Dino-Mite! How to Make Playful Prints Office-Friendly
I hear it time and time again. “Don’t you think that’s a little loud for the office?” Simple answer is no. Prints scare people. However as scary as a funky frock might feel, never before has it been more acceptable for a woman to have fun with her work day wardrobe. Professionals in television and media are even regularly shown sporting bold, colorful prints. Take for example, Mindy Kahling, in her show “The Mindy Project”.
I love this dinosaur shirt from Modcloth, because it has just the right amount of whimsy while still offering the sophisticated details of a collared blouse. Paired with a simple and amazingly comfortable skort (yes, you read right- skort) from Avenue, the look is as office appropriate as it is comfortable. Given it’s my life ambition to look as much like a Harajuku girl as possible at all times, I upped the ante with some fun tassel sandals from JustFab, large 70s style earrings from Eloquii, an old bauble necklace from my collection, and a basic coordinating disc ring in the same green jewel tone. I finished off the look with an adorable rainbow computer bag from Dots and Bows.The key to rocking a good print in the office comes down to 2 things…
Work Acceptable Styles
The key to rocking a good print in the office comes down to 2 things. First, make sure the cut of the shirt is work appropriate. Think about it this way- would this top be appropriate to wear to work in a solid color? If yes, then you should totally be able to rock the same shirt in a print. This is of course assuming the print is not of something wildly inappropriate. That kind of rock and roll will probably never fit the bill for office attire. Side note: now I really want a printed blouse with tiny “hot damn” printed all over it.
Simple Neutral Color Pairings
Second, keep it simple. When trying to make a bold print work appropriate, it really is all about how you style it. While, I am ALWAYS a fan of a print power clash, that’s usually more than the office can handle. Instead I rely on low detail, stream-lined neutral items to wear with my sassy printed frock. That way the prints can be in your face, but demure enough to be boss lady approved.
When it gets hot, I don’t like wearing anymore on my body then I physically have to. So I pretty much give up all accessories, except for bold earrings that dangle away from my body and provide absolutely no extra heat.
I also say goodbye to most my make up. I basically commit to an entire season of waterproof mascara that’s proven itself to me that it can handle my excessive forehead sweat. Because by the time summer hits, my hair line is like a salty sprinkler or body fluid grossness. So when I shop for Austin’s 9 month summer, I cherish little details. Its the little flourishes that make something basic special; I can wear something light and airy but still feel fashion forward and hip.
This look is the perfect example of this fashion shift. The scallop edge on 
True to my typical spring swag I busted out 
This look was inspired by my teenage self and the fact that festival season is upon us. Teenage me was the type of girl who would boldly walk backstage at gigs, like she worked for the band, and find herself chilling like a villain in the green room. 
Ok. That only really happened a handful of times, and each time I was scared out of my wits and just lurked awkwardly in the corner until someone acknowledged me. But I did play pool with a couple of nice (and pretty famous) bands who reached out to the young weirdo in the corner. 
Teenage me would have totally rocked this metallic rocker chic gone sexpot number had such options existed back in the day. It’s literally the perfect look for SXSW- the festival that has currently turned my quiet hometown of Austin into a hot mess that’s musically blessed. 
Want to rock this grown up groupie, look? The top is 
Today I learned that I am going back to India… tomorrow or Monday. I guess that’s why I wore this billowy wind strewn shirt, because I bought it off of Indian Amazon prime last time I was there. Instead of pimping all over the world- I’m PRIMING all over the world. Is that a dad joke? It just might be. 
My life as of recent has been intense. Oddly I love it. I think its because I’m an uncanny diva of a duck that thrives in chaos. As a problem solver, lots of things to fix is weirdly comforting. I love a good challenge. I also love a good cupcake… and a good shirtless man… and a good glass of wine.
Speaking of challenges… it’s 5 pm and I’m exhausted. It feels like I’ve done everything and nothing all at the same time. I took a 2 hour work call this morning, cleaned my closet, made lunch, took Data for a long walk and bought 85 million pounds of candy for my Desi coworkers at Target.
On the other hand, I am not packed, my apartment is a mess, I still haven’t received my visa, and I have about 1,375 videos I should be filming for the YouTube. And yet I find myself typing away at the computer. Why? Because I like what I’m wearing. Funny how that works. In a to do list a mile long, my oasis is sharing this pretty flowy shirt to the world. Simple pleasures indeed.
(Jeans old Girlfriend cut from Torrid. Flats and shades from my Target trip today).
I am in Miami for work for the next few days and I packed this 
When I travel for work I rely on dresses I can throw in a bag and go- with out worries of wasting space or *sigh* wrinkles. This number is the perfect example of what I love most in a travel dress. It’s uber flattering and, while basic, can easily be dressed up and down. This means I can make it work overtime and be re-worn when trying to pack light. There are also subtle details that makes it a not-so-basic staple, like the up and down seaming. The thing is $24, works for all body types, comes in a million colors and I firmly believe every girl should own one. I wasn’t paid to say that, I’m just simply a big fan of all the sunny vibes this mustard magic is putting out.
This majestic tribal necklace- believe it or not- was an airport buy. Ok the airport in India, which for the record,has by far the best accessories I have ever seen. At $15, this necklace looks like it should cost $70 and an intimate knowledge the hipster wearable art scene. It’s eccentric and unique and just dang cool. It’s one of my favorite things Ive purchased abroad andgoes almost too perfectly with the mustard hue of this swing dress. Sadly I don’t know where you can pick up this exact necklace online, but I found 
For shoes I am breaking so many people’s unrealistic fashion rules, and wearing Crocs- 
Before I talk about the finishing touches. Can we talk about Data’s cameo in this photo and how happy it makes me feel? I took theses photos while simultaneously chasing him around the terrace of my hotel. Here he’s sneaking back waiting for me to chase him again. Awww little nugget, I love you. DRAMATIC AND UNEXPLAINED SUBJECT CHANGE. I finished off this look with a low messy adventuress bun, simple make up in soft browns, a vintage grossgrain belt and my favorite motivational 
