Fashionspiration: TGIF

TGIF my dears!!! I don't know about you, but I feel un peu over worked lately...and just the thought of Friday feels good...even if it doesn't mean I'm off tomorrow. Here's a fun, flirty look for your to jump start your weekend. Try a wild print on a feminine dress paired with a super fitted power suit vest (love these). Pull it all together with sky high heels and kicka$$ jewelry and you have yourself a go-getter ensemble mes cheris!

 TGIF: Tactfully Gauging Inert Fabulousness

 TGIF: Totally Gracing Inner Fierceness 

TGIF: Turning Gambles Into Frenzies

Urban Outfitters dress

Express vest

Steve Madden platforms

Erickson Beamon necklace

The only thing to remember is master that wind in NYC! A flirty frock like this also warrants many opportunities for Marilyn Monroe moments. I'd rather leave that to The Seven Year Itch!

What is your TGIF?

Style Brief: Fashion for the Women's Briefcase

Allow me to brief you on the importance of the briefcase mes cheris. No longer the boring box that Mr.Cleaver brings home the bacon in, briefcases are chic and a must have for any working woman's uniform.

Style Brief: The art of the briefcase by fashiondiva304 featuring plaid handbags

Shoulder handbag
$1,274 - ralphlauren.com

Valentino handbag
$1,770 - stylebop.com

Louis Vuitton monogrammed bag
bagborroworsteal.com

Giorgio Fedon 1919 padded bag
$790 - forzieri.com

Piquadro leather bag
$549 - forzieri.com

Messenger bag
$398 - anthropologie.com

Strap bag
$195 - endless.com

KLING straw bag
$55 - modcloth.com

Plaid handbag
$55 - modcloth.com

Without any surprise, my favorite is of course the brown Valentino, the most expensive. But a briefcase is something you don't want to skimp with something cheap. This is the bag that is holding your professional career in your hands, not only do you want it to be sturdy enough to hold it, but to also look good enough to reflect the fabulous professional you are! Since this is an investment purchse, like your suits, be sure to pick something that is sleek and classic so that it will stand the test of fashion's time.

When shopping for a briefcase to serve you well, it should meet the following criteria:

1. Large enough for your laptop
        My laptop is wide screen which I love, but makes for a harder bag search.
2. Interior pocket dividers
       Don't let important papers crushed when pulling your laptop in and out.
3. Messenger strap option
       Not crucial but VERY convenient when commuting.
4. Organizational pockets for small accessories 
       You don't want to look like a tool man with a belt of gadgets, be sure there is a cell pocket, iPod pocket, business card slips, and pen holders at a minimum.
5. Sturdy stitching 
       This is a BIGGIE, make sure the seams look heavy duty because unless you own the Mac Air, your laptop is like carrying around a small child all day! You will need stitching to support this.

I Can Pack for That: Singapore! Special Edition

Mes cheris my absolute favorite thing about blogging is hearing from all of you! The blogging community is the most amazing around and I love it when I get to talk to each of you directly, so when I heard from Kate last week...I was thrilled to respond and help!

Kate has been a total fan of the latest I Can Pack for That series I started, to give helpful travel packing inspiration boards for different travel destinations. Kate emailed me with a dilemma because she has a business trip coming up...to SINGAPORE! Right now, Singapore is HOT and RAINY. What is a professional fashionista to do? Good question! So...let's see what magic we can make. **SPOILER ALERT** This is a two part Packing How To post!

Concern #1: WEATHER

1- Bring light layers you can mix and match.

2- Be prepared: rain gear, sunnies, adapter, bug spray

3- Maintain a staple color i.e. nude and black

I Can Pack for That: Singapore by fashiondiva304 featuring leather peep toe pumps

Concern #2: 30 HOUR FLIGHT!

1- E-READER for books, mags, & games

2- Laptop for movies and conference prep

3- Two Carry Ons: I ALWAYS use a large travel purse and a rolling laptop bag. 

I can fit as much as possible without breaking my back this way.

4- Be Comfy: Cardigan, blanket, mask, pillow, and an MP3 

5- Be Fresh: Hydrating Skincare, change of clothes, toothbrush, and makeup.

6- I always carry a journal to pen my travels!

I Can Pack for That: In Flight - 30 hours by fashiondiva304 featuring a wheeled luggage

Packing for travel can be daunting so if you feel you will be overwhelmed, start a few days early and slowly check things off your list. Be sure to pack by outfits so you know you have enough, and plan pieces that can change with each other to double your wardrobe. Singapore was definitely a special case with such extreme weather on top of a long flight, but you can always adjust where needed!

Be sure to send in your requests 

for any other locations!