Striped Shorts

I have been on the look out for striped shorts ever since I saw them on Linda.  I spotted some in Old Navy yesterday and snapped up both the navy and the green.  I recommend you do the same.  

Lame

Lame is the only word I can come up with for this blog lately.  I hate when people say they have been too busy to do xyz, but that is the only excuse I can come up with.  I’m behind on all forms of social media and anything else not work related.  This is, of course, not a bad problem to have, but I still feel lame about it.  Next week should be different and I hope to be able to post somewhat regularly.  Anything is better than what I have been managing to pull off.

On another note, I would totally buy this dress if it weren’t polyester.  Wouldn’t it be fun for the summer?

3 Times

I have worn this exact outfit 3 times over the past two weeks.   Last week I met a client at Stein Mart for a bit of shopping.  She walked away with several new dresses, a skirt, and a few tops.  I walked away with shoes, two tops, and these shorts.  This happens sometimes when you shop for a living.   These shorts  are now officially my favorite pair.  Shorts and a nice top are the perfect pairing for drinks outside in the Texas heat, which is what I did last night.

I have also worn these Tory Burch flats almost all week. They are becoming more and more comfortable with every wear.  So comfortable that I am thinking about getting them in another color.  I guess they just needed to be broken in.

Happy Friday!

Zara top, Adrienne Vittadini shorts, and Tory Burch wedges.

Black Summer Dress

I need a new black dress like I need a hole in my head, but I am loving this AIKO one.  It seems like the perfect summer dress.  I really like the longer length and the cutout in the back.

81 Poppies

When I am in a rush, I almost always rely on a silk top, skinny jeans, and heels. Lately, my silk top of choice has been from 81 Poppies. I own eight of them.  They are really fantastic.  The designer, Michelle, knows exactly what women want: easy, chic, and season-less pieces.  This weekend Michelle went to LA to make a video for her spring line.  I am too in love with her line to not share.  

Brights and Stripes

I picked this silk Neiman Marcus dress up at an estate sale about 6 months ago and have been looking forward to spring to be able to wear it.  When I am thrifting, I always look for natural fibers, especially silk.  I try hard to stay away from polyester and I usually stay away from knits, but only because they wear easily and something 20 years old is probably more worn than I want.  New silk is expensive.  Worth every penny, but expensive.  Vintage and thrifted silk is much, much cheaper.  As is vintage wool, another expensive fabric if bought new.  This dress was by no means a steal, I paid about 20 dollars for it and then almost 30 to have it taken in, but, in my opinion, still a bargain.  It is well made, a pretty color, and I will get a lot of use out of it, so worth every penny.

I paired my silk dress with one of my favorite blazers.  Since there is a lot of color going on, I kept everything else simple.  Yes, I could have piled on the bracelets and added a colored shoe, but I think there is already a lot going on.  I thought simpler would be better.

Neiman Marcus dress, Forever 21 blazer, and Nine West shoes.

Theory Blouse

I ducked into Saks the other day to try on this Theory blouse that I have now decided is the perfect blouse.  The only problem with it is that it is a bit out of my budget.  I try not to spend over 100 dollars on tops, but am so tempted by this top.  It would be such a workhorse.  This top would be perfect for work, would look great with a fancy skirt for a night out, and paired with distressed denim, it would even work for the weekend.  I still think I am going to wait for some kind of sale, but I am curious.  What is the most you will spend on a top?  Oh, and excuse the iPhone photo…

J Brand jeans, Nine West shoes, Theory top, and proof that I wear my hair down.

Reader Question: What to Wear When Traveling

I recently received an email from someone asking me what to wear on international business trips.  Here was her question:

“I wanted to see if you had any pointers for what to wear for international business trips.  Mostly i’m wondering what I should wear while traveling – we have about an 18 hour trip, plus a layover in london, so comfort is important, but I dont want to look disheveled when we get to the other end. We’re not going to a meeting straight off the plane, but still! Also, any tips for packing lightly but still being ‘business appropriate’? I want to fit everything in my carry on, but what happens to my blazers when i stuff them in there?? “

This is a great question and one I think everyone can benefit from. Everyone travels at some point, right?  Every time I go into an airport I am a bit horrified by the outfits I see people wearing. Sweat pants and PJ’s are for wearing at home, not in public where people with eyes can see you.  Yes, when you are traveling you want to be comfortable.  Traveling can be exhausting and unless you are lucky enough to be in first class, uncomfortable.  I truly believe you can look pulled together and be comfortable.   Chico’s Travelers to the rescue!  Kidding.

Personally, I like to wear jeans with a bit of stretch, my bulkiest heel I am taking with me, an over-sized top, and a scarf.   I do think it gets a little trickier when you have to travel for work; you definitely don’t want to look disheveled around colleagues and jeans may be a bit too casual for work travel.  Here is what I would wear:

I love the Minnie pant and it is on my list for spring.  It is stretchy like a legging, but looks a lot more like a pant.  I will say with some professions, like banking, this pant may be too casual.  You can always exchange it for a wide leg pant.  

Since it is winter time and planes are usually freezing, I would recommend a light sweater.  I love this striped Old Navy one.  This Splendid top would be a great option, too.  As would a wrinkle-free button down.

Top it with a classic black blazer and you won’t be embarrased in front of anyone you work with.  Blazers can become wrinkled in your suitcase, so I tend to wear mine on the plane, remove it when I am on, and place it in the overhead bin.  I have even worn my winter coat on top of my blazer and removed both at the beginning of the flight.

Even though I like to travel in heels, most people don’t.  I think this flat with hidden wedge is great compromise.  I have put these on several clients who rave about its comfort.

Since this outfit is all black and white, I would add some color through a scarf.  I travel with a scarf no matter the time of year; it can always double as a blanket on the inevitably cold airplane.

I would bring a big tote in a bright color as my bag.  You can always put a smaller purse inside to use on your trip.

Traveling for work is not the time to try out the latest trend or your new AH-mazing heels.  The easiest thing to do is to pick a color pallet and stick with it. This prevents over packing and assures getting dressed in the morning  will be easy.  Here I have chosen to do black and white as the base and add color as I go.  You can always do navy and cream, grey and white, or camel and cream and add color through accessories.  Picking a darker fabric will help hide any dirt or spills.

For a 5 day business trip in this color pallet, I would add a pencil skirt in black pencil skirt, a wide leg pant in black,  a nude heel, one top in a fun print, two button downs (one white and one bold color or stripe), two more slim sweaters, and a silk top in color I feel great in.  No one is going to notice that you are wearing your pants, blazer, and skirt over and over again.  If there will be down time, I would throw in a pair of dark straight leg jeans.   I would also keep accessories to a minimum.  A great gold cuff and a pair of studs are enough to add a bit of interest while still being business appropriate.  The key is to keep in simple.  You don’t need 5 million things when traveling, especially for work.

Any other suggestions?

Currently Craving: Ann Taylor

I did some personal shopping for a client today in Ann Taylor and was quite pleased with their new arrivals.  Everything was very clean, modern and colorful.  It is amazing how Ann Taylor has been able to totally transform their brand over the past couple of years.  Five years ago I would have never shopped there, but today, I wanted half the store.  Here are a few of the pieces I picked up for my client.

This graphic print skirt is great for the office or the weekend.

This bright blue dress is the perfect day to night dress.

source 

I also picked up this bright yellow top.  I have put this top on many clients and I have to say, it is pretty universally flattering.  My only comment is that you should probably size down.

Have you been into Ann Taylor recently?  What did you think?

Cheap Thrills

One of my most recent clients was a college student. Her look consisted of lots of t-shirts and jeans, but thankfully, she did not rock the Nike shorts and oversized t-shirt look.    She was looking to add a few new pieces that would help make her casual look a little more polished.   Being in college, for most,  means that there isn’t really money for extras like clothing.   Whenever I am looking for inexpensive pieces for clients, I always turn to the thrift store, Old Navy, or Forever 21.  Here are my picks for her from Old Navy.

This sweater will easily elevate a t-shrit and jeans look.  Pair it with a black or cream t-shirt, or go bolder and pair it with a striped top.

This bird print top is just as easy as a t-shirt, but adds a bit of polish to the overall look.

I love this neon bag and it would be a great pop of color to any outfit.

Topping a concert tee, converse, and jeans with a blazer instantly pulls the whole look together.

Swapping out your plain denim for a black pair of skinnies instantly makes the look more sophisticated.

One of the simplest (and cheapest!) ways to spice up an outfit is through accessories.  This scarf adds a bit of interest without breaking the bank.

What is your go to place when you need something inexpensive for your wardrobe?