AT THE OFFICE WITH: DANIELLE YOUNG

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Today we are debuting a new feature that will be part of Workwear Wednesday and its called “At The Office With,” While I love sharing photos of my personal work to weekend style I want you to see how other plus size women dress for their jobs. I decided to highlight some of the who’s who of writers, blogger’s, PR, and corporate working plus size women. Yes, I am invading people’s office spaces (erm… with their consent. I ain’t gonna be setting off any Verisure Business Alarms!).

Today, our first feature is with the Associate Editor of the popular lifestyle site for African american women, HelloBeautiful, Miss Danielle Young.

Checkout what Danielle had to say about her office style and her favorite places to shop.

SC: What are you wearing today?

DY: My top, I’m not sure who its by, but I found it at a random $1 store in Brooklyn, whenever, I see leopard print. I have to get it. The skirt is from Target by way of Goodwill in Harlem on 135^th street, a necklace from Forever21 I am actually wearing it backwards, because I liked the idea of the gold around the stone, the shoes are from Avenue, little cowboy booties, I think they’re a cute transition piece you can wear them from summer to fall. and I think my earrings are Avenue too.

SC: So, do you have a dress code at work?

DY: We don’t, we try to keep it professional. It doesn’t have to be business casual or super professional, like a suit and tie. If we were to have a code, I would say, it would be just casual. I mean, we can’t wear crop tops and those kinds of things.

SC: LOL! With that kind of dress code, what is your office style?

DY: Its very much like my regular style. I’m lucky I get to wear whatever I want here within reason. I don’t really have to edit myself. I’m funky,I like to wear lots of color and prints and fun things.

SC: What would you say are your key office pieces?

DY: When it comes to work I like to wear a good button-up because you can dress that up or down. After work, I get to go to fun music events or something like that, I don’t want to be in a blazer or skirt. I like the idea of feminine dresses and statement skirts, especially maxis because I can mix and match those pieces. I really, really love wearing blazers even though I said I don’t like to be too strict or rigid but with jeans or a skirt to play up the business look I like to keep it funky.

SC: What are your DONT’S for office attire?

DY: No shorts! I’ve worn bermuda shorts before but I still say no to shorts. I’ve done shorts and tights in the winter and I still felt a little inappropriate. So that’s a no no for me. I love sheer but I try to stay away from that in the office. I don’t do anything too tight. I’m a big girl anyway so I don’t want to be pulling and tugging. If something is too tight I will take it off. I don’t care if I’m late. I also, even though I love jewelry, I don’t do bangles at work because when I’m working they get in the way.

SC: What is your beauty routine for the office, is it full on face or simple?

DY: I do a simple face. I have an office chic bag. I will do tinted moisturizer blush, eyeliner, chapstick or lipgloss, and mascara, and keep it moving. I am not a big lip person but for night, I may do a color.

SC:What is your one piece to buy that is transitional enough to take you from desk to dinner?

DY: A really nice dress because there is always a way to dress a dress up or down. I’ve worn dresses with sneaker wedges to work and then to go to work I would change into a pair of heels. I think dresses are such an easy way to be polished and professional for work but still fun and cute.

SC: Last question. What are your top 5 places to shop?

DY: I am thrifter, so I love to go thrifting. I would say, Goodwill/ Salvation Army, Housing Works because their proceeds go to HIV/AIDS research, Avenue, because they sell cute shoes for big foot sizes, and I like their basics. I also like Forever 21. They have cute blazers, skirts, and skinny jeans.

Thanks Danielle! You can follow Danielle on Twitter @Rhapsodani. Danielle also has a personal style blog at www.rhapsodani.com and checkout her witty articles for HelloBeautiful.com

Ok guys, did you like this feature? Would you like to see more? Let me know in the comment section below