Tuesday Takeover: Monica Ybarra
Maz Mavens let me introduce you to the effervescent and elegant Monica Ybarra. I am lucky enough to have served on the OCU Law Alumni Association board with her as President for a couple of years and been able to witness her charisma, leadership ability, and style. Monica is a lawyer by profession—In house counsel at TBS Factoring Service, LLC, but among her peers she is most well-known for her ability to connect, her authenticity, her hard work ethic, and her ability to bring sunshine to the space she enters. She has a true sense of self in a way that exudes confidence, but not vanity. She loves to lift others up and does it with grace. When she’s not roaming around obscure parts of Oklahoma and Santa Fe with her fiancé, you’ll find she takes pride in representing the Latinx community in anyway she can. In fact, I often see hints of Latin representation in her unique, yet classic style that I describe as powerfully feminine. With that, it’s my pleasure to get some fashion ques from the always on point Monica Ybarra.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an appreciation for vintage and retro fashion. I love the pencil skirts and waist cinching jackets of the 1940s; the billowing skirts and matching gloves of the 1950s; the mini skirts, A-line dresses, and boxy jackets of the 1960s. And the hats, oh, the hats! My television and movie favorites reflect this love for retro fashion—from Mad Men to Land Girls; from Evita to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, I often find myself lost in the fashion more than the story! And I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than rummaging through other people’s closets at an estate sale or finding a beautiful fur coat or clip on earrings at an antique store. (And I’m happy to take tender care of your grandmother’s old clothing and hats if you’re tired of holding on to them!)
So it’s no surprise that when it comes to my favorite workwear pieces, I love finding inspiration from decades past. And with expanding options in the OKC metro area, not to mention at our fingertips, it’s easy to incorporate nostalgic trends into my contemporary work attire without looking like I’m wearing a costume or dressed as an extra in a period piece movie.
Powerfully & Professionally Feminine
As corporate counsel for an innovative company with a fresh approach to business and technology, it’s easy for me to have fun with my work attire. This career allows me a little more freedom in fashion than my prior law firm gig where I regularly made court appearances. I have a tendency to overdress for most occasions, and work is no exception.
So, when choosing an outfit, comfort isn’t always my priority. I’m certainly more comfortable in high heels than flats, and I don’t mind restricting pencil skirts. My goal is to feel confident, professional, and feminine in what I choose to wear.
Retro Glam
I discovered MUXXN brand dresses a few years ago as I was browsing on Amazon and it is my go-to brand for affordable dresses with a retro flare (and the fabric is stretchy and durable, too!). For example, this green 1950s (or maybe 1960s?) inspired pencil dress with a standup collar and ¾ length sleeve is one of my favorite work dresses.
It comes with a thin belt of matching fabric and the collar reminds me of Jackie O, one of my fashion icons! It makes me feel glamourous but is perfectly suited for the office, too. I love a dress that quickly transforms into a cocktail hour outfit with a quick shoe and handbag change.
Pretty, Classic Style
While the full skirts of the 1950s aren’t exactly what I wear to the office, I like to find ways to incorporate a toned-down version of the style when I can. This Oxiluly (Amazon) A-line dress with a bow tie neck and pockets is perfect for a day at the office.
Not only does it pair well with my Tumi briefcase, but it is comfortable and breathable. The neckline and the sleeves are modest and make me feel pretty without feeling like I’m going to church.
Keepin it Fun, Fresh, and Femme at Work
There’s nothing more feminine than bows and I enjoy working them into my outfits. Whether a bow-accented shoe, a bow-shaped brooch, or a tie neck blouse that I can tie into a bow around my neck, bows can add a fun flare and still look professional. The Black Scintilla is perhaps the best local boutique in the city and there’s never a shortage of fun, feminine blouses to pair with my suits and separates for the office. I own this particular tie neck blouse in three colors (purple, white, and grey) and they are always the perfect piece for any outfit, especially with my William & Lauren custom blazer. While my W&L custom suit is certainly courtroom ready, the blazer paired with jeans makes for the perfectly comfortable casual Friday look—comfortable enough for a bike or scooter ride around the office (Yes, we really do ride bikes and scooters at our office!)
Timeless Fashion, but Make It Your Own
While I save my kiss lock vintage clutches, fascinator hats, and gloves for date night at the OKC Philharmonic, it’s fun and easy to bring the timeless fashion trends of decades past into a contemporary work wardrobe. xoxo - Monica
GET THIS LOOK
Look #1 Green Retro Glam
Dress: Amazon; $33.99
Handbag: Black Scintilla
Shoes: Dillards, Antonio Milani ($89.99)
Shoes: ALDO $69.99
Handbag on table: Black Scintilla ($44.99)
Look #2 Black & White Pretty & Classic
Dress: Amazon, $29.69
Shoes: Nine West $69.99
Briefcase: Tumi (gift, price unknown)
Look #3 Fun, Fresh, and Femme
Blouse: Black Scintilla $49.99
Jeans: Madewell $119
Purple Blazer: William and Lauren custom (price varies)
