Happy Wednesday, ladies! So today’s post looks a little different. Actually, it’s a bit of a throwback to when I first started blogging and didn’t have a photographer at my fingertips. Or even a tripod. Actually, my current photographer is my boyfriend and he has just undergone surgery for his shoulder. He can still do some tripod work so we will still have photos coming in the next couple months. But because I’m also preparing for my trip to Peru, not every post will be fully photographed – some may be a collection of collages like this one. I just wanted to talk a little about it and show a post in that format before I go so you all know what you might expect through April. So for this post I’m using the collage to illustrate a super easy Valentine’s transition outfit that will take you from work to date night.

Again, just because it’s a collage doesn’t mean the information I’m sharing is not super valuable. Take a moment to read the text accompanying a photo to learn about tricks and tips to make the look work. If anything, these collages should help you in your online shopping for identifying really versatile pieces that may have been styled funny on the model or mannequin.

LILY BLACK BLAZER // CALVIN KLEIN DRESS // TOPSHOP PUMPS // STEVE MADDEN SANDALS // MICHAEL KORS TOTE // INC INTERNATIONAL CLUTCH // TED BAKER EARRINGS // GORJANA BRACELET // URBAN DECAY LIQUID LIPSTICK

AT WORK

So when picking out the base look that you’ll take to work, the dress makes all the difference. I have a dress that’s almost identical to this one and it’s perfect for a Valentine’s transition because it’s sweet, feminine, and great for work as well. But a deep burgundy sheath dress or even a black figure-hugging (not body-con) dress works well, too! A waterfall blazer is also perfect because it is professional, but there’s some flirty vibes given off by the movement of the fabric. For work though, you want to make sure you anchor the flirty details with very professional pieces like a black work bag and black pumps. Especially if you work in a more conservative environment.

ON DATE NIGHT

This is a special night, so you’ll probably end up making a few more changes to your outfit than in other Cubicle to Cocktail looks. But it’s still easy, it wouldn’t be Chic in Seconds if it wasn’t! 😉 If you have a large work bag though, these changes will be super easy. As you can see here, really the only differences are the shoes and the clutch, so it’s no more items. But shoes and a larger clutch can be a bit more of a challenge because they take more space. I like a more neutral lipstick for Valentine’s because it’s more kissable, but depending on your date, you may chose to swap that out as well. Just make sure if you switch to a bold lipstick, you apply it carefully and in a large enough mirror.

What do you think about this Valentine’s transition outfit? And what are your plans for Valentine’s day?