Don'ts in the workplace

The majority of my posts thus far covered fashionable work wear items BUT we cannot discuss the do’s without making mention of the don’ts.

Disclaimer. The views expressed in this post….well….. are mine J. However, my intention is not to offend anyone who practice any of the following items I am about to discuss.

There are things that you see women doing and wearing that leaves a perplexed look on your face. Like this 

Just because it is not included in the official company policy does not mean it’s not a part of the unofficial one. There are unspoken or unwritten rules in every organisation.

These are some of my, for want of a better word, pet peeves:

1.     Wearing a sheer blouse without a cami or vest underneath. Why you feel everybody must see your bra? Stop it!!!

2.     Speaking of undergarments. Why is it in 2017 panty lines are still an issue??? It’s ok if you like tight pants and skirts but why should I be able to tell what type of underwear you are wearing?

To me the simplest solution is to wear thongs. “But Keisha not everybody like to wear thongs”. I know! Seamless underwear is another option. These right here are my holy grail.

Very durable and comfortable. You can get them at Macy’s or online at Amazon.

3.     Upside down Capital V. Now ladies….we all like to wear skirts that would show off our silhouette and absolutely nothing is wrong with that. BUT…..you see when the slit in the back of your skirt forms a letter in the alphabet without you even moving, you need to give it away to someone smaller or discard it. Ain’t nothing sexy about this look.

On a serious note though, once your skirt or pants are too tight, you run the risk of the ENTIRE back seam bursting on you. Don’t let what happened to me on 2 occasions happen to you!

4.     Clubbing or Working?

What type of work are you going to do ma’am??? While the pair of shoes on the left is hott…..it is not appropriate for the work place. Lets leave the gladiator sandals for the clubs nah.

5.     Knitted stockings for work?

I know many of you would disagree here but to me these fish net stockings give the appearance that you are doing the same job as the woman wearing the gladiator sandals.

6.     The Human Rhythm Section

Why must you wear all 10 bangles from the set to work. It is very noisy and distracting. As the ole folks say “ladies must be seen and not heard” hahaha. I don’t need to hear you before I see you….walking  about the office with your own lil rhythm section. I am a lover of bangles too, I just really think it’s too much for work.

7.     The Human Air-refresher

It is annoying and downright discourteous to spray down yourself with perfume or continuously use a saccharine sweet lotion while you are in an office. Meh gyul….we are in an air conditioned environment, there is nowhere for those scents to escape too. Further, it aggravates people’s sinus’ man. Why must I know you reach to work because I could smell you. Ease me Up!!!

8.     Over accessorizing.

I get that we may have so many accessories that are not being used *guilty* but it does not mean that you need to wear all at the same time.  For instance why wear a statement piece and chandelier earrings. There is a reason why those necklaces come with small earrings (really want to use another S word).  This is also distracting and confusing. Like where is the focus, your neck, your ears, your outfit??? Where family?

9.     Mismatched Prints.

It’s no longer necessary to be “matchy matchy” (Tamika Elcock-John, 2012). We are now seeing ensembles put together that we were told years ago was a no no, like plaid and strips. Absolutely nothing is wrong with experimenting however one must be careful that the pieces don’t clash. Why wear plaid, polkadot, leopard print - altogether - to send people in a trance?

Yuh see dis----->>>>>

 

  

No Ehhhh

10.  This is my biggest pet peeve. It’s not an “Office Don’t” for me, it’s more like “Doh Leh Meh See Yuh Doing Dat”. Black Stockings and White Shoes. I am sorry but I am yet to see anyone looking cool wearing this. Don’t get me wrong, black and white can make a beautiful combination…..but not like this

Stop it!!!, Don’t Do It!!!, Ease me up!!!

Whoosaahhhh!! 

Ok, those were some of my office don’ts. Hope I did not offend anyone and you saw at least the comical aspect to it. Do you have any pet peeves or don’ts for the office that I did not mention. I would really like to hear them

Have a great week ahead and enjoy the holiday tomorrow.

Oh….don’t forget to send me a photo of yourself in your workwear. All photos must be submitted by the end of today.

This post is brought to you by Ebuzztt.com

For all your entertainment news on celebrities, fashion, carnivals, music and so much more from Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the Caribbean,

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"We live in the Tropics"

The following is a somewhat true story that has been embellished. LOL.

Me........

Supervisor: Fraser can I see you in my office please!!!

Me:             Gosh....what I do now boy (inside voice)

Supervisor: How many times do I have to speak to you about having your arms outside at work?

Me:              Oh...but I have on a scarf, so it's not that bad. We live in Tropics yuh no, the place hot. So ease me up (inside voice)

Supervisor:  I understand that, but it is not appropriate to have your arms outside while you are in the office.

Me:            But I travel the other day and most of the blouses and  dresses I  bought are sleeveless.  So I waste money then. How come nobody  does tell the lady in  the next department, that does have   her arms  and at times the top of her back exposed, anything?

Supervisor: Fraser, that is for her supervisor to deal with, not me. My focus is on those under my supervision. We are guided by a dress code policy and you seem to be breaching this every week.

Me:          

Me:            I think this policy needs to be revised. Men wear short pants to work in Bermuda cuz de place hot. A lil sleeveless should not be an issue for the office. Plus is not like my arms are offending anyone.

Supervisor: Ms. Fraser, why are you arguing this point. At the end of the day you need to adhere to company policy. It has reached to the point where it seems you are influencing other staff members to dress the same.

Me:          

                   Did you call any of them in your office about this? Or is it jus me?

Supervisor: Clearly a verbal warning does not suffice in this situation. Any time I have to speak to you this matter again it will be in writing!!!!

Me:             Ok. Returns to my office.

Me:          

Ladies what do you all think about being sleeveless at work. Is it really inappropriate??? I get that it may not be apart of a company's policy, but policies can be amended. I think this is a matter for the union. Watson Duke seems like the most appropriate representative. lol.

Having to place a cardigan or blazer over my blouse or dress may hide its beauty and .....is more washing at the end of the week.

What do you all think?

Wardrobe Essentials

Whether you are on a tight budget or have a large disposal income; have just started a job or been employed for several years; dress like a diva or a plain Jane, it's important to have your wardrobe basics covered.

There are items that are a necessity in a women's work-wear wardrobe. The options need not be endless but just a few good pieces will suffice. Essentials can we worn and worn again regardless of the year or season. Many fashion bloggers and experts have expressed their opinion on what they  consider necessary clothing for women in the office.

D' Office Runway will  outline the items the T & T professional woman should have in their closet.

 

A Power Suit

Skirt or pants, cropped or regular length, grey or red, it cannot be overstated the importance of a good suit particularly for those corporate days, interviews or presentations. Ok...maybe a red suit is not a staple but it's still a good look.

 

All Black, Navy Blue or Grey Everything

 

A sheath dress, pencil skirt and a pair of trousers in either of the above mentioned colours are a must have. These pieces in sober colours allows you to easily explore many options.

 

A Sheath Dress

 

These dresses are close fitting and fall above the knee or lower thighs. They are classic and versatile and can be dressed up with a neck scarf, pearl necklace and a pair of black, nude or coloured pumps. A coloured handbag, blazer or cardigan it does not matter it's the perfect canvas for almost any item.

 

 Pencil Skirt

Slim fitting skirts with straight narrow cuts tapered at the knees. The design allows the skirt to hug your hips giving you that sleek and sexy appearance and is suited for almost any body type. Endless outfits can be created with this skirt. Just check out the options below:

Trousers

A good fitting pair of pants should be on the list and just like the pencil skirt, many outfits can be created.

 

Blazer

Plain or patterned, bright or sober colours, waist or hip length, peplum or regular cut, short sleeve or long; the variations are limitless. A blazer can sharpen up the most casual outfit. Uhmmm....you may just need more than one of these.

Cardigan

Appropriate for those dress down days and Casual Fridays. Probably the easiest thing to retrieve from your closet as they require little or no ironing. I am loving this casual chic ensemble.

Footwear

Black pumps

Either high, medium or low heel, it's important to have a good comfortable pair of black shoes. They are classic and timeless and goes with almost anything. Nine west, Kate Spade and Jessica Simpson are some of my favourite brands.

Flats

A pair of comfortable flats is a must if you stand for long periods of time or if you just need to runaway from work and head into the POS or Grand Bazaar. lol.  There are many brands producing flats like Aldo, Michael Kors and Steve Madden just to name a few. But my go to flats for the last 4 years or more are those from Payless. Yep Payless. The most COMFORTABLE flats everrrrrr. I am never without my Dexflex flats.

Handbag

This goes without saying.  Probably the most important accessory you wear to work. This ladies deserves its own post, which will soon come.

Did I miss anything? Let me know if you agree with my choices or whether there are other items you consider an essential to your work wardrobe that was not included in this post.

      This post was brought to you by 

Producers of pretty cool T-Shirts with our local vernacular 

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                          Also, look out for them this Saturday at the Caribbean Pop Up at 51 Degrees

Sale Sale Sale

It's 4th of July you all !!!!

 

Do you know what that means for us in T&T?

SALE SALE SALE

 

 

Today, we shall commemorate our freedom from being governed by our monthly budget and ruled by adulting responsibilities.

On this day we shall liberate our credit cards from our wallets and celebrate.......yes celebrate.....being able to click

as we free that item (s) that has been sitting in our virtual shopping carts months now.

The sense of pride we shall feel knowing that we did not pay full price for an item and saved some money is unmatched. We will automatically enter into a state of euphoria when we see further discounts and free shipping included.

Then we shall wait.....wait for a couple days for that package to arrive. That gift from yourself to yourself.

To celebrate this I have taken sometime to share with you, some of my favourite websites promotional sales today.

Happy Shopping

http://www.ninewest.com/

http://www.hm.com/us

http://www.bebe.com/

http://www.charlotterusse.com/

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/

http://www.forever21.com/

http://www.agacistore.com/

From then to now

I remember when I first began working. That was in the year 19 something. My mother was my tailor at that time. She couldn't be happier to sew clothes for her daughter to go to work. In those days after selecting your style from a fashion book, you would go to fabric stores like, Jimmy Aboud and Classy Fabrics to purchase suiting material.

I had a pants suit in every possible colour; Sober colours of course. They included shoulder pads and buttons covered in the same material as the cloth and weren't the most figure flattering. Kinda similar to this photo.

 I guess the boxy look was in back then or was it because my mother made them like that intentionally.

Back then the most colourful piece of clothing was the inner shirt. I had colours such as neon green and fuschia pink underneath there. My dress code for Friday would be a pair of trousers from one of those suits and a button down shirt. Yep I only wore pants!!! I have what trini’s call “tin foot” and was veryyyyy insecure about them. People called me names like mop leg and bird leg in secondary school. Someone even told me that if I ran to fast I might take up flight. Steups

But I’m over it and I have embraced my legs to the point that I mainly wear skirts and dresses.

As a became a ‘Big Girl Now’ and was no longer about the suit life, unless it was for an interview or presentation. Having mummy design my clothes was a thing of the past as websites like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Amazon became my best friends. Ok enough about me ……. Sorry…. I strayed for a bit there.

Remember starching your shirts so much so that the crease in your collar was so stiff that it can cause you personal damage. Or calf length skirts with short slits that did not allow long strides or a wide leg trouser with that seam cutting straight down the legs that at times you would lose the original seam of the pants and end up with 2 or more seams  or  a shiny pants from the constant ironing. Don’t get me wrong, these items are still in use but they no longer form part of the mandatory work wear ensemble.

That dominant dress code has been abolished like slavery; women have definitely loosened up and office rules have relaxed somewhat. We now wear multi-coloured dresses, skirts and shirts. A full matching suit is no longer a big deal as we can experiment with separates. Cardigans, blazers, pencil skirts, crop pants, wrap and sheath dresses are now the pieces in our wardrobe.

The working women in 2017 is Fashionably Professional.  It’s about striking that delicate balance between being “in-style” or “trendy” and work-wear. I mean why must we wait til weekend or when taking a lil lime to dress up. 

Regardless of your style, your choice in what you wear to work is a representation of you as an individual, personally and professionally. It's about your comfort, confidence, style and how you feel.

Please Remember........

Have a great day ladies