Holiday Outfit Guide: The Office Party

Every year in my office at Christmastime, there’s people who dress with a bit too much holiday spirit. I’m talking blinking reindeer antler headbands (seriously), immense amounts of red sequins, ornament shaped earrings, or non-ironic ugly Christmas sweaters.  It’s fine to get excited about the holidays, but I tend to think the office is a place of restraint.

I usually opt for a black and white outfit with pops of red in my shoes or accessories. I also love a classic pencil skirt and button down in a festive color, or a professional wrap dress in a deep red or evergreen. If you go with something in a festive color (like red, green, or metallic), pick one and stick to it. Don’t pair your green dress with red shoes.  And please, please, please avoid sequins.  

And while I’m being bossy, watch the booze too!! I learned this the hard way when an old boss delivered a pitcher of Alabama Slammer shots to our table…at 11:45 am. Whoops. Stick to wine, it’s classiest.

Some classic and professional holiday office attire:

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And of course, the shopping guide:

Blackwatch Plaid Pencil Skirt, J. Crew Factory $57  //  Colorblock Pencil Skirt in Houndstooth, J.Crew Factory, $39.50  //  Fitted Non-Iron Sateen Shirt, Banana Republic, $69.50  //  Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace, J.Crew, $98  // Callen Shoes, Nine West, $85

Holiday Outfit Guide: Home for the Holidays

Between office events, family get togethers, and cocktail parties, there’s a plethora of events to get ready for during the holiday season.  Today I’m starting a miniseries devoted to dressing for all your holiday season events.

My husband and I spend the entire 4-day Thanksgiving weekend at his parents’ house with some extended family, and multiple nights at Christmas with  mine. We leave straight from work on Wednesday night and fight through hours of traffic to get home for a laid-back night of pizza and chatting with cousins. I need an outfit that’s comfy for the trip but cute enough to be presentable to people I haven’t seen since last year.

I hate wearing a coat while travelling, so a down or fur vest, or a big sweater layered over another shirt is perfect for me. And of course, plaid always feels festive at this time. Some style inspiration:

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Now get shopping:

Flannel Shirt, J. Crew, $88 //  Puffy Vest, J.Crew Factory, $108  //  Turtleneck, J.Crew Factory, $52  //  Frye "Philip" Boots in Brown, $427  // Point Sur Hightower Jean in Drifter Wash, J.Crew, $198  //  Weekender Bag in English Leather, Madewell, $298  // BP Heritage Plaid Scarf, $24

Fashion Friday: Capes

I've always thought capes were an incredibly elegant alternative to a coat. I received one for Christmas a few years back, and I always feel super glamorous wearing it. I'm loving this look for November weather, where it's not quite cold enough for down coats, but not quite warm enough for my light trench.

I love this textured sweater cape:

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This elegant version is a nice option for wearing to work:

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Obviously, Olivia Palermo gets the casual version just right. (On a side note, who exactly is she? All I know is that she's super stylish, but what is she actually famous for?)

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This is the cape that I have. It's from Ann Taylor, only mine is solid brown whereas hers is colorblocked. I usually pair mine with slim pants or jeans and boots, rather than a skirt. 

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Fall Trend: Turtlenecks

I was at my parents’ house this weekend, trying to clean out some old things, when I stumbled upon a set of old, barely worn, thin cotton turtlenecks. I remember buying them; they were $9 or something insane at Old Navy when I was in college. I picked up burgundy, oatmeal, brown, and gray, and then realized I felt too covered up and never wore them. I’ve been hanging onto them for years now, unable to justify tossing a staple item in good shape. 

And now it appears turtlenecks are sneaking their way to the forefront of fashion again. They’re popping up on the mannequins in J.Crew stores, on fashion blogs, and in magazines. I still can’t say I love them, but I do plan to bring them out again, just for a change of pace. 

I do love oversized turtleneck sweaters, and I also particularly like the look of layering thin ones over or under button down sweaters. But then again I tend to think any outfit looks better in layers- just seems a little more thought out. 

Below, some inspiration for wearing this year’s turtleneck trend:

Under a sweater:

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Monochrome:

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Layered under your winter coat

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With a skirt:

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Cropped with a matching skirt:

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The classic cozy, oversized sweater, made more interesting layered over a button down:

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Fashion Friday: Flat Sandals

I don’t think flat sandals are ever “out,” but I’m liking this year’s simple, earthy take on the style. 

 

Below, my favorite options for summer 2014:

 

J.Crew, $138 //  Shellys London, $70 // J.Crew, $98  // Sperry, $60  // Jack Rogers, $110  //  Paolo Bentini, $80  //  Ted Baker London, $150  //  Dolce Vita, $59

Fashion Friday: Caring for Leather Boots

I don’t know about you, but I consider good shoes an investment. I spent close to $300 on my Frye boots, intending to get at least five years’ use out of them.  So far, they’re holding up well, though it takes a little effort on my part. 

When spring arrives, I like to handle all the maintenance on my boots to ensure they’re put away in good shape and ready to go in the fall.  

Here’s my tips on caring for your leather boots:

Remove winter:

I live in an urban area, so road salt has attacked my favorite shoes. 

The good news is, it’s easy to remove these salt lines yourself. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water together, dip a clean cloth in them, and rub along the salt lines. Then, dip another clean cloth in water and go over one more time. Let the boots dry, and the salt marks will be gone. 

Condition the leather:  

Invest in leather treatment products and regularly condition your leather. Certain brands, such as Frye, sell products formulated to work best with their materials. 

Take bigger fixes to a pro:

This is a good time to have any non-DIY repairs done: resoling, fixing zippers, touching up ripped seams. Repairs can take your shoes out of commission for up to a week, have them done when you won’t want to wear the shoes.

Find a reputable cobbler (seriously- don’t just go to the cheapest dry cleaner, find an actual cobbler), and bring your shoes over. Depending on what you need done, it could cost you upwards of $50. But if the boots cost $300, and the repair gets you another couple of years, it’s a good investment. 

You can also have your cobbler take care of the conditioning and stain removal above, for an additional cost. 

Storing: 

I like to use boot shapers to help my boots hold their shape, otherwise they wind up tossed and creased at the bottom of my closet. If you still have the original shoebox, keep them in there as well, to avoid dust.  I also toss a little Gold Bond in the shoe to keep them fresh.  Cedar boot shapers would accomplish that too.

Finally, if you’re purchasing any new boots in end of season sales, it’s a good idea to take them to a cobbler before you wear them and have a thin rubber strip added to the sole to protect it and prolong its life.

Fashion Friday: Colored Sunglasses

Colored sunglasses are so fun for spring and summer.  I love the idea of tossing on a bright turquoise pair of shades with white shorts. 

 

Best of all, this is what I call a ‘throwaway trend,’ meaning it’ll be long gone in six months so you shouldn’t bother dropping big bucks on it. And sunglasses, which are always plastic, don’t look worse when they’re cheap. This might be the only time I ever recommend going to Forever 21

 

Below, check out my favorite kooky colored glasses:

Sources from top: Coach  //  Tory Burch  //  Outlook Eyewear  //  Ray-Ban  //  Tom's  //  Outlook Eyewear  // H2W

Great New Purchase

This basic tee I picked up this weekend at Banana Republic is my definition of a great purchase.

 Colorblocked Top, $69 at Banana Republic

It’s extremely versatile- the non-cotton material makes it great for work when tucked into a skirt and paired with a cardigan, plus it works great with skinny leather leggings and heeled ankle boots for a night out. 

 

The price is right- it retails for $70 but it’s Banana, there’s always a coupon. I paid $42.

 

The fit is perfect- loose enough to be edgy without being ill-fitting or baggy. 

 

The simple colorblocked style is available in the above white with a black top half, or the reverse, black with white shoulders.  And it’s the perfect backdrop for my favorite accessory, the statement necklace. 

 

Some reviews online complained about the sheerness of the shirt, but I have no issues with that, as I don’t ever get dressed without a black or white camisole underneath whatever I’m wearing. 

 

Love it.  This will definitely be on repeat for me this summer.

Springtime Stripes

One of my favorite looks for spring and summer are nautical navy and white stripes. They bring in just the right amount of a seaside vibe, but layer perfectly for cooler spring weather.

Below, some great takes on this totally classic look:

Rach Parcell of Pink Peonies combines it with a gauzy scarf and mustard cardigan:

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Layered over chambray makes a nicely polished combo as well. Plus, I love her navy watch:

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It's even great as a maternity look:

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Or in dress form with an open button down:

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Or on its own:

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Fashion Friday: Crop Tops

I’m tiptoeing into the crop top trend for spring. I’m not really a fan of excessive skin, or belly shirts, but done right I think this trend looks great- very fresh.  The key is covering up your belly button to just show a slice of skin.

 

I like the pairing best three ways: with a maxi skirt, a pencil skirt, or layered over a button down. 

 

Here’s some inspiration on how to wear. My favorite is, of course, the pencil skirt idea, though I think the maxi or layered look translates better to my actual life.  

 

What’s your thoughts on crop tops?

 

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Workout Wear: Melon and Teal

My latest shopping addiction is workout gear. I'm making a list of some new things to get, and loving this crazy color combo of melon and teal with gray: 

Capris, Gap, $55  //  Tank, Old Navy, $15 //  Half-zip, Athleta, $74  //  Headphones, X-1 Audio  //  Sneakers, Nike, $55  //  Waterbottle, Nathan, $20

Spring Purchase Planning

My spending follows a predictable pattern each year. After the excesses of Christmas, there is a stark drop in my shopping come January.  I’m sure it’s like this for most of us.  There’s no clothing to buy after getting Christmas gifts, and there’s less entertaining to do, save for maybe a Super Bowl party.  

 

But as the calendar starts to tiptoe towards March, and spring issues of fashion magazines hit stands, my attitude of [starvation] turns wildly towards excess. I’m itching to swipe my credit card and freshen up my closet, swapping scratchy winter wool for the brights of spring. 

 

I like to have a plan of attack for shopping, so I usually think about what I might want for the season before I buy. It helps me keep things in check and ensure I don’t waste money on things I won’t really wear. 

I love this J.Crew popover  in this springy blue. Perfect for tossing on over jeans. 

 

 

I also need this ridiculous J.Crew lobster print sweater. I just love it.  

 

Now that I’m 27 and not 22, my social life involves more Friday night dinners out and casual apartment hangouts, so I’m adjusting my shopping to my reality and losing the bar looks. This Loft lace top will look great with jeans and cute sandals. 

 

 

Is J. Crew’s scallop dress too last year? Because I still love it. Now if only I could decide between navy and citrus green!

 

Spring seems to bring with it a ton of bridal showers, so I’m thinking of investing in this Jessica Simpson dress for its simple elegance. Bonus, it’s navy, apparently a hot color for spring (although I have to ask, can navy ever be “hot?” Doesn’t it just always work?)

 

 

Love these Louise et Cie pumps for work. Another pair to add to the collection under my desk.

 

 

And also for work, this Banana Republic bright pink pencil skirt is a cheery antidote to how I feel when the alarm rings at 5:40 am. 

 

I’ve also been obsessed with Lilly’s goofy Skipper Popover for awhile now, but probably have to wait till this shows up on Rue La La. I don’t mind paying Lilly prices, but i can’t justify it on a sweatshirt.

 

Fashion Friday: Signature Style

I saw this post about building a wardrobe of signature pieces over on A Dose of Pretty, and it got me thinking about my own signature pieces.

It’s important to have your own signature look. I think that’s the difference between style and plain old fashion. As I get older, I know more about what I like and what looks good on me.  I don’t recklessly jump into every trend (I probably avoid trends more than I participate in), and I find that I’m spending smarter. I know what will languish in my closet, unloved, and what I will wear over and over again. Today, I’m sharing my must-haves, the things I have now been wearing unrelentingly for years:   

The Jackie Cardigan

I live in cardigans.  The obsession started freshman year of high school, and continues today.

 I find J. Crew’s Jackie to be indispensible.  It’s classic, ¾ sleeved, the perfect length, comes in tons of colors, and holds up well through the wash. I’ve also recently discovered the J.Crew Factory Clare cardigan, which is basically the Jackie at a lower price point.  (Though you can frequently find the Jackie for at least 20% off!).

I always find outfits look better layered, and the Jackie is the perfect, elegant finish to almost anything.

Statement Necklaces

I wear a different statement necklace to work every day. I have a collection of J. Crew beauties that add a little individuality to a pencil skirt and button down combo.  

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Frye Boots

I also can’t live without my Frye boots. They are super comfortable, great quality, and the perfect shade of brown. I’ve had to have them resoled and shined up, but they’ve lasted a number of years and they look amazing with every pair of jeans I own. I can’t remember exactly which style they are, but you can’t go wrong with anything Frye makes.

Any friends who read my blog will laugh at this next item, but I bought this Banana Republic dress four years ago and it’s my best purchase ever. I have worn the crap out of this dress. It’s taken me through bachelorette parties, nice dinners out, Atlantic City trips, engagements, family events, and my honeymoon, as in the picture above. It never goes wrong and always looks classy.

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Michael Kors Sunglasses

These Michael Kors sunglasses are the best.  I left my original pair on the plane to Hawaii, and the first thing I did when I landed and had Internet access was order a replacement.   

What are your can’t-live-without items? Share below!

 

Fashion Friday: Snow Day Style

Snow is piled up here in the Northeast. Surprisingly, I'm not really sick of it, though I am disappointed to be in my office today!  Figured I'd share some snow day style inspiration, depending on what the day holds for you.

 

If you're in the office:

 

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If you can wear jeans:

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If all you have to do is run some errands:

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And if you're lucky enough to stay home in your PJs all day:

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Whatever your plans, hope everyone has a happy Valentine's Day!