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Welcome to the latest edition of Working It, where Racked National takes street style to the next level—the office. The litmus test of a true fashionista is how she (or he) rocks her style on any old day to work. Forget the pedestrian khakis and a button downs—these fashionable professionals take the office dress code to a whole other dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
Photo credit: Larry Baglio for Ideeli
This week we bring you to the New York offices of Ideeli. The member-only flash sale e-tailer has been called by CNN Money as one of the five leading sites that's changing the retail landscape as we know it.
Nick Economou, Assistant Buyer RTW: I would best describe my style as ‘Downtown meets Savile Row.’ My typical office outfit includes a sport shirt, coat, jeans, and maybe a fun tie. Unless it’s a Friday—then you might find me in a henley. Personally, I like to pop. I’m not trying to stick out like a sore thumb, but I’m also not trying to get swallowed by the crowd.
Economou is wearing a Ralph Lauren Black Label sport coat, Polo mini stripe dress shirt, Polo pink tie for that pop of color, and Uniqlo selvedge jeans. (Yes, he long boards to work on his Sector 9.)
Style advice: My tip is to keep it fresh. Pick that one thing in your wardrobe that is going to give both you and your outfit some definition. A snazzy tie, a cool pocket square, laced oxfords, whatever that “wow factor” is for you. Go with it, as long as you feel comfortable wowing out. Save the sweats for weekends or nights in.
Rae Kolb, Home Buyer: You will never see me wear the same outfit twice, not because I'm pretentious, but because each outfit I put together channels my mood on that given day. To recreate the feeling of a particular outfit seems impossible to me. I think of my closet as my perpetual dress-up box. I curate my looks based on inspiration I find in characters from books, movies, TV, and music. Yesterday was Black Swan, the day before was White Swan (obviously), and today's outfit is modeled after a particular scene from Clueless.
I am never afraid to express my fashion sense in the office—I am fully confident in my ability to mix and match seasons, patterns and even throw backs I was never able let go of. (Admittingly I still have a sunflower baby doll dress from the 90’s that I wear all the time and it works now!) I love to top off each outfit by adding in a vintage element or designer accessory like a cameo ring or necklace.
Kolb is wearing a vintage chiffon blouse, a pleated skirt from Zara, vintage gold plated lion belt, and gold snake shoes by Colin Stuart.
Style advice: Don’t be afraid to mix price points. Find your designer “must have” and pair it with a department store bargain!
Gigi Cueva, Assistant Buyer RTW: I describe my style as “comfy-classy-fun” and like to think of it as a true reflection of my personality—bright and bubbly, yet laid back. I’m always the one to come to if you are ever suffering a case of the ‘Mondays’ and need an instant pick me up. Laughter is an essential component to life in my opinion. My style icons are Alexander Wang and Susana Monaco. Alexander has this effortless NYC chic and Susana is fun with this Parisian femininity. I find myself really inspired by a combination of the two. My daily office look usually consists of a romper or jump suit paired with a stylish shoe. I’m all about combat booties in the winter and a chic heel in the summer time.
Cueva is wearing a tunic top by Sfera, a J.Crew belt, jeans from Charely 2.0, and shoes by Zara.
Style advice: Always have a blazer accessible—it adds an instant “chic” factor.
Missy Murabito, Logistics Coordinator: I would describe my style in three terms: Don Draper, clean-cut hipster, and J.Crew meets Williamsburg. As logistics coordinator, I’m always on the go, so I’m most concerned about comfort. When I'm not at work, you might find me playing kick ball as captain of the Ideeli team, the Ideelists. My typical work look is jeans and a comfy tee, and when I’m not wearing jeans I am wearing jorts.
Murabito is wearing H&M tank, American Apparel button down, BDG jeans from Urban Outfitters, and Sperry boat shoes.
Style advice: My style tip would be don't be afraid to mix and match. Everything goes together, so make it work. And be comfortable, it’s a must.
Dan Kirchgessner, Director of Online Advertising: I like to think that I am pretty laid back and if I had to describe my style it would be beachy casual. I keep things easy and effortless, but I am loyal to some designers such as John Varvatos and Paul Smith. I like anything vintage with a 70s vibe.
Kirchgessner is wearing a linen blazer by Paul Smith, tee from Topman, jeans by John Varvatos Star USA, and shoes from Ferragamo.
Style advice: My style tip for guys would be to get a nice sport coat, dark denim, and some tees; and you are good to go.
· Ideeli [Official Site]
· All Working It posts [Racked]