Shecky’s

Normally we put fashionistas and entrepreneurs, Jennifer Diana and Melissa McGraw from Workchic.com, to work by contributing weekly stories about successful style. This time, we turned the tables and got the scoop behind their own personal success and style.

Shecky’s: How did you meet each other?

Jennifer: We were taking a class on website design at FIT. We teamed up on a project and quickly became friends.

Melissa: It was a weekend class in the fall of 2007.

S: Where did you get the idea for Workchic.com?

J: We were both interested in launching an internet-based company focused on shopping online. After a few months of research we found a market segment severely lacking information. When we searched for women’s work clothing, we found construction clothing faster than business suits.

M: We hail from the fashion industry and have seen numerous work wardrobe mishaps. We felt there was a void missing in the marketplace on how to dress for the office.

S: Where does your passion for fashion come from?

J: I have been sewing and playing with fabrics since I was five years old. Studying fashion came naturally to me. I enjoy following trends and translating them for the office.

M: I have always been interested in fashion from a very young age. My grandmother always wore three-inch heels no matter where she went. She taught me to look my best no matter where I was going.

S: How do you inspire one another?

J: Together we have researched magazines and discussed topics relating to woman in the office. We share situations we have witnessed or dealt with. This inspires the topics we discuss on our blog and helps keeps us motivated.

M: We play off each other’s strengths, which keeps the business moving forward.  

S: What is the best advice you’ve learned from one another?

J: Melissa’s career before Workchic was in sales. I have learned so much from watching the way she interacts with clients.

M: You are not doing anyone and your business justice if you do not have an appropriate work/life balance.

S: What is your go-to outfit when you have nothing to wear?

J: My current go-to look for the summer is a printed skirt with flattering pleats. I wear it high-waisted with a simple tee. Then I layer a quarter-sleeve blazer over the look. This particular blazer has a ruffle detail instead of lapels. It’s the perfect complement to the floral print in the skirt. I always feel polished, feminine and professional when I put it on

M: A wrap dress! It’s easy to throw on when you are running around trying to find something to wear!

S: Is there anything else you would like to add about your website, your friendship or any other advice?

J: If you love fashion, don’t let that passion die when you’re getting dressed for work. We see a lot of women simplify their work wardrobes down to basic tops and black pants. There is no reason dressing for work can’t be just as fun as getting ready for a night out. It’s all about finding pieces that showcase your personal style in a professional way.

-Kellene McCaffrey

PSST! Check out more from Workchic.com contributors Jennifer Diana and Melissa McGraw on our Work It, Girl section.

GIRL TALK TIME: What is your go-to work outfit? What questions/outfit dilemmas would you love to see Workchic answer?