The $30 Work Dress

Time and time again, you’re heard me rave about these shoes, and that bag, and this skirt, etc.  Often, they are pieces I have found at Target.  It is safe to say that a large proportion of my work wardrobe is comprised of pieces from Target.  Why?  Well, my local Target happens to be a Super Target.  I walk in and have the supermarket side of it to my right and the regular Target non-supermarket side to my left.  The non-supermarket side happens to carry clothing.  LOTS OF IT.  Some of it work-appropos.  So, I walk on over for a few and scope out the new merchandise before grocery shopping for the week.  I am usually gone for an hour or so, but long enough to get some shopping in!

In this case, I didn’t find these dresses in store, but rather online.  I signed up for the Target emails, and one morning a couple of weeks ago, I got one alerting me that women’s Merona clothing was all 40% off!  So, I took advantage and checked out the goods! That’s when I found this dress:

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This one is a size 2 and fits like a glove.  Size 2-18 are available online.  It is thick-ish material, so it doesn’t show every detail of your undergarments, and comes in three different colors (i.e., black, grey, and navy)!  I LOVE IT.  Best of all, it is only $30, even at regular price!  It’s perfection.

I loved it so much, I got it in all three colors.  Hashtag: “oops, I did it again”.  LOL.  Anyway, make sure to read the reviews to get a better sense of what size to order.  I wear a zero in regular, a 2 in petites, so I suppose this dress runs on the smaller size…maybe.  At worst, you can order a couple sizes and keep the one that fits best.  Good luck!  I think you’ll be pretty happy with this one!

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!

Bows and Bordeaux

Disclosure:  I received items from Rockport Shoes, however all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Today’s outfit involved a combination of bows and bordeaux accessories.  Reason?  I saw this bag at one of the South Walton Fashion Week shows and HAD to have it.  When I realized I was getting it about 80% off retail, I made it my own.  So, naturally, I had to style it today. Obvi.

Bows and Bordeaux, http://chicinacademia.com

Bows and Bordeaux, http://chicinacademia.com

Details:  Bag, Mario Valentino, here || Shoes, Charlotte Russe, here || skirt, Zara, similar here || Top, Limited, similar here || Necklace, Target, similar here || Bracelet, TJ Maxx, similar here || 

The bag is made by Mario Valentino – no relation to Valentino Garavani – but probably just as well made and similarly as expensive.  The bag is immaculate.  Shape and structure similar to the famous Cèline bag, but if you can find one, at a price much, much cheaper than the original.  The color of this bag is also a must-have for the fall.  If you are the type to invest in a single bag, then this would be a great color to consider. In case you were wondering: Yes, I can fit my MacBook pro in the bag.  Because you know, that’s the sign of a great work bag. 😉

I bought mine at Saks Off Fifth in Destin, FL.  They only had 1 left!!  I also paid A LOT less than the one in the link above, but if you HAVE TO HAVE IT, then I would say, it’s worth the $500 it currently sells for!  A few additional details about the bag should you be interested:

  • Dual rolled top handles
  • Open top, prong strap closure, and top zip closure
  • Exterior features gold-tone metal logo, front zip pocket, side suede detail, and metal feet
  • Interior features wall zip pocket and 2 media pockets
  • Dust bag included
  • Approx. 12″ H x 11.5″ W x 8.5″ D
  • Approx. 7″ handle drop
  • Made in Italy

Except for the shoes and bag, everything else I’ve had for some time.  One note about the shoes: I love the heel height.  Maybe 2″ at most.  However, the design makes them somewhat uncomfortable, especially if walking all day in them.  I’m hoping they will stretch out and become comfier, but I suffered a little while wearing them today. 😦  I paid $20 for them.  I would not recommend paying any more than $20 should you decide to get them.

Finally, I wanted to give you a sneak peak at an exciting collaboration happening with Rockport Shoes starting October 15th on Instagram!

Rockport Shoes, http://chicinacademia.com

Follow #myDailyAdventure to get some clues on Instagram between now and the 15th!

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!

Pinspired Navy Work Outfits

Inspiration for my work outfits comes from many places, although Pinterest provides a great deal of inspiration on a daily basis.  I have an entire board dedicated to ideas/inspiration for my work outfits.  Since I surmise that not everyone who reads my blog has a Pinterest account, it behooves me to share some of my favorites with you in this post!  Here are some ideas for putting together outfits for work with a navy color palette.

Work Outfits in Navy, http://pinterest.com/bhidalgo

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1753cd49c5f9f53d57060c82659b3d7aThe images in this post were taken from Pinterest and do not belong to Chic in Academia.

All images with links to blog available on my ‘Career’ Pinterest board (here).  I’m in love with them all and want to recreate each of them!  What do you think??  Any favorites?  Let me know in the comments section below.  And, as always, don’t forget to follow along with my daily outfit posts on Instagram!

Until next time! Stay ‘Chic’!