A Sticky Style Situation

Jul 14, 2010

Many of us have been there before: a long night of merrymaking that somehow ends up making you feel as if you were drugged, hit by a bus, then afflicted by the most heinous stomach bug known to mankind. If you’re anything like me, you shudder at the memory of your most recent life-altering hangover.

What to do, however, when these lowest of low moments occurs when you actually have something to do (i.e. not a Sunday)? Perhaps the rehearsal dinner has left you seemingly out of commission for the next day’s wedding? Or maybe Wednesday night happy hour turned into a long cab ride home very early Thursday morning? The long term effects of heavy drinking are scarily infinite, and I’m hardly encouraging this sort of behavior, but mistakes happen, and even the most prim social drinker faces the problem of not being able to sleep until noon and watch television in sweatpants all day.

There’s nothing worse than waking up in a painful haze, not exactly sure how you will be able to keep on keepin’ on. Clearly, every event calls for a different plan of attack. For brevity’s sake, I offer you three sure bets that will offer some much needed comfort, support, and cover-up.

 Theory Virgilia Dress (Shopbop, $325)

A shirtdress is a great basic piece that we should all own if we don’t already. It’s great the morning after for many of the same reasons it’s great all the time: an incredibly comfortable piece of clothing that allows you to look put together with minimal effort and is easy to dress up or down. I’ve chosen this example from Theory because it’s light and breezy – a linen/viscose/spandex mix – and comes with the belt. That means, fewer sweats and no fumbling through your closet looking for the right accessories when you can barely see straight. Cheaper alternatives abound: check J. Crew or Gap.

Cole Haan FLX Air Veronia Sandals (Piperlime, $125)

Your shoe choice here will be determined by your plans for the day. Obviously, comfort is king on this day, and the Nike Air technology and rubber outsole on these simple and modern gladiators make the difference. If casual sandals aren’t appropriate for your event, it should be obvious that you should opt for some sort of flat. I’m not a massive fan of the menswear look, but a pair of laceless oxfords would work, as would riding boots.

  Marc by Marc Jacobs Retro Sunglasses (Shopbop, $98)

I’ve clearly saved the most important for last. Who cares what else you’re wearing when a pounding headache precludes you from hiding the fact that you’re struggling to survive? Keeping your lids shaded behind a sweet pair of sunglasses can go an incredibly long way on any day, but of all days, do not forget to bring them today. These Marc by Marc Jacobs shades should do the trick, but if you’re not feeling the cat-eye trend opt for the most classic pair on the market: RayBan aviators. Designer price tag a bit too much? I’ve had great success with the selection at Target in the past, and I’d be willing to bet they’ll have a pair that will fit your face shape, style, and budget.

Aside from dressing the part, I recommend a cold under-eye compress – my favorite is an ice cold can of whatever’s in the fridge, as the rounded shape seems to sit perfectly on my ocular bone – and a packet of Emergen-C Super Orange in my first of many glasses of water. Hopefully, this look will help you hide the ugly truth from the world while you slowly and painfully recover all day. And, because I’m sure you have sworn off drinking for the hundredth time after the morning’s torture, these tips can help you get through just about any “down” day.

Style

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  1. Meg says:

    Like AJ, I didn’t realize this was an intern post at first. The dress is a bit short for work, but cute.

  2. Andrea says:

    To everyone knocking the choice of the shirtdress, I recall Belle featuring an adorable blue striped version in a post a while back. Nobody commented on how immature a shirtdress is, then. Just sayin…

  3. Meg says:

    Like AJ, I didn’t realize this was an intern post at first. The dress is a bit short for work, but cute.

  4. Andrea says:

    To everyone knocking the choice of the shirtdress, I recall Belle featuring an adorable blue striped version in a post a while back. Nobody commented on how immature a shirtdress is, then. Just sayin…

  5. Meg says:

    So far, this is by far my favorite intern post! Love the humor and love the style choices… although a bit pricey for my budget. And let’s face it, who hasn’t been in this exact situation before? Now if only she had included an outfit to wear to work to look decent when facing a killer hangover…

  6. N says:

    Instead of hiding a hangover, that outfit screams “cliche drunk college girl” to me. I hate her fashion sense, but like her writing style.

  7. Kelseytc says:

    I L-O-V-E this post.

    As a college student has had her fair share of hard nights this is perfection. Especially for trips to a study group when I just feel like sweats and a tank top.

    Favorite post so far!

  8. Melissa says:

    The fashion portion of the post seems a little safe (dare I say boring?) to me, but I love her writing style. Funny and light, without being obnoxious or crude. I wouldn’t mind seeing where she goes in the future.

  9. Jenna says:

    Props to writing a post on dressing while hungover, since we’ve all been there, but as a recent graduate myself, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a shirtdress and belt with a hangover. That just screams immaturity. She seems really funny and I genuinely enjoyed the post, but in terms of fashion, for only being 19, it seems like maybe Rachel has more of a handle on being a young working adult, while Alison just lives up to the unfortunate name of intern or young coed.

  10. Abern says:

    Agreed with Melissa above. I’ve seen the shirtdress/sandal/sunglasses look just about a million times, but this was definitely the funnest post to read.

  11. Dr. Jean Grey says:

    Good post. Love the glasses. Would never seriously consider wearing gladiator sandals and a t-shirt dress to work, but these items are things I can work with!

  12. AJ says:

    I’m personally not a fan of the direction this post took. I want cute clothes, a shirtdress is not cute. Shirtdresses are awful.

  13. Alice says:

    This blog post clearly most resemble’s Belle’s writing style. Event + options + explanations + a bit of personality. I don’t quite get how people associate this outfit with immaturity, though.

  14. Belle says:

    I really LOVED the sunglasses. In face, I am now desperate to own them. Get here soon pay day!

  15. Rory says:

    Personally, I like shirtdresses because they’re flattering to my body shape. I wouldn’t say it’s the most unique look, but it would work for someone who’s twenty or forty. I really enjoyed the writing style, and think it meshes well with the style of CHS.

  16. JC says:

    I’m sorry, but how is this post creative? Also, you can’t dress up a shirtdress for the office. I just don’t see any creativity or innovation here.

  17. Daisy says:

    A little long, but the best intern post of the three so far. Her writing style is fun to read and I actually liked her fashion choices 🙂

  18. AS says:

    By far the best intern post. Agreed that the shirt dress is not the best work option, but this girl could recommend I wear a poncho to work and I think I’d get enjoyment out of it. Belle- your style advice rocks, but honestly, you make me laugh and you’re incredibly relate-able, and that’s why I read you. Replicate that, and you can do no wrong.

    Also, Philly love!

  19. mominheels says:

    LOVE the writing style.

    The style maturity is a bit low. A shirt dress and gladiators and sunglasses are not going to cut it at the office.

    No problem with the hangover piece – but one thing I enjjoy about CPH is the fun, sophistication of the posts and I am not sure that I want to read – extensively (i.e., long post) – about hangover scenarios. Was kind of over that even in my mid-twenties.

  20. A says:

    Love it! As someone who struggles to put on anything other than sweats and a tee after a long night – this post was perfect! That outfit is doable!! I think that is the most important aspect of this post. I love her writing style; the post was easy to read from start to finish. Plus, she totally seems like an awesome girl to go have a drink with. Of the three guest bloggers, this is by far the highest quality.

  21. LT says:

    I like her writing style the best of the three candidates. Agree with other commenters that this would never fly in a professional office — or at least not in mine. But as far as her bio and someone who I would look forward to reading? Hands down the best intern candidate so far.

  22. Cara says:

    Favorite so far. I agree with most comments above. Love her writing style. I would have preferred to have seen a more professional, work-appropriate “day after” look because anyone can throw on a shirt dress for Saturday, but work clothes when you’re hungover and much. more. uncomfortable.

  23. AJ says:

    I actually thought that this WAS a Belle post. If you are looking for somebody similiar to yourself that I would look no further. Not loving the shirtdress for a hangover though but if it is a Saturday then yes-maybe some leggings underneath though.

  24. Meg says:

    Like AJ, I didn’t realize this was an intern post at first. The dress is a bit short for work, but cute.

  25. Andrea says:

    To everyone knocking the choice of the shirtdress, I recall Belle featuring an adorable blue striped version in a post a while back. Nobody commented on how immature a shirtdress is, then. Just sayin…

  26. Elizabeth says:

    Love this post. Such a great sense of humor and wonderful writing style. Would love to see where she would go with this. She certainly has a grasp on what is fashionable and stylish, and she definitely displays maturity in her writing…She may be a keeper.

  27. jessamerica says:

    TOTALLY my favorite. i love the writing style and loved the topic

  28. Jenn says:

    I certainly think Alison is the leading intern candidate in terms of ability to get her friends to write positive comments.

    While I like her writing style and the idea of sticky-fashion-situation, her fashion maturity is lacking. I know very few professional offices where a dress that short would be appropriate. This blog has long advocated a fun and individual dressing style that stills allow young professionals to be taken seriously and Alison’s recommended dress fails the finger-tip test. Since Alison seems to be very familiar with this dress, its shortcomings should also be known to her.

  29. Kelsey says:

    I saw very little continuity in this post between what the author actually wrote about fashion and what she actually wrote. There was hardly anything artistic or utilitarian about suggested outfit. While many of us have been in the situation where we have to wonder what to wear after a rough night I have to wonder what the future focus of this article could be. While the writing style of the potential intern was superb I think this type of article has limited readership appeal. And sorry- a mix of California cool and mid-Atlantic preppiness does not constitute a new geographical appeal to Washington DC.

  30. Hae says:

    I actually loved this post. The writing style that I liked in her introductory survey was reflected in this as well. I’m finally glad to see a creative title!! I still have not managed to find a shirt dress (in the style posted) that would be completely appropriate for work, despite a business casual dress code at my law firm. I am thankful for the post-happy hour suggestions, because everyone in DC has had a few too many to drink at what was supposed to be a “quick drink after work with friends.” I would appreciate a more business-y outfit that she thinks would also be a good choice for the post-hangover blues, as I could get away with those sandals at work… but not everyone can!

    My vote is still with Alison!! 🙂

  31. caphill reader says:

    She gets my vote. Seems to carry the voice of the blog.

  32. tr says:

    again, just the same old thing. nothing innovative, new, catchy, just your average cute city girl..

  33. vanessa says:

    Love her.

  34. Jessica says:

    I’m a little confused here… I thought she meant this outfit to be “not for sunday.” But where other than brunch would I go with a pretty short shirtdress, sunglasses and sandals?

    I think the idea is funny – sort of a fashion mayday help – but for work clothes I’m not sure this is appropriate.

  35. Norwegianette says:

    Like the writing style, but the sense of style is not for me. At all.

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