Roll up your sleeves, get ready to go

BR Factory blouse - 2009 - $6 (similar) / Banana Republic pencil skirt - 2010 - $60? (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Siobhan pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 (available) / Rampage trench via Macy's - 2007 - gift card (similar) / Necklace via Gottschalk's - 2008? - $6 (similar) / Grouse and Badger ring - 2010 - $5 (available)

Yesterday's post took a huge load off. Here is an outfit I actually wore this week!  Wednesday wasn't anything special at the office (but no excuse needed when dressing up), but I did go to a happy hour blogger meet-up afterward! Lesson learned--never make dinner plans with the husband when you're going to meet a bunch of girls for happy hour beforehand. I had to leave before all the gals even arrived! Next time I'm sticking it out.  I had a blast hanging with (and, for some, meeting for the first time) Keri, Bella, Melody, Erin, Tami, Bibi, Jen, Sarah, Ann, Jennine, and Lisa. It should be criminal to have so much fun on a weeknight.


It's almost spring time! Y'all know you're supposed to spring forward this Sunday, right? Well, now you do. That means even later sunsets and even more time for outdoor photos! Can't wait! See the bare legs?


What worked
Funny story about this outfit--on Monday night, K and I went to Target, where I picked up a new pair of trouser jeans (one can never have too many). He gave me a sideways glance when he saw me throw them into the cart and asked warily, "Don't you already have a pair of wide-leg jeans?" I explain to him the difference between wide-leg and trouser (and between my old trouser jeans and these new trouser jeans). He replies, "Well, I just don't think wide-leg jeans look that good. I like when you wear those high-waisted slim skirts with the button-down top tucked in."  It must have stuck with me, because I threw this on just a few mornings later. I didn't recall this earlier conversation until halfway through the day. So yeah, it works.


What didn't
Nada. I *heart* this.


How have others' opinions shaped what you've worn (consciously or subconsciously)? Who's advice do you ask?

My favorite work dress

Rampage trench via Macy's - 2007 - gift card (similar) / Collared shirt via Macy's - 2007 - gift card (similar) / Calvin Klein sheath dress via Nordstrom - 2009 - $90 (similar) / Gap belt - 2010 - $10 (similar) / Nina pumps via Ross - 2009 - $16 (similar) / Urban Outfitters double finger ring - 2010 - birthday gift (available) / Mystery tights

Can I go back and make New Year's resolutions that I've already sort of done? I haven't made any yet, but I could almost say that my resolution was to take pics of all my work outfits. Wait, I haven't actually kept to that, so maybe I don't want to go back and make it a resolution. But I'm doing much better than I did before? This outfit was worn on January 19 (gasp), a full week and a half ago. I've got a few more outfits that I haven't posted but don't worry, I'll make my way through them.

While I love a good sheath dress (and Calvin Klein's are among the best, in my opinion), I never quite know what to do with a crew neck style.  Something about the high neck and knee length just creates a huge swath of fabric. The collared shirt did the trick, I think. And the belt helps, too.

What worked
Goodness gracious I love this dress. So. Much. It's a great length (makes my legs look longer than they actually are), a great quality (one you go lined, it's hard to go back), and so perfect for the office. You can almost see some of the darting/wait detail in that last photo (it may be a large swath of pinstripe, but it's got some nice visual interest and strategic fitting going on).

What didn't
Nothing comes to mind. I think this was a pretty winning outfit. (Don't ask about that first photo up there. It sucks, I know.)

How do you break up large expanses of fabric, whether solid or print? What are your favorite ways to spice up a high crew neck?

Why I love pants

The Rundown:
11 + 14 + 24 + 29
Kenneth Cole Reaction coat - 2007 - Christmas gift (similar)
Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Belt - 2010 - swapped (similar)
DIY crocheted scarf (similar)
Clinique Almost Lipstick dark pink with slight shimmer (so old the label writing has been completely worn off, but it's not the Black Honey shade that's the only one available now)

Dear Old Navy,


Bravo on these pants. They are the perfect trouser for work. The lining helps the fabric fall oh-so-gracefully.  The slant pockets don't bulge too much. They create a beautiful line from the hip to the floor. I just have one request.


Bring them back. 


I am super-grateful that I found these on clearance four years ago. If you brought them back I'd buy one in every color (maybe two, in case you decide to discontinue them again).


Thanks,
Angeline

I've always been a pants girl and I've come to a realization--these are my favorite pants. They beat out even my jeans for comfort, that's how wonderful they are.

Day two of my lip color experiment--you can't even tell! This color is a bit more noticeable in person, but in photos it makes a nice neutral. They don't make this color of Almost Lipstick anymore, but I hear the Black Honey is even better (that's why it's the only one left).  It's pretty moisturizing, but does wear off pretty quickly.

What worked:
Fitted waist, volume on bottom, and pointy-toes are my go-to proportion...probably because it gives some shape to my straight body.  I also just love the color of this shirt, especially when paired with neutrals.

What didn't:
Wasn't too thrilled about how you could see the waistband of the pants bulge underneath the cardi. Oh well.

Have you ever found a pair of pants (or skirt or whatever) that totally converted you? More importantly, would you buy these pants if Old Navy brought them back? (That would probably help my case.)

Make Believe Monday | Peacoat

I'm all about classic pieces, and I think I have most of them covered, except for the ever-elusive peacoat. What's so difficult about shopping for a peacoat, you may ask? Well, nothing in particular, I'm just a really picky shopper that only recently figured out that I have a straight figure and that clothing can actually help give me more of a shape (I'm slow sometimes).

Peacoats are a great piece to transition you into and out of the colder months, and depending on the weight of the wool (or whether it's wool or not) can carry you through fall and spring as well.  Even though I have a longer wool coat (looks kind of like this but with a belt), it can feel like overkill to wear it before winter actually hits, and rarely jives with a more casual outfit.

Buying a peacoat is rarely as easy as going into store and picking one. Here are some things to consider.

• Material. I'm a big fan of classic wool or a wool blend, even though these are usually dry clean only. I just love the weight of it and feel like they last longer.
• Double or single breasted? Now this is the million-dollar question, and where body shape really comes into play. Generally, double-breasted coats are best for narrow figures, and single-breasted coats are recommended for those with bellies, large busts, wide shoulders, pear shapes, or straight, boyish figures (like me).  Tall gals and petite gals can wear both (although for petites it's best if your coat is more fitted rather than boxy).  These aren't hard and fast rules, but are a good place to start.
• Length. This again may be influenced by body shape, but generally stays right around hip-length. Petite gals should aim somewhere between the hip and right above the knee.  Curvy women should look for something that hits just above the hips. If you have a large bust or belly, try a mid-hip length.  Again, not a rigid rule, but if you're lost, start here.
• Color. Why go with black or tan when there are a ton of colors out there to choose from?  My long winter coat is a dark forest green, and I wear it as if it were a neutral.  I'm thinking a raspberry-toned red or mustard yellow for my future peacoat.
• Details. Like any other piece of clothing, peacoats come with a variety of details.  Think about and try on coats with different ones to see how you like them.  Some common variants are belts, shoulder epaulets, hoods, and different types of pockets.
• Price. As a born bargain hunter (my mom and aunts are amazing at finding deals), coats run a lot more than I'm usually comfortable paying. Since I'm a fan of classic styles and I know a good quality coat will last years, I've dealt with that.  Still, it's not like I'd consider buying more than one coat or buying something at full price (Macy's has the best outerwear sales I've seen, even in December--K bought me my long coat there for our first married Christmas and my down parka there for our second married Christmas). Coats are one of the few things I would suggest investing more into...you only use them half the year, if that, so they last twice as long! 
• Care. Since you're wearing this on top of your clothes, you won't be getting sweat or anything on them (well, maybe around the collar a bit).  If you're wearing your coat more than a few times a week for an extended period of time (not just in between indoor spaces), try to get your coat cleaned sometime mid-season.  Otherwise, just be sure to get them cleaned at the end of each season and store them in a breathable bag with some cedar.

So based on the above, my best bet is a single-breasted coat with a defined shoulder that nips in at the waist, with or without a belt. Based on personal preference I don't want a hooded coat. So let's get to shopping!

Coats at ModCloth
Raincoats & Trenchcoats by Banana Republic

After today's web crawl of coats, I'm seriously considering having K get me a peacoat for Christmas this year (of my choosing, of course). I am totally itching to try some of these babies on!

What kind of peacoat do you like best or do you wear a peacoat at all?

Trench coat weather and new swap finds

The Rundown:
Rampage trench - 2007 - $90 with gift card (similar)
J. Crew shirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar)
Black textured pencil skirt - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Calvin Klein pumps - 2007 - $70 (similar)
Grouse and Badger typewriter key ring - 2010 - $5 (available)
Black bead necklace - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Target men's sunglasses - 2008 - $17 (similar)

What worked:
Somehow I completely forgot to mention the amazing swap I went to this weekend in Sacramento! Let me tell you, ladies, I scored, and I scored big. There were full-on J. Crew suits, nice work pumps, and other work appropriate garb everywhere!  Ok, I exaggerate (a little), but I seriously bulked up my winter skirt supply, and this textured number is one of my fave new finds. It has no tag and no size, but I brought it home anyway and it fit perfectly! I'll be sharing some more of my finds as I wear them.

I really liked the mix of classic colors for this outfit--black, beige, and the pop of coral. And it felt good to wear, which is always important. This outfit could work in even the most conservative of offices.

What didn't:
For someone who is usually a sucker for office workwear staples, I felt a little staid in this.  I think the saving grace was the bright coral of the shirt and my penchant for this new skirt, but other than that I wasn't so bowled over. I need some new fun pumps, and maybe some more colorful jewelry. 

On a similar note--my hair is getting pretty scraggly. The last time I did anything with it (aside from bangs) was getting it cut above shoulder length in late January. I am not the every-six-week-hair-appt kind of girl (or even every-six-months kind of gal).  But I do have an appointment this weekend, so wish me luck!

Would this outfit fly in your office? Too conservative or just right?

Green swing jacket x3

The Rundown:
Old Navy jacket - 2010 - $30 (similar)
Banana Republic top - 2007 - $30 (similar banded hem top)
BR Outlet pants - 2009 - $12 (similar)
Nina shoes (from Ross) - 2009 - $16 (available)

What worked:
So you saw two iterations of this green swing jacket last week.  This is my third try (well, third photographed try, at least).  With wider-leg trousers instead of the streamlined bottoms I had before. And you know what? I don't think it turned out that badly.  Having the slim fitted top underneath helped balance it out.  I think.

What didn't:
I think the shirt underneath could have been slimmer (this one had a wide-banded bottom but then blouses out over it...perfect for hiding mini muffin tops). But this outfit was definitely comfy.

How do you balance out proportions in your outfits? Do you prefer volume on top or bottom (or do you mix it up)?

Blue jean machine

Since I just talked briefly about jeans in a business casual environment yesterday, I thought I'd give an example today (read: I was itching to be really comfortable even though it was still Thursday).  I realized I haven't been showing you my entire outfit..since it's still pretty cold out here I usually have a coat or jacket on in the morning that I take off whenever I'm indoors.  Today it was my trench.

I also realized today that this blog is about looking good for work on a budget, so I've decided to add some price points to my details.  Today's outfit deets:

• Trench - Rampage (from Macy's) - purchased with gift card in 2007 - $?
• Sweater - Gap Outlet - 2008 - $20
• Tank (under sweater) - Target - 2009 - $7 (sale)
• Jeans - Old Navy - 2010 - $12 (clearance)
• Belt - Gap - 2010 - $10 (sale)
• Shoes - Nina (from Ross) - 2009 - $16

These trouser jeans work for work because of their dark wash and loose cut.  They're fitted through the hip, and from there they basically go straight down to the ground.  Wide-leg pants can look boxy, and that's where the pointy-toed pumps come in.  Any sort of interest down by the toe that's not too boxy will do...peep-toes, jeweled flats.

The belt was a last-minute add on--otherwise the sweater and jeans would be something I'd wear on a weekend.  Not quite sure yet if it works with the outfit, but at least the color matched.  Plus, the neck of the sweater goes up pretty high, which can make it look a little puritanical, and the belt breaks up the vast sea of brown.

Some detail pics for your viewing pleasure:

Love the sweater's ribbing (see how the sleeves match the body ribbing?).  I also love layering sweaters over tanks (Target's Mossimo makes some great affordable ones that I stocked up on before TGAAD).

Here's a closeup of the shoes (same ones from Monday).  Honestly, these shoes deserve their own post...they're comfortable, versatile, and super-snazzy.  I even wore them to dinner tonight (I usually change into flip flops as soon as I get home).

So there you go, jeans in an office.  Not too bad, eh?  Still working on getting used to being photographed everyday, even though it's just myself (well, maybe it's weirder just by myself).  Like the office though?  It's my actual work cubicle.  If you're lucky you'll get some other views next time.  Speaking of next time---I'll be back Monday blogging from Albuquerque, New Mexico!  Going with some coworkers for a national conference...wish us luck!