Greetings Divas! Did you miss me? I sincerely hope you do, because I really missed you all! I'm so glad to be back from a much needed vacation, and I am excited about this evening's post. Why you ask? Because I plan to discuss one of my favorite topics, and one that you all seem to enjoy as well: fashion! In case you haven't noticed, the weather is heating up...quickly! The air is thick and humid, and the need for summer-appropriate clothing is evident. So, how does a Professional Diva dress for the office in this kind of heat? Fabulously, of course! Check out my top office fashions for the summer below, and please feel free to add more!
The Sleeveless Sheath
You all know I love my sheath dresses for the office. This summer, I plan to take my sleeveless sheath dresses out for a spin. They are professional and sleek, and they can keep you cool in the warm weather. If your office is as cold as mine in the summer due to air conditioner abuse overuse, throw on a long-sleeved cardigan to avoid goosebumps.
The Belted Sheath
It's a sheath dress...with a belt...double win! Be creative with your belt choices and other accessories, as they can help you to create multiple looks.
The Sleeveless Wrap Dress
The wrap dress is a classic! I firmly believe that every Professional Diva should have at least one wrap dress in her closet. For the summer, the sleeveless wrap dress is the best. It pairs the classic shape and ease of a wrap dress with the need to keep cool. If your office is an ice box, add a fitted blazer to your outfit.
The Ankle Pant Suit
Another summertime favorite of mine! The ankle pant suit is a great way to keep cool while maintaining your professional stature. If you intend to rock this look, be sure that both the blazer and pants are tailored and are made of a breathable, summer-friendly fabric.
The Peplum Top
I have recently become a fan of peplum tops. There's something so classy about them! I also like the fact that you can pair them with both pants and skirts. For the summer, check out the peplum top of the short sleeve or sleeveless variety.
The Sleeveless, Full-Bottomed Dress
I have previously sung the praises of full-bottomed dresses. After all, they are girly and comfortable, and the perfect for curvy girls like me. For the summer, try to find sleeveless full-bottomed dresses. Pair them with a variety of different belts and super high heels. Also, a cardigan can help you keep warm in a cold office.
The Linen Blend Wide-Legged Pant
Okay, it has long been settled that I am not a fan of linen. While I love the fact that this particular material is extremely cool in the summer, I hate the fact that it wrinkles quickly. This really sucks because wide-legged, linen pants are perfect summer wear for the office. The solution: try wide-legged pant in a linen blend...preferable cotton. This material will allow you to enjoy the benefits of linen (coolness) without all the wrinkles!
The Short-Sleeved Cardigan
Just as classic as a long-sleeved cardigan, except it's cooler! Not only will the short-sleeved cardigan pair well with tanks, but it also looks great with pants and skirts. It also can serve as a warmer when paired with your sleeveless dresses....for the cold office.
Funky Shoes
Warmer weather is a perfect excuse to purchase shoes (like we need an excuse). For the summer, try peep toes, sling backs, nude pumps, and classy sandals.
That's it for now Divas! What will you be wearing to the office this summer? Let me know in the comments section below. Have a great week!
Summer is in full swing! And with the summer comes plenty of family reunions, barbeques, weddings, and after-work happy hours. As I prepare to head to a family reunion next weekend, I started thinking of those songs that seem to get the Summertime festivities started. You know the ones I’m talking about don’t you? Those songs that force everyone to hit the proverbial dance floor, and party until the sun comes up (or until they pass out, whichever comes first!).
As a self-proclaimed music junkie, I am always aware of those songs that evoke some sought of emotion within me. In the spirit of sharing, I want to share 6 tracks that spark Summertime nostalgia. Whenever I hear these songs, I automatically think of sunshine, and barbeque charcoal, and the beach, and rooftop parties, and summer cruises, and family reunions… I can go on and on, but I won’t! Instead, check out 6 of my favorite Summertime tracks!
6. Electric Boogie by Marcia Griffith – Guaranteed to jumpstart any party, barbeque, baby shower, wedding, funeral...well, maybe not a funeral. But The Electric Boogie (affectionately known as the Electric Slide) and its accompanying dance is a favorite for all seasons. If you don't know the steps, check them out in the video below!
5. Cupid Shuffle by Cupid – Dubbed the modern day Electric Slide, the Cupid Shuffle is another song, and dance, that will get everyone off the lawn chairs. No need to worry about learning the steps to this dance….the song will show you the way!
4. P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson – The late, great Michael Jackson released this track in 1983, and it has been getting booties on the dance floor ever since. And there's something about the Summertime that gives this track an extra something. MJ may be gone, but this classic lives on!
3. Before I Let Go by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly – Have you ever been at a function when the first beat of this song drops? Instant pandemonium! I guarantee that everyone at your event will know the words…all of them…and will be singing them out loud…off beat…but out loud nonetheless!
2. Music by Erick Sermon – A brilliant collaboration between the veteran rapper and the late Marvin Gaye. This song is as smooth and laid back as a Classic Martini. And adding Marvin’s melodic vocals to the Erick Sermon’s easy flow…Brilliant!
1. Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince – No song has ever made me happier about Summer than this classic track by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. The whole song is pure perfection! From Kool & the Gang’s Summer Madness sample, to the Fresh Prince’s simple and relateable lyrics, this song oozes pure happiness and fun. This song has marked the beginning of the Summer for me since 1991, and the world around me seems to miraculously brighten when it comes on. Every lyric brings back a fond memory and sparks nostalgia. In my humble opinion, this is Summer's them song…second to none!
