Coloring Outside the Lines

I've always found that my creativity shines the most when restricted in some manner.  For example, I can write 10 sonnets before one free-form poem, or play an improv game wherein you can only ask questions far easier than a scene free of restrictions or rules.

Working for the first time in an office environment has proven to be rather challenging when it comes to dressing appropriately.  "Business Casual?"...ew.  More than once I've been scolded by HR because of my tendancy to accidentally break dresscode.  Luckily in the past few weeks I've managed to find some little sassy ways to play by the rules while still expressing myself.  Here are some of the ladies who have mastered the art of looking like a total fashionista within the company guidelines:

Christina is never afraid to take risks. These H&M pants have "Yeah.  I'm wearing these." written all over them.  Her bold necklace snatched from F21 and interesting wedges are the perfect accessories to really crank a few necks.

Setting the bar for office-oomph is Patricia, seen below in Dolce Vita shoes, Banana Republic cropped trousers, a Nixon watch, bracelet found on the Venice boardwalk and adorable necklace picked up at a flea market.  Brilliant.  (http://kikidesignsla.com/).

 Above, her Zara blouse hangs elegantly while we catch a closer look at the flea-market necklace find, and a ring discovered at Unique La (uniquela.com) from Kiki Designs LA (KikiDesignsLA.com)


Lindsey gives us a run for our money in a Thakoon for Target dress, Dolce Vita floppy boots and vintage RayBans.  Get it, girl.  Sorry for the flipped images- having computer troubles today...

This 1980s cropped-sleeve blazer was an Urban Outfitters Renewals find.  They have a line of limited edition pieces which are all crafted from vintage, deadstock and recycled materials, then recontructed by hand.  It might be loud, but it is a blazer- so I thought I was safe from reprimand.  HR wasn't a fan of my shorts and patterned tights however...so I got a verbal wrist-slap with a "never again" warning.  Oops.

The next day I tamed it down with some regular-old banana republic tweed trousers and a ruffled shirt I found in the Anthropologie sale room at least two years ago.  Tucked in was a vintage prada scarf snagged from Aardvark's Odd Ark on Melrose- my favorite vintage store for scarves.

Well it's been fun- tonight is the lovely Amanda's first gallery opening!  Ten of her pieces...many pictures to come tomorrow, I'm sure.

<3Eden