Office Fashion: Dresses

Having been in my black suit "uniform" for a month now, I am ready for something different. Something a little more girlier and fun, but still suitable.
Rummaging through my closet, I came up with my Ralph Lauren shirt dress this summer. I've always thought it was a bit formal for everyday casual wear (though I wear it anyway), but now thinking about it for work, it just seems too casual. Kind of like I'm going to spend a day at the country club instead of a serious day at work. Although it IS a shirt dress, complete with a collar and all.
Going a bit deeper, I found this black silk and chiffon dress. I actually thought about wearing it to dinner and then to a club the other night. But decided that it was too formal for a club and it looked like it was for work. Then again, the chiffon and the silkiness of the dress makes it seem too dressy for work.....Next in my wardrobe comes my Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress. I ended up wearing this to dinner and club the other night. This is classic. It is supposedly perfect for all occasions. But then my only worry is (and yes, I know, I worry too much, people probably don't even care), is this too nice for a summer intern?

So ladies, what do you think of the dress in the workplace? Is there such a thing as too formal for work? And what does it convey about our professionalism?

Image Source: Net-a-Porter, Ralph Lauren

Guys and Skincare

In recent conversations with guy friends, I've noticed that more and more guys use skincare. But right after admitting they use skincare, some people's reactions are like, err but you're a guy! Really people, we're in the 21st century. People in our generation are generally fickle and vain. We're into taking loads of photos every time we go out with our digital cameras that have ever-increasing mega-pixels. Who can blame guys for using skincare when we girls spend so much on similar things?

I think it's actually cool when guys admit they use skincare. I mean, at least they care enough about their hygiene and skin condition to buy and use it daily. That actually requires money and effort. While there's obviously something wrong if a guy spends more time than you (girl) getting ready to go out, guys using skincare should not imply they're gay.

All this aside, I do love talking to guys about skincare. One guy was telling me how much he loved H20+'s products because they are all oil-free (which I totally connected with because I thought the same back then,) and one guy was recommending me an eye product. Skincare's such great conversation topic!

So girls, next time a guy admits he uses skincare, don't give him a weird look! And guys, do bother!

Image credits: www.dior.com, www.biotherm.com

The Most Expensive Handbags

You'd think that the birkins of the world were already expensive enough, but no, savvy designers just keep on coming up with even more extravagant creations to top the last one. Topping the Forbes list of the most extravagant bags in the world this year was not the Hermes Birkin*gasp*. The honor this time around goes to Chanel (ah the ever business savvy Karl), with this "Diamond Forever" bag worth $260,150USD. This limited edition classic Chanel shoulder bag (there is only 13!) is made of alligator skin with 334 diamonds (3.56 carats) encrusting the iconic Chanel C's set in 18-carat white gold. From the picture it doesn't look too different from a classic Chanel bag (you'd think that the 334 diamonds would look shinier and more impressive ), except for the alligator texture. And personally, I don't see the attraction of alligator skin. Admittedly, this one doesn't look bad with its creamy color and the subtle texture. But in general, I don't like alligator skins because it resembles too much the actual animal and that creeps be out no end.Coming in second is the super luxe version of the Birkin, the "Crocodile Birkin" at $120,000USD. Similarly made of crocodile skin (I really don't see the attraction with crocodiles), it too has a diamond encrusted clasp set in white gold. Though this time there are 10 carats. Hm...why is this less expensive than the Chanel one? Clearly this is the better bargain (if there is such thing as a bargain for such super luxe bags), especially since there are only 2 of them in the world. It wins hands down with size, rock and exclusivity!

If money were no object, which one would you prefer?

To save me from paraphrasing the rest of the article, check it out yourself at Forbes.com!