Work appropriate used to be easy to determine but now that work places have relaxed there dress codes, determining work appropriate attire has become a bit more gray. Here a few definitive rules you should follow when dressing for a professional environment:

1. Anything that you would wear to the beach or gym is a no-no. Refrain from flip-flops, spaghetti straps, sports bras etc. You can layer a jacket, cardigan, or blazer over a spaghetti strap top or dress but please be advised you should NOT take it off at the office.

2. Don’t show cleavage. There are really no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. You can wear a v-neck but it should not be deep.

3. Super short skirts should be avoided. A general rule of thumb is 3″ above the knee.

4. Anything sheer should be layered with a slip, cami, or leggings underneath.

5. While you want to be stylish, you want to avoid extremes and over-accessorizing. Pick one statement piece and let everything else be subtle.

1. Make A List Of What You Need – Many shopaphobes are simply overwhelmed when they get to a store and don’t know where to start. So having a list will give them guidelines to keep them on track. Go through your closet and write down exactly what you need prior to your shopping trip. When you get to the store, look only for those items. Better yet, do it in small doses. Look only for 2-3 items at a time. Go home, rest, and if you need other things, go back another day. It doesn’t need to all get done at once.

2. Stylist/Personal Shopper/Friend-

Stylist: A stylists will assess what you have and need. Once they have done that, they will figure out what type of look/style you will be best suited with and shop accordingly to create a pulled-together look personalized for you. This option literally is stress-free. You don’t have to do any work or worry about a thing.

Personal Shopper: A personal shopper can do all the work for you and either take you shopping or even better, do all the shopping for you so that you don’t have to even go into a store. They will bring you a bunch of pieces to try and then you keep what you like. If they strike out, the personal shopper can go back to the drawing board. Many larger stores and even some boutique often offer these services at no cost to the customer. While some stores may not offer a personal shopper formally, there are quite a few service oriented stores whose sales people can provide you with excellent assistance.

Friend – If you can’t afford the services of a stylist or personal shopper, sometimes it helps to bring a friend along to keep you focused and so you don’t feel like you are facing the demons alone. Please note it’s best to bring along someone whose style you like so you are getting good advice.

3. Shop Online – For many people the crowds and lack of service in stores can be frustrating and overwhelming. In these cases, I suggest online shopping. Online shopping can be done any time of the day or night and works well for people with busy schedules. Most of the stores people are familiar with have online stores. So you can start there. Or perhaps there are brands you like, google them. With many stores offering free shipping and free returns, it’s often less expensive to shop online. Bonus: If you are ordering from an online store that does not have a business presence in the state in which you live, you will not have to pay sales tax.

4. Timing – If you are going to brave the wonderful world of retail, mid-weekdays are the quietest as most people work 9-5. You should always dress comfortably; particularly your shoes. Comfy shoes are a must. If your feet hurt you will want to go home. Wear supportive undergarments. Wearing the wrong bra will not allow you to truly see how a top fits. If you are possibly buying items that require a strapless bra, bring one along. If you are going to be buying pants, it’s best to bring the shoes with you that you will be wearing them with so you can have them hemmed at the store. Most larger stores provide alterations. These tips will prevent you from having to go back for returns.

5. Make it fun and think positively. Shopping can be very rewarding when you find something you love or when you dress up in your new purchases and feel like a million bucks!

Libertas is my new addiction! No exaggeration, I believe I have worn a pair of my Libertas sandals at least 10 times in the last 3 weeks. For those of you who don’t know me, that is a number beyond comprehension. With over 150 pairs of shoes, I rarely wear the same pair twice in a week. From the moment the Vixen Sandals arrived at my door, I was in love. They were so beautiful I didn’t even want to wear them. Normally I focus on just one pair but since I now have 3 pairs and a clutch I am going to give you as many details as I can.

What I love: Everything! The Vixen Sandals are sexy, beautiful, and FLAT. I love the combination of the reddish slightly metallic snakeskin with the gold braided leather. These can easily be dressed up but are not too dressy for day time. There is something incredibly luxurious about the snakeskin on the bottom. Recently I have acquired MANY pairs of heels but found these to be the perfect addition to my wardrobe since I can actually WALK in them. I believe it is difficult to find a beautiful, flat, sandal you can dress up and these are just the pair. I can not leave out my commentary about the packaging. These fantastic shoes come in the most adorable flat box with a Libertas canvas dust cover.

What I am wearing them with: Everything! I have paired these sandals with at least 5 different sundresses and a few skirts. They are incredibly versatile.

The Basics: The Vixen Sandals are made of genuine snakeskin with braided gold leather accent straps. They are adorned with gold brass studs. While they are flat, they do have a short heel in the back for added comfort. A picture does nothing for any of these pieces. They are truly works of art and look even more amazing in person. Available in Ruby or Indigo.

The Other Items: Here is a little bit about a few of the other items I adore.

– These are simply exquisite. The 3 1/2" heel height is very comfortable and the combination of the eggplant snakeskin with the gold metallic leather is striking. These would be equally HOT with a dress or denim. I was in tears that this shoe simply wasn’t wide enough for my foot. They are one of the most magnificent pairs shoes I have seen in quite some time.

Peace Sandal – Simple and minimalistic, this is a very beautiful sandal. Made of genuine leather and adorned with gold brass studs and a dangling peace peace sign. They are perfect for casual day and evening wear. These work particularly well with sundresses, shorts, and skirts. I have them in the Pearl and it’s a great slightly off white color that works perfectly in place of true white. Again, these are much more fabulous in person.

– I have these in black with the gold intertwining straps. The black and gold are a great color combination to pair with so many things.

Vixen Clutch - A flat envelope style clutch that is great for a night on the town but large enough to carry your necessities. Made of genuine leather/snakeskin with large gold brass beveled studs. Available in a variety of colors, I chose the gold since it was very neutral.

About Libertas: Known for its unique mix of supreme elegance, serious comfort and rock & roll style, the Libertas line has continued to evolve each season since the brand’s launch in 2005 and the new Spring/Summer Collection is no exception!  True to their mantra “it shouldn’t hurt to be sexy,” the Collection features ultra-chic, superior quality shoes women can (gasp!) actually walk in. Constructed using the finest Italian leathers and premium hardware, Libertas shoes reflect designer Savannah Auger’s LA rock scene sensibility (Auger fronts the LA rock band Oblivion Express), as well as her stylish European heritage (Auger’s mother is an Italian designer). Not only does Libertas look fabulous, they are also trying to respect the Earth and minimiz their carbon footprint. All of their products are semi-sustainable and produced in limitied quantities.

How To Get Yours: Artfulwears is having an exclusive Libertas Trunk Show Sunday July 12 to Sunday July 19, 2009. We will be featuring five sandals and a gorgeous clutch. Everything will be 30% off retail prices. Don’t miss out!

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1. Leather inspired leggings.
2. Huge ruffles. Use them only as accents.
3. Fluorescent clothing. You can use these colors for accessories though.
4. Bold lips and eyes.
5. Thin strapped heels.
6. Wool and heavier fabrics.
7. Minis are out of style in favor of longer skirts.
8. Cardigans are out and blazers are in.
9. Military inspired styles are out.
10. Matching color for head to toe (mix it up).
11. Out for hair: black.
12. Straight long hair with no layers.

11. Metallics are in for everything from clothing to accessories to make-up.
12. Neutral make up tones are in.
13. Bondage inspired shoes.
14. Harem pants are hot but skinny jeans are still in style too.
15. Every woman must have a jumper.
16. Oversized buttons, zippers, and buckles will adorn all types of clothing.
17. Long hair with razored layers or curls.
18. Bobs with layers or kinks at the end.
19. Red is the hot hair color. If you are going blonde think overlaying a mixture of shades. With darker hair think dark chocolate or aubergine rather than black.

Up next, What’s Out!

1. One shoulder/asymetrical tops and dresses are hot and sexy. This trend also extends to bikinis. Summer 2009 has a much more modern approach than we have seen in previous seasons.
2. Tasteful see-through, sheer, and nude fabrics. Draping and layering will be utilized as to not expose women.
3. Backless will also be popular.
4. Grecian dresses, both maxi length and short, are in style. This is a perfect carry through to the one shoulder styles.
5. Jeweled clothing carries through with more vibrant and bold colors in a more sophisticated style. Encrusting rather than embellishing will take center stage.
6. Tribal and Ethnic inspired trends are slated for this Summer 2009, as well as Summer 2010. Items that will inspire a safari or travel to an exotic location will be all the rage.
7. Bold/Statement jewelry is also still in style. Think huge earrings, cocktail ring or large cuff. These are not to be worn all together though.
8. Gladiator style shoes, with and without a heel, are a must have. Strappy and sexy is the look. Some of the shapes will be very avant garde.
9. Super high platform shoes.
10. Highly colorful footwear.g and layering will be utilized as to not expose women.
3. Backless will also be popular.
4. Grecian dresses, both maxi length and short, are in style. This is a perfect carry through to the one shoulder styles.
5. Jeweled clothing carries through with more vibrant and bold colors in a more sophisticated style. Encrusting rather than embellishing will take center stage.
6. Tribal and Ethnic inspired trends are slated for this Summer 2009, as well as Summer 2010. Items that will inspire a safari or travel to an exotic location will be all the rage.
7. Bold/Statement jewelry is also still in style. Think huge earrings, cocktail ring or large cuff. These are not to be worn all together though.
8. Gladiator style shoes, with and without a heel, are a must have. Strappy and sexy is the look. Some of the shapes will be very avant garde.
9. Super high platform shoes.
10. Highly colorful footwear.

Most women I know are thrilled when Summer arrives to shed their heavy layers and show more skin. To make sure you are doing it the right way, here are some great trend tips for Summer 2009:

1. One shoulder/asymetrical tops and dresses are hot and sexy. This trend also extends to bikinis. Summer 2009 has a much more modern approach than we have seen in previous seasons.
2. Tasteful see-through, sheer, and nude fabrics. Draping and layering will be utilized as to not expose women.
3. Backless will also be popular.
4. Grecian dresses, both maxi length and short, are in style. This is a perfect carry through to the one shoulder styles.
5. Jeweled clothing carries through with more vibrant and bold colors in a more sophisticated style. Encrusting rather than embellishing will take center stage.
6. Tribal and Ethnic inspired trends are slated for this Summer 2009, as well as Summer 2010. Items that will inspire a safari or travel to an exotic location will be all the rage.
7. Bold/Statement jewelry is also still in style. Think huge earrings, cocktail ring or large cuff. These are not to be worn all together though.
8. Gladiator style shoes, with and without a heel, are a must have. Strappy and sexy is the look. Some of the shapes will be very avant garde.

Great news! The Jae Basilio Trunk Show at Artfulwears.com is now 40% off. Check out the 3 great dresses and take advantage of this great deal. Trunk Show ends Sunday May 24 at 7 p.m. EST.

1. Eco-Friendly - Eco-Friend is definitely chic for Fall 2009. All the designers are incorporating eco-friendly and organic products into their lines. In it’s infancy, eco-friendly was relatively dull but now it not only feels great, it looks great too. Don’t miss out on this trend.

2. Plums,  Purples, Dusk, & Gray – Rich plums and purples will be juxtaposed with soft dusty pinks, grays, and cement tones.

3. Sequins & Embellishments – The trend continues…yay! Who doesn’t like to sparkle? Well apparently, designers aren’t done with the sparkle. Look for these embellishments incorporated in new and creative ways, such as sequins just under the fabric for a more muted look. While embellishments and sequins are still hip, it’s toned down a bit for Fall 2009.

4. Zippers - Zippers will be incorporated both for function and fashion.

5. Bubble Hems – Look for dresses, skirts, and tops with bubble hems.

6. Layers – Designers will be incorporating  the layered look right into their garments. Picture a great lightweight knit top with a contrasting “cami” underneath and a scarf attached. This takes the brain work out of making sure you layers work together.

7. Metallic Fabrics – Again, metallic fabrics will be HOT. However unlike previous seasons, they will be muted not flashy.

8. Sweater Dresses – What took designers so long to figure out that women love a sweater dress? Well they are on it this season. Look for a variety of shapes including a-line with a hood or cinched waist. There will be great options for women with a variety of body types. We are mostly seeing them above the knee, so polish up your boots!

9. Convertible Pieces – Convertible is not just for cars and sweaters anymore. Think sweater dress, top, or skirt all in one. How is that for budget friendly?

Who knew perfection could arrive in a tiny little box? Well, girls it did! The Kimono Robe by Pretty Plum Sugar is absolutely perfect. The Kimono Robe in Silk Road Sweet is my new best friend. Sorry Lisa! Now on to the details….

This gorgeous robe, which is available in habutai silk or cotton voile, is a little slice of heaven. While I have not tried the cotton voile, cotton voile is lightweight, breathable, and easy to care for.  The silk is fantastic for oh so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s also lightweight but amazingly can warm you up pretty quickly. If you are anything like me, you don’t want to wear something heavy or bulky while relaxing at home. Even better, if you are traveling this road folds up to nothing and packs like a dream. In fact, it’s in my suitcase now and I am at 30,000 feet.  With baggage restrictions these days, it’s pretty hard to pack a terry cloth robe.

The Silk Road Sweet is a gorgeous multi-colored and vibrant print that personally spoke to my aesthetic. However, it was really hard to choose between so many magnificent prints. Eight to be exact. I also happen to love the Indian Pink + Yonderflies, as well as the Darling Jardine Bleu, but you can’t go wrong with any of them.

About The Collection: Plum Pretty Sugar is an amazing collection of loungewear pieces you can mix and match. We adore the beautiful floral prints and the rich solid colors that work back to them. Since they are available as separates, you can pick exactly which pieces you like. So whether you are a girl who prefers a short robe with long pants girl, or a long robe and chemise, or shorts and a cami, your options are endless. The excessive girl that I am, I would need a little bit of everything. You never know when it’s going to be hot or cold.

Design Inspirations: Designer Charlotte Mills says, “Plum Pretty Sugar has been a journey. Dreamful, lesson-filled but sweet goodness nonetheless. It’s a blushing new brand of the loveliest loungewear and accessories perfectly priced for where dreams and life takes us. It’s in the vibration of my

heart and something I hope will soon be in yours. Awake to dream…” What more can we say? 

She claims her inspiration comes from many different places, “almost like a dream, where thoughts you didn’t know you were thinking, and some of what you do, play out across that closed-eye horizon. “  The collection combines flowers, color, and movement in a beautiful and very feminine way taking in vibrations from life’s lessons. Everything is soft to the touch.  Charlotte says, “That might be a bit esoteric, but let’s just say some of my favorite things in this life are flowers, color and well, fashion.” Needless to say, we can relate and that’s why we love it too!

Please check out the Plum Pretty Sugar Trunk Show at Artfulwears.com Sunday April 26, 2009 at 7 p.m. EST to Sunday May 3, 2009 at 7 p.m. EST.

For this special event we are offering a special treat for Mother’s Day. Purchase a robe and lounge pant set and receive a 20% discount, plus it will be delivered in a gorgeous box with a bow all ready to give to Mom! Enter code: PPSMOM at check out to receive your discount.