Zalando Collection Maxi Dress: $38.00

Forever 21 Buckled Satchel: $28.00

Jayne Aviator Sunglasses: $10.00

Dream Out Loud Beaded Sandals: $20.00

Grand Total: $96.00

New Yorkers are known for wearing a lot of black, but there’s no reason you should be uncomfortable while doing so! Pair a breezy maxi dress with gold accents to stay cool and fashionable in the Big Apple. I particularly love the buckled bag, which gives a bit of structure to this otherwise-carefree outfit. Please note that this outfit is very casual and may not be appropriate for all offices. Take note of your dress code before sauntering into work in this summertime number.

This bag has seen me through a lot: countless job interviews in various cities, formal events where I needed to look polished, winter weather, fall events, and more. I recently carried this bag everywhere with me on trips to San Francisco for job interviews — on my most recent day trip there, this was the only bag I brought! The MARC BY MARC JACOBS Classic Q Hillier Hobo is beautifully slouchy, while not coming off as too bohemian: the sturdy workwear-inspired logo and smart pleats makes everyone take this bag — and you! — seriously. With a comfortable rolled handle and a longer shoulder strap, you can carry this bag in a variety of ways, which really helps when you don’t want to wrinkle your interview clothes! The bag is roomy, too: I can easily fit all of my essentials, plus a folio, iPad, and book, in this bag without it being comically stuffed.

My grandmother gave me this bag as a birthday and Christmas present after I’d been drooling over it for two years, and I have to say, it’s been one of my most well-loved gifts ever. I just can’t seem to stop carrying this bag, which is making me want it in other colors — maybe a gorgeous dark brown, for more casual days? I recommend the MARC BY MARC JACOBS Classic Q Hillier bag to everyone who is looking for a new work bag, and I imagine I’ll continue doing so for years.

So from browsing the fashion behemoth that is Keep, I discovered the Boden Retro Pocket Dress! Isn’t it gorgeous?!

I’ve said quite frequently in the past that once pockets were added to almost every skirt and dress on the market, it’s hard for me to buy any said item without pockets. I adore the clean lines on this dress while still fitting impeccably. And the pattern is a definite not towards the land of “mod”. Pair it with nude pumps and a beige wrap cardigan and gold jewelry for an added office pop!

And then…

You get the picture.

In this Sunday’s New York Times, Phyllis Korkki wrote an article entitled, “Coffee Rites, And the Stories They Tell.” Now this was an article just for me!

Basically the article touts the benefits of coffee at work, while of course reminding us that we should consume it in moderation. Stephen Braun, a medical writer, was quoted saying that caffeine has “insinuated itself into the workplace, and I don’t see anything particularly wrong with that.” Why thank you Mr. Braun! He also points out that all the research attempting to demonstrate that caffeine is bad for your health just isn’t there.

Side note, my freshman year writing thesis in college was about the health benefits of coffee. I stood by my point and got an A. Maybe my professor was a fellow caffeine addict, or maybe it’s because there’s a point to the delectably slightly bitter brown brew.

Korkki points out other aspects of why coffee (and coffee breaks) are good for the psyche and one’s morale. For instance, a coffee break is literally “a break”. Are you working on something that’s really taxing and taking a lot out of you? Take a coffee break with a colleague and you come back feeling refreshed and much more likely to tackle the problem in a more efficient way. And I do note, a coffee break is much healthier than a cigarette break.

In addition, Korkki does do the good thing of reminding us that caffeine can also be misused. I know that when I have more than three cups, my stomach gets a little angry with me. So as everything, coffee is good but better in moderation.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to refill this delicious cup of coffee next to me. Cheers!

Gap’s slim cropped pants are a refined stretch dobby weave, which will hug your curves while not pulling. These pants are perfect for a polished outfit for work, a dressier event on the weekends, or even just as an alternative to your usual jeans. I love wearing slim cropped trousers with a variety of tops, from silk shells and blazers to tees and cardigans. You’ll find yourself reaching for these trousers again and again, and wanting them in multiple colors, to boot!

Do you have a hard-working piece in your wardrobe like Gap’s slim cropped trousers?

Yes you may have to be careful with your theme if you’re inviting colleagues, but who doesn’t like bringing in some personality to those we know? Here are some fun theme concepts to think on during the soiree summer season. If I didn’t include one that you would like to see, please mention it in the comments below!

Superheroes

Sometimes, it’s the old classics that work the best. Take your pick from some of the well-known characters, such as the men’s fancy dress favorite of Batman or the feminine fave, Wonderwoman.

Arabian Nights

Perfect for a warm summer evening, decorate the room like a Bedouin tent and don some harem pants to look the part. If you want to really go all out, check into arranging a belly dancing class! Or if having Lawrence of Arabia playing in the background, that can work too.

A Grownup Kids Party

Who says grownups can’t have jelly and ice cream? Take a nostalgic look back to your childhood and organise some fun party games that will make you feel like you’re a kid again. Think pass the parcel, musical statues and pin the tail on the donkey – you get the picture.

Cocktail Party

Do you like yours shaken, or stirred? Dress to impress in a suit or cocktail dress and enjoy an evening of elegance and grandeur. Plan some cocktail options in advance or hire a cocktail mixologist to host a cocktail making class to make you feel like you’re in the heart of the action.

Organise some bitesize canapé nibbles for a real treat, dim the lights and turn up the classy music to add to the stylish and chic atmosphere. Hello modern Man Men!

Eurovision Party

With the final on the 18th May, it’s a perfect time to organise your own Eurovision party. Organize your own voting and choose your own winner. Decorate the room to reflect the countries, giving your guests a particular country each to ensure a varied and diverse evening of Eurovision fun and frolics.

Masquerade Ball

Ask your guests to wear a mask for the evening for that added je ne sais quoi. Add some cocktails and nibbles to the mix with some of your favourite music to help keep the atmosphere fun.

Murder Mystery

My favorite theme party of all time was my going away party before I moved to New York. My friends customized a game of Clue around me. I was Mr. Body, and it turned out I was killed by Miss Scarlet, with a stiletto heel in my favorite wine shop. All my friends dressed in their favorite Clue character. During my role as Mr. Body, I wore a tuxedo jacket and black skinny pants. After the game however I did several costume changes to play Miss Scarlet and Colonel Mustard. I recommend this custom game but you can also research the ideas available and host your own whodunit. Give your guests a character to play in advance and ensure that as soon as they step into the room, they take on the role. Someone dies, but who’s the culprit? Just watch out for stilettos.

Vintage Tea Party

It’s incredibly popular at the moment but there’s every reason why. Put together some finger sandwiches and some bitesize cakes, grab a few teapots and some pretty tiered cake stands. Blast some 40s and 50s music from the music player and dress up in a ditsy tea dress from ASDA George for a quintessentially British party.

All of this makes me really want to host another theme party…what should it be?