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not just black and white

11/14/2013

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Black and white is an easy color palette to fall into, especially with work wear, but the repetition can get boring quickly. Even a small dash of color, such as the scattered pink dots (see above photo) can the difference between boring and brilliant! Incorporating another color in a pattern will also help to give direction to your accessorizing. I added a pink scarf to play off the pink dots, but you could also pair it with a playful pink bauble necklace to further the dot trend or with a pink patent belt.

For those with a more adventurous side (and a looser dress code at the office), put the pattern in your skirt. Then you can add a crisp white oxford and a black cardigan for a fresh spin on your wear-to-work formula. If the extra pop of color is too much for you in a skirt, go for a bold black and white print and add your extra hue in your accessories.

When going out to dinner with friends, add some extra pizzazz to your Little Black Dress by layering with a printed cardigan instead of a basic black one. A little color and pattern make a big difference by breaking up the otherwise large block of color. Or if you have a job that requires you to wear a basic black suit everyday, you can make a quick costume change for dinner by switching out your suit jacket for a printed cardigan. It will instantly soften the look of your outfit and help you transition out of the workday mentality.
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Banana Republic Printed Blouse $79.50
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WHBM Boatneck Stripe Sweater $88
Even though we may not fall into the black and white color palette on the weekends, chances are that you are just swapping your black trousers for comfy denim and your white oxfords for solid colored tees. Instead grab a great striped sweater with a fun color that can be picked up in a scarf. Plus, sweaters are easier than t-shirts to mix into your work week outfit rotation.

If you are trying to break the black and white habit, I suggest rearranging your closet so that a few of your favorite bright accessories are front and center. Hang a patterned scarf on the same hanger as your winter coat, put a brightly colored belt through the belt loops of your work trousers the night before, or lay out a statement necklace next to your watch and soon it will be second nature to add a pop of color and pattern to your favorite outfits!
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Boden Printed Cotton Pencil Skirt $88 (also available in green paisley, coal and black spot, and navy and loganberry spot)
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style for sunday brunch

11/10/2013

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Boden Kate Dress $198
    For some, Sunday brunch brings to mind images of mimosas on a sunny patio while wearing a breezy sundress and strappy sandals, but that doesn't mean that it has to be confined to summertime. After all, hot coffee and french toast are even more enjoyable when it is not 100 degrees outside. So when the air turns crisp and cool, pair a patterned dress (I especially love a knit dress because they are just so comfortable) with dark tights and a great wedge or boot. Add a skinny belt to accentuate your waist, a contrasting clutch, and a necklace or bracelet with a touch of sparkle. Then grab a table by the window at your favorite brunch spot and order up a plate of something delicious!
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Banana Republic Penny Lucite Clutch $98
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J. Crew Patent Leather Belt $39.50
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LOFT Pearlized Smoky Gem Flower Bracelet $39.50
Here are a few other dresses that are perfect for brunch:

Banana Republic Gemma Windowpane Wrap Dress $98

Lands' End Floral Pattern Fit and Flare Dress $49.99

Old Navy Long Sleeved Wrap Dress $17.97
I love putting on a dress for brunch because it makes the meal feel more like an event. What other weekend activities inspire you to dress up? Let me know in the comments!
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work appropriate shoes

11/8/2013

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    Last week the New York Times posted a Room For Debate discussion about whether or not stilettos (and high heels more generally) are appropriate for the workplace. Contributors tackled the question in the context of health, style and professionalism, but what really stood out to me was that there isn't a consensus on what is appropriate footwear for women at work. We have many more options that our male counterparts which is great when trying to find a shoe that is comfortable as well as stylish, but it also means that we don't have an easy answer when we are trying to decide if we can or should wear a particular style. A black pump is a fairly standard pairing with a suit, but when does it become too high?

    My rule of thumb is that 3 inches is the maximum height for work and that platforms should be avoided in the office. Of course, there may be some exceptions, for example, some heels that technically have a platform front are designed or covered in outer material so that the platform is hidden. The biggest variable is your office culture. If you work at a fashion magazine, then chances are the norm will be to wear heels considerably higher than 3 inches and if you work in a law office you might feel that a wedge is too casual and that only a navy or black sensible pump will be acceptable. But regardless of your job, you should choose a shoe that is comfortable.

    Below the slideshow shows a few shoe options based on different office environments and dress codes, but only you know what will and will not be viewed as appropriate in your field. Let me know in the comments what you look for in a shoe for work. Do you rotate through several styles or wear the same one every day? Comfort or style (or hopefully you get both)? Are your shoes a bright and cheery hue or do you stick to neutrals? Share your thoughts as well as links to any shoes that you love for both comfort and style!
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five must haves for cold weather style

11/7/2013

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Gap Ponte Academy Blazer $88
1. A versatile blazer. While I love wearing my suiting jackets with items that aren't the matching suit, nothing can beat a great, semi-casual blazer for its functionality, especially since you don't have to worry about it fading because it doesn't need to match a skirt or pants. Choose one with a bit of stretch (and maybe a contrasting lining) for all day comfort and a dash of style that can be added to nearly every ensemble!

2. A patterned scarf. When the weather cools down, scarves are an obvious and easy way to accessorize an outfit. However, in my very extensive scarf collection only two of them are solid colors. Why? Patterns don't feel as overwhelming in a scarf as they do in a shirt or dress so they are an easy way to add visual interest.

3. A Little Black Dress. We have returned to the season of the LBD! Although I advocate for bright colors all year round, we can now safely wear our darker colors without looking out of place amongst the neons and pastels of summertime.

4. A fun skirt. One of the easiest ways to be ready for the upcoming parties of the season is with a fun skirt! You can all use your own metric for measuring fun, but in my closet it is a black sequin skirt. With a statement piece on your lower half, you can pair it with a solid colored sweater and and a simple necklace or scarf.
5. A long sleeve blouse. When it is chilly, long sleeves are a must, but too often that means choosing between a t-shirt and a button up oxford. Look for something that will pair well with your fall skirts (without making you look like you are heading to the office) but that can also be thrown on with jeans and a cardigan when you want to look nice for lunch with your friends. Most of the year sleeveless blouses reign supreme in the stores so now is the time to buy some sleeves!
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Banana Republic Sloan Sheath Dress $140
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Ann Taylor Twilight Leaf Print Scarf $59.50
What are the pieces in your closet that you look forward to wearing once the weather turns cool and crisp? For some women it is all about the riding boots (and the cute boot socks that go along with them), others are excited for the cozy, warm fabrics and still more enjoy the entire package of fall style. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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Ann Taylor Teardrop Lace Skirt $98
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J. Crew Lace Trim Swiss Dot Top $138
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thoughts on personal style

11/4/2013

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Cultivating your personal style can be a daunting challenge. So few of us fall into distinct style categories; we may love flannel shirts without being a hipster and polos without being preppy. But when we are feeling uninspired it can be difficult to be stylish when we don't really know what our personal style is. Here are a few style components that can be mixed to create your own unique look. Leave a few words in the comments describing the elements of your personal style.

color confident

You don't shy away from a bright color and more than likely you will pair that bold hue with another equally vibrant item. You only use neutrals as a canvas on which to create, not as the main art of your ensemble. When you look into your closet and feel uninspired, grab a colorful scarf to add extra pizzazz to your outfit.

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color neutral

While you have some color pops in your closet, they are worn mostly as accents to break up the softer neutrals that your prefer. To create a wow look without going neon, try mixing similar shades of one color or move your color pop into a more dominant position, such as the pant.

bold patterns

You prefer your dresses to come printed and your layers to each have a personality. A striped shirt under a polka dot sweater is a go to combination for you but you sometimes end up in a rut because not all your patterns mix easily. When you have unmatchable patterns, break it up with a solid: tuck a patterned shirt into a patterned skirt, but layer a solid sweater on top so just the collar and/or cuffs of the shirt show. Keep it in the same color palette and you'll be ready to rock.

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subtle solids

If patterns aren't your thing you can still create a great wardrobe with (mostly) solids. Look for pieces with great texture for visual interest and don't forget about your accessories. A great patent belt and a necklace can transform trousers and an oxford shirt from dull to chic without adding a single stripe or dot. For extra excitement try a colorblock dress or skirt.

trendy designs

Do you have a closet full of pants in every fit imaginable? If so, you might be a trendy shopper. You don't have a preference when it comes to skinny jeans vs. boot cut because you buy what is available. But don't be afraid to pair your new items with old favorites--it might not have been shown that way on the mannequin display at the store but trust your style instincts. So go ahead and grab your favorite wide-leg work trousers out of storage and pair it with your brand new sweater. Then later in the week you can get double duty out of that sweater by wearing it with the skinny jeans it was displayed with at the mall.

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classic silhouettes

Once you have found clothing styles that fit, it can seem foolish to risk trying something new. Whether your silhouettes are classic by choice or just because the trends don't fit, you may sometimes get envious of the outfits you see that you can't quite reproduce. Remember to embrace the fact that you have found a style that fits! Look at outfits you admire in a new light and try to pinpoint what it is that you like, perhaps the color, the pattern or the accessories? Incorporate those ideas into your ensemble for a style that is classic with an edge.
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