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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!
This week we're inside the Manhattan offices of accessories e-tailer BaubleBar. If you're somehow not already familiar with the site—or haven't attended one of their many pop-up shops or spied them in your local Nordstrom—they're basically the must-know resource for affordable jewelry. An extensive range of styles that can be personalized and an ongoing "Guest Bartender" series (currently model Coco Rocha) add an extra special touch to their broad assortment.
Bright yellow and white striped walls, more than one unicorn piñata, and loads of jewels are among what we found the cheery office decked out in, a fitting backdrop for the vibrant staff. See what the crew wears to work after the jump.
Daniella Yacobovsky, Co-Founder, wears at Naked Zebra top, Rag & Bone jeans, and Carven heels.
At what point in the process of getting dress do you consider jewelry?
I think of jewelry as the perfect finishing touch to your outfit, tying everything together, so I consider it at the end of the getting dressed process. (That said, in this job, it's impossible to not find those special pieces that you completely plan a whole outfit around.)
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I really love the trend towards stacking rings and creative ring styles, like midi rings, knuckle rings, hand chains. I am likely never going to get excited about harem pants (unless one day I need to conceal my adult diaper, in which case the harem pant might come in handy).
What is your worst shopping habit?
Some people come home after a night of drinking and binge eat. I binge online shop. Bad decisions are made and then four days later I'm left wondering what the heck happened.
What is your philosophy for accessorizing?
Accessories are a great way to experiment with style a little bit, and to try a trend you might not want to fully commit to with apparel.
What fashion rule do you shamelessly break?
"Take one accessory off before you leave the house." I do the exact opposite, as I will pause on the way out the door and throw on three more bracelets.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you have gotten?
If you pass up on buying something and you're still thinking about it 24 hours later, go back and buy it immediately.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I tend to splurge on shoes and watches. I love a good men's watch. I cheap out on swimwear – it's hard for me to justify spending $200 on an aggressive shoestring.
What is the worst worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
Two words: black unitard. I was a hostess at a popular restaurant at the Bellagio (I'm originally from Las Vegas), and we all wore a black spandex one-piece pantsuit with a gold belt. Just thinking about that outfit makes me want to go swallow a tapeworm.
Amy Jain, Co-Founder, wears a Sandro dress and Gucci shoes.
At what point in the process of getting dress do you consider jewelry?
It's my first thought! I work with our product design and merchandizing teams, so always have new jewelry styles and samples sitting on my desk. I love testing them out to see how they wear and how friends and colleagues respond to the designs.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you have gotten?
My mom introduced me to Maje and Sandro. To call me obsessed would be an understatement.
What is your worst shopping habit?
I buy every mini handbag in sight. I can't stop myself. If I ever have a daughter, she will have the sickest handbag collection…
What is the worst worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
I did an internship on Capitol Hill and had to wear a navy suit and white button down everyday for a few months. As someone who lives in bright colors and patterns (and dresses), it was the worst.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I am on my feet a lot during the work week, so I invest in good flats. My favorites are Miu Miu because they're fashionable and comfortable. I lose and/or break sunglasses all too frequently, so I stock-up when they are on sale.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I love the look of long full skirts, but I'm too short to pull them off.
What have you learned at BaubleBar about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
Everyone is so nice! The industry has really welcomed BaubleBar with open arms, and Daniella and I are so incredibly grateful for the support.
Rotimi Akinyemiju, Chief Operating Officer, wears a Ralph Lauren suit, T.M. Lewin shirt, tie, and socks, To Boot shoes, and a Ben Sherman watch.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I splurge on shoes, shirts, and ties, and I cheap out on other accessories.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I am into well-tailored trendy suits and shirts in bold colors, but would never be caught dead pairing a blazer or sport coat with shorts.
What is your worst shopping habit?
I do a lot of my shopping online, but very bad at returning any of my purchases.
Nicole Kang, Senior Graphic Designer, wears a vintage shirt, Gap shorts, and Elizabeth & James sandals.
What have you learned at BaubleBar about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
Personality makes the statement.
What is your philosophy for accessorizing?
It should work conceptually, not as a filler.
What is your worst shopping habit?
Forgetting to bring a reusable tote bag.
What is the worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
The salon I worked at during college had us wear a bright orange top with a kelly green apron, like a Home Depot employee.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you have gotten?
Sleep on it.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
Splurge on skincare, cheap out on mascara.
James Chu, Sourcing Manager, wears a J.Crew jacket and pants, Brooklyn Cloth Workwear shirt, Cole Haan shoes, Warby Parker glasses, and a G Shock watch.
What fashion rule do you shamelessly break?
Wearing the same outfit more than once in a week.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you have gotten?
Check out what the mannequins wear and go from there.
What is your worst shopping habit?
Preferring quantity over quality. I like to have a lot of clothes but in the end I just don't really wear them as much as I should.
What have you learned at BaubleBar about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
It's fascinating how engaged customers are with their products and how the digital platform has become a major stepping stone for the ultimate shopping experience.
Julia Straus, Director of Partnerships, wears a Sincerely Jules t-shirt, J.Crew pants, and H&M shoes.
What fashion rule do you shamelessly break?
Anyone who says sneakers are only for the gym wouldn't approve of my favorite Friday outfit.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I love graphic t-shirts—simple but so fun and playful. It's easy to dress them up with a statement necklace or earrings. I really don't understand the who peplum thing. I also have trouble saying the word peplum.
What is your worst shopping habit?
I'm a SUPER impatient shopper. I have a tendency to pick up a bunch of items to try on but when I see a line for the dressing room I just give up and bolt. That's why I love accessories—no waiting for a dressing room.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I splurge on scarves—nothing better than a bright scarf for spring or warm thick scarf in the fall. I'm pretty cheap when it comes to basics. H&M covers me for most of my staples.
What is the worst worst dress code or uniform you've had in a former job?
I worked at a seafood catering company one summer in college and had to wear a giant orange rubber apron and rubber gloves when working the raw bar. They were made for men so I looked even more ridiculous because they were huge on me. That said, I actually think I was more uncomfortable wearing formal business attire when I was in investment banking. I can't handle stockings and a full suit in the summer in NYC.
What have you learned at BaubleBar about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
I'm lucky enough to sit next to our Fashion Director in the office so I've learned a ton about the creative process and design. I always knew that fashion was a creative art but watching her flip through a pantone book and put together hundreds of mood boards has really brought the process to life for me. Its incredibly detailed work but so inspiring!
· BaubleBar [Official Site]
· Working It: Harper's Bazaar Digital [Racked]
· Working It: Pamela Love [Racked]
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