
- <strong> The pride and polish of business attire is an indisputable workplace norm that has stood the test of time. As part of our <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/style/"><strong>As part of our BE Polished</strong> style package,</a> <strong>Black Enterprise</strong> editors and staff showcase how they work their power game and look at the office while adding their own special flavor to show personality and professionalism. </strong><i>—Janell Hazelwood
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<strong>(Photos by C. Varin)</strong>

- <strong>PATRICIA CESAIRE
<li>Digital PR and Marketing Director</strong>
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<li>"My office style is modern and feminine, with an element of edge that’s usually in the form of an atypical embellishment or detail such as daring wedges or a bustled day dress. I like a look that keeps me feeling strong, smart and stylish, and I enjoy pushing my style envelope without being distracting or traditional. Also, if I feel great in a particular piece, I'm fond of wearing it as often as I like."</li>

- <strong>STYLE ESSENTIALS: </strong>Statement watch; Simple stud earrings; Red or nude lip/nail color; Tailored blazer; Cigarette pant<li>
<li><strong>HOT SHOPS/DESIGNERS:</strong> Club Monaco, Zara, Michael Kors, DKNY: "I own an amazing pair of 10-year-old, high-waist DKNY skinny trousers that still turn heads—and motivate me to stay in shape!"</li>

- <strong>JESSICA MARTINEZ
<li>Human Resources and Corporate Operations Manager</strong> <strong> </strong>
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<li> “Since I work in human resources, a suit is the preferred pick. And it doesn’t have to be stuffy. I keep my look young and stylish by picking those with chic details such as a belt or adding nice statement pieces such as a costume necklace or a printed pump. It still looks professional, but has a touch of me.”</li>
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- <li><strong>STYLE ESSENTIALS:</strong> Black suit; Basic pump; Work tote; Button-down blouse; Mascara (MAC is a favorite)</li>
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<li><strong>HOT SHOPS/DESIGNERS:</strong> Tahari; Banana Republic; Louis Vuitton: “You have to treat yourself. This designer is my favorite for classic and chic bags that will last practically a lifetime.”</li>

- <strong>ALFRED EDMOND JR.
<li>Senior Vice President, Editor-at-Large</strong>
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<li>"Wearing a Bulls No. 23 jersey won't make you Michael Jordan. Spending a fortune on fashion won't buy you style. To have style is to be passionate about standing out while fitting in; to achieve appropriateness without surrendering to conformity."</li>
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- <strong>STYLE ESSENTIALS:</strong> Hand-tied bow tie; Pocket square; Cuff links; Shiny, black, leather, oxfords; Norelco All-In-One Grooming System
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<li><strong>HOT SHOPS/DESIGNERS:</strong> Kenneth Cole, Cole Haan, Jos A. Bank, Movado, Krimson by Kwame (neckwear): "While my signature style item is the hand-tied bow tie, I consider men’s fashion accessories in general—especially ties, pocket squares, cuff links, watches (both wrist and pocket), and shoes—are must-haves for my power look. It’s the accessories that bring the magic."

- <strong>SHENELLE WALLACE
<li>Office Coordinator</strong>
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<li>"In the office, I like a very lady-like look that reflects the sophistication and grace of a woman. Wearing a dress or skirt suit to work says, 'I'm all woman, but I can also handle my business.' "</li>
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- <strong>STYLE ESSENTIALS:</strong> Fashionable handbag; Trendy Blazer; Polished hair; Lip-gloss; Solid-hued pumps</strong>
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<li><strong>HOT SHOPS/DESIGNERS: </strong>H&M, Zara, Ralph Lauren, Express: Suits from Express have elegant details and include feminine silhouettes such as pencil skirts and ruched jackets.</li>

- <strong>MONIQUE MYLES CARSWELL
<li>Marketing Manager</strong>
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<li> “I like to look polished and professional with a bit of personality. I don’t like to look like I’m wearing a uniform to the office. I’ll add color and prints to my wardrobe to spice things up.”</li>

- <strong>STYLE ESSENTIALS:</strong> Printed wrap dress; Peep-toe heels; Statement jewelry; Great smile; Confidence
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<li><strong>HOT SHOPS/DESIGNERS:</strong> Banana Republic, TopShop, Loehman’s: “You can find a little bit of everything, especially designer pieces, at Loehman’s. I love Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) dresses, especially when there’s a sale!”</li>

- <strong>JANEL MARTINEZ
<li>Web Producer</strong><strong> </strong>
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<li>"My office look mixes old school with new school. I stick to traditional pieces—a classic black/navy dress or a white collard button up and skirt — and I’ll throw something in the mix that’s going to stand out like a big-faced watch or a nice crimson nail color."

- <li><strong>STYLE ESSENTIALS:</strong> Blazer/Chic cardigan; statement wristwear (watch/bracelet); cocktail ring; Ballet flats; bright polish</li>
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<li><strong>HOT SHOPS/DESIGNERS: </strong>Ann Taylor, Cole Hann, Fendi, Aldo: I love Aldo accessories because they make a statement without being too over-the-top. They are great to add a little flair for a look that’s appropriate for the office but fashionable enough for going out with friends after work.</li>

- <strong> </strong><strong>ANSLEM SAMUEL
<li>Senior Web Producer</strong> <strong> </strong>
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<li> "A man’s business attire is pretty simple— slacks, jacket, shirt, and tie. With my suits, I always try to add a little color with accessories, and I’m not afraid to try purples, reds, aqua blues, or even pinks. The last things I usually put on are my tie and socks, which always match. When it comes to dress shoes, I tend to go for loafers over lace-ups because they’re convenient and more comfortable for running around all day."</li>
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- <li><strong>STYLE ESSENTIALS:</strong> Neutral-toned suit, Printed tie, Statement socks, basic loafer, Tie clip</li>
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<li> <strong>HOT SHOPS/DESIGNERS:</strong> Aldo, Uniqluo, Nordstrom, Krimson by Kwame (neckwear), J. Crew: This retailer's suits fit me almost perfectly off the rack with little-to-no tailoring needed. And I like buying my shirts from Uniqluo. They have quality, affordable shirts in hues I like.</li>

- <strong><i> Do you have a polished look? Send us a quality photo of you in your best office look to</> mypowermove@blackenterprise.com.</strong>
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<strong><em>Aso, for more style, fashion, and beauty coverage, visit </em><a href="http://www.BlackEnterprise.com/style">BlackEnterprise.com/style</a> <em>. Find out how you can upgrade our professional style profile!</em></strong>
Posted: September 26, 2011