Wear sequins during the holidays? Yeah, that’s not a problem. Slip back into that sequined skirt time and again after the ball drops on Dec 31? That’s something you might not be totally accustomed to (we’ll admit, it’s not the most natural move for us either). But just because you haven’t ventured out on a coffee run in your Saturday night’s best doesn’t mean it’s not doable — it is, and easier to wear than you might think. We’ve made a style resolution to get the most out of our wardrobes in 2015, so we’re showing you three ways to re-style your sequined skirt ($34) throughout the new year. Scroll through to see how we’d wear the sparkler to the office, on a night out and on a lazy weekend.
ON-DUTY
Yes, sequins in the office *is* possible as long as the sheen leans toward a metallic neutral (this silver black passes the test – a champagne would work too) and it’s modestly cut (sorry to all the minis and high-slit skirts out there). Now all that’s left is to #GIRLBOSS the hell out of it: play down its flirtiness with a structured blazer, thigh-grazing button up and a bag that is more fit for the commute than the club. Wear-with-anything ankle boots come in handy here, as well as earrings that might possibly draw the attention up.
Maurices Sequin Pencil Skirt ($34) + COS Contrast Knit Blazer ($99), J.Crew Endless Shirt ($108), ALDO Gabba Zip Back Block Heeled Ankle Boots ($133), ModCloth Alright, Berry On! Tote ($65), Lizzie Fortunato Jewels Black Collage Earrings ($213)
PARTY ON
Let’s be real: this ain’t your first rodeo. And that means that you’ve graduated from pairing this party-ready skirt with a skimpy crop top and rhinestones. Take a more fashion-forward approach to styling your sequins with a smart scuba peplum top and unexpected accessories like natural stone jewelry, bright red pumps and a big personality clutch.
Maurices Sequin Pencil Skirt ($34) + H&M Wide Cut Scuba Look Top ($40), ASOS Peony Platforms ($54), Monki Fia Bag Crazy Stuff ($38), Leif Aegean Aragonite Ring ($74), SONYARENEE Druzy Stud ($60)
WEEKEND RETREAT
Cozy up the glitz of that sequined skirt with pieces that are its complete aesthetic opposite. An oversized knit fits the bill, along with stark white sneakers, a wool overcoat and a sweater-soft tote bag. You’re not trying to hide the skirt, just tone it down — do the same with your bling-free jewelry.
Maurices Sequin Pencil Skirt ($34) + Mango Ribbed Mohair-Blend Maurices Sweater ($30), Sperry Topsider Leather Sneaker ($60), BDG Woven Wool Sweater Tote Bag ($89), ChicWish Pockets Woolen Coat in Olive ($85) Whiskey & Wine Brass & Cream Bead Necklace ($26)
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.