work wear Archives - Whitney Nic James

Lifestyle | What I Usually Wear to Work + Preparing for a New Season

September 6, 2017 by Whitney 7 Comments

If you don’t know by now that I’m a lover of kimonos, I’m not sure we’ve met. At least twice a week, and once on the weekend, I can be spotted wearing a kimono. Because most of my workdays are spent at my desk, running errands, or a little bit of both, kimonos are one of the easiest pieces for me to style. I’ve shared this many times before on WNJ, but when it comes to deciding what I’m going to wear during the work week, comfort and functionality come first, then style. That said, the outfit shown here is definitely a typical workday OOTD, turban included.

Related: Styling a Black & White Kimono

Turban: Amazon (same) // Earrings: H&M (old) // Bag: Marc Jacobs, TJMaxx (another option) // Sandals: Nordstrom Rack (another option)

I’m blessed to work in an environment that allows me to dress according to my personal style. If I’m having a bad hair day, and there are no meetings or office visits scheduled, I can simply wear a fashionable turban. That may not be a big deal for some people, but when I can dress without certain restrictions, I tend to work a lot better. Speaking of work, I’ve been quite busy with my 9-5 this summer, hence the sporadic posts. Now that the summer season is winding down, things are slowing down a bit and my schedule is becoming less hectic.

As the season’s change, don’t forget to take some time to slow down and catch your breath. #selfcare

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Related: 7 Practical Ways to Deal with Stress

I think it’s important to slow down a bit when the seasons change. If only to catch your breath to reflect on the previous months, taking a little time to pause is crucial. If you’re constantly rushing from season to season you’re not allowing yourself any time to reflect and potentially grow from the previous season. Here are 5 simple questions to can ask and answer right before the end of each season:

What were some of your favorite experiences this season?
What are something’s you wish went a differently?
What did you learn from these experiences?
How are you going to maneuver differently in the upcoming season?
What things are you looking forward to in the upcoming season?

Stop rushing from season to season. Give yourself some time reflect, then move forward.

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Kimono: Nordstrom Rack (another option) // Top: Good Luck Gem, Nordstrom Rack (same)

So tell me, how often do you slow down to reflect before entering a new season? How are you preparing for the upcoming fall season?

Thanks for reading, and be sure to share your thoughts below. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Linkups: Lookbook Linkup, Ageless Style Linkup, Style on the Daily, Fabulous Friday *

Personal Style | 7 Work from Home Wardrobe Must Haves

February 16, 2016 by Whitney 15 Comments

Yesterday was another snowy and icy Monday here in Maryland. I’m pretty sure a lot of us were either off or worked from home, due to the “wintery mix”. As mentioned in this post the weather has caused me to work from home a lot more lately. So today I want to share a few (more) of my Work from Home Wardrobe Must Haves.

1. Comfy Sweaters & Tops | Wearing comfortable clothing is a must for me, especially when I’m working from home. I move around quite a bit so wearing comfy swearers, tunics and flowy tops is perfect. I purchase most of my “work at home tops” from Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s and of course, the thrift store. I usually rotate my top, creating a uniform of sorts. It makes getting dressed in the mornings a lot easier when I already know what I’m wearing.

2. Statement Jewelry | It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of statement jewelry. Even if I’m working from home, I always wear at least one statement piece. I thrift most of my pieces, but I also purchase pieces from the jewelry department at Macy’s, JCPenney or Nordstrom Rack.

3. (A Few) Maxi Dresses & Skirts | I love a good maxi dress (or skirt), especially during the warmer months. Having a few maxi options handy on my work from home days is another way to ensure getting dressed is simple and easy. Maxi dresses are also great layering pieces during the cooler months.

7 must have work from home wardrobe items! #wnjstyle

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4. Comfy Shoes | Although I prefer bare feet or sometimes socks while in the house, comfy shoes are important to keep close. If I have to run errands, head out for some lunch or just walk to the mailbox downstairs, I reach for one of my many pairs of cute and comfy flats.

5. Handbags (Clutches, Backpacks & Large Handbags) | Again, you never know when you may need to slip out of the house. Therefore an array of handbags to choose from is a must. I usually reach for one of my backpacks (like this one) or a big tote bag, but there are times when a simple clutch will do.

Even when working from home, keep it cute and stylish! #wnjstyle

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6. Cardigans (Longs and Short) | Cardigans are very important items in my work from home wardrobe. I tend to get cold often so I always keep a cute cardigan, long or short, handy.

7. Thick Leggings | When I’m not wearing skinny leg denim or stylish sweatpants leggings are my thing, like this pair. Not only are they slimming, but they pretty much go with several of my tunics and tops. I have approximately 5 pair of leggings and just like many of my other wardrobe items, they’re in constant rotation.

So tell me, what does your work from home wardrobe consist of? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to let me know more about your work from home wardrobe. I can always use more suggestions! Be sure to link your recent outfit to my Personal Style Linkup below. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: How I Fall, WIW, Mix it Monday, Garay Treasures, Trend Tuesday, Small Victories **

Personal Style | Work from Home Outfit + The Pearl Source

February 1, 2016 by Whitney 21 Comments

It’s been a while, I know, but I’m back! I’d planned to be back to blogging in early January, but I decided to take a few extra weeks to enjoy the holiday season and prepare for 2016. I feel refreshed and ready to get back in the swing of things. I’m actually just getting back in the groove with my 9-5 also. Because of the winter blizzard and crazy weather, I worked from home a lot last month. Nonetheless, I was stylish and chic when deciding what to wear while working from home.

Tunic: Lord & Taylor (Similar) // Denim: JCP (Similar Pair) // Mug: Marshall’s (Cute Option) // Phone Case: Best Buy (Another Option)

Working from home has its perks, but it can be hard to stay motivated. That’s why I must get up, do my regular morning routine and get dressed regardless. This work from home outfit is definitely a go-to look. The tie-dye tunic is flowy and loose fitting, the stretch denim is comfortable and easy to move in, and the simple accessories bring it all together. When thinking about what jewelry to wear while working from home on this day, I opted to wear a subtle and classic pair of freshwater pearls, sent to me from The Pearl Source. I’m not usually a fan of smaller earrings, but this pair was perfect.

Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish! #wnjstyle

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I always have a cup of tea and a huge glass of water by my side while working from home as well. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day and who doesn’t like a nice hot cup of tea to on a cold winter day? And if you’re wondering why I don’t have on shoes, well, I pretty much never wear shoes when I’m home. I like to keep our carpet clean throughout the apartment, so hubs and I enforce the “no shoes in the house” policy.

Pearl Earrings: The Pearl Source (Other Options) // Bracelet: Gifted

So tell me, what does your work from home outfit look like? Let me know!

As always, thanks so much for reading! Keep up with me on social media and feel free to sign up to receive my (sometimes) weekly newsletter. I’m excited to be back and I thank you for hanging in there with me. I truly appreciate your comments, emails, tweets, and support. It really keeps me going and means the world to me! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Style | What to Wear to Work + Personal Style Linkup

June 15, 2015 by Whitney 55 Comments

Happy Monday! This weekend was a busy one, thanks to my now 13-year-old sister. Her birthday was yesterday and she enjoyed a weekend long celebration. It all started with her Sky Zone party with a few friends on Friday night and ended with a family dinner at the Melting Pot last night. Now. she’s headed to Vegas with my parents to continue the celebration. Pretty sweet 13th birthday package, huh?

Needless to say, I am exhausted…LOL! But all for a good cause, so I’m all smiles. When Monday came, ~~early this morning at 5 a.m.~~, I knew I want to wear something simple and quick for work; preferably minimal ironing. So I decided my new thrifted dress was the perfect solution for the age ‘ol question, what to wear to work?

Dress: Jessica London, Thrifted (Savers | Owings Mills, MD) // Flats: Steve Madden (similar) // Cross Earrings: H&M

This lightweight Jessica London dress was purchased this weekend at Savers thrift store (in Owings Mills, MD). When I saw the dress, I knew I had to at least try it on. It fit, 3 or 4 women complimented me while trying it on in the aisle, and hubby was a fan. Above all the dress made me feel and look great. SOLD!

Pairing this dress with minimal accessories was key. The print is already bold and the fringes along the dress make for amazing detail. So a pair of earrings, cute flats, and possibly a clutch were all I needed to complete the look. When styling a dress with loud prints, be minimal with the accessories; let the garment speak for itself.

If a garment has a bold print, be minimal with accessories. Let the item speak for itself. #wnjstyle

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Clutch: Purchased in the Bahamas // Watch: Charming Charlie

Speaking of printed dresses, my favorite linkup from last week is Adrienne’s beautiful kaftan. The print is stunning and the way she effortlessly styled the garmnent deserves an applause. I LOVE Adrienne’s feminine and cute style and whenever she links up, I’m inspired and excited to see what she’s wearing! She is one stylish woman who enjoys wearing prints, fabulous heels and pretty things.

Adrienne | Sweene Style

So tell me, what did you wear to work today? Do you like dresses with bold prints? Let me know!

Don’t forget to enter my Minted giveaway here. Also, be sure to show off your personal style by linking your recent OOTD pots(s) below. Be sure to link your outfit back to this post. Also, visit the other bloggers who’ve linked up and say hey. I’ll be sharing my favorite linkup next Monday! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: How I Spring, Style to Inspire, Let it Shine, Monday Mingle, Small Victories, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, Trend Spin, Whatever Wednesday, Lisa a la Mode, Thursday Favorites