Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
When I’m having a crappy, crappy day - I think about this gif. It embodies so many things I love. Sherlock Holmes. Scarves. Curly hair. Benny Cumber. CHEEK BONES. It’s the power of the Internets. Someone else had a similar feeling of “wowee” when first gazing upon this shot in Sherlock Series 2 and thought it would be worth the Photoshoppy effort of capturing sexiness and Englishness and Moffat-brilliance.
Let’s focus on that scarf for a moment, though.
Man. Woman. Or child. The scarf is a staple. It is the epitome of sartorial sophistication. All wardrobes should include at least one. Or, seven. (In extreme cases, see my closet for twelve.)
I could go on. But I’ll spare you.
And of course all this all brings me to the topic of the day: the importance of accessories in the modern working woman’s wardrobe.
As you may know - I’ve been focused on giving you some tips on the basics of wardrobe building for the professional lady. It all started because a very lovely reader named Amanda emailed me a couple weeks ago and said:
“I am starting a job where I need to dress in business casual for most of the week (I am entering a Ph.D program and will be working as a TA). The problem is that I do not have a lot of the staples for a diverse business casual wardrobe and—as a graduate student—I do not have a lot of money to spend. I have the “geeky” part down, but the “at work” part could use a little work. What are some business casual wardrobe staples that go well with a touch of geekiness?”
And here we are - wrapping this up with a lovely display of scarves and visual accessory party:
Here’s your shopping list:
1. Quality jewelry: Here’s the scenario many of us face: You’ve graduated from college, shiny degree in hand and looming student loan debts due. You want to buy something for your wardrobe. Why not a necklace from Forever 21 for $4.80?! LISTEN TO ME: STOP. DON’T DO IT. Here’s why: you will wear that necklace exactly two times before it turns green and then turns your neck green. Cost per wear: $2.40 = BAD DEAL. Instead: spend the money on jewelry that is coated with 14K gold or made with sterling silver. Yes, it costs more - but you will own it forever and you won’t poison yourself. For example, the Kate Spade earrings above cost $38. I own three pairs of these 14K gold coated earrings, because I just keep swapping them out. I have worn the white pair AT LEAST 100 times. Cost per wear: $0.38 AND NO odd fungi-looking marks on my ears or neck. I also recommend waiting for things to go on clearance and perusing eBay. You can get better deals. Yes, you’ll only have 10 - 15 great pieces of jewelry - but they’ll be HIGH QUALITY PIECES that you will keep for years. I also recommend J. Crew (necklace pictured, $100) and Tory Burch (bracelet pictured, $148).
2. Statement watch: Yes, we all check the time on our computers and cell phones, but honestly, a big girl watch is worth it. People will take you more seriously. And other women will be jealous. If you’re on a limited budget, look for Fossil watches on eBay. If you’ve got a bit more cash - look for Michael Kors. Best of both worlds: Look for a Fossil Outlet store at your local outlet center. They carry both brands at major discounts. (Pictured here: Michael Kors, $225)
3. Flats: Black flats. Leopard flats. One colored or printed pair. All should be SO comfortable that you wear them to the grocery store and to walk around the mall. That’s critical. I love Steve Madden’s flats because there are always great deals and they’re always willing to blatantly copy the spendy brands.
4. Wedges: Move over stilettos. You can wait. Wedges are renting next door and I’m into it. They’re more comfortable. The added real estate means you can find all kinds of new variations on the shoe to wedge landscape. Even Target’s getting in on this property. (Merona, $29.99)
5. Scarves: See above manifesto. This H&M floral party is only $9.99. Yay. You can buy lots more scarves.
6. Great leather bag: You’re a grown up. Leave the pleather to the teenagers. You deserve a bag that won’t disintegrate if it gets too warm between your ribcage and arm pit. Seriously. I’m saving up for this sick Tory Burch ($358). It’s the Swiss Army Knife of Crossbody bags. It can fold over as pictured OR you can take off the strap and hold it as a clutch OR you can unfold it and attach the strap to a pair of hidden hooks inside the bag and use it as a tote. I’m obsessed.
7. Bad-ass sunglasses: I believe that your eyes are worthy of protection. And not just from UVA/UVB rays. Let me dissect: every once in a while I’ll be walking down the street and a person will give me a knowing look. I can read it on their face. With my eyes shaded, I can examine the specimen at hand and decide how to proceed without giving away my every emotion. This is also handy when running into a dude you once kissed at a party and you aren’t on your A game. Thanks Ray-Bans
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8. Wristlet: Sometimes a bag is just too much bag. My wristlet is the in between. Get your favorite color, slip cellular and credit card inside and proceed with your chic day. (Pictured: Kate Spade, $118)
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