My Casual Friday

Every summer the company I work for allows a relaxed dress code on Fridays, which includes capri pants, sandals, sleeveless tops and other work appropriate summer attire.  I do a good job keeping it polished and professional on casual Fridays - so much that colleagues has taken cracks at my creased jeans.  Take it from me, you don't have to crease ALL your jeans but you should at least have 1 or 2 pairs of jeans that mimic a pair of slacks. 

While I don't venture too far from the creased jeans paired with a blazer or nice blouse, some Fridays I would rather wear the most hated type of footwear.  You know what I am talking about. Yes, flip flops.

I know Stacy London and Clinton Kelley from "TLC's What Not to Wear" believe that there is no occasion for flip flops,but I beg to differ.  I love to just slip them on to run to the grocery store, to the mall, to that summer jazz festival downtown or to Outback Steakhouse to grab a last minute bite to eat. 

I do have enough sense to not wear flip flops to work.  But, you would be surprised that not everyone does.

So, if your feet hurt from wearing heels all week, or you love your heels Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays, but just want to give your feet a break on Fridays like me (only because my Physician Assistant friend has scared me straight mentioning to me that I am ruining my feet by wearing heels every single day) or you simply want to participate in casual or relaxed Fridays...

Wear something like my Kenneth Cole leopard flats! 

Chic and comfy

and save these Old Navy Flip Flops for the weekend if you just have to wear them! 

And yes, I do have to wear them.

Broken-in and convenient!

Yea!!!  Summer is near!  This California girl, has waited oh so long for everlasting sunshine (ok at least 4 months).  If you are anything like me, you already have your "fun in the sun" wardrobe lined up.  But....What to wear to work?

Gals - Check out Banana Republic's idea of summer chic!

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5002

Guys - Check out Ask.men.com's "6 summer combinations" that can be worn to work.
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/trends/14_fashion_men.html

"The Code"

In most jobs there are dress codes--whether it is a uniform, business causal or formal business attire, it is understood that you are exchanging a paycheck with your freedom to dress as you please. Some company's employee handbooks will outline the do's and don'ts, while others just have a blanket statement of being dressed professional, clean, and neat. Whose idea of professional, clean and neat?

The interpretation for professional, clean and neat of course differs from person to person. The workplace already has its rules and regulations, on work ethics, internet use and the like, and now one's sense of style is being restricted! I guess this is what you have to put up with when you "stay in the loop" of Corporate America.

Look on the bright side Ladies and Gents. Check out the latest work foot wear for ladies and shirts and ties for the men--these trends are sure to keep you in line with your dress code and at the same time show off your sense of style........

Ladies, please don't kill your feet all week-- you can dance the night away in your stilettos on the weekends and be comfortable and cute during the week!

Wearing flats to the office could very well be the best possible fashion trend today; especially because designers have created very fashion forward and stylish flats that have cute decorative pieces in place of the infamous "penny" in the penny loafer. The color schemes and textures also provide that splash of pizazz, mojo or whatever you want to call it to set off your outfit.

On those days when I'm frustrated with my boss and wish I were at home watching "The People's Court" I simply look down at my cute and comfortable flats, and think of another outfit I could match them up with!

As for the guys, please don't get caught up in the "white shirts" club. You too can stick to the dress code and have your mojo too!

• Patterned shirts and tie


• If you absolutely have to wear a "white shirt" jazz it up with a cool tie!


• If no tie is required -- live it up!
  

I had to learn that there are ways to express my personal style and follow the rules, you can too, unless that is --you'd rather quit your job because you aren't able to wear pajama pants and flip flops.

Image source: http://www.macys.com/ , http://www.stevemadden.com/ and http://www.bachrach.com/