
On-Duty
When you think work appropriate, a mini dress probably doesn’t make it onto your list of office essentials. But the slightly short number can totally work with just a few simple tweaks. Pair it up with a tailored pair of trousers and an elegant silk scarf for a look that is perfectly pulled together. To complement the edgy skirts-over-pants style, complete the getup with modern mule sandals, a bright pink lip and a few sleek baubles.
Zara Printed Cutout Dress ($30) + & Other Stories Perforated Leather Tote ($150), J.Crew Ryder Pant ($98), St. John Metal Plate Leather Belt ($150), Charles Keith Slingback Lucite Heels ($63), Halston Heritage Printed Silk Scarf ($66), Need Supply Co. Rose Gold Screw Ring ($105), Tory Burch Perfume ($85), Givenchy Le Rouge N205 Couture Edition 15 ($36)
Party On
Parties are the perfect place to rock a mini frock, but to infuse the dress with a sophisticated edge, sleek accessories are key. Look to clean lines and polished pieces that make a big impact without overwhelming your look. A sleeveless blazer, structured clutch and pair of modern sandals will do just that. Don’t forget about an eye-catching shade of lipstick, a must-have item for a night out on the town.
Zara Printed Cutout Dress ($30) + Inge Christopher Hardwood Clutch ($188), The Mode Collective Triple-Threat Leather Heel ($188), Bauble Bar Maldives Ear Jackets ($28), Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain in Orange de Chine ($36), Mango Linen-Blend Pocket Vest ($50)
Off-Duty
Go a little retro by pairing up your mini with a ribbed turtleneck top. Then add on a few funky, on-trend accessories like Dr. Martens kicks and a printed backpack for a touch of personality. For a little added dimension, color block bracelets and a bold nail lacquer are where it’s at.
Zara Printed Cutout Dress ($30) + OPI Hawaii Nail Lacquer Collection My Gecko Does Tricks ($10), Cord Bracelet Set ($13), Wildfox Grande Dame Deluxe Sunglasses ($199), Topshop ’90s Knitted Ribbed Crop Top ($40), Dr. Martens Flat Sandals ($101), Tory Burch Kerrington Backpack ($375)
What pieces in your closet deserve more attention, but stump your style game? Tell us about your trickiest wear-again garments in the comments below and we might feature them in our next Style Resolutions post!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.