Workwear Style: The Vetta Cropped Blouse

Workwear. It used to be the bane of my existence. Trousers and button-up tops with a black jacket. That was me before. Typical employee of the good ol’ Washington, D.C. I was unhappy, really. I needed something work appropriate that also reflected my style and I was stuck in struggle city trying to find something that worked.

Because - you know - this year, we’ll spend over 2,000 hours working…that’s 250 WORK DAYS FRIENDS.  That’s based on getting two weeks off and working 40 hours a week…which is on the conservative end of things if we’re being honest here. Why must we spend it in emotionless style, friends?! WHY?!

I realize this is a big query that a lot of people are interested in knowing - how can I dress appropriately for work while still being stylish. I want to share more about how I attempt to make it happen on here - first case, this outfit.

Here’s how I started:

A high-waisted, movable skirt. Friends, we’ve been here before - COMFORT IS KEY with me. I tried very hard to be into pencil skirts and most of them are just too tight. Or not really flattering on my body type. Enter this great pleated skirt from Take 5 Boutique. It has a waist-hugging band which is key here because straight-from-the-band pleats don’t always look great on me. It’s also a great length, right above the knees. 

Next: the top. While I’ve worn a zillion silk blouses with this skirt, I really like pushing the limits with this longer crop top from a fashion startup called VETTA. It has a fun feel to it while still being office appropriate (with the right high-waisted bottoms.)

Finally, I added these bright heeled sandals from Banana Republic, a little pop of interest. The minimal bow stole my heart right away and I even bought them in navy (seen here) I liked them so much. 

Anyway - let me know if you like more work-related posts like this! I’d love to help you navigate this crazy world of workwear if that’s something you’d be into! Let me know in the comments below or tweet me at @juliengarman! (Also if you need any inspiration on what to wear in this sweltering weather, check out this article on Washingtonian where this outfit was featured!)

Wearing Take 5 Boutique skirt, VETTA blouse, Banana Republic sandals c/o, Cuyana bag, Kapten & Son watch c/o, Gorjana necklace c/o, NEO-NE Studios sunglasses via iSTYLEUP

---

Gorjana Holiday Collection at South Moon Under

I really love the holidays. My fear of cold weather melts away and a rush of holiday cheer sets in. I eat way to many sweets that I know I’ll have to work off come January. But I’m too busy making (and subsequently, eating) my famous Italian Christmas cookies to care. Because holidays. (Also because I won’t be wearing shorts anytime soon!)

I also love dressing up a bit around the holidays and always look to find a few sparkly pieces to sport throughout the season. Over the past year, I’ve fallen in love with Gorjana. I really like how the pieces are so simple but have a little something extra. Whether it’s just the right amount of sparkle or hammered texture, Gorjana does it right.

Their newest holiday collection just released at South Moon Under and I got to take them for a little spin on a girls day out lunch this past weekend. I met up with my amazing gal pal, Alicia and my fave photographer, Jen, and headed straight to Momofuku for some noodle noms at City Center. We went about 3 PM (no lines, yay!) and immediately ordered their compost cookies (‘before our meal, please.’) We ate to our hearts delight - so much so that I completely forgot to take an insta to proof we were there. Hate it when that happens. ;)

I’ll be sure not to miss any insta moments this Thursday, Dec. 3 from 6-8 at South Moon Under in Mosaic District - they’re having a Gorjana trunk show to showcase their new holiday pieces! Guests get a complimentary gift with every Gorjana purchase and enjoy 20% all purchases around the store! WHAT! YES, it’s true. And the first 25 to arrive get a swag bag (although you’ll have to beat me to it! I don’t mess around when it comes to SMU swag bags - they’re always the best!) Hope to see you there!

Wearing all Gorjana jewelry via South Moon Under c/o. Erika Schrieber skirt, Tibi tank (similar), Halogen leather jacket, Via Spiga booties, South Moon Under clutch, TasselsBySarah tassel c/o.