Memo 136: A Seersucker for Fast Fashion

To: All

From: Me

Date: June 4, 2014

Subject: Five Things to Remember When Shopping Fast Fashion
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Deep in my spirit, I aim to shop at other retailers. I really do. But the way that my bank accounts are set up. See, I have this checking and this savings account… 

H&M (Zara and Topshop) just gets me and has respect for my wallet!

To be honest, I don't love everything in H&M BUT I have never once walked out empty handed. Never not once!

When shopping at fast fashion retailers, I like to keep a few things in mind:

1. Buy items made from natural fibers (i.e. Cotton, Silk, and Wool). Synthetic materials from lower end retailers tend to look really inexpensive (read: cheap). Just because it is inexpensive doesn't mean that it should look inexpensive!
2. Try on more than one size or a couple pieces of the same size. Don't pay attention to the number; just make sure that it fits! Also, if your size is sold out, grab the next size or two up and take it to your favorite tailor.
3. Inspect before you buy! I've seen holes, missing sequins and buttons, make-up stains, and more from the clothing hanging on the racks. Often times, you can negotiate a little discount based on the severity of the damage.
4. Go to the store either early in the morning, say like when they first open, or on a quiet Monday or Tuesday. You want to be able to take your time and see every piece in it's fully stocked and in place glory!
5. Lastly, Go often! The great pieces are the first to go, online and in the stores. So, if you can swing it, visit once a week or at least once a month so that you don't miss any awesome buys. After all, that's what it's all about. 

Before you go, two looks from The Werk! Place have been nominated for June 2014 Users' Choice Award in the Vanity Fair International Best Dressed Challenge. Please, vote for the looks here by clicking the hearts in the corner of the photos and spread the word!

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS,  Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Max Studio, Sunglasses: H&M

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS,  Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Max Studio, Sunglasses: H&M

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS,  Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Max Studio, Sunglasses: H&M

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS,  Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Max Studio

Trench Cape: H&M, Shirt Dress: H&M, Harness: ASOS, Sunglasses: H&M

Get the Look:

H&M Trench Cape - Similar here and here

H&M Shirt Dress - Available at H&M 

ASOS Harness - Similar here, here, here and here

Louis Vuitton Trevi Bag - Available at Louis Vuitton Retailers

Max Studio Shoes - No Longer Available

H&M Cat-Eye Sunglasses - Similar here and here

Memo 072: Hey Friday, I'm Plaid You Came...

To: All

From: Me

Date: July 12, 2013

Subject: Plaid Fridays
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I live and breathe for Fridays. I love Fridays like I love shoes. I spend all week thinking about how I'm going to start my Friday. I often times hope that my non-Fridays could speed up so that I can get back around to Friday. 

And then I read this:

“Instead of wondering when your next vacation (or next Friday) is, maybe you should set up a life you don't need to escape from.” - Seth Godin

Hmmm, Seth, you might be talking about something here...

Dress: Zac Posen

Dress: Zac Posen

Shoes: Nine West, Clutch: BCBG, Harness: ASOS, Necklace: H&M

Memo 058: May Flowers

To: All

From: Me

Date: May 1, 2013

Subject: First Day of May 

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I am literally taken aback at the speed at which these months fly by!

Especially when May sneaks up on me. It's my birthday month and it has become a check in point with myself. The more I question where I am in life, the more that I realize that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Instead of beating myself up about what I haven't done since last May, I'll reflect here on what I have done:

• Traveled to Barcelona, Rome, Paris and the Dominican Republic
• Experienced the best and worst (yes both!) 5-month reflection period of my entire life
• Started this awesome blog called The Werk! Place
• Conducted my first media coverage at the MIM Rocks Fashion Show
• Took a wine tour in Napa Valley
• Served as a Bridesmaid in my BFFs wedding
• Witnessed one of my favorite linesisters/friend get married
• Hosted my first baby shower
• Started a new job (same company) with an awesome schedule
• Took ski lessons in Lake Tahoe
• Went to my first Phoenix Sun's Game
• Created my 2nd Vision Board
• Finally, closed the door to some feelings that should have left long ago.
• More importantly, I've grown. 

Happy Birthday month to me and to all you other May babies out there...

Dress: River Island
Photography: Brent Gates

Harness: ASOS
Photography: Brent Gates

Photography: Brent Gates

Bag: Flea Market Find
Photography: Brent Gates

Photography: Brent Gates

Memo 026: FishermansUnionNapaWharfSquareValley

To: All

From: Me

Date: January 4, 2013

Subject: Holiday Vacay

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If you couldn't guess this, I have a tendency to over pack on vacations. I live by the motto "Stay ready so that you don't have to get ready." So, my bag is usually ready for not one but all three of these events including separate coats, shoes and handbags: A casual dinner and movie, a party with the girls, and a black tie affair! Ok, ok I don't always pack a ball gown but for the most part, I'm ready for damn near anything.

However, when I make it home after paying round trip overweight bag fees, I have come to notice that I don't wear HALF of the things that are in my bag. So, I've been trying to do like Erykah Badu suggests and "pack light!"

So, for this trip home for the holidays, I brought one piece of outer wear and one bag for the entire week! Trust me, this is a big step for me.

Featuring the H&M Trench Cape and the Louis Vuitton Trevi Bag

Trench Cape: H&M, Sweater: Mango, Leggings: Romeo & Juliet, Boots: Michael Kors, Vineyard: Hess Collections
Fauxtography Credit: Esme Bartell

Bag: Louis Vuitton, Necklace: H&M, Cuffs: Oregon Boutique, Flowers: Lobby of Auberge du Soleil (AH-mazing views)
Fauxtography Credit: Esme Bartell

Trench Cape: H&M, Dress: H&M, Turtleneck: Zara
Fauxtography Credit: Jarvis Wilson

Bag: Louis Vuitton, Harness: ASOS
Fauxtography Credit: Jarvis Wilson

City Lights: San Francisco's Union Square
Fauxtography Credit: Jarvis Wilson