Archive for July, 2011

Selecting The Best Dresses for the Office

One of our fabulous work dresses by Max and Cleo.

 What to wear to work? Every fashionista faces this issue, and some mornings it is just difficult to find fashion inspiration. One way to make the choice easier: dresses!

The ease of putting on a one-piece outfit for work every morning is only part of the appeal of dresses for the office. You’ll also look polished and professional in a great work dress (did I mention slimmer and chic, too?) Not just any dress will do the job, though. Save frilly or sexy dresses for the weekend and opt for structured looks instead. Here are some style ideas:

The Sheath Dress: Nothing beats the fitted sophistication of a sheath dress. In a not-too-girly color like gray, navy or black , this silhouette can even feature add-ons like a pretty neckline without looking frivolous. Wear it by itself for warm weather; add a belted cardigan and tights for cooler weather.

The Shirt Dress: The button-front, belted shirt dress is almost universally flattering; it creates a strong vertical line to lengthen and slim the body.  A belt creates or accentuates the waist and the collar brings your face into focus.

The Jersey Dress: Look as good as you feel in a jersey dress for the job. This essential work dress is a great travel basic that you can take out of the suitcase and top with a jacket; it can be dressed up or down depending on accessories and shoes.

The Wrap Dress: Announce your fashion status on the job with a classic wrap dress that flatters all figures.

Power Colors: Forget the “power suit” of decades past: today’s working woman knows that strength comes from powerful colors like red and clean lines.

A great collection of work dresses can be paired with fitted cardigan sweaters, stylish jackets, and a variety of tights and shoes to create different work looks that can span multiple seasons. Say yes to work dresses!

Written and researched by Lisa Miller

How the AFA Girls Spice up their Wednesday

Do you ever wake up on a Wednesday excited solely because there are only two more days until the weekend begins? If so, the ladies at A Formal Affair may have a solution for you and your work colleagues. Here at the store, Wednesdays are a thing to celebrate because we play a game we like to call “Dress Up Day”.

The Rules: Every week, we pick a theme to dress up for that Wednesday. Whether the theme is western, superhero, disco, or something completely random, everyone must dress appropriately enough for work. Thus, dramatic makeup does not count, nor do props. Whoever dresses the best for the theme that week, but still is in dress code wins and gets to pick the theme for the next week.

The girls at the store are very enthusiastic about the game. Bridal consultant, Lea King says,“I feel like it’s spirit week at Liberty High School all over again.” Last week our theme was Fourth of July and we all dressed in red, white, and blue. The Wednesday before that was “Grandma Day”, where we wore silly brooches, Angora cardigans, and freshwater pearls.

Lately, even others have been picking up on our game too. “Now I’m looking forward to Wednesdays!” says Elvis, our UPS delivery man. Kortney Shannon adds, “I won last week, and I’m excited to see what everyone comes up with for my theme.”

Feel free to pass on this AFA tradition with your coworkers and if you want to keep up with our game, tune into our Facebook page, or stop by the store and visit us in our Wednesday best.

Written and researched by Ryan Elizabeth Roach

In collaboration with Lea King and Kortney Shannon

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