“Business casual” is a term often thrown around to represent the way women should dress in the office or at functions, or anywhere else they need to look “professional”. But that is so vague, and can mean anything from a pinstripe pantsuit to a summer dress with a blazer. Last weekend I had the opportunity to speak at the National Business and Technology Conference to present a workshop on how to build an app without code using Windows Phone App Studio, and when preparing I was faced with choosing an outfit. This is my take on “business casual,” shot in the Pantages Hotel in Toronto!
I’m in love with this Betsey Johnson sweater dress. It’s comfortable, sleek, and simply elegant. I paired it with my tall gray boots and some simple jewelry, including my amazing Swarovski USB bracelet (yes, the same one I featured in my holiday gift guide)! I stored my presentation files on it and it was so comforting to have my docs on me all day and be able to keep track without checking my purse a thousand times.
I added a little spunk to the otherwise-monochromatic outfit with my heart and robot earrings, also by Betsey Johnson, and a gorgeous yellow all-in-one phone wallet by Michael Kors. The wallet was perfect for a long day at a conference because I could carry my phone, money and cards with me at all times and not have to wear my shoulder down with a big bag.
The back of this dress is what I love about it most! It lends a feminine twist to the outfit and adds a bit more charm, in a subtle way that is not typical of Betsey Johnson’s designs, but that works so beautifully.
I love the full-length windows in the Pantages Hotel rooms. With the hardwood floors and private kitchen, the room was very spacious and comfortable, and I could see myself working from there for an extended period of time. The one complaint I had was the bathroom, which was small and had dim lighting – a shame considering how great the rest of the room was! Oh well, it was good for a stay in the entertainment district.
So, what did you think? Does this meet the “business casual” criteria?
OUTFIT
dress: Betsey Johnson
boots: La Canadienne
earrings: Betsey Johnson
bracelet: Swarovski
rings: Kate Spade, Pandora, Spencer’s
