Christmas is a comin’

Blazer: Michael Kors.  Silk top: Cache.  Shoes: Steve Madden LUXE.

I’m embracing 1/2 business, 1/2 casual today.  Even though our work dress code has relaxed of late, the overall atmosphere is still pretty conservative, so I figure the 50/50 split should work well.

Christmas is on its way and I’ll soon be baking cookies, singing holiday songs, and wrapping more presents!  I just have to get through the work week - and Santa here I come!

I’ve done quite a bit of shopping already, but still have a few more items to go.  I heard a really cute idea today that suggested girlfriends swap Christmas ornaments with each other vs. expensive gifts.  What a cute idea!

One step @ a time

Blazer: Michael Kors.  Blue Ruffle Top: George.  Pants: Forever XXI.  Shoes: Nicole Miller.

I’m wearing jeans to work!  Okay – they’re not jeans jeans, but they’re gray jeans, so I figure I’m taking baby steps with this whole casual at work thing  :)   

I kept the look sleek with a black blazer (I’m in love with the zipper detailing) and a silky ruffle blouse.

Equestrian Work Wear?

Blazer: Nordstrom.  Blue pinstripe ruffle oxford: NY&Co.  Skirt: NY&Co.  Boots: Gianni Bini.  Ring: Charming Charlie.  Necklace: Macy’s.

   

Are you a fan of equestrian fashion?

I personally adore it and appreciate the way it can be preppy or edge depending on the items chosen.

That said, I’ve never thought of incorporating it into my work wardrobe until today.  I think the reason I specifically have never worn these boots to work is that I find them most flattering with a shorter skirt or dress (since the boot is flat). 

For whatever reason, I changed my mind today and really liked them with this fitted khaki pencil skirt.  One change I made mid-day was to tuck in the oxford top.  I thought that change brought more length to the leg line, which also helps when not wearing heels to give that silhouette help.

Back to Work

Blazer: Swapped.  Periwinkle Top: Forever XXI.  Pants: Investments.  Shoes: BCBG.

 

I was able to snag this black & white tweed blazer at a Cincinnati Swap earlier this year.  I didn’t go to the swap expecting to find work attire, but this just goes to show - you never know what you might find if you’re willing to do a little digging! 

***

This was my first-day-back-from-vacation outfit and I have to admit that it was quite difficult to roll out of bed and get ready for the day…  I had such a nice vacation that it has spoiled my normal routine (work, eat, sleep, work…).  I’m sure it will just take me a few days to get back in the groove of things, so in the meantime I’ll just console myself with chocolate.

Shades of Purple

Skirt: Forever XXI.  Blazer: H&M.  Beaded Blouse: Macy’s.  Shoes: Jessica Simpson.  Purse: Vintage.

I’m not a huge fan of tone on tone, but I do like different shades of the same color together.  This light purple top is a little pale for my coloring, so bringing in a deeper purple shade in the blazer brings not only definition to the outfit, but makes it a more flattering color combo for me overall.

Rolling out of bed

   

Dress: INC.  Belt: thrift.  Shoes: Jessica Simpson.  Olive blazer: DKNY. 

This was one of those mornings that I just had trouble rolling out of bed.  Actually, this whole week was hard for me.  I’ve just been super tired.  Maybe it’s because summer is winding down and I am in much need of a vacation.  I’ve taken a couple long weekend trips this year, but no REAL vacation – it’s definitely time!

All that said… I did manage to pull myself together and get dressed for the day.  I went more feminine with the dress and then added the contrast of the casual blazer.  I pulled my hair back because I just didn’t feel like doing it today!

Turquoise Whimsy

Olive Blazer: DKNY.  Red Ruffle Tee: INC.  Jeans: Express.  Shoes: Baby Phat.  Necklace: Vintage Flea Market.

The red, olive, leopard was a natural mix for me, so I stretched myself a bit and added the turquoise!  Yes, a very small stretch, but even a little extra piece of whimsy a day is a good thing  :)

Big & Little Patterns

Blazer: INC.  Skirt: Forever XXI.  Tights: Express.  Shoes: Steve Madden.

More patterns today (bold on top / dainty on the bottom) and just a few dashes of red!  This week is a very tight packed busy week for me so dashes of this and that as well as dashing here and there seems to be the theme.  Good thing is summer – I always have so much more energy when the sun is out!

Business, Black, &… Boop!

Striped Tank: Banana Republic.  Blazer: H&M.  Pants: INC.  Shoes: Guess.  Necklace: NY&Co?

I was toga / Greek inspired with my necklace today and Betty Boop / pin-up inspired with my shoes.  Other than those couple of fun details, I was pretty business basic today.  Yes, you can probably tell when I am running a meeting at work, can’t you?  …LOL…  I always seem to go for black or black & red on those days.

Monochromatic

 

Suit: NY & Co.  Red Top: INC.  Jewelry: ??

I’m typically not all about the match-match, but I’m trying it out.  I love this suit jacket with the matching skirt because the color is broken up more with the leg / shoe vs. with pants it truly is all over gray!  It’s a bit of a gray day, so I guess I’m matching the weather as well.

Shhh! Don’t tell…

  

Shoes: steve madden luxe.  Pants: express.  Blazer: forever XXI.  Lace Top: newport news.

Don’t tell, but I’m wearing sexy shoes underneath my professional business ensemble again!  Ahh, I love my heels.  Seriously – can anyone say addiction?

This outfit overall may be a bit dark in color, but it’s got a lot of added spice with the lace, heels, and statement bag!

I also played around a bit this morning to see if I could make my party girl top work for the office.  Even though I didn’t end up wearing the outfit – I think I made it work, so I want to share the pic.  Who says you can’t go from party to professional?

Hidden Treasures

Blazer: Kohl’s.  Jeans: Express.  Shoes: Report.  Blue Detailed Tee: NY & Co. 

I really never get to wear my fun heels enough!  I have so many of them that I love, but they just sit in my closet wasting away   :(

My first hope in getting to wear my fashionista shoes more often is to hopefully start going out more.  I become somewhat of a hermit during the winter months, so now that it is warm again I can get out and give some much needed light to my closet-bound heels.

Another reason I don’t wear them as often as I like is that I just can’t get away with them at work because they are either inappropriate or would just be too damn uncomfortable!  On jeans days, however – I can sometimes hide a little something special underneath (as long as I’m not planning on walking a marathon that day…)!  Peek-a-boo sexy shoe!  LOL…