inside ideeli: Office Style

"When I wake up in the morning and the alarm gives out a warning I don't think I'll ever make it on time."

It's funny, no matter how many years we're out of high school, that first line of the Saved by the Bell theme song still rings true. On those manic Mondays when there's a company-wide meeting, or Fridays when your Thursday night cocktails turned into a late-night party, getting dressed for work is the equivalent of climbing Kilimanjaro. Cue #JessieSpano moment.

This is why we love that just showing up at ideeli HQ provides outfit inspiration in droves. Between models parading on the 6th floor in the latest and greatest ideeli threads, to the buyers up on the 10th that are rocking the trends they spot when they're out in market, we've got living, breathing examples of what dressing for the job looks like! So when it came time to cast our career style sales, it only made sense to turn to the ideelists we know and love-- who turn our halls into their own personal catwalk.

FOR THE TRENDSETTER: Peplum was huge on the runway for Spring 2012. While designers were showing them in light, pastel colors, this gunmetal number is the perfect translation for a 9-to-5 look that's also on point for happy hour.

FOR THE PREP: Shirtdresses are an office staple that often get a bad rap for being drab and boring. This ladylike '50s silhouette is anything but. Pops of blue make it the ideal spring wear-to-work frock.

FOR THE VINTAGE LOVER: It's no secret how much we love our white button-downs. Be it with old blue jeans and boots for Casual Fridays to tucked into a pencil skirt, it really is a classic. But this ultra-mod Mondrian print blouse is the perfect update to a classic shape. We're thinking it would look rad tucked into some ultra-indigo wide-leg jeans.

FOR THE CREATIVE GUY: We're not going to lie. We're pretty lucky to work with some fine-looking gents. And in an ultra-creative industry they don't always have to dress so corporate. This chunky sweater is perfect for guys who like to clean up nice and be taken seriously, without pulling out their 3-piece suits.

These are just a few of our fave picks from today's inside ideeli: Office Style sales. Snag these and much more in the men's and women's sales and keep an eye out for more inside ideeli fun really soon!

An ideel Thanksgiving

We'll admit, we're not much for the mushy stuff. And we're not talking about the Thanksgiving mashed potatoes we've been dreaming about all week. While the holiday cliches are sweet and all, we prefer to get our dose of cheese in the form of baked brie. But this year, we've got a lot to be thankful for, so we just had to share. From being named #1 on Inc. Magazine's Inc. 500 List to co-workers expecting their first little ones and everything in between, 2011 has been a good year! Check out what some ideelists are thankful for this year:

"Besides the obvious (my wonderful family and friends, good health, a roof over my head), this year I am grateful for all the possibilities of growth that it brought and for having found the courage to take on them. Not easy for an introverted techie!" - Eduardo, VP of Engineering

"Family and friends who have passed through NYC and visited always bringing a piece of home with them to me. I moved halfway across the country so I'm thankful for the chance to start over in an incredible city that will never cease to amaze me while being surrounded by interesting and generous people." - Elizabeth, Merchandising and Event Operations

"I am so thankful to be able to share my table and American traditions at Thanksgiving with friends from all over the world - Germany, Ireland, England, St. Lucia and Australia." - Elisabeth, Editorial Sale Producer

"I am thankful for a work from home position with an amazing company. I am thankful that I am happy when I work everyday. I am thankful for all of our members, because without them, we wouldn't have the jobs we love. I am thankful to live in a country that protects my freedom to speak my mind. Our service men and women who are away from their families receive my heart most felt thanks. But I'm also really thankful for $29 Seven jeans." - Diomira, West Coast Customer Service

Enjoy the food, football, family, and friends this holiday weekend. And check back on ideeli.com when you're turkeyed out for new Black Friday steals every single day!

The ideeli Scoop with Prabal Gurung

The last time we checked in with Prabal Gurung was back in February, when ideeli sponsored the designer’s premier outing at the Bryant Park tents. Since then, Gurung has continued his striking climb to fashion’s highest reaches with his gorgeously draped, feminine-yet-edgy creations, scoring a recent nomination for the 2010 CFDA Swarovski Womenswear Award. Today, pieces from Gurung’s Spring 2010 collection are right here on ideeli (shop our sale here), in an exclusive sale we’re just over the moon about. We caught up with Gurung—who was raised in Nepal and now resides in the East Village—to get the scoop on his fantasy vacation plans, staying motivated, and the perfect summer outfit.

What's it been like to be a part of the first CFDA Fashion Incubator?
To be surrounded by such great designers is inspiring, and if you ever fall short of any resource you always have a neighbor to depend on.
After making such a splash so quickly with your eponymous line, how are you handling the pressure for your next collection?
I began the design process for the upcoming collection as soon as the last show was over. The pressure is always on to develop an innovative inspiration and create a collection that will be received well internationally. The pressure serves as a motivational force.
What are your current design inspirations?
At the moment I am inspired by the many different countries around the world. We become so enveloped in what New York has to offer that we forget what else is out there.
If you could travel anywhere this summer, where would it be and why?
I would have to say the south of France. There is a place along the French Riviera that I have fallen in love with called Beaulieu-sur-Mer. It is beautifully quaint and conveniently located right next to Monaco.
What's your advice for women facing the perpetual summer fashion dilemma of staying simultaneously cool and pulled together?
You cannot go wrong with throwing on a simple, chic summer dress paired with great sandals. You can easily stay cool and look presentable.
What's your favorite fashion possession, something you can't live without?
I cannot live without a simple cotton v-neck tee. It is so versatile and you can dress it up or down, day or night.