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Beating the Winter Blues in Style

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A woman dressed in fashionable winter wear pulls up her hood next to the words, "Beating the Winter Blues in Style."

Wintertime in Michigan is muddy, wet and dreary. If you don’t feel good your productivity and mental state suffer. All of us at 834 combat the blues by rocking some winter fashion. The weather may be unpredictable but your professional dress can be on point. Everything we suggest is affordable and works with multiple body types. Trust us, we know.
Here are our top fashion picks for the winter.

Over-the-knee boots with a faux fur vest.
Over-the-knee boots with a faux fur vest.

Vests
Long, open vests can be worn over collared shirts, turtlenecks or dresses. Material ranges from knit, cotton to faux fur (we would never recommend real fur – yuck). Don’t tell anyone but sometimes we wear the same shirt two days in a row and just throw on a vest.
Over-the-knee boots
Maybe it’s just us, but wearing over-the-knee boots makes us feel pretty badass. We love wearing with leggings, skinny jeans or a patterned skirt. Added benefit: they add an extra layer against the cold. If leather or suede, be sure to treat them or they won’t last through the winter.
Patterned tights/leggings
We really hope leggings never go out of style, they are so comfortable and versatile. If you are going to wear them to work, be sure to grab a long tunic or sweater that is the appropriate length.
Sweaters

Yes, you can rock a turtleneck
Yes, you can rock a turtleneck

Believe it or not, turtlenecks are back. Whether loose or fitted it will look great paired with a wool blazer and booties. Dress it up with a sequin skirt, tights and heels.

Pair a turtleneck with a blazer.
Pair a turtleneck with a blazer.

Swing dresses
There is nothing better than a loose-fitting dress when you are busy packing on the winter weight. We love the brand Blu Pepper which is available locally at Gina’s Boutique. We may, or may not have bought them out of all the mediums. Pair with booties or over-the-knee boots and a long knit vest.
Cardigans and blazers
Layers. Layers. Layers. A girl has got to stay warm in the wind and blowing snow. Blazers and cardigans can be dressed up or dressed down. Grab a scarf, belt or long necklace to switch it up.
The fact is, whatever you feel comfortable and good in is the right choice for you. Don’t be afraid to wear bright colors, whites, patterns or whatever the hell you want.

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FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

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If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
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Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
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