StyleBakery.com | Ask The Style Chefs

Better Outfits for Working in a Coffee Shop

May 19, 2008

Q. Your site is great. Here is my fashion conundrum: I spend a lot of time in a coffee shop, working on my laptop. People I know see me there all the time. What should I wear? I need something comfortable, but not shlumpy in a tracksuit or jeans (which I wear now). Also, the air conditioner indoors bothers me after awhile, so I usually - even in the summer time - wear my track jacket. Thanks for your help!
- Coffee Shop Girl

A. You need comfort and style so you can fit into the coffee shop work mode, but not look like you don’t care. Skip the jeans once in a while and pull on cotton pants in colors from khaki to navy to grey. Skip white since you’ll be concerned about spilling your coffee or getting wrinkled after sitting for several hours. As for what to wear for that chill that occurs with indoor air conditioning, choose thin knit cardigans and thin jackets that are sporty, but colorful. You want a little coverage that when you don’t need it can easily be folded up and tucked into your bag.

1. Egyptian cotton V-neck cardigan (available in 8 colors), $88 at jcrew.com
2. Featherweight merino ruffle cardigan (available in 12 colors), $88 at jcrew.com
3. DKNY pure DKNY Long Sleeve Easy Jacket, $125 at shopbop.com
4. Vince Cricket Cardigan, $215 at shopbop.com

5. Vince Wide Leg Pant, $225 at shopbop.com
6. Loomstate Maiden Twill Pant, $150 at tobi.com
7. James Perse Casual Trouser, $175 at tobi.com

Good Flight Bag

May 16, 2008

Q. I am looking for a nice, roomy and stylish tote to take on board flights.
- Under the Seat

A. I buy a new bag to bring on board 1-2 times a year. The leather ones usually get scuffed up so I look for bags that can carry all my essentials such as a laptop, magazines, a book, toiletries and a bottle of water. If you travel often you’ll want a bag that will carry all of your needs and will be strong enough to hold all your gear, as well as have straps that fit over your shoulder. It’s good to have a bag that you won’t mind a few scratches or marks on after constantly fitting it under the seat.

1. Elite Gym Bag at lulemon athletica
2. Stella McCartney for LeSportsac ‘Everyday’ Tote, $350 at nordstrom.com
3. Franco Sarto Block Party Tote,$83 at zappos.com
4. Cole Haan Brogue A Line Tote, $354 at zappos.com
5. Diane Von Furstenberg Solid Hearts 18” Boarding Bag, $99.99 at ebags.com

Comfort and Style on Board

May 15, 2008

Q. I am 30 y/o and will be going on vacation to Europe in 2 weeks. I have to dress to impress the people who will meet me while I want to be comfortable and stylish on the plane. I am thinking about wearing leggings with a tunic, flats and trench coat. But I would like to add a cardigan since it might be cold on the plane. Do you have any suggestions?
- Cold Case

A. A tunic, leggings and flats are the ideal travel wardrobe for a trip to Europe. You’ll be comfortable and will avoid any constricting clothing. Bring along a light wrap like one from our favorite, Love Quotes, to wear when the trench is not needed. I’ve found several cardigan styles from long to wrap, cashmere to cotton.

1. Love Quotes Italian Linen Scarf, $85 at tobi.com
2. Citronella coat, $119.99 (sale) at jcrew.com
3. Summerweight cashmere cardigan (available in 14 colors), $158 at jcrew.com
4. Soft Drapey Tie Front Top, $74 at boden.com
5. Joie Dark Grey Heather Roxy, $295 at fashionchateau.com

How Best to Cover Shoulders with Satin dresses?

May 14, 2008

Q. I’m attending two weddings this summer. I bought two cocktail length Ann Taylor strapless dresses, one light green with a light flower pattern and one navy blue. I’m planning on wearing black peep toe satin high heels. My problem now is that I don’t know what I can wear to cover my shoulders in church and when it gets a bit cold in the evening. I was thinking about a Pashmina but my friend said the fabric of the Pashmina is too rough with the satin of the dresses. My question now is what should I get to wear with the dresses? I would like to get something I can wear with both dresses and that isn’t too pricy. Also what color of purse should I look for?
- Cover Up for Weddings

A. We girls at StyleBakery are big fans of Love Quotes scarves in a mix of linen and viscose which is soft and light weight enough to wear with satin. They come in countless colors so you can choose to wrap yourself in a neutral color or add a punch of color to add the happiness of the occasion. As for a clutch to pair with your dresses look for a pale gold metallic or a neutral beige/cream.

Love Quotes Italian Linen Scarf, $85 at tobi.com

Chic Cocktail Wear

May 13, 2008

Q. I have a friend who is getting married in June. Instead of a rehearsal dinner, he and his finance are having a cocktail party at a chic, contemporary Manhattan restaurant/bar. I was hoping you could provide suggestions on appropriate attire. I am petite, about 5’2” with an average to small build.
- Contemporary Look

A. A cocktail party calls for fun, flirty, feminine attire. I suggest a dress that is mini or knee length for your petite figure or a camisole style top with a little jacket and a pencil skirt. Add heels that are either strappy or peep toe.

Better Outfits for Working in a Coffee Shop

Good Flight Bag

Comfort and Style on Board

How Best to Cover Shoulders with Satin dresses?

Chic Cocktail Wear

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Better Outfits for Working in a Coffee Shop

Good Flight Bag

Comfort and Style on Board

How Best to Cover Shoulders with Satin dresses?

Chic Cocktail Wear

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