CMB Spotlight: Karina

It's about that time again for another CMB Spotlight!

This edition features a fellow young professional, but has a bit of a twist. Karina is a teacher by day and a custom jewelry maker by night. She also happens to be four and a half months pregnant! Instead of rummaging through her closet to pick out an outfit to feature her in, she asked me to help her shop for some new items.

Karina was looking to spice up her wardrobe with some hip and trendy pieces that were also professional enough to wear to work.  She also wanted items that could be worn as her belly grew and things that could be worn after the baby is born, when she returns to her normal size. She wasn't asking for much, really.

Although this seemed like it might be a daunting task, it was actually easier than I thought, partly because Karina was game to try on whatever I gave her. It was also easy because of the fads out there right now.  Lately, the stores have been filled with flowy blouses, loose blazers, leggings and oversize sweaters.

ONE

The first outfit I have Karina in is one of those flowy blouses, in a soft mint colour. I added a leopard print belt cinched above the belly which added that hint of trendiness that she was looking for.

Blouse - Aritzia; Tank - RW&Co.; Belt - Sears; Leggings, Booties and Jewelry - Karina's own

TWO

Outfit number two consists of a cobalt blue blazer, a simple white tank underneath and a bright coloured clutch.

Blazer - Aritzia; Tank - RW&Co.; Clutch and Cuff - Mine; Leggings  Booties and all other Jewelry - Karina's own

For more information on Karina's custom made, Rox On jewelry visit her website HERE and her Blog HERE.

What is your work dress code? Teachers are professional and are therefore supposed to dress professional.  I do strive to adhere to this dress code but considering I have to teach phys. ed to 37 grade one and two students everyday I still have to find clothes that are practical.

What are some challenges that you have encountered being pregnant and dressing for the workplace? Comfort! It's hard to find that balance between being comfortable and fashionable.  Some days when I'm not feeling my best I tend to choose outfits that make me feel cozy but maybe aren't the most stylish.  Finding clothes that can do both of these things is a major challenge. 

What is one thing that you learned about dressing for work during your shopping trip with Joanna? I learned that adding little things to an outfit like a belt or a layered sweater can really change a look.  Adding these things can also make it look like you spent way more time putting together a great outfit than you actually did!

What was your favourite piece that you bought on your shopping trip and why? My blue Aritzia blazer! I usually play it safe in the colour department so when Joanna suggested this beautiful blazer I was a little leary. But after seeing how well it fit and having Joanna go over the endless outfit possibilities I was sold.  I love it! 

Anything else you want to share? Joanna really helped me step out of my confort zone and opened me up to different styles and colours in my wardrobe.  She was so patient and spent the time finding clothes that not only looked good on me but that would grow with me over the next few months.

Thank you Karina for letting me do my thing and being so easy-going about it!

Credits - Photo's by Yvonne Ho. Styling and makeup by yours truly.

The Higher The Heel, The Closer to God?

Those that know me, know just how much I love wearing high heels! I wear them in all types of climates. Rain, shine, snow, fog, hail, you name it, I've got heels on. I also sometimes accidentally inappropriately wear them to places where flip flops or running shoes may have been a better option. Oops. 

The pressing question is then, how high is too high for work? I would be extremely happy if I could wear these beauties to work...

Images via favim.com and Pinterest

However the practical and professional side of me knows that these would probably be a better choice.

Images via rebeccaminkoff.com and freepeople.com

Ladies, save those sky high heels for the weekend if...

1) the heel is higher than 4 inches

2) you can't walk a full block in them without wobbling

3) the platform is higher than 1 inch

4) they are any kind of sandal (peep toes are okay)

5) they resemble something a pole dancer would wear

That being said, don't be afraid to wear heels that...
1) are bright colours
2) are an animal print
3) have ankle straps
4) are wedges
5) have capped toes
6) are metallic
7) make you feel like you can conquer the world!

Side Striped

I hope this fad sticks around for a while. I am really digging these tuxedo pants with the stripe down the sides.

(Photos by Yvonne Ho)

Tuxedo pants - Cynthia Rowley (Winners); Blouse - Dynamite; Shoes - Nine West; Belt - Smart Set; Ring - Gift; Watch - Michael Kors; Bracelet - Unknown

What a great idea incorporating the characteristics of the most formal type of pant (tuxedo) into a more casual version. These are perfect for the office. The neutral grey colour allows for the easy pairing of colours.  I opted for a light pink blouse but would also wear these with bright florescents. Again, I am a big fan of tucking just the front of your blouse in but would suggest tucking a blouse in all the way for a more formal workplace. I also think a pair of hot pink or leopard print pumps would look fabulous with these pants, if you want to be a tad more daring at work. 

Hair Inspiration

Images via UsMagazine

Watercolour

I chose this post title because my friend (and photographer) said that it was what my skirt reminded her of.

(Photos by Yvonne Ho)

Blouse - Jacob; Skirt - H&M; Shoes - Nine West; Tights - Unknown; Necklace - Banana Republic; Earrings - Ralph Lauren (The Bay); Watch - Michael Kors

I am all for making sure that there is always something interesting, different or unique about what I wear to work. When I think about what to wear the next day I always want to incorporate a bright colour, cool texture or something out of the office attire norm. This skirt is one of those perfect pieces. It takes an all black boring outfit and adds that one element of interest that is guaranteed to make you stand out. Coloured nails always help too!

I sometimes turn to Pinterest to get hairstyle ideas and inspiration. I'll be adding this to each post where I did just that. This was my hair inspiration for today. Its just a simple middle parted, low bun. I also added my hair inspiration to the "Suit Seperates" post HERE.

Slacks and the City

There's nothing better than a pair of work pants that are not only stylish but also comfortable. 

(Photos by Yvonne Ho)

Slacks - BCBG; Tank and Cardigan - Dex (The Bay); Pumps - Franco Sarto (The Bay); Watch - Michael Kors; Necklace - Rox On by Karina Miller (BLOG HERE)

Office work requires a lot of sitting which can be made that much more uncomfortable if the pants you are wearing are stiff, bunchy or pinch at the waist. These pants from BCBG are the exact opposite! They have just the right amount of stretch, are virtually wrinkle free and have an amazing elastic waist. Its also nice that they are a colour other than black or grey. They are so great that I may have also purchased them in red, on sale of course!  

Not-So-Skinny Jeans

I realize that all of my casual friday outfits involve skinny jeans. The truth is, that ever since this fad exploded onto the fashion scene, I have bee neglecting all of my other wide, flared and straight legged jeans. I'm switching it up this week though, with a non-skinny jean ensemble. Wide leg jeans are just as (if not more) appropriate for a casual work days at the office. Since the bottoms are so wide, its best to keep things fitted on top. The easiest thing to throw together with a pair of pants/jeans is the good ol' reliable sweater over dress shirt combo! This layering technique will always make you look polished and professional!

(Photos by Yvonne Ho)

Jeans - Fidelity; Blouse - H&M; Sweater - Club Monaco; Ring - Silpada; Necklaces - Gift and Tiffany & Co.

Must Have Mustard

This toned down yellow colour is perfect for the office if you're looking to wear a bit of colour but don't want to blind your co-workers with a bright yellow ensemble. If you want the mustard colour to pop, pair with a black top and dark tights.  

The mustard skirt that I am wearing is tweed and therefore perfect for winter. Again, because the skirt is on the shorter side, I recommend wearing tights.  

(Photos by Yvonne Ho)

Skirt - VIVIENNE, Vivienne Tam (Winners); Turtle neck - H&M; Scarf - The Bay; Wedge booties - MRKT (Winners); Tights - Unknown;  Watch - Michael Kors; Serpent bracelet - Stella & Dot; Ring - gift