{Wardrobe Essentials: Leopard Print}

Simply put, I love leopard print. It's definitely, certainly, positively a wardrobe essential. Why? Because it's sassy and sexy. And, a well placed leopard print can make any outfit, just that more fab.

If you're only beginning to build your leopard print collection - yes you, every woman for that matter, shall have a leopard print collection - and are still unsure about joining the club with the rest of us, I'd recommend buying a leopard print accessory. Leopard print earrings, belt or even a fabulous scarf.

{Like this scarf}

Then, when you're a bit more brave, but still can't quiet wear leopard as you're main piece, then buying a seasonal item like a coat or gloves with leopard print trim will work. 

{Subtle leopard sleeve detail and a red lip}

When you're finally feeling brave, then take the plunge and make leopard a center piece of your outfit. The shorts below is a good example. Picking a pair of leopard print shorts is a bit less jarring than a pair of skinny pants in leopard print. 

{Summer shorts!}

Then, when you're feeling bold, go for it with an all over leopard print item like this amazing summer dress below!

{Flowy dress and perfect accessories}

I love to incorporate leopard print as much as I can in my wardrobe. Especially for work. But, I still have to be mindful of the conservative environment at work. These leopard print pumps are by far my favorite pair of shoes!

{I know I snuck in the snake skin peep toe pumps in there. I couldn't help it!}

{This is how I typically wear these shoes to work}

xx, Shiela

{Wardrobe Essentials: Wear to Work}

I decided to create a series called Wardrobe Essentials that will be covering items that I can't live without for work, vacation, summer and so on. There are just some wardrobe items that dominate my closet. For this first installment, I'll be covering wardrobe essentials for work. If you work in a conservative office like I do, you'll want to continue reading!

My all time favorite work essential is the pencil skirt. Pencil skirts are feminine without being too sexy; polished without being too stuffy. You can't go wrong wearing this to work when paired with a button down or a simple shell and jacket.

{If you're looking to purchase your first, I'd invest in a flawlessly tailored black pencil skirt like this one}

My second favorite is a dress. I'm petite and more often than not, finding a pair of work trousers that I don't have to get tailored is extremely rare. Even trousers that are meant for petite women are still too long. So, I cheat and wear a dress as often as I can get away with it. You can either go with a basic, black shift dress that you can add a chunky pearl necklace and a pair of tights in the winter. Or, a fun color or print wrap dress. 

 {This chartreuse beauty is perfection! Fashionable and yet still very professional}

Another work essential is a pair of skinny pants. Fit is key. Similar to the pencil skirt, skinny pants can be paired with a blouse or a tailored jacket. 

{When I think of fabulous, I think of Victoria Beckham. 

This ensemble is a perfect example of how to wear this look}

These are the three key pieces I can not live without for work. If you're only starting to build your work wardrobe, this is a good start. Add in a neutral blouse and a tailored jacket and you're on your way! 

My three best tips:

1} Buy pieces you LOVE. If they're financially out of your reach at this point in time, then save. Don't go broke, just buy quality pieces that will stand the test of time. 

2} Tailoring. I know I mentioned earlier that I try to avoid trousers because I try and skip the extra step to taking them to get hemmed. However, that's not to say that you should leave the house in ill-fitting clothes. If you must, then get them tailored!

3} Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Emulate someone you admire at work. Follow their lead. You may not have the same salary as an executive or director you admire at work but that doesn't mean you can't find similar wardrobe pieces for a fraction of the cost. 

{ Here's a Zara black pencil skirt I have for sale in the GSG Closet. See link above}

xx, Shiela