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Welcome to Working It, where Racked follows street style into the office. Forget pedestrian khakis and button-downs—these fashionable professionals take dress codes to a whole new dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
All photos by Jesse Fiorino
As the story goes, Jessica Alba and partner Christopher Gavigan founded their now-booming startup The Honest Company after Alba became a mother and discovered that she didn't know what was in her kid's diapers. "I couldn't find out what the filling was made out of because companies don't tell you—and aren't required to," she told our sister site in LA. "The more research that I did, I learned that the majority of diaper fillings (and other baby products, such as 'tearless' shampoo) contain toxic chemicals. I wanted to do something about it."
Alba's vision, The Honest Company, now offers just about everything you need to clean your house and home, plus products specifically for babies and kids like hypoallergenic diapers, of course, and rash balm made from organic oils. So what does the busy mom of two wear when she visits the company's Santa Monica office space? Read on for wardrobe advice and style preferences from the Honest Company team.
Jessica Alba, co-founder and president: "My style is timeless with an edge. I like to wear classic silhouettes with a modern twist [such as] a leather jacket with stud details, a menswear-inspired suit in a modern shape or a classic dress in a fresh color."
Style advice: "Invest in timeless basics to create the foundation of your wardrobe, but have fun, experiment, and hone your authentic style with pops of color and accessories. Mix high and low items to create a signature look—one that makes you happy! And, most importantly, make friends with a good tailor because you'll look like a million bucks if your clothes are appropriately fitted to your shape."
Jessica is wearing a Ralph Lauren jacket, an LNA shirt, Stylestalker pants, Celine pumps, Wendy Nichol earrings and a Bulgari watch.
Manuel Martinez, client service rep: "My style is clean and tailored, with an edgy twist. I like wearing clothes that have some sort of detail that sets them apart."
Style advice: "I am constantly on the run with plans changing in the blink of an eye, so being dressed for any occasion is key. I like my outfits to be polished for the workplace, yet comfortable enough to get in a game of Ping-Pong AND go to dinner, all without thinking, 'I wish I would have worn something different' or feeling uncomfortable."
Manuel is wearing a Hawkings McGill short-sleeve button-down shirt and chinos, Lacoste Calliere Paris leather shoes and a Bulova watch.
Allegra Pennisi; coordinator, client services: "I would describe my style as edgy New York meets funky LA. As a New Yorker, I love my statement pieces (and of course black), but now, being in LA, I'm starting to master the casual look with lots of colors and patterns."
Style advice: "My number one piece of style advice is to dress for yourself and, with that, take risks and try new things; this will give you a newfound confidence that will make fashion that much more fun."
Allegra is wearing P Luca Milano pants, a Brandy Melville top, Forever 21 heels and an American Apparel necklace.
Laurel Angelica Myers; senior product manager, product: "My style goes through phases, but no matter what, it's casual and chic—not quite boho, not quite preppy, not quite trendy. I like to be comfortable (you won't see me in four-inch stilettos or a pencil skirt five days a week), but with a pinch of sophistication or fun. I tend to wear everything in my closet all the time—to work, to play—because I don't have different wardrobes for different parts of my life. I like to keep it simple, uncomplicated, and natural."
Style advice: "It's all about feeling good about what you wear. And you can wear the same thing twice and feel entirely different about it each time. So, listen to how you feel because if you feel good in it, you will look good in it. I also tend to pick a few key items to splurge on each year and find they last season-after-season and always add the perfect finishing touch."
Laurel is wearing a Silence & Noise blazer; a Madewell top, jeans and necklace; Rag & Bone boots and earrings from her mom's closet.
Midori Sakano, senior graphic and web designer: "My personal style is eclectic and fun. I like to wear clothes that reflect who I want to be for that day. I can be very girly or very masculine, depending on the mood."
Style advice: "Find a main piece that you want to wear that day and style around it. In my case, it's usually shoes. Sometimes try to put something very unexpected or odd together; it surprisingly works. That's what makes your style a bit unique."
Midori is wearing a Mango blouse, ASOS pants, Zadig et Voltaire heels and a Gianni Chiarini handbag.
Lisa Laubach; VP, product management and UX: "My style is a little bit of everything—simple, tomboy, hippie, surf/skate. My go-to outfit is a pair of jeans, a blouse from Anthropologie and a pair of Converse. You'll rarely catch me in a pair of heels over three inches (unless they're wedges) and I will not hesitate to stuff a pair of ballet flats in my clutch for a night out on the town. I love rings and bangles, but my three-year-old twin daughters usually de-accessorize me before I head off to work."
Style advice: "Be comfortable. Experiment with color but, when in doubt, wear black. Plan outfits in advance so you're not wasting time deciding what to wear. Try to buy locally-sourced and made clothing."
Lisa is wearing an American Rag blazer, an Express top, 7 for All Mankind jeans, Crown Vintage platforms, and an Urban Outfitters belt and ring.
· The Honest Company [Official Site]
· Jessica Alba On Her Honest x Gilt Sale and Being a Supermom [Racked LA]
· All Working It Posts [Racked]
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