Last month I showcased bold, daring prints in my designer style to scrub style post. This month, I chose simple solids in flattering mock wrap styles. The mock wrap style is perfect for designer styles and scrub styles because it’s so versatile. Even without adding a print, this style top can take on a variety of looks.  Check out the designer styles and scrub styles below to see what I mean.

        Designer Style: PO Top          Scrub Style: Cherokee Scrubs Top
          
These two mock wrap tops utilize a rich color that’s perfect for fall- especially when you start to lose that summer tan! Even though both tops are very plain, the simple style works well with the deep color. And you’ll be happy to know that this affordable nursing scrubs top won’t break your bank, but unfortunately the designer style might.

        Designer Style: Aqua Top      Scrub Style: Koi Scrubs Top
         
Each of these black mock wrap tops add a touch of ruffle to the trim, which creates a nice balance with the dark color. The medical uniform top is also super lightweight so you can be stylish and comfortable.

   Designer Style: Jones New York Top     Scrub Style: Urbane Scrubs Top
         
These tops have a totally different feel from the rest. They perfectly combine a fitted shape, adjustable waists and crisp collars for a classy, professional look.

So what are your thoughts on wrap tops? Have you found an awesome style that fits your figure best or do you prefer the more traditional medical uniform styles? Tell me what you think!

Happy Friday everyone! Here’s the news from the week:

Healthcare Professionals in the News:

• When The Patient Can't Decide: Study Looks At Physician Perspectives On Surrogate Decision Making
• Possible Age Bias Among Emergency Medical Personnel
• Initiatives | Two Florida Universities Partner in Effort To Boost Minority Nursing Population
• 'Medical-Surgical Nurses Week' To Honor Nurses' Life-Saving Work
• New rules proposed to protect anti-abortion doctors

Health News:

• Genetic traits linked to bipolar disorder
• Blood protects against long-gone killer 1918 flu
• FDA Warns of Deaths by Diabetes Drugs
• Scientists make red blood cells from embryonic stem cells; may someday help transfusion supply
• Jump in US measles cases linked to vaccine fears

Press Releases:

• Healthcare Reformers Hold Reception for Congressional HR 676 Caucus at Democratic National Convention, Tues. Aug 26
• Largest gift in MSU College of Nursing history will fund building project

Blogs:

• Thoughts on routines and such
• The Heart as Electromagnet

And if you haven’t already created your wishlist at LydiasUniforms.com, don’t forget to do so! It’s your chance to win $250 worth of free nursing scrubs and medical supplies. One reader left a comment saying she wants to win the contest so that she can try a pair of the Earth Solar Shoes. What items are at the top of your wishlist?

Depending on the day, I’ve been known to argue that sacrificing comfort for fashion is just necessary. I’ve worn completely inappropriate shoes for mile long walks, just because they were the perfect addition to my outfit, and this has been known to happen on more than one occasion. I’m not the only one who thinks this way, the proof is everywhere: women in dresses, mid-winter, waiting to get into night clubs; brides in elaborate wedding gowns that won’t even allow them to go to the bathroom without a three man (or woman) team; girls in high heels, taking on the descent of the four flights of stairs in their apartment building. Women everywhere are willing to give up comfort for a day of looking good. It’s not rational, but it happens, and somehow I understand.

Fortunately, there is one category of clothing, where I can honestly say that comfort never needs to be compromised for fashion. That category is, of course, medical uniforms. Any part of a medical uniform, whether it’s a lab coat, nursing scrubs or a pair of shoes, I will stand behind the statement that there are comfortable and fashionable options. And if you don’t believe me, here are a few of my favorites.



Left: L.A. Rose Keyhole Neck Scrub Top in Blueberry & Dickies Sandwashed Flare Pants in Cocoa 
Right: IguanaMed Short Sleeve Scrub Tee in Winter White & Urbane Essential Pant in Steel Grey


Left: Cherokee Flex-i-bles Callie Scrub Top & Cherokee Flex-i-bles Scrub Pants in Black
Right: Dickies Black Label Mock Wrap Scrub Top in Ceil Blue & Dickies Black Label Flat Front Flare Leg Scrub Pant in White



I personally went through all of our scrubs to find the ones that I thought had the most comfortable feel. Out of all of our scrubs the Dickies Black Label are definitely the most touchable. The Cherokee Flex-i-bles are unique because they have side insets that are stretchy and allow for easy movement. I hope you like my comfy scrub picks! And if there are any scrubs I didn't mention that you think deserve to be noticed for their high level of comfort combined with fashionable style, leave a comment and share your opinions!

If you haven’t already heard: the Lydia’s Win Your Wishlist Contest is back (I love being the bearer of good news)! Just in time for fall we’re giving you the chance to score $250 of stylish uniforms.  Entering is extremely simple. Whether you’re looking for men’s nursing scrubs, medical supplies or a new lab coat, just login to your Lydia’s Uniforms account, find your favorite items and add them to your wishlist. You have until August 31st to create your wishlist and I’ll be announcing the winner the following week.

                  

To read all the official rules and details of the contest click here. And if you happen to know where I can score my own free work clothes just by browsing an online store, let me know!

For work, home or going out on the town, I love layers. I’m unsure as to whether this love of layers developed because I’m cold all the time (it seems my body is incapable of retaining heat) or it might just be part of my style. Most likely, it’s a combination of the two. Regardless of the reasons I love layers; it’s safe to say that at any given time, I’m wearing them (unless I’m shopping-trying on clothes is enough work as it is!).

So when it comes to scrub uniforms there are a few specific reasons why you can love layers.

1.) Warmth: Add a layer under or over your scrubs when you’re cold. Remove a layer from your medical uniform when you’re hot. You get the idea.
Left:Cardigan Scrub Jacket  Right:Nu Dimension Stretch Tailored Scrub Jacket 

2.) Style: When you can’t accessorize layers are the perfect way to add color and contrast to a look. Make your plain blue uniform scrubs pop with a red long sleeve tee underneath. Add a short sleeve tee in a complementary color under your hospital scrubs for a hint of color that peeks out at the neckline. Or add a plain long sleeve tee under a bold print to balance out your look.

3.) Versatile: Mix and match your layers for different looks. Layer your designer medical scrubs one day, but not the next for even more looks. Layers are a cheap way to expand your wardrobe without spending a ton of money (that must be another reason I love them!).

4.) Simple: Not in the mood for matching? Some of our scrubs do the work for you. There are mock layer tops from Katherine Heigl that look like layers but are really only one top! Or there are tops from Koi that come in sets that include a long sleeve tee and a matching scrub top for the price of one!

Sanctuary Mock Layered Scrub Top & Screen Print Mock Layered Scrub Top

     Annie Combo Scrub Top  &   Harlow Scrub Top  

So whether you’re looking for the best way to stay warm while still being stylish (like me), or you need a few new pairs of affordable nursing scrubs to freshen up your wardrobe, layers might just be the way to go this fall.

And if you happen to be in Michigan, like all of us here at Lydia’s, the time to start shopping for those layers is now because fall is on its way!

I’ve been working at Lydia’s for a little over four months now. Even after such a short period of time I feel like I’m basically an expert on medical scrubs. From Barco Nursing Uniforms to Cherokee Scrubs, my brain is bursting with information about Lydia’s. So considering all I know about scrubs and about Lydia’s Professional Uniforms, I can only begin to imagine what kind of information is in the mind of a long term Lydia’s employee.

For today, we’ll hear from one of those long term employees. I didn’t quiz him about the knowledge he has on scrubs (I’ll save that for another time), but I did find out how he wound up working at Lydia’s and why he’s stayed here for the past eight years.

Read on. 

I’m a Lucky Person by Francisco Saenz

Yesterday it was eight years of me being an employee of Professional Uniforms.  On that day I always look back and realize how fortunate I am to be here. 

I used to live in Denver, Colorado. There I worked for a company that sold science fiction toys, and let me tell you, there was no better day than product training day.  On product training day you went into a room full of toys and well, you had to play with our new product line.  It was awesome!

But as years went by and the national economy took a downturn, sales decreased and I decided to look for other employment opportunities.  One day I received a call from my current boss here at Professional Uniforms, he called and said, “Hi I’m Jim with Professional Uniforms, I’m calling you from Grand Rapids, Michigan”.  At that time many thoughts went through my head but mainly…  Where is Michigan?  So we talked for awhile and while he was telling me about his product line, his catalog, etc. I was searching the Internet trying to find Grand Rapids on a map. I agreed to meet with him in person, so a few days later I came to Michigan and we talked for nearly 6 hours.  I met his family (they all work here) and we all shared our views about the industry and the importance of quality customer service.  I was so impressed with this company that as soon as I went back to Denver I sold my house and moved to Michigan (July 2000).  Since then, I can honestly say that the fast pace we experience here at Professional Uniforms sure beats playing with any of the coolest toys we ever had in Denver.  It has truly been a blessing to be able to serve customers whose jobs are so necessary and so important.  Thank you for keeping me here all these years, and thank you to Jim. As always, I look forward to serving you soon.

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you enjoyed reading about everything from spacious nurse uniforms to designer medical scrubs this week.  I love how there are so many new things for me to write about now that the stylish scrubs for fall have arrived. Who knows what I’ll find to write about next week.

Now, taking a break from medical uniforms (just for a minute), here are some news stories from the week that you might find interesting:

Healthcare Professionals in the News:

• New nurses need criminal record check
• Dental Care Shortages, Reimbursements Need To Be Addressed In Health Policy Debate, Experts Say
• GenVec receives funding for foot-and-mouth vaccine program
• Most Generalists Reluctant To Provide Primary Care For Young Adults With Chronic Illness
• Doctors’ opposition to home nursing riles midwives, moms
• As Doctors Cater to Looks, Skin Patients Wait

Health News:

• Experimental Alzheimer’s drug shows early promise
• Pre-pregnancy diabetes tied to more birth defects
• Artificial pancreas just years away, experts say
• Does Bush proposal threaten access to the pill?
• L.A.: No new fast-food outlets in poor area

Opinion Piece:

• PRICE: Transforming health care

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and if you’re planning on purchasing any apparel scrubs, lab coats or medical supplies in the next few days I suggest you keep an eye on your e-mail for an opportunity to save a little cash when you do.

If you’re a big purse person (you know who you are) and you wear medical scrubs, this post is for you. This post is for anyone who has everything from band-aids to books in their purse, hair brushes to hair spray. This post is for all of you who are consistently prepared, ready for anything and have the supplies to prove it. 

These pants are the perfect example of how function and fashion combine in medical uniforms. They offer a little bit of extra room in your medical uniform that other pants don’t. I know it’s not the equivalent of the storage space in your big purse, but you are at work, you don’t really need a book or hairspray in there.

Here’s a quick list of what makes these apparel scrubs unique.

The first and most obvious factor that differentiates these medical scrubs is the sling pocket. I like this because it reminds me of a more feminine version of the traditional cargo pocket (not that cargo pants can’t be feminine, see these cargo pants for a great example). What’s great about this pocket, besides its feminine appeal, is that it’s detachable. Wear it when you need it, remove it when you don’t.  Either way you’ll still be outfitted in a stylish medical uniform. When you are wearing it, there’s a button on the leg of the pants to secure it to. 

Second, the waist on these scrubs is extremely flattering. It’s has the appearance of a tailored look, but the barely there side zipper allows you to comfortably slip in and out of them, just like you would with any other apparel scrubs (another pair of scrubs with a similar waist is the Marissa Pant by Koi).

Third, the color options available are totally versatile. They’re all fairly neutral shades so you aren’t limited to what you can wear them with. You probably have designer nursing scrubs in your closet right now that would match a pair of these pants perfectly.

So if you’re a big purse person, you might want to consider trying out a pair of these Urbane pants. Select the most important items to get you through your workday, fill up your pockets and get your day started!

So what do you think about these scrubs? Is lots of pocket space important to you or could you get through your day with none? And do you like how Urbane combines fashion and function on these scrub uniforms or would you have done it differently?

For last month’s Designer Style to Scrub Style post I showcased three sets of medical uniforms and designer outfits that shared similar shapes and styling. This month my focus has shifted. I’ve found three stylish uniforms which borrow their enticing color palettes and patterns from high end designer tops. I’m personally trying to add more colors and patterns to my wardrobe. It would be great if I could do it by purchasing affordable women’s uniforms like you can!

Although each of these tops features a daring print, they all have a slightly different appeal, which is what makes these stylish uniforms so special.

The first pair consists of a scrub top by Los Angeles Rose and a designer top by Sweet Pea. The muted color palette combined with the shapes on each top creates a subtle style. 

                 Designer Style: Sweet Pea       Scrub Style: LA Rose
             

The second pair consists of a Landau Medical Scrubs Top and a designer top by Shoshanna. The vibrant bursts of color on these two tops create a more fun, outgoing look. And the two are just another example of how designer nursing scrubs are keeping up with high end styles.

                Designer Style: Shoshanna          Scrub Style: Landau
              

The last pair consists of a second top from Los Angeles Rose and a designer top from Cynthia Steffe. To me, these prints seem to combine trendy style and sophisticated style. I think it’s the baroque patterns that make them seem so sophisticated. 

                  Designer Style: Cynthia Steffe  Scrub Style: LA Rose
             


Have you noticed any other color palettes, prints or styles that are showing up in the new fall medical uniforms and also in your favorite clothing stores? If you do, e-mail me pictures or links to these styles and I’ll feature them in the next month’s Designer Style to Scrub Style post.

Happy Friday everyone! I would like to start this post off by congratulating Janet, the winner of yesterday’s contest. Janet was the first person to comment on yesterday’s post and she correctly matched the four medical nursing uniforms with their brands. I’ll be sending out Janet’s free gift today! In addition, Sherry and Stephanie also left comments correctly matching the stylish uniforms with their brands. Since today is Friday and we’re feeling generous here at Lydia’s, I’ll be sending them free gifts as well. Congratulations ladies; I’m glad that your expertise on designer nursing scrubs paid off!

Now here’s the news from the week:

News Stories: Doctors and Nurses in the News:

• Nurses Step up Efforts to Protect Against Attacks
• For Doctors, No More Drug Company Trinkets
• American Nurses Association Advocates For Safe Staffing Legislation To Protect Public's Safey
• Shortage of teachers means shortage of nurses
• Doctors’ Group Issues Apology for Racism

News Stories: Health News:

• Skin cancer rates grow among younger women
• Fewer nonsmokers breathe cigarette fumes, CDC says
• More suspects in frustrating salmonella probe

Blogs:

• What Changes Those Who Enter Nursing Administration?

Have a great weekend everyone and don’t forget to check out all the new stylish uniforms that are now available at Lydia’s Uniforms! The Katherine Heigl Vancouver line is one of my favorites and Koi has some really fashion forward looks as well. Go take a look and see what you think of the new fall scrubs.

Tomorrow we’re adding tons of new stylish uniforms online at Lydia’s. We’re introducing the Dickies’ Black Label Collection which is a new line of high end designer nursing scrubs. And I particularly like the cutting edge fashions that you’ll see from Katherine Heigl and Koi. Plus we’ve added more great medical nursing uniforms from Cherokee Authentic Workwear because they’re so popular with you.

Since I’m impatient and anxious for you to see all the new stylish uniforms; I decided to give you a sneak peek at the new designer nursing scrubs. I picked a few of my favorite medical nursing uniforms and here they are. The catch is: I’m not telling you what brand they are; I want you to tell me! The first person to leave a comment, correctly matching each number with the correct brand, will win a free gift from Lydia’s.  

                

Get going! This contest will end as soon as someone gets it right or tomorrow when the items go online!

Hint: The brands you have to choose from are White Cross, L.A. Rose, Katherine Heigl and Cherokee (there’s one of each).

Working at Lydia’s Uniforms allows me to give you insight on what’s new, stylish and popular in the world of medical uniforms. But as much as I like to give my opinion, I also love hearing yours because you wear medical uniforms everyday. You know how they fit, hold up and really look. So today I’m taking a break and sharing with you the opinions of two customers who tested out two different medical uniforms from Lydia’s.  One customer reviewed her Cherokee Medical Scrubs nursing uniforms and the other reviewed her It’s Happy Bunny medical uniform.  See what they had to say.

Cherokee Medical Scrubs Road Test by Barbara

Which scrubs did you choose for the road test?
Cherokee Authentic Workwear Unisex Scrub Pant and Cherokee Authentic Workwear Solid Color Two Pocket Scrub Top

What’s your profession?
Respiratory Therapy student

How often do you wear scrubs?
5 days a week while in school, 3-5 days a week during clinicals

How often do you wear these particular Cherokee scrubs?
At least 4 out of those 5 days

What color do you have these Cherokee scrubs in?
I have those in Caribbean Blue, Ceil Blue, Eggplant, Hunter Green, Shocking Pink and Navy.
 
Which color do you wear the most? Do you wear that color as part of a dress code?
The color I wear the most is Hunter Green, since green is the color Respiratory Therapy students must wear while in class.

How do these scrubs fit?
I have purchased multiple pairs of these scrubs in many different colors and they all run about the same. I am 5'8" so I buy the talls, which not very many brands carry. They wash up great, with no bleeding, fading or shrinking. I prefer the drawstring waist for comfort.  

What are you likes/dislikes about these scrubs? What’s your favorite thing about them?
I don’t have any dislikes about these scrubs at all. I have been very pleased with every color I have purchased and I love that Lydia's color coordinates the bottoms with the print tops for convenient online shopping.  

Have you received any compliments on your Cherokee scrubs?
I have recieved many compliments on my printed tops with color coordinating bottoms.  

Do you have any stories about what these scrubs have been through?
My scrubs went with me from being bored in class to the excitement of saving someone's life responding to a code blue.

It’s Happy Bunny Scrubs Road Test by Beth

Which scrubs did you choose for the road test?
The It’s Happy Bunny Sash Scrub Top and Drawstring Cargo Scrub Pant in black.

What’s your profession?
C.N.A.

How often do you wear nurse uniforms?
I work 6 days a week plus 3 evenings during the week so you can say I’m in scrubs a lot.

How often do you wear these
particular scrubs?
2 times a week

How do these scrubs fit?
They run a little smaller than other brands, but do fit well.

What are you likes/dislikes about these scrubs? What’s your favorite part about them?
My favorite part about them is that they fit well all over, you know, they’re not low rise, they fit on the hips nicely.

Have you received any compliments on them?
Many compliments from all my co-workers, and even people that work in management have said nice things about them.

Hopefully these reviews are helpful for anyone who wants to purchase Cherokee Medical Scrubs or new nurse uniforms from It’s Happy Bunny. Thanks to Barbara and Beth for sharing their knowledge on their medical uniforms. And if anyone has helpful insight regarding these particular medical uniforms, leave a comment and share your thoughts!

P.S. Barbara and Beth both volunteered their opinions to Lydia’s via MySpace. If you’re on MySpace come find Lydia’s Uniforms; I would love to add you as a friend! It’s a great place to interact with Lydia’s, ask questions, leave comments and communicate with others who wear medical uniforms.

I’m just one of many employees here at Lydia’s Uniforms. Since you get to hear what I have to say about nursing scrubs and medical clothing uniforms on a regular basis I thought you might be interested in hearing from some of our other employees via the blog. So today I’ll be sharing with you write ups from two different employees, Mandy and Char. They each wrote about the time they've spend working at Lydia’s, discussing what they do here and why the love it. I was intrigued by their write ups because as an employee it’s encouraging to hear about other employees’ positive experiences. Hopefully you’ll find what they have to say interesting as well. After all, you might just end up talking to one of them if you ever buy medical uniforms over the phone. If you have a question about your new nursing scrubs from Lydia’s, they might be on the other end of the line when you call and ask.  So if you've ever wondered: What it's like at Lydia's? Read what they have to say.

Mandy: Team Leader in Customer Service

I have been an employee of Lydia’s Professional Uniforms for over five years. I cannot express enough gratitude toward this family owned company. I started my first year with this company in the Returns Department processing orders and enjoyed working in an environment where all of my co-workers and supervisors were extremely helpful and courteous. At that point I knew they treated the employees just as they do every customer.

I then received the opportunity to move to the call center where all the orders are placed. I remember being so excited to work with customers first hand and help each person find uniforms that they would be comfortable in and fit their body type.

Lydia’s gave me new opportunities and also worked around my schedule of being a full-time college student. Lydia’s not only was supportive through my college career but they are also looking out for our customers too! Did you know they offer a Nursing Scholarship program? Having been in school myself I know how much that can help out. I really appreciate everything that Lydia’s has done for me over the past five years and am happy to work for a company that takes pride in their work everyday.

Char: Special Accounts Representative

Sometimes I wonder where 20 years have gone. I have been with Lydia’s for the better part of 16 years. I did try other things, but it’s like coming home. I can truly say that 90% of my work has been fun. The company I work for has always had my back, in good times and bad.

A lot of things have changed in 20 years, but I am still proud of the integrity of Lydia’s. They really do care about the customers and the staff that serves them. As a customer you can feel confident that you’re dealing with an honest company. Like any company, we sometimes make mistakes, but we have been trained to do whatever we can to keep you as a long time customer. As a long time staff member I know that Lydia’s will treat you right.

I have customers from all over the country that brighten my day, make me crazy and make me laugh; I owe this to a unique company. Thank you Uniform Warehouse and Lydia’s Uniforms.