Liven Up Your Office Space

Sad to not be shopping for school supplies like everyone else?  Shop for office supplies instead! How you express yourself at work varies depending on where you work. Sometimes the best way to make your statement is right at your own office / cubicle / desk. As a general rule, stay away from cute baby posters (à la Angela from the office), collages of Rob Pattinson, and knick knack overloads.  But definitely opt for some art, cute desk accessories, and the like to give your office some flavor. Here are some ideas:










1. Barnes & Noble | 2. thinkgeek.com | 3. Mod Cloth | 4. uncommongoods.com | 5. papersource.com | 6. Anthropologie | 7. Sorting with Style | 8. See Jane Work








XOXO,



Jen & Saira
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Coffee, Anyone?

Whether you work, go to school, or are a full-time mom, coffee is a must. Due to our busy schedules, however, we barely have a minute to sit down, relax, and enjoy a hot cup of joe. Since we're always on the go, everything must be instant and portable, which means hot cups and thermoses are a girl's best friend. While thermoses and coffee mugs have long been a staple in every household, never have they looked so cute!  Here is a selection of travel coffee cups that are fun, chic, eco-friendly, and a perfect gift to any coffee (or tea!) lover.






We love bright colors (green and pink are our favorite), which is why we're starting off our list with these simple, stainless steel travel mugs by Crate and Barrel. They have a soft grip handle and boast two-hour heat retention, and the different color options means you can get one for every member of your family! 







If you want to really save time, then try out this travel press mug which allows you to brew the coffee in the mug. This two-in-one travel mug brew the coffee and simultaneously keeps it hot and smelling / tasting fresh and you won't have to worry about cleaning the pot!







Everything is cuter if you get it in matching pairs! Check out these adorable his and her personalized travel mugs. This will make a cute gift for a new couple, and will ensure that no one fights over which mug is theirs. 







For a smaller version of the traditional travel mug, try this "desk mug" by Senja. Shaped as a regular size coffee mug, it conveniently fits under most coffee brewers, and can be used for travel or at home!







Don't let these low key mugs fool you! Though they may look like a regular disposable coffee cup, they are actually made of a high quality ceramic!  Hand painted by etsy seller, yevgenia, these mugs are re-usable, one of a kind, and sure to keep your brew warm and toasty.







If you love iced coffee, then this clear acrylic Starbucks cup is for you! Durable and reusable, you can make your own iced coffees, or go to your local Starbucks and ask them to fill it up. While the straw can be a little cumbersome to clean, it's super cute and is a must have for any iced frappuccino junkie. You can buy it on Amazon, but it will cost you double then what you'd pay at a Starbucks, so keep your eyes open for this one! Or opt for a non-descript version available at Urban Outfitters.





Don't forget to add milk and sugar!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira
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"The Office" Character Inspiration: Pam Beesly Halpert

Today we have our last installment in the women of the office.  And, of course, we've saved office "hottie" Pam Beesly (Halpert) for last.  We love Pam and often relate to her the most because, even with her quirks, she is the most normal woman in the office.  Her fashion choices are certainly the most office and age appropriate, so, our guest blogger, Lynette, has once again put together some great fashion inspirations for you for your own office wardrobe.  Take a look and enjoy as Lynette wraps up this fun 3 part series.






Pam Beesly Halpert, aka America’s favorite receptionist, has had a very interesting few years. She broke off an engagement, walked over burning coals, became an art student in New York City, left Dunder-Mifflin to work for the Michael Scott Paper Company, and finally returned to Dunder-Mifflin as a salesperson. Not to mention that she also managed to date, marry, and have a baby with the always adorable Jim Halpert. While she’s undergone a personal transformation, Pam has also changed the way that she dresses in the Office and in her life. She’s gone from lighter colors to bolder choices, and she’s switched her normal dress shirt and skirt combo for skirt suits that she wears on business calls. Pam always keeps it classy and simple, whether she’s out schmoozing customers or playing a silly prank on Dwight.




I love this entire outfit for Pam. It’s work appropriate, while adding some style to the basic shirt and skirt combo. Now that Pam has (finally) allowed herself to express a more personal side with her fashion choices, this color scheme will definitely stand out amid the drab Office tones. Not to mention that a pencil skirt is a basic that every business woman should have in her closet; whether you’re short and curvy or tall and slim, the pencil skirt always highlights your best assets!






Okay, I hate to put two shirt/skirt combinations back to back. But I loved them both too much to resist! This vintage looking combo is another rework of a classic work outfit. It covers enough skin that even Angela has to approve of it, without making Pam appear shapeless in any way. It’s classy and it’s basic, without being boring.  Not to mention the endless possibilities of belts you could play with!




I just adore this dress! Perfect for get-togethers after work, either with your boss or with your coworkers, this is such a great dress to impress! It’s got a lovely shape that would accentuate Pam’s curvy body type, in addition to adding a simple flair to the little black dress. Not to mention the limitless possibilities of changing it up with accessories, cardigans, jackets, or heels. Adaptable clothes like this dress are a must for every working woman!




Shirts like the one featured above are my saving grace. On the days when I simply can’t be bothered to pick out an outfit at 6am, I usually end up reaching for a simple button down. I love the shirt featured above because it’s a reworking of the button down that isn’t boring. It’s bright and bold, with a ribbon to accentuate Pam’s smaller waist, and it can be layered with tanks underneath and sweaters on top. It can also be paired with either slacks or skirts. This is the type of shirt that could help make Pam’s life just a little bit easier when she’s running around in the morning with a newborn before leaving for work.




And, again, Pam really really loves the button down shirt.  There is something just so sleek, kind of sexy, and yet very professional about these cute shirts tucked into a fitted pencil skirt!  These cap sleeved button downs, from Old Navy, come in a variety of bright and fun colors that are lightweight and perfect for summer and showing a little personality. Plus, they are only $22.50 each - so new moms on a budget, like Pam, will certainly appreciate the low price point.




Now that Pam has risen in the ranks to become a salesperson at Dunder Mifflin, she’s also begun to wear a lot more suits. While it’s yet another basic, there are literally hundreds of different styles to choose from. I love this black and white striped suit from Ann Klein. Its color, texture, youthful blouse, and funky accessories are perfectly suited for a casual day in the Office, while still maintaining a professional demeanor to help Pam remind everyone that she’s no longer “just” a receptionist anymore.




I also really loved this suit from WorkChic. I think that suits that stray away from the normal black ensemble are always a safe bet, yet I also know that shopping for suits with skirts can be incredibly difficult and time consuming. However, the length of this skirt makes it a pretty safe bet for the office and the detailing on the front of the skirt gives the suit a little more personality and adds some everyday flair.



So there you have it! When you work nine to five in the same place day after day, you can begin to feel as though your clothing options are limited. By choosing some simple pieces that can be matched over and over again, you’ll manage to save your wardrobe and your wallet! Pam’s simple style makes for perfect Office wear, and her new suits during the last two seasons reinforce her new profession. 



This concludes our series on The Women of "The Office". Thank you, Lynette, for helping us out with fun and inspiring posts on one of our very favorite shows.  



Until next time, dolls!



XOXO,
Jen & Saira






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Summer Office Attire 101

Hey, Dolls!  First off, Happy Monday, and second, congrats to Spain on their World Cup win! Now on to business!



We've been experiencing quite the heat wave here in the Northeast this past week, so we graciously accept Hillary's newest post on summer office attire.  Have you seen some women in your office wearing grossly inappropriate items?!  Don't be one of them! Read Hillary's summer style tips below to make sure you are looking professional even on the hottest of days!
Though you might be dreaming of relaxing on the beach while you’re working 9-5 this summer, your office attire shouldn’t look like you are sitting poolside! Office dress codes tend to adjust for the changing temperatures, but there is a distinct line between office appropriate and plain old too casual. The following are a few do’s and don’ts of summer office dress:







Don’t...

Wear flip-flops to the office. In addition to the sometimes obnoxious noise that accompanies wearing this summer favorite, many office environments frown upon this casual footwear. Though it might be tempting to slip on the flips, leave these shoes for the sand, or at least hide them under your desk or in your purse (only if they are clean, please!) for after work!



Do...

Wear professional or dressy sandals - if your office allows open-toed shoes. The above Rampage Madyson Patent Sandal, available at DSW, has a comfortable low heel and also allows you to flaunt your pedicure.








Don’t...

Wear shorts. Though the above shorts may look slightly dressy with a belt and heels, there is no hiding that showing too much skin in the office can make you look unprofessional.



Do…

Consider wearing longer shorts, like the above Drew Double Button City Short from The Limited. This crisp look has a dressy tone, and just coming over your knees this pair won’t be too showy for the office.







Don’t...

Wear a see through sundress. Though Lauren Conrad’s white sundress is cute and light for those heat waves, it’s clear she’s outside enjoying “The Hills” and isn't in the office.



Do…

Consider wearing a bright colored dress to summer it up, like this Secret Treasure Dress from Anthropologie. Or, should you really be set on wearing one of your more summery strapless dresses, make it office-appropriate by wearing a cardigan to cover up and fight those freezing office temperatures.







Don’t…

Wear spaghetti strap tank tops (like the above from American Apparel) unless it's worn as an under shirt (or unless your office is a dance studio). Regardless of what season it is, staying away from showing too much skin in the office is key to looking professional!



Do...

Know it's ok to wear a conservative tank. If you feel the urge to go sleeveless, consider wearing a tasteful top like this Cowl Neck Top from The Limited.







We find it amazing how many people, on a daily basis, we see breaking these simple rules.  Thanks, Hillary, for bringing us these much needed tips!



XOXO,
Jen & Saira
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These pumps were made for working...

The saying is "dress for success," and this most definitely includes shoes. Every girl in the workforce knows that a good pair of heels can go a long way. While we prefer a pair of cute flats for every day in the office, heels are a definite must for every professional woman. They are sexy, sleek, and powerful... plus we hear that they help tone your legs when you walk. So here are our top picks of professional, yet stylish, heels to wear in the office and spice up any ensemble.







One of our favorites is the "blush" colored "ULLTRA" pump from Steve Madden. This heel is incredibly wearable to the office or would look great with a cute pair of jeans and a flirty top! Or, now that spring is here (fingers crossed), imagine dressing up these pumps  with a pretty floral dress and blazer. We can't wait! Plus, if you have pale skin (like Jen), this color will help make your legs appear even longer! Ah, what a magical pair of shoes!






This from Joan & David pump is an another comfortable option, but one that is slightly more conservative and perfect for your big meeting (or interview)! It offers a subtle pop of color and a little bit of hardware, giving the classic pump a modern twist. It stands out just enough to be fun, but is discrete enough to wear in front of your boss. Plus you can coordinate it with pretty much every suit color!









One look that we can't get enough of are lace-up heeled oxfords like this pair by Mossimo. This is a modern take on the traditional men's dress shoe that is just perfect for the winter, fall, and early spring. While this look may not be for everyone, it's ideal for the working girl who wants something more practical, and without all the fuss.











For a dainty and ultra feminine look, try this adorable pump from Nine West! The heel height is just right to be able to comfortably wear at the office all day, but the patent finish allows for a seamless transition for an evening out or special event. Our favorite part of this shoe is the delicate ankle strap which adds both style, and more importantly, support! Also available in pink and black! 





Like the strappy look but not the 3 inch heel? Ralph Lauren offers a simple, comfortable choice with their Mary Janes. They are conservative but still very chic and feminine, and give a classy touch to every outfit. Not only are they a throwback to our youth, but they're also on sale!







And, finally, the ULTIMATE pair of pumps is, of course, the Christian Louboutin Platform Pump. While they sport a staggering 4 1/2 inch heel, they are one of the most comfortable heels on the market, not to mention the most popular. Forget about just wearing them in the office, these heels are everywhere on the red carpet. Of course, there is the teensy matter of the price -- they go for a whopping $695.00 at Bergdorf's. But never fear! Many designers have copied the style at a much more affordable price. While not as comfortable, Jessica Simpson, Steve Madden, BCBG, and Mossimo have all come out with comparable pieces, at a fraction of the cost.


Happy shopping!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira Source URL: https://quinnfabrayhair.blogspot.com/search/label/work
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A good job is great, a bad job is... HELL!

Okay, so I'm in a really good job now, which made me think about how I've been pretty happy with the jobs I've had. Except for one time, where I took on a job even though I had a feeling it wasn't right.


So why did I take it? Well, it's pretty simply actually:
1) Because they headhunted me, which was really flattering, and
2) They offered a damn nice paycheck, which I actually really needed.


Anyway, I learned my lesson quite fast, as I almost didn't make it home after the first day of work before breaking down in tears. In all honesty, my breakdown was due to many things, but boiled down to the fact that I'd left a steady job - which I could do with my eyes closed - and had great colleagues and quite a lot of freedom... Only thing missing was a decent salary and a promotion (both of which I had been promised for a long time).


The other "cry factor" was the fact that this new workplace had absolutely no freedom and a lot of extra hours, which I had said already at the job interview was the one thing I absolutely wasn't interested in. Because of this I felt cheated from the get go, and over all, I just wasn't happy. Plain and simple.


I only lasted a couple of months at this company before I found a new job, which I simple love - everyone could feel my misery, when I was at the other company, which became especially visible after I left the place and everyone commented on how happy I seemed again. And really, if I hadn't left my old job to take on the job I hated, then I probably wouldn't have ended up where I am now, so it was probably meant to be. Still, it was a really bad time for me.


But I do have to say that the people at that bad workplace were really nice - I was 'out and proud' from the first time they contacted me about the job and everyone accepted me completely - so I got to know some good people, and I learned a huge lesson:


Listen to your inner voice, gut feeling, intuition, WHATEVER you want to call it. It's usually right!




Happy at work,
- GayGirl

P.S. My sweet wife was ready to let me quit right away, cause she saw how unhappy I was, but I couldn't do this. First of all because we needed the money (it was after all one of the reasons I took the job), but also because I'm not a quitter. And they actually really liked me there, and offered me to come back if I changed my mind, but it just wasn't for me. Not the people or the work really, but the company and the way they did business, which was the one thing no one could change.
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