What to Wear to a Professional Interview

One question I get asked over and over is what to wear to a job interview for a corporate / professional setting. Since it is almost graduation season- and many young women are interviewing for their first professional / office job- now seemed like the perfect time to do a post with style tips for dressing for an interview.

Blazer // Heels // Handbag // Watch // Bracelets (20% off with code LegalLee) // Lipstick (shade is "Anita")

What to Wear to a Professional Interview:

1. Suit Separates

 This is pretty straight forward; for a professional interview wear a suit. Find a blazer that you love (these are my favorite affordable blazers) and then get and wear the matching skirt, dress, or pants (whichever you feel most comfortable in). An interview is not the time to be bold, fashion wise, so stick with black, navy or dark gray.

2. Functional Handbag

For an interview you want to be prepared for anything the day may bring at you. I always recommend having a second copy of your resume, a granola bar, gum, band-aids, safety pins (you never know!), a pair of flats if you are commuting or walking around a lot, and a bottle of water. To fit all of this stuff, you need a handbag that is actually functional - no cute little clutches! I highly recommend the York tote because it is spacious, has a laptop compartment with a zip top, (perfect to throw a resume in to keep it safe), and it is simple & classic in it's look.

3. Comfortable Heels

I cannot emphasis enough the importance of comfortable heels. Not only will you be happy and more comfortable but it sends a message that you prioritize functionality such that your 'style' will not detract from the work your future employer needs you to do. As pretty as stilettos are, they don't exude practicality and the ability to run around and get your job done. If you haven't read my guide to the best heels for work be sure to check that out. Last thing- I recommend a pointed toe over a round toe as it gives off an older, more professional vibe. 

4. A Watch

So many of us rely on our cell phones now (.. I am so guilty of that) but for an interview, it looks professional to have a watch on. Plus, if you're phone dies while you're on route to your interview (or interviews) you're covered.

5. Simple Jewelry

Some people will even advise that you should wear no jewelry to an interview. I think that is an outdated recommendation, and that in today's job market it is more than acceptable to wear some simple jewelry - just don't go over board. I would recommend a simple pendant necklace or a bracelet.

Let me know if you have any questions! If you are interviewing for a job this season, good luck!!! I am sending you postive vibes through the interwebs :)

Shop My Outfit:  

linking up with: mix it mondays // hello monday // #howispring // creative mondays

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Wednesday Wants & March Purchases

"Tuexedo" Blazer // Tory Burch Block Heels // Lavender Shift Dress // Nude Strappy Pumps // Floral Blazer

Blush Studded T-Strap // Striped Blazer // Open Front Pink Blazer // Color Blocked Faux Wrap Dress

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are all enjoying the short week (did you all have Monday off? Courts were closed on Monday so I had a luxurious day relaxing in the sun!)

There are a ton of great options out right now to update your work wardrobe  for spring. Go for bolder blazers (how great is that floral one?!) and lighter materials to bring your wardrobe into the nicer weather. 

I can't believe March is over (well, tomorrow it is). The month flew by! I've decided at the end of each month to recap my purchases I made that month. I figure it is a great way to keep my own spending/shopping on track and it's great to show you guys the things you'll likely be seeing on LLB (or on my instagram - where I post more of my weekend casual wear) over the next few weeks. So, below is collage of everything i got this month

 

March Purchases:
Sam Edelman Lace Up Heels: $175. I LOVE these heels. They are even more beautiful in person, and are so comfortable. The neutral color and chunky heel is perfect for spring! 

Old Navy White Cotton Dress: $45. I am a sucker for cotton dresses. I practically live in them during the summer. The fit and flare fit is my favorite dress fit so when I saw this (and I had an Old Navy coupon) I had to snag it! 

Converse: $65. These are my new favorite things. I've already worn them to death! 

Flared Denim: $35. I've been wanting to try the 70s trend for spring and these jeans were the perfect color (not too light) and the perfect fit (the little pocket detailing is so chic!)

Bow Midi Skirt: $190. I'm a sucker for midi skirts. I can't wait to wear this one. 

Faux Leather Moto Jacket: $45. I needed a casual spring jacket and this one is beautiful. It's more blush than pure beige and it's quite fitted through the arms (which I love).

Blush Faux Leather Cross Body: $27. I've focused so much on having big structured handbags for work, that I realized I only had one cross body bag! This is a perfect neutral to go with pretty much every spring/summer outfit! 

linking up with: jersey girl texan heart // oh hey girl // style me wednesday // thursday fashion files 
// spotlight of the week // weekly favorites

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Style Inspiration: Amal Clooney

I'm so excited to be sharing the second post in my "Style Inspiration" series; (you can see the first one here). When it comes to corporate chic, and looking like a fashion goddess while taking the professional world on by storm, there is no one greater than Amal Clooney.  

I have been following Amal's style for a while now, and one of the outfits that always stood out to me was this all white suit she wore last year to meet the Greek Prime Minister. I have always shied away from suit sets that are anything but black or blue. Something about the matching effect always felt very 1980s. This suit inspired me to throw that rule out the window & get myself a cream suit. 

Similar Suits: 1, 2  // Bracelet c/o (20% off w/ code LegalLee) // Handbag // Heels // Similar Sunglasses: 1, 2

Amal is quite minimalist when it comes to accessories. Inspired by her, I matched her look of black pumps, a black handbag and bold sunglasses. I did however add one simple, gorgeous bracelet to accessorize the look. I love the 'old fashioned' look to this bracelet, and I think Amal would approve haha.

Thanks for checking out today's post and I hope to see you back here on Wednesday!

Linking up with:on trend tuesdays // confident two-day // style swap // trend spin // tuesday fashion party // oh hey girl // style me wednesday// thursday fashion files // #wiwt // spotlight of the week

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Essentials for a Business/Professional Wardrobe

One of the questions I get asked the most is what are the essential items for your work wardrobe. Today, I wanted to share with you what I believe are the bare bones essentials for a professional/office wardrobe and then - most importantly - give you some reviews and links to my tried and true, most favourite items. As you can see from the above photos there are 8 items I consider essential. Let's tackle each one in turn: 

**TOP PICK: Banana Republic "Sloan" Pants**
See My Outfit post here

Thankfully, gone are the days of ill-fitted, shapeless suit pants for women. The world of corporate fashion for women has come leaps and bounds in the last decade and there are now so many great pieces to choose from. My #1 office essential is a great pair of straight leg or skinny black pants. They are the base off which to build your office wardrobe! 

My top pick black pants are above. For other great options see here. I especially love these Elizabeth & James pants.

 ** TOP PICK: SMYTHE fitted black blazer**

See my outfit post here

My second essential is a fitted black blazer. A well fit blazer can make all the difference to your office wardrobe. My personal preference is a two button blazer, but experiment with one or three button to see what shape fits best on your body. For great blazer options see here 

**TOP PICK: Splurge: Saint Laurent Great Deal: Thalia**

My outfit post here

In addition to a black blazer, an essential is a fun blazer - something in a great color or with a unique shape. This is a great way to add some personality into your office wear. A selection of great blazers can be found: here. At under $60 I am swooning over this pale pinstripe one. 

**TOP PICK: J Crew Factory**

My outfit post here

Every office wardrobe needs one great sheath dress. It's a versatile piece as it can be worn with a cardigan or a blazer, and you can add different accessories such as coloured tights or a neck scarf to really change up the look. See my favourite sheath dresses currently available in the widget below! 

**TOP PICK: Ann Taylor Ponte Pencil Skirt**

My outfit post: here

A great pencil skirt is not always easy to find - it's hard to get a good fit (no gaping, not too tight) as well as a good material. The Ann Taylor Ponte skirt is by FAR the best I have found. The thick stretch material flatters every body and hugs whatever your shape is without being skin tight. For other great pencil skirts check out these

 **TOP PICK: Banana Republic Non-Iron Shirt**

My outfit post here

A white button up is a classic item that everyone should own. Personally, being the busy woman that I am, I live in non-iron ones. There are a number of great non-iron basic blouses available right now - you can see my top picks in the widget below.

 

** TOP PICK: Express Split Back Tank**

My outfit post here

If you follow along with LegalLee Blonde regularly, you've heard me talk time and again about the importance of day-to-night clothes. It is so valuable in today's busy world to wear something to work that you can easily transition to your after work plans. A great top that looks professional under a blazer, but fun without one is key. There are many shirts that work for this task - a split back hem shirt, a shirt with lace or leather sleeves, or really an shirt that you find fun! My top picks for day-to-night shirts are in the widget below. AND all are under $50! 

 

**TOP PICK: Splurge: LK Bennett "Samira" Pump 
Great Deal: Michael Kors Flex Pump**
My outfit post here

And last but not least - Comfortable heels!! Believe it or not it IS possible to find heels that you can survive the entire day in. My two favourite picks are listed above. For other great heels check out these.  

Linking up with:
#howisummer 
sophisticated style 
beauty by miss l 
a lovely little a la mode linkup 
mix it mondays 
on trend tuesdays 
style sessions 
style swap tuesdays 
trend spin linkup 
confident twosday 
spotlight of the week 

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Lawyered (Tips on Creating the Perfect Office Look)

Curious about the name of today's post? Well, today I am linking up with two other fellow lawyer/fashion bloggers! How cool is that?! I met both Tif and Nina through fashion blogging and love getting discuss both legal practice and fashion with them. Below are the photos of the outfit I decided to wear for this link up: 

Dress: Banana Republic. Very Similar: here
Blazer: Talula
Heels: Chinese Laundry
Purse: Vintage Chanel. Similar here. Similar style (but affordable) here, here and here
Lipstick: NARS "Audacious Lipstick" in "Anita"

We are linking up today to show you three different "lawyer looks"; ie. outfits perfect for young professionals like ourselves. Without any further ado, let me tell you a bit about this outfit / the things to look for to create a perfect office look!

1) The "Two Tone" look:
This is so flattering. This style dress flatters your body shape, as well as gives the illusion of a two piece outfit (skirt and blouse) without the added bulk of having to tuck in a blouse.

2. Bra Clips:I included that last photo of the back of the dress to show the fact that you can't see my bra! woohoo! This dress has those little snaps inside the dress straps that you can clip your bra into so that it stays in place. This is a major 'lookout' for me when I am buying dresses for the office. It never looks good when your bra pops out, so I always look for dresses with this feature. Banana republic is pretty good about having them, as are Club Monaco and Esprit.

3. A Statement Necklace:One of the best ways to keep a business outfit looking youthful and, let's face it, not boring, is to add a statement necklace. You don't want to go too overboard for work, but a statement necklace in a colour coordinated to the top (like this cream one) works perfectly.

4. Hair Style:Anyone else with long hair find it a complete pain in the butt when it comes to work? I cannot possibly imagine chopping off my long blonde hair, it is too much a part of me! But, I do find that leaving long hair down does not exactly scream "professional". Side braids are thus one of my go to hairstyles, and one I highly recommend for long haired girls. Of course top knots or sleek buns are always great (and I wear them a lot) but sometimes your head just needs a break from the dreaded "pony tail headache" (do you know what I mean? It's the worst!) Thus, a sidebraid keeps your hair down, but keeps it looking tidy.

6. Classic Purse:Sadly I very rarely actually take a purse to court (... I'm stuck rolling around a giant lawyer brief case- wuh, wuhhh) but if I was to bring a purse; this style would be my go to. Stick with classic shapes and colours for office purses.

Well dearest readers, that's all for me! Thanks for reading such a long post. I hope you found it helpful! Be sure to check out Tif and Nina's blogs to see more of their outfit pics!

See you all again on Wednesday for this week's edition of "Wednesday Wants"!

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