The Work Look is all about looking at your work wardrobe with new eyes. I can't tell you the amount of times, and the ways, that I have been inspired by looking at street style blogs or fashion magazines for mostly what I call my weekend wear. But how often did I find a place that inspired me to look at my work wardrobe differently on a consistent basis? The times were few and far between. 

It was the J. Crew catalog that I was receiving at the beginning of 2010 that constantly challenged me to revisit the way I paired my things—work things, specifically. For once, I was getting excited when I’d peer into my closet before work. I started devoting as much time and effort to my work looks as I would for date night, or girl’s night, or a “weekend in Brooklyn” outfit. And you know what? It was a lot of fun.

On this blog, I want to showcase the clothing, accessories, shoes, nail polish, beauty, and hair to inspire you—the working girl. And not just your average working girl. This isn’t about the ‘it’ bag per se, or having an ultra-expensive suit. Not that I won’t be featuring those things, but The Work Look is about the inspiration behind those items and how you can make it work for you, no matter what the budget, lifestyle or whether you wear a size 2 or 10. If the myriad fashion blogs in the world have taught us anything, it’s that we don’t have to spend a lot to look amazing and fashion IS accessible.

I am sure you look great in a pants suit, or a skirt suit, but is it making an impact? Is that black pant suit going to be memorable or create a lasting impression when you meet a potential client, your future boss or have a chance run in with other executives? Women have the advantage when it comes to work wear—we can push the corporate dress code boundaries. For one, we have a MILLION more options than men and secondly why would we just want to blend in with the men? As women we still face challenges in the corporate work place but lets use fashion as our ally and hell, lets have fun with this! 

Monika Houser Boyle

I moved to Brooklyn in 2005 from San Diego, California because I wanted to take public transportation and, well, I wanted a career in finance. The day I moved I swore off flip flops for life and with that, and without fully realizing it at any time, my life was never going to be the same.

Finding my way in the financial world took time but I carved out a path for myself that has meant working on trading floors. I have been lucky that I have yet to work somewhere with a strict, or shall I say, formal dress code. This allowed me to play with my corporate image, incorporating color, patterns, and accessories, which I found was something that other women around me gravitated to. I met my finance fashion match in 2011 and the first ideas for The Work Look were born. 

In 2013 I moved to London to be with my husband and during a break from work, The Work Look came to life. Being in London, and that much closer to continental Europe hopefully adds another layer to this site and the inspiration I bring to it. I am already excited to see what this new adventure brings. Lets get to work. 

Q & A

Q. If you could travel back to any decade for the fashion. What would it be?

A. The early 1800s for the short stay corset. The precursor to the miracle bra that was worn with flowy skirts and dresses.  Think Pride and Prejudice but without all the mud.

Q. What was the first job you ever had?

A. Selling car insurance for US citizens driving into Mexico.

Q.If you could only save one item in your closet, what would it be?

A. A camel colored side slit BCBG skirt I bought over 10 years ago, that I just might be wearing in the photo above!

Q. What is your favorite time of day?

A. 8pm. Tragic given I have to be AT work at 7am.

Q. What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

A. Ironing.