Kat’s “Made For” Moment + $250 Giftcard Giveaway!
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Eeeek! I had not seen this until this very morning — we filmed it a few weeks ago, super early one Saturday morning — the sun was shining, skies were blue, it was a comfortable temperature — oh so long ago! Many thanks to the talented director Yuli Ziv of Style Coalition, to Tara Drake for make-up and Jen Paelmo for hair, and to Jennine Jacob of The Coveted for photos! (Photo credit: Jennine Jacob.)
The really cool part about this collaboration is that I have a $250 JCPenney gift card to give away to one lucky reader! And, of the ten sites who participated in this project, one comment will be randomly selected to win a $1500 gift card.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm wearing a great dress from American Living by JCPenney, as well as my own pearls (Mikimoto), watch (Cartier), bag (Dooney & Bourke), and heels (Sacco). I think I got my earrings from Kaufmann's in Cleveland (which is now Macy's) — I've had them for years and wear them all the time.
In the video I talk about how my native-to-Kat style was a bit wacky/creative. Let's put it this way: I was that kid in college who either dressed in all black or red pants with jewelry I'd made myself or found in one of Chicago's thrift stores. So for me, adapting to Wall Street dressing was a challenge when I started working there back in 2003 or so. So: in order to enter the giveaway, PLEASE either a) tell us how your style has changed over the years — how you've adapted as you've gone from college to grad school to a professional job or b) tell us what your “made for” moment is, or c) which JCPenney outfit you'd like to wear to the office.
A winner will be drawn randomly on July 31, and I'll announce here on the blog who was the winner on August 2. UPDATE: I'll announce the winner on my blog, but PLEASE give me your e-mail address in your comment — I promise to keep 'em private, not sell your information, all that good stuff. Here are the official sweepstakes rules.
And, without further ado, my “Made For” moment!
The video series is sponsored by JCPenney and produced by Style Coalition.
I started out working in a nursing home, so when I had to transition from wearing scrubs to working in the office, it was a big change. Even then, my style has changed a lot as I’ve matured as a professional. I’ve got from wearing slacks and trendy tops/sweaters to preferring more polished ensembles such as fitted button-downs, slacks, pencil skirts and tailored dresses.
I’ve gone from being a complete tomboy who my mother had to fight to put in a dress to a woman who finds dresses the easiest and most sensible way to dress for the office–throw on a coat and I can head to court, throw on some dangling earrings and head to cocktails.
I’m in the middle of a transition. I’ve worked in higher education for the past 10 years where the style is business-casual to casual, and my wardrobe includes tan or black pants and a variety of solid color t-shirts, polo shirts or sweaters. During the fall and winter I would layer with sweater or scarfs, and in the summer I was trade out my pants for neutral skirts and sandals. Occasionally adding a chunky necklace.
Now that I’ve graduate from law school, and I’m starting a clerkship in a month, I desperately need to step-up my wardrobe. I have the traditional interview suits, but sadly, they are black and drab. Last summer when I worked as a summer associate I felt like I was dressed to go to a funeral each day. Over the past year, I’ve been slowly trying to build a new wardrobe (with the help of Corporette). I’ve invested in some suit separates that I can mix and match (Macys), soft feminine professional tops (NY&Co.), pins to add a some flare to the boring suits, shoes which are both professional and comfortable (Jessica Simpson, black pump), and trying to find ways that add a splash of color yet maintain their professionalism. I’m trying to find that balance which shows that I have a vibrant personality, yet portrays a strong vibe of professionalism.
tinaeckert@gmail.com
My style has definitely grown up over the years. I have learned what “appropriate” means for the length of a skirt, how to show a little skin without being provocative, and the importance of a nice-fitting suit. As a new mom, the importance of certain clothing aspects changed even more – emphasis on wearability and washability!!
I really like the American Living X-Back Pleated Dress w/Pockets. I could easily wear this to my office or out at night. I would pair it with a sleek black blazer. In the past, I would never wear a dress, but now I love them.
My style has not changed a lot over the years. Since high school I have always tried to dress elegant and classic with a stylish twist. However, my current office is a lot less conservative tha, a number of the places I’ve worked. Now, I tend to incorporate a lot more trendy pieces in my outfits.
My style has changed a lot over the years. In college I was strictly jeans and t-shirts, then went to a dressy business style once I started work. Then I quit work to have kids and my style went back to jeans and t-shirts. Now I’m transitioning back into the work force and looking to dress up more again.
ajolly1456 at gmail dot com
My style has changed a lot over the last few years. I used to not care so much about what i wore. I liked to look nice, but I didn’t care too much about trendy fashion. Now i keep up with fashion and update my style a lot more often. It makes me feel more confident!
My made for moment is Friday evening favorite Italian restaurant with a cute, buff, smart 35 year old guy wearing the American Living Cowl Neck Pleated Dress-Sapphire and my sexiest black sling-backs.
I’d love wear this to the office:
American Living Tiered Sheath Dress-Black
http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=17b51f1
Really great dress! :)
I wear more skirts and dresses now than I ever did before – not only to work, but on the weekends – especially in the summer. I also have discovered great pleasure in investing in artisan jewelry that is “tame” enough for corporate life, but adds visual interest to an otherwise plain business suit.
My style hasn’t changed much over the years. I’ve never been trendy – I have a lot of timeless pieces in my wardrobe: I still have (and can still wear!) the first suit I bought after college – a navy blue, wool blend, DKNY beauty. I’ve also had some J. Jill microsuede, boot cut slacks since 2000.
I would love to have this in my closet: http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1834d0f&DeptID=70660&CatID=70662&PCatID=70660&SO=0&CatSel=4294953014|dresses+%2b+skirts&Ne=4294957900+598+5+23+3+29+585+596+593+1010+1011+1031+18+904+949+833&CatTyp=RLE&Dep=AMERICAN+LIVING&N=4294953014&Pcat=AMERICAN+LIVING&Cat=womens&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70660|70662.
My style is very much in transition: after a couple of years in a lower-profile job, I’m now much higher profile. Will likely need to start wearing suits every day after Labor Day, after almost 10 years of business casual.
I’m planning on buying this suit: http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=190b676&deptid=70656&dep=WOMEN&catid=71648&pcat=WOMEN&cat=Suits+++Sets&SO=0&pcatid=70656&Ne=5+29+3+1031+8+18+904+949+833&N=4294953661+4294963458+4294964475+4294965667+4294964433&cattyp=RLE&Nao=0&PSO=0&CmCatId=70656|71648
(4 piece wardrober) as my in-office emergency suit for last-minute stuff.
When I graduated from music school and headed to law school, my style shifted from that of a peasant-shirt-and-flowing-skirt-wearing music major to a much crisper, professional style.
I’ve always bought and worn really bright colors, but after college, I started mixing in neutrals, instead of combining coral with turquoise, etc. I’ve also realized that it’s better for me to buy classic, made-to-last clothes, instead of trendy flavor-of-the-month clothes, because it’s really hard for me to purge my closet. So, mostly, I’ve just classed it up a bit in the last few years. : )
acidcambodia[at]gmail[dot]com
Fashion blogging has really changed my style or maybe more it’s allowed me to refine it and define it. I liked stylish things before, but I still wore jeans a lot believing them to be more comfortable. Now that I wear skirts more often, I realize they can actually be more comfortable than Americans’ beloved jeans.
My “made for” moment would be sitting in a bed & breakfast in Vermont, watching the fall foliage through the window while drinking a hot chocolate, and wearing an American Living s/s cardigan. In reality I stay home with 3 small children and won’t see the inside of a B&B for many years…I can wear the cardigan to the supermarket, though.
I’ve generally stayed pretty classic, to the point of generic, in terms of work clothes over the years but I’ve started to branch out more now that I have a budget and some better resources – blogs like Corporette, working in more functional working environments, etc.
I always find gems at J. C. Penney and love trolling the racks. There is definitely something on trend for every age and personality. Friends are always assume that I paid far more for my J.C. Penney wardrobe pieces and often ask if I bought the item at a specific very pricey boutique. I love it!
In college I remember a comment one classmate gave on my style: whimsical. I liked that and strove to add pieces to my closet that I would enjoy at my new post-college job while secretly feeling whimsical.
A few years later I was unsatisfied with the disjointed look and feel of my wardrobe, there was no cohesive color scheme, shape, or style, and I didn’t think it projected the “pre-professional” image I now wanted to maintain as I began researching graduate schools. I enlisted the advice of my mom and sister, and with their help I have pared down my wardrobe to colors (blacks, greys, and purples) and shapes (straight-leg pants, blouses, cardigans) that work together. To add in some of that desired whimsy I now use accessories such as flowered scarves or pendant necklaces.
jennifer.patch(at)gmail.com
My style went from the classic jeans and tee to slacks and blouses. I am in my late 20’s and still trying to find my perfect wardrobe but thanks to your site it is coming together.
jjudy05@hotmail.com
Throughout college and the beginning of law school, my style was very casual – predominantly jeans and t-shirts. As law school progressed, my in-class style remained the same, but I began to look for a more tailored professional style at internships and summer clerkships. I didn’t have much of an idea how to dress and assumed any old suit would do at first. Now that I’m two years into law practice, my style has evolved into a more crisp, clean, classic styling – both at work and on the weekends. I’m still evolving and building my wardrobe into what I want it to be, but it’s great to feel put together and presentable everywhere I go!
I would like to wear the short sleeve knit pajamas but I will wear the American Living skirt and the American Living ruffle top.
taylorjudy01@yahoo.com
My Made-For moment was today, when I information-interviewed people in my dream job, and realized that my professional goals are completely attainable.
I’ve gone from jeans and t-shirts with the occasional night ladies night out dress to conservative law firm attire hoping to overcompensate for my young look. Now that I’ve hit my mid thirties, I find myself looking for ways to look younger and more hip while staying professional.
my style has changed a lot since high school! my uniform used to consist of blue nail polish, ripped jeans, a red beret, and a military dress jacket i picked up at the flea market. my style has gotten much more rocker chick. i still love ripped jeans but i traded my air force blues for leather jackets and spiked accessories.
katie(at)donbavand(dot)gmail(dot)com