EWP Gift Guide 2011: Makeup Kit

I liked both these makeup kits so much, I couldn't pick and decided just to post them both for you!

Bobbi Brown Eyeliner Kit, $42

Yves Saint Laurent, $65

EWP Gift Guide 2011: Sephora LashStash

Y'all, this gift is pretty darn exciting.  And I normally am not excited about makeup gift sets.  But this one is just the thing for the person who is looking for a new mascara (or who doesn't know they should be getting a new mascara. Hello, spider eyes!).  This set contains TEN of Sephora's most sought after mascaras, plus a makeup remover.  Sign me up!

Sephora, $45

EWP Gift Guide: Cute Cosmetics Bag

If the person you're shopping for is all set in the makeup department, why not give her something to carry all that face paint in?

I have a Kate Spade cosmetic bag and just love it. Super cute and just enough space for my gargantuan amount of makeup I like to cart around when travelling. Or you could get the smaller size like a normal person :)

Kate Spade, $85-$145 @

@Available in more colors

Confessions of an EWP

It's been a while since my last confessions, and I have more to get off my chest:

1. I haven't worn makeup in a week. I know there are a bunch of you who don't wear makeup everyday (and we seriously need to have a talk about that), but I do. So a week is a long time. I fear I've turned into one of those gross preggos. But in my defense I've been really sick this past week and didn't leave the house. The only person I've seen is my husband. Who I guess I should still put makeup on for, but when I confessed it'd been a week since my last mascaraing Mr. EWP said "what? You're not wearing makeup? I can't tell." Oh sweet sweet Mr. EWP. I don't want to know if it was a lie or the truth. But before you think he's too sweet he did follow it up with "I used to be able to tell because of your circles, but you don't have those anymore." hahahahah, well, at least my unemployment has helped with catching up on my beauty rest.
2. I'm headed to Michigan today via train (the hubs will be coming on Friday after work) for my little sister's big engagement party weekend. She has very nicely asked if I would do her makeup for the big event because I do it so much better than the professionals she's used. Flattery will get you everywhere. And because I'm crazy, I can't take a few colors, no, I worry that I'll be leaving something necessary behind. So I'm taking my entire makeup case with me. On the train. In addition to my giant bag of clothing, because you never know what I might want to wear this week. I'll look like a crazy bag lady. Thank God Amtrak doesn't have baggage restrictions. And while I've already made confession #1 to you all, maybe we shouldn't tell my sister I haven't put any makeup on in a week.....
3. I need new gold shoes. Badly. Please someone find some for me. All suggestions welcome in the comments or email me at esquirewearsprada@gmail.com
4. We are drowning in clothes. Not laundry. But clothes I've pulled out of my closet to donate. Someone please come to my house and take them to Goodwill (or your own closet, I don't care) for me.
5. Pregnancy has made me go gray. There are a MILLION grays on my head that weren't there before I got pregnant. The situation is getting out of control. I'd pluck them all except I have a fear of going bald.
6. I fear I'm going bald.
7. I have really short legs. Like seriously disproportionately short legs. I finally admitted this to myself a couple weeks ago and bought my latest pair of Joe's Jeans in a petite.... and I still need to have them hemmed. I really hope BabyWP doesn't get my midget legs.
8. I'm addicted to massages. Like seriously addicted. I may need to go into counseling for it.
9. When I get my toes painted a hot color, I stare at them all day.
10. I can't sleep without my husband. Like not at all. Is that weird? I already have weird preggo insomnia, but couple that with being Mr. EWP-free for the next two nights, and I'm in a bit of a panic. Maybe my little sister will cuddle with me....

How about you? Got anything to confess?

EWP Giveaway!

Yesterday I got this GIANT box in the mail. [the sandal is in there to give you a sense of scale]

I opened it up and saw this:

It was Cover Girl's new smoky eye line!

But that wasn't all. Underneath the makeup kits was a chair from Pier 1 Imports. Seriously, an entire full-sized chair.

I looked it up on Pier 1's website, and it's $50. Y'all, Cover Girl sent me a $50 chair. I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with it though...

And of course there was a mirror to ensure flawless makeup application.

And handy dandy instructions.

And lots and lots of makeup. There are THREE lash blast mascaras

3 different colors of smoky shadow blast

And 3 liners.

I decided I didn't need to use all the makeup and would just use one and give two sets away to two of my faithful readers.

So I grabbed the "glamorous" smoky eye set and followed the instructions and this is what I got:

I only did one eye so you can see a comparison with just my plain eye.

In all honesty, the smudge stick did get the smoky eye effect it advertised, but I just don't like creamy eyeshadow. I like a nice powder eyeshadow, my eyelids have a lot of natural grease going on and I know a cream shadow is going to melt off within 30 mintues. So I'm not sure I'll be using the eyeshadow again only for that reason. The mascara, however, was great. And my only complaint about the liner is that it wasn't for a brown girl. It was this light brown color that just blended in with my eyelid, and didn't create the "glamorous" dramatic look Cover Girl was advertising. Black would have worked much better for me.

And now for the fun part: the giveaway! I will be choosing THREE lucky winners this week. One will receive the Cover Girl natural smoky makeup set (brown tones), one will receive the Cover Girl bold smoky eye makeup set (blue tones), and one reader will win a $20 WalMart gift card.

Each makeup set contains the CoverGirl SmokyShadowBlast, LineExact Liquid Liner and LashBlast Volume-Blasting Mascara.

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment and let me know which prize you want - do you want a natural look? do you want to be bold? do you want to go to WalMart? Just let me know!

This was a compensated review and giveaway. CoverGirl provided me with the CoverGirl Smoky Eye kit, information, and Walmart gift card to giveaway through MyBlogSpark.

Steals, Deals, and Gift Cards

I've had a few gift cards burning a giant hole in my wallet for the last few months (one I've actually had since before I got married, which was well over a year ago). I just for some reason or another have not had a day where I had time to just devote the day to shopping. Because clearly I'm not capable of just running to one store real quick, I need to block off five hours at least to fulfill all my shopping needs. Once I start, I really can't stop.

But this past Saturday, Mr. EWP was off to the Chicago Auto Show with his dad, friends were working or had family in town, and I found myself with a whole day to myself. No plans until Valentine's dinner at 8. That left 8 hours available for shopping. It was just enough ;)

So I set off with my gift cards in hand and a list of things I needed, and clearly a little plastic to cover the rest.

1. Nordstrom

Like most of my shopping trips, I started things off at Nordstrom. I love a nice department store, so many things all in the same place.

I had a visa gift card that was begging to be spent. Since it was Valentine's weekend, I headed straight to the lingerie department. I will spare you pictures of my purchases, but I'll say they were super hot.

From there I wandered down to the M.A.C. makeup counter. Not sure if you know this, but if you bring in 6 of your old used M.A.C. makeup containers (doesn't matter if it's a lip gloss, lipstick, or eye shadow), you can get a free lipstick! If you go to a free-standing M.A.C. for the trade-in, you can get a free lipstick, lip gloss, or eye shadow. I was much too lazy to get to the free-standing M.A.C. and figured a lipstick was fine.

I got this one. I love a bold eye for night time, but for that look you need to balance it out with a light lip. I thought this pinky lipstick would be the perfect compliment for my bold eye.

M.A.C., $14 (free when you turn in 6 old M.A.C. makeup containers)

2. Sephora

The lipstick (and in the interest of full disclosure, the eyeliner I also picked up at M.A.C.) just weren't enough makeup to cure my shopping needs. I had a Sephora gift card that had been sitting on my dresser for the last 2 years (yes, you read that right. TWO YEARS), and I figured it was time to put it to use. In my defense, I had used part of it and there was only $8 left on it. I just couldn't get myself motivated to spend $8. But on Saturday it was time to clean house and use all these pieces of plastic that have been cluttering my house.

I put my big money ($8) towards a Laura Mercier lip gloss. I picked up Bellini. Yes, I already own Bellini, but I'm not sure where it is. I lose lip glosses and lipsticks at a pretty alarming rate. It's the price I pay for feeling the need to switch out my handbags 3 times a day. And I say it's totally worth it for perfect bag coordination :)

Laura Mercier, $22

And because I somehow thought my $8 would somehow buy more than just part of a lipgloss, I picked up this body cream from Benefit. While the name is what caught my eye the first time "Touch Me Then Try To Leave" it was the amazingly silky smooth skin it left me with that keeps me going back for more. I swear this stuff is the best cream ever. You have to try it.

Benefit, $30

3. Banana Republic


It's been ages since I've bought anything at Banana. It's not that I've broken up with them or anything, we just happened to be on a break while I tried out cuter, fancier guys like Club Monaco. But Saturday I found myself back in the comforting, familiar arms of my dear BR.


Why? Well, since Kathy made me a skinny jeans addict, I decided it was time to get some more. I'm normally a Joe's Jeans only kind of gal, but I saw a recent tweet from The Pioneer Woman saying people should try BR's skinny jeans. Now, we all know I am a fashion advice snob, and I listen to basically no one's opinions when it comes to clothes, but somehow this one got me thinking. It must be because of all we have in common - She's a 40-something mother of 4 who writes a insanely successful blog with thousands of readers who lives on a ranch in the middle of nowhere, and I'm a 28 year old mother of 0 who writes a blog with 2 readers and lives in one of the biggest cities in the country. Clearly we could be twins.


And I must say I was pleasantly surprised. BR's skinny jeans fit my big ol' behind and didn't make me look like a giant cow - which is my general fear when wearing skinny jeans. They were comfy and while most of their washes were gross and full of holes (I'm sorry, I don't need my upper thigh showing through a hole in my jeans that was put there on purpose), I did find not one but two pairs I felt worthy of bringing home with me. And at 25% off the regular price (not sure how long that deal is running), the two together were still less than just one pair of Joe's. Not bad.

Banana Republic, $89.50

4. Ann Taylor

I don't generally find much at Ann Taylor. It's mostly too staid for my tastes. But if I need a nice staple, like a white button down, then it's definitely the place I go.

Saturday, however, I was intrigued by the sign in the window saying 40% off sale prices. While sale items freak me out because I think there must be something wrong with them, I was feeling in the wheeling and dealing spirit on Saturday, so I went in.

And I came out with this ruffled top. You know I can't say no to a ruffled top. This one I swear is so much cuter in person, and cuter on. I was too lazy to put it on for a pic though, so you get to see it draped on my couch.

Ann Taylor, was $88, sale $49.99, after 40% off $30

I also picked up this pink sweater top. What can I say, Valentine's was on my mind and I couldn't pass up a pink top. Especially at that great a price.

Ann Taylor, was $110, after 40% off sale $18

5. Tory Burch

I finally dragged myself up to Tory Burch to spend my $50 gift card they sent me for my bday. I went in thinking I'd do something new and different and get a dress or maybe a clutch. But I couldn't help myself. I love the Tory Burch Reva ballet flat. I just had to get another one. Yes, I'm aware I already have four pairs. I'm not embarassed to admit it. I love them. I wear them whenever I need to walk anywhere. I wore them as I walked miles and miles in Spain, and I looked cute every step of the way. This time I spiced things up and got a navy pair. The Chicago store, however, didn't have my size so they're being delivered to my house from a Connecticut Tory Burch store. So I don't have a picture of them for you.

Tory Burch - You must buy these IMMEDIATELY

6. Macy's

I am not a fan of Macy's. At all. It's my least favorite department store. It was a very sad day when Marshall Fields switched over into Macy's. The quality of the merchandise definitely decreased instantly. I avoid it as much as I can, but I had received a couple Macy's gift cards. And I couldn't let my dislike for Macy's get in the way of me spending my gifts. So my final stop on the shopping day extravaganza was to the State Street Macy's. I refuse to go to the Water Tower Macy's unless I absolutely have to. The State Street one is made more palatable by the fact that it is one of the few Macy's in the country that carries designer stuff and they have a giant shoe department. The shoe department was calling my name. I needed new boots to wear with my new skinny jeans. I went in, gift cards in hand, ready to do some damage in the boots department.

But when I off the escalator, I saw nothing but disarray around me. Boots rubble, with ugly scattered shoes. I hoped that maybe they were hiding the good stuff and employed the help of a shoe salesperson. No luck, he said. All the boots were gone. Everyone had bought them and only ugly ugly options were left. I was too late. I guess mid-February is awfully late in the season to be buying boots. But I haven't had time!! Don't penalize me for being busy!!

I gave up on boots and looked at the other shoes. And then my eyes fell upon the most beautiful pumps I'd ever laid eyes on. I jumped for joy and clutched them to my chest. I had to have them! And then the evil salesman laughed at me again. "I've sold almost all the sizes in that. I only have a 6 left." Darn my size 7.5/8 feet!!! So while I couldn't get them with my gift card, I thought I'd show them to all of you, I hopes one of you will order them from Bloomingdales and send me a picture. They're just too lovely to pass up.

Badgley Mischka, $200

After the big bust that was the shoe department, I moved on to the designer section. If I couldn't have boots or sexy pumps, I could at least find a new dress to wear to Valentine's dinner that night. Well, that didn't work out either. But I did find this cute and casual Marc Jacobs top that I thought would be fun for our Valentine's day in. I've realized I don't actually own anything casual to just wear when bumming around, so this top is really going to come in handy.

And obvi I was in love with the ruffles.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sadly, the top didn't use up all my Macy's gift cards, so I will have to go back. Laura J., however, reminded me that the Macy's on State has basically a grocery store in the bottom. So if all else fails, I can just use the gift card to get some groceries at Macy's, and then use the grocery money to get those Badgley Mischka pumps. It all works out in the end. Or at least it does in the EWP universe. :)

And so concluded my day of gift card shopping.

EWP Gift Guide - Making Faces

I love makeup. I think we all know that by now. It's just so necessary for that finished polished look you need. No sense in putting together the perfect outfit, if you don't top it off with the perfect face.

In response to my general advice to wear makeup, I often hear the refrain "but I don't know how to put on makeup." I've tried here and there with some impromptu lessons for friends, but since I can't visit everyone individually to give the EWP makeup tutorial, I'm suggesting the next best thing: Kevyn Aucoin's Making Faces. Kevyn was a very renowned and well-respected makeup artist until his passing in 2002. But his memory lives on in this book, the greatest guide to doing your makeup. Making Faces features step-by-step directions, instructional full-colour sketches, and a gallery of noncelebrity transformations, as well as fabulous images of stars and supermodels as youve never seen them before. This book is a must have for any girl on your Christmas list this year.

Amazon, $14.95

[EWP DISCLAIMER -- Please do not use the EWP Gift Guide as a shopping guide for EWP. These are merely suggestions for others, not my wishlist]

EWP Giveaway - Best Makeup Remover EVER!

This week is going to be a doozy. Had a 14 hour day on Monday and a 13 hour day yesterday, and who knows what kind of day today. So, as there will be little to no posting out of your fave EWP this week, I'm having a giveaway!

This week I'm giving away another one of my favest products - The Nature's Alternative (or maybe it's Mario Tricoci brand... I can't remember, it's at home) makeup remover (retails $25). I have trouble with makeup removers because my eyes are extremely sensitive and everything makes them sting, burn, and turn red. That is until I picked up a makeup remover at Mario Tricoci. Mario Tricoci is a Chicagoland salon. I picked up the remover on a whim and have been in love ever since with its gentleness and its very convenient pump. My dear friend small&mighty shopper tried it out when she was over a few months back and she went gaga for it too. Unfortunately, this product, as far as I've been able to see, is not available online. But because I love you, when I went to pick up one for myself on Saturday, I picked up an extra to give away to one of you!

To win this awesomest of awesome products, answer me this:

What do you do for winter outerwear and do you think I would approve?

I was going to do a post on winter outerwear and staying bulk-free, but no time, so this question is the best I can do for now towards my un-bulking ends.

Only one entry per person. Anonymous entries are ineligible. You may enter through Friday11:59 PM CST. Winner announced on Saturday (maybe).

[P.S. There were going to be cool pics of the product so you could see it, but, as I said, no time for an EWP photoshoot, so you're just going to have to live without a picture. Hey, it's not like it's clothes, you don't actually need to see it.]

Reader Question - EWP Essentials Part 7: Makeup

I am a big proponent of makeup. You've got to have some on your face to finish off your sophisticated, polished, glowing look. But we're cutting to the very basic of the basics here. While I would like to tell you to get shadow, blush, concealer, highlighter, etc. etc., I'm going to just give you the two items I think you can't live without: mascara and lipgloss. Mascara will open up your eyes, make you look fresher, and give some dimension to your look. Lipgloss will keep you from looking washed out and give you the color and finish you need. I'm not really a lipstick person, but that could work too (and can be dotted on your cheek as a blush in a pinch). And while below I have my mascara and lipgloss loves, you can see my fave lipstick choices here.

I've been using my Benefit mascara for years and years. I love it to pieces. People are shocked by the length it can give me. And I like anything called "BadGal" But recently I've tried Dior's mascaras and I think they're pretty good too.

Dior, $24 @

Benefit, $9-$19 @

Chanel lipgloss is the perfect lipgloss. It has the right consistency, the right color, and I just love the way it goes on. I also became a bit of a Laura Mercier convert after trying out her glosses and lipsticks for my wedding.

Chanel, $27 @

(I recommend Twinkle and Brilliance)

Laura Mercier, $22 @

(Bare Beige and Bellini are quite popular)

@ Available in more colors

Ferosha Couture Alert!

My favest Project Runway designer ever has just unveiled a limited edition makeup line for Victoria's Secret. Get your own piece of Christian Siriano before they're all gone!

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/collection/?cgname=OSBAFSIRZZZ&cgnbr=OSBAFSIRZZZ&rfnbr=6478

Reader Question: Back to Basics

my wardrobe is in big time trouble. i still have stuff from high school in there. yikes. i just got a little birthday money (little being the key word) and would like to update a little. what are some basic pieces that i need to build a good wardrobe from?? i am fashionally challenged. baby steps here. i'm talking the most basic that it gets. what are your recommendations?? :)

What a great question! It's always best to start your wardrobe with a few, can't-live-without-'em basics. Invest in some good pieces you can wear over and over and switch in and out of outfits, and build from there.

Here's EWP's list of must-have essentials:

1. Nice jeans that fit you well
2. A pencil skirt (for the working woman)
3. A basic, fitted cardigan
4. A great basic dress - to dress up or down
5. Neutral pumps
6. One great bag
7. Makeup essentials: mascara and lipgloss
8. Spanx (they will change your life)

Put these in your arsenal and you are ready for whatever life throws at you. Okay, no tops actually make the list, but you can always grab cheap tops for each season to mix in and out of this list. So while it is essential to own a top to go with your jeans or skirt (no toplessness allowed!), I wouldn't call one shirt an essential (i.e. I don't stand by the addage that you have to have a white button-down. Button-downs are not the friend of any woman with a chest, and white ones are boring. You add fun with your top, not boringness). I treat shirts like I do accessories - use them to bring pop to your outfit.

Throughout the week I'll be bringing to you options in each of these categories so you can get your wardrobe started off right.

Oh, and time to ditch the high school duds. I can guarantee none of it is wearable for an adult woman. (Unless you really want to wear your high school tennis shirt to bed, then maybe).

Reader Question: Eyeliner

I can't find an eyeliner that doesn't run. Any suggestions?

Eyeliner is one item of makeup that took me a long time to find the right fit. I hopped from makeup counter to makeup counter looking for the perfect liner. Lauder was runny. Clinique wasn't dark enough. Lancome felt funny. None of them were what I was looking for.

And then, I really can't recall why, my usual brand-snob self grabbed a liner at the drug store. And I have never looked back since.

My two drugstore liners (liquid and pencil) give me the saturated color, easy application, long wear, non-runniness, and great consistency that I demand in a liner. I love love love them and have not bought a brand name liner in at least 5 years. That's how much I love them.

Just goes to show, you don't have to spend a ton to get a quality product. (Never thought you'd hear me say that, now did you?)

L'Oreal, $8.48

L'Oreal, $10.59

Adventures in Makeup: Dior

This weekend I embarked on a makeup journey with my friend Kim (and others we dragged along against their will). Kim wanted my help creating her makeup arsenal. I was happy to oblige. I also figured that, while I have my favorites in all aspects of makeup, it can't hurt to try new things and see if there isn't something better out there. And then clearly I would report all my findings back to you.

Our Sephora trip was eventful in that we got almost everything Kim needed, but uneventful in that no product struck my fancy. But then we wandered into the Nordstrom makeup department. There we were immediately accosted by several be-blacked clad makeup artists. Dior was having an event and had flown in a team from NYC to do makeovers. I thought it would be a great way for Kim to learn some makeup application tricks, and a great way for me to get pampered... I mean for me to learn about some new products.

OVER AN HOUR LATER (omg, even I had reached the end of my pampering needs and begged to be let go), I discovered a few Dior items that I give the EWP stamp of approval and felt were worthy of living in The Case.

1. 5-Color Eyeshadow in Stylish Move
I love color. I advocate everyone should wear lots and lots of color. I am also incredibly in love with eyeshadow. Everytime I break out my little pods of shadow, I go to work with my brushes like Van Gogh to one of his masterpieces (sans ear mutilation of course). There are so many effects and moods and looks you can create with the right arsenal of color. I had thought my selection had been perfected. But then the makeup artist put this on me. The purples were just delicious. And while many eye shadows claim you can add water to them for a more dramatic look, this one actually came through and delivered. While I feel adding water ruins most shadows and doesn't achieve much, with a drop of water this one gave you richer tones and dried back to completely normal.

Dior, $56

2. Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Correction Serum
I am on a constant, never-ending hunt for a miracle eye cream. I have dark circles under my eyes. And I mean dark. Yes, I am 500% aware these are hereditary and nothing will cure them. But I just refuse to believe there's nothing out there that can't help them just a little. If any of you are eye cream buyers, you know the hefty prices these items carry. This hunt has not been a cheap one. After years of searching, I had all but given up hope. And then this was applied to my eyes. Most eye creams take a few weeks of use to produce results, but this serum had results as soon as they put it on. I could NOT believe my eyes. And with a light rub all around your face, you get a fresh and even glow that makes your foundation a very unnecessary part of your makeup repotoire. I think I'm in love.

Dior, $135

3. Black Out Mascara

No, I have not given up on my dear friend BadGal Lash. That will forever be my go to mascara. I haven't seen anything like it for everyday fabulousness. And I suggest you get some immediately. But when you have everday fabulous lashes, how are you supposed to make a statement when going out and getting your sexy on? You need something more. You need a little extra drama. And oh my does Black Out give it to you. My lashes had never seen such lengths. Such dramatic blackness. I was definitely ready to go out. Too bad it was 4 in the afternoon. One of the dangers of getting a makeover in the middle of the day.

Dior, $24

Product of the Day

I can't say for sure, but I'm guessing many of you have the same issue I do when it comes to shadow: it creases by the end of the day. And nothing looks sadder then creased eye shadow. Well, except chunky heels, those are just the saddest.

But back to shadow. What's a girl to do? If you haven't gotten some already, you must go get yourself a nice eye primer. It creates a nice base for your shadow and makes it last longer, decreasing the creases.

My personal favorite is Laura Geller's Eye Spackle. When they say spackle, these folks aren't kidding around. But it's sticky thickness let's me know it's not going anywhere, especially not into my creases, and it's going to hold my shadow with it.

Laura Geller, $23

Product of the Day

I'm always trying new techniques and ideas in my makeup to achieve different looks. After glimpsing this in a magazine the other day, I knew I needed to try some purple mascara out for myself.

I was definitely impressed. It's not purple purple; it's more of a muted deeper plum color. Which is great for not having crazy eyes. BADGal Plum gives you the long, thick lashes of the regular BADGal lash, but does it in a more understated manner. The plum isn't as in your face as the black, which I quite enjoy for a daytime look. This product would look best on a hazel or blue eye, but my brown eyes are enjoying it plenty.

Benefit, $19

Weekend Purchases

Another weekend, another shopping outing, another shopping purchase (or two). This weekend I picked up two luxe items that I am SUPER in love with.

1. MAC Makeup Case

I went on and on about this case's virtues back in August. In an effort to tidy up the new married abode and get rid of those awful plastic mini-shelves, I finally gave in and ponied up the cash for this exquisite piece of art. *sigh* I'm in love. And, oddly enough, so is my budget-crazy husband. Guess he really hated those plastic drawers too.

MAC, $225

2. New Winter Coat

After two failed attempts at those awful puffer coat things (ugh. *cringe*) I decided to get what I actually wanted - a hot new winter coat. I picked up this little number in an eye-catching tomato red. And to make me love my purchase even more, Serena vanderwoodsen was totally wearing my coat tonight on Gossip Girl. Clearly I have great taste ;)

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sale $376

Business Casual 101

This post has been sitting around in my drafts for a long time. It just seems no matter how many things I came up with for the rules of dressing for the workplace, there were always more I was missing. So we'll just consider this installment part 1 and I'll get you more rules as they come to me (or you, as many of you have sent me emails regarding the horrible things you've seen at work).

The rules are aimed for a business casual to casual office workplace. Obviously if you work in say ArdenB, your work attire is going to differ from these rules. But this esquire works in an office, so that's the kind of help I'm going to give.

So to better navigate the fashion pitfalls of the workplace, here is a helpful list of dos and don'ts.

DON'T

1. Wear anything that requires you to go braless. If you can't wear a bra with it, you can't wear it to work. It doesn't matter if you are somehow throwing a cardigan over that dress, your girls need support at all times, especially in a business setting. Strap them in.




2. Wear halters. A tie/strap behind your neck is very unprofessional, and even with a cardigan over it, you can still tell that your top/dress is backless. The office is no place for a halter.




3. Have visible bra straps. This one needs no explanation.




4. Wear flip flops at work, even if your dress code is casual. Take pride in your work and the image you present. There's a line of too casual, and flip flops cross it.







5. Wear anything with a hood.
   
   
6. Wear anything with holes in it. You may not think that people will notice, but people will. Every time.



7. Wear shorts to work. Shorts are too casual for an office environment. If it's really that hot and you need something cooler, then try a skirt.

8. Wear short or tight or low cut clothes. If you wouldn't wear it in front of your mother, you can't wear it to the office.

9. Wear strapless tops/dresses unless covered by a cardigan/sweater in a way you cannot tell the garment underneath is strapless.

10. Confuse going out dressy with going to work dressy. Sequins and plunging necklines have no place at work.

11. Wear tennis shoes at work. See #4 above. Why not try a nice pair of ballet flats instead?

12. Wear sweats. Even in a casual work environment, sweat pants or sweat shirts are too casual (and just unattractive). Try a nice sweater instead.

13. No ankle bracelets. Ankle bracelets are a young and unprofessional look. (Even worse when worn under pantyhose).

DO

1. Try wearing dresses. To some dresses may be intimidating, but try one and you won't regret it. You look so put together with very little effort (it is just one piece of clothing after all).

Banana Republic, $150

2. Try wearing a higher heel. Wearing a non-block, non-low heel makes your legs look better, and adds a little power to your outlook. Get ahead at work by wearing hot shoes.

Nine West, $89

3. Incorporate color into your wardrobe.

Banana Republic, $69

4. Keep the accessories to a minimum and wear tasteful/simple accessories and jewelry

Blue Nile, $60

5. Wear makeup. Makeup is essential to looking great. Keep it to a minimal glow as you don't want to look too glam at the office, but definitely at least do concealer, mascara, and lip gloss at the very minimum.

MAC, $14

6. Iron your clothes. Nothing looks more unprofessional than showing up in rumply clothes. Yes, ironing is boring but if you don't have the time to iron your shirts and pants to perfection, do like I do and drop them all off at the cleaners. Not only do your clothes come out nicely pressed, but they last longer when drycleaned instead of being washed and dried at home. And if you don't want to pony up the money for drycleaning, then for sure pony up the money for an iron.

Black and Decker, $39.99