excited about - flats with a point

I’m a sucker for cute shoes, but lately - I’ve been gravitating toward styles that some might 

refer to as “comfortable.” I don’t care because I really don’t feel as though I’m sacrificing style for comfort.

On the weekends, except for church services, I been living in my Tretorns, my Birkenstocks (which as of this summer are a new thing for me  - and I’m really LOVING them) and running shoes. It’s intentionally a low key wardrobe and - yes - very comfortable.

I’ve purchased these pair of simple flats for the office/church - and I’m pretty excited because while they are flat, and simple - they really do work with most outfits (even pencil skirts!) and still feel elevated. I think the simplicity of the style actually adds to the total professional vibe. There are zero embellishments other than the pointed shape and the shine of the patent leather.

They are completely comfortable - although I had to purchase a half size up from my typical shoe size from this brand. They are available in two other colors - an orange shade called Burnished Rust, and a neutral blush called Soft Desert. I wish there were more colors available, such as a Navy option. I would snap them up quickly. Just sayin’. I am a VIV fan.

J.Crew VIV Patent Flats, item 71801 $188 

Photo from jcrew.com

Check YOU out!

When I imagine the most ideal professionals, they always have a super smart wardrobes and are on top of their game in the office. The women have fantastic hair, perfect manicures and a slim fitting, smart outfit complete with really yummy shoes. The men have crisp shirts and nice watches or pens.

I don’t know why I associate these particular attributes with the genders, but I do.

In making my new years resolutions, I literally wrote “Amp up office style.”

Last week, one of the executives at work mentioned a fellow employee and the conversation literally shifted into a moment of style appreciation. Basically, this particular employee was looked upon in a very favorable light because they give a lot of effort in their professional appearance at the office (as well as being very talented in their position) - ESPECIALLY on Fridays, which are “business casual.”

Say what you will about performance, but the style you bring to work each day will get you noticed.

The question is - are you being noticed for how great you look (and make the company look) OR are you being overlooked because you don’t stand out in a really good, pulled together, “I GOT this,” type of fashion?

new spring in my steps

Went shoe shopping today for new shoes.

It’s just starting to warm up (almost ready to put my boots away) and I’m looking for new shoes for spring. I’m not ready to jump into summer gear - nothing woven and I can’t even think about sandals yet.

As I’ve been reviewing the fall runway shows - the pointy toes on the shoes have been a style that I really prefer (over the rounded toe). And because I’m on my feet running around the building from meeting to meeting, I also like a comfortable heel (kitten). I LOVE them with a trouser pant!

We’ll see how these work out. Pointy toe, kitten heel, and slingbacks.

I’m just hoping for comfort, cute and no need for bandaids!

falling for . . . far

There’s a chill in the air - finally! I actually wore a fall jacket today! The weather was gorgeous and crisp. Today’s outfit was a celebration of professional warmth:

• gray wool, pencil skirt (new!)
• gray tights (that’s right - you heard me!)
• burgundy mary jane heels (looking forward to high heel loafers, though)
• crisp white shirt (tucked in and rolled up skinny sleeves)
• gray, tweed jacket (only worn into the office - didn’t wear it during the day)
• and the ultimate accessory: chunky bracelet (with tons of gray beads)

I was in a great mood ALL day long. Maybe it was the new skirt, maybe breaking into some fall attire - who knows? 

It’s fall, baby! (And now for some sinus medicine!)

political attire

Sunday morning political TV shows dress codes give insight into what these folks wear in their offices. I watch Meet The Press and wonder how much of my tax dollars go into helping people select the most camera-ready outfit, hairstyle and accessories - all in the name of people appearing to have power and authority over their subject matter.

While my office is business casual, people in various positions determine just how casual they push that dress code envelope. I find that the more dressed up I am, the more professional I feel.

I wonder if the people who appear on the political talk shows feel the same way? The more dressed up they are, the better show they can put on. I think given the economical times, I would prefer a little less stuffy attire and a little more straight talk about the state of affairs. 

I question if the American public would take these characters seriously if they dressed slightly more casual. I’m not suggesting really casual, but maybe instead of suit and ties, chinos with a nice shirt and jacket. I just don’t understand why the political office has to appear so stuffy (and expensive). 

(Also - the amount of self tanning, the automatic lowered voices when responding to questions, the size of women’s earrings - is absolutely hilarious! Otherwise, I would get tired-head trying to take it all seriously and pay attention to what’s being said.)

For people who are voted to be the servants of American society (they represent the communities who put them in their position), they certainly dress like they are well above middle-class.

start with a smile

So - I shopped this past weekend for a few pieces in preparation for the upcoming cooler season (even though it’s pretty HOT right now). At first, I couldn’t get in the mood - but then I realized that I would be disappointed when the jacket I wanted was sold out of my size. I seized the moment and discovered some amazing pieces!

I’m TOTALLY starting this week with a smile by wearing one of my new pieces that I can’t wait to try!! It’s from J.Crew and it’s called a Microspun Cowlneck Tee. It’s really thin (so it works for the over-air conditioned office). The moment I tried it on - I knew that I HAD to own it. It is SOOOO soft!

The cowlneck is very flattering. I love the fit - extremely comfortable. I bought one in a light gray and another in black. (They were only $39.50 each.) I have a bazillion meetings today and the good news is that I’m wearing something soft, professional, and yet . . . comfy. It’s the perfect way to kick off a busy week. 

It’s weird to be this happy and it’s not even Friday!

looks so easy

There is a hair style that is showing up all over this place. For example, the image above came from a Madewell email. Nicole also sports the style frequently on Bravo’s show “Work of Art” and looks so stylish with her black turtlenecks (very artsy!).

I was considering trying something similar, but have yet to find a successful version that I would feel comfortable leaving the house with. Maybe with more practice . . . on my daughter. Not sure how well this would translate for corporate.

so excited!

Sigh, sigh - happy sigh! Just got my August J.Crew catalog (and all of the corresponding emails) announcing some of the new fall looks. I’m pretty darn happy with the idea of purchasing some new dark gray wool sweaters (this summer has been SO HOT - it’s nice to imagine feeling a little chill at some point). They also had a really nice selection of oxford heels. 

I could be completely happy if J.Crew could also introduce a nice pointed toe flat (slightly dressier than a ballerina style) or kitten-heel. Fingers are crossed!

Very happy with what’s been offered for fall. Just flipping through the catalog makes me excited about cooler temps and a darker wardrobe. The other big fall accent? Bright orange/red lips 

and nails. 

Looks great! Can’t wait!

Viva Italia!

Many years ago, my husband and I took a trip to Italy. On the flight over, I met an amazing woman who just exuded style. She was American, but clearly traveled to Italy frequently. One of the things about her that really stood out to me (as this was my first trip abroad) was how much gold she wore.  Many gold bracelets of all different styles, many stacked gold rings and really nice gold earrings - she just took my breath away. (She was also dressed really nicely for the trip with her own cashmere blanket - and this was back when cashmere was completely out of my price range.)

I’m influenced by my travels. For instance, when I came back from South Africa - I couldn’t stop wearing the wood bead jewelry that I had brought back with me.

Well, as we make our family plans for the upcoming year, we’re considering a trip for our family back to Italy. We want to expose our kids to a whole new culture and world which is very different from our neighborhood. Since we’ve been discussing this trip, I couldn’t stop thinking about that lady and her jewelry. It had me finding the gold bracelet that we bought in Florence. I’ve been wearing it lately with another treasured gold bracelet that was a very special present. Gold has such a feeling of authenticity and value. Couple that with the personal history of each piece - you really feel as though you’re wearing a treasure.

I’ve been really pleased with how comfortable I am wearing these bracelets together just about anywhere. They add just a touch of “special” to my usual ensembles without feeling bulky or getting in my way during work.

I likey.

simple summer

Summertime to me feels light and simple: lots of salad, lots of fruit, light airy clothing with a light sweater to help cope with too much office a/c. I found this cotton tote while out shopping with my daughter Brooke. The moment I saw this print - I knew that it would make for a great summer tote. It’s fun, has a classic color scheme and the pattern is unusual. It didn’t cost a lot (under $40!) because it’s from the kid version of Abercrombie and Fitch, which also explains why it has absolutely no pockets to help keep keys, phone, security badge convenient. Oh well, but it does hold all of my usual necessities and is just perfect for summer.

in the "now," but looking forward to later

So - as much as I enjoy summer (I LOVE the long, warm days!), I’m having a hard time getting my summer wardrobe together. I’ve already skipped ahead (along with most fashion magazines) to the fall trends and there are several that I’m really looking forward to!

For now, here are some slight modifications to my usual workday wardrobe to help me feel more summertime appropriate:

1. I’m shoe shopping for cute, low-heel peep-toes or (shhhh - not too loud, now) sandals.
2. I’m getting a couple more sleeveless sweaters and tops, along with light, long-sleeve sweaters because while it’s super hot outside, there’s still tons of AC inside.
3. I’m looking for a couple of dress pants that are shorter - so they look nice with the lower heel shoes.
4. I’m wearing less makeup (not that I wear tons anyway, but) - not so much eye-liner, and definitely bright (but shear!) lips with just a little pale blush.
5. Not-so-”done” hair. Noooooo need for much product as it will just feel sticky-icky with the heat.
6. And - at least for this week - back to very basic nails. My red nails last week lasted for two (I think) days. I realized that most of my summer clothes are more light, pale, neutral and the nails were standing out too much. Hellooooo Essie Mademoiselle.

How’s your summer workday vibe going (so far)?

seeing red

Maybe I’m just TOO excited about the upcoming holiday weekend, but this week - the nails are red. Really red. It started as an idea for observing Pentecostal Sunday, but now I’m really feeling the short, powerful color being just perfect for this week.

For a little boost of confidence, try Essie’s Russian Roulette.

when you just can't decide

You know those mornings when you stand in your closet thinking - “okay, what am I going to wear today?” One safe answer is to wear black, but sometimes it just doesn’t feel right. You’re not in a “black” mood. (Hey . . . it happens.)

The alternative solution is to give the ol’ crisp white shirt a try. White shirts can go with ANYTHING, just about ANY color and will give you an immediate “professional” vibe. White shirts look good under cardigans, under jackets, paired with a nice scarf - just an easy wardrobe staple.

UGH - but be careful about what you eat or drink for lunch! Any splatter or drop on that crisp, clean, pristine shirt can RUIN that whole “Professional You” moment. (Yep, that’s experience talking to ‘ya on that note. Who else is with me on that?)

um, no thanks.

Big trend in beauty is the color purple. So - yesterday I tried the lilac nails. 

They didn’t make it to this morning’s shower, much less a day at the office.

touch of nature

I've always been fascinated by the little something extra that people add to their daily wardrobe. I am a big fan of a certain accessory - the wooden bead. On various vacations, I've found a few pieces that I really enjoy adding to some of my standard outfits which make them feel a little more exotic (at least to me).

Wooden jewelry adds a little spice and looks good with so many colors and styles. I love it with black!  Courtney (the mom on the new Bravo TV series "9 by Design") reminded me of this. She wears a wooden bracelet (along with several string bracelets and a big man's watch). 

I've literally stopped people in airports to compliment their pieces of interesting jewelry and really question where they had gotten them. It's a great way to meet interesting people.

I enjoy adding a single piece of interest to a very typical working outfit. One long strand of little wooden beads to a simple white shirt - SO COOL, stylish, yet so humble. It's a great idea for this coming week.

what to wear?

My closet is not very deep in tons of clothes. It's partly due to the fact of "who has time to shop?" and partly because it's not often that I find items that I just have to have (my husband might completely disagree!). So, when getting ready for work, I used to question when I last wore a certain item especially a recent addition that I would just LOVE to wear (just like a kid!). I say "used to question" because I developed for myself a new closet organizing system that makes it really easy to remember what I've worn to the office lately.

Basically, I hang my complete outfits I've worn in daily order from least to most recent (right to left; tops up top and bottoms below). When dry cleaning (or good 'ol laundry) is needed - then I just leave a couple of hangers in that place so that I know that I have something being cleaned that will eventually go there. This is my very simple (didn't cost anything!) solution to keep up with my workday wardrobe and it really works for me.

If you have a great solution for this - I'd LOVE to hear it!

P.S. Please don't leave mean comments about my hangers. I realize that they are not from The Container Store - yet. It's a work in progress and when determining an order of priority for spending money - hangers hasn't hit the top of the list - yet.

just enough to be polished

Needed to update my mani/pedi with a fresh, new color and this week I felt the need to be pale. I went with my favorite natural: Essie’s Mademoiselle. Even with two coats, I can still see my nail and yet it adds enough polish to any outfit. New nails just give a little added confidence to my Mondays because I feel more pulled together. Short, yet polished - that’s the way I like ‘em!

Target: work and play

perfect for work:

Jaye Hersh Hollywood Intuition large tote in black

Regular $29.99, on clearance now for $20.98

- looks like a cool patent leather tote

- pretty large, perfect for a business trip carry on (no worries of a scuff!)

perfect for play:

Merona skinny wallet with a strap in black

$15

- plenty of convenient pockets

- not a lot of expensive details, but plenty of style

Visit paperclipmag.com for more images of these bags.

Kate Spade: work and play

perfect for work:

Kate Spade Flicker Bon Shopper, Black

crinkled patent cowhide with italian vachetta trim

$225

- nicely sized, not too large

- comfortable fit for anything you would need for the office

perfect for play:

Kate Spade Villa Bridget in Bone

smooth, shiny goathide

$275

- just enough room for essential necessities: cell phone, a couple of Bobbi Brown lip glosses, ID and debit card

- gold link and leather chain

- gold dot silk faille lining brings great personality to the interior

Visit paperclipmag.com for more images of these bags

Tory Burch: work and play

perfect for work:
Tory Burch slouchy straw tote - natural gold
glazed leather trim
$350
- when this bag completely opens up - it's huge (think weekender!)
- will fit files, research, gym clothes, cosmetic case - pretty much anything you need
- straw means it's very light for such a large tote




perfect for play:
Tory Burch carson mini bag - sand
leather and chain strap
6'' H x 7 1/2'' W x 1 1/2'' D
$350
- super SUPER cute with plenty of room for weekend necessities
- high-quality detailing


See more pictures of these bags at paperclipmag.com