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12 days of holiday parties: ponte skirt

12/30/2013

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The new year is almost here and tomorrow will be the twelfth and final installment of the 12 Days of Holiday Parties outfit series! If you need to catch up, past posts can be found here. 

The outfit:
A patterned ponte skirt paired back to a pink v-neck tee and a black blazer with grosgrain ribbon tie. Pair with black pumps.

Where to wear it:
To a friend's dinner party (or when you are hosting your own!) and as a festive work outfit on New Year's Eve. 

Why it works:
I love ponte skirts in general, but a bold pattern definitely sweetens the pot. I chose the bright pink as the base of the outfit because I like to wear something besides red and green to holiday parties. The black blazer grounds the look and prevents it from looking like an Easter ensemble. Another way to style this skirt would be with a black long sleeve tee layered under a white open cardigan.
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12 days of holiday parties: the tweed suit

12/22/2013

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Need to catch up on the 12 Days of Holiday Parties outfit series? Past posts can be found here and new looks will be posted daily until New Year's Eve to inspire your party outfits this season!

The outfit:
I absolutely adore this tweed suit, but do not have many occasions to wear it as a set. Since the sleeves are only 3/4 length, I love to add a fun pop near the wrist and in this case I layered a white and black stripe tee underneath. Pair with a cute pair of black boots to finish the look. I added a gold and pearl necklace, but a brightly colored scarf tucked into the jacket would also be appropriate.

Where to wear it:
This warm and cozy outfit is perfect to wear to church, to the office holiday party, or to see the annual production of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol.

Why it works:
Tweed is a cold-weather fabric and worn as a matching suit, it feels very seasonal. The style of this jacket as well as the unexpected pop by the wrists keeps the outfit from feeling like you are on your way to work.
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essential fall pieces

8/30/2013

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It's finally Labor Day weekend and the end of summer which means that we can start seriously prepping our closets for fall. At the beginning of every season I like to take stock of what I already own so I can avoid missing staples or buying duplicates--fall is especially important since these pieces can be worn through April!

When going through your clothes, be sure to try on anything that you haven't worn recently. You may discover that some of last year's favorites no longer fit or are looking rather threadbare. Pay particular attention to your pants, even your work trousers that you may still be wearing regularly. Many dark colors start to fade so if it looks like you will be needing an update soon, it is better to start your pant search early in the season when there are plenty of options available- don't wait until your current go-to pieces are no longer salvageable.
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Boden Holborn Dress $138 (available in navy, black, grey, & red)
Remember that although dark colors do feel seasonal, you are not limited black and grey. Blue, burgundy, and teal all add brightness to an outfit while still feeling appropriate for the cooler temperatures.
One of my top must-haves for the season is a well tailored ponte sheath dress. Ponte is one of my favorite fabrics for work because it has stretch, but still creates a a structured look and the weight of the fabric helps to skim over any body imperfections. Throw on a blazer or cardigan for the office, add statement jewelry to transition it to dinner, or layer it over a long sleeve tee and pair with riding boots for a casual chic look. I love the contrast detailing and buttons on this sheath from Boden, but if you are wary of online shopping, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor usually have good selections of ponte sheath dresses. In a dress as a versatile as this I like to choose one with some color so that it can pair back to the neutral blazers that I already own without having to worry about whether or not it matches exactly.

A colored pant is also a great way to add a stylish pop to your outfit. We generally expect to see color on the upper half and a neutral on the bottom, so flipping it around helps to create a more dynamic ensemble. I love the styling of the Lands' End pant in the photo.
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Land's End Side-zip Ankle Pants $59 (available in raisin, black, evergreen, walnut, & navy)
If you find that your wardrobe is missing entire types of pieces, make sure not to go overboard and buy multiples of the same item in many colors. Cardigans are a great example of this. As any long time reader of this blog knows, I am obsessed with cardigans and wear them everywhere--I even have a dedicated cardigan for wearing while doing laundry! Although my passion for those buttoned sweaters has not wavered, I do find myself going through waves of admiration for specific ones. To be prepared for these moods, I have every style of cardigan imaginable: v-neck and crew neck; long, short, and 3/4 sleeve; cropped, boyfriend, and hip length; zippered and buttoned; patterned and solid; and even the cousin of the cardigan, the sweater jacket/blazer. The point is that not every style works for every occasion and although it is tempting to buy up a rainbow of colors in the first one you find that fits, it is better in the long run to do the extra legwork and find a few different options so that you are not limited by your clothes.
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Banana Republic Issa Collection Colorblock Cardigan $79.50 (available in black, navy, & red)
For the cooler weather of fall, cardigans really are the superstar of your closet. They are polished enough for work, easily dressed down with a pair of jeans and a tee, and a lifesaver when you are shivering in a cold restaurant in your cute little black dress. If you are not convinced and only want to try out one, my suggestion for maximum versatility would be the Banana Republic black and grey colorblock cardi.
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Lands' End Floral Print Cardigan $79
For the warmer days of early fall, try layering your favorite summer tops underneath long sleeve cardigans, but make sure that any new cardigans you buy have room in the arm to wear a shirt underneath. For additional styling ideas, check out pretty much any post from the archives!
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Ann Taylor Cardigan Jacket $98
When not rocking a cardigan, I am almost definitely in a blazer and one of the best things about fall is that the temperatures are finally cool enough to wear a tweed blazer without sweating half to death! While I am not usually one to shy away from color, I do recommend choosing a neutral color for your tweed. A well fitted blazer is not a disposable piece so while the pink or kelly green tweed may be appealing now, your wardrobe would be better served with an investment piece in a more traditional grey, black, navy or brown. That doesn't mean, however, that the piece needs to be boring to be serviceable--the Boden blazer that is shown below has great trim detailing and beautifully polished buttons.
I mostly wear my tweed jackets when I am trying to add polish to my denim for an elevated casual look, but they are also great layered over sheath dresses for work or mixed with your existing solid suiting options.

A tweed skirt is also a key cold weather piece, but it doesn't necessarily need to match your tweed jacket. I have an over abundance of tweed in my closet so although I do own a matching tweed skirt suit, it is rare that I wear it as such. Paired back to a crisp oxford and a solid blazer or cardigan, a tweed skirt is a great office wear piece, but I also like to wear it with dark tights, a cozy sweater, and riding boots for a weekend look.

If you do decide to wear a matching tweed skirt suit (or for the very brave, a tweed pant suit), try adding a lighter colored top underneath the blazer to visually lighten the weight of the fabric. To avoid creating a dated look, skip the pearls and heavy gold jewelry and instead choose colorful, light, and modern accessories.
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Boden British Tweed Blazer in Blue Stripe Herringbone $228
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J. Crew Crystal Wildflowers Necklace $59.50 (available in crystal, spearmint, & grey)
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the tie bar "checked up" mother of pearl cufflinks $20
To avoid boring work looks, take inspiration from menswear styling and pair colored oxfords under contrasting pullover sweaters. To add a feminine detail in place of a tie, layer a statement necklace under the collar but over the sweater. I love a chunky piece like the J. Crew necklace pictured because it doesn't get lost in the layers, but can also be worn as a wow factor with a dress for evening.
If you are looking to add sparkle or detail without the big statement, try accessorizing with cuff links. I love thetiebar.com because they have stylish options and reasonable prices. A few of my favorites are here, here, and here. Need a french cuff shirt to be able to wear all those fabulous cuff links? They can be found at Brooks Brothers as well as many department stores.

Also, remember that the same rule about variety with your cardigans apply to your pullovers. Having both crew neck and v-neck options in your rotation will allow you the freedom to wear many styles of blouse underneath the sweater and to display different lengths of necklaces.
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BR Oxford Shirt $64.50 (available in 7 solids & 2 stripes)
Sparkly jewelry is a great way to create visual interest as the colors become more subdued in the cooler weather, but if you prefer playing with pattern, there are still many options! Tweed is great for adding texture, striped tees can be layered under just about anything, scarves run the gamut of prints, and patterned skirts are one of the season's most darling pieces. A printed skirt is great for mixing up your traditional suiting options and this grey and black Boden polka dot skirt is one of my favorites.
I love that the cut of the skirt gives it movement without feeling heavy (although this polka dot print is also available as a pencil skirt if you prefer a straighter fit) and the small size of the dots keep it work appropriate. If you have a closet full of dark clothes, this is a great piece to help break up the monotony. Pair with a black sweater, tights and riding boots for an outfit that kicks it up a notch without taking you out of your comfort zone. For a conservative office, tuck in a white oxford and layer on your favorite black blazer to create a classic three piece look.
Not a fan of polka dots? Try a scarf to add an extra pop to your outfits in any pattern you can imagine. I like to have (at least) one neutral scarf and one brightly colored scarf. That helps to ensure that my scarves are complementing my outfits but not determining what I can or can't wear. These scarves should be a medium weight that will be comfortable enough to wear as an accessory indoors. Heavy duty knitted scarves are great for keeping snow off of your neck, but they aren't quite as practical as an everyday fashion piece.
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J. Crew Cubist Houndstooth Scarf $55
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Boden Smithfield Wool Skirt $118
What fall clothes are you excited to be able to wear once the weather cools down? Let me know in the comments! I hope that everyone has a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend!
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comfortably chic

6/19/2013

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The week before you go on vacation is always a test. I am heading to the Grand Canyon in just a few days and my mind is already in relaxation mode. That can make it difficult to put on structured and professional clothes for work, but luckily there are plenty of options that look chic but feel like weekend wear.

This first outfit is comprised of a mixture of the softest, stretchiest, and silkiest fabrics out there right now. I paired a navy & white striped blazer in my favorite comfy fabric (ponte!) over a colored tee with just a hint of detail at the neckline. Tuck the tee into this season's most versatile navy pant and finish off with a simple metallic flat and coordinating bracelet. You'll be so comfortable that you won't even want to change once you get home from work!
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Banana Republic 3/4 Sleeve Ponte Blazer $130
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LOFT Peasant Tee in Violet Lattice $24.50
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Ann Taylor Drapey Wide Leg Pants $88
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WHBM Bead Coil Bracelet $38
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Lands' End Blythe Ballet Flat $59

This J. Crew ponte dress is the perfect base layer for this second outfit. It looks like a cream shell tucked into a black pencil skirt, but since it is all one piece, you don't have worry about coming untucked throughout the day. Pair with a short sleeve cardigan (or a black blazer for a more conservative office) and accessorize with just the basics. You'll be lounging around in so much stretch that you'll forget how polished you look until you walk by a mirror!
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Ann Taylor Peplum Jacket $109.99
I love a nude pump or wedge for the office in the summertime. It feels lighter and cooler than basic black, doesn't push the envelope- the only statement it makes is polished sophistication so you can shine through.
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J. Crew Colorblock Ponte Dress $128
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Ann Taylor Floral Print Crew Neck Short Sleeve Cardigan $78
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Banana Republic Caged Leather Bangle $39.50
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Nine West Garcen $79

If you work in an environment with a relaxed dress code, then it can be easier to accidentally cross the line from chic-comfy over to sloppy-comfy. The indulgent comfort that you are enjoying in your pre-vacation outfits should only be obvious to you--the rest of your workplace should only be thinking how fabulous you look! To keep this third look casual, but not schlumpy, choose simple pieces with clean lines and narrow silhouettes. Use bright colors to make your basics fun again!
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Banana Republic Gingham Shirt $64.50
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Lands' End Canvas Slim Chinos $39.99
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Ann Taylor Woven Belt $29.99
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Boden T-Bar Demi Wedges $68.60
As the tag line of this blog says, I believe that you should love what you wear everyday. The best way to do that is to feel confident and comfortable in your clothes. Choosing fabrics that move easily can make the difference between an outfit that you are readjusting throughout the day and an outfit that you can put on and forget about (except when you are getting compliments). Incorporate some polished stretch into your work wear and enjoy your most comfortable summer yet!
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work to wow!

5/2/2013

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Versatility is one of the main components of a practically stylish wardrobe. Since summer is full of irresistible parties and patios, it is important to be able to change your work wardrobe into a wow wardrobe with only a few small swaps.
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When you have an event in the evening, choose a work outfit that has a fun element or two. I choose a high-waisted floral pencil skirt and a lace tiered shell. To create a polished silhouette for the office, I tucked the shell into the skirt, accentuated the waist with a matching belt and finished with a summer-weight blazer.

An extra pair of shoes can be quite cumbersome to carry around so when possible, wear a pair that can pull double-duty. I like these pinkish-nude peeptoes because they have a subtle pattern and contrasting brown wood-grain heel for evening fun. However, a nude pump is so common-place in a
summer office that you won't have to worry about feeling inappropriate. Shoes can add an extra pop of pizzazz to an outfit, but you should never rely on them to change the formality of your look. So when going from work to evening in a single pair, err on the side of work-appropriate.

This is a very easy outfit to switch up for evening. First, leave your blazer draped over your office chair. Although I generally love to wear blazers for all occasions, summer outfits should feel light and breezy. Add a fun and flirty edge by untucking the lace tiered shell to show off the scalloped hem and the floaty tiers and move the belt over the shell to once again accentuate the waist. This silhouette is no longer buttoned up, but rather has a soft and romantic feel to it.
To accessorize, I chose a two strand bronze and rhinestone statement piece and a bronze sequined bag. Both of those pieces could be tucked into your briefcase or tote so that you are not lugging around a suitcase just to attempt an outfit change. All that's left is a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen up your makeup and then you are ready for wherever the summer night takes you. Even if you are not going out straight from the office, an easy change like this will preserve your energy for a fun night!
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What about if your office requires a suit every day? Or maybe you are at a conference and know you will only have a few minutes in your hotel room between the sessions and the socializing? Your suit does not have to be the enemy.

Instead of an oxford or a basic shell, I layered a black short sleeve sweater under the suit and added an optional multi-strand necklace with small silver and gunmetal grey hammered discs. A simple black kitten heel finishes off the ensemble.

The most important thing when you are transitioning your suit from work to play is to make sure the pieces can stand on their own. I often have clients say that they don't mind if their skirt is too tight or the waistband of the pants sags because "the jacket will cover it." (For the record, I do not condone buying an ill-fitting suit bottom even if you will always be wearing it with a jacket. If you can't find a perfect fit, then make friends with your local tailor. There is no excuse to look sloppy after spending hundreds on a suit; this should be your confidence power piece.) Make sure that your bottoms fit you well. Although I have this pictured with a skirt, you could easily also do this work to evening look with pants if that makes you feel more comfortable.
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The evening part of this look is all about accessorizing. Once again, ditch the jacket before your night out. I chose a short sleeve sweater with an open neckline that nicely frames the necklace and I added a matching grey patent belt to the waistband of the skirt to add definition.

If you look closely, you will notice that all of the accessories I chose follow a theme: they all have a silver and grey dot pattern. Even the bag is made of small silver sequins. I have really loaded up the jewelry on this outfit, but if that does not feel right for the venue and event you are attending, edit it down to a level you feel comfortable at.

If you wear pants instead of a skirt with this suit make sure to tuck in the shirt and add a belt. A great pair of heels will also help elevate your suiting into something spectacular.

Keep in mind that any outfit you transition from work to play will follow a different formula than your party-only pieces. Every event has a spectrum of appropriate dress code and these ensembles will tend to be on the more conservative end.
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The finishing touch to this fabulous dress (the photos do not come close to doing it justice) is my favorite my pair of party shoes: a slightly pointy-toed 4.5 inch pewter pump that was part of Banana Republic's Mad Men collection about 18 months ago. They are some of the most comfortable heels I have ever worn and they make getting dressed up all the more fun. Although the shoes don't make the outfit, they can make enjoying the outfit just a little bit sweeter.
Unfortunately this next outfit did not photograph as well as I could have hoped, so please bear with me as I attempt to describe it. For work, I paired a black ponte sheath dress underneath a black blazer, accessorizing only with a black & tan scarf and a basic black patent kitten heel. Although they are non-matching pieces, the dress and blazer duo have a similar effect as a skirt suit. The scarf helps to break up the large swath of black fabric by adding contrast where a top normally would.
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As you can probably guess from the pattern of the last two outfits, the first way to spice your work look is by ditching your blazer at your desk. I also added a sparkly statement necklace for glitz, a colorful belt tied at the waist to add contrast and a fun polka dot clutch for fun and whimsy. The earrings I chose are oversized and are the same teal-green of the belt. I love a bold earring because you can wear your hair back while still having visual interest near your face.
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What types of summer events are looking forward to? Let me know what social and professional commitments you need help getting dressed for in the comments!
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