Monthly Archives: January 2012

Let’s Do Lace!

January 30, 2012

Delicate and ladylike, lace is ultra feminine and instantly chic. Lace continues to be a hot trend for Spring, but it can be tricky to incorporate into the office wardrobe. Here are a few tips to make lacy pieces office appropriate.

1. Avoid sheer fabrics.

2. Pair with solid, saturated pieces.

3. Choose pieces that are multi-layered, or add layers underneath.

4. Pick conservatively cut pieces.

When in doubt, top with a black blazer or cropped cardigan to add a conservative touch. Just for us girls, lace can be a powerful additional to an outfit! Check out my favorite finds below.

Just the Top:

Sabine Vintage Lace Blouse

Joie Fanny Lace Top

Alice by Temperley Esmeralda Blouse

Rebecca Taylor Romantic Blouse with Lace

BCBG Lilliana Ruffled Blouse

Tibi Lace Front Silk Chiffon Blouse

Lace on Bottom:

BCBG MAXAZRIA Jocelyn Lace Pencil Skirt

Erdem Madeleine Lace and Silk Skirt

French Connection Lace Pencil Skirt

For Your Feet:

Nicholas Kirkwood Leather and Lace Pumps

Joan and David Cutie Pump

Joan and David Flipp Lace Platform

To Carry:

RED Valentino Lace Ruffle Shopper in Nude

RED Valentino Lace Ruffle Shopper in Black

Lace Head to Toe:

Nanette Lepore Around the World Dress

BCBG MAXAZRIA Jocelyn Lace Pencil Skirt with Cait Striped Lace Front Blouse

Milly Marcella Bow Sheath Dress

1 Comment | Posted in Workweek Chic

January Spring Fever

January 27, 2012

It’s that time of year when winter lingers on, but we can feel spring fast-approaching. In January and February, I find myself reaching for bright, light spring pieces, but then having to remind myself of the cool temperatures outside. This Tina Silk Dress by Amanda Uprichard is perfect for the occasion. With long sleeves, it can easily be paired with tights, a skinny belt, and tall boots or booties to make it cold-weather proof. But, with its bright colors and fun patterns, it satisfies early spring fever. And, not to worry, spring, with all of its glorious colors and bright patterns, will be here before we know it!

Gold and Navy

Rust Leopard Print

Leave a comment | Posted in Weekend Wardrobe

The Boxer

January 25, 2012

Reed Krakoff Boxer Tri-Color Leather Satchel in Natural/Black

For the neutralist

To add some color

Perfect for Spring

I saw this bag, in all of its glorious color combinations, and instantly fell in love. Named the “Boxer,” this Tri-Color Leather Satchel by Reed Krakoff is a true knockout. The structured shape, the assortment of belts, the rich, quality leather, and the beautiful color combinations make this bag truly glamorous. The natural/black color combination is definitely my favorite, but all of the color combinations have their own bit of charm. This bag, in whatever color you fancy, is certainly worth the investment!

Leave a comment | Posted in Piece of the Week

Burgundy and Cream

January 24, 2012

You can easily spice up your work wardrobe by trying new color combinations. When I first saw these colors together, the combination just struck me. Burgundy is quickly becoming one of my favorite alternatives to black. And, paired with beautiful peach or blush tones, the rich color stands out even more. So, try a little burgundy and cream this week!

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu (instyle.com); BCBG MAXAZRIA Liberty Box Top with Dallin Chase Neville Skirt; Zac Posen Silk Crepe Blouse with Alberta Ferretti Wool Blend Pencil Skirt; Tibi 3/4 Sleeve Top with Leather Pencil Skirt (shopbop.com)

To make this color combination really pop, add a jade colored pump. Or, to keep it on the neutral side, add a textured, neutral pump like the beautiful snakeskin heels below.

Sam Edelman Yasmine Pump

Joan and David Quella Platform

Dolce Vita Platform Pump

Pour La Victoire Pumps Irina II

Leave a comment | Posted in Workweek Chic

Borrowing From the Boys

January 23, 2012

I have to admit, I am usually not a fan of menswear styles for women. But, I have to make an exception for the modern oxford collar shirt in beautiful styles, colors, and fabrics. Typically a men’s style, oxford collar shirts are now a designer favorite for women. The new designs are sharp yet chic, preppy yet posh, masculine yet ladylike, and perfect for work! Pair with a simple pencil skirt or tailored paints to make the blouse the focal point of your outfit.