Easy Office to Party Wear

It's office party season and we all know that socializing during the holidays a little with our co-workers goes a long way towards building good relationships—ones that will help us perform our jobs better in the future. Still, few of us actually look forward to these events and fewer still want to lay out a lot of money for an office party outfit and spend a lot of time getting ready for the event. 

To make looking your best for your office party easy and affordable, here are a few tips for looking festive when you're going directly from work to the event.

Change out your pumps for strappy sandals. Any excuse to wear sexy shoes is a good one and the right shoes will take give your conservative office outfit a little holiday flair.

Wear black. A black dress or suit easily makes the transition from serious to sultry.  Just change your shirt and/or your jewelry to something with a little sparkle and your ready for a festive evening.
 
Swap your big bag for a clutch. Stow your carry-all purse or briefcase in your desk and pull out a small clutch. Just transfer the few things you'll need at the party (no cell phones allowed) and you're ready to go.
 
Add the right accessory. One perfect scarf or necklace can turn a drab ensemble into a "wow." You don't have to splurge on a whole outfit; just add a dramatic accessory—maybe a family piece if you have one—and everyone will notice you.
 
Of course, it goes without saying that office party wear should be festive, but not too revealing and not anything you'd be embarrassed for your boss—or your boss' boss to see you in.

What to Buy at Vintage Clothing Shops

One of the best ways to save money on clothing is to shop at gently-used, second-hand, and vintage clothing shops. These stores re-sell used clothing—many items new or only worn a few times—for a fraction of the original cost. Some specialize in a particular era (such as clothing from the 1940s or 1960s); some concentrate on a certain type of clothing (formal wear or designer clothing). Virtually all offer great deals if you know what to buy.  Here are some tips:

Go with the classics. Some pieces of clothing are timeless—they look as good today as they did thirty, forty, or fifty year ago. Examples of such items are the "little black dress," a tweed suit, or a cashmere sweater.

Well-made apparel. This probably goes without saying, but don't even look at items that aren't of top-quality construction. Depending on the store, you may have to sort through a lot of items to find the "gems." Look for finished seams, French seams, and generous seam allowances. Also reject items with odors (such as smoke or moth balls), tears, and moth damage.

Something funky. The reverse logic to buying something classic is to buy something unique and slightly off-beat, something that can't be found in the malls and other apparel shops. It's best to keep with a theme throughout all such purchases, such as Pucci prints or 1950s sweater sets.
 
Vintage clothing shops are great places to increase your style without risking your whole pay check. They make a fun outing and if you make a design mistake, it's not a tragedy to give the item away or sell it on eBay. Happy Shopping!

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5 Hot Fashion Trends

1.  Headbands
2.  Patent booties
3.  Ruffled white blouses
4.  Suede handbags
5.  Anything purple