There’s that great adage, “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have,” but that’s totally easier said than done. Who’s seen The Devil Wears Prada? Do you remember  when Andy changed her entire wardrobe so that she got taken a lot more seriously, but unlike Andy, most of us don’t have access to the Vogue fashion closet (I would die if I did).

We also don’t usually have the budget to dress for the job we want, even though looking like a million bucks is a big deal. Dressing in a similar style as your boss also shows that you’re looking ahead in your career and are attempting to have more executive presence, a new term defined as the “wow” factor that makes great leaders stand out. As Sylvia Ann Hewlett would say “ Appearance is an extraordinarily powerful first filtering. It can get you knocked off the list in a second.”

So how can you dress for the job you want without going totally negative in your bank account?

Invest in a classic, wardrobe staple that can give you a lot of mileage. This includes a season-neutral trouser, a blazer, or pencil skirt. Stick to black, navy, and gray so that you can wear it with everything.

Look for statement jewelry pieces but remember that people want to see you, not hear you.  So kill the clanky brackets and earrings.  Save those babies for your best friends bachelorette party in Vegas.

Wear heels!  Now I’m a flats girl all the way, but when I want to make an impact, it’s heels baby. It’s unfortunate, but there’s just something about heels that convey power. Research has suggested that a tall woman is considered more assertive, confident, richer, capable, successful, independent, and even more intelligent than their shorter peers. Now tall is not better than short (I’m a petite woman and proud of it), but the illusion of tall can be a benefit. You want to buy shoes and clothing that support that illusion. So break out that AMEX.

Last….Dont forget to wear a smile.

 

 

My absolute favorite purchase as of late are these dark gray Catherine Malandrino Socha over the knee (OTK) boots. Not only are they trendy, but they are actually comfortable. They are amazing quality, which can sometimes be hard to come across when buying non leather. You can dress these boots up or down depending on how you style them.  I chose a black vegan leather skirt from Blank NYC and cashmere sweater from Harlowe and Graham V-Neck soft knit fleece sweater

 

 

Ok, now lets talk about this handbag.  I’ve recently partnered with the new label Oliver Bilou to style the “MIA” bag from its latest collection. The MIA is a trendy and sophisticated handbag with just right amount of detail. Not only did I love the packaging in which I received it but I also love the details to include an inner inspirational quote: “Nothing is ever as it seems, find your magic”.  Here are some more great details on this beauty.

• inner key hook for easy to find keys
• inner zipper pocket
• inner phone pocket
• inner open pocket
• main metal zipper closure
• hanging rose gold metal tassel
• rose gold metal corners
• quilted contrasting panels

Overall the quality great and at a decent price ($99). Plus, this 100% cruelty free vegan bag really looks like leather!

Visit Oliverbilou.com and use code: travelsforchocolate and receive 10% off your purchase.  Oh yeah and guess what? Shipping is FREE!!!

 

Lets finish off with details and accessories, shall we?  Allow me introduce you to the New Classic Black Sheffield by Daniel Wellington watch and Bracelet Cuff. Even though a small watch face would be more ideal for my small wrist, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the classic look and the lightness of the watch. The watch is very simple to read and the face isn’t busy. Reading the time should be easy and straightforward, which is exactly what the Classic Sheffield watch offers. Even though the watch comes in men’s and women’s versions, I’d pretty much consider it unisex as, besides the sizing, they look nearly identical. I love that Daniel Wellington offers a variety of watch straps so you can’t ever get tired of wearing it. The elegant Classic Cuff is the perfect match to compliment this or any DW watch.

Get yours now at Danielwellington.com and use code: TRAVELCHOCOLATE and receive 15% off your purchase.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

This post was sponsored by Oliver Bilou and Daniel Wellington

Whats the one thing you never leave the house without? Well, for me it’s the basics: Keys, wallet, cellphone, chapstick and of course a watch.

So what if I told you that you could win not only a watch but a bad ass JORD wood watch?

When JORD Wood Watches reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in trying out one of their watches. I was excited because I’m a huge fan. To be honest, I’ve looked up their watches several times. I love their style and uniqueness their watches bring because really, have you ever seen a watch anything like this? They really are one of a kind.

Click here to enter the giveaway:  https://www.woodwatches.com/g/travelsforchocolate

One of you will win $75 to use on our website and everyone else who enters will receive $20 to use on the site.The contest will close 11/13 at 11:59pm, so don’t delay….CLICK NOW!

When I received my watch I was very impressed by the cute custom box it came in.  The presentation alone is stunning!  As far as the watch, well just look at it…its absolutely gorgeous and extremely light weight.

Here are some interesting facts about the materials used to craft these beautiful time pieces.

Sapphire Glass

Movements

Kia Wood (used on the watch I selected)

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches.

Wooden Wristwatch
//www.woodwatches.com/widget-article/travelsforchocolate

The bomber jacket, originally known as “the flight jacket,” has become fashions favorite once again. Created for military pilots, the bomber’s versatility makes it an accessible trend for anyone’s style. Patterned, cropped, oversized, embroidered or simple, the bomber jacket’s trend will definitely continue.

 

It’s a great piece, be it for a practical light jacket or a statement piece. It works with just about anything, from a slip dress, to jeans and a tee.

This super sized, sumptuous faux fur & suede tote by Urban Code London comes with a zip fastening, internal zip pocket and double handles that fit over your shoulder.

This style also comes with a detachable strap so it can also be worn across the body.

Classic loafer with an exotic twist. These beautiful navy Italian suede flats, by UK luxury shoe designer Taschka, feature a textured python upper, pearl leather strap detail and padded leather lining for the utmost comfort. Slip on a pair with slim trousers or jeans for a relaxed yet chic look.