

Velvet Blazer - Coldwater Creek, Thrifted

Tunic - Simply Vera, Kohl's

Leggings - T.J. Maxx

Boots - BCBGeneration, Dillards

Bracelet - Antique Mall

You Search, I Answer: $200 Professional Wardrobe - Retail

This week's "You Search, I Answer" is based on the search term "200 Dollar Professional Dress Budget".  There are two ways to go about building a professional wardrobe on a $200 budget, through retail shopping or through second-hand shopping.  Today, I'll focus on retail shopping and leave thrift shopping for another post.

To build a professional wardrobe on the cheap, you need to buy a few neutral basics and a few pieces with personality to mix and match.

I've compiled a list of essential items for a professional wardrobe (with my recommended sources):

1. Neutral Blazer   (Gap, Loft)
2. Colorful Cardigan   (Target, Old Navy)
3. Print Blouse   (Kohl's, especially Simply Vera)
4. Button-Up   (Old Navy, American Eagle)
5. Trouser Jeans   (Gap, Old Navy)
6. Straight Skirt   (Target)

$200 Professional Wardrobe by unusualform featuring a black jacket

American Eagle Outfitters ruffle shirt, $40
Black jacket, $21
Old Navy wide leg denim pants, $35
sweaters, clothing, women : Target, $20
Wet Seal flat heels, $8.99
Wet Seal bow shoes, $15
Dolce Vita elastic belt, $17
Dorothy Perkins tan belt, $8
Simply Vera Vera Wang Watercolor Tank, $9.60
Target:Merona® Collection Women's Waldon Tweed S..., $17

Total $191.59

With six pieces of clothing, you can make at least ten outfits. That's two weeks of work outfits.

$200 Professional Wardrobe by unusualform featuring ballet flat shoes

Outfits 1 & 2

$200 Professional Wardrobe by unusualform featuring wrap shoes

Outfits 3, 4, & 5

$200 Professional Wardrobe by unusualform featuring flat shoes

Outfits 6, 7, & 8

$200 Professional Wardrobe by unusualform featuring a black fitted blazer

Outfits 9 & 10 Next week, I'll be sharing the $200 Professional Wardrobe - Thrift Version.  So be sure to check back for that.

Thrift Finds of the Week

My husband was out of town duck hunting, so I took the opportunity to stop in on one of my favorite thrift stores.  I'm glad I did, because I picked up some great finds.

Black Velvet Blazer - Coldwater Creek, Thrifted, $4.00

Cream Blazer - Casual Corner, Thrifted, $3.50

Fair Isle Cardigan - J.Crew, Thrifted, $3.00

Yellow Belt - Vintage, Thrifted, $0.50

Beige Blazer - J.Crew, Thrifted, $5.00

Total $16.00

Fall 5 Piece French Wardrobe - #2

It's already December and I have only purchased two of my 5 pieces for my Fall 5 Piece French Wardrobe.  I finally bit the bullet and bought those red jeans I've been talking about.  I had my eyes on a pair at Urban Outfitters, but happened to find a pair at Old Navy.  Without further ado, my red jeans!

Sweater - Gap

Blouse - Vintage Liz Claiborne, Goodwill

Jeans - Old Navy

Boots - BDBGeneration, Dillard's

Bracelet - Urban Outfitters